This is the saga of a modern battle unit which from its inception was destined for a major role in the destruction of German armed might. It is the story of an organization of officers and men selected from all branches of the United States Army, which put into motion and directed one of the most powerful fighting teams of military history. From the moment of its activation in the Desert Theater of Operations, each officer and enlisted man became imbued with a consciousness of the mission of the Corps that grew more pronounced as the organization began to temper and acquire character. The statistics in connection with the military operations of XX Corps on the continent of Europe are impressive in that this battle unit accomplished so much within a short period of time. Particularly impressive is the fact that this Corps conducted a thoroughly successful, precedent-establishing drive against a seasoned enemy in its first engagement. The XX Corps promised to be a great deal of trouble for German strategists even before it landed on French soil. Over 90 percent of the personnel of XX Corps Headquarters staff at one time or another had served in an armored unit. If an outfit's esprit de corps can be judged by its combat efficiency, the appearance and military manner of its personnel, its self-pride and confidence, then XX Corps will be satisfied with nothing but top position on the roster of U. S. Army units serving overseas or at home. Topics include activation and training, preparation in England, drive of the "Ghost Corps", reduction of Fortress Metz, capture of the Saar-Moselle Triangle, uncovering the Siegfried Line, crossing the Rhine, power drive across Germany, into Austria, and an itinerary of XX Corps Headquarters.

940.541273 U56g c. 1 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.