November 1944

Western Europe

The XXX Corps takes responsibility for the US 9th Army's northern flank as far south as the Wurm River.

In the VII Corps area, 2 companies of the 12th Infantry, 4th Division, break through to the isolated forces on the plateau southwest of Huertgen, but they too become encircled.

In the XX Corps area, the Germans, in an effort to reach the Malling bridge, counterattack in regimental strength with the support of tanks and assault guns against the 359th Infantry, 90th Division, forcing the outposts from Kerling and again threatening Petite-Hettange, but are driven off with heavy losses. The Malling bridge is destroyed by enemy artillery fire after 2 tank destroyers have crossed. The 357th Infantry of the 90th Division, which has been joined by its reserve battalion, continues the attack along the Bois de Koenigsmacker ridge, pushing beyond Breistroff-la-Petit to positions overlooking Inglange. The 358th gainst the line Elzange-Valmestroff and both of these villages. Bridge construction is begun at Cattenom. On the southern flank of the corps, the 2nd Infantry, 5th Division, crosses into the 6th Armored Division's bridgehead at Sanry-sur-Nied (XII Corps zone) and during the night repels an enemy counterattack. The 5th Division regroups for a northward drive on Metz, as the 11th Infantry extends its right flank to the Seille.

In the XII Corps area, CCB of the 6th Armored Division expands the Sanry bridgehead and outposts the main road junction between Bazoncourt and Berlize. One CCA task force attacks toward Faulquemont from the Han-sur-Nied bridgehead, overcoming strong resistance at Herny. Another crosses the Nied Française at Baudrecourt. German efforts to stop the 80th Division in the triangle between the Nied Française River and Rotte Creek subside when the a 6th Armored Division task force pushes south and outflanks the enemy. The creek is bridged at 3 points. The corps alters the plan of attack, giving the 6th Armored Division the mission of securing the high ground south of Faulquemont and extending its zone southward. After the 137th Infantry of the 35th Division seizes Faxe, restoring contact between columns of CCB, 4th Armored Division, CCB pursues the enemy Oron and takes a bridge across the Nied Française at Oron while the 137th advances in the region to the east. The 320th Infantry clears the rest of the Forêt de Château-Salins and is withdrawn to reserve. The 134th Infantry drives to Bellange, where it halts upon order. The 26th Division, having regrouped to turn the 101st Infantry to the east along the southern slopes of Koecking ridge, continues to attack on the southern flank of the corps. The Germans, committing an armored reserve, succeed in halting CCA, 4th Armored Division, and the 104th Infantry, 26th Division. A CCA column drives through Rodalbe toward Bermering but is forced back to Bois de Conthil to await tank replacements. An all-out German counterattack regains Rodalbe and virtually destroys the 3rd Battalion of the 104th Infantry there. A right flank column of CCA takes Hill 337, southeast of Lidrezing. Elements recover Conthil and reopen the main supply route. The 104th Infantry, badly depleted in strength, establishes itself along the Conthil-Lidrezing road, where it forms an exposed salient. The 328th Infantry of the 26th Division, reinforced by a battalion of the 101st begins clearing the forest on Koecking ridge, reaching the Berange Farm, where a stubborn strongpoint is overrun. The 101st attempts unsuccessfully to take St Medard and then breaks off the attack.

In the VI Corps area, the 100th Division begins an attack on the northern flank of the corps to outflank Raon-l'Etape with the 399th and 397th Regiments, leaving the 398th and a reconnaissance troop to maintain the current positions along the Meurthe. Assault regiments cross the river at Baccarat to attack Raon from the rear and block enemy movement. The 103rd Division takes command of the sector west of St Di´ between the 15th Infantry of the 3rd Division and the 36th Division. The 36th Division is slowly improving its positions near Corcieux.