Sterne, Gary The Americans and Germans in Bastogne. First-Hand Accounts from the Commanders

In December 1944 the Third Reich was retreating. It was almost inconceivable that they could mount a counter offensive.To the Allies, the capitulation of the Third Reich was just around the corner. Or was it? Instead, could the Battle of the Bulge succeed in turning the tide of the war for the German high command? The U.S. 101st Airborne were the only Allied unit capable of slowing down the German advance towards Antwerp - and they were ordered to do just that - at a place called Bastogne.The battle for the small Belgium cross-roads town is now world famous and to add to that historical narrative, the author has located declassified interviews with the German unit commanders who took part. Brought together for the first time - they provide a unique perspective on the battle as the Germans were forced to make continuous alterations to their plans - and the 101st resisted every attempt to dislodge them. This book offers significant and fresh research on this famous battle and the narrative unfolds in words of the men who were actually there.

The battle for the small Belgian town at a strategically important crossroads is world-famous today. In addition to this historical narrative, the author has found declassified interviews with the participating German commanders. Collected for the first time in this book, these accounts offer a unique perspective on the battle, when the Germans were forced to constantly change their plans for their major offensive - and the 101st resisted every attempt to drive them out of Bastogne. This book offers an up-to-date look at what happened in and around Bastogne in December 1944, told in the words of the men who fought there.