When I was always reading about and learning more about the amazing stories regarding the defense at the ardennes and bastogne, something I never understood, was why the germans couldn't crush the pocket of resistance. Were they focused more on capturing objectives rather than destroying the encircled units? The situation for the airborne was grim to say the least, a lack of almost everything essential to stay alive let alone fight. It would seem that if the Germans were to come at them in force, they would've capitulated. Can someone please explain how they held off for so long?
Brief answer: The Germans were focused on objectives west of Bastogne, leaving only one understrength German division to complete capture of Bastogne. By the time the essential nature of the crossroads and strength of the US defense was recognized, the reinforced Germans conducted piece meal attacks rather than an all out assault. See the references below. On a personal note, I served with B Co, 54 Inf in the 1980s and we traced our Battle Lineage to B Co 54th Inf which fought at Bastogne. I led the company on a tour of Bastogne. We were well received by the town, met the Mayor, ate at the hotel which was CCB's HQs.
(Reprint 1988 ed.). United States Army Center of Military History. 1946. CMH Pub 22-2. Retrieved June 9, 2010. Collins, Michael; King, Martin (2013). The Tigers of Bastogne: Voices of the 10th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge. Casemate. ISBN 9781612001814 Evans, Major Gary F. (22 June 1972). The 501st Parachute Infantry at Bastogne, Belgium December 1944. United States Army Center of Military History Historical Manuscripts Collection 8-3.1 BB 2. Retrieved June 9, 2010. Bastogne, The Story of the First Eight Days In Which the 101st Airborne Division was Closed Within the Ring of German Forces