Did General Patton Turn Around His Army During the Battle of the Bulge?

The Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, marked the largest and bloodiest single battle in the history of the United States Army. At the time, German forces under the command of Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt launched a surprise offensive which threatened to split the Allied forces in half.

Disenglacement and Counteroffensive Plans

Early on, General George S. Patton had his Third Army heavily engaged in fighting around Saarbrücken. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Patton saw a chance to pivot his forces and counterattack. Deciding to take action without waiting for explicit authorization from Allied Supreme Commander, General Dwight Eisenhower, he issued a series of contingency orders.

Patton's Urgent Request

Attending a conference at the Supreme Command in the morning of Christmas Eve 1944, Patton was in a rush to get his divisions repositioned. After answering Eisenhower's query on the anticipated timeline for his counterattack, Patton stated confidently: “48 hours.”
He then ordered his staff to immediately transfer the U.S. 80th Infantry Division and the 26th Infantry Division from their positions on the Saar River to assist in relieving the beleaguered 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne.

Rearranging the Battle Front

Patton’s strategic vision involved rotating six full divisions from the Saar River front—a distance spanning from Bastogne to Echternach in Luxembourg. The U.S. III Corps and XII Corps were to play a crucial role in the repositioning. In a mere few days, over 133,000 Third Army vehicles were rerouted in support of this gigantic offensive, covering an average distance of more than 11 miles per vehicle, with logistical support carrying over 62,000 tonnes of supplies.

Relief and Success

The launch of the offensive began on December 21, 1944. Patton, despite facing unfavorable weather conditions, emphasized the need for clear skies. He enlisted the U.S. Army chaplain Colonel James Hugh O'Neill to compose a prayer for favorable weather. The prayer was well-received, and when the weather improved, Patton promptly awarded O'Neill a Bronze Star Medal.

The Impact and Legacy

On December 26, 1944, the first spearhead units of the Third Army’s 4th Armored Division reached Bastogne, clearing a path for the 101st Airborne Division’s relief and resupply. Patton's ability to pivot and counterattack during the winter in such a manner was one of his most remarkable achievements of the war. By relieving Bastogne, he prevented a catastrophic loss for the Allies and showed the strategic acumen for which he was known.

In the end, Patton’s leadership and adaptability were crucial in turning the tide of the Battle of the Bulge and ensuring the victory of the Allied forces in the tumultuous winter of 1944-1945.