Memorial James Hendrix

Assenois is occupied by the paratroopers of the 5th Fallschirmjäger Division and the 37th regiment of the Volksgrenadier, when the Bogges team makes its advance on December 26, 1944, in the midst of American artillery fire, also taking advantage of the distraction provided by the droppings in the area. of Bastogne.
The fighters engage in a fierce scuffle (with rifle, bayonet, daggers). The United States forces are purging the village and castle, and some American soldiers behave so heroically that they receive the greatest American award: the US Congressional Medal of Honor.

A plate recalls the exploits of Private James R. Hendrix of the 4th Armored Division. When Patton presented the medal of honor to a young soldier, he said, "I would give my soul for this medal."

In 1999, James Hendrix returns to Assenois in peacetime.

The memorial has been moved from the church to its current location and stands next to the house where General Irzyk (8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division) had his headquarters for a while (around December 27, 1944).
"IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VISIT OF JAMES HENDRIX
DECEMBER 11, 1999
American Congress Medal of Honor
for feats of arms in Assenois
December 26, 1944„

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Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck & Edwin Verholen
• Photos: Erwin Verholen