Prof. Boerner's Explorations

Edited by Gerald Boerner

Commentary:

Today marks the anniversary of the first trip of a U.S. President being transported in an airplane while in office. What was the occasion? FDR was travelling to North Africa to meet with Winston Churchill at the Casablanca Conference in 1943. This conference would make several decisions related to the conduct by the Allies of World War II. Probably the most important of these was the decision to invade Sicily and Italy before landing troops in the north of France.

The Invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky, was planned for July, 1943. This was to be a joint effort by British and American troops under the leadership of Montgomery and Patton, respectively. The antagonism between these two generals would foreshadow the conflict between the two during Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy during the D-Day landings. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Commander-in-Chief during both operations. It is to Eisenhower’s credit that he was able to get these two “head-strong” leaders to work in basic harmony.

Not discussed at the Casablanca Conference, but important to the success of Operation Husky. This was the deception scheme incorporated into Operation Mincemeat. This involved using a dead body carrying fictitious letters to North African leaders. This body, a “Major William Martin,” was a man with a carefully created life who was to wash up on the Spanish shore with the intent that the German spy machine flourishing in Spain during 1943. If the Germans believed the deception, which they did, would save lives during the invasion of Sicily.

Now is the time to proceed with our exploration of this Allied conference…  GLB

These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2011 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved

[ 3813 Words ]
    

Quotations Related to STRATEGY:

“A country’s strategy is always based on a fundamental philosophical outlook.”
— Marc Forne Molne

“Accountability in friendship is the equivalent of love without strategy.”
— Anita Brookner

“Change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy.”
— Rudy Giuliani

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Edited by Gerald Boerner

Commentary

During this festive holiday season we would do well to remember why we are able to continue our Christmas observances. Sixty-six years ago, on that freezing and snow covered mountains in that forest of Ardennes, our troops were settling in for their observance of the holidays during World War II.

Hitler chose that time to launch his final counterattack on the Allied Forces. Thus was born what we know as “The Battle of the Bulge.” It was a massive offensive that took place during weather that did not allow the Allies to use their air superiority to detect the movement of troops and Panzer tank columns. This attack was designed to catch the Allies by surprise (which it did) and prevent the port of Antwerp from becoming an Allied supply point.

After their early success, the Nazi advance was held-up at Bastogne. Here the Americans fought valiantly until their ammunition and supplies were nearly exhausted. They were given relief when the weather broke and supplies could be replenished by airdrops. Also, George Patton redirected his 3rd Army to help break the siege. The whole incident should provide us with a sense of pride in our troops and their courage.

So, let’s get started on today’s exploration…  GLB

These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2010 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved

[ 4444 Words ]

Quotations Related to BATTLE

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
— Plato

“Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle.”
— George S. Patton

“Battle is an orgy of disorder.”
— George S. Patton

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Edited by Gerald Boerner

Commentary

Due to injury, this commentary will be added later. Please check back. Thank you.  GLB

These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2010 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved

[ 3467 Words ]

Quotations Related to INVASION

“Each new generation is a fresh invasion of savages.”
— Hervey Allen

“An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.”
— Victor Hugo

“For a war correspondent to miss an invasion is like refusing a date with Lana Turner.”
— Robert Capa

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