Battle of the Bulge – The road to Manhay

Just before daybreak on December 16, 1944, the German army opened its last offensive in the west. Operation Wacht am Rhein started with a huge artillery barrage. Shortly afterwards, the German divisions stormed forward and attacked the thinly occupied American lines. The aim was the reconquest of Antwerp, thus splitting the Allied armies into two halves and thus achieving a decisive victory in the west.The Battle of the Bulge was one of the biggest battles the US military ever fought. Although British troops also played an important role in ultimately stopping and pushing back the Germans, the Battle of the Bulge was primarily an American affair. There are dozens of stories of individuals, small and larger US units that slowed the Germans down at crucial moments, messed up German plans, and eventually drove the Germans back across the border.

This tour takes you through some of these places where American and German troops fought. Specifically to places where US 7th Armored Division fought for St. Vith and where US 82nd Airborne Division with 78th Infantry Division advance 2. SS Panzer Division and 9. SS Panzer Division stopped and pushed the Germans back across the River Salm.