October 1944

Eastern Front

The 5th Guards Tank Army is committed to the attack in the Baltic, advancing in the wake of the 2nd Guards Army and 43rd Army before punching through to the German rear. The 3rd Panzer Army quickly collapses under the massive Soviet blows and, as the fog lifts, is slaughtered by the 1st Air Army. The 39th Army also begins to hit the southern flank of the 3rd Panzer Army, supporting the 2nd Guards as it moves toward the Niemen River. Elements of the 4th Shock and 6th Guards Armies push northwest on the right wing, while in the center the 51st, 43rd and 5th Guards Tank Armies push west.

Schorner orders the withdrawal of the 18th and 16th Armies from their positions east of Riga. Hitler refuses to allow the abandonment of the city.

The 2nd Ukrainian Front launches a new attack into southern Hungary, striking the German line between Oradea and Arad. The 53rd Army and Group Pliev attacks west of Arad supported by the 46th Army to the left. The 7th Guards Army supports the right wing. Units of the 6th Guards Tank Army attack the 6th Army close to Oradea, while the 40th Army attacks the 8th Army from the east toward Vatra Dornei. The 27th Army holds the center between the 40th and 6th Guards Tank. After bitter fighting the 53rd Army crushes the 3rd Hungarian Army, inflicting heavy casualties.

Against the northeastern face of the salient in Hungary, held by the 1st Panzer and 1st Hungarian Armies, the 4th Ukrainian Front commits its 1st Guards and 18th Armies. Farther south, other elements of the 46th Army take Pancevo after a fierce battle.