Eisenhower Updates General Marshall on the Battle of the Bulge and the Crisis in Alsace (1945)

Date: January 12, 1945

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Advance to the Rhine, The General

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Pre-Presidential Papers, Principal File, Box 80, Marshall, George C. (7); NAID #12123688

In this January 12, 1945 secret letter, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall a personal assessment of the Allied military situation as the Battle of the Bulge continued. Eisenhower identifies the southern portion of the Allied front as his greatest concern, particularly the danger that General Jacob Devers’ Seventh Army could be forced from its positions. He explains that French political considerations complicated his plans for withdrawing forces from the Alsace Plain, since a retreat could leave French troops isolated and create serious difficulties for the French government. Eisenhower also discusses problems created when Devers redirected forces northward and became focused on eliminating the Colmar Pocket.

Eisenhower then describes plans to intensify attacks against the northern side of the German Ardennes salient, including committing General Matthew Ridgway’s XVIII Airborne Corps toward St. Vith. He expresses hope that pressure from Omar Bradley’s forces could destroy substantial numbers of German troops and recommends Bradley and Carl Spaatz for promotion. The letter also reveals the practical difficulties confronting Allied commanders: Eisenhower describes the winter weather as “abominable,” with snow at his headquarters and flying conditions that had prevented effective air operations for several days. Despite these problems, he assures Marshall that Allied morale remained strong and expresses confidence that they would eventually resolve the situation.