Patton at the Battle of the Bulge

How the General's Tanks Turned the Tide at Bastogne

By: Leo Barron

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

December 1944. For the besieged American defenders of Bastogne, time was running out…

Hitler's forces had pressed in on the small Belgian town in a desperate offensive designed to push back the Allies, starting the Battle of the Bulge. So far, the US soldiers had managed to repel waves of attackers and even a panzer onslaught, but as their ammunition dwindled, the weary paratroopers of the 101st Airborne could only hope for a miracle - a miracle in the form of General George S. Patton and his Third Army.

More than a hundred miles away, Patton, ordered to race his men to Bastogne, was already putting in motion the most crucial charge of his career. Tapped to spearhead his counterstrike against the Wehrmacht was the Fourth Armored Division, a bloodied but experienced unit that had fought and slogged its way across France. But blazing a trail into Belgium meant going up against some of the best infantry and tank units in the German Army. Failure to reach Bastogne in time could result in the overrunning of the 101st - a catastrophic defeat that could turn the tide of the war and secure victory for the Nazis.

In Patton at the Battle of the Bulge, Army veteran and historian Leo Barron explores one of the most famous yet little understood clashes of the war, a vitally important chapter in one of history's biggest battles.

©2014 Leo Barron (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

well written and researched.

I like how he incorporated both sides the Americans and the Germans.
although like one reviewer said it's a bit confusing. wish had a map and The German terminology for troops and weapons are a bit confusing. overall thoroughly enjoyed it.

A Clear Recounting of the Battle

Well put together

Nice Performance

Well written

(Fifteen word minimum to make it a review)

Emotional journey

My Dad fought with Patton and the 3rd Army. He was at the Bulge, and all through France, but never would talk about it. It’s always interesting to hear about what he and Men like him went through. I retired with 23 years and went to Afghanistan, but never saw anything like he did. I am in awe of such Great Men. Thank you!!

One of the best

Despite the title, Patton doesn't overshadow the narrative of this wonderfully researched book. It details many of the smaller units involved in the fighting, weaving personal accounts on both sides into the potentially confusing technical narrative. It flows very nicely and never lags.

very detailed

Very good book about how the third army made a major move to help destroy the Bulge. Title is a little misleading as there is very little about Patton, But is an engaging and well written and performed book;

Title problems

Patton is in the title but little about him in the book. It still was a very good history of the battle.

Detailed description of both sides

The complexity of Patton's organization and quality of his officers is revealed in face of an equally determined foe. Enjoyable throughout when one allows for the granular telling of the amazing race to save Bastogne.

A scholarly yet vivid tale.

Comprehensive, Sobering

Incredible detail. Maybe too much. But have to admire the work that went into this. The author interviewed survivors on both sides, reviewed after action reports and also included interviews with civilians in the villages. The result is an unvarnished and well researched account of a few days in December; while also revealing the chillingly absurd cost when Generals play chess with live soldiers.

Misleading title

What Patton said and/or did during this battle occupies about 20 minutes of this entire audio book. "Patton's 3rd Army at the Battle of the Bulge" would have been a more accurate title.

Excellent

This is an hour by hour account Third Army’s race to break the siege at Bastogne, during the Battle of the Bulge. It is a exciting tip of the spear account. I thoroughly enjoyed it!