" When the Japanese bombed the Huertgen Forest" Topic

When I read this title I had to do a double take LOL. I thought I would post it for you Robert

When the Japanese bombed the Huertgen Forest: how the Army's investigation of Pearl Harbor influenced the outcome of the Huertgen Forest, Major General Leonard T. Gerow and his command of V Corps from 1943-1945.

"In September of 1944, Major General Leonard T. Gerow, the V Corps commander was relieved of command in combat to return to the United States and testify before the Army's Investigation Board on Pearl Harbor. The board eventually found General Gerow partially responsible for the American defeat at Pearl Harbor. After testifying before the board General Gerow returned to Europe where he resumed command of V Corps. The timing of the board, the nature of its findings and its effect on him disrupted his confidence and capability to command. In the month he was absent from the front his corps as well as the overall Allied situation had changed. The Allied armies were logistically culminated; short of trained combat personnel and facing determined German resistance. The findings of the board also stung him personally and affected his relationship with superior officers. His embarrassment coupled with mute resentment towards the investigations findings would prove disastrous in the coming month. Less than three weeks after his return from testifying, V Corps initiated a series of attacks to secure the Ruhr River dams in western Germany. These dams were crucial to subsequent allied advances into northern Germany. These attacks were launched into a heavily wooded area known as the Huertgen Forest. The attempt to seize this area was met with fierce German resistance and heavy U.S. casualties. His tactical effort during this offensive was his poorest performance of the war. He was uncharacteristically remote from his subordinates, micromanaging, and physically absent from the battlefield. Prior to the Huertgen his was one of the most successful corps commanders in the U.S. Army in Europe. His corps landed on D-Day at Omaha Beach, fought through the hedgerows of Normandy, liberated Paris and was one of the first units to enter into Germany. The battle for the Huertgen was a dark blemish on an otherwise distinguished career. The timing of the Pearl Harbor Investigation and his terrible performance in the Huertgen was not a coincidence. His unsatisfactory accomplishment during the Huertgen was related to the investigation. Less than a month after his failed attack, the Germans launched their final counter-offensive of the war. The Ardennes Offensive was his moment of redemption. Gerow was one of the first leaders to recognize the nature of the Nazi attack. During the battle he was energetic, resourceful and very effective in blunting the German assaults. He was present on the battlefield when needed, he was quick and adamant about requesting support and he made rapid and inventive decisions that greatly contributed to the corps success and the ultimate Allied victory."
PDF link
link

Nothing like having bureaucrats above you determined to pin the blame on someone 3 years after the fact.
Ike should have told Marshal that Gerow had better things to do right now, but they could take all the time they wanted after the war was over.

Huertgen Forest was an error made higher up the command chain than Gerow.

At first i thought this was a Bolt Action bat rep for Germans vs Japanese

Morale check at -20.

Fascinating.

Oh, I thought this was like John Belushi's immortal line "When the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor…"

The OFM has it. The Supreme Court declared some of Lincoln's high-handed actions aimed at winning the war to have been unconstitutional -- but waited until the victory was won (and Lincoln dead) before it did so.

Thanks for sharing. Interesting read.

And here I was thinking it was a Japanese balloon bomb that went waaaaaay off course.

Like I said the title made me do a double take LOL. Robert

And I forgot to add that John Belushi entered my head also LOL. Robert

I think that some part of the blame for part of his "unsatisfactory accomplishment" was in part due to the investigation. Taking him out and sending him back to the US alone might have made him lose his stride when he went back to Europe.Robert

"Huertgen Forest was an error made higher up the command chain than Gerow."

There is that Bill. Ultimately thats where it started. Robert

At least his "unsatisfactory accomplishment" didn't prevent him from being the commandant of the Command and General from November 1945 – January 1948 So there must have been some respect and trust in him. Robert

I thought of Belushi's line also … And yes, the Huertgen was a terrible waste of troops … and loss of lives …

Also the whole"need to secure the dams" was added as a later "objective" to cover up the whole hurtgen Forest muck up.

That would seem to be true from what I understand the objective was getting to and crossing the Roer river.And capturing the city of Duren. Not securing the dams. I think the Dams would have been more of a Strategic objective. Robert

Interesting – lots there that is applicable to non-military management!