Angie & Company

During December of 1944 the armies of the allied forces had the Gemans on the defense. Many believed the war would soon be over however there were unheeded signs of something big happening on the German side of the lines. On December 16th, German forces launched a major offensive into the Ardennes region of France catching the allied forces off guard. The intense fighting that followed became known as the Battle of the Bulge. Allied forces were overwhelmed and many units were overrun or surrounded - most notorious was the encirclement of the French town of Bastogne. Although completely surrounded, the town was held by the 101st Airborne Division and Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division. These forces held out until eventually relieved by elements of General Patton's 3rd Army. This print depicts P-47 Thunderbolts of the 406th Fighter Group, 512th Fighter Squadron flying low over the Ardennes. During the Battle of the Bulge this unit was involved in heavy action supporting allied ground forces in attacking German ground targets. Affectionately known as the "Jug", the P-47 was notorious for it's devastating firepower and it's incredible ability to absorb battle damage and still bring it's pilot safely home.