Introduction

• Operation Citadel was the German plan that built up to the Battle of Kursk, which was significant to the German defeat on the Eastern Front during WWII.  The operation marks the first time the Germans failed in a summer expedition; largely due to the fact that the point of attack was changed from a potentially successful plan formulated by General Erich von Manstein, to a disastrous, and obvious plan put into action by the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH).  The battle is to date, still the largest armored engagement of all time, the fighting included the most costly aerial warfare day of all time.  The Germans planned and initiated the summer assault, however the Soviet defense was able to defend itself for the first time during a German summer campaign, and to launch a successful counteroffensive which in the end result recaptured Orel      (August 5), Belgorod (August 5) and Kharkov (August 23).