Maison de tourisme de Bastogne - Tourism

Description

Belgian army pillbox, part of the defensive constructions of 1935 to guarantee the neutrality of Belgium. It bears a plaque commemorating the link-up of the troops of the 4th Armored Division with the besieged paratroopers of the 101 Airborne Division, as well as a plaque dedicated to Lieutenant Charles Boggess. (text source by Guy Blockmans/OPT) On 19th December 1944, General Patton ordered his 3rd Army to make a 90° turnaround and head north. One week later, on the 26th December, at 4:45pm, the first tank commanded by lieutenant Charles Boggess reached the defensive perimeter of the 101st Airborne, route d’Assenois. A commemorative plaque reads: “Here, on the evening of 26th December 1944, the 4th armored division rejoined the 101st Airborne, so breaking the encircling of Bastogne”. And a second plaque reads: Homage to Lt Charles Boggess (1911-1985), whose tank was the first to break the encircling of Bastogne ». (Text source by MT du Pays de Bastogne)