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Position:Home>History> Do you think the 101st needed Patton's relief...?Question: Do you think the 101st needed Patton's relief!.!.!.!? in Bastogne or could they have held out do you think!? I have heard two views on it!. What do you think I am still unsure and learning thanks!. There are no wrong answers, please no TDs if you disagree, there are no wrong answers!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Yes that is a two way answer!. I know if you ask any one from the 101st they will never say they needed help!. I on the other hand stratgically see it as they were using a brilliant defense moving their limited artillery at each attack point but I think that the Germans would have figured this out eventually and attacked on all ends and over run them so Patton was very necessary, it was the threat of his approach that made the Germans stop and retreat, not including they did not capture the Petrol depots they were supposed to capture!. Their plan was a daring one but it failed!. Yes I think Patton was needed in the over all strategy!.Www@QuestionHome@Com There are several very excellent answers already printed on here!. Being very young at the time, but reading about it in our history texts, one can probably say that, yes, the 'Red Ball Express' under Patton, as well as the 3rd Army [armored Div!.], was very important in getting supplies of gas for tanks and other equipment, supplies of food and medical supplies (and even mail), improved the situations of all military units involved!. It also played a part in the attitudes, moral and involvement during the 'Battle of the Bulge', which occurred very soon after!. isis1037@yahoo!.comWww@QuestionHome@Com Their situation was desperate!. They were surrounded and cut off from their supply lines and ammunition was low!. I don't think they could have held out much longer without food and supplies!. People may debate this point, but I think everyone can agree that the 101st was glad to see Patton's men once they broke through!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Once the weather allowed resupply, the 101 were back in business!. Being surrounded is, after all, the normal condition of airborne troops!. But that's somewhat beside the point!. The 3d Army swing did more tactical damage to the German position than they'd have done continuing in their previous direction!.Www@QuestionHome@Com It was probably a mistake by Patton, who seems to have made a habit of heading well away from where the real fighting was going on (eg Sicily & Normandy)Www@QuestionHome@Com |