The Battle of the Bulge was not a tapestry but a patchwork quilt -- a multitude of small engagements played out in or near small towns, most of no military significance. Only when the individual patches are put together does the pattern become clear. The Battle of the Bulge was Germany's last desperate gamble and, for several weeks, held up the Allied advance. But in the end, Allied power prevailed, and Hitler had expended much of his country's final strength uselessly and hastened Germany's inevitable defeat. -- From the preface.

Includes index.

The antagonists -- Men and machines -- The battle plan, objectives, and orders of battle -- The German offensive opens -- German special operations, massacre at Baugnez, Americans react to the offensive -- Bastogne besieged -- The German offensive slows -- The allies crush the Bulge -- Aftermath.