Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt (on Hitler’s left) was nominally in command of the entire Western Front. In reality he was more of a figurehead. However, Allied intelligence believed that his conservative style dominated German planning, overlooking the vital fact that Hitler dominated all. Hitler did not consult him over Ardennes planning issues. Von Rundstedt realized that “the available forces were far too small for such an extremely ambitious plan.” When he learned of Hitler’s plan he scoffed: “Antwerp? If we should reach the Meuse we should go down on our knees and thank God!” Hitler, seen here with general officers studying a map, was the principal German strategist for the Ardennes offensive. General Alfred Jodl, head of the operations staff of the OKW at the time of the Battle of the Bulge. Field Marshal Walter Model, commander of Army Group B at the time of the Battle of the Bulge. Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model, pictured here during the first week of the Ardennes o...