NRA Life of Duty | Veterans Day 2011

Published on November 11, 2011
Duration: 3:31

This video recounts a personal experience of Walter Hughes during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. It details his unit's mission to defend Bastogne, a critical Belgian crossroads, and a specific engagement where he was tasked with neutralizing a German machine gun nest. The narrative highlights the intense combat, the chaos of the battlefield, and a moment of unexpected proximity to an enemy soldier. The story culminates in Hughes's capture of the machine gun nest and a subsequent recognition of a photograph taken during this event, which later appeared on a Belgian stamp.

Quick Summary

During the Battle of the Bulge, Walter Hughes of the 504th 82nd Airborne was tasked with neutralizing a German machine gun nest. His bravery in this engagement led to a photograph of him being featured on a Belgian stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bastogne.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Operation Market Garden Aftermath
  2. 00:25Deployment to Battle of the Bulge
  3. 00:38Mission to Defend Bastogne
  4. 00:52Detour to Warmont
  5. 01:00Engaging German Resistance
  6. 01:10Order to Neutralize Machine Gun Nest
  7. 01:31Approaching the Enemy Position
  8. 01:39Close Encounter in a Ditch
  9. 01:52Capture of Machine Gun Nest
  10. 02:46Photograph Becomes a Stamp

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Walter Hughes's role in the Battle of the Bulge?

Walter Hughes, a member of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne, was involved in defending Bastogne. He was tasked with a direct combat mission to neutralize a German machine gun nest, demonstrating critical infantry action during the intense fighting.

What is the significance of the photograph taken of Walter Hughes?

A photograph captured of Walter Hughes during his engagement with a German machine gun nest gained historical significance. It was later featured on a Belgian stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bastogne, recognizing his actions.

What was the primary mission of Walter Hughes's unit during the Battle of the Bulge?

Walter Hughes and the men of the 504th 82nd Airborne were transported to take part in the Battle of the Bulge with the primary mission to defend Bastogne, a vital Belgian road and rail center, against overwhelming enemy forces.

How did Walter Hughes become a Sergeant?

Walter Hughes was promoted to Sergeant in the field during a combat engagement. He was initially told to take out a German machine gun nest, and when he questioned if it was a sergeant's job, his lieutenant confirmed it, effectively making him a sergeant on the spot.

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