Military history fanatics: Is there a battle that you find yourself obsessively studying?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:20:36 -0400

Mine are Agincourt and Alesia though I could easily get sucked up into any number. Sieges though much more difficult and arduous usually don't get the credit they deserve or am I wrong?

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 12 at 2016 1:22 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:22:28 -0400

Chosin Reservoir

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 1:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:24:41 -0400

Battles along Romes German Frontier, especially the battle of Teutoburg forest. Three legions were wiped out by the Germans.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Jul 12 at 2016 1:31 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:31:30 -0400

Blandensburg, MD, Aug 24, 1814.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 12 at 2016 1:43 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:43:40 -0400

Battle of the Bulge-specifically Bastogne. What the 101st Airborne accomplished is one of the most astonishing feats in military history. As far as Naval battles go, I find the Battle of Midway fascinating and have read several books.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 12 at 2016 1:45 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:45:08 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member - Battle of Belleau Wood (WWI). C'mon... Any battle in which the enemy bestows a nickname upon you AND and it sticks for the next 100 years! The Germans were undefeated in Europe... until the Marines showed up!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 12 at 2016 1:47 PM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:47:04 -0400

The siege and destruction of Constantinople in 1453 and the loss of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in Turkey and the Islamic invasion of Eastern Europe.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jul 12 at 2016 1:50 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:50:00 -0400

Any battle by Alexander the great. He was a master of shaping the battle and taking initiative before the enemy.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 12 at 2016 2:02 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:02:53 -0400

I like Wake Island. Also, Malta. Wake contingent took out a destroyer. Malta had 4 old biplanes going up over and over again.
Singapore. If they only knew that all the Japanese really had left was guts. Outnumbered 3:1 and out of supplies they still forced the surrender of 100,000.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 12 at 2016 2:03 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:03:28 -0400

Over the decades I have gone back to studying Kursk in 1943 and Gettysburg 1863 which were not sieges but turned the course of their respective wars MSG Private RallyPoint Member.
Many sieges have gotten tremendous credit:
(1) the US civil war had many sieges of southern ports primarily like Port Hudson [siege ended today in 1863] and Vicksburg on the Mississippi and Petersburg, Virginia certainly gained credit.
(2) The siege of Leningrad by Army Group North and the relief efforts including USA lend-lease vehicles transporting supplies across the ice-covered lake.
(3) The siege of China and the over the hump relief efforts cost nearly "1,000 men and 600 Air Transport Command (ATC) planes were lost over the hump by the end of China-Burma-India Theater (CBI) operations. In addition, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) lost 38 planes and 88 airmen."

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 12 at 2016 2:05 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:05:41 -0400

German paras at Ft Eban Emel in Belgium. Or Crete.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 12 at 2016 2:09 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:09:04 -0400

Chosin. "We're not retreating, just advancing in another direction." Or was that just the fallback to Pusan? Great quote.
Inchon.
But the undisputed champ has to be The Alamo. Nothing tops The Alamo.

Response by SPC Jeff Zimmerman made Jul 12 at 2016 2:19 PM

SPC Jeff Zimmerman — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:19:10 -0400

The Invasion of Russia by Napoleon, especially the actions of the Allies in the south and a study of the failed opportunities

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 2:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:24:54 -0400

I remember reading about a battle where Hannibal had his guys in the center of his line fall back slowly, as if in an ordered retreat, and the left and right sides crept up slowly at the same time. The enemy pressed forward in the center (against the soldiers they thought were retreating, and the left and right kept creeping up until they were able to envelop the entire enemy force, and they destroyed them. I don't remember the name of the battle, but it was interesting for sure.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Jul 12 at 2016 2:31 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:31:28 -0400

The Little Big Horn and Custer's mistakes. If he wouldn'have left the Gatlin guns behind for fear they would slow down the regiment. If he didn't split the regiment into four segments diminishing his command. The first was the pack train carrying ammunition and supplies. This left three fighting forces three companies (125 men) commanded by Cpt Benteen, three companies (140 men) commanded by Major Reno and five companies (210 men) commanded by Ltc Custer. The true events of the battle may never be truly known it is believed that the Lakota Sioux , Cheyenne, Apraio, and Crow had a combined force of over 1500 to 1800 warriors against Ltc Custer's 210 men which as we know was a slaughter might have been different if all 475 members of his command was with him and of course the Four Gatlin guns he left at the For.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 2:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:52:55 -0400

Myitkyina. Probably one of the greatest feats of Merrill's Marauders.
Broke the Japanese position in Burma and opened the Ledo Road.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 12 at 2016 2:53 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:53:52 -0400

I go thorough phases. Right now I'm in a Lexington/Concord/Battle Road/Bunker Hill/Siege of Boston phase. Basically March 1775 - March 1776

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 12 at 2016 3:07 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:07:14 -0400

Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir.

