Manhay, Belgium in 1944 - This is where the 509th PIB first reported on 22 Dec 44 to Gen. Rose, Commanding General of 3rd Armored Division that was headquartered in town. 509th PIB was directed to establish HQ and Battalion Aid Station west of Manhay in the town of Erezee, Belgium (road going to upper left corner). On 23 Dec 44, C Company 509th PIB moves south (main road on left side of map) out of Manhay to reinforce the units at Baraque de Fraiture also known as Parker Crossroads. Later A Company 509th PIB follows this same route as part of Brewsters Task Force and conducts delaying action at Belle Haie Crossroads.
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking south - This is the road that both C and A Company took at different times going to Parker Crossroads and Belle Haie respectively. The seperate efforts of C and A Companies with other assorted units delayed German forces from arriving in Manhay, Belgium for 48 hours.
South of Manhay, Belgium looking north toward intersection - Approach into Manahay taken by the 2nd SS Panzer Division
South of Manhay, Belgium looking north toward intersection - Somewhere along here the first German 88mm rounds were fired at the withdrawing American tanks. Note the high ground north of the town, that is where the tanks of the 3rd Armored Division were ordered to reposition and set up their defense. Unfortunately they had not made it to their new defensive position before the Germans arrived creating much confusion.
South of Manhay, Belgium looking north toward intersection
North of town looking south toward the intersection in Manhay, Belgium - Just before midnight on 24 Dec 44, a fierce tank battle took place along this road. American tanks were directed to move north of town to establish positions on high ground overlooking Manhay. While this was taking place German 2nd SS Panzer units moved into town from the south. In the lead were captured American Sherman Tanks used by Germans to confuse American Forces. German 88mm tank fire erupted, what was an organized repositioning of 3rd Armored forces to establish a strong defense north of town almost became a rout.
This photo of Manhay, Belgium was taken on Jan 1945, notheast of intersection looking southwest.
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking north - German forces captured Manhay on 25 Dec 44 but instead of exploiting the confusion created and advancing toward Liege and Antwerp, they instead turned west in an attempt to secure the east / west road and link up with German forces that were stalled in the west.
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking west toward the towns of Gandmenil, Sadzot and Erezee. - 2nd SS Panzer Division units turned west and advanced along this road on the early predawn hours of 25 Dec 44. Unknown to the Germans a lone American Soldier of the 75th Inf Div. who had never fired a shot in anger was manning an outpost with a Bazooka. His lucky shot hit the tracks of the lead German tank causing it to turn sidways blocking the road. With no way around, the Germans were forced to withdrawl into Manhay to avoid being caught in the open at daybreak with Allied fighters seeking targets of opportunity. Instead the Germans in Manhay suffered a coordinated barrage from 16 field artillery units eventually forcing the Germans to withdrawl from Manhay.
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking west
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking southwest
At intersection in Manhay, Belgium looking east
Buildings northeast of the main intersection in Manhay, Belgium
Buildings northwest of the main intersection in Manhay, Belgium
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