If i read it correctly, Jake Devers, who was NOT an Ike favorite, wanted to defend Strasbourg, Ike ordered him to abandon it and of course threatened relief and all of that. Now I understand that Devers, being a bright guy and a bit closer to the political as well as military situation in Alsace, left Ike's order on his desk and went for coffee as the French Liasion officer to 6th Army Group was in the office. Devers gave his French guest plenty of time to read, and maybe even copy , the order. Once Ike was faced with the reality the the French were quite ready to sacrifice it all for the city and make damned certain the world would "know" it was Ike's fault, he began his grinning and acted like saving the place was his idea all along. Nordwind had potential be be even more devastating than the Bulge in the long term . The Political implications as well as the obvious supply( like up from the Riviera) as well as the potential breakthrough that could have easily undone the gains made by pushing back in the Bulge. Another note, the 12th Armored was sent in to face the 10SS Panzer without information on who and what they were facing. 43d Tank Battallion died like men , the Germans thought they'd insult them by calling them the "Suicide Division" Big mistake, the Hellcats wore it proudly and you all know what they call payback.