Based on a briefing from his intelligence officer on Dec. 9, where the possibility of a German attack in the Ardennes was discussed, Patton had ordered his staff to do preliminary contingency planning. This allowed Patton to make the promises to Ike because he knew his staff was ready. Patton will spend the next day touring every divisional HQ involved and personally making sure each commander knows what he is supposed to do.
At the end of his long trip, he will write his wife “Today the Army got their money’s worth out of me.” Indeed.
Thanks, I’m a big fan of George.
I did not know Patton was planning that early. What did his intel people base that Dec. 9 briefing on?