Template talk:Campaignbox Battle of the Bulge

Battle of Lanzareth ridge

I migrated some info on the I&R platoon from the article on Lyle Bouck to Battle of Lanzareth ridge. This platoon held the German advance up for most of December 16. However, I cannot find sources on the rest of the battle that is described in this article as an overwhelming victory for the Germans in the area around Lanzareth.

The subject of a "Battle of Lanzerath ridge" also does not appear to be covered by WWII military histories I've been able to access online. The only details of a battle around Lanzerath is the fight involving the I&R platoon.

I cannot find sources for the huge casualties that the article reports as having been suffered by the US forces. The number of German casualties appears to be incorrect ("50 killed 160 wounded"), in that they suffered at least 4-600 dead and wounded at the hands of the 18 man I&R platoon. No sources are cited. So where was the rest of the battle of Lanzareth ridge fought? Where were all these American casualties killed or wounded? -- btphelps ^{(talk) (contribs)} 05:22, 7 July 2010 (UTC)

Allied defense of Elsenborn Ridge

I think the "Initial German Assault" and "Allied defense and counteroffensive" sections of this template do not accurately reflect the fight on the northern shoulder of the Battle of the Bulge. While Elsenborn Ridge is listed under the former, I think that it should be moved to the latter. The battle for Elsenborn Ridge was preceded on Dec 16/17 by fighting for Losheimergraben and Hünningen in the area of the Losheim Gap. This was followed on Dec 17-19 by the battle for the twin villages of Rocherath and Krinkelt, until the U.S. Army withdrew to Elsenborn Ridge on December 19th. The Germans unsuccessfully attacked Elsenborn Ridge for the next 10 days, paralleling the Battle for Bastogne 20-27 December, far exceeding the "Initial German Assault." St. Vith was given up on Dec 17 and it could arguably be grouped under the "Initial German Assault".

According to the sources I've read, the successful resistance of the U.S. Army on the northern shoulder is often overlooked when discussing the Battle of the Bulge, and focus is given, as this template reflects, on St. Vith and Bastogne.

I propose that we make the following change:

Initial German assault

Losheim Gap – Lanzareth Ridge – Malmedy massacre

Allied defense and counteroffensive

St. Vith – Bastogne - Elsenborn Ridge

I'd appreciate hearing from others on the issue. -- btphelps ^{(talk) (contribs)} 21:14, 22 December 2010 (UTC)