The Battle of Metz

During the period September - December 1944 the US XX Corps encircled and reduced Metz as a preliminary move to enhance the continued attack eastward of the US Third Army. Recognizing the strategic and political importance of the city, seizure by the US forces was strongly contested by elements of the German First Army. The Battle is an excellent example of a Corps sized operations against a well fortified and defended strongpoint, as well as combat in urban terrain.