Episode 96: The Leadership of Matthew Ridgway in the Battle of the Bulge

Episode 96 continues our daily series of podcasts commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The series, which began with Episode 94: A Battle of the Bulge Primer, tells the greatest stories from the Ardennes Counteroffensive at the end of WWII and finds meaning in that struggle for Army leaders today. Matthew B. Ridgway, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, is an under-recognized figure of the Allied response to the surprise German attack. In short order, he pushed his forces out into the line, absorbed unfamiliar infantry and tank divisions, and began a push south to "erase the bulge." This episode details Ridgway's leadership during that critical moment and places the airborne commander within the context of his day.   The 18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US military. We traditionally release new episodes every Tuesday. However, we're releasing a new episode of this short series on the Battle of the Bulge every day.  Please subscribe to the 18th Airborne Corps podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, or Apple Podcasts. The show, hosted by Joe Buccino and recorded on Fort Bragg, offers insight into historic events or news of the day. Please leave a five-star rating and review, as these help others find the program.