On December 16, 1944, the German army launched a major offensive through the dense Ardennes forest in Belgium, codenamed “Wacht am Rhein.” The city of Bastogne, a crucial road junction and significant logistical center, was one of the primary objectives of the strategic plan. The Belgian town and its surrounding areas were encircled by German forces, effectively isolating a large number of American troops within the pocket. These troops withstood numerous enemy assaults for several days under adverse weather and environmental conditions. The resistance of the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” was legendary. On December 26, the siege was lifted by a counteroffensive from several armored divisions of the U.S. Third Army, under the command of General George Smith Patton.w