In the Footsteps of the 83rd Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge In late 1944, the 83rd Infantry Division — the Thunderbolt Division — operated in Luxembourg during the Allied advance toward Germany. When the German Ardennes offensive erupted in mid-December, the division was redeployed and entered the Battle of the Bulge after Christmas, joining the fight to contain and reduce the German salient. In harsh winter conditions, through confusion, exhaustion, and constant pressure, the