The Other Battle of The Bulge: Operation Northwind

The story of Operation Northwind, Hitler's surprise attempt to smash through Alsace-Lorraine in January 1945, seen through the eyes of the young men who were "at the sharp end." Few except those who fought it know anything about a second Battle of the Bulge, which cost the Americans and their French comrades-in-arms nearly as many casualties. Operation Northwind, planned by the Führer himself, used eight German divisions, including the 6th SS Mountain Division, against the thinly held American line in the Alsace-Lorraine region. Although the U.S. High Command was forewarned by "Ultra", the Americans were forced to retreat. Eisenhower commanded that Strasbourg, which held a special place in both French and German hearts, should be evacuated but De Gaulle refused.