We gamble everything now. We cannot fail.
~ General von Rundstedt's reaction to Hitler's order for the Ardennes offensive
The Germans had been in retreat since the Allied breakout from Normandy, finally settling into defensive lines on their frontier as autumn turned into winter. In early December 1944, it seemed, to the Americans facing them in the Ardennes forests of Belgium and Luxembourg, unlikely that the Germans would attack.
On 16 December, that illusion was shattered when the might of the German Sixth Panzer Army smashed into the thinly-held U.S. lines. The unexpected and powerful thrust overwhelmed some Americans units, while others fought with great determination and skill.
The Germans led the assault with elite units of 1. LSSAH SS-Panzerdivision under SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer Jochen Peiper. Sowing confusion and panic behind the lines were the commandos of Otto Skorzeny's 150. Panzerbrigade, using disguises and infiltration tactics.
U.S. rifleman, engineers, and cavalry units put in every effort to halt the Germans, with improvised defenses, counterattacks, road blocks, ambushes, and bridge demolitions.
Inside You Will Find
- The history of the desperate fighting to hold the northern flank during the Battle of the Bulge.
- History of the U.S. 2nd, 28th, and 99th Infantry Divisions, the Norwegian 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion, and the 14th Cavalry Group.
- The option to field U.S. Perimeter Outposts, Rifle Companies, Engineer Combat Companies, Cavalry Recon Troops, and Light Tank Companies.
- Audie Murphy, movie star and the most decorated American soldier of the war, ready to lead your riflemen to victory.
- History of SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper and the disguised tanks and commandos of Otto Skorzeny¡¯s 150. Panzerbrigade.
- The option to field a German SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper and 150. Panzerbrigade Kampfgruppe.
- Inspirational color photos.
