December 1944

Western Europe

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the 30th Division maintains defensive positions while regrouping. The 508th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, continues a drive northeastward of Bra. The 7th Armored Division recaptures Manhay early in the day. The 9th Armored Division is reinforced by the 112th RCT of the 28th Division.

In the VII Corps area, the Germans are infiltrating toward Sadzot in the zone of CCA, 3rd Armored Division, where the front line is held by the 289th RCT. The 84th Division clears a pocket in the Verdenne area. 2nd Armored Division columns envelop Humain and clear stubborn resistance there. The 83rd Division, upon closing in the Havelange area, begins the relief of the 2nd Armored Division.

In the VIII Corps area, the 17th Airborne Division takes over the Meuse River sector.

In the III Corps area, truck and ambulances roll into Bastogne on the road opened by CCR, 4th Armored Division, ending the siege of the city. The 4th Armored Division and reinforcements from the 9th Armored and 80th Infantry Divisions are broadening the corridor to Bastogne and attempting to open the Arlon-Bastogne highway. From the south bank of the Sauer, the 35th Division attacks northward between the 4th Armored Division and the 26th Division, with the 137th Infantry taking Surre and the 320th, Boulaide and Boschleiden. The 26th Division pushes northward through the 101st Airborne Division clearing Mecher-Dunkrodt and Kaundorf.

In the XII Corps area, the 80th Division checks an attack in the Ringel area and blocks roads north and northeast of Ettelbruck. The 6th Armored Division takes responsibility for the sector south of the Sauer between Ettelbruck and Mostroff. Beaufort, north of Waldbillig, falls to the 11th Infantry, 5th Division. 4th Division patrols find Echternach undefended.

In the XX Corps area, the 90th Division patrols aggressively and conducts raids to keep the enemy pinned down. The 5th Ranger Battalion is attached to the 95th Division.

The XXI Corps (36th Infantry and 12th Armored Divisions) arrives. The VI Corps is reinforced by TF Harris (63rd Division), TF Herren (70th Division), and TF Linden (42nd Division).