On June 6, 1944, forever on known as D-Day, the 82nd Airborne Division jumped into history as more than 12,000 All American glider and parachute infantry took part in the Airborne assault over Normandy, France. As they landed among the farmhouses and fields, they quickly realized they were not facing their enemy alone. French Patriots quickly came to their aid, often risking their lives to assist their would-be liberators. Under normal circumstances, the All American Division would be in France

On December 17, 1944, the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were ordered to move toward Bastogne the following day, where they were to await further instructions. To make this rapid deployment possible, the Oise Base Section pulled every available vehicle off the roads to support both divisions. As reports of German activity near Stavelot intensified, the Commanding General of First U.S. Army redirected the 82nd Airborne Division to secure the area around Werbomont, while the 101st Airborne Divi