EAGLE SIX

I recently read A Soldier's Story by General Omar Bradley and I must say I learned a lot about WWII in Europe. I would say I knew more than the average person to begin with but Bradley's book is, obviously, quite informative and gives insight into the planning and politics of the U.S. involvement in N. Africa and Europe in WWII.

Here are a few of the themes. The U.S. was not perfect and there were many problems with logistics and supply; like ammunition rationing and a dearth of usable ports, even months after Overlord. There were the political squabbles between the British and Americans. There was even (gasp) censorship. The press wanted answers. One example:

By the middle of July ('44) we sensed the growing impatience of newsman who looked critically on the deadlock that seemed to have gripped our beachhead. Middleton's attack toward Coutances had ballooned their hopes, then flattened them even more abjectly. Those who awaited Monty's assault on Caen as the signal for an Allied breakthrough trooped back disheartened to the gloomy camps...

...For the moment we could do nothing but grin and bear it. For although COBRA was rapidly taking form, we dared not tell the newsman about it.

It's a great book and a must read.

By the way, EAGLE SIX was General Bradley's code name. EAGLE referred to the 12th Army Group, which he commanded. I don't know why six; the book just says that "standard signal procedure decreed as commanding general of the group I be listed as EAGLE SIX."

A U.S. Army Group generally refers to two or more field armies. On May 7, 1945 Bradley's 12th Army Group consisted of four armies which included 43 divisions and 1.3 million men. That is the largest single command a U.S. general has ever held.