How Long to Read Hell in Hürtgen Forest

How Long Does it Take to Read Hell in Hürtgen Forest?

It takes the average reader 7 hours and 8 minutes to read Hell in Hürtgen Forest by Robert Sterling Rush

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Some of the most brutally intense infantry combat in World War II occurred within Germany's Hrtgen Forest. Focusing on the bitterly fought battle between the American 22d Infantry Regiment and elements of the German LXXIV Korps around Grosshau, Rush chronicles small-unit combat at its most extreme and shows why, despite enormous losses, the Americans persevered in the Hrtgenwald "meat grinder," a battle similar to two punch-drunk fighters staggering to survive the round. On 16 November 1944, the 22d Infantry entered the Hürtgen Forest as part of the U.S. Army's drive to cross the Roer River. During the next eighteen days, the 22d suffered more than 2,800 casualties-or about 86 percent of its normal strength of about 3,250 officers and men. After three days of fighting, the regiment had lost all three battalion commanders. After seven days, rifle company strengths stood at 50 percent and by battle's end each had suffered nearly 140 percent casualties. Despite these horrendous losses, the 22d Regiment survived and fought on, due in part to army personnel policies that ensured that unit strengths remained high even during extreme combat. Previously wounded soldiers returned to their units and new replacements, "green" to battle, arrived to follow the remaining battle-hardened cadre. The attack halted only when no veterans remained to follow. The German units in the Hrtgenwald suffered the same horrendous attrition, with one telling difference. German replacement policy detracted from rather than enhanced German combat effectiveness. Organizations had high paper strength but low manpower, and commanders consolidated decimated units time after time until these ever-dwindling bands of soldiers disappeared forever: killed, wounded, captured, or surrendered. The performance of American and German forces during this harrowing eighteen days of combat was largely a product of their respective backgrounds, training, and organization. This pre-battle aspect, not normally seen in combat history, helps explain why the Americans were successful and the Germans were not. Rush's work underscores both the horrors of combat and the resiliency of American organizations. While honoring the sacrifice and triumph of the common soldier, it also compels us to reexamine our views on the requisites for victory on the battlefield.

How long is Hell in Hürtgen Forest?

Hell in Hürtgen Forest by Robert Sterling Rush is 423 pages long, and a total of 107,019 words.

This makes it 143% the length of the average book. It also has 131% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Hell in Hürtgen Forest Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 9 hours and 44 minutes to read Hell in Hürtgen Forest aloud.

What Reading Level is Hell in Hürtgen Forest?

Hell in Hürtgen Forest is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Hell in Hürtgen Forest?

Hell in Hürtgen Forest by Robert Sterling Rush is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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