Status
Available
Collection
Series
Publication
Pan Books (2003), Edition: Reprint, 290 pages
Description
The U.S. Army regards the Hurtgen Forest as one of the most desperate battles it has ever fought. Flanking the key German city of Aachen, the forest was one of the formidable natural barriers interspersed with German fortifications in the West Wall in September 1944.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
One of the two most egregious military mistakes of WW2; the other was Peleliu in the Pacific. Both undertaken to protect a general's flank in an attack; here it was Lawton Collins and MacArthur in the Pacific.
LibraryThing member gbraden
This was a battle, that could not be won, even with the shear numbers thrown against the objective. Instead it became a matter of US high command pride. An objective insignificant in the great scheme of things. An objective that could easily be by-passed with a containing force left behind to keep
Hindsight, being what it is, can easily lay blame, where blame does not belong. This book and the background research has laid out a case for negligence and does not color those in charge in a very great light. To me, it seemed that the author is (rightfully) angry, and feels like there is something very personal beyond the loss of young lives.
Well written, insightful. As a student of WWII history, I had never encountered this battle in Hurtgen Forest and how expensive it was. The book tends to hammer home, over and over the ignorance and short slightness of the American command to a point of distraction. This book gets can easily convey the mistakes without so much fist thumping. I highly recommend this book, despite it being slow going at times. I recommend this book for those who love WWII history in great detail and presents thoroughly researched facts.
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the Germans within the forest and supplies out. Instead the pride of generals prevailed over wisdom and hundreds of thousands died. Divisions nearly depleted, companies almost disappearing. An awful pride driven, military tactical mistake.Hindsight, being what it is, can easily lay blame, where blame does not belong. This book and the background research has laid out a case for negligence and does not color those in charge in a very great light. To me, it seemed that the author is (rightfully) angry, and feels like there is something very personal beyond the loss of young lives.
Well written, insightful. As a student of WWII history, I had never encountered this battle in Hurtgen Forest and how expensive it was. The book tends to hammer home, over and over the ignorance and short slightness of the American command to a point of distraction. This book gets can easily convey the mistakes without so much fist thumping. I highly recommend this book, despite it being slow going at times. I recommend this book for those who love WWII history in great detail and presents thoroughly researched facts.
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Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0330420518 / 9780330420518