For the 3d U.S. Army under General Patton, VE Day (the end of World War II in Europe) marked the end of 281 days of constant battle in the heart of Europe. During this time it engaged in every type of combat except "defensive." This fine-grained study chronicles the day-by-day situations which developed and the tactics applied for their successful solution. Amidst the chaos of war, the story told here reveals the unflagging energy of experienced staff, the sterling ability of the commanders in the field, and, above all, the fighting heart of the American soldier. The author, Charles M. Province, is president and founder of The George S. Patton, Jr. Historical Society and the author of "The Unknown Patton" and "Patton's One-Minute Messages."