(Stock Footage) December 16, 1944, the German Army launched its last great counter offensive of World War II. The Battle of the Bulge was supposed to be Hitler's "Last Stand" and intended to defeat the Allied forces. Hitler’s plan was to break the bond between the British, US and Russia. Hitler launched a surprise attack on the Western Front through Belgian Ardennes Forest On the night before the battle, Hitler sent in troops to infiltrate the front. Some were dropped by parachute, while others came in driving captured American jeeps. These men spoke perfect English and wore US uniforms. They managed to spread confusion by cutting off telephone lines, giving false directions, and changing road signs. December 16th. After a two hour bombardment, Hitler managed to push back American forces. The element of surprise, lack of communication, and the fact that troops were outnumbered all contributed to Hitler’s success. In spite of this, after two days of fighting, the Germans had made very little progress. Hitler managed to attack two American southern divisions that were in front of Elsenborn Ridge, and surrounded only the least experienced division of the US VIII Corps. On December 17, 72 American POW's were captured outside the town of Malmedy, (south of Ardennes) and machine gunned to death. On December 22, Hitler sent a message to American Major-General Anthony Mcauliffe, at the Bartongre Garrison, telling him to surrender. His response to Hitler's request was simply "Nuts!" December 23, Americans began their first counterattack on the southern flank of the Ardennes "bulge". Germans were plagued by lack of supplies. Tanks simply ran out of gas and could go no further. 1st SS Panzer Division, was eventually surrounded by Allied forces. Peiper's battle group, began to make their way back to Germany on foot. Tanks and other vehicles were abandoned. Bulge, the largest land battle of WW II. 81,000 American casualties, 23,554 captured, and 19,000 killed. Germany's losses included 100, 000 men who were either killed, wounded, or captured. Hitler's faith in "the attack as the best defense" proved to be the worst defense. Total running time: Aprox. 24 minutes Footage: 4:3 Sipia, No Sound |