Stille Nacht
War in the Ardennes
Battle of the Bulge
Known as the Battle of the Bulge, the German Wermacht launched a surprise offensive on a weak spot on the American lines through the Ardennes, a massive forest that the Allies believed would prevent the Germans from attacking there with tanks. They formed a huge bulge in the Allied lines and quickly surrounded the town of Bastogne, an important crossroad town held by the 101st Airborne Division. On Christmas Eve, the surrounded paratroopers, huddled in Fox holes as the surrounding enemy sang Christmas carols.