Road to Huertgen: Forest in Hell

From mid-September to mid-December 1944, six American infantry divisions-the 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, 28th, and 83d-and part of the 5th Armored Division fought at one time or another in the Huertgen Forest. These divisions incurred 28,000 casualties, including 8,000 due to combat exhaustion and rain, mud, sleet, and cold.

The forest lay across the path the First U.S. Army had to take to reach the Rhine River, and thus American commanders considered it essential to conquer it. German troops had prepared an elaborate defense of Huertgen, resulting in a struggle where tanks, infantry, and artillery dueled at close range.

The battle for the forest ended in December when a sudden German offensive through the Ardennes to the south forced the Allied armies to fall back, regroup, and renew their attack. By the time both American and German artillery had done with it, the setting would resemble the Argonne battlefield of World War One, a bleak scene of near total devastation.

The Huertgen Forest was a place where it was extremely difficult for a man to stay alive even if all he did was be there. And we were attacking all the time and every day.

Road to Huertgen: Forest in Hell is a gripping and detailed account of one of the lesser-known and grueling battles of World War II—the Huertgen Forest campaign. Boesch’s book offers a comprehensive examination of the strategic, tactical, and human elements that shaped the outcome of the battle.

One of the book’s strengths is Boesch’s meticulous research and use of firsthand accounts from soldiers who experienced the battle. Through their testimonies, he conveys the sheer brutality and hardship endured by the troops as they fought through dense forests and faced relentless enemy resistance. The personal narratives add a human dimension to the narrative and allow readers to empathize with the soldiers’ experiences.

Additionally, Boesch provides a balanced perspective on the challenges faced by both the American and German forces involved in the battle. He offers insights into the strategic decisions, logistical difficulties, and the impact of weather and terrain on the progress of the campaign. This comprehensive approach helps readers understand the complexities of the battle and appreciate the immense difficulties faced by the troops on both sides.

However, some readers may find the book’s level of detail overwhelming at times. Boesch delves into extensive tactical discussions, which may be more appealing to military history enthusiasts rather than casual readers. Additionally, the narrative occasionally lacks a cohesive flow, as it jumps between various units and locations, making it challenging to follow the timeline of events.

In conclusion, Road to Huertgen: Forest in Hell is a valuable and meticulously researched account of a crucial and often overlooked battle. Boesch’s dedication to capturing the experiences and challenges faced by the soldiers in the Huertgen Forest campaign is commendable. Despite its occasional dense and fragmented narrative, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the battle and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by the soldiers involved.