Set comprising a map and aerial photographs of the 17ᵉ Airborne 101st Airborne. It includes a map accompanied by an aerial photograph of the Houffalize area, marked Office of AC of S G2 HQ 101 A/B Div 25/26 Dec 1944. Another map with aerial photo of the Flamierge area, marked Office A Cof S G2 HQ 17th Airborne, dated 25 Dec 1944. Sheet 1 and 2. In the lower left corner is a note to the headquarters of the 101st and 17th Airborne, and to the S G officers for security and counter-espionage, and Houffalize on fire. There is some wear and a marked patina on all parts. Condition II+. The town of Houffalize, located in the Belgian Ardennes, played a crucial strategic role during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945. Occupied by German forces from 19 December 1944, Houffalize was a vital road junction for the German offensive. Its position enabled the axes leading to Bastogne and the Meuse to be controlled. The Allies therefore decided to neutralise this position by launching intensive bombardments. On the night of 30-31 December 1944, the Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed 166 bombers, dropping around 1,000 tonnes of bombs on the town. A second wave of attacks took place on the night of 5 to 6 January 1945. These bombardments destroyed around 90% of the city and caused the death of more than 200 civilians. On 16 January 1945, troops of the 3rd US Army under General Patton, coming from the south, and those of the 1st US Army, coming from the north, met at Houffalize. This junction marked a decisive turning point in the battle, making it possible to surround the German forces and reduce the pocket they had created. Set including a map and aerial photographs of the 17th Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions. It includes a map accompanied by an aerial photograph of the Houffalize area, marked "Office of AC of S G2 HQ 101 A/B Div 25/26 Dec 1944". Another map with aerial photograph of the Flamierge area is marked "Office A Cof S G2 HQ 17th Airborne," dated December 25, 1944. Sheets 1 and 2. The markings in the lower left are intended for the headquarters of the 101st and 17th Airborne Divisions, as well as for officers designated S G for security and counterespionage. Houffalize can be seen in flames. Note some wear and a pronounced patina on all pieces. Condition II+. The town of Houffalize, located in the Belgian Ardennes, played a crucial strategic role during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945. Occupied by German forces as early as December 19, 1944, Houffalize served as a vital road junction for the German offensive. Its position allowed control over routes leading to Bastogne and the Meuse River. The Allies therefore decided to neutralize this stronghold through intensive bombing. During the night of December 30 to 31, 1944, the Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed 166 bombers, dropping approximately 1,000 tons of bombs on the town. A second wave of attacks occurred during the night of January 5 to 6, 1945. These bombings destroyed about 90% of the town and caused the death of over 200 civilians. On January 16, 1945, troops from the U.S. Third Army, under General Patton, advancing from the south, and troops from the U.S. First Army, coming from the north, met in Houffalize. This junction marked a decisive turning point in the battle, allowing the Allied forces to encircle the German troops and reduce the pocket they had created.