Bastogne, Belgium

101st Airborne Headquarters in Bastogne, Belgium

Shortly after the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16, 1944, the 101st Airborne, under the command of General Anthony C. McAuliffe, was charged with holding Bastogne. The town was strategically important as a crossroads center. Upon arriving in the area, the 101st Airborne immediately created a perimeter defense around the city. Soon thereafter, Germans then completely encircled the town just outside the defense line. Outnumbering the American forces, the Germans attempted several attacks to break the line and capture the all-important city. This continued for several days. It was not until Patton’s 3rd Army broke the siege on December 26 that the city could be resupplied by ground, and the wounded soldiers could be evacuated for medical treatment.

*The map shows the perimeter defense of Bastogne; the village of Foy is located north of Bastogne.*

Downtown Bastogne

Memorial for Easy Company

Easy Company memorial commemorating the 14 men killed *in the Bois Jacques*

E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division in the Bois Jacques (Jack’s Wood)

Easy Company arrived in Bastogne on December 19, 1944, and immediately took up positions in the Bois Jaques (woods) south of Foy, a village approximately two and a half kilometers north of Bastogne. Their section of defense created the northern shoulder of the line. While in the woods, the men faced freezing cold temperatures, and they lacked adequate medical supplies, ammunition, food, and winter gear all while being continuously shelled and attacked by an armored enemy that outnumbered them 5 to 1. Despite the odds, Easy Company held off the enemy for several days. After December 27 with favorable weather for air bombing, conditions started to improve. Even so the regiment continued to clear the woods of the enemy until January 13.

It was awe striking to walk through these woods and see the very same foxholes that still exist. Today, there is now such beauty and calmness under the trees that makes it hard to imagine the violence and death that took place there over 75 years ago.

Village of Foy

On January 13 after the siege was broken and the woods were secured, Easy company along with third battalion of the 506, were ordered to attack German positions in Foy. After a hard-fought battle, the Americans recaptured the town. Still to this day, you can see bullet holes in the old building across from the church. This is also where the sniper was positioned, as depicted in the Band of Brothers.

The map below depicts Bois Jacques as well as the town of Foy. When Easy Company attacked Foy, it had withdrawn south of the woods where it had held its position, crossed the N30 road, and launched the attack from the edge of the woods just south of Foy

The map shows the location of the Bois Jacques as well as the town of foy; the attack of Foy was launched from the woods west of the N30 road. Bastogne is located straight south from this map photo.

Photos of Foy

There is a famous photo of a broken-down Panzer tank in front of the church after the battle. This can be found online. Likewise, there is another famous photo showing the road along the church, while depicting the barn being used as an aid station. In addition, there is abundant information about Easy Company elsewhere online.

The Bastogne mission was just one of many that Easy Company took part in during World War II. There is abundant information about this regiment and the men who fought in it online. Also, if you have not already seen it, I highly recommend watching Band of Brothers. It is one of the best war “films” (series) ever made, and it accurately follows Easy Company on their mission through Europe in World War II.