Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I haven't read this book, but if the rest of the book fits the cover description as seen above, then this book probably isn't worth reading. However, as Charles Whiting is a good World War II historian, it's very possible he isn't responsible for the cover description. Since PBS requires me to give it a rating I've given it 2.5 stars based on Whiting's history books---but not his novels which were very different.
Despite what the cover description states, Peiper wasn't leading "several SS divisions," as he commanded a battle group formed to lead the advance, and it was probably the size of a regiment. And the Americans weren't "encamped at Malmedy," but were simply an artillery unit on the move which was overrun by Peiper's unit.
And yes, while it was unfortunate that Peiper and other SS members escaped punishment, after the war Peiper went to live in France of all places. While he was living there one or more people broke into his house, killed him and then burned the house. No one was ever caught or punished for his death.
If the Massacre at Malmedy was intended to instill fear in the American troops, it was counterproductive. As the word of the massacre spread quickly through American forces fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, they were more determined than ever to kill Germans, and many Germans who became prisoners of war never made it back alive to the POW camps.
Despite what the cover description states, Peiper wasn't leading "several SS divisions," as he commanded a battle group formed to lead the advance, and it was probably the size of a regiment. And the Americans weren't "encamped at Malmedy," but were simply an artillery unit on the move which was overrun by Peiper's unit.
And yes, while it was unfortunate that Peiper and other SS members escaped punishment, after the war Peiper went to live in France of all places. While he was living there one or more people broke into his house, killed him and then burned the house. No one was ever caught or punished for his death.
If the Massacre at Malmedy was intended to instill fear in the American troops, it was counterproductive. As the word of the massacre spread quickly through American forces fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, they were more determined than ever to kill Germans, and many Germans who became prisoners of war never made it back alive to the POW camps.
