Lieutenant General Troy H. Middleton effectively commanded division and corps formations in World War II. His previous combat experience included command of the 47th Infantry Regiment in World War I. During the interwar period, Middleton served as...
This study is an historical analysis of the demonstrated leadership attributes of three World War II commanders in the European Theater, 1944-45: General William H. Simpson, Ninth Army Commander; Major General Troy H. Middleton, VIII Corps...
Schmidt, Jim; Marshall, Michael; Girouard, Ted; McCabe, Bernie; Nazar, Steve; Collins, Gene; Fanning, Norm; Foux, Bob; McDuffie, Mike
The breakout from the Normandy beachhead and the subsequent pursuit of German forces which came to a temporary halt at the West Wall took place from 6 July - 12 September 1944. The operation was characterized by rapid, independent operations...
The purpose of this monograph is to examine the doctrine of retrograde operations. Specifically, it answers the question: does current doctrine provide sufficient guidance for retrograde operations at the operational level of war? To answer the...
This monograph seeks to determine whether the counterattack demands prioritization in the operational defense. It examines the operational defender's force allocation when he confronts a major enemy offensive thrust. The study includes a review of...
This monograph investigates the viability of the requirement for the retention and maintenance of operational-level reserves, given the emergent U.S. Army doctrinal concept of AirLand Operations. Additionally, with the rapid mobility and precision...
This study examines what the key issues are governing the creation and employment of operational reserves by AFCENT in its defense against a no or short notice Warsaw Pact attack. The theoretical notion of operational reserves as discussed by...
This study examines the operations of the 7th Armored Division from 16 December 1944 through 29 January 1945. The focus is on the nature of combat as seen from the perspective of battalion through division-level commanders. The 7th Armored Division...
The purpose of this study is to examine the operational employment of the light infantry division in contingency and reinforcement roles. Considerations for employment were identified from an analysis of doctrine, contemporary military thought, and...
This study reveals how a light infantry division, complemented by key attachments, stopped an armor-heavy German corps. Using original documents and reports, Colonel Mitchell traces the fight at Bastogne with emphasis on the organization, movement...
One of the enduring controversies of World War II is the debate over the value of the Brittany campaign following the Normandy breakout. The Allies adhered to an Overlord requirement by sending Third Army west to seize port facilities in Brittany,...
Brim, Ricky J.; Klingel, Thomas D.; Perkins, David L.; Blevins, Lee
1. Thesis Statement. The 101st Airborne Infantry Division's defense of Bastogne during The Battle of the Bulge was the key to allied victory.
2. Discussion. Hitler's plans to capture Antwerp were not compatible with his military commanders,...
Beverly, Charlie L.; Steele, Bryan L.; Martin, Keith; Daigle, Roger; Santos, Rick
Thesis: The Battle of the Bulge lasted from December 16, 1944 to January 28, 1945 and was the largest land battle in terms of the number of soldiers and the area of land in which the United States participated during World War II.
The advent of air power in the twentieth century combined with the industrialization of armed forces significantly increased the means and opportunities to interdict enemy resupply and movement. While much has been written on the subjects of...
This monograph examines doctrine for joint operations to determine if it helps speed planning and coordination for the employment of operational fires. The Joint Force Commander is experiencing the problem of centrally controlling operational fires...
Future thinking, decisive decision-making, and leadership provide the foundation for the analysis of battle command in theory, doctrine, and history. Classical and modern military theorists make the commander the central point for leadership and...
The purpose of this monograph is to provide a definition of operational fires, illustrate the concept with historical examples, and highlight doctrinal implications for the command and control of these fires. Operational fires are distinctly...
FM 100-5 identifies four, fundamental tenets necessary for successful implementation of AirLand Battle doctrine. These tenets are initiative, agility, depth, and synchronization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative importance...
This paper determines if operational commanders should retain reserves during offensive operations. It examines what Clausewitz, Jomini, and other theorists wrote on the subject. Then it looks at three historical examples, the British during the...