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Alamo in the Ardennes: The Untold Story of the American Soldiers Who Made the Defense of Bastogne Possible
At last, here is a book that tells the full story of the turning point in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge—the story of five crucial days in which small groups of American soldiers, some outnumbered ten to one, slowed the German advance and allowed the Belgian town of Bastogne to be reinforced. Alamo in the Ardennes provides a compelling, day-by-day account of this pivotal moment in America's greatest war.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2007
76 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
John C. McManus
24 books196 followersJohn C. McManus is an author, military historian and award-winning professor of military history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is one of America’s leading experts on the history of modern American soldiers in combat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 13, 2015
Depending on which books you read, you could come away with the idea that the Battle of the Bulge went something like this (at least around Bastogne): Germans break through and overwhelm the pathetic draftees of the US Army. The remnant US forces retreat back to Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne takes over from the normal army troops who are so traumatized that they gladly give away their ammo, heads down, desperate to be out of the fray. Then eventually the Americans win, not because they’re good soldiers, but because the Nazi army runs out of gasoline.
The real story isn’t quite that simple.
This book focused on the first few days of the battle, when frontline units were, yes, overwhelmed, because US forces in that area were stretched thin and the attacking forces outnumbered them by about ten to one. Yet despite being outnumbered, American forces held their ground as long as they could, again, and again, and again, often with little to no food and not much ammunition. They inflicted tremendous punishment on the enemy and ruined the German schedule, which essentially ruined Hitler’s gamble to end the war in the west. If the American troops were a little run-down by the time they retreated to Bastogne, it was because they’d been fighting desperately for days, in freezing weather, on empty stomachs. The few who made it to the shored-up line were few in number. The 110th infantry, for example, started off with 3,200 soldiers. 2,750 of them were killed, wounded, or captured while fulfilling their “hold at all costs” orders.
I felt the book was well-written and well-researched. A great account of the first six days of the Battle of the Bulge (at least in the sector in front of Bastogne), highlighting inspiring examples of bravery and sacrifice.
The real story isn’t quite that simple.
This book focused on the first few days of the battle, when frontline units were, yes, overwhelmed, because US forces in that area were stretched thin and the attacking forces outnumbered them by about ten to one. Yet despite being outnumbered, American forces held their ground as long as they could, again, and again, and again, often with little to no food and not much ammunition. They inflicted tremendous punishment on the enemy and ruined the German schedule, which essentially ruined Hitler’s gamble to end the war in the west. If the American troops were a little run-down by the time they retreated to Bastogne, it was because they’d been fighting desperately for days, in freezing weather, on empty stomachs. The few who made it to the shored-up line were few in number. The 110th infantry, for example, started off with 3,200 soldiers. 2,750 of them were killed, wounded, or captured while fulfilling their “hold at all costs” orders.
I felt the book was well-written and well-researched. A great account of the first six days of the Battle of the Bulge (at least in the sector in front of Bastogne), highlighting inspiring examples of bravery and sacrifice.
May 17, 2013
This book is the story of the race to Bastogne during the first few days of the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 15 – Dec 20. The first half of the book concentrates on the story of the 110th INF Rgmt of the 28th ID. They were attacked by elements of 5 German Divisions (3 Panzer) and succeeded in delaying them long enough for the 101st ABN to make it to Bastogne in time for their famous defense. The second half tells the story of CCR/9 AD, CCB/10 AD and the first arriving units of the 101st who took up the defense of the approaches to Bastogne after the destruction of the 110th.
Mr. McManus does an excellent job in portraying the confusion and desperation of the first days of the battle, with both stories from the individual infantry soldier/tanker to the higher commanders including Gen Cota who was the CG of the 28th and Gen Middleton who had the 8th Corps.
Once again this book tells the story of intelligence that was at worst ignored by higher HQ’s or at best not given enough weight. It seems that all along the front the individual Battalion intel officers knew something was up, but as the reports went higher they were consistently given less and less weight.
Of the many stories in this book, I thought the story of the CO of the 110 was especially poignant. He had been relieved of command of a Regiment in Normandy and was given a second chance to command just before the Bulge. His story as he both tried to save as much of his rgmt as possible, while at the same time obey his orders to “hold at all cost” is especially heart rending. Eventually of the 3200 men assigned only 500 or so made it back to US lines. In the afterword, Mr. McManus tells the story of Gen Middleton and Gen Cota attempting to get a PUC for the 110th and not being able to do so, even though the other regt’s of the Division received them for the actions. Mr. McManus feels this was mainly because of the surrenders. The Powers that be felt that they didn’t fight hard enough. I agree with the author that this is a travesty. Mr. McManus also feels the fact that CCR/9 AD didn’t receive a PUC is miscarriage of justice.
