The Falaise - Argentan Gap: Dysfunctional Unity of Effort

Abstract

In August 1944, LTG Omar N. Bradley, commander of the 12th U.S. Army Group, abruptly halted the advance of XV Corps of LTG George S. Patton's Third Army. In doing so, he prevented its movement nonthward through Argentan toward a juncture with Canadian forces coming south from Caen toward Falaise. As a consequence, the Allies failed to close the Falaise-Argentan pocket. The surrounded German forces in Normandy avoided encirclement and almost certain destruction. How did the Allies miss an excellent opportunity to destroy the German forces in Normandy and possibly bring a quick end to the war? This paper will examine the lack of unity of effort established by the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 10, 2001
Accession Number
ADA390638

Entities

People

  • Joseph B. Lowder

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

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  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

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  • Air Force
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  • Center Of Gravity
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  • Europe
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  • North Africa
  • Second World War
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  • United States
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  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.