"Doubler demands persuasively that we show renewed respect for the prowess of the American Army of 1944-1945. All students of the war should read this book."—Russell F. Weigley, author of Eisenhower's Lieutenants
"A unique analysis of how American combat troops improvised battle techniques in unexpected and extremely difficult battlefield situations. Doubler's operational coverage is excellent, his writing flows, and his argument is significant not only for the 1944-45 campaigns in northwest Europe, but also for the entire war and even for warfare in general."—Martin Blumenson, author of The Patton Papers
"An important contribution to our understanding of innovation in the U.S. Army under the deadly pressure of combat. It provides new and important insights about the importance of having talented, creative soldiers who can solve problems and adjust to unexpected demands in battle."—Robert A. Doughty, author of The Breaking Point: Sedan and the Fall of France, 1940
Author Biography: Lieutenant Colonel Michael D. Doubler serves in the office of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. He received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University and has taught at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
| List of Illustrations and Tables | ||
| Acknowledgments | ||
| Glossary | ||
| Introduction | 1 | |
| 1 | Lessons Learned in the North African and Mediterranean Campaigns | 10 |
| 2 | Busting the Bocage | 31 |
| 3 | The Air-Ground Battle Team | 63 |
| 4 | Battles of Buildings and Cobblestones | 87 |
| 5 | Struggles against Steel and Concrete | 110 |
| 6 | In Spite of Hell and High Water | 141 |
| 7 | Confusion and Slaughter among the Firs | 172 |
| 8 | Defense in the Ardennes | 198 |
| 9 | The American Soldier | 227 |
| 10 | The Schoolhouse of War | 265 |
| Appendix A U.S. Army Organization and Weaponry | 301 | |
| Appendix B U.S. Army Doctrine and Tactics | 304 | |
| A Note on Sources | 307 | |
| Notes | 313 | |
| Bibliography | 335 | |
| Index | 343 |
Overview
"Doubler demands persuasively that we show renewed respect for the prowess of the American Army of 1944-1945. All students of the war should read this book."—Russell F. Weigley, author of Eisenhower's Lieutenants
"A unique analysis of how American combat troops improvised battle ...