A Review Of Citizen Soldier Essay Research — страница 2

by surrendering to the British or American Armies. One such example was that of the American soldier unknowingly finding a spot to rest next to a German soldier who in the morning wakened the American so he could surrender himself to this GI. The push had been successful and the Germans were on the verge of defeat. Part Two Chapter 6 The push toward Berlin brought the allies to Hurtgen Forest. The landings of D-Day had taken a large toll on combat units yet they marched forward. At certain point within the chapter Amborse tells us that many units suffered in excesses of 100 percent casualty rates. The Hurtgen Forest is described as a thick, dark, and ominous location to make an effort to dislodge the enemy from its fortified defense. American soldiers were unable to utilize their

effective support that had been so beneficial through out hedgerows. Terrain and rendered tank support useless and the thick forest canopy prevented use of air support. Movement forward was slow and costly, German fortifications proved to be formidable. Soldiers went days without rest and dry clothing having a discouraging effect on the troops. Ambrose also hints at the inadequacies of the Army?s senior leadership. A key point mentioned, was the lack of true understanding by senior leaders of the combat situation facing their troops. Leadership tended not to visit the front lines failing to comprehend the difficulties of those at the front but the strengths of junior officers and NCOs carried the Army through. This ineffective command as Ambrose points out, lead to many lives

being lost without real reason. The soldiers in the Hurtgen forest gain territory that impact positively on the efforts against the Germans. Chapter 7 A successful push to the German boarder had promoted an atmosphere of contentment; soldiers turned their attentions toward home and were caught off guard as the Wehrmacht pushed forward. In its early moments only General Eisenhower understood the complete implications of this development. Hitler had gambled that The Allies would be slow to act allowing a firm foothold from which to regain the upper hand. The Germans succeeded in breaking the American lines in the Ardennes. Caught off balance many American units fell quickly to the giant German force mounted to regain the momentum the Germans enjoyed in 1940. This new German force

was unknown to American Intelligence and was equipped with the latest tools to roll off production lines. The ensuing confusion promoted many to retreat and later it became a mass exodus for individuals. Eisenhower, grasping the situation ordered the 82nd and 101st to reinforce the ?shoulders? of the penetration. As these soldiers were transported into position they came in contact with their fellow soldiers running for safety. The Germans inflicted a serious wound on the American lines but not on the American will to right a wrong. The Allies would seize this opportunity to ?cut?em off and chew ?em up?. The Germans were about to receive a pounding. Chapter 8 The retreating American soldiers came to a place where they would no longer be allowed to fall back. Even after a

difficult march the tired and weary soldiers had a heart felt determination to hold at the village of Elsenborn. Occupying a key position between Eifel and Antwerp the Germans need this previously neglected point. The determination the American soldiers held at Elsenborn would signal to German leadership the underestimation placed on the American warrior. This courage is best illustrated in Ambrose?s highlighting of the surrounding of Bastogne and the 101st . Along with elements of the 10th Armored, combat engineers, anti-aircraft units the 101st was surrounded by a German Division. These soldiers held off the Germans time after time. At one point the German Co would ask for the ?honorable surrender? of those with in the encircled town. The reply to this request was a simple and

defying ?Nuts?. These units received further supplies and continued to hold off the Germans until the dramatic rescue by the forces of General Patton. The weather had prevented the Allied use of Air power yet as the weather improved and missions were flown, the German advance truly came to crippling halt. Chapter 9 1944 like every other year brought the otherwise joyous celebration of Christmas. For both German and American this was a time set aside the horrors of combat for the peaceful thoughts of the season. During the Ardennes Campaign there was no agreed to cease fire, but soldiers enjoyed a sense of peace, if only within themselves. Ambrose writes of Christmas carols being sung on both sides of the line. Such small scenes were spread through out the ETO. Front line soldiers