Eisenhower Outlines Allied Strategy to Defeat the Ardennes Offensive and Resume the Advance into Germany (1944)

Date: December 31, 1944

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The General, The Ardennes Offensive

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Pre-Presidential Papers, Principal File, Box 83, Montgomery, Bernard (11); NAID #12125699

In this December 31, 1944 outline plan of operations, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower sets out his strategy for defeating the German offensive in the Ardennes and resuming the Allied advance toward the Rhine and into Germany. Written while the Battle of the Bulge was still underway, Eisenhower identifies the basic Allied objective as destroying German forces west of the Rhine and north of the Moselle before preparing to cross the Rhine with the main Allied effort directed north of the Ruhr.

Eisenhower’s immediate priority was eliminating the German salient created by the Ardennes offensive. He directs attacks from both the north and south and stresses that Allied commanders should use overwhelming strength while maintaining only the minimum forces necessary elsewhere. Once the salient had been reduced, the First and Third Armies were to drive northeast toward the Rhine. The 21st Army Group, including the U.S. Ninth Army, would then resume preparations for Operation Veritable, while additional American forces and supplies would be concentrated in the 12th Army Group. Eisenhower also orders the front north of the Moselle to remain defensive temporarily while he rebuilt a strategic reserve.

Eisenhower warns that the Germans must not be allowed to stabilize their defensive positions within the Ardennes salient. Instead, Allied forces needed to regain the initiative and maintain constant pressure on the enemy. The document provides a concise but revealing look at Eisenhower’s strategic priorities during the closing stages of the Battle of the Bulge and his plans for transitioning from defeating Germany’s final major western offensive to the renewed Allied advance toward the Rhine.