Counterattack Launches in Ardennes Following D-Day Success
Following the Allied success in Normandy on D-Day, German forces began a significant counteroffensive on December 18, 1944, deploying around 200,000 troops in the Ardennes area of eastern Belgium. This action initiated what became known as the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
Over 700,000 Allied troops, including Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Jr.’s Third Army, were engaged in this battle, which spanned a grueling 41 days.
This December, a group called Walk Among Heroes brought U.S. Army veteran John “Jack” Moran to Bastogne, Belgium, to mark the 81st anniversary of the battle’s onset.
“Honestly, seeing how grateful the Belgian people were, thanking Jacques repeatedly, made it all feel worth it,” Moran reflected during the commemoration.
Moran, a former Army staff sergeant who was part of Patton’s Third Army, joined the military at the young age of 18 and experienced the Battle of the Bulge firsthand in Bastogne.
He recounted his experience of crossing the Rhine River, which was the last significant natural barrier the Allied forces faced as they advanced into Nazi Germany. The operation to cross the river, known as the Looting operation, began in March 1945.
“There’s no way 142 men can just sit around and do nothing. That doesn’t happen. It’s an impossibility,” he explained.
Moran also met with Bill White, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, who presented him with the European Victory Medal at the 101st Airborne Museum. It was a heartfelt moment; the audience was “very emotional” as Moran received his award.
“This medal certificate is for Sergeant John Moran in honor of your service during World War II,” the announcer stated. “Your fight for freedom and democracy is a testament to the highest traditions of military service and reflects incredible credit on you, the 87th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.”
“Just witnessing the heartfelt gratitude from the Belgians was what made the whole experience worthwhile for me,” remarked Jeff Wells, president and founder of Walk Among Heroes.
Wells added that Moran intends to visit General Patton’s grave at the Luxembourg American Cemetery. He will be accompanied by Patton’s granddaughter, Helen Patton. “General Patton was Jack’s commander, so this visit holds special significance for us,” Wells noted.
