The Siege of Bastogne (20–27 December 1944)
American Airborne & Glider Infantry Operations
This summary focuses specifically on the combat actions, dispositions, and operational realities of the American airborne and glider infantry regiments defending Bastogne during the most critical phase of the siege—from 20 December through 27 December 1944. The primary units examined are those of the 101st Airborne Division: the 501st, 502nd, and 506th Parachute Infantry Regiments, the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, and the 401st Glider Infantry Regiment (attached).
Strategic Context: Why Bastogne Mattered
Bastogne sat astride seven major roads, making it a logistical linchpin in the Ardennes. When the German Ardennes Offensive broke through thin American lines in mid-December, the rapid seizure of Bastogne became essential for German armored movement westward. The sudden commitment of the 101st Airborne—held in reserve—proved decisive, even though the division arrived without winter clothing, full artillery complements, or adequate transport.
20 December 1944 – Encirclement
By 20 December, German forces had closed the ring around Bastogne. That day, higher headquarters ordered the 101st Airborne to hold Bastogne at all costs, despite being fully surrounded.
Dispositions by Regiment
- North & Northeast: 502nd PIR
- East: 506th PIR
- South & Southeast: 501st PIR
- West & Southwest: 327th GIR and attached 401st GIR
The perimeter stretched roughly 15–18 miles, far too large for the available manpower, forcing companies to hold extended sectors with thin defensive lines.
501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (South & Southeast)
The 501st PIR bore some of the heaviest pressure during the siege, defending approaches along the Neffe–Bizory axis.
- 20–22 December: Continuous German probes supported by armor; frozen ground limited digging.
- 23–25 December: Intensified attacks, often at night, preceded by artillery and Nebelwerfer fire.
- Notable actions: Local counterattacks restored lines; anti-tank teams stopped armored thrusts at close range.
Despite mounting casualties and dwindling ammunition, the regiment maintained cohesion and held its sector.
502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (North & Northeast)
The 502nd PIR faced determined attempts to rupture the northern perimeter.
- Key terrain: Bois Jacques and surrounding high ground.
- 21–24 December: Persistent assaults aimed at splitting the perimeter.
- Conditions: Extreme cold caused weapon malfunctions and heavy frostbite casualties.
- Defensive success: Disciplined fire control and accurate artillery coordination prevented infiltration.
506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (East)
The 506th PIR defended the eastern approaches—among the most direct routes into Bastogne.
- 21–23 December: Heavy engagements with infantry and armor probing for weak points.
- 25 December: Particularly violent attacks as German forces sought a breakthrough.
- Tactical adaptability: Rapid repositioning to plug gaps and use of captured weapons as supplies ran low.
The 506th held firm under repeated assaults, anchoring the eastern side of the perimeter.
327th Glider Infantry Regiment (West & Southwest)
Often overlooked, the 327th GIR played a critical role defending vulnerable sectors of the perimeter.
- Challenge: Wider frontage than airborne regiments and less organic anti-tank capability.
- 21–26 December: Sustained pressure from infantry supported by armor.
- Performance: Aggressive patrolling and close coordination with artillery and attached anti-armor assets.
401st Glider Infantry Regiment (Attached)
The 401st GIR reinforced the western and southwestern sectors, acting as a mobile reserve to shore up weak points.
- Role: Reinforced threatened positions and conducted local counterattacks.
- Impact: Provided critical manpower where the perimeter was most stretched.
23 December – Air Resupply & “NUTS!”
On 23 December, weather cleared and Allied aircraft began large-scale air resupply into Bastogne. The same day, Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe delivered his famous reply—“NUTS!”—to a German surrender demand, symbolizing the garrison’s resolve.
24–26 December – Holding Under Maximum Pressure
German forces intensified attacks to break the defense before relief arrived, combining shelling, night infiltration, and close-quarters combat in woods and villages. Despite exhaustion, hunger, and cold, the airborne and glider infantry held their sectors.
26–27 December – Relief
On 26 December, lead elements of the U.S. 4th Armored Division broke through from the south, opening a corridor into Bastogne. By 27 December, the siege was effectively lifted, though fighting continued as the perimeter expanded.
Assessment & Legacy
- Held an extended perimeter while outnumbered and surrounded
- Repelled repeated infantry and armored assaults
- Maintained cohesion under extreme conditions
- Bought critical time that helped blunt the Ardennes Offensive
Between 20 and 27 December 1944, the defense of Bastogne became a defining demonstration of airborne and glider infantry endurance and adaptability—cementing the legacy of the 501st, 502nd, 506th, 327th, and 401st as central actors in one of World War II’s most iconic battles.