(Page 5 NYT): “Price of Nazi Attack Aids Us In Final Strategy, Observers Say”
Interesting. I wonder if some have thought that instead of lengthening the war, the desperate Nazi offensive might have actually shortened the war because after this flash in the pan, they didn’t have much left.
Read page 6 of today’s post: “Price to Nazis of Attack Aids Us In Final Strategy, Observers Say.
Actually, Eisenhower’s first reaction to the attack was just that, “The present situation is to be regarded as one of opportunity for us and not of disaster.” They would engage the Wehrmacht on the march, exposed on roads instead of fighting in ambush behind prepared positions. A German general, I forgot whom, said that the Americans in the Ardennes performed the artillery preparation for the Battle of Berlin.
At the conference at SHAEF HQ, where Patton made his commitment to attack in the German flank in 48 hours...
Turning toward Bradley as he described his plans for the southern shoulder of the Bulge, Patton contended, “Brad, the Kraut’s stuck his head in a meat grinder. And”—he turned his fist in simulation—“this time I have hold of the handle.” - See more at: http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-the-bulge#sthash.2DCFLSJR.dpuf