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Photos: Battle of the Bulge heroes remembered 75 years on

Side by side, the Allies and former enemy Germany together marked the 75th anniversary of one of the most important battles in World War II — the Battle of the Bulge, which stopped Adolf Hitler's last-ditch offensive to turn the tide of the war. The Battle of the Bulge was the last German offensive of World War II, and the Siege of Bastogne was the scene of a heroic defence by American paratroopers that has been celebrated in film and literature. Veterans, historians and military enthusiasts marked the now legendary close-quarters battle on a snowbound wooded plateau with a spectacular series of re-enactments.

Published on: Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM IST

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Actors wearing WWII US unifoms surrender to actors wearing WWII German uniforms during a historical re-enactment of the Battle of the Ardennes as part of commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the WWII battle, in Hardigny on December 15, 2019. The battle, fought over the winter months of 1944 and 1945, was the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in World War II. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

Actors wearing WWII US unifoms surrender to actors wearing WWII German uniforms during a historical re-enactment of the Battle of the Ardennes as part of commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the WWII battle, in Hardigny on December 15, 2019. The battle, fought over the winter months of 1944 and 1945, was the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in World War II. (John Thys / AFP)

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Side by side, the Allies and former enemy Germany together marked the 75th anniversary of one of the most important battles in World War II — the Battle of the Bulge, which stopped Adolf Hitler’s last-ditch offensive to turn the tide of the war. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

Side by side, the Allies and former enemy Germany together marked the 75th anniversary of one of the most important battles in World War II — the Battle of the Bulge, which stopped Adolf Hitler’s last-ditch offensive to turn the tide of the war. (John Thys / AFP)

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At dawn on Dec. 16, 1944, over 200,000 German soldiers started the most unexpected breakthrough through the dense woods of Belgium and Luxembourg’s hilly Ardennes. Making the most of the surprise move, the cold, freezing weather and wearied U.S. troops, the Germans pierced the front line so deeply it came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

At dawn on Dec. 16, 1944, over 200,000 German soldiers started the most unexpected breakthrough through the dense woods of Belgium and Luxembourg’s hilly Ardennes. Making the most of the surprise move, the cold, freezing weather and wearied U.S. troops, the Germans pierced the front line so deeply it came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. (John Thys / AFP)

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Initially outnumbered, US troops delayed the attack enough in fierce fighting to allow reinforcements to stream in and turn the tide of the battle by Christmas. After a month of fighting, the move into Germany was unstoppable. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

Initially outnumbered, US troops delayed the attack enough in fierce fighting to allow reinforcements to stream in and turn the tide of the battle by Christmas. After a month of fighting, the move into Germany was unstoppable. (John Thys / AFP)

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US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks during the 75th commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Bulge, at the Mardasson Memorial, in Bastogne. Esper paid tribute to over 19,000 US troops who died in one of the bloodiest battles in the nation’s history. “Their efforts not only defended America but also ensured that the peoples of Europe would be free again,” Esper said, calling the Battle of the Bulge “one of the greatest in American history.” (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks during the 75th commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Bulge, at the Mardasson Memorial, in Bastogne. Esper paid tribute to over 19,000 US troops who died in one of the bloodiest battles in the nation’s history. “Their efforts not only defended America but also ensured that the peoples of Europe would be free again,” Esper said, calling the Battle of the Bulge “one of the greatest in American history.” (John Thys / AFP)

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People dressed as WWII US soldiers take part in the 75th commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Bulge, at the Mardasson Memorial. US Army veteran Malcolm “Buck” Marsh took the tributes in stride Monday as he addressed royalty, military leaders and top government officials. Bent, slow, yet sturdy, the veterans returning to the battlefield continued to amaze the crowds. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

People dressed as WWII US soldiers take part in the 75th commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Bulge, at the Mardasson Memorial. US Army veteran Malcolm “Buck” Marsh took the tributes in stride Monday as he addressed royalty, military leaders and top government officials. Bent, slow, yet sturdy, the veterans returning to the battlefield continued to amaze the crowds. (John Thys / AFP)

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While speaking at the same event German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took special time to thank the US troops even though German deaths exceeded well over 10,000 in the battle. “Those who died were victims of hatred, delusion, and a destructive fury that originated from my country,” he said. (Francisco Seco / AP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

While speaking at the same event German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took special time to thank the US troops even though German deaths exceeded well over 10,000 in the battle. “Those who died were victims of hatred, delusion, and a destructive fury that originated from my country,” he said. (Francisco Seco / AP)

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Actors wearing WWII US uniforms stand in a canteen as they take part in a historical re-enactment of the Battle of the Ardennes. Germany is now an ally of the United States and its wartime partners in NATO. During the poignant ceremonies at the star-shaped Mardasson memorial in Bastogne, the current discord between the United States and several European allies over trade and security were never mentioned. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

Actors wearing WWII US uniforms stand in a canteen as they take part in a historical re-enactment of the Battle of the Ardennes. Germany is now an ally of the United States and its wartime partners in NATO. During the poignant ceremonies at the star-shaped Mardasson memorial in Bastogne, the current discord between the United States and several European allies over trade and security were never mentioned. (John Thys / AFP)

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This battle gained fame not so much for the commanders’ tactics but for the resilience of small units hampered by poor communications that stood shoulder to shoulder to deny Hitler the quick breakthrough he so desperately needed. Even though the Americans were often pushed back, they were able to delay the German advance in its crucial initial stages. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

This battle gained fame not so much for the commanders’ tactics but for the resilience of small units hampered by poor communications that stood shoulder to shoulder to deny Hitler the quick breakthrough he so desperately needed. Even though the Americans were often pushed back, they were able to delay the German advance in its crucial initial stages. (John Thys / AFP)

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When Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne received a December 22 ultimatum to surrender or face total destruction, he offered one of the most famous and brief replies in military history: “Nuts”. Four days later, US troops broke the Nazi encirclement. After the fighting in the Battle of the Bulge ended on January 28, 1945, Allied forces invaded Germany, eventually leading to the Nazi surrender and the end of the war in Europe. (John Thys / AFP)

Published on Dec 17, 2019 5:04 PM

When Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne received a December 22 ultimatum to surrender or face total destruction, he offered one of the most famous and brief replies in military history: “Nuts”. Four days later, US troops broke the Nazi encirclement. After the fighting in the Battle of the Bulge ended on January 28, 1945, Allied forces invaded Germany, eventually leading to the Nazi surrender and the end of the war in Europe. (John Thys / AFP)

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