Allen Public Library
enthusiast
Posts: 329
Loc: Allen, TX USA
Reg: 09-23-03
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06-05-14 04:00 PM - Post#168955
The Battle of the Bulge was Hitler’s last attempt to secure a military advantage with the Allies. With 89,000 Allied troops killed and 47,500 wounded, it proved to be the deadliest battle of World War II. If the Nazis had succeeded, it might have given them more time to develop alternative weapon systems.
On Christmas Day 1944, Allen lost one of its citizens during this horrific battle. This brave soldier, Robert Cuffman Jr., is buried in the Allen Cemetery.
Learn more about this crucial chapter in World War II at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 12, at the Allen Public Library. Presenters will be military historian Dr. Clive Siegle and Sgt. Loyd Watson, a soldier who fought in this infamous battle.
After the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 1299, Dr. Clive Siegle is will provide a brief overview of the Battle of the Bulge. A professor of history at Richland College and adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Siegle served as historical interpreter and “living history” program developer for the U.S. and state park services and the United States Army.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Sgt. Loyd Watson served in 87th Infantry Company D 346 during World War II. In December 1944, his unit crossed the English Channel and was quickly drawn into battle in the Alsace region, but when the Battle of the Bulge started about a week later, his unit was relocated to Belgium. Avoiding heavy shelling and bombing on Christmas Day 1944, Sgt. Watson credits his growing up on a farm as giving him the ingenuity and resourcefulness to confront this ferocious fighting.
Sponsored by Bach to Books and the Bernado de Galvez Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this program is free. The DAR will serve refreshments after the program.
The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911.
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