Events in Review
Professor Andrew G. Jameson Discusses THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE WAS the largest and bloodiest Ameri- can land battle of World War II. It was the biggest battle ever fought by the United States Army and the costliest in American mil- itary history. Professor Andrew Jameson was a nineteen-year-old infantry sergeant in the battle, where he was wounded twice and awarded a Purple Heart with Cluster. For his heroism, he was twice awarded the Bronze Star. He joined us on 24 January to talk about this battle, which he has also recounted in a to-be- published book.
His account of the Battle of the Bulge is based on his experi- ence as a G.I. and on his research as a military historian. Professor Jameson holds a Ph.D. in his- tory from Harvard University and a doctorate in history from the University of Paris (Sorbonne), a master of science degree in library science from Simmons College in Boston, and a certificate in archi- val management from Radcliffe College. He retired after 48 years of academic teaching (Byzantine, Near Eastern and African His- tory) and administration at Berke- ley, where he was Assistant Vice Chancellor.
Professor Jameson had an amazing PowerPoint presenta-
tion showing photos and maps of the campaign that began on 16 December 1944, when the Germans launched a massive offensive against the American front in the Ardennes Forest on the German-Belgian border. In a single day, German panzers and infantry divisions overwhelmed US defenses along the forty-five mile zone.
Hitler’s troops were abetted by one of the coldest winters of deep snows ever recorded for the region. Three German armies with 250,000 men and almost 1,000 tanks and assault guns smashed through the American lines and
advanced sixty-five, miles creating a bulge in the Allies’ lines, giving the battle its name. It was not until 25 January 1945 that the Allied command was able to push the Germans back to their frontier and erase the bulge.
Professor Jameson discussed the reasons for the German offensive and why it failed, the American failure to anticipate the offensive, the epic US defense of St. Vith and Bastogne, and the execution of American POWs at Malmedy.
It was a learning experience for everyone in the audience.
Pictured above: Professor Andrew Jameson (second from left) with fellow Veterans (from far left) Tom Vano, Erving Boeger and Leo Fathy
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