At the heart of the Battle of the Bulge, Bonnerue, initially a hamlet of no strategic importance, became the scene of ten days of intense fighting. On 1 January, the American 87th Infantry Division was blocked at Pironpré, forcing a bypass manoeuvre towards Bonnerue. Company L, 347th Regiment, without tank support, attacked across open ground from Jenneville, but the assault failed, leaving many soldiers killed, wounded and taken prisoner.

On 2 January, a new attack was launched towards Bonnerue with the support of Sherman tanks, which were quickly destroyed by a German salvo. As the Americans advanced towards the hamlet, they found it surprisingly empty.

It was a quiet day in Bonnerue on 3 January. The Americans moved up to the Dermience farm, evacuating the civilian refugees. On 4 January, the GIs occupied Bonnerue, repelling German reconnaissance manoeuvres.

On 5 January, German infantry attacked with tanks, but the Americans resisted, driving back the attackers. On 6 January, despite further German attempts, Bonnerue held out thanks to American artillery. During the night, the 3rd Battalion of the 347th Regiment was relieved.

On 7 January, C Company took up position at Bonnerue. At around 4pm, the Germans launched a ferocious attack, taking the hamlet despite American shelling. Violent fighting continued throughout the night.

On 8 January, German armour reappeared, provoking new confrontations. The Americans, surrounded, surrendered after a fierce struggle. Félicie Philippart's house was destroyed and the civilians were forced to flee.

On 9 January, with reduced numbers, no American attempt was made to retake the town. The Germans quietly evacuated Bonnerue over the following days. On 12 January, the inhabitants saw the devastation, Bonnerue reduced to ruins, marking the end of this tragedy. Only two buildings out of eighteen remained standing.