Learn about the battle of Aachen, the first major German city battle of the war. On October 2nd, 1944, American troops launch their attack north of the historic city of Aachen. The Americans are expecting a weak and broken Nazi Army, but Model has rallied and focused his troop at Aachen and increased the fortification around the town. More than 10,000 American and German troops are killed, wounded, or missing in action. 80% of the historic city of Aachen is destroyed.