Battle of the Bulge 1944 (1): St Vith and the Northern Shoulder

Battle of the Bulge 1944 #1

by Steven J. Zaloga, Howard Gerrard (Illustrator)

Osprey's first title examining the Battle of the Bulge, which was the largest and most costly battle fought by the US Army in World War II (1939-1945). The Ardennes fighting was Hitler's last gamble on the Western Front, crippling the Wehrmacht for the remainder of the war. In the first of two volumes on the Ardennes campaign Steven Zaloga details the fighting in the northern sector around St Vith and the Elsenborn Ridge. Sixth Panzer Army, containing the bulk of German Panzer strength, was expected to achieve the breakthrough here. It was the failure around St Vith that forced the Germans to look south towards Bastogne.

Genres: History, World War II, Military History

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Steven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology.  He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank.  His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower.  He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and succinct account of the crucial front of the Ardennes counteroffensive. The attack fell apart quickly, and while fiercely fought, was all but decided by December 18. One is struck by the Americans offering a dogged defense (which is part of our military culture) and Bradley's fast reaction to the battle once it was confirmed as a major offensive and not a spoiling attack. On the level of high command, it was among his best moments as a commander.