Patton’s Third Army: From Normandy to the Lorraine
Sunday, May 22, 2022, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This lecture lead by Historian Bill Cosgrove will focus on General George Patton’s Third Army combat operations from their arrival in Normandy to the Lorraine area of France as told through the eyes of several WW2 veterans. Fighting both the Germans and the considerable problems of logistical support (fuel & ammo), Patton pushed General Eisenhower for a continuation of his offensive east of the Moselle River. Much to his disgust, he was soon playing second fiddle to British General Montgomery's 21st Army group. With a nod from Gen. Bradley, Patton pushed ahead with “limited” combat operations east of the Moselle River that led to bitter fighting with both victories and setbacks.
Bill Cosgrove is a graduate of both the University of Georgia and Clemson University. He is retired from the US-EPA following a 35-year career in Athens. He also served as an adjunct instructor at UGA for 32 years. Bill’s real interest is World War Two history as his father served with the American Field Service and his father-in-law as an artillery officer in Patton’s Third Army. He has served as a volunteer with the Witness to War program and is the author of “Time on Target: the 945th Field Artillery Battalion in World War Two”. His website is www.timeontarget.us.
