The master story of the Battle of the Bulge is the German breakthrough that created the bulge in American lines and the U.S. fight to restore the original line. Not well known is the story of the U.S. infantry that held the northern flank. If not for the stand by three rifle companies, the bulge may have become a break. This study focuses on the defense of Hofen through the first-hand accounts of 12 soldiers who fought there, the combat reports of units in the field, the analyses of two infantry officers, and the detailed account of the battalion commander. This study also places that isolated battle in the context of the full Ardennes counteroffensive. Analysis of that research identifies four keys to American victory: (1) sound defensive tactics by battle commanders and their front-line units demonstrated high levels of unity, adaptability, and resilience that overcame bad strategic planning at the division level; (2) fortified key points strengthened a thinly held line after officers surveyed the terrain, identified the most vulnerable to attack, and concentrated machine guns and mortars in mutually supporting positions; (3) the battalion commander's order to meet every enemy movement with armed resistance proved valuable in confusing the enemy; and (4) a reserve unit was decisive in pushing back the Germans after they penetrated deep into the village on the final day of the battle. The first-hand accounts add depth to an understanding about how a small unit could hold a key point and how U.S. troops outnumbered five to one prevailed against the Germans' desperate, well planned assault. This project will contribute to future research on combat motivation, small-unit tactics, and defense of towns by infantry units. This study adds to a body of research that makes this point: On the front lines, quick reactions and quick minds made the difference makers.
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