October 1944

Western Europe

In the VIII Corps area, the 3rd Division attacks southward against the Peel Marshes salient, clearing Overloon. The US 7th Armored Division provides a diversionary demonstration along the Deurne-Venray road.

In the XIX Corps area, the 30th Division with the objective of taking Wuerselen and closing the Aachen gap, is prevented from doing this by a series of enemy counterattacks aimed at widening the Aachen corridor and forcing the corps back to the Bardenberg-Euchen line. The Germans are thrown back at Birk, southeast of Bardenberg, and at North Wuerselen with the aid of aircraft and artillery, but new panzer units are identified, indicating a major reinforcement of the region. The corps regroups to meet this threat.

In the VII Corps area, in preparation for a main assault on Aachen, the 3rd Battalion of the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, clears the factory district between Aachen and Haaren. The air and artillery bombardment of Aachen continues. In the Huertgen Forest, a German counterattack severs the main supply route of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, on the east-west trail leading into Germeter. Forward elements north of Vossenack, although not under attack, are recalled to help restore the situation.

In the V Corps area, CCA of the 5th Armored Division leaves for the XIX Corps sector, where it will be held in army reserve.

In the XX Corps area, the 3rd Battalion of the 357th Infantry, 90th Division, moves into Maizières-lès-Metz to bolster the weary 2nd Battalion. The last elements of the 5th Division withdraw from Fort Driant during the night.

In the XII Corps area, the 26th Division relieves the 4th Armored Division on the right flank of the corps.