Response by PO1 Robin Slusher made Jul 12 at 2016 3:10 PM

PO1 Robin Slusher — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:10:01 -0400

I love Agincourt too; if it's the one I'm thinking of; with the French dauphin in command of the French and Henry the IV in for England? At any rate, I like to read of the Battle of the Somme. So heartbreaking and some of the men fighting had just escaped alive from Gallipoli' from the fire to the frying pan.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Jul 12 at 2016 3:22 PM

SSgt Robert Marx — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:22:04 -0400

I enjoy basic World War II overviews such as Keegan & Ambrose, but right now I am reading an overview of the naval battles by Rear Admiral Morison who was a naval observer who wrote official naval histories for the US Navy. He actually had to assume command of a US Navy vessel after all higher officers were killed in battle. His fifteen volume history of the US Navy for WW2 is quite authoritative and good reading.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 3:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:26:13 -0400

Battles of the third crusade: the siege of Acre, the battle of Arsuf, and the battle of Jaffa.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 3:49 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:49:51 -0400

I've always been fascinated with the Roman Siege of Carthage that lasted from 149 BC to 146 BC. Over one hundred years of on and off fighting between these two ancient superpowers, ended by the complete annihilation of Carthage

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 12 at 2016 3:56 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:56:47 -0400

Another battle that I have read a lot about but has largely been forgotten is the Battle of Grainges. On D-Day, the 3/507th PIR, 82nd ABN had the worst mis-drop of the entire Airborne assault, missing its DZ by about 30 miles. They landed far inland, south of Carentan near the village of Grainges. Knowing they were cut off, they formed a perimeter around the village and for several days fought a delaying action that prevented German reinforcements from getting through to Carentan and the beach heads.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 4:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:11:13 -0400

guadall canal

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 12 at 2016 4:23 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:23:09 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member I believe there was a documentary on PBS a few years ago which gave a very good account of the battle/siege including information on exploring the siegeworks and fortifications. They did a lot of aerial photography to pinpoint traces of the lines remaining today. Very interesting to see the scope of warfare and battles carried on back in those days. It appears the Romans went through much the same thing everywhere they went expanding their empire over the years and in keeping a lid things afterwards.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Jul 12 at 2016 5:14 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 17:14:08 -0400

The execution of Operation ROLLING THUNDER! The overwhelming waste of blood and treasure in attacking targets in North Vietnam, but yet placing restrictions on Phuc Yen airfeld and Hai Phong Harbor which allowed the North to continuously receive weapons and supplies from the Soviets. A special place of honor is awarded to those men who flew daily up North and faced the dangers they did knowing what a useless task is was!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 12 at 2016 5:30 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 17:30:26 -0400

There are several from ancient times, and slightly later times that have me intrigued.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 12 at 2016 5:46 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 17:46:10 -0400

http://www.mors.org

This is actually the kind of thing I rather find of interest, relative to military tactics and strategy. I prefer an operations research mathematical approach to wargaming, though I also like the older board variety, e.g., SPI and Avalon Hill, hope is of interest, be eager for any thoughts, many thanks.

Military Operations Research Society

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 6:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 18:08:04 -0400

battle.of.thermopylae

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 8:23 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:23:01 -0400

Battle of Midway ww2

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jul 12 at 2016 9:37 PM

LTC John Mohor — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 21:37:47 -0400

I can go back to any of the WWII Battles the US fought in. I especially like the Battle of the Bulge. The more I learn about all the places we were during the war the more I read and learn. Great question MSG Michael Davis!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 12 at 2016 9:39 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 21:39:27 -0400

I have also found the battle of Stalingrad in the winter of 42-43, to be very interesting and how the Germans set themselves up for defeat to a very determined bunch of Russians. Another study of fighting in extreme cold without adequate supplies, including winter clothing.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jul 12 at 2016 10:20 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 22:20:37 -0400

Mine was "Five Days that Shocked the World" by Nicholas Best. The last days of Nazi Germany. It described how the country functioned and survived to the very last hours. Very riveting and the folks mentioned will surprise you.

