Ardennes Forest, December 1944 – January 1945
As winter tightened its grip on the Ardennes, Hitler launched a surprise counteroffensive to split the Allied lines and seize the vital Belgian port of Antwerp.
The dense forest and harsh weather became a deadly maze for soldiers caught in the battle's chaos.
American troops, under commanders like General Anthony McAuliffe and General George S. Patton, faced overwhelming odds but held firm.
The siege of Bastogne became a symbol of defiance, with McAuliffe's famous reply, "Nuts!", echoing through history.
Despite initial German advances creating a "bulge" in the front lines, the Allies regrouped and pushed back fiercely.
Hitler's gamble failed, exhausting German reserves and hastening the Third Reich's collapse.
The Battle of the Bulge was a testament to resilience, courage, and the unyielding will to prevail.