Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge

07/04/2026

In Search of a Luxembourgish Family.

A few weeks ago, our friends at the MNHM - Musée National d'Histoire Militaire in Diekirch asked us for help with a search.

Sgt. Roy H. Petteway
85th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), Troop E, attached to the 5th Armored Division.

Roy was from Florida and was killed in action on September 13th, 1944 in Luxembourg. The story goes as follows:

According to his family:

- Roy was killed “somewhere on the outskirts of Luxembourg-City.”

- He was shot by a sniper and taken to the home of a family who tried to save him, but he died on their couch.

- The family was able to find out who his relatives were and wrote to them in Florida after the war.

- They corresponded with each other for years, as Roy's family found a local German family who could translate the Luxembourgish family’s letters, written by a woman.

- They even sent the family some Christmas stockings, which they still hang by their fireplace every Christmas to this day!

- One of Roy’s uncles even visited the family around 1950, and the family gave him some of Roy’s personal belongings that they had found.

Unfortunately, Roy’s family couldn’t find any of the letters sent by the Luxembourg family … so we’d love to track them down and
reconnect both families. We do not know the exact location where Roy was killed. There you have the current status of our research. (We checked already on AAR, books and other documents, but could not identify the location of Sgt. Petteway's fateful death).

We believe that Roy’s unit saw action east or southeast of our nation's capital maybe close to the German-Luxembourg border on the day he was killed.

We would appreciate any information that might lead us to the family who tried to save Roy’s life, as well as any other information regarding this case. Feel free to spread and share the message.

The board of CEBA.

25/03/2026

December 1944 - Battle of the Bulge - 109th Infantry Regiment - 28th Infantry Division

On December 13th, 1944 the regimental CP of the 109th infantry was moved to Ettelbruck (L), where the regiment continued its defensive mission with 1st Battalion in reserve at Diekirch (L). 2nd Battalion occupied positions in the vicinity of Bastendorf (L) and the 3rd Battalion occupied positions in the vicinity of Bettendorf (L).

December 16th, 1944 at 0545, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Battalion and the Anti-Tank Company of the regiment reported they were receiving heavy concentrations of enemy artillery fire. Orders were issued by headquarters for all personnel to be on the alert and use every precaution to prevent the enemy from crossing the Our River.
The German offensive that would later go down in history as the Battle of the Bulge had just begun.

Picture: Company C, 109th Infantry, 28th Division soldier establishing a fighting position near Ettelbruck (L).
Source: Ceba Archives

WWII Veterans 109th Infantry Regiment

08/02/2026

Guided tour reflections

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming two couples for another guided tour through the Ardennes.

It became evident again, that moments like these remind us why guided tours truly matter. Walking the landscape with someone who knows the stories and how to tell them, transforms former battlefields into lessons, and history into something you can feel.

No matter if you’re young or young at heart, there is always something new to learn, because learning belongs also to curiosity.

The “Remember US” panels played an important role along the way, helping to connect past and present, and ensuring that the sacrifices made here are not reduced to footnotes, but remain living memories. History asks only one thing of us: taking the time to learn and to listen.

To close the day, CEBA safely brought all four visitors back to their hotel in Luxembourg-City, carrying with them not just pictures, but reflections and stories that will travel far beyond the Ardennes now.

08/02/2026

Map Reading in the Ardennes Offensive – A Matter of Life and Death

During the Ardennes Offensive in the winter of 1944–1945, the ability to read and understand military maps became rapidly a matter of survival.

The Ardennes region, stretching across Luxembourg, Belgium, and eastern France, is known for its dense forests, steep valleys, narrow roads, and small villages. In winter, snow, fog, and freezing temperatures made orientation even more difficult. Under such conditions, soldiers could not rely on visibility or landmarks alone. They relied also on military maps.

Before going into battle, units better carefully studied their maps, when they needed to know:

- The position of enemy lines.
- The location of roads, bridges, minefields and crossroads.
- Forest paths and elevation changes.
- Rivers and natural obstacles.
- The positions of friendly units.

A single mistake in navigation could lead a combat or recon patrol directly into enemy fire, delay reinforcements, or cause entire units to lose contact with their command. In the chaos of Battle, when front lines shifted rapidly and confusion was constant, good map reading was a kind of art and became essential for coordination and survival for both sides.

The photos shown here capture soldiers gathered around maps in the Ardennes. These scenes were typical of December 1944 and January 1945, when both German and American troops tried to orient themselves in one of the most challenging winter battlefields of the Second World War.

12/01/2026

A former GI’s letter

We would like to share this letter written on 18 December 1986 by a former GI to CEBA exactly 42 years after he and his comrades had to fight for their lives.

In his handwritten message, the veteran expresses his gratitude for receiving a letter and stamp from CEBA and reflects on the powerful memories that Luxembourg still held for him decades after the war. He recalls fellow soldiers who were killed in the Ardennes and speaks with deep respect about Luxembourg and its people, whom he describes as “lovely and beautiful.”

The letter identifies the former GI as a member of Task Force Rose that had established a defensive position around Antoniushof 42 years earlier. (Note: Named for the commander on the scene, Captain Lawrence K. Rose, the TF consisted of a company of Sherman tanks, a company of armored infantry, and a platoon of armored engineers supported by a battery of self-propelled artillery).

Along with his letter, he sent an original shoulder patch from one of his old jackets, an authentic piece of history from his service during World War II. He also mentions his participation in the Battle of the Bulge and the bonds formed with comrades who never returned home.

