The Ardennes Offensive 1 Armee & VII Armee: Southern Sector

The task of securing the southern shoulder of Hitler's great offensive in the Ardennes fell to the VII Armee commanded by the dogged but unimaginative General Erich Brandenberger. His men fought a series of bitter battles attempting to protect the vulnerable flank of the attack. In the ultimate irony of the battle he was pitted against one of the most daring and aggressive Allied commanders -- General George S. Patton -- as US Third Army drove into the southern flank of the 'Bulge.' Desperate fighting took place as Brandenberger's men attempted to prevent Patton's forces linking up with the beleaguered garrison of Bastogne.