Metz is another fascinating feature of this war. According to Page 3 NYT, Metz was a fortress that before Patton was “last conquered by direct assault 1,500 years ago by Attila the Hun”.
I guess one obvious question might be how many times was there a serious assault made on Metz between Attila the Hun and Patton the America?
Anyone know what was it about Metz that made it so formidable?
Patton is a study in how to achieve success - actually BELIEVE that the obstacle can be overcome. Apparently Patton genuinely scoffed at fixed fortresses in wartime. Reminds me of the four-minute mile - thought impossible until someone thought it possible and broke it - them everyone thought it possible.
I believe the Germans took Metz in the 1870 war. And took it rather handily IIRC.
Patton was a shameless self-promoter with a knack for knowing where and how to attack the Germans. If Patton had understood logistics better there is no doubt that he would have been the best general that the US Army would have had.
Metz was not Patton’s finest hour in WW-II. Think General Grant and Cold Harbor in the American Civil War. Patton would have done better to bypass Metz and let it starve.
More later YMMV
Regards
alfa6 ;>}