February 1944

Eastern Front

Nikopol falls to the combined attacks of the 6th Army and 3rd Guards Army. Hollidt begins to abandon the Dniepr bend but remains in danger of isolation as the 8th Guards and 46th Armies penetrate his rear.

Hitler agrees to a break out by Group Stemmerman from the Korsun pocket. With this authorization, Stemmerman quickens the pace of the withdrawal, Gorodische and Yanovka being given up to the Russians as the pocket contracts.