Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of the Bulge
Archer T. Gammon Memorial
| | Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park | |
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 8, 2024
1. Battle of the Bulge Marker
During World War II, following the invasion of France by Allied Forces on June 6, 1944, German armies began falling back as the Allies advanced across Europe. On December 16, 1944, Hitler launched a last-ditch counterattack with 38 Divisions along a 50 mile front under the cover of fog in the Ardennes Forest in an attempt to swiftly breakthrough and capture Antwerp, Belgium, dividing the Allied armies.
American troops in the town of Bastogne were completely surrounded, giving the battle its name because of the bulging shape of the battleground on a map.
In January 1945, during the breakout from the bulge, Staff Sergeant Archer T. Gammon went beyond the call of duty to save his platoon from annihilation, earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.
On October 31, 1947, a cargo ship, the U.S.S. Sgt. Archer T. Gammon was named in the recipients honor. The plaque to the left was taken from the bridge of the ship when the Navy decommissioned it in 1973. The text of the plaque appeared on the certificate that accompanied Sgt. Gammons Medal of Honor presented to his family.
Erected 2005 by City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in Southside Virginia and specifically in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Staff Sergeant Archer T. Gammon (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); The Korean War (here, next to this marker); World War I (here, next to this marker); The Vietnam War (here, next to this marker); The Spanish-American War (a few steps from this marker); Defending Freedom (a few steps from this marker); The American Civil War (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 8, 2024
2. Battle of the Bulge Marker (right)
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 8, 2024
3. Battle of the Bulge Marker (right)
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 8, 2024
4. Battle of the Bulge Marker (upper right)
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 8, 2024
5. Archer T. Gammon
Archer T. Gammon was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge. His name is accordingly inscribed upon the Danville/Pittsylvania County Veterans' Memorial, as seen here.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 11, 2024
6. Archer T. Gammon Gravesite
Archer T. Gammon received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 24, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
