December 1944

Western Europe

The US 9th Army is reinforced by the British 51st Division as its zone expands.

The XIX Corps released the 2nd Armored Division to the 1st Army and takes over the VII Corps sector at 2400. Under its command, in current positions, are the 104th, 83rd, 5th Armored (less CCR), 8th and 78th Divisions, from north to south.

The XIII Corps takes over the former XIX Corps front and the 29th Division. The XVI Corps releases the 75th Division to the 1st Army.

CCA of the 5th Armored Division pushes about half way through Schneidhausen. CCB gains approximately half of Untermaubach. The 60th RCT, 9th Division, is detached from the 104th Division and moves to Ouffet (Belgium). The corps is to operate next against the northern flank of the German salient.

In the V Corps area, the 9th Division, reinforced by the 102nd Cavalry Group, rounds up the enemy in the Monschau area. The 99th Division breaks up enemy formatins with artillery fire. CCA, 3rd Armored Division, reverts to its parent unit and moves from Eupen to the Werbomont area. The 1st Division contains further attacks toward the Elsenborn ridge.

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, CCB of the 7th Armored Division withdraws from St Vith at night as CCA contains an attack near Poteau. CCR clears the Vielsalm-Poteau road. CCB, 9th Armored Division, is attached to the 7th Armored Division. The 82nd Airborne Division's 504th Parachute Infantry clears Cheneux and Monceau, forcing the enemy back across the Amblève River. The 505th improves its positions from the Salm to Trois Ponts to the vicinity of Grand Halleux. The 508th and the 325th Glider Infantry occupy the line Vielsalm-Hebronval-Regné, making no contact with the enemy. The division makes contact with friendly troops in the St Vith area. The 30th Division is unable to take La Gleize and Stoumont while continuing to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. The 3rd Armored Division, to which CCA reverts, contains the enemy at Hotton and continues its efforts to secure the Manhay-Houffalize road. The 84th Division is organizing a perimeter defense of Marche.

In the VIII Corps area, the Germans lay siege to Bastogne and extends it westward crossing the Neufchâteau-Bastogne highway in force. Ammunition and food supplies of the Bastogne garrison are running low. The Provisional Corps troops are transferred to the XII Corps. CCA, 10th Armored Division, tries unsuccessfully to cover Waldbillig. CCA of the 9th Armored Division and CCR of the 10th Armored Division are formed into CCX, 10th Armored Division. The 4th Division repels attacks toward Consdorf and Osweiler, but it out of communication with troops in Echternach. The 10th RCT, 5th Division, is attached to the 4th Division. The XII Corps opens a forward commmand post in Luxembourg. The 35th Division's relief is completed.