This narrative recounts the operational history of XIXth Panzer Corps' advance from 10 to 15 May 1940. Its primary focus is directed at the breakthrough at Sedan. The political and military situations influencing the decision makers of the German Army General Staff and the development of the campaign plan are analyzed in an attempt to provide an understanding for the rationale of the mission, deployment, and employment of XIXth Panzer Corps' and its subordinate units. A discussion of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein's recommendations and operational concept clarifies his instrumental role in the development of the final campaign plan. Traffic control, Special Operations Forces, and innovative Aerial Resupply concepts are investigated for their fusion into the Air Land Battle concept of this mobile warfare operation. This narrative furnishes a complete account of the daily operations of XIXth Panzer Corps' leaders, men, and equipment. It provides a unique observation of the corps' staff in its daily evaluation of the operational situation, intelligence reports, the logistic situation, and an endless friction with the next higher headquarters. Lastly, this narrative demonstrates the effectiveness of a well trained, equipped armored corps, commanded by leaders who are fully cognizant of their mission, the commanders aim, and the overall operational concept. This thesis concludes that the remarkable German victories of 1939-1940, and especially XIXth Panzer Corps' advance through the Ardennes, were only possible because of a tremendously dedicated officer corps at the helm of the Army General Staff and in every key position within the field army. These officers were the product of a fierce competitive atmosphere, enabling only the cream of the crop to survive, and thus producing a military culture feeding on "efficiency mania."

ADB 125547 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)