December 1944

Eastern Front

Malinovsky continues to attack at Ercsi and also unleashes a new attack north of the city. Preceded by arty and air strikes, the 7th Guards Army launching a ferocious attack into the Ipoly Valley, supported by the 6th Guards Tank Army and Group Pliev. Bitter fighting ensues prompting Malinovsky to commit the 6th Guards Tank to support the attack. The armored forces suffer heavy losses in the close quarters fighting but manage to push their way forward toward Vac. To the south the 46th Army continues to suffer heavy losses before Ercsi but do establish some minor bridgeheads.

As these battles rage the 57th Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front advances against the weaker southern wing of Army Group South, taking Szigetvar. The 37th Army takes Vukovar as it crosses the Danube in Yugoslavia.