About this site

Why This Website

With a grandfather who fought in World War II, my interest in history — especially WWII — began at an early age.

Growing up in Meijel, I could still see the traces of the fierce battles fought here during the liberation in the autumn of 1944. As a child, I played in the foxholes and bunkers, unaware of the personal sacrifices made on that very ground. For reasons I can’t fully explain, the Americans — particularly the men of the US 7th Armored Division — captured my special interest.

It has always moved me that such young men, so far from home, were willing to risk and even give their lives for our freedom. Each one of them was someone’s son, husband, father, or brother.

Over the years, several monuments dedicated to the 7th Armored Division have been erected in the Netherlands by passionate volunteers who remain grateful to this day. After many years of reading, collecting, and speaking with people, I felt it was time to create a memorial website honoring the losses suffered by the 7th Armored Division during their Holland campaign.

This website will continue to grow as new information becomes available. If you have additional details, corrections, photographs, or personal stories about the men listed in the Roll of Honor, I warmly invite you to contact me. I would also appreciate hearing from anyone who has adopted the grave of one of these soldiers. If desired, I can include your name in the soldier’s profile — but more importantly, it helps connect people who share the same dedication to remembrance.

Regards, Werner van Osch This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.