Analysis: The Battle Of The Huertgen Forest

“The Battle of the Huertgen Forest,” Charles B. MacDonald (2014)
This Battle of the Huertgen Forest is a varied account referencing one of the World War II (WWII) Battles fought in Germany. This battle attests to being one of the bloodiest battles of the war in Germany, a war of attrition. This battle convened from September 1944 – December 1944, culminating in a German counteroffensive that won the final day at Huertgen. Some of the key points brought out in the accounts of this battle were: the number of losses on both the American and German fronts, the terrain needing covered or acquired, key German and American leaders and tactical/strategic advantages, disadvantages. The J. B. Lippincott Company, of Philadelphia and New York, originally published the “Battle of Huertgen Forest” in 1963. This re-account references two opposing forces, America and German, in a bloody battle over the Huertgen Forest. The Huertgen

Lawton Collins, LTG Courtney H. Hodges, (German) General Walter Model and General Erich Brandenberger. This battle on both fronts was encumbered by a litany of problems not limited to logistical problems, low morale, and relief for cause disguised as R&R leave as well as lackluster intelligence. The most significant intelligence debacles were not realizing the importance of the Roer River Dams and the city of Schmidt. As the reading indicates, who ever controls Schmidt controls the dams but neither side knew what to do with the dams, either to seize and control or to destroy them. Eventually the Americans commanders decide to capture Schmidt to have control of the high ground as well as major crossings along the Roer. Although after taking Schmidt the Germans successfully fought to regain the ground and Schmidt would not be conceded again. A second attack on Schmidt cost the American troops: 167 killed, 431 missing, 232 captured, 719 wounded and 544 hospitalized (non-combat