McAuliffe Square, the Sherman "Barracuda" and the Patton memorial
The main square of Bastogne carries the name of an American general, and an American tank stands in the middle of it. A few streets away, the town honors Patton.
Updated September 27, 2026 · By the info-lux newsroom, Bastogne
Bastogne's main square is Place McAuliffe. It has a bust of Gen. Anthony McAuliffe and the M4 Sherman "Barracuda" of the 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, which was knocked out near Renuamont on December 30, 1944. The Patton memorial in the town center honors the general who turned his Third Army north on December 19, 1944 to relieve Bastogne. Everything is free and open-air.
The Sherman "Barracuda"
On December 30, 1944, tanks of the 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, were fighting near Hoûmont and pushed into the German-held village of Renuamont. An M4A3 Sherman nicknamed "Barracuda" was hit, bogged down in a marshy meadow and abandoned. Its crew were taken prisoner. Recovered after the war, the tank was placed on McAuliffe Square. It was restored in 2006–2007 and again wears its original markings. The shell damage is still visible on the hull.
McAuliffe Square
Next to the tank, a bust of Anthony McAuliffe honors the acting commander of the 101st Airborne. The square is the living room of Bastogne, lined with hotels, cafés and restaurants (see where to eat). During the Nuts Weekend, nuts are thrown from the balcony of City Hall in memory of the famous reply.
The Patton memorial
General George S. Patton Jr. did not defend Bastogne. The 101st did. But on December 19, 1944, he promised to turn his Third Army 90 degrees north, in winter, and attack within days. He did it. His 4th Armored Division reached the town on December 26. The Bastogne memorial, a carved stone with his portrait and a star in the pavement, honors that maneuver. Arlon, 25 miles south, has its own Patton monument, since the Third Army's attack started there. Patton himself is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery.
The end of the Liberty Road
Bastogne is also the final stop of the Liberty Road (Voie de la Liberté), marked by milestones along the route of the Third Army from Normandy. Look for the milestone downtown.
Practical information
| Location | Place McAuliffe, downtown Bastogne; Patton memorial in the town center (GPS 50.00550, 5.72149) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free, open-air, 24/7 |
| Time needed | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Parking | Paid parking on and around the square |
Frequently asked questions
What tank is in Bastogne's main square?
The M4A3 Sherman "Barracuda" of Company B, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division. It was knocked out near Renuamont on December 30, 1944 and later placed on McAuliffe Square.
What did Patton do for Bastogne?
On December 19, 1944, he turned his Third Army north to break the encirclement. His 4th Armored Division reached the besieged town on December 26, 1944.
Where is General Patton buried?
At the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg City, about an hour's drive from Bastogne.
Sources: Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Bastogne, Liberation Route Europe, 11th Armored Division Association, U.S. Army Center of Military History. Opening hours and prices change: check the official website before your visit. Written in English by the info-lux newsroom, independent regional news media based in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.