This letter serves as a poignant reminder that the Battle of the Bulge left an indelible mark on the lives of those who fought in it. The story of the Ardennes' offensive is preserved in our documentation center in Lieler (L), which will be open to the public next Thursday, January 15th, from 04:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m.

Historians, authors, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the Battle of the Bulge are cordially invited to visit and explore this historical treasure and others as well.

We remember. We preserve. We pass on their stories.

Photo: CEBA (EK)

10/01/2026

An unusual artifact from the Battle of the Bulge.

A spoon and fork that belonged to a German soldier and were pierced by an American bullet (cal. 30.06.) during the Battle of the Bulge in northern Luxembourg.

This strange but absolutely authentic object comes from Breidfeld (L), a small village near Troisvierges (L) in the northern tip of Luxembourg, where it was found in 1984. The object has been part of our inventory ever since.

Photo: CEBA

21/12/2025

On the 80st anniversary of his death: A ceremony in honor of General George S. Patton took place in Luxembourg-City and Hamm (L).

Eighty years ago to the day, General George S. Patton Jr., the commander of the Third US Army, passed away. Each year, the Voie de la Liberté - Luxembourg (Road to Liberty - Luxembourg) association calls on us to honor his memory.

Today, this remembrance once again took place at the General’s grave at the American Military Cemetery at Hamm (L), with the participation of the American Embassy in Luxembourg and the City of Luxembourg. Flag bearers and participants gathered in quiet dignity to honor the legendary General during a brief ceremony at his resting place, as well as at one of the „Road to Liberty“ markers in Luxembourg City.

This "road" commemorates the Allied victory and liberation of Luxembourg, Belgium, and France. It is marked by small columns between Sainte-Mère-Église (F) and Bastogne (B) while it also represents the path taken by the Third US Army. Called „The Liberty Road,“ (Voie de la Liberté) it’s said to be the longest symbol of freedom in the world.

General Patton's legacy will forever be linked to the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the eastern and northern cantons of the Grand Duchy, during the winter of 1944/1945.

Lest we forget.

18/12/2025

History is sometimes closer than we think ...

This building in Luxembourg still bears visible bullet impacts from the Battle of the Bulge.

For museums and historical education, such traces are invaluable: they allow history to be understood through authentic, local evidence.

The damage on the wall still recalls the intensity of the fighting, the noise of battle, the suffering, and the destruction caused during those days. These marks remind us that war was also a reality for civilians.

Take a moment to look closely, ask questions, and engage with local history. Visit museums, support remembrance work, and help keep the memory alive.

Photos: Taken by Ferd. Zeimetz and CEBA (only five days ago).

18/12/2025

“Many gave their lives so that we could live in freedom. We, the living, must ensure that their deaths were not in vain.”

These words are engraved on a memorial in the village of Osweiler (L), which was erected and dedicated in May 1982 for each individual US unit that liberated the village and who fought an extremely dangerous enemy in the Osweiler-Dickweiler sector, blocking the enemy’s determined drive in strength toward Luxembourg-City, and holding firm the area until being relieved in January 1945.

As every year, the municipality of Rosport-Mompach invited their residents to a solemn and silent moment at this memorial. Citizens and associations from across the municipality gathered to pay tribute to their liberators, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for a freedom that has now reigned in this part of Europe for over eight decades.

After the commemoration, those present proceeded to the church, where Father Luc Schreiner celebrated a solemn Mass. The commemorative ceremonies concluded at the memorial plaque for the 22nd Infantry regiment of the 4th US Infantry Division with speeches by the Mayor of the municipality and the President of CEBA. Both emphasized the importance of such ceremonies and the need to keep the memory alive.

We remember. We honor. We won't forget. We remain grateful.

The board of CEBA.

16/12/2025

Remember, honor, never forget - Commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge

As every year, CEBA and Gemeng Cliärref invited to their traditional commemoration for the Battle of the Bulge. Friends, members, representatives of other memorial organizations and the citizens of the municipality of Clervaux (L) gathered in front of the statue of the ordinary American soldier in Clervaux.

The US Ambassador to Luxembourg, Her Excellency Stacey Feinberg, warmly thanked all those present and expressed her admiration that, more than 81 years later, the Luxembourgish nation still honors and remembers its liberators.

Mayor Keipes reminded us that we must continue to honor and never forget the liberators of our country while CEBA President Kohn said that the true story is not only found on military maps, but in the actions of the individual US soldiers who fought a stubborn enemy in the winterly Ardennes of 1944/1945. They were young men who suffered in the freezing cold and were exhausted by the murderous fighting, yet holding their ground.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, Bugler Tom Recken, accompanied by a young drummer played a solemn version of the taps, followed by the national anthems of both countries.

After this moment of silence and remembrance, the Mayor of Clervaux invited all those present to a reception.

We remember. We honor. We won't forget. We remain grateful.

The board of CEBA

11/12/2025

Commemorative Ceremony in Clervaux

We warmly invite everyone to join us for a Remembrance Ceremony at the Monument of the ordinary GI in Clervaux.

On Saturday, December 13th at 10:00 AM, we will gather in front of the GI statue to honor the brave American soldiers who fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Their courage and sacrifice restored our freedom and our peace, a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay.

Let us come together in great numbers to show that their legacy lives on. Your presence is a meaningful way to express respect, remembrance, and unity.

Feel free to join us and help us to keep the memory alive.

The board of CEBA.

Photo: CEBA (EK)

Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge - CEBA

07/04/2026

25/03/2026

08/02/2026

08/02/2026

12/01/2026

10/01/2026

21/12/2025

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

16/12/2025

11/12/2025

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