Dash for the Saar

Following the pocketing of Metz by Patton’s Third Army on November 19, 1944, the army’s other divisions begin a drive through eastern Lorraine to cross the Saar River and pierce the West Wall. On the 24th, Combat Command B of …

1944-11-24

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Following the pocketing of Metz by Patton’s Third Army on November 19, 1944, the army’s other divisions begin a drive through eastern Lorraine to cross the Saar River and pierce the West Wall. On the 24th, Combat Command B of Major General John Wood’s 4th Armored Division began its drive towards two key Saar River crossings. After meeting little resistance for most of the afternoon, things changed quickly when they encountered remnants of the 361st Volksgrenadier Division and forward elements of the veteran Panzer Lehr Division led by General-Lieutenant Fritz Bayerlein. For the next four days the two well-matched opponents duked it out.

Metz, France

The Battle of Metz was a battle fought during World War II at the city of Metz, France, from late September 1944 through mid-December between the U.S. Third Army commanded by Lieutenant General George Patton and the German Army commanded by General Otto von Knobelsdorff. Strong German Resistance resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The city was captured by U.S. forces and hostilities formally ceased on 22 November; the last of the forts defending Metz surrendered on 13 December.

Wikipedia: Battle of Metz

American

German