[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

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                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly and reverently 
commemorate the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought and 
died in Second World War Battle of the Bulge. In addition, I wish to 
recognize the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, an honored 
organization of patriotic Americans dedicated to remembering what has 
been called the greatest American battle of World War II by Prime 
Minister Winston Churchill.
  On December 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler waged his final counter-offensive 
in the wooded hills of southern Belgium. In his attempt to split the 
Allied forces, disrupt their supply system and split their unity 
concerning the war, Hitler considered Belgium's Ardennes Forest a 
weakened juncture in the Allied troop lines. German troops had used the 
gateway at Ardennes in 1870, 1914, and again in 1940, to seize the 
bridgeheads over the Meuse River and move onward to Antwerp, the main 
port of the Allies.
  Twenty-five German divisions, led by Field Marshall Gerd von 
Rundstedt, struck six American divisions at 5 a.m. on December 16, 
effectively surprising the troops and quickly penetrating the Allied 
lines. Through the American troops, under the command of Gen. Omar 
Bradley, tried to hold back the assault, bad weather, and the English-
speaking German troops in American uniforms added to their surprise and 
confusion. Within 48 hours, the Germans had moved 15 miles into Allied 
territory and by December 24, they had progressed 65 miles deep on a 
front ranging from 10 to 25 miles.
  American and British troops were able to hold on to the town of 
Bastogne, positions in the north held by United States V Corps, and 
positions in the south held by the United States 4th Division. These 
footholds enabled the Allied troops to slow the progression of the 
German forces toward the Meuse River until reinforcements arrived.
  December 26, 1944, was a turning point in the Battle of the Bulge. 
Allied forces were able to reach the town of Bastogne, providing much 
needed support. Slowly, the United States First Army halted the 
progression of the German's westward drive. The United States 21st Army 
Group, under command of General Montgomery, took over operational 
control of the United States forces north of the Ardennes, and the 
United States Third Army units, under Lieutenant General Patton, began 
to move ground slowly northward against the German southern flank.
  Finally, as the weather cleared, the Allied forces were able to 
launch an air offensive which cut German supply and fuel lines, and 
stopped the German forces before they could reach Allied fuel depots 
and replenish their fuel. Hitler desperately threw troops at the front, 
but they were ill-trained, and a new Russian assault in the East 
eventually caused a massive withdrawal.
  Over 600,000 Americans, more than the combined Union and Confederate 
forces at Gettysburg, fought in the Battle of the Bulge. More than 
81,000 Americans were killed, wounded, or missing in the Battle of the 
Bulge. Germany forces lost 120,000 men, as well as 800 tanks and 1,000 
aircraft. Although the battle did little, other than prolong the 
outcome of the war, the bravery of the American solders against 
overwhelming numbers caused Churchill to call the Battle of the Bulge 
the greatest American battle of the war.
  Mr. Speaker, as the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge is 
rapidly approaching, I feel it is important to remember the stories of 
the brave and patriotic American forces who fought to protect our 
Nation's freedom. In addition, I would like to honor the Veterans of 
the Battle of the Bulge, who have pledged to make certain that the 
sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Ardennes Forest are not 
forgotten.

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