Bastogne

Julia and I had the amazing opportunity to see one of the famed European battlefields of World War II this last Monday. As a daytrip, we decided to go and visit the Belgian town of Bastogne. Most everyone knows the story of the Battle of the Bulge and the 101st Airborne Divisions bold defense of the town. I had read the book by Stephen Ambrose Band of Brothers, so was reasonably familiar with the story of the battle. I know where most of the more known locations are and where the more popular site from the battle around the city, but a tour sounded nice and there happened to be a unique one ready for us.


This is Robert. He drove us around in an authentic 1943 Willies. Most people would call it a Jeep. He took us around to 6 of the most notable sites to included the Bastogne Historical Center and monument, the Peace Woods, the Bois Jacques, Foy, Noville, Recogne, Boggess Pillbox and Bastogne city center. We were able to see a lot of great sites with a nostalgic feel from riding in the Jeep. Here are some of the great pictures we took on that trip.


A Sherman Tank used by the 4th Armored Division during the assault to relieve Bastogne.

The monument is dedicated to the units involved in the fight during the Battle of the Bulge. Below the monument is a crypt dedicated to all soldiers of the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths.


Foxholes in the Bois Jacques overlooking the town of Foy. I don't know if they were E Companies or not, but it is in the general area.


Two original buildings in Foy that stood during the battles. If you look close, you can still see bullet holes.



This is the Borggess Pillbox. This is where 1LT Charles Boggess' tank, the lead tank of C Company, 37th Tank Battaion, made the initial break of the ring around the town of Bastogne.