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It is a long story but the historians in Belgium have identified the M4 Sherman tank residing in McAuliffe Square, Bastogne, Belgium as belonging to the Thunderbolts. The historians are, Roger Marquet, Robert Fergloute, and Jacques Degive. They have identified the origin of the tank and the fate of its crew members in their book: The 'Sherman' at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne. The True Story. Currently this tank displays an 11th Armored insignia on the driver's side. There is a plaque prominently displayed in front of the tank, "Barracuda", with the crew members names. For those who are interested their book may be ordered here. All proceeds from this book benefit the Cercle d'Histoire de Bastogne whose purpose, among many others, is to welcome veterans of the Battle of the Bulge to Bastogne.

 

Bastogne Identifies its Tank

Roger Marquet
Associate Member
Chenongne 1D
6640 Sibret, Belgium

On December 11, 1999, during the “Foire aux Noix” and the commemorative ceremonies for the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the Cercle d’Histoire de Bastogne was happy to present its new book. The book, entitled “The ‘Sherman’ at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne.  The True Story”, is written both in English and in French.

The authors, Jacques DEGIVE, Robert FERGLOUTE and Roger MARQUET, gathered testimonies from the players involved in the “Sherman” destruction (on December 30th, 1944 in Renuamont).  They resorted to the Belgian, American and German archives.

The book tells more than just the tank’s history.  The authors also recounted the life of the crew members.  Four of the five crew members survived the war, and one of them, Ivan Goldstein, visited Bastogne and “his” tank in May of 1998.  The daughter of driver Andrew Urda, Alene, took the same trip in December 1998.  Why call it “the true story?”  Because too many mistakes and inaccuracies were made concerning this tank, and the authors proved that the vehicle belonged to the 11th Armored Division.  Moreover, they are initiating the dedication of a sign which would recall the tank and its crew’s story.  Fifty five years later is never too late…

 

The book can be ordered by sending a $16.00 check payable to Greg Urda and send to the following address:

Greg Urda

223 Buena Vista Ave.

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Please include the following:

 

 

Name:                                                                                                                

 

Street Address:                                                                                                

 

City:                                                                                                                     

 

State & Zip Code:                                                                                                

 

is ordering             Copy(ies) of “The ‘Sherman’ at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne. The True Story”.

                                                             

                                                               Signature :                                            

 

 

Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for shipping, directly from Bastogne, Belgium.

The authors are volunteers.  Any eventual profits would benefit the Cercle d’Histoire de Bastogne whose purpose, among many others, is to welcome veterans of the Battle of the Bulge to Bastogne.

 

 

                                                                                                                             Roger Marquet