December 16th 2025 is the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Fought between December 16, 1944 – January 25, 1945, It was Nazi Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front in World War II. Launched as a surprise attack through the densely forested Ardennes region of Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, it aimed to split Allied forces, capture the port of Antwerp, and force a negotiated peace. The German assault created a large “bulge” in the Allied lines, giving the battle its name. Despite initial gains aided by bad weather grounding Allied air power, fierce American resistance, improved weather enabling air superiority, and counterattacks halted the advance. The failed offensive depleted Germany’s reserves, hastening the war’s end in Europe.
The battle included between 400,000 and 500,000 German troops and 600,000 to 800,000 Allied troops.
Germany suffered 80,000 to 120,000 killed, wounded, or captured.
US losses included 19,000 killed, 47,000 to 62,000 wounded, and 23,000 captured or missing.
While the battle was a s decisive Allied victory, it was also the bloodiest battle of World War II for the US.
Several Edison Heroes died during the battle, and their pages will be posted on the anniversary of the date they were killed.
Edison Heroes 