In October 1944, the Allied advance slowed. Concerns about supply lines, the coming winter, and renewed German resistance contributed to the slowdown. On September 27, General Patton's Third Army moved on the fortress city of Metz, long a point of contention between the French and Germans. Hitler’s orders forbidding a retreat and the formidable fortresses around the city led to a protracted struggle that lasted through the end of November. |