Response by CPT Dave Brest made Jul 12 at 2016 11:46 PM

CPT Dave Brest — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:46:30 -0400

Agincourt and Gettysburg

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 12:03 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:03:26 -0400

If you haven't studied it before, I'd suggest Stalingrad. If there is one battle that forever changed the way wars are fought, it's that one. An unparalleled insurgency engaging in the deadliest battle ever recorded. The sheer amount of carnage that occurred there dwarfs some of the bloodiest wars in history (including our own civil war). The fact that the tactics that the Russians employed there are still in use today is quite unsettling, considering the extreme loss of life suffered on their end.

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Jul 13 at 2016 12:23 AM

Col Dona Marie Iversen — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:23:21 -0400

The Battle of Pontification and BS inside the Puzzle Palace

Response by SGT Jack Kelly made Jul 13 at 2016 3:31 AM

SGT Jack Kelly — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 03:31:23 -0400

Market garden

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jul 13 at 2016 4:24 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 04:24:32 -0400

Rourks Drift and Islawanda. The right way and the wrong way to fight.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 4:37 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 04:37:25 -0400

Since few naval battles are mentioned, I'll also offer up the Battle of Trafalgar. Lord Nelson changed the course of history there.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 13 at 2016 6:39 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 06:39:47 -0400

I read a lot on anything WWII in the Pacific with the Marines. I also do a fair amount on Europe. More recently I have stated reading more on WWI. The Somme I find to be fascinating and of course Belleau Wood with the Marine connection. My wife's side of the family (British) had a lot of folks fight in the great war and WWII. When you see the tragedy of the war the casualties they suffered and the bloodshed, it is incredible.

I've also been able to fins d a fair amount of info on line with British war records. I found my wife's great grandfathers actual service record, the entire thing was scanned and put on line.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Jul 13 at 2016 9:29 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 09:29:31 -0400

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the biggest and most multifaceted naval battle in history. It involved hundreds of ships, nearly 200,000 participants, and spanned more than 100,000 square miles.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 13 at 2016 2:21 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:21:58 -0400

Can I go again? Jefferson's war with the Barbary Pirates. Tripoli and Decatur.

Response by SFC Wadis Edge made Jul 13 at 2016 3:04 PM

SFC Wadis Edge — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 15:04:13 -0400

The Battle of Leadership Issues
SFC (Ret) Edge, Wadis
These facts I have gathered since retirement is all on over CNN, FOX, CBS, Military Times, and Stars and Stripes. First about overseas operations Russia is taken what it wants, China has taken a lot the ocean and are destroying reefs; Iran has killed many Americans since war has started and continuing to undermine the United States and bluntly talk about it. Commander and Chief, Senators and Congress has signed a bill for no more retirement for future military 20 years starting 2018,( incredibly deceiving) they also have pro-rated hazardous duty pay, while Soldiers receiving incoming mortars 24/7, unknown stray bullets, and IED's while are currently serving in the dessert. Soldiers of the 21st century have deployed 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 to war personally I myself I have been overseas that many times; I have notice many studies done those suicides for Veterans and active duty rated extremely high, continue to go higher, and are considered new norms. I write this because we need to get this to be addressed and taken care of and realize the extreme affect this will have on safety. I think the order before even talking about messing with any Soldiers or Veterans by the Way only 1% of all Americans. I went to Colorado Springs VA I seen older man downstairs fall out like passing out and I was upstairs just watching the Nurse upstairs. I talked her are going to help this man out no just call 911 we do not have the equipment here to handle anything like that type of situation. Well, you can at least check him out; is not that in your oath, as a nurse. Therefore, I had to check him out; because I had training I received in basic training, it is unfortunate. The order in which you should spin it or deceive somebody out benefits that you read constantly that is on the floor on both houses and then signed at the White House because it is public information. All this about gun control we all know were problem is. (It starts with database tracking not the actual gun itself), the government needs to provide one system style access app. ( I know I’ am a computer scientist it’s so easy to create I can do it for free ) all people need to access before they a sell any guns either by (face or name period) and if they sell the gun to that person knowing the information so freely provided on phone like they have for (sex predators )they will serve a long jail sentence problem solved. Any government official who holds a high office who does any kind of official business on private home network has something to hide. Myself as S6 automation chief I have never crossed line of doing any kind business like that because over my career lots of people got in trouble for that. Myself I received a letter from Department saying my social security has been compromised due to some military contractor taking their laptop home and their computer was stolen out of their car that was in 2011. When came back from Iraq in 2011 to fill out my taxes somebody already claimed filled out them out filled out for me never gotten taxes for that year still waiting for my return. Therefore, I do not understand why she is able to get so much support from so many people from top leaders to bottom. I they all received their taxes and never felt taken advantage or walked on. The divide you feel you in this country is because it is political votes and not value. Lying Marriage, Ego I have you notice last year of office increase of troops Iraq, Afghanistan, and Poland and then signing a bill to cut 20-year retirement after 2018, commissary, housing allowance, bas, pro-rated hazard duty pay, and 2% pay- raise. Cut these people first; President, Secretary of State ,Senator, Congress, 400 billion F22, 4 billion dollar Ship, Other Countries, Welfare, Free College.
V/R,
WADIS EDGE
US, SFC (RET)

