This committee herein presents two studies of the assault of fixed fortified defenses by the U.S. Armored Forces during World War II. Topics include the action of the Third Armored Division (events leading to the attack, breaching the line and logistics), action of the 735th Tank Battalion (Metz and Fort Driant, preparation for the assault, as assault of Fort Driant), and conclusions and recommendation. Appendices: First Army troop list; German order of battle; terrain analysis; 3d Armored Division troop list; Combat Command A troop list; Combat Command B troop list; reserve command troop list; terrain analysis area of Fort Driant; German order of battle (030730 October 1944); U.S. order of battle (030730 October 1944) XX Corps (051800 October 1944); battle losses 5th Infantry Division; and battle losses 735th Tank Battalion.

N2146.55 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.