rdf-syntax-grammar
mods: The Communications Zone (COMZ) American logistics in France, 1944 Waddell, Steve Robert 1961- creator Dawson, Joseph G. degree supervisor. Beaumont, Roger A. degree committee member. Dunning, Chester S. L. degree committee member. Krammer, Arnold P. degree committee member. Smith, Charles L. degree committee member. Texas A & M University degree granting institution. text bibliography Academic theses xx 1992 monographic eng print ix, 338 leaves ; 28 cm The Allied invasion of Northwest Europe in June 1944, Operation OVERLORD, was the largest amphibious undertaking in military history. The logistical effort in support of the operation was similarly impressive. The Services of Supply, later designated the Communications Zone, provided the support services required by the United States Army. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General John C. H. Lee, the COMZ oversaw all American supply activities in Europe and suffered through one crisis after another. First, a two year power struggle between competing staffs and personalities within the European Theater of Operations Headquarters caused confusion and limited the efficiency of the SOS. Second, the logisticians developed an overly complex and inflexible supply plan for Operation OVERLORD, planning which did not survive contact with the enemy. Third, events on the Continent did not allow for the development of the supply system envisioned in the plans. The liberation of ports fell behind schedule, and the engineers failed to put the railroads and pipelines into service as rapidly as anticipated. These delays caused a significant problem involving cargo discharge and distribution, which necessitated emergency measures. Fourth, all of these problems led to the development of serious supply shortages at the front. The nature of the shortages changed over time but the effect remained the same: the shortages reduced the efficiency of the combat units. The soldiers reacted to the shortages as best they could, improvising whenev…