One aspect of the book I really like is that the author keeps is tightly focused. He does not give into the temptation to tell what everyone was doing at higher HQ’s or in flanking divisions. I feel the made the story much more compelling.
All in all this book is a very, very good addition to the canon of the Battle of the Bulge reading. I would rate this 4.5 stars. Highly recommended
Mr. McManus does an excellent job in portraying the confusion and desperation of the first days of the battle, with both stories from the individual infantry soldier/tanker to the higher commanders including Gen Cota who was the CG of the 28th and Gen Middleton who had the 8th Corps.
Once again this book tells the story of intelligence that was at worst ignored by higher HQ’s or at best not given enough weight. It seems that all along the front the individual Battalion intel officers knew something was up, but as the reports went higher they were consistently given less and less weight.
Of the many stories in this book, I thought the story of the CO of the 110 was especially poignant. He had been relieved of command of a Regiment in Normandy and was given a second chance to command just before the Bulge. His story as he both tried to save as much of his rgmt as possible, while at the same time obey his orders to “hold at all cost” is especially heart rending. Eventually of the 3200 men assigned only 500 or so made it back to US lines. In the afterword, Mr. McManus tells the story of Gen Middleton and Gen Cota attempting to get a PUC for the 110th and not being able to do so, even though the other regt’s of the Division received them for the actions. Mr. McManus feels this was mainly because of the surrenders. The Powers that be felt that they didn’t fight hard enough. I agree with the author that this is a travesty. Mr. McManus also feels the fact that CCR/9 AD didn’t receive a PUC is miscarriage of justice.
One aspect of the book I really like is that the author keeps is tightly focused. He does not give into the temptation to tell what everyone was doing at higher HQ’s or in flanking divisions. I feel the made the story much more compelling.
All in all this book is a very, very good addition to the canon of the Battle of the Bulge reading. I would rate this 4.5 stars. Highly recommended
May 18, 2022
Pretty good, but I wonder if there's too much going on here. On audio it became increasingly difficult to remember which unit was where and who was with what unit. Still, I tip my hat to McManus for an engaging, impeccably-researched read and, more than that, for the achievement of a noble aim: to credit the valiant men who slowed the German advance enough, at great cost, to buy time for other GIs to beat the Wehrmacht to Bastogne. Such credit was long overdue.
January 17, 2010
An interest of mine for some time has been the 28th Infantry Division; they’re one of the few divisions in WWII that got handled badly by the Germans three times (in a row). After I read the back of Alamo in the Ardennes I just had to pick it up.
Alamo in the Ardennes tells the story of the battles leading to the 101st Airborne’s (and the others) stand at Bastogne. The chapters are broken down into the lead-up to Watch am Rhine and then a day by day breakdown of the battle. Accounts go from the higher level (divisional/regimental) down to individual riflemen, artillerist, and tankers. Initially the 28th ID is front and center, with most of the focus on the 110th Regiments stand in front of and in Clervaux (also known as Clerf). Mr. McManus does an excellent job describing the plight of the 110th Regiment, providing good details on Col. Fuller and the fact that he was recently appointed as the regiment’s commander. If there’s a weakness in Mr. McManus’ description on the 28th ID, its that he barely mentions the blood letting the 28th had experienced in the Hurtgenwald (infantry units suffered 80%+ casualties). Following the 28th ID slowing the German attack, Mr. McManus follows up with the 9th and 10th Armored Divisions (to be more accurate, Combat Command B for the 10th and Combat Command R for the 9th) and their delaying actions in front of Bastogne. The final ingredient, the 101st Airborne Division, comes at the end, solidifying the defenses in front of Bastogne.
Rating wise this one was a solid 4 star book. Mr. McManus does a solid job delivering the goods on the stuggles. The battles are nicely described, easily moving from unit level actions to personal accounts. There are nice maps in the front with excellent photo’s to support it. One of the best pieces Mr. McManus does is mentioning how short the distance was from the front lines before the German offensive to Bastogne (approximately 20 miles). This is done repeatedly to emphasis the contributions the 28th, 9th, and 10th made to the 101st great stand at Bastogne (also, Mr. McManus mentions the veterans from the 101st being thankful for the 28th, 9th, and 10th delaying the Germans as much as they did). This makes for a good story.
