In late November 1944, just a day before Lt. Gen. Jacob Devers Sixth Army Group was to launch a bold attack across the Rhine into Germany, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower ordered a halt to the operation. Such an unexpected opportunity to cross the river, seal off the German 19th Army, and maneuver behind the German 1st Army fighting, Gen. George Patton might have ended the war six months early. Until now, few have ever heard about this lost opportunity, and historians have never fully explained why Eisenhower stopped Devers, nor have they analyzed the possible outcome of such an attack. This book does just that, exploring what might have occurred had Ike allowed Devers to cross the river. Colley judiciously cites the opinions of many high-ranking generals, including Patton, that the attack would have been a bold and likely successful maneuver that could have saved thousands of lives. In rolling out this alternative historical perspective, the author offers insights about Eisenhower that illuminate the potential consequences of his cautious leadership and his rejection of a man he disliked and whose strategy he lacked confidence in. Colley points to Ike's reliance on old friends, sometimes regardless of ability, and argues that the conduct of World War II in Europe was often determined by personal amities and animosities. It is the only book to be written about the aborted action and how politics and personalities intervened to deny an opportunity to shorten the war. Its premise is certain to engage all interested in World War II and its lessons.

Includes maps of: Northwest Europe, 15 December 1944; Status of the Allied Armies on the Western Front, December 1944; Western Front, Autumn 1944.

Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Victory assured -- First to the Rhine -- What history doesn't tell us -- Devers gets in the act -- From Marseille to Alsace -- To the Siegfried Line -- Broad front or single thrust? -- The enemy waits for the 6th Army Group -- Into the Vosges -- Logistics -- On to Strasbourg -- Whither the 6th Army Group -- The prickly French -- The greatest obstacle -- Cross the Rhine! -- Planning the crossing -- The river-crossing schools -- Moving up -- Moving out -- Finally, the attack -- Ike balks -- Why not cross the Rhine? -- Enemies in high places -- A cautious and inexperienced commander -- What if Devers had crossed in November? -- Breakthrough at Wallendorf -- New orders for the 6th Army Group -- Northwind-Devers saves the day -- The colmar pocket -- "Bayonets will be sharpened" -- Finally, the Rhine and into the National Redoubt -- Could the French have crossed the Rhine? -- Epilogue -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index