Patton's Third Army was tasked with the capture of Metz and the Lorraine; his first obstacle was Fort Driant, built in 1902 and improved over the years by both the French and the Germans.Ambrose (1997), p. 136 Expecting only a small garrison, the Third Army launched its attack on 27 September 1944.Ambrose (1997), p. 137 Despite heavy aerial and artillery bombardment, no appreciable damage was done to the giant fortress.Shaffer (2006), p. 34 Several ground attacks carried out between 27 September and 11 October failed in taking the fort, and ultimately General Patton was forced to call off the attack and look for another route to Metz.Shaffer (2006), pp. 34–35 & 77 Fort Driant did not fall until after Patton had successfully taken Metz and the majority of forts around Driant.Shaffer (2006), p. 77 The Third Army's battle around Metz had cost an estimated 47,000 American casualties.Ambrose (1997), p. 165 This was reflected in the fact that, while in August the Third Army had advanced , it advanced only between September and December 1944.Ambrose (1997), pp. 164–165
