December 1944

Western Europe

In the US 9th Army area, the 75th Division is assigned to the army and on the 11th further assigned to the XVI Corps.

In the XIX Corps area, the 30th Division is ordered to secure the region between the Inde and Roer Rivers within its zone.

The US 1st Army maintains and improves its defensive positions.

In the XX Corps area, the 90th Division commits its full strength to the Dilligen bridgehead battle. The 359th Infantry begins clearing the mutually supporting fortifications between the 357th and 358th Regiments, easing the pressure on the right flank of the 357th. The 357th holds its weak perimeter on the northern flank of the bridgehead against repeated counterattacks that are debilitating to both sides. The supply situation of the 358th, fighting indecisively along the railroad tracks in Dilligen, improves as rafting operations are begun in the afternoon and the first tank crosses by treadway ferry in the evening, but the 359th and 357th Regiments must still rely on assault boats, carrying parties, and aircraft for reinforcement and supply. The 95th Division continues almost futile efforts to expand the Saarlautern bridgehead. The supply problem is intensified by the rapidly rising Sarre River. With the relief of the 10th Infantry on the southern flank of the corps by the 6th Cavalry Group, the 5th Division is able to assemble in preparation for an attack on the West Wall.

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division's bridgeheads across the Sarre continue to receive heavy enemy fire, but 2 Class 40 bridges are completed by midnight. The 1st Battalion of the 137th Infantry is sent to Sarreguemines to mop up in the western part of the city, since the 134th Infantry can make little progress until this is done. The 320th moves forward more rapidly because of the 26th Division's action to the right. The 328th Infantry, 26th Division, completes the capture of Fort Wittring by dawn and after daylight finds that the Germans have abandoned Fort Grand Bois. The 104th Infantry is pushing steadily toward Gros Réderching.

In the III Corps area, the 87th Division is assigned to the XII Corps to replace the 26th Division, and the 346th Infantry starts by truck to the Gros R&eacure;derching area.

In the XV Corps area, CCA of the 12th Armored Division, driving northeastward on the left flank of the corps, takes Singling. Enchenberg falls to the 44th Division and Lemberg to the 100th.

In the VI Corps area, the 45th Division clears Niederbornn. The 79th Division overruns Bischwiller and pushes to the edge of Haguenau.

The II Corps is still strongly opposed but clears Mittelwihr.

In the I Corps area, the Moroccan 2nd Division continues clearing Thann. The 4th Mountain Division is meeting vigorous opposition at Lutterbach.