Veterans Journal: WWII Museum Offers Inside Look at Battle of the Bulge
Seventy years ago last week, on Dec. 16, 1944, the German army launched its last-ditch effort to thwart Allied efforts in a conflict that would be dubbed the Battle of the Bulge.
It would be the Axis powers final counteroffensive of World War II and the largest battle the U.S. Army had ever fought. The battle, fought over an 80-mile stretch from Belgium to Luxembourg, would last close to 40 days and result in an Allied victory.
This grueling fight is summarized on the National WWII Museum website:
On December 16, 1944, the largest battle the U.S. Army had ever fought in history began among the snow-covered evergreens of the Ardenne in Belgium. U.S. intelligence had determined that the sector was an ideal spot to rest and reorganize American combat infantry units.
Army Intelligence research believed the area was defended by limited-service German army veterans, severely wounded soldiers missing an arm or an eye, and those too young or too old to pose a serious threat. As a result, the Army used this area to train newly arrived, untested infantry divisions fresh from the States.
In reality, 30 of Germanys crack divisions were forming for a counteroffensive designed to cut the Allied army in two and, ultimately, capture the key port of Antwerp. It was the first time in the war that the Army faced such a well-equipped German attack of this magnitude. Aided by wintry weather, German tanks rolled unhindered by Allied air attacks and caught most GIs at the front completely by surprise. The German assault resulted in a large bulge in the armies lines, which led to the battles name.
The Battle of the Bulge lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, when American forces came together in force to eliminate the bulge. Nearly 1 million soldiers were engaged in the six-week battle, resulting in 67,000 American and more than 100,000 German casualties.
For more on this historic battle including newsreel coverage, images from the National Archives and firsthand accounts from World War II veterans visit the National WWII Museums website at https://tinyurl.com/m7xtpqp.
A welcome gift for a veteran
On a frigid winter day in 2013, Guardians of Rescue, a national organization dedicated to the welfare of animals, rescued Jada, a three-year-old pit bull living in a dirt crawlspace in the foundation of a home.
That was then. On Tuesday, Jada now a fully trained service dog through the Guardians Paws of War Program will be placed with former Air Force Sgt. Duane Franzone for Christmas.
First, some background. With a large number of military men and women returning home from service, especially in war zones, and suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, Guardians of Rescue wanted to do something to help. They started the Paws of War program, which rescues dogs, trains them to suit the needs of those with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and matches them to a veteran.
Jada will meet Franzone at the Save-a-Pet facility on Long Island. Franzone spent 121/2 years in the Air Force, including a deployment in Afghanistan, before being medically retired. He now suffers from PTSD, which has directly affected his daily life.
Im thrilled to be able to welcome Jada into my home, Franzone says. I hope that she can help me with my PTSD, and I can help her by providing her a home and love. Its the best Christmas present I could ask for.
The holidays can be difficult for veterans with PTSD because of the increase in crowds, noise and activities. Assistance by groups with programs similar to Paws of War can make a difference.
Based in Smithtown, N.Y., Guardians of Rescue is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the well-being of all animals. It helps animals in distress through foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups and supporting families, both military and civilian.
To learn more or make a donation, visit guardiansofrescue.org.
New book details veterans benefits
Chuck OConnor, a well-known Rhode Island National Guard transition-assistance adviser, has a holiday surprise for all veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs new book, 2014 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, is now available online, free, and can be downloaded from this link https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp.
Contents include sections on health-care benefits, disabilities, vocational rehab and employment, VA pensions, education training, home loans, life insurance, burial and memorial benefits, transition assistance, dependents and survivors health care and benefits and more.
Thanks, Chuck, for this and all you do all year long for veterans.
Last call for 2015 event listings
Veterans Journal column contributors should send in their groups 2015 meeting calendars and event notices now to ensure inclusion in future columns at the appropriate time. Meeting calendars must be renewed each year. Please send to [email protected].
Event notices sent in throughout the year should include the submitters name, title, and telephone number, the groups name and any special notations, especially if reservations are needed or tickets will be sold. For a fundraiser, indicate who or what will benefit from the proceeds.
Submit your groups notice well before the event, since the earlier it arrives, the better the chance of something being published in the column. Requests for a reporter or photographer to cover events should be made directly to The Providence Journal newsroom at [email protected] since this column is written by a freelance contributor who doesnt cover events. Also, photos are not published in the column. .
No meetings this week
There are no scheduled meetings due to the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Tags: Veterans News
