106th Infantry Division US Memorial - Baraque de Fraiture (Belgium)

Historical information

.As the remnants of the 106th Infantry Division were driven back by the fierce German assault, during the Battle of the Bulge, three of their original twelve 105mm Howitzers were able to escape and were called into action to defend and hold the crossroads at Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium against the oncoming German 2nd SS Panzer Division. On December 19, 1944, in the afternoon, a group of about 100 men of the 589th Field Artillery Battalion (106th Infantry Division) under command of Major Arthur C. Parker established there a defensive position. From December 19 through December 23, about 300 men resisted against the German 560th Volksgrenadiere Division and later the German 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich". On December 23, around 5 p.m., after a heavy artillery shelling, the 4th Grenadier Regiment overwhelmed the position and forced Americans to surrender. In a letter to Major Parker, General Gavin commander of the 82nd Airborne, Stated: "The stand that your defenders made at the crossroads was one of the great actions of the war. It gave us at least twenty four hours respite, so I thank you for that, and all the brave soldiers who were under your command". More information is available here

Location information

The Howitzer 105mm is located in Baraque de Fraiture (Belgium) at the crossing of the roads Liège - Vielsalm - La Roche - Bastogne.