American War Memorial in Baugnez

This war memorial has been erected in memory of the American soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It lies 4 km from the town center in the village of Baugnez.HISTORY
The defeat of German troops is imminent. Against all expectations, and to the surprise of all, on 16th December Hitler launches a major counter offensive under the codename "Wacht Am Rhein", better known as the Battle of the Ardennes.
At dawn on the 17th December, armored vehicles of the 1st SS Panzer Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Peiper enter our region. The objective of this offensive is to seize bridges over the Meuse River then drive on via Liege to the port of Antwerp.
This same day, the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion, part of which is under the command of Captain Mills, arrives in Malmedy. The column arrives at the Baugnez crossroads at the same time as the armored spearhead of the Kampfgruppe Peiper. A violent confrontation then occurs, some vehicles are destroyed whilst others are pushed off the road in order to secure free passage. Mills understands that the situation of his men is desperate, so he takes the decision to surrender.
There then follows the infamous "Malmedy Massacre" at Baugnez , in which 84 American prisoners are murdered. The reason for this remains unclear.
WEBLINK

More information

Comments Statistics

| | Public | Dutch • French • German