Some images from the Bulge

Both the Americans . . .

. . . and the Germans suffered very heavy losses.

If you're looking at this map, you're ready to panic . . .

If you have this one, things are much more manageable.

Most Americans know about the heroic defense at Bastogone* by the 101st Airborne, which played a key role in stemming the German tide. But most don't realize that more men died after the town was relieved than before.

And if you really want to get critical, the defenses on the north shoulder of the German salient were the key to the collapse of the German overall plan. But the events there have never received the dramatic treatment as Bastogone or the Third Army drive from the south.

By the way, Bradley was actually up where it says 12th Tac on the bottom map - that's his "tactical" headquarters. The fact that he was so close to the front was one of the reasons (at least allegedly) that he so many problems with Ike. It's interesting that the map subconsciously takes him so far out of the picture.

*Spelled Bostogne on the army map - was it drawn by a Red Sox fan?