Elsenborn Ridge

Elements of the German 12th SS Panzer and 277th Volksgrenadier Divisions attack remnants of the American 2nd Infantry Division holding an emergency line near the villiages of Krinkelt and Rocherath.

1944-12-18

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Elements of the German 12th SS Panzer and 277th Volksgrenadier Divisions attack remnants of the American 2nd Infantry Division holding an emergency line near the villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath.

Rocherath, Belgium

The Battle of Elsenborn Ridge refers to the northernmost German attacks during the Battle of the Bulge; the area from Elsenborn Ridge itself to Monschau was the only sector of the American front line attacked during the Battle of the Bulge where the Germans failed to advance. The battle centered on the boomerang-shaped Elsenborn Ridge east of Elsenborn, Belgium. In this region, Elsenborn Ridge marks the westernmost ridge of the Ardennes, rising more than 2,000 feet (600 m) above sea level; unlike the uplands further north, east and south, it has been extensively logged. West of Elsenborn Ridge, where the land descends in gentle hills to the cities of Liège and Spa, was a network of Allied supply bases and a well-developed road network. The Germans planned on using two key routes through the area to seize Antwerp and force a separate peace with the United States and Britain. Capturing Monschau, the nearby village of Höfen, and the twin villages of Rocherath-Krinkelt just east of Elsenborn Ridge, were key to the success of the German plans, and Hitler committed his best armored units to the area.

Wikipedia: Battle of Elsenborn Ridge

German

American