James B. Hunt: A North Carolina Progressive Book

A unit history that tells the story of the Fourth Armored Division from its initial formation through its role as Patton's Vanguard in relieving the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. You'll learn a lot about the composition of an armored division, armored tactics, and how the combined forces of tanks, armored infantry, anti-tank weapons, artillery, and tactical air support are best used. And you'll learn a lot about the German's equipment and tactics.

The Fourth's initial commander, John "P" Wood, was a close friend of George Patton and a great innovator. He was loyal to the men of his division to a fault. Patton had to relieve Gen. Wood from command after he clashed one too many times with his Corps commander when the Third Army's race across France had slowed to a bloody crawl through Lorraine, hampered by a shortage of fuel, poor weather, and stiffening German resistance.

The author clearly admires Gen. Wood but he is fairly objective in assessing the merits of Patton, Wood, and their subordinate commanders. You'll read about the exploits of Creighton Abrams, namesake of the U.S. Army's current main battle tank, as well as the individual exploits of officers and men who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, or the Bronze Star.

The scope of the story varies, with whole chapters being devoted to battles that you probably never heard of. There are maps interspersed throughout the book but it can be a challenge at times to try to follow the paths of the various combat commands.

The Germans had good reason to fear the Fourth Armored Division, or "Roosevelt's Butchers". The Fourth played a key role in thwarting more than one of Hitler's counterattacks.

I recommend reading this book. Chances are that, like me, you'll learn a lot about the Fourth Armored Division one of the best, if not the best, armored divisions in World War II.