The German counter-offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944, known as Operation Wacht am Rhein, had major consequences for Libramont. The Germans mobilised 20 divisions and 250,000 men to surprise the Americans and break through the Ardennes towards the Meuse and the port of Antwerp. The American troops in Libramont were outnumbered, with only 83,000 men facing the enemy. From 16 December, American convoys passed through the town on their way to Houffalize. But on 22 December, most of the GIs left Libramont, leaving an oppressive calm.

On 23 December, squadrons of heavy Dakotas flew over the region after supplying the garrison at Bastogne. An American fighter plane crashed not far from the Neufchâteau road during a skirmish. During the night, a German plane strafed military targets near the rue des Alliés, where there was a barracks with a large food and fuel depot.

On 26 December, Libramont railway station was attacked twice by German bombers. Two bombs hit St Joseph's school, which served as an aid and command post for the Americans. Ten American soldiers were killed and 21 wounded. Two other bombs destroyed several buildings in the Grand-rue, killing two civilians who had taken refuge in their cellar.

On 27 December, a bomb dropped by an enemy aircraft damaged the Etienne house on Avenue de Houffalize, near the clinic. The Union Coopérative building, which housed a large industrial bakery, was also heavily damaged in the bombing raids.

The consequences of the German counter-offensive in the Ardennes on Libramont were tragic, with loss of life among American soldiers and civilians. The town suffered air attacks and destruction in several districts. This difficult moment in Libramont's history is still commemorated today.