On March 29, 1945, General George S. Patton's Third Army captured the German city of Frankfurt, marking a significant victory for the Allied forces in World War II. This was a major achievement for Patton, who was nicknamed "Old Blood and Guts" for his aggressive and daring approach to warfare.
Patton's Third Army had been advancing through Germany since the Normandy invasion in June 1944. They had fought through numerous battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and had become known for their tenacity and ability to quickly move through enemy lines. By March 1945, the Third Army was closing in on Frankfurt, which was a vital transportation hub and industrial center for the German war effort.
The capture of Frankfurt was a crucial victory for the Allied forces, as it allowed them to control the vital transportation routes through central Germany. The city was also a symbol of Nazi power, and its fall was a significant blow to the morale of the German army and civilians.
Patton's strategy for capturing Frankfurt was to move swiftly and aggressively. He ordered his troops to bypass German defenses and quickly move into the city. The Third Army was able to do this with the help of the newly developed tank tactics that Patton had been advocating for since the early stages of the war.
As the Third Army advanced into Frankfurt, they encountered fierce resistance from the German army. However, Patton's troops were able to overcome these obstacles with their superior firepower and mobility. The Germans were eventually forced to retreat, and by the end of the day, the Third Army had captured Frankfurt.
The capture of Frankfurt was a testament to Patton's leadership and his ability to inspire his troops to achieve victory. His daring and aggressive approach to warfare had paid off, and the Third Army had achieved a significant victory that would help bring an end to the war.
Sources:
- Ambrose, Stephen E. (1995). The Victors: Eisenhower and His Boys - The Men of World War II. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0684810270.
- Blumenson, Martin (1972). The Patton Papers: 1940-1945. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0395122369.
- D'Este, Carlo (1995). Patton: A Genius for War. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060927622.