Ray Merriam

The Battle at St. Vith, Belgium, 17-23 December 1944: an Historical Example of Armor in the Defense: U.s. Army Armor School Ray Merriam

Merriam Press Military Monograph 5. Fifth Edition (January 2012). At the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge two of the most important localities were Bastogne and St. Vith, with their the road nets which, if held, would disrupt the plan of any aggressor. Bastogne was an important communications center and has received much of the attention, causing many to lose sight of the importance of St. Vith and the gallant stand made for its defense by elements of the 106th Division and CCB, 7th Armored Division. It was CCB which influenced the subsequent action and caused the enemy so much delay and so many casualties. Though armor was not designed primarily for the role of the defensive, the operation was nevertheless a good example of how it can assume such role in an emergency. This is a detailed, well-written history of a highly significant battle. This is a brand new edition (not a facsimile reprint) of a booklet originally published by the Armor School at Ft. Knox in 1966. Contents: Foreword of 1966; Foreword; Editor?s Note; Introduction; Chapter 1: The Front on 16 December 1944; Chapter 2: The German Strike; Chapter 3: The March to St. Vith; Chapter 4: The Defense is Organized; Chapter 5: The Line Holds on 18 December 1944; Chapter 6: Events of 19 December 1944; Chapter 7: Events of 20 December 1944; Chapter 8: Events of 21 December 1944; Chapter 9: Events of 22 December 1944; Chapter 10: The Seventh Day: 23 December 1944; Chapter 11: Supply Difficulties; Chapter 12: An Inventory; Chapter 13: Lessons; Chapter 14: Back to St. Vith; Appendix 1: Allied Order of Battle, 0530, 16 December 1944; Appendix2: German Order of Battle, 0530, 16 December 1944; Appendix 3: Troop List, 7th Armored Division; Appendix 4: Honors; Bibliography. 9 photos; 11 maps; 2 order of battle charts; 4 appendices.