PVT Edward Francis Rosenberger

On January 3 and 4, 1945, the Germans launched two attacks at the 101st Airborne Division’s positions in the northwestern sector of Bastogne, directed at Longchamps and Champs. These attacks were made under the most trying conditions. It was unbelievably cold, and the soldiers at the frontline positions were fighting in fields covered with snow, in many cases, waist-deep. The roads used by the tanks were coated with ice and snow-blanketed.

On January 3rd, the 2nd Battalion of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment took the full brunt of the German assault when the enemy attacked with approximately 25 tanks, accompanied by Wehrmacht infantry, at around 13:30 hours. The attack failed, but at a significant cost. Dog Company lost 48 paratroopers, and Fox Company had 47 paratroopers who were wounded, killed, or captured.

PVT Edward Francis Rosenberger was one of the Fox Company paratroopers who was killed in action that day. Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

PVT Rosenberger was a replacement who had just joined the company at the end of November 1944. Born in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, on August 4, 1927, he made the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 17, still a young teenager. He left behind his mother, Mrs. Elsie Rosenberger, a brother, and two sisters.

PVT Edward Rosenberger was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Foy, Belgium, at plot B, Row 1, Grave 18. He now rests eternally at the Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, Bergen County, New Jersey.

He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