Dec. 16, 1944 - Deep in the Ardennes Forest, one of the most brutal battles of World War II began — the Battle of the Bulge. Adolf Hitler’s last-ditch effort to split the Allied lines, this surprise attack by roughly 250,000 German troops created a bulge in the American front. Caught off guard, U.S. forces faced freezing temperatures, challenging terrain, and relentless enemy fire. For more than a month, 600,000 American soldiers fought through snow and ice. By the end, thousands of Americans ha

"The Battle of the Bulge turned out to be one of the most significant battles of World War II. It was the second greatest battle that the American Army had ever fought. Didn't know that at the time. Didn't know that until it was over. Didn't know the cost of so many men. I think 19,000. My father was 1st Lt. John Silas Sheffield Peirson. First lieutenant of the 75th Infantry Division. Fought in the Battle of the Bulge. More specifically at La Roumiere Hill. And what I know about my father's situ