Very rare American mark 2 hand grenade with yellow paint remains,maker marked recovered Longchamps area,Northwest perimeter around Bastogne,defended by the 502nd Parachute infantry regiment,101st airborne division during the fighting,Ardennes Forest,1944

On 18 December the 101st parachute Division took up their positions outside Bastogne they were soon surrounded along with elements of several armoured and artillery outfits. The 502nd held positions on the north and northwest portion of the surrounded city. In an attack that took place on Christmas morning in the village of Hemroulle, numerous German tanks penetrated the line. Simultaneously farther north strong German infantry elements infiltrated the town of Longchamps. Two of the German tanks which drove north from Hemroulle attempted to bypass the regimental CP at the Rolle Chateau, only to be tracked down by bazooka and grenade-toting paratroops. Finally, on 26 December, the 4th Armoured Division broke through the encirclement to reinforce the defense and lift the siege.