User:Oberiko/Battle for Metz

The Battle for Metz is the name of a series of battles engaged by the Allied U.S. Third Army and German defenders around Metz, the most heavily fortified city in Western Europe.

Background
On August 31, after a rapid campaign in Northern France, Patton's Third Army was forced to come to a stop at in Lorraine at the Meuse River due to a lack of fuel.

Several factors were responsible for the Third Army's critical supply situation. The first was the rapid advance made by all Allied forces since the breakout at Normandy. The second was the lack major ports for resupply. The third reason was that supplies which were available were prioritized for Montgomery's northern forces in their attempts to cross the Rhine and open Antwerp.

American Forces
XX Corps - Walton Walker
 * 7th Armored Division - Lindsay Silvester
 * 10th Armored Division - William H.H. Morris
 * 5th Infantry Division - Stafford Irwin
 * 90th Infantry Division - Raymond McLain
 * 95th Infantry Division - Harry Twaddle