This study covers the drive for, capture of, and withdrawal from Crailsheim by the 10th Armored Division during the period 4-10 April 1945. The main purpose in studying this particular action was to increase the knowledge of armored operations in three types of actions: penetration, defense, and withdrawal. In addition, the study tries to determine adherence to or violation of armored doctrine, any lessons to be learned from this particular operation, and to make recommendations on the future employment of armored units. Contents contain the capture of Crailsheim, offensive operations in the Crailsheim-Ilshofen area, the Rollenbahn, the withdrawal from Crailsheim, employment of the 10th Armored Division, an appendix with a terrain study, and a listing of personalities.

N2146.58 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.