Hitler's last offensive in the West in December 1944 became known as the Battle of the Bulge. It developed into the largest land battle ever fought by the US Army. His plan called for three Armies under Generalfeldmarshall Model to break through the American front in the Ardennes, cross the River Meuse and then exploit the great port of Antwerp. This, it was hoped, would cut off the British 21st Army Group and the US 9th Army from the rest of the allied front, causing mass surrenders. He saw it as a basis for another Dunkirk. Three days after the start of the offensive, KG Kuhlman has been halted after an advance of only some 6km and although KG Peiper had advanced over 60km, its supply lines were cut, it was desperately short of fuel and it was at a fraction of its original strength ? 24 tanks as opposed to the 117 with which it has started. Surprisingly, only a few of those tanks missing when the KG reached the village of Stoutmont on the fourth day of the offensive had been knocked out. The others had either broken down or were cut off from the vanguard. This book describes the actions of KG Peiper over a 24 hour period as it reached its high water mark only 6km beyond Stoutmont and was finally forced to withdraw in the face of overwhelming strength and lack of resources. Duel in the Mist is written in astounding detail ? over 36,000 words including copious reference notes, and many previously unpublished photographs and movie stills, and is not only an important reference book, but is a fine tribute to the soldiers of both sides. Illustrated throughout
