This battle study, by Richard H. Barnes, MAJ, US Field Artillery, "...investigates operational and tactical considerations of the
battles of Arracourt, which took place in September 1944 as the 4th Armored
Division of Patton's Third Army clashed with the Fifth German Panzer Army in the French province of Lorraine on the U.S. drive to the German West Wall.
By examining detailed German and American unit histories, logs, and
summaries, as well as personal papers, this study illuminates differences and
similarities in reporting the U.S. penetration from the Nancy Bridgehead to
Arracourt, the German offensive at Luneville as a prelude to Arracourt,
and the two German offensives at Arracourt, as the Fifth Panzer Army attempted
to link up with a German unit cut off at Nancy. Arracourt exemplifies penetration and mobile defense and illustrates
the demand for good intelligence and flexible command and control. It
shows the inherent risks of piecemeal commitment of reserves, the need for
timely orders and good logistical support, as well as the tactical advantages."
