Discover the History of Ardennes American Cemetery

Ardennes American Cemetery

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Discover the history

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Background

The Allied main effort in autumn 1944 advanced through Belgium and pushed toward Germany.

However, their progress was slowed by intense German resistance, culminating in the Battle of the Bulge, a desperate counteroffensive launched by Germany in December 1944. After fierce winter combat, the Allies regrouped and pursued three major objectives:

Destroying enemy forces west of the Rhine
Securing bridgeheads across the Rhine River
Coordinating final offensives into the heart of Germany

The successful crossing of the Rhine in March 1945 marked the beginning of the final Allied push into Germany. This advance ultimately led to the German surrender and the end of the war in Europe on May 8, 1945.

Timeline

September 7, 1944: The U.S. First Army liberated Liège, Belgium.
Mid-September – October 21, 1944: The U.S. First Army besieged and captured Aachen, Germany.
Mid-September 1944 – March 1945: U.S. forces engaged in prolonged and grueling fighting in the Hürtgen Forest.
December 16, 1944: Germany launched a counteroffensive in the Ardennes, known as the Battle of the Bulge, halting the Allied advance for a month.
January 3, 1945: The U.S. First Army, reinforced by the British XXX Corps, launched a counterattack on the northern flank of the Bulge.
January 13, 1945: The U.S. First and Third Armies linked up at Houffalize, closing off the Bulge.
February 8, 1945: A temporary Ardennes cemetery was opened at Neuville-en-Condroz.
February 23, 1945: With the Battle of the Bulge concluded, the U.S. Ninth Army launched Operation GRENADE, crossing the Roer River and advancing toward Wesel.
March 1, 1945: The 12th Army Group, composed of the U.S. First and Third Armies, launched Operation LUMBERJACK. The First Army reached Cologne by March 5.
March 21, 1945: U.S., British, and Canadian forces reached the west bank of the Rhine, extending from the Netherlands to Mannheim.
March 22, 1945: The U.S. Third Army crossed the Rhine at Oppenheim, setting the stage for the final offensive.
May 8, 1945: Victory in Europe (V-E Day) was declared as Germany surrendered.