Alamo in the Ardennes tells the story of the battles leading to the 101st Airborne’s (and the others) stand at Bastogne. The chapters are broken down into the lead-up to Watch am Rhine and then a day by day breakdown of the battle. Accounts go from the higher level (divisional/regimental) down to individual riflemen, artillerist, and tankers. Initially the 28th ID is front and center, with most of the focus on the 110th Regiments stand in front of and in Clervaux (also known as Clerf). Mr. McManus does an excellent job describing the plight of the 110th Regiment, providing good details on Col. Fuller and the fact that he was recently appointed as the regiment’s commander. If there’s a weakness in Mr. McManus’ description on the 28th ID, its that he barely mentions the blood letting the 28th had experienced in the Hurtgenwald (infantry units suffered 80%+ casualties). Following the 28th ID slowing the German attack, Mr. McManus follows up with the 9th and 10th Armored Divisions (to be more accurate, Combat Command B for the 10th and Combat Command R for the 9th) and their delaying actions in front of Bastogne. The final ingredient, the 101st Airborne Division, comes at the end, solidifying the defenses in front of Bastogne.
Rating wise this one was a solid 4 star book. Mr. McManus does a solid job delivering the goods on the stuggles. The battles are nicely described, easily moving from unit level actions to personal accounts. There are nice maps in the front with excellent photo’s to support it. One of the best pieces Mr. McManus does is mentioning how short the distance was from the front lines before the German offensive to Bastogne (approximately 20 miles). This is done repeatedly to emphasis the contributions the 28th, 9th, and 10th made to the 101st great stand at Bastogne (also, Mr. McManus mentions the veterans from the 101st being thankful for the 28th, 9th, and 10th delaying the Germans as much as they did). This makes for a good story.
October 20, 2008
This book was excellent. Once again it shows that those kids are out there everyday protecting us and we are so much better for it. It is just life that so many members of this generation on now passing on, but if there is one thing I would like to say to them and evey other soldier, sailor or marine that has stood up and risked there last full measure of devotion it would be "Thank you". we owe them so much and we need to remember that...
I had not known the extent of the battle that was fought by the 28th and how their actions made it possible for the members of the 101st and 10th armored the ability to get to Bastogne and carve out their niche in history..... I will be looking for additional books from the author....
I had not known the extent of the battle that was fought by the 28th and how their actions made it possible for the members of the 101st and 10th armored the ability to get to Bastogne and carve out their niche in history..... I will be looking for additional books from the author....
January 22, 2022
Hands down the best historical account for the Battle of the Bulge I have read. It not only gives insight into these men’s experiences, but also captures the horror and fear they felt. I appreciate the big-picture approach McManus takes here. Moreover, he offers a consistent forward momentum in the book that drives the narrative smoothly. McManus contributes an accurate, page-turning story about rigorous American resistance despite awful odds.
I am grateful for these soldiers’ sacrifices, especially those who never returned home.
I am grateful for these soldiers’ sacrifices, especially those who never returned home.
June 18, 2020
This book fills a vacuum in W War II history. Its focus is on the heroism of the troops who held up the Germans against overwhelming odds in their quest to reach Bastogne, Belgium during the first days of the Battle of the Bulge. Perhaps it hasn't been appropriately addressed because at first the Battle was a German rout that caught the Allies' thinly dispersed troops in the Ardennes by surprise. McManus has obviously done a great deal of research and fortunately spoken with a number of people who survived the initial smash by the Germans. The book reveals dozens of acts of heroism against overwhelming odds. At times it is difficult to read about the carnage and suffering. This reader greatly appreciated the explanatory information, maps, etc. at the beginning of the work but still found it difficult to follow in places. This work supports that war is hell.
February 17, 2019
Overview: The 28th Infantry Division was in the unfortunate position of holding the thinly defended line in early December of 1944 between Luxembourg and Bastogne, Belgium when the German Ardennes offensive kicked off. While the more famous accounts of the “Battle of the Bulge” tell the story of the 101st Airborne Division, it was the heroism and sacrifice of the three regiments of the 28th (the 110th, 109th, and 112th) who held on for four days at all cost and delayed the German advance on Bastogne, forever ruining their timetables and allowing reinforcements, including the 101st to arrive and fill the gaps. Had the 28th ID crumbled quickly, the war on the western front may have looked quite different.
