What was the U.S attitude during th Battle of the Bulge. Also, awards, punishments, and coalition involvement?

Question

For the awards, did they receive anything for fighting this battle? And if they weren't doing there job or caught by an enemy, what were the punishments?

U.S attitude towards the war. Like were they nervous about it?

Answer 1

Good lord! There was no "coalition". There were allied troops from many countries (some which were still occupied by Gerrman forces). And it was the German Counter-Offensive through the Ardennes Forest which caught those troops flat-footed. Even though this was the third time in two World War where German troops were attacking through the town of Sedan.
Though there were some U.S. troops who surrendered early in the operation, the 101st Airborne Division held out against superior German forces which had completely encircled their position in the Belgian town of Bastoigne.
The Third Army, under command of General George S. Patton made a ninety degree turn and attacked those German positions within 48 hours of receiving the order to do so from General Omar Bradley.
There was no media-driven and Congressionally-assisted "finger of blame" around in those days. The allied forces blunted the German's attempt to reach and occupy the Dutch port of Antwerp and cause a breach of the united front represented by those allied forces. In less than six months, Berlin was occupied and the war in Europe was over. All of the Americans who had been captured were rescued and released with the exception of some who were summarily executed by units of the Waffen S.S.

Answer 2

Most received the Combat Infantry Badge and the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal, possibly the WWII Victory Medal. In 1947 the CIB was upgraded to the Bronze Star. There was a lot of "take no prisoners" taking place on both sides. Failing to perform as ordered or running to the rear could/would get you shot dead on the spot. Very few went down that path.

The public was very supportive of the war effort. I will guess 95% support

Answer 3

I don't understand your question. Our "attitude" was that we were in a major land battle and it had to be won. As far as being captured by the Germans there was no punishment for that.