December 1944

Western Europe

The XXX Corps begins the relief of the US 2nd Armored Division on the west flank of the US VII Corps.

The V Corps front is quiet, with both sides on the defensive.

The XVIII Corps (Airborne) zone is also relatively static. The 75th Division is attached to the corps and takes over the zone of the 7th Armored Division.

The VII Corps mops up infiltrators and patrols. The 83rd Division releases the 331st Infantry to the 3rd Armored Division and attacks toward Rochefort with the 328th, but makes slow progress.

The VIII Corps prepares for a drive on Houffalize. The 11th Armored Division moves to the vicinity of Neufchâteau. The 87th Division is released to the corps from SHAEF reserve.

In the III Corps area, CCA of the 4th Armored Division opens the Arlon-Bastogne highway. The 35th Division is clearing the Villers-la-Bonne-Eau-Lutrebois region with advance elements making contact with 101st Airborne Division forces at Marvie, southeast of Bastogne. The 26th Division continues toward Wiltz against increasing resistance. Units in Bastogne (101st Airborne Division and elements of the 9th Armored Division) revert to the VIII Corps. The 6th Armored Division is transferred to the III Corps from the XII Corps and assembles between Arlon and Neufchâteau.