Advance and Destroy: Patton as Commander in the Bulge
Author: John Nelson Rickard
The book analyzes the operational performance of Patton and his Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge. Drawing judiciously from divisional, army, and SHAEF sources, the author presents a day-by-day accounting of the battle from the 12th Army group and Third Army perspectives. The author analyzes and 'rates' Patton's performance at different points in the campaign. What I found especially insightful is Rickard's observations and judgments regarding the performance of the Third Army general staff, contrasting their performance vis` a vis 12 Army Groups staff work. Also interesting is the discussion on the 4 options that the Third Army had in closing out the campaign after the relief of Bastogne. It is especially interesting in reading what Patton initially proposed and what his ideas were versus Eisenhower's, and to some extent, Bradley's, view on how the closeout campaign should be fought. I won't reveal details here, but if you've read anything about Patton, Bradley, and Eisenhower and understand their relationship, what you read in this book won't surprise you. This book is well worth your time to read if you have an interest in Patton and his conduct of the battle and the conduct (...and politics) of high command.
Author: John Nelson Rickard
The book analyzes the operational performance of Patton and his Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge. Drawing judiciously from divisional, army, and SHAEF sources, the author presents a day-by-day accounting of the battle from the 12th Army group and Third Army perspectives. The author analyzes and 'rates' Patton's performance at different points in the campaign. What I found especially insightful is Rickard's observations and judgments regarding the performance of the Third Army general staff, contrasting their performance vis` a vis 12 Army Groups staff work. Also interesting is the discussion on the 4 options that the Third Army had in closing out the campaign after the relief of Bastogne. It is especially interesting in reading what Patton initially proposed and what his ideas were versus Eisenhower's, and to some extent, Bradley's, view on how the closeout campaign should be fought. I won't reveal details here, but if you've read anything about Patton, Bradley, and Eisenhower and understand their relationship, what you read in this book won't surprise you. This book is well worth your time to read if you have an interest in Patton and his conduct of the battle and the conduct (...and politics) of high command.