.
Exactly right.

Hitler’s objective was to split the Americans and the Brits along their lines of responsibility (Montgomery in the north and Bradley in the south) and to cross the Meuse and drive to Antwerp.

He then intended to try to negotiate a peace and concentrate on beating Russia who was already at his doorstep.

Middleton was the first senior officer to recognize this was not a spoiling attack and he acted accordingly.

The Lts and Capts who held those crossroads, particularly the combat engineers, determined the outcome of the battle. They bought the time Middleton needed to hold Bastogne.

Because Middleton was so well thought of by Hodges, Bradley, Eisenhower and Patton — nobody really second guessed him except for Patton originally but later realized how brilliant Middleton’s stand at Bastogne really was.

There is much to learn from this tale.

Middleton went on to become President of LSU and made LSU the university it is today. A very sound and humble and competent man. In short supply today, no?

BRC
.