Pétange, Op der Millen

As part of the recon detatchment of the 5th US armored division, 1st US Army, entering the occupied territories of the grand duchy on 9th of september 1944, 2nd. Lt. Hyman Josefson and the platoon under his command were among the first US units liberating the country from nazi-german occupation; as a border town, Pétange was first along the liberation route. The retreating german Wehrmacht did not put up a tenacious defense, opting instead to take up positions along the Siegried line of defenses on the German border and only putting up a delaying action in some locations; the pullback was covered by artillery supporting the retreat. Josefsons platoon came under fire during the liberation, falling victim to the artillery strikes. His sacrifice, the first US combat casualty of World War II on luxembourgish soil, is commemorated in this memorial in Pétange, dedicated not only to Josefson, but also his unit and the liberating army at large. The memorial site, a small park alongside the road, contains a plaque and stone eternalizing Josefson and his unit, and also put the armored car of his recon platoon on display.

The memorial consists of a stone pedestrial with engraved American Eagle and has an adjacent enamel signpost with the inscription “Square 2nd Lt. Hyman Josefson, First American Soldier KIA for the Liberation of Pétange and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, September 9, 1944”. In addition, an M-8 Greyhound armored reconnaissance car, as used by Josefson and his crew has been added almost on the exact site where 2nd Lt. Josefson died, when his “Greyhound” was hit by a German anti tank gun at the former “Wax” mill.

This gallery dedicated to the cyclist Bim Diederich has found its rightful home at the Bim Diederich sports centre in Pétange. As a local hero, national hero, and hero to cycling enthusiasts around the world, Bim Diederich deserves nothing but the highest honours. The gallery showcases his magnificent feats with photos, jerseys, documents and other memorabilia. There are also interactive exhibits offering a wide overview of his exploits. Head to the first floor of the sports centre to discover (or rediscover) the glory days of this top-level sportsman. You are sure to leave full of inspiration. Bim Diederich’s passion is contagious!

Pétange skatepark features several banks, quarters, funboxes and a miniramp. Access to the site via the bridge.