Aggies Go To War Exhibit

In December 1944 along an 85 mile stretch from southern Belgium into Luxembourg, the German forces made their final, desperate assault to turn the tide of the war in their favor. The Battle of the Bulge, as this decisive conflict came to be known, demonstrated to the world the fortitude and courage of the American troops who withstood not only the relentless German assault but also limited supplies, a historically brutal winter and the challenges of fighting in the dense Ardennes forests. About 610,000 Americans were involved in the Battle of the Bulge and the American forces suffered almost 80,000 casualties.

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of this pivotal battle, Bastogne Belgium’s newly renovated Bastogne War Museum will host the exhibit: Texas Aggies Go To War. This 5,000 square foot exhibit will remain in Bastogne through August 31, 2016 before moving to Bryan/College Station, home of Texas A&M University. The exhibit tells the story of five former students of Texas A&M University who each had a role in the historic Battle of the Bulge which ultimately led to the Allied victory in Europe. These five—James Hollingsworth ‘40, Turney Leonard ‘42, William Pena ‘42, Joe Routt ‘37, and James Earl Rudder ‘32—are representative not only of all Aggies, but all Americans, who served in WWII. Through them a story is told of dedication, sacrifice, reconciliation, healing, and deep ties, both personal and economic, between people an ocean apart.