In the Footsteps of Easy Company at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge

The following blog post was written with the assistance of AI

I returned to Bastogne since my last visit in 2020, and this time I was able to explore much more of the area than before. Bastogne is known primarily for its significant role during the Battle of the Bulge, a pivotal and intense battle of World War II. During the battle, which took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, Bastogne found itself encircled by German forces, who laid siege to it until their forces were pushed back. Nowadays, the majority of tourist traffic are those interested in what happened during the war.

As I entered the border into Belgium, I had the sudden realization that I’d be going to the French part of Belgium, and was excited to try my French. It pretty much failed right away the moment I arrived. An old couple asked me something I didn’t understand (I assume directions), and I could only tell them my French wasn’t good… And then at lunch my French was convincing enough to get seated for lunch at a local Ardennaise restaurant, at least up until the waitress asked me a follow up question on my order – I didn’t know how to answer with “medium rare” for how I wanted my bison steak cooked. Apparently it’s “à point”.

If it weren’t for the events of the war, this town might’ve continued to be the sleepy town. Even just walking from the parking lot to the main street, I was already greeted by memorials related to the Battle of the Bulge – even the parking lots were named after generals like Patton and McAuliffe. Several museums have popped up in the area like the 101st Airborne Museum, the Bastogne Barracks, and the Bastogne War Museum.

I began my tour by first visiting the 101st Airborne Museum. The museum described the events surrounding the battle and the contributions of the 101st Airborne Division through a series of dioramas that even included the sound effects to create a sense of immersion. But the main attraction there was the “bombing simulation”. I entered into the basement of the museum into a dark room, posing as a cellar turned bomb shelter. An announcement, voiced by a veteran of the 101st Airborne, described the bombing raids that occurred during the siege. And then the simulation started. Sounds of air raid sirens, airplane propellers, anti-aircraft guns, and exploding bombs filled the room. It continued constantly, even if you wanted it to stop. The muzzle flashes of the anti aircraft guns filled the small cellar windows, and the lamp hanging on the ceiling swung around to add to the immersion. Not long later, there were sounds of crying children and barking dogs. And even then the bombs continued. The simulation lasted only five minutes and it was already enough to show the scariness of the situation.

Next, I stopped by the Bastogne Barracks – but it just so happened the vehicle exhibition was closed, which I read was the main attraction of the place. So I only stayed outside and took a peek in.

Now for the main attraction of Bastogne, that was the Bastogne War Museum, an immersive historical museum dedicated to preserving and commemorating the events of the Battle of the Bulge, and the broader context of the war itself. The museum is intended to be heard on an audio guide, and presents narratives from fictional characters from different walks of life during the war such as an American soldier, a German soldier and Belgian civilians. Lastly, the ticket also includes entry to the Bois Jacques, the forest where the 101st Airborne Division held their ground during the battle. Their foxholes are still present even today.

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