This heavy German offensive that began on December 16, 1944 took the Americans by surprise
Many historians have 
argued that the Nazi attack on the Ardennes was doomed before it started, ... Few 
American units at the Battle of the Bulge felt the force of the German... [DOC] [TLE] Battle of the Bulge begins - Dec 16, 1944 - HISTORY.com [PAR] On this day in History, Battle of the Bulge begins on Dec 16, 1944.