Unfortunately, the 14th Cavalry Group got alot of what it deserved. Its command was not the most competent bunch on that front, especially given their more veteran status. Colonel Devine, the group commander was more concerned with spit and polish than combat readiness. He was also loath to integrate the attached tank destroyer battalion (3" towed) into his unit; instead relegating them to the Northern flank of his sector on their own.
The XO went missing early in the action (obstensively he went to "get more ammunition") while Devine left his CP and was out of contact leaving no one definitely in charge. As Devine had made little effort to tie in his flanks with the green 99th and 106th divisions he left these two units vulnerable when his own front collapsed and fell back through the Losheim Gap.
Not a stellar moment for the US Army.