January 1945

Western Europe

The XXX Corps' Ardennes mission is completed as the 51st Division reaches the Ourthe River line southward from Laroche.

The VII Corps pushes steadily toward Houffalize. On the right flank, the 4th Cavalry Group and the 84th Division clear several towns and villages. CCA, 2nd Armored Division, reaches positions about 1-1/2 miles north of Wilbrin. CCB advances in the Bois de Cedrogne to points 5-6 miles due north of Hoffalize. The 3rd Armored Division's CCR cuts the Sommerain-Cherain road at its junction with the road to Mont le Ban and contains Mont le Ban while CCB takes Lomre. After clearing a passage through the woods south of Langlir for the 3rd Armored Division, the 83rd Division mops up and regroups.

The XVIII (Airborne) Corps opens an offensive, employing the 106th Division on the right and the 30th on the left. The 106th Division, with the 424th Infantry on the right and the 517th Parachute Infantry on the left, attacks southeastward from the junction of the Amblève and Salm Rivers toward the La Neuville-Coulee-Logbiermé-Houvegnez line, reaching positions near Henumont. The 30th Division drives southward from the Malmédy area toward the Amblève River, gaining positions near Hedomont, in the Houyire woods, and in the Thirimont area.

In the VIII Corps area, advance elements of the 87th Division reach the Ourthe River and make contact with the British. The 17th Airborne Division takes Salle, north of Flamierge, without opposition. The 11th Armored Division, which has relieved elements of the 101st and 17th Airborne Divisions, attacks northward with CCR and CCA along the Longchamps-Bertogne axis, cutting the Houffalize-St Hubert highway near Bertogne. Bertogne is enveloped. The 506th Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, seizes Foy, on the Bastogne-Houffalize highway. The 327th Glider Infantry advances through the 501st Parachute Infantry in the Bois Jacques toward Bourcy.

In the III Corps area, the 6th Armored Division drives northward with CCB partially clearing Mageret. The 90th Division drives the enemy from Bras and gains Hill 530. The 35th Division and TF Fickett are pinched out near Bras. The 26th Division moves units into positions northeast and east of Doncols as the boundary between it and the 90th Division is move to the west.

The XXI Corps (Maj-Gen Frank W. Milburn) becomes operational, assuming responsibility for the defense of the left flank of the army and taking control of the 106th Cavalry Group and the 103rd Division in place. It is to continue the organization of defensive positions.

In the VI Corps area, the 45th Division makes minor gains against the Bitche salient. TF Herren (less the 274th Infantry) moves to the right flank of the corps. The 14th Armored Division takes command of the Hatten-Rittershoffen sector, assisted by the 79th Division. CCA and the 3rd Battalion of the 315th Infantry continue to fight in Rittershoffen. CCR secures the western third of Hatten and makes contact with the 2nd Battalin of the 315th Infantry. Efforts of CCB to cut roads north and northeast of Hatten fail.