As the old saying goes "Almost only counts in horseshoes and with hand grenades". But you are still off in your assessment of American's role in the big picture. I'm not belittling the dead American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines huge loses. But the US never lost 800 tanks in one battle. Not even close. They are still rusting away in the Russian country side. Russians fought out of patriotism but also because they were shot if they retreated. One of Stalin's own son's was shot for surrendering in hopeless situation.