The Battle of the Bulge started on Dec 16, 1944, when German forces launched a surprise attack on Allied forces in the forested Ardennes region in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. The battle lasted until Jan 16, 1945, after the Allied counter-offensive forced German troops to withdraw. Soldiers fought in brutal winter conditions, and the U. S. Army lost approximately 19,000 men and suffered 75,000 total casualties in what became the United States’ deadliest single World War II battle.
Fast forward 80 years in Okarche, Oklahoma, Jeff Palmer was working on his family history when he came across a website dedicated to the 300th Engineer Combat Battalion, which his dad served in. Through some correspondence, Jeff was invited to the 80th anniversary Battle of Bulge. Jeff’s seven-day journey started at 10:30, boarding a plane on Dec 9. Jeff’s father, Charles Palmer, passed away suddenly when Jeff was 12 years old. Jeff told me he didn’t take anyone with him on this journey, but I have to think he carried his 12-year-old self with him when boarding that plane. Jeff boarded a train on Dec 10 in the last leg to Liege, Belgium. Jeff said his tour guide spoke English while touring museums, cemeteries, and battle sights—Jeff’s first language is English, then German. The language barriers broke away when all came together in remembrance. Jeff laughed, talking about how intrigued his new friends were by the names of our small towns in Oklahoma.
Jeff’s emotions came to the surface. He returned home with a plaque to honor his dad, who participated in the commemoration of Manhay, the site of the harsh combat in December 1944. Charles Palmer served with the Army Bulldozer Operation Combat Engineer’s Pavilion. We have lost most of our World War II veterans. Jeff, being a veteran himself, understands how important it is to share history with children. He took this journey to honor his dad and give his 12-year-old self a gift of remembrance!
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