Tommy Lofton, a historian-curator with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans LA, filmed an interview May 2 with Joe Doherty at his home in Chestertown MD.

Doherty, H/393, is the author of “The Shock of War: Unknown Battles that Ruined Hitler’s Plans for a Second Blitzkrieg in the West.”

The museum plans to expand its interactive exhibits to include one on the fight for the Elsenborn Ridge at the beginning of the German breakthrough in the Ardennes in December 1944.

Doherty’s two-volume history is centered on the role of the 99th, 2nd and 1st Infantry Divisions stopping the 6th SS Panzer Army’s drive to go over the ridge and strike for Liege on the Meuse River. It was a major setback for the Germans and changed their plan for reaching the river in the shortest time.

Sixth Panzer Army was Hitler’s own, put together under his direction to spearhead the four-army drive to reverse Germany’s fortunes in the West.

Lofton asked Doherty many questions about his books and the 99th’s experiences in holding off 6th Panzer for the crucial first 30 hours after the German Ardennes offensive began before dawn Dec. 16.

Interactive exhibits go well beyond the usual static museum exhibits, include sound and light, 3D presentations, filmed interviews with veterans, lectures, and other presentations. Lofton is filming and interviewing many veterans of the Battle of the Bulge for the exhibit.

The World War II Museum is located at 925 Magazine St., New Orleans LA 70130.