101st Airborne – Bastogne, Belgium
The 101st Airborne Division is closely associated with the town of Bastogne in southern Belgium due to its role during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944–1945. During this German offensive, American airborne troops were surrounded by German forces but successfully held their positions in and around Bastogne.
Despite severe winter conditions and limited supplies, the division resisted repeated attacks until Allied reinforcements broke the encirclement. The defense of Bastogne became one of the most famous episodes of the Second World War and a defining moment in the history of the 101st Airborne Division.
Today memorials and monuments throughout the region honor the soldiers who fought during this crucial battle.
