Advance and Destroy: Patton as Commander in the Bulge

American Warriors

by John Nelson Rickard, Debra Nystrom (Foreword), Roger Cirillo (Foreword)

In the winter of 1944–1945, Hitler sought to divide Allied forces in the heavily forested Ardennes region of Luxembourg and Belgium. He deployed more than 400,000 troops in one of the last major German offensives of the war, which became known as the Battle of the Bulge, in a desperate attempt to regain the strategic initiative in the West. Hitler's effort failed for a variety of reasons, but many historians assert that Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr.'s Third Army was ultimately responsible for securing Allied victory. Although Patton has assumed a larger-than-life reputation for his leadership in the years since World War II, scholars have paid little attention to his generalship in the Ardennes following the relief of Bastogne.

In Advance and Destroy, Captain John Nelson Rickard explores the commander's operational performance during the entire Ardennes campaign, through his "estimate of the situation," the U.S. Army's doctrinal approach to problem-solving. Patton's day-by-day situational understanding of the Battle of the Bulge, as revealed through ULTRA intelligence and the influence of the other Allied generals on his decision-making, gives readers an in-depth, critical analysis of Patton's overall effectiveness, measured in terms of mission accomplishment, his ability to gain and hold ground, and a cost-benefit analysis of his operations relative to the lives of his soldiers. The work not only debunks myths about one of America's most controversial generals but provides new insights into his renowned military skill and colorful personality.

Genres: Military History

528 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2011

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

An in-depth look at Patton "possibly underused by Bradley and Ike" on mostly corps and division levels. As aggressive as he was, the shifting German divisions in front meant a good eye on the flanks in a country cut up into hilly ridges of approach.

[Strick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid academic history

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my Goodreads comments, I know that I perused this about ten years ago but was a bit turned off by its addition of professional military analysis to the discussion. This time around I'm appreciating the author's blend of historical narrative and operational science, and I think it's because of that added analysis. We've all read decent historical narratives, but what Rickard adds here is an in depth appreciation for the operational art behind the Third Army's 90 degree pivot as well as the intelligence work of Koch and his team. The result is a masters course in events that we've seen covered elsewhere and perhaps failed to appreciate through military eyes.

Recommended for those interested in Patton's actions during the Battle of the Bulge, but looking for a different point of view.

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great read, but if one is not familiar with military speak or perspectives it will be a challenge. There is some disconnect between American terms and those used in the book. Lines of action are now know as courses of action. This is a great study in command and the operations process, again very military audience oriented. The whole Understand, visualize, describe direct, lead and assess is thoroughly fleshed out in this book. His conclusions are sound and tie back into the effectiveness of Patton's command.

[E. Kahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Offers some blank-filling detail for the Third Army's role in the Ardennes campaign. Unfortunately the writing is almost willfully bland, is careless in parts and the analysis is uninspired. I would not recommend this one to either casual readers or WW2 buffs.

[ARMY]

Fontenot

[J.P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brutally ponderous, al to reach a foregone conclusion