Kesselring: An Analysis of the German Commander at Anzio.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA131237 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This study attempts to analyze the decisions made by Field Marshal Albert Kesselring prior to and during the battle of Anzio in February 1944. The focus of the investigation is on Kesselrings decision to shift Army Group reserves from the Rome area prior to the Allied amphibious assault at Anzio on 18 January 1944, then his involvement in the development and execution of the German counterattack against the Allied beachhead conducted on 16 February 1944. The investigation reveals that Kesselring, the Army Group commander, made a proper and effective decision in committing the Army Group reserves to the German defensive line prior to the invasion, and that his involvement in the development and execution of the German counterattack at Anzio was doctrinally sound and generally effective.

Author(s):
Bitner, Teddy D.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS
Descriptive Note:
Master's thesis,
Pagination:
0125

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
SBI-AD-E750-822
Monitor Series:
AD-E750-822, TRADOC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_7.1.1_Prevent Kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_5.4.5_Intuit; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*DECISION MAKING, *MILITARY COMMANDERS, MILITARY OPERATIONS, MILITARY RESERVES, FORWARD AREAS, MILITARY STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), ATTACK, THESES, HISTORY, ITALY, ARMY OPERATIONS, BATTLES, MILITARY TACTICS, AREA DEFENSE, DEFENSE PLANNING, PERSONALITY, GERMANY(EAST AND WEST), COMMAND GUIDANCE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Administration and Management, Humanities and History, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*KESSELRING A, *ANZIO(ITALY), DEFENSE, WORLD WAR 2, MILITARY HISTORY, COUNTERATTACK, MEDITERRANEAN THEATER, ARMY GROUP RESERVES
Report Date:
1983 Jun 03