Field Artillery Support for III Corps Attack 18-26 December 1944

This study is an historical analysis of the employment of the field artillery during the 3rd Corps attack to relieve the American soldiers surrounded at BASTOGNE. The doctrine and training of the field artillery units is examined. This examination is used to evaluate the employment techniques used by 3rd Corps artillery. The development and maturation process of the 3rd Corps artillery is traced from its first combat experience at Metz through its employment during the initial stages of the Battle of the Bulge. This study discusses the pre-war training, doctrine of the period, and development and use of the Field Artillery Group. Actions taken by 3rd Corps prior to and during the attack are analyzed to review their employment techniques and compliance with the doctrine of the period. Among the lessons demonstrated by this study are: the adherence to a standard set of employment procedures and compliance with doctrine was effective in this battle; field artillery units should be employed as battalion size units; current day field artillerymen should practice all the standard tactical missions; local procedures that violate doctrine should be avoided; field artillery units should train with the maneuver units they will support. The study concludes that the standardized set of employment procedures used by III Corps, and a through understanding of doctrine, created the flexibility necessary for the employment of the field artillery during this battle.