Air Command and Staff College

The Role of Air Power in the Battle of the Bulge Air Command and Staff College

The Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes offensive) was the first time air power was used to halt a counter-offensive. The mission most often associated with air operations during the Ardennes offensive was the re-supply of the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. However, air power played a key role in Allied victory by effectively executing close air support, air interdiction and in the more traditional strategic bombing mission. This work and technology project illustrate the air power contribution throughout, and even before, the Ardennes Offensive. The research findings are summarized, beginning with a synopsis of key issues surrounding the operation involving characteristics of the area of operation, and strategic considerations such as logistics and combat power. Next is a detailed analysis of the air strategy employed and the results it achieved. The discussion concludes with a look at lessons learned and the impact the decisive use of air power had on future air operations.