December 1944

Western Europe

Gen Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery meet at Hasselt (Belgium) to plan an offensive.

In the XIX Corps area, the 8th Division completes the reduction of the pocket south of Obermaubach.

In the V Corps area, the final German effort to force the 1st Division from the Elsenborn defense fails.

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the corps zone is relatively quiet. CCB, 9th Armored Division, and the 112th RCT move into position to back up the 3rd Armored and the 75th Infantry Divisions.

In the VII Corps area, the 75th Division, less the 289th and 290th RCTs, is attached to the XVIII Corps. Germans who infiltrate in the sector of CCA, 3rd Armored Division, take Sadzot but are driven out. The 83rd Division is relieving the 2nd Armored Division and takes responsibility for the sector east of the line Buissonville-Rochefort. Elements push into Rochefort. The 2nd Armored Division regroups.

In the VIII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division is transferred to the corps from SHAEF reserve.

The III Corps makes limited progress against a delaying opposition between the Sauer and Wiltz Rivers. The 35th Division continues to drive on the southern flank of the enemy salient despite very heavy fire southwest of Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. The 26th Division makes slight progress toward Wiltz. Elements of the 80th Division attached to the 4th Armored Division revert back to their parent unit. The 6th Armored Division is transferred to the corps from the XII Corps.

The XII Corps is ordered on the defensive in the afternoon. The 80th Division repels an attack for Ringel.

The XV Corps releases the 87th Division, which has been attached to its since the 20th while reliefs were in progress.