The Battle of the Bulge Association^® (BOBA), Inc.

The Battle of the Bulge was the largest land battle ever fought by the United States Army. For five weeks from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, American service members and their allies repulsed the Germans’ final major offensive of World War II. The German advance formed a “bulge” in the front lines as they fought their way toward Antwerp, Belgium. The bulge bent, but didn’t break, and the Allies forced the Germans back, not stopping until Germany’s eventual surrender in May, 1945.

Our organization was formed in 1981 by a group of veterans under the name Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Inc. (VBOB), led by Clyde Boden, who became its first president. The organizational ceremony was conducted on December 16, 1981 at the Arlington County, VA, courthouse. Clyde Boden, 84th Infantry Division, called the meeting to order at 2 p.m.

Military veterans who received a battle star for the Ardennes Campaign were the first members, while family members, historians, authors and others were enrolled as associate members. 

Units entitled to Ardennes Campaign credit are identified in War Department General Orders Number 1141-7Dec1945

Read the proclamation signed by the founders

Under the leadership of Boden and his fellow Bulge Veterans, the organization flourished for four decades. As time took its toll on all World War II Veterans, many of the responsibilities began an inevitable shift to children, grandchildren, and other family members, as well as authors, historians, and others interested in the history of the famous battle. Today, the Association is led by the second generation, who continue to lead the mission of keeping alive the memory of those who served.

Eventually, VBOB changed its name and structure to become the Battle of the Bulge Association^®, Inc., its current name. The organization is incorporated in the state of Virginia and is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation.

The national Association is an umbrella organization of individuals who are either a Veteran Member or a general member. A general member is any other person who is a spouse, child, brother, sister, niece, nephew, or lineal descendant of an individual who has received such credit, or anyone who is interested in the work of the Association.

Since inception, there have been 68 chapters chartered in the United States and one chapter in Belgium. The newest chapter, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Chapter, was started in early 2026 in Gettysburg, PA. See the active chapter list for one near you, and contact the Chapter President to find out when they meet: https://battleofthebulge.org/nation-chapters/

BOBA’s MISSION
The Battle of the Bulge Association^®, Inc., is a membership organization instituted to:

• Perpetuate the memory of the sacrifices made by those who participated in the Battle of the Bulge
• Preserve historical data and sites relating to the battle
• Promote friendship among Battle of the Bulge veterans, their relatives and others interested in the battle
• Foster and maintain international relations and good will with all Allied countries who were a part of the battle
• Support Chapters of Battle of the Bulge Association^®

BOBA’s VISION
The Battle of the Bulge Association^®, Inc., will evolve from a Veteran Member-centric organization primarily focused on promoting fellowship among and honoring the Veteran Members to an enduring, financially sound organization focused on honoring the history of the Battle of the Bulge and the memory of those who fought in the Battle, while promoting fellowship among the descendants of the Veteran Members and others interested in the Battle.

BYLAWS (CLICK HERE) (amended January 1, 2025)

2025 Strategic Business Plan (CLICK HERE)

2025 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes (CLICK HERE)

Q3/FY2025-2026 Financial Report (CLICK HERE)

2026 BOBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ELECTED OFFICERS
President & CEO: Steven Landry
Executive Vice President: Kevin Hinkle
Vice President of Membership: Joe Wollet
Vice President of National & Regional Coordination (Chapters): Leon Reed
Vice President Military & Veteran Affairs: Doris Davis
Treasurer: Mary Ann Coates Smith
Recording Secretary: Gail C. Larke

APPOINTED OFFICERS:
William Sean Lee, Chaplain
James Triesler, Historian
Christine Guidry Law, Bulge Bugle Editor
Carl Carraway, Webmaster
OPEN, Social Media Manager

 

Battle of the Bulge Association and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge are registered trademarks.