Forgotten Grit: The 28th Infantry Division’s Stand That Saved Bastogne

As the U.S. Army marks its 250th anniversary, historians are delving into a largely overlooked chapter of World War II—the valiant, yet frequently eclipsed, defense of the 28th Infantry Division at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge.

Often recalled for the 101st Airborne Division’s legendary defense of Bastogne, the battle’s initial turning point occurred days prior, when the 28th Infantry Division—dubbed the “Bloody Bucket” by the Germans because of its red keystone insignia—was the first American unit to face Hitler’s final significant offensive. Still grappling with the aftermath of 5,700 casualties from the harrowing Hürtgen Forest campaign, the 28th found itself under a sudden assault on December 16, 1944, contending with diminished forces and scant resources.

Facing overwhelming odds, the 28th Division found itself outnumbered ten to one, with its forces spread thinly across a 25-mile stretch along the Luxembourg border. Even in the face of significant leadership losses and the integration of newly assigned troops, the soldiers of the division displayed an unwavering resolve in their resistance. 

The 112th and 109th Infantry Regiments found themselves in intense, fragmented confrontations, frequently operating as small groups or platoons, each fighting independently. In numerous instances, German forces maneuvered around them, resulting in American troops being stranded in unfriendly lands.

Peter G. Knight, the director of Historical Studies at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, highlighted the importance of the division: “Had the 28th not held back the Germans, the 101st would not have reached Bastogne.” In a span of three pivotal days, the actions of the 28th significantly hindered the German schedule, bringing the Axis advance toward the Meuse River and the vital port of Antwerp to a standstill.

Instances of courage were abundant. Pfc. Alexander Hadden’s unit faced the brutal intensity of hand-to-hand combat, while Sgt. J.J. Kuhn’s platoon valiantly defended Marnach, Luxembourg, until they were ultimately overwhelmed by a formidable Tiger tank. In Wiltz, Belgium, the 28th united with the 10th Armored Division, even rallying supply personnel and a military band for a final stand before the arrival of the 101st.

When the division was finally withdrawn from the front on December 20, it had endured devastating losses; merely about 200 of its initial 16,000 soldiers were left intact. Nevertheless, their sacrifice proved to be essential. 

The 28th Infantry Division earned the Croix de Guerre from Luxembourg, with numerous regiments being honored with Presidential Unit Citations for their bravery. Their defiance was not merely courageous—it was pivotal. Their tale merits a prominent place alongside Bastogne in the annals of American military valor.