Memorial Viaduct Trois-Ponts

This memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the viaduct. By 11:30 am on December 18, 1944, members of a section of Company B of the 526th Armored Infantry Battalion, led by Captain Robert Jewett, opened fire on a column of German tanks commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Peiper. The 57mm gun they used was installed between the Petit Spay Bridge and the viaducts at the entrance of Trois-Ponts. Although the bridge on the Amblève had been destroyed a few minutes before, they delayed the enemy at the cost of their lives by knocking out the first tank, yet without destroying it. The caliber of 57mm made it difficult to pierce the frontal armor of the German tanks of that time. For this heroic act, Corporal Donald Hollenbeck and soldiers Dallas Buchanan, Lilliard McCollum and James Higgins, who bravely continued to fire until a devastating shell killed them, will remain known as "les Sacrificiés du Viaduc".

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Joost Verheijden
• Photos: Joost Verheijden