Their first combat was west of Bastogne and the troopers cleared the area of German units. The 17th Airborne Division arrived just before Christmas. Following the American refusal to surrender, the Luftwaffe launched a four-night bombing mission against military and civilian inhabitants. German artillery and aircraft reduced much of Bastogne to ruins. Fighting from new lines, the 82nd helped turn back the German assault. Vith continued until First Army ordered a withdrawal. Meanwhile, the 82nd’s equally important battle for St. The 101st- used to operating behind enemy lines- held Bastogne until relieved on December 26, 1944. Vith and Bastogne were under heavy attack by German tanks and infantry. The 17th Division was ordered from England to Belgium. Vith and the 101st Airborne Division headed to Bastogne. The 82nd Airborne was directed to hold St. On December 17, 1944, General Eisenhower ordered XVIII Airborne Corps to move “without delay” to Belgium to help stop a massive German breakthrough that started the day prior.
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