​​A US Sherman Tank knocked out by mines​

​​Following the Ardennes Offensive from 16 December 1944, by January 1945 American troops had managed to halt the German advance. The depleted German units in the area were now under heavy pressure from the American forces.

​On 3 January 1945, the American troops began a counter offensive to re-liberate and take back the area that had been lost to the German troops. The US 2nd Armoured Division and US 84th Infantry Division covered a stretch of the front line between Hotton and Manhay. The frontline of the offensive was around nineteen kilometres long. Their objective was to advance to La Roche-en-Ardenne and Houffalize.

In the first hours of the attack, little resistance was encountered from the now depleted German units of the 116th Panzer Division and 2nd SS ‘Das Reich’ Panzer Division, who were in the area. One of the most challenging aspects of the advance for the American troops was the weather conditions. Subzero temperatures caused the morning's rain and sleet to freeze on the roads. The wet surfaces became challenging for vehicle crews to negotiate, and the terrain was difficult in some locations as well. Vehicles, including armour, slid around on the icy roads crashing into other vehicles or leaving the road altogether.

​A US Sherman tank slid across the road and onto the embankment. There were mines in the area that had been removed but not deactivated and had been marked for clearance. The Sherman tank hit the mines at the side of the road and was knocked out. All five crew members were killed: Second Lieutenant Connealy, Sargeant Terrebonne, Technician Fifth Grade Hinsenkamp, Technician Fourth Grade Petersen and Private First Class Mangino. They served with the 66th Regiment of the 2nd Armoured Division. Second Lieutenant Connealy, T4 Petersen and PFC Magino are buried in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Belgium.

Today at the site, a memorial remembers the crew.​ It is located on the left-hand side of the road travelling towards the village of Mélines. It is set back from the road at the base of an embankment.