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December, a month we often associate with holidays and warm gatherings, has a history within the history of miserable combat theatres. It's been a time of brutal battles in American history, where soldiers faced not just the enemy, but bitter cold, unforgiving terrain, and the ever-present threat of death. These battles are for better or worse forever etched their place in the nation's memory.
The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 – January 25, 1945)
The Battle of the Bulge, a desperate German offensive launched in the Ardennes Forest, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of American GIs. After the Germans were routed at Normandy, they wished to stem the momentum of Allied troops. When the Allies were attacked, they were caught off guard, facing a ferocious enemy onslaught in the depths of winter.
The Germans achieved complete surprise, throwing the Allied lines into disarray. The dense forests of the Ardennes favored the defenders, making it hard for American armor and airpower to be effectively employed.
Casualties
- US: Around 81,000, including 19,000 killed.
- Germany: Estimated at 67,000 - 100,000.
Aftermath
Despite heavy losses, the Americans held, exhausting the last of Germany's strategic reserves. The Battle of the Bulge delayed the Allied advance but ultimately hastened Germany's defeat.
The Battle for Hurtgen Forest (September 19, 1944 – February 10, 1945)
While it began in September, the Battle for Hurtgen Forest raged throughout the fall and winter of 1944, with some of the fiercest fighting occurring in December. This dense forest on the German border became a scene of brutal, close-quarters combat. The thick woods and rugged terrain made it difficult for both sides to maneuver, leading to a grinding war of attrition. The Germans had heavily fortified the area, making every advance a costly struggle, and the battle devolved into a bloody stalemate, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Casualties
- US: Estimated at 33,000
- Germany: Estimated at 28,000
Aftermath
The Battle for Hurtgen Forest was a costly and controversial campaign. Though the Allies eventually captured the area, it came at a heavy price and had little strategic impact on the war's outcome.
The Battle of the Atlantic (September 1939 – May 1945)
Though not a single battle in the traditional sense, the Battle of the Atlantic was a long and grueling campaign fought throughout World War II. December 1944 saw a resurgence of U-boat activity, with German submarines preying on Allied shipping in the North Atlantic, posing a constant threat to Allied supply lines, sinking vital cargo ships and warships. The Allies countered with convoys, protected by destroyers and aircraft, to safeguard their shipping. Both sides employed new technologies, such as radar and sonar, in this underwater struggle.
Casualties
- Allies: Lost an estimated 3,500 merchant ships and 175 warships.
- Germany: Lost approximately 783 U-boats.
Aftermath
The Battle of the Atlantic was a crucial campaign, with the Allies ultimately prevailing. Securing the sea lanes allowed them to transport vital supplies and troops to the European theater.
These December battles, fought across different fronts and under the harshest conditions, highlight the sacrifices made by those who served in World War II. They faced not only a determined enemy but also the brutal forces of nature, and their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom in the darkest days of the 20th century.
Featured image: Reenactors from across Europe and the United States participate in Battle of the Bulge 75 reenactment, Manhay Belgium, Dec. 14, 2019. (Photo by Cpl. Kevin Payne)
