Bloody Aachen: The First German City Ever Besieged by the U.S. Army

Summary

A fascinating account of the first German city ever besieged by the U.S. Army and the monumental battle that took place amongst its ruined walls.

Aachen saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War. Through the determined defense of their city the citizens of Aachen held off the oncoming American forces for six weeks, giving the Nazis time to mobilize their troops for what would become the Battle of the Bulge. Had it not been for dogged resistance of these men and women the last great German offensive in the West might have never occurred, potentially ending the war in Europe could have ended six months and saving the lives of thousands.

Yet, Charles Whiting's remarkable book, Bloody Aachen, is more than an account of a military operation. Through interviews with German and Dutch participants in the battle he builds an in-depth picture of who the defenders of the city were, informing us that many in this Catholic city were opposed to the Hitler regime and remained behind—against orders and against odds—determined to defend their homes, unwittingly aiding their Nazi enemies as they did so.