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Jul 13 at 2016 4:16 PM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 16:16:21 -0400

Tarawa. My dad was there! I study it because when I was 17, I "interviewed" him for a high school term paper on the battle. He died three months later, before I found out that when he dismissed his personal part of the battle ("We didn't even go ashore until D+1.") he forgot to mention that by D+1, the Force Beachhead Line had gotten a whole 20-30 meters inland. Always learning.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Jul 13 at 2016 4:57 PM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 16:57:24 -0400

This is a really interesting topic. Need more sailors, though. Read Brave Ship, Brave Men about USS Aaron Ward's busy evening off Okinawa. You won't gain anything about strategy or tactics--but, oh,my. The leadership. And Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (San Bernardino Strait). MacArthur would have been Purina Monkey Chow if the Jap task force had gotten in amongst his shipping.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 6:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 18:24:26 -0400

Ironically as a Soldier, and one who gets sea sick, I am interested in the Naval battles of the Napoleonic Wars. I enjoyed the historical fiction of Horatio Hornblower and Captain Jack Aubrey & Stephen Maturin. Maybe it is the mathematician in me.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Jul 13 at 2016 6:56 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 18:56:18 -0400

There's one I would like to study, Gettysburg. I read the alternate history novel "Bring the Jubilee" by Ward Moore. An interesting speculation on what would have happened if the Confederacy had won the Civil War. A victory they might easily have had if they had seized the opportunity to take Cemetery Hill and Round Top in the battle of Gettysburg.

Response by Cpl Rodney Patterson made Jul 13 at 2016 10:40 PM

Cpl Rodney Patterson — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 22:40:58 -0400

Jutland...I can't get enough of that one.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Jul 13 at 2016 10:48 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 22:48:02 -0400

Gettysburg, Invasion of Normandy, Siege at Hue, Battle of Midway, Battle of Mogadishu, and the Great Raid (the rescue of 500 POWs from a Japanese prison camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines)

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Jul 13 at 2016 11:23 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 23:23:49 -0400

Someone had mentioned Rourke's Drift and Islandhwana but I can't locate that 'mention' just now so I'm launching a new one. For many years, the definitive book on the Anglo-Zulu War, was, ironically, Donald R. Morris's "The Washing of the Spears". Why "ironically"? Because Morris was a US Navy and CIA Officer. Long ago I worn out my first copy of that book but recently saw a new book announced on Amazon I am saving my pennies for, it is claimed to be the 'new' definitive book.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 13 at 2016 11:29 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 23:29:09 -0400

I tend to study AIRBORNE operations, and for the past 10 years or so, the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials.

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Jul 14 at 2016 12:33 PM

Maj Ken Brown — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:33:42 -0400

Gettysburg and Anzio. Gettysburg for the role of logistics (especially water) in Lee's decision to attack Meade head-on, and Anzio because my father was there.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Jul 14 at 2016 2:32 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:32:50 -0400

Apologies if my comments become bothersome, I have a plentiful supply of half baked opinions to offer and often feel compelled to do exactly that.

Response by SSG Michael Primm made Jul 14 at 2016 3:53 PM

SSG Michael Primm — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 15:53:45 -0400

You mean other than my weight....ummm nope

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jul 14 at 2016 4:38 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 16:38:06 -0400

Youtube has an excellent series about Rome that is interesting. I believe it's 14-15 episodes long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mUQVm9FU64&list=PLb54e0SzOuitX0RTv_3XFzQxzwjinvkQ2

The Rise and fall of an Empire - 1

The First Barbarian War I do not own the rights to this video track, nor its audio track, its uploaded for educational reasons only, knowledge is free

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 10:29 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 10:29:58 -0400

Zulu wars....

Response by SPC Patrick Chandler made Jul 17 at 2016 5:28 AM

SPC Patrick Chandler — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 05:28:45 -0400

Lately I have been fascinated with the operations of Erwin Rommel and Heinz Guderian

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 17 at 2016 5:24 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 17:24:27 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member,
The three battles that I find myself studying obsessively are the Battle of Thermopylae, Battle of the Horns of Hattin/Battle of Hattin, and the Battle of Muret...while I may be more alone in my study of Muret than the other two? Of course, Muret has it ties to both the other two...if one looks?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 8:49 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 20:49:19 -0400

Operation Market Garden

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 18 at 2016 5:20 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 17:20:22 -0400

Another one I have to note- Battle of Ia Drang Valley, LZ X-Ray. I have to admit I saw We Were Soldiers before reading the book. It intrigued me for several reasons. It was the first major battle of the war and the first with the NVA. The 1st Cav was one of the first major units deployed. Was early on in the war, so the Soldiers were deployed from the states as a unit, not rotated replacements. Was the first major combat Air Assault operation in history. A great study in leadership of how the BN was able to win the battle despite being terribly outnumbered.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jul 19 at 2016 3:42 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:42:37 -0400

I just started "DRESDEN, Tuesday, February 13, 1945". About the city of Dresden from its inception until the night of bombings that left over 100,000 dead. I know the allies put the number much lower, but I tend to believe the German numbers.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Jul 20 at 2016 8:13 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:13:45 -0400

There are several.

Battle of the Bulge, particularly the northern shoulder at Elsenborn where the 2 ID and the 99 ID stopped the Germans.

Battle of Tours, where the Moors were stopped by Charles Martel - lesson, don't start looting until you have killed all of the enemy.

Operation Market-Garden. Largest allied airborne operation in history.

Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Knowing how your enemy fights, and luring him into battle under conditions favorable to you are always worthy goals.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2016 12:41 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 00:41:25 -0400

There are so many battles from which we can draw valuable insight; it's very difficult to pinpoint my favorite, but I would lean heavily towards the Battle of Gettysburg. There are so many aspects of the Civil War in general, and this campaign in particular, which leave me in awe! Brothers fighting against brothers, academy colleagues leading opposing sides, and soldiers who exhibited the ultimate warrior ethos and commitment to their God, family, and country. What an outstanding example of how to use the land (key terrain features) to win the fight as evidenced by the infamous slaughter pit at Devils Den, and the high ground of Little Round Top. I am amazed by the grit, courage, and tenacity of the warriors who marched line of breast into direct hostile fire on the battlefield. In fact, there is little about Gettysburg that is not amazing -- I would recommend a trip to the battlefield for any serious member of the Profession of Arms!

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Jul 28 at 2016 3:37 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:37:01 -0400

Land Battle: Martha's Cowpens, when BG Dan Morgan finally handed the bill to the notorious LTC Banstre Tarleton, all but destroying his British Legion and setting up the de facto victory at Guilford Courthouse and the decisive battle of Yorktown.

Naval Battle: Sentimental favorite, the Battle of Surigao Straight. Of the eight US battleships sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor, two were permanently lost. The other six were salvaged, refitted and returned to service. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf the Japanese Southern Force, consisdting of two battleships, a heavy cruiser and for destroyers, entered the strait en route to Leyte Gulf. At the end of the strait five of the six resurrected battleships from Pearl Harbor were waiting suported by cruisers, destroyers and PT boats. The Japanese force was all but annihilated. This was the last time in history that opposing battleships engaged each other and, I believe, the final payback for Pearl Harbor.

Decisive land battle: Battle of San Jacinto. On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston and some 800 Texans defeated Santa Anna’s Mexican force of approximately 1,500 men at the Battle of San Jacinto. The battle lasted 18 minutes. The captured Santa Anna agreed to Texas independence.

Bastogne: My father also fought at Bastogne and resented the fact that almost everyone who knew about the battle knew it was the scene of the famous stand of the 101st Airborne Division. Very few are aware that the 101st were not the only US Army unit present. As soon as GEN Patton heard about the German offensive he sent Combat Command B, 10th Armored Division, racing north to defend the vital crossroad. CCB arrived at Bastogne and assumed defensive positions before the 101st arrived. Many people have an image of the brave paratroopers holding off the German Panzers with rifle grenades and the occasional bazooka; a brigade of American armor might have had something to do with their success. My father was a tank commander with CCB, 10th Armored Division (Tigers).

Response by CW2 Donald Loughrey made Aug 4 at 2016 1:10 PM

CW2 Donald Loughrey — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:10:46 -0400

I go between Rorke's Drift and Beecher's Island. Both defensive battles against superior forces.