In December 1944, a battle began in the densely forested Ardennes region of eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg.
It started with a surprise counteroffensive launched by Nazi Germany at the Allied forces, the Germans’ last desperate grasp at victory in World War II. The bloody fighting would stretch over nearly six weeks, claiming the lives of 19,000 American soldiers.
But in the end, the Allies proved victorious. Their success broke the will of the Nazis and paved the way for the final drive into Germany.
The Battle of the Bulge is widely viewed as a turning point of World War II. And the deadly battle was only won through the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought it.
This week, two of those soldiers were honored for their efforts.
The Berks Military History Museum in Mohnton on Monday afternoon hosted a sizable delegation from the Belgian Consulate in New York. Frank Stellar and Ray Parker were presented with one of the most prestigious honors that Belgium can bestow.
Consul General Filip Vanden Bulcke said he was honored to recognize two heroes who symbolize the sacrifice of all of those who fought valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge.
“It was the largest and bloodiest battle in Europe, and a pivotal moment that changed the course of history because the enemy was broken by that defeat,” he told those gathered at the event. “It marked the beginning of the end of the war.”
Vanden Bulcke said that 80 years later, the battle continues to resonate as a reminder of what can be achieved when nations come together to fight evil. It can also inspire younger generations by bringing attention to the sacrifice, endurance and the belief in the greater good that was displayed by the Allied soldiers.
He also shared a personal connection to that sacrifice. He said his grandparents had German soldiers living in their home for much of the war, so he has heard stories of what took place and what life was like under occupation from those who lived it.
“Not just on behalf of my country, but also on behalf of my family, I am grateful to be able to bestow upon you this honor,” he said as he presented each man with a small black box containing the Order of Leopold medal.
The medal is the oldest and highest order in Belgium that is awarded for meritorious service to the country as a token of personal goodwill. Vanden Bulcke said the knighthood designation of the medal should serve as a reminder that peace is never guaranteed — it is defended by courage and sacrifice and carried forward by memory.
Student leads way
That’s a message that Tyler Boland knows well.
The Albright College senior began interviewing World War II veterans as a Wilson High School student and said he has met with hundreds veterans from all over the country as a way to honor their sacrifice and document their stories for future generations.
He met Stellar and Parker about a year ago as part of that effort. After hearing their stories, he felt they should be recognized for their service during the Battle of the Bulge. He was aware that the Belgian government awards medals for those who participated in the campaign and reached out to the Belgian Consulate.
He said he was surprised by how quickly he received a response informing him that Belgium would love to recognize Stellar and Parker. He was also thrilled to be able to share two stories of heroism.
“These two guys are the reason we are here today,” Boland said. “Not only are they my heroes, but they have become family to me in the short time I have known them. I’m very appreciative of our friendship and the life lessons they have taught me.”
Veterans look back
Parker, a 100-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was enlisted in the 17th Airborne Infantry Division of the Army when he parachuted into France and fought his way through Belgium. During the Battle of the Bulge he was captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp in Germany until it was liberated four months later.
During Monday’s ceremony, Parker expressed gratitude for the honor he received and sadness that more of his brothers in arms weren’t able to receive the same.
“I want to thank everyone for this honor,” he said as he brushed tears from his face. “I was fortunate and very lucky to have survived because so many of my brothers did not.”
Parker said the things he remembers the most about the battle were the bitter cold and the friends he lost.
“Combat is horrible,” he said. “I don’t deserve any of this. I wonder all the time why so many died and I survived. They never got to be honored like this for what they did.”
Stellar, a 101-year-old resident of Lebanon, was a member of the 36th Infantry Division of the Army during the battle. Initially he was part of an air support unit. He helped build an airstrip in France and served as a cook. But when the Battle of the Bulge broke out, he was sent to England for infantry training to help in the fight.
Stellar took the podium to share a recent experience that brought his service more than 80 years ago into perspective. He told those at the ceremony about how during a trip to Belgium this summer, which was organized by Boland, he was asked to stop by the Bastogne War Museum to sign autographs for visitors when he met someone special.
He spoke with a 95-year-old woman who thanked him for his service, explaining that when she was just 6, she and her family were sent to concentration camps. She would be the only one to survive the Holocaust.
“I gave her a hug and tears came out of her eyes,” he said as his voice began to shake. “It reminded me of what we had fought for, and it was very moving.”
Proud to provide honors
Mark Gillen, founder of the Berks Military History Museum, said he was pleased the facility could serve as the location for the occasion. He noted that the space is designed to honor those who have sacrificed so much in defense of their country and to inspire others to do the same.
“We are here to celebrate these two heroes,” he said. “These men helped save humanity.”
Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Maj. Gen. John Pippy also attended Monday’s ceremony. He said the courage of those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge should never be forgotten, noting that the outcome of that fight shaped the course of history.
“This honor today is not only a symbol of gratitude from the Belgian people but a testament to the bond we have between our two nations,” he said. “It reflects a deep sense of appreciation for the sacrifices that were made by these two men and the hundreds of thousands of men just like them.
“Frank and Ray stand as a shining example of our nation’s commitment to freedom, to fighting tyranny and to protecting liberty around the globe,” he said.
Pippy said he has had the privilege of meeting many World War II veterans over the years and is always blown away by their humility and desire to credit the brotherhood they forged while in service as the reason for their successes on the battlefield.
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