Reflection: This book was extremely well-researched, but almost took on a task that was too broad for the number of pages. The author tried to tell the story of an entire division, and used a vast trove of evidence and journals to tell his story. Because of this, the characters cannot be developed and it became hard to follow the battle as it ebbed and flowed along the Ardennes front. The details were impressive, as well as the first-hand accounts of hand-to-hand fighting and heroic feats at the platoon level. While the details were great, the story jumped around from unit to unit, soldier to soldier, and location to location. I appreciated the unearthing of such an untold story that is critical to US military History, but the perspective was at times too broad, and at other times too narrow for John Gaddis to be content with the storytelling of this piece of history.
Reflection: This book was extremely well-researched, but almost took on a task that was too broad for the number of pages. The author tried to tell the story of an entire division, and used a vast trove of evidence and journals to tell his story. Because of this, the characters cannot be developed and it became hard to follow the battle as it ebbed and flowed along the Ardennes front. The details were impressive, as well as the first-hand accounts of hand-to-hand fighting and heroic feats at the platoon level. While the details were great, the story jumped around from unit to unit, soldier to soldier, and location to location. I appreciated the unearthing of such an untold story that is critical to US military History, but the perspective was at times too broad, and at other times too narrow for John Gaddis to be content with the storytelling of this piece of history.
September 12, 2021
Action packed reading! This is the story of the 28th Infantry Division's 109th, 110th and 112th Infantry Regiment's fight for survival during the initial days of the German assault in the Ardennes. Additionally Combat Command R of the 9th Armored Division and Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division and the 101st Airborne Division and the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion and their fight to stop the capture of Bastogne in the first four days of the Bulge are detailed. The author, John C. McManus, sheds light on the importance the sacrifices these valiant units made in blunting and delaying the German assault was to the success of the Allies in stopping the German drive. He believes justly so that these units especially the 110th Infantry Regiment don't get the respect the deserve for how tenaciously they fought and how much they upset the German timetable. Hold at all costs was the orders from VIII Corps to the 28th ID and down to the regiments. Hold they did and it was very costly! The 110th alone lost 2,000 soldiers in this action. The 506th Parachute Infantry Battalion suffered a 45% casualty rate in the fight over Noville in two days! Units eventually withdrawing were decimated by ambushes as German units had penetrated past US strong points and cut them off. This isn't a story of command decision or strategy. It is a story of the tenacious soldier fighting to survive and to fulfill their responsibility to hold at all costs. Great reading for war buffs.
August 14, 2021
My husband is a history major with a daunting collection of books. Looking at those books (I rearranged his bookshelves during a cleaning marathon), I realized that my education has been sadly lacking in the things he is most interested in. Hence my goal to include these non-fiction accounts in my reading goals.
Alamo in the Ardennes was difficult for me when I began it. I needed to return to the map section frequently (and was helped greatly when mr-history explained how to read a military map rather than a road atlas -- I mean, high school didn't have those resources. Neither did college).
I also used the section on unit structure to get a picture of how many men were in each area.
Fortunately, by a third of the way through, I could visualize the map in my head. I started to recognize names and military structure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned more about this campaign than I ever had in school. (There, it was "We had lots of wars in lots of places during lots of years. A lot of people died. We were on the winning side.")
I caution that there are descriptions of guts (literally) and gore. It might not be for some.
.
Alamo in the Ardennes was difficult for me when I began it. I needed to return to the map section frequently (and was helped greatly when mr-history explained how to read a military map rather than a road atlas -- I mean, high school didn't have those resources. Neither did college).
I also used the section on unit structure to get a picture of how many men were in each area.
Fortunately, by a third of the way through, I could visualize the map in my head. I started to recognize names and military structure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned more about this campaign than I ever had in school. (There, it was "We had lots of wars in lots of places during lots of years. A lot of people died. We were on the winning side.")
I caution that there are descriptions of guts (literally) and gore. It might not be for some.
.
June 19, 2023
The Battle of the Bulge in World War II, also called the Battle of Bastogne or the Battle of Ardennes, is well known and well documented. Many books have been written about it, and it deserves the attention it has been given. However, in Alamo in the Ardennes by John C. McManus, the battle or series of battles leading up to the Battle of the Bulge, and making the defense of Bastogne by the 101st Airborne possible, is addressed. This less well known combat, without which the effective defense of Bastogne might not have been possible, is carefully addressed by McManus. It is a lesser known, but definitely important part of the history of the war, and Alamo in the Ardennes should be read by anyone with an interest in the European theater during World War II.
