Generals of the Ardennes : American leadership in the Battle of the Bulge

In the many decades since the German army smashed into the American lines in the Battle of the Bulge, opinion of the U.S. senior commands leadership capabilities has fluctuated between hero worship and scorn, with the latter view becoming more predominant as the initial glow of victory faded. Rather than a conventional study of the Ardennes offensive, «Generals of the Ardennes: American Leadership in the Battle of the Bulge» studies five examples of American command leadership at different levels to answer two questions: what characteristics of leadership did these generals display, and how did they affect the overall battle? Based on extensive documentation and personal interviews with participants, «Generals of the Ardennes» provides a description and analysis of: Dwight Eisenhowers role as coalition commander Omar Bradleys direction of the 12th Army Group during the crisis Lieutenant General William Simpsons contribution to the Ninth Armys part in defeating the German onslaught Major General Troy Middletons stand with the VIII Corps in the center of the fighting Major General Alan Jones and Brigadier General Bruce Clarke and how they dealt with the challenges and confusions at «the point of the spear». Amid the countless books in many languages that tell and retell the history of the Battle of the Bulge, this one is unique in its focus on American generalship during those epic and decisive weeks that turned the tide of World War II in Europe. For that reason, it stands as both a significant history and an important document for the study of command and control. Generals Of The Ardennes Is Not A Conventional History Of The Battle Of The Bulge, But A Study Of Us Command Leadership At Different Levels During That Fiery December Of 1944 When A German Offensive Against The Center Of The American Lines Threatened To Split The Massed Allied Armies. It Shows How Us Commanders From Eisenhower Himself Down Through Army Group, Army, Corps, And Division Commanders Met The Heavy Burdens Of Leadership In The Crucible Of That Bloody Winter--foreword. American Forces In The Ardennes -- Eisenhower And The Supreme Command -- Bradley And The 12th Army Group -- Simpson And The Ninth Army -- Middleton And The Eighth Corps -- The Defenses Of St.-vith : Jones And Clarke -- Heroes And Victims. By J.d. Morelock. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 391-406) And Index.