December 16, 2019
This is the oft neglected story of the delaying action of the 28th Division in the Ardennes including the sacrifice of the 110th Regiment, one of 3 in this division, that delayed the German advance into Bastogne long enough for the 101st Airborne to arrive for their far more famous stand there. This book is full of first person accounts that make the struggle and sacrifices deeply meaningful. Any student of World War II would find this a very interesting book.
September 26, 2022
A friend supplied me with an autographed (by the author) copy of this book, which I just depleted reading. My thanks to them both. The book covers some of the fiercest fighting in WW 2. While familiar with some of the battles, others were new to me. The amount of detail given is truly amazing, especially about the exploits of individual soldiers. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in WW 2.
March 26, 2024
Interesting take on history. Instead of centering on the defense of Bastogne as it became surrounded, the author highlights the efforts and destruction of the units that held up the initial German assault long enough to make the defense of Bastogne possible. Those units of the 28th Division and others that sacrificed their lives for time for the Allied reinforcements to get to Bastogne before the Germans.
May 17, 2025
I've read a lot of books like this, I'm a 51 year old man who grew up watching war movies on TV in the 80s, what can you do? Anyway, I think McManus is the best I've read. I prefer these kinds of primary source based, soldier's eye view of conflict, but I find the history in books like that can be a little sloppy. Not here, this guy knows his stuff but his focus remains the human story. I'll be reading more.
January 16, 2018
An excellent book, a smooth combination of dramatic anecdotes with a gripping narrative. Perhaps real Bulge scholars won't find anything new here, but as a duffer I found this just superb. Could use slightly better maps, but that's common anymore, and the ones provided do a fair job. Also could have used a table with a German OOB for the sector covered.
December 10, 2024
The title says it all actually. This book tells the story of those brave men who faced the initial German onslaught at the Battle of the Bulge and delayed the German advance just long enough -- and who paid a very very high price doing so.
Well researched, well written, and very detailed -- a must read for Big 2 buffs.
4+ stars.
Well researched, well written, and very detailed -- a must read for Big 2 buffs.
4+ stars.
January 2, 2025
3.5/5 but its McManus so I will round up. Author tells a very under appreciated story in an efficient way (256 pages of text). However, the cast of characters is so large that it is hard to keep track at times despite there being a reference page in the beginning. Having to constantly go to said reference page often takes away from the narrative’s flow.
July 1, 2020
The Forgotten
Excellent historical treatment of the days leading up to the legendary siege of Bastogne. Like many, I was unaware of the tenacious and heroic work of the men who blunted the Nazi push to Antwerp and allowed the 101st Airborne to reach Bastogne first.
Excellent historical treatment of the days leading up to the legendary siege of Bastogne. Like many, I was unaware of the tenacious and heroic work of the men who blunted the Nazi push to Antwerp and allowed the 101st Airborne to reach Bastogne first.
August 1, 2020
So intense
I have read countless books on WW2 a few devoted to the European campaign alone this was the only one that has given true honor to the sacrifices made by the 28th division during the first critical days of the Battle of the Bulge. Very good read.
I have read countless books on WW2 a few devoted to the European campaign alone this was the only one that has given true honor to the sacrifices made by the 28th division during the first critical days of the Battle of the Bulge. Very good read.
December 14, 2020
An OK history of the fight before Bastogne prior to the arrival of the 101st Airborne Division. It recounts stories told by those who fought in the battle. There is no analysis of the eir fights nor the overall situation.
May 30, 2022
Well researched and provides a hugely valuable record and telling of the 28th Infantry Division's heroism. The story-telling style, while reminiscent of Walter Lord, was a weird mash-up of clinical history and too short vignettes which for me made the book somewhat of a slog to read.
April 11, 2024
Excellent book
One of the best books written about WWII. The sacrifice these men made to fight and hold off the German offensive is an amazing story God bless the greatest generation
One of the best books written about WWII. The sacrifice these men made to fight and hold off the German offensive is an amazing story God bless the greatest generation
December 20, 2017
Well written with many first hand accounts. Not great on the kindle as the maps are hard to see (and necessary) but much better in hardback I'd imagine.
June 26, 2019
Well documented
Exceptionally well detailed movement and deployment of forces. Very good insight into individual challenges and decision making. Well done record.
Exceptionally well detailed movement and deployment of forces. Very good insight into individual challenges and decision making. Well done record.
May 25, 2023
Interesting historical account of Battle of the Bulge.
August 5, 2023
epic tale of small unit defence, makes me want to play a Bulge game right now
October 25, 2023
Interesting view off events that you do not hear
October 27, 2023
Excellent
October 6, 2024
Good but chaotic, maybe this was intentional.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews