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Monday, December 11,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 746 – 1,586 bombers and 841 fighters are sent to hit rail targets and bridges in western Germany using PFF. This is the largest number of bombers used on a single mission by the 8th Air Force, to date.

 

The RAF dispatches 233 Lancasters and five Mosquitos to the Urft Dam.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the enemy continues a successful defense of Pier and Schophoven, but elements of the 415th Infantry, of the 104th Division, take Merken and Vilvenich. The 60th Infantry, of the 9th Division, and armor of the 3rd Armored Division, overrun Geich.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 377th Infantry pushes to the center of Fraulautern. The 378th Infantry clears about five city blocks in Ensdorf.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 137th Infantry, of the 35th Division, finishes clearing Sarreguemines, except for a few snipers, and blocks at Frauenberg.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Division elements take Petit Réderching, while others reach Siersthal.

 

In the VI Corps area, Haguenau falls to the 79th Division.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 435 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escorts, to attack targets in Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, 12th Air Force medium bombers hit the Motta di Livenza bridge, while fighters and fighter-bombers hit occupied areas, houses, guns, and defensive positions south of Bologna and attack railroad targets in the central Po River Valley.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Canadian I Corps area, the 1st Division and the 5th Armoured Division gain bridgeheads across the Lamone River and push to the Fosso Vecchio Canal. Tanks are unable to cross into the bridgehead.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends six B-24s and six B-25s, supported by eight P-51s, to attack the Hai Duong area, in French Indochina.

 

General Wedemeyer drafts directives for ALPHA Force that Chiang Kai-shek later approves. General Ho is to command ALPHA Force, but General Chennault will command the air forces in the area. U S Services of Supply will assist General Ho in supply matters. ALPHA forces are to complete a concentration in the Kweiyang area, protect Kunming and Kweiyang, and train reserves.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 12 B-25s to attack the stores area at Hpaklon, Burma. Meanwhile, 16 P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the Mandurriao Airfield, on Cebu Island, while B-25s, with P-47 support, hit the Padada Airfield, on Mindanao Island.

 

On Leyte, in the X Corps area, the 1st Squadron, of the 12th Cavalry (1st Cavalry Division), reduces strongpoint north of its perimeter, in the Mt. Cabungaan area, after intense preparatory fire.

 

XXIV Corps gains firm control of Ormoc Bay, as advance elements of the 7th Division overtake 77th Division troops at Ipil. Japanese forces on Leyte are thus divided.

 

During the night, Japanese attempts to land reinforcements at Ormoc Bay are frustrated. A few Japanese succeed in landing, but are unable to take an active part in the battle for the Ormoc corridor.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 28 B-24s, from Guam Island, to bomb the airfield and ammunition storage area on Iwo Jima Island.

 

Nighttime harassment continues, as individual B-24s, from Guam and Saipan islands, fly three snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

 

Near Ulithi Island, fast carrier groups of the US Third Fleet leave for Luzon.

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Tuesday, December 12,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 748 – 895 bombers and 928 fighters are dispatched to make a H2X attack on Merseburg, Germany, and visual attacks on rail targets in Germany.

 

The RAF dispatches 140 Lancasters on a Gee-H raid to the Ruhrstahl steelworks at Witten, in the first major raid on the town. Eight Lancasters and crews are lost.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 349 Lancasters, 163 Halifaxes, and 28 Mosquitos to Essen. In other action, 49 Mosquitos are sent to Osnabrück, 43 aircraft fly radio countermeasures sorties, and 43 Mosquito fly patrols. Six Lancasters and crews are lost.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a group of 90 B-26s and A-20s to targets in Germany.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 104th Division takes Pier, in a two-pronged assault, and forces the enemy to withdraw across the Roer River. Hoven is cleared of enemy troops. Combat Command R, of the 3rd Armored Division, and the 60th Infantry finish clearing most of the region west of the Roer River, northwest and west of Dueren, during day. The 39th Infantry, of the 9th Division, begins clearing Derichsweiler.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the situation in the Dillingen bridgehead improves. The 359th Infantry and the 358th Infantry establish contact, and open a corridor through the fortified belt through which tanks are moved to 357th Infantry. A vehicular ferry is put into operation. An effective smoke screen permits delivery of tanks and tank destroyers to the bridgehead. Limited progress is made in the Saarlautern bridgehead, by the 95th Division. Combat efficiency of both the 90th and the 95th Divisions has been lowered sharply, because of insufficient reinforcements and exhaustion.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division begins an attack across the Blies River, early in the morning.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a group of 75 B-17s and B-24s to bomb the Blechhammer south oil refinery, in Germany, Moravska-Ostrava, in Czechoslovakia, and several targets of opportunity.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, the Germans, counterattacking at dawn, temporarily force an outpost of the 19th Indian Brigade, on Monte Cerere, to retreat.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Canadian I Corps area, the 5th Armoured Division and the 1st Infantry advance from Fosso Vecchio to the Naviglio Canal, which runs from Faenza to the sea, and attack across it, during the night. The 1st Division gains a bridgehead north of Bagnacavallo, but the 5th Armored Division is forced back to the Fosso Vecchio.

 

China Theater

Six B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, bomb Kutkai, Burma, damaging three warehouses and two other buildings. A group of over 50 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s, on armed reconnaissance, attack many targets of opportunity, including town areas, road and rail traffic, and supplies at or near Wan Pa-Hsa, in Burma.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 11 B-25s to bomb several storage areas north of Lashio, Burma. Over 20 P-47s knock out bridges at Namyao and Inailong, Burma, and Kunlong, China. 263 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

In the Allied Land Forces Southeast Asia (ALFSEA) area in Burma, XV Corps begins an offensive, code named Operation ROMULUS, to clear the Arakan coastal sector and gain air and naval bases, from which to support future operations.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, with fighter cover, bomb the Bacolod Airfield, on Negros Island, while B-25s hit the San Roque Airfield, on Mindanao Island. B-24s pound the Kendari Airfield, on Celebes Island. In the Ambon-Ceram-Boeroe islands area, B-25s hit three airfields and attack barges. A-20s hit the airfield on Efman Island, in New Guinea.

 

US Seventh Fleet Task Groups 78.3 and 77.3 leave Leyte Gulf for Mindoro. Together with Task Group 77.12, which has sailed from Kossol Roads, Palau, move through the Surigao Strait into Mindanao Sea, during the night.

 

On Leyte, XXIV Corps chases off an enemy vessel, sighted near Linao, at dawn. The 77th Division consolidates its positions just north of Ormoc, while amassing supplies and artillery.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 24 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to attack Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, individual 7th Air Force B-24s, from Saipan and Guam islands, fly five snooper strikes against Iwo Jima.

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Wednesday, December 13,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

During the night, the RAF dispatches 52 Lancasters and seven Mosquitos to attack the German cruiser Koln, berthed in Oslo Fjord. But, when the bombers reach the Oslo Fjord, they find that the Koln has moved to another location. Other ships are bombed as alternate targets.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, a force of 250 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s, from the 9th Air Force, hit a supply dump at Schleiden, plus defended positions in several villages, and a marshalling yard at Euskirchen.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps, area, the 30th Division, in limited attacks, clears most of region between the Inde River and the Roer River.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 39th Infantry, of the 9th Division, finishes clearing Derichsweiler. This virtually ends current mission of VII Corps.

 

V Corps opens an offensive for the Roer and Urft dams, employing the 78th Division, which is untried in combat, the 2nd Division, and 99th Division. The 78th Division is held up near Kesternich. The 2nd Division is slowed by obstacles and enemy fire in the center of V Corps. The 99th Division attacks in the Monschau Forest and gains its preliminary objectives.

 

The US Third Army’s III Corps accepts the surrender of the last of the Metz forts, Jeanne d’Arc.

 

In the XX Corps area, the 95th Division makes very slight progress in the Saarlautern bridgehead.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division strengthens its hold across the Blies River. The 1st Battalion, of the 134th Infantry, undergoes enemy counterattacks in Habkirchen, beginning early in morning, and is forced back toward the river. The 3rd Battalion joins in the battle for Habkirchen. A battalion of the 320th Infantry crosses the Blies River, at Bliesbruck, and takes Hill 321. A small force from the 137th Infantry crosses north of Habkirchen, but is pinned down.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 44th Division begins a struggle for Fort Simershof, near Hottviller, which is barring forward movement.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 14th Armored Division attacks between the 103rd Division and the 79th Division, with Combat Command A taking Soultz sous Forêts. The 79th Division completes the capture of Seltz and overruns Niederroedern.

 

Eastern Europe

Forward elements of the Second Ukrainian Front thrust to within six miles northeast and eight miles east of Budapest.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, the 61st Brigade, of the 6th Armoured Division gets additional elements into Tossignano. During the night, the 36th Brigade, of the 78th Division, begins an attack for Parocchia di Monte Maggiore, but is unable to reach the top and withdraws at dawn.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends six B-25s to attack the warehouse area at Hsenwi, Burma, while two others bomb the town of Wuming, China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 12 B-25s to bomb the storage and personnel area at Mongmit, Burma. Meanwhile, seven P-47s damage the approach to the Hay-ti road bridge, while four others support US infantry forces near Tonkwa. Over 260 transport sorties carry men and supplies to forward areas.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command area of Burma, the 114th Regiment, of the Chinese 38th Division, breaks through the northern defenses of Bhamo, and is pushing into the central part of the city. In the Tonk-wa area, the US 475th Infantry quickly repels an enemy attack.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the Carolina and Talisay airfields, on Negros Island. B-25s bomb five airfields.

 

US Seventh Fleet task groups move west through Mindanao Sea, covered by aircraft from escort carriers, which make a few air strikes. Enemy planes, including kamikazes, begin strikes on the task groups that damage the USS Haraden, and Admiral Struble’s f lagship, the USS Nashville, both of which turn back.

 

On Leyte, in the X Corps area, the 32nd Division makes limited progress southward. The southernmost elements are isolated from the main body and out of food. During the night, a Japanese counterattack penetrates the Command Post of the 126th Infantry. The enemy is driven back before dawn. The 2nd Squadron, of the 7th Cavalry (1st Cavalry Division), again attempts to take the ridge southeast of Limon, but cannot advance.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 307th Infantry, on the left flank, drives west along the Ormoc– Linao road, and takes Linao. During the night, enemy positions, in the Cogon area, are shelled.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 15 B-24s, based on Guam Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island.

 

20th Air Force (XXI Bomber Command) Mission 12 – 90 B-29s, from the Mariana Islands, are dispatched to attack the Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant at Nagoya, Japan. 71 hit the primary target, causing considerable damage as bombing accuracy is improved. Nine others hit alternate targets. They shoot down four Japanese aircraft. Four B-29s are lost.

 

During the night, six B-24s, from the 7th Air Force, make individual harassment raids against Iwo Jima Island, from Saipan and Guam islands.

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Thursday, December 14,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Division troops finish clearing the region between the Inde River and the Roer River.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, a factory between Mariaweiler and Dueren is cleared of enemy troops.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, a vehicular ferry is put out of action by enemy fire.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division continues the battle for Habkirchen, crossing the 2nd Battalion and Company K, of the 134th Infantry, over the Saarlautern River to join in the attack. During the night, a Bailey bridge is put across the river, to the village. The 87th Division, which has been moving toward Rimling, takes that village, but resistance is stiffening.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, elements of the 100th Division, attacking Fort Schiesseck, near Bitche, are pinned down by enemy fire.

 

In the VI Corps area, Lembach falls to the 45th Division. The 103rd Division encounters strong rear-guard opposition at Climbach. A 79th Division column drives to the outskirts of Lauterbourg.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, 12th Air Force medium bombers score effective hits on railroad bridges at Parma and Chivasso.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, the 6th Armoured Division loses contact with elements within Tossignano and fighting for this objective ceases after futile efforts to take it.

 

During the night, V Corps, after regrouping, jumps off, with the Indian 10th Division, on the left, and the New Zealand 2nd Division, on the right. The Indian 10th Division attacks toward the Pergola ridge and the New Zealand 2nd Division attacks in the Colle area, west of Faenza.

 

In the Canadian I Corps area, the 5th Armoured Division concentrates forces at the Naviglio Canal, to the right of the 1st Division, and establishes a bridgehead.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

20th Air Force (XX Bomber Command) Mission 20 – 48 B-29s, flying out of the Calcutta area, in India, are sent to bomb a railroad bridge at Bangkok, Thailand. 33 hit the primary and 14 others hit targets of opportunity and alternate targets. Four B-29s and crews are lost.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 12 B-25s, from the 10th Air Force, again bomb the supply and personnel area at Mongmit. The Bodegon railroad bridge is severely damaged by four P-47s, while 48 other P-47s hit troop concentrations, supplies, and areas of active enemy movement. Large-scale transport operations to forward areas continue.

 

In Northern Combat Area Command area in Burma, the Japanese garrison at Bhamo prepares to withdraw.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s pound airfields on Negros Island. B-25s hit the Zettlefield airdrome, on Jolo Island, in the Philippine Islands, and Namlea, on Buru Island.

 

Planes of the US Third Fleet’s fast carrier groups begin attacks on Japanese airfields on Luzon.

 

The Japanese continue air attacks on the Mindoro-bound task groups of the US Seventh Fleet.

 

In X Corps area on Leyte, the 126th and 127th Regiments, of the 32nd Division, pressing slowly southward down Highway 2, come up against the enemy’s main line of resistance, on a series of ridges commanding Highway 2, and for the next few days can make only minor gains.

 

In XXIV Corps area, the 305th Infantry, of the 77th Division, reduces opposition in the Cogon area, with Task Force Freeman taking the blockhouse and a road junction, north of Ormoc, to sever the enemy’s line of communication.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 24 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to pound Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, the 7th Air Force sends six B-24s, from Guam and Saipan islands, to fly individual snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

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Friday, December 15,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

US Home Front

The Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) announces that Major Alton Glenn Miller, s/n 0505273, Director of the US Army Air Force Band, boards a UC-64A for a flight from England to Paris. Miller's big band was one of the most popular prior to WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, and formed a band to entertain the troops in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). While in England, Miller’s band gave over 800 performances. Miller is on his way to Paris to make arrangements for a Christmas Show. He and the Flight Officer pilot takeoff, disappear in low clouds and are never seen again.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 750 – 674 B-17s and 434 fighters are dispatched to attack rail targets and an armored car factory in Germany using H2X.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 327 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitos to Ludwigshafen.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, a force of over 300 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s, from the 9th Air Force, hit defended positions, camp area, and oil storage at Heimbach, Wollseifen, Harperscheid, Schonau, Ruthen, and Dorsel.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 90th Division opens an assault for the rest of Dillingen and the Prims River bridge, on the Dillingen–Saarlautern road. They attack under a smoke screen, with the 359th Infantry, on the left, and the 358th Infantry, on the right. The attack penetrates the enemy’s main line of resistance in the Dillingen sector and gets well into the town. A lull develops after this and the 90th Division suspends its attack. The 95th Division continues a slow advance in the Saarlautern bridgehead.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 134th Infantry, of the 35th Division, assisted by tanks and tank destroyers, takes Habkirchen. To the left, the 137th Infantry is driven out of Breiterwald, with very heavy losses, in an enemy counterattack. The 87th Division is also bitterly opposed, but the 347th Infantry takes Obergailbach and the heights overlooking the Blies River.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 14th Armored Division, seizes Riedseitz. Combat Command B takes Salmbach and Schlerthal. One 79th Division column clears Lauterbourg and another reaches the Lauter River, at the village of Schiebenhardt.

 

The French 1st Army begins an offensive against the Germans west of the Rhine River, in the Colmar area. II Corps, making the main effort, penetrates to Orbey.

 

Eastern Europe
Red Army troops cross Ipely (Ipel) River, north of Budapest, and establish a bridgehead on Czechoslovak soil, at Sahy.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of over 330 B-17s and B-24s to attack the primary targets of the main marshalling yards, main station, and freight yard at Linz, marshalling yards at Amstetten, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, in Austria, and Rosenheim, in Germany.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force B-25s, attack ammunition dumps at Cremona, Bologna, and Pavia, a fuel dump at Castellar Guidobono, and severely damage railway bridges south of Asti and at Voghera.

 

In the British Eighth Army V Corps area, the Germans struggle to prevent encirclement of Faenza. They exert strong pressure on the New Zealand forces, in the Colle area, and, during the day, bring the Indian 10th Division to a halt, short of Pergola, but they withdraw at night fall.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the Northern Combat Area Command area, the Japanese garrison of Bhamo escapes through Chinese lines early in morning and the relief force, south of the town, begins to disengage. The Chinese 38th Division then moves into Bhamo. The Chinese Army in India (CAI) and Y–Force are only 50 air miles apart.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers hit a fuel dump at San Fernando, on Negros Island, while B-24s and B-25s bomb the Sasa and San Roque airfields, on Mindanao Island, and more B-24s bomb Puerto Princesa, on Palawan Island.

 

The Western Visayan Task Force invades Mindoro, at 0735 hours, after preparatory bombardment. From San Agustin, the 3rd Battalion, of the 503rd Parachute Infantry, drives inland about eight miles, to the final beachhead line, securing the airstrip, sugar plant, and the village of San Jose, without opposition. The 19th Infantry also drives inland, to the final beachhead line, with the only contact with the enemy being made at Caminawit Point. The Western Visayan Task Force suffers no casualties. Airdrome construction is begun at once and a new site, about two miles northwest of White Beach, is selected. Although there is no ground opposition, enemy planes continue to attack shipping, destroying two LSTs (landing ship, tank) and causing minor damage to other vessels. Unloading proceeds rapidly, permitting the LSMs (landing ship, medium) and APDs (high speed transports), of Task Group 78.3, to withdraw ahead of schedule.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 13 B-24s, from Guam Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, a 7th Air Force B-24, on a snooper raid from Guam, hits Iwo Jima.

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Saturday, December 16,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

The RAF dispatches 108 Lancasters on a Gee-H raid on the railway yards at Siegen, and one Hudson flies a resistance operation. One Lancaster and crew are lost.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

Bad weather cancels 9th Air Force combat operations.

 

In the US First Army area, Field Marshal von Rundstedt an opens all-out counteroffensive in the Ardennes, early in morning, taking the Americans by surprise, and penetrating the lines of the US First Army. The 6th Panzer Army, on the north, and the 5th Panzer Army, on the south, press vigorously toward the Meuse River, on a broad front. The 6th Panzer Army is directed ultimately toward the Albert Canal, in the Maastricht–Antwerp area, and the 5th Panzer Army toward the Brussels–Antwerp area. Enemy paratroopers drop behind US lines to seize key points, and succeed in disrupting communications and causing widespread confusion.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, in conjunction with the offensive against the First Army, the enemy counterattacks in the vicinity of Leiffarth, and penetrates the 84th Division line, but positions are soon restored.

 

In US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 9th Division and the 83rd Division contain enemy thrusts toward Mariaweiler and Guerzenich. Elements of the 5th Armored Division reach the Roer River, in the Bilstein area. VII Corps releases the 1st Division to V Corps.

 

In the V Corps area, the German counteroffensive hits the southern flank of V and VIII Corps’ line to the south. The 99th Division holds back the enemy in Hofen area, south of Monschau, on the north, but gives ground to the south, and the Germans penetrate almost to Buellingen. Continuing thier offensive to the north, the 2nd Division seizes the road junction on the Hofen– Rocherath road, in the Monschau Forest. The 78th Division repels a counterattack against Rollesbroich, but is unable to take Kesternich. The 2nd Ranger Battalion is attached to the 78th Division.

 

VIII Corps’ 106th Division, reinforced by the 14th Cavalry Group, 28th Division, 9th Armored Division, and northern flank elements of the 4th Division, all fall back under enemy onslaughts. The Germans drive several miles west, cutting the main north-south highway between the Our River and the Clerf River, encircling Echternach, and threatening St. Vith. Combat Command B, of the 9th Armored Division, is attached to the 106th Division, to help defend St. Vith.

 

In the US Third Army area, XX Corps releases the 10th Armored Division to VIII Corps. The 95th Division continues a battle to expand the Saarlautern bridgehead. Its relief is begun, during the night, by the 5th Division. The 6th Cavalry Group is attached to III Corps.

 

III Corps is assigned the zone between XX Corps and XII Corps. Holding its front are the 6th Cavalry Group, also called Task Force Fickett, on the north, and the 6th Armoured Division, formerly of XII Corps, on the south. The 26th Division remains at Metz, to train replacements.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division and the 87th Division continue to clear the outer positions of the West Wall. News of the Ardennes counteroffensive cancels plans for XII Corps’ assault on the West Wall.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, VI Corps gets elements of all its assault divisions to the German border. 45th Division troops take Bobenthal and Nothweiler. The 103rd Division bypasses Wissembourg, which Combat Command A, of the 14th Armored Division, occupies. Combat Command B, of the 14th Armored Division, and the 79th Division are coming under heavy fire from the Bien Wald.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of almost 600 B-24s and B-17s to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Brux and the armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps continues to clear the region east of the Senio River, on the left flank of the Eighth Army.

 

In the V Corps area, the Indian 43rd Brigade, operating with the New Zealand 2nd Division and with the specific purpose of clearing Faenza, does so with ease. The New Zealand 2nd Division reaches the Senio River. The Indian 10th Division takes Pergola.

 

China Theater

Learning from Brigade General Frank Dorn, US adviser to ALPHA Force, that the Chinese 57th Army is refusing to move to defend Kunming, General McClure protests to Chiang Kai-shek. Later, part of the army is flown to the Kunming area. Only a few of the Chinese forces are in place, as planned, to stop the enemy short of Kunming.

 

Chinese Communist leader Chou En-lai terminates negotiations between the Nationalist and Communist Chinese.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s IV Corps area, Pinlebu and Banmauk fall to the Indian 19th Division. From Banmauk, a patrol reaches Indaw and makes contact with the British 36th Division, of the Northern Combat Area Command.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the XXIV Corps area, the the 305th Infantry, of the 77th Division, takes Cogon, and clears that area, and the 307th Infantry pushes toward Valencia, reaching San Jose. The 306th Infantry starts north, behind the 307th Infantry.

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December 17, 1944

The US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions are sent to reinforce the Allied troops in the Ardennes.

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Sunday, December 17,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

During the night, the RAF dispatches 1,184 aircraft to targets in Germany.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, weather prevents 9th Air Force bomber operations. Over 1,000 fighters fly armed reconnaissance, defensive patrols, and attacks on bridges and gun positions.

 

The IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands also support ground forces against the counteroffensive in the Ardennes and in a battle to hold the Saarlautern bridgehead, in Germany.

 

Reinforcements are being sent to the Ardennes sector to defend vital road centers. The 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne, of XVIII Corps (Airborne) are released from SHAEF reserve for action on the Ardennes front.

 

The US Ninth Army releases the 7th Armored Division to VIII Corps, and the 30th Division, whose zone on XIX Corps front is taken over by the 29th Division, to V Corps.

 

In the US First Army area, VII Corps, while rounding up paratroopers and guarding against a possible airborne attack, continues to press its right flank toward the Roer River. The 83rd Division clears Roelsdorf and Lendersdorf. The 9th Division, gains ground slowly, just west of Dueren, and releases Regimental Combat Team 47 to V Corps.

 

V Corps is fully occupied holding their current positions, north of the breakthrough, and delaying the German offensive, which continues to gain ground slowly toward Malmédy. The 1st and 30th Divisions are getting into position to counterattack.

 

In the VIII Corps area, the disorganized 14th Cavalry Group continues to fall back, on the northern flank of VIII Corps. German columns isolate the 422nd Regiment and the 423rd Regiment, of the 106th Division, in the Schnee Eifel salient, and push on through Heuem, toward St. Vith. In the 28th Division zone, the Germans drive almost to Wiltz. VIII Corps releases Combat Command R, of the 9th Armored Division, from reserve, to block the Bastogne–Trois–Vierges road. The 4th Division halts the enemy south of Osweiler and Dickweiler, but units are isolated at a number of points.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps overruns Keintzheim.

 

Eastern Europe
Elements of the Second Ukrainian Front push to within five miles of Budapest.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 550 B-17s and B-24s to bomb targets in Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the V Corps area, the Indian 43rd Brigade tries in vain to advance from Faenza. The Indian 10th Division secures small bridgeheads across the Senio River, north and south of Tebano.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

290 transport sorties are flown.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, on Negros Island B-24s pound the Bacolod Airfield, while B-25s hit the Silay Airfield. Meanwhile, P-40s join US Marine Corps fighter-bombers in attacking the Cananga area, and P-38s destroy several aircraft during sweeps. In other action, B-25s bomb Likanan, on Mindanao Island, while B-24s, with P-47 support, hit the airfield on Jolo Island, and fighter-bombers hit positions at Valencia, on Mindanao Island. B-24s and fighter-bombers also attack the Jesselton Airfield, in Borneo, and the Laha Airfield, on Ambon Island.

 

US Seventh Fleet Task Groups 77.3, 78.3, and 77.12 safely reach the Leyte Gulf from Mindoro.

 

In the X Corps area, the 32nd Division progresses slowly south of Limon.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 307th Infantry, of the 77th Division, attacks at 1415 hours, after artillery and air preparation, toward Valencia, and reaches the edge of the airfield.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 24 B-24s, from Saipan Island, and 26 more, from Guam Island, to attack Iwo Jima Island. Three B-24s, from Saipan Island, on armed reconnaissance, bomb Woleai and Eauriprik atolls, in the Caroline Islands.

 

During the night, 7th Air Force B-24s, from Saipan and Guam, fly three single-plane harassment strikes against Iwo Jima.

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Monday, December 18,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 754 – 985 bombers and 773 fighters are dispatched to hit communication and tactical targets in Germany using PFF

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 236 Lancasters to attack the port of Gdynia, Poland, on the Baltic coast.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, a force of over 160 A-26s, A-20s, and B-26s, from the 9th Air Force, hit defended positions at Harperscheid, Hellenthal, Blumenthal, Dreiborn, and Herhahn.

 

The IX Tactical Air Command hits Panzer units spearheading the Bulge counteroffensive.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 84th Division attacks for its last objectives, Wurm and Muellendorf, and takes both with ease.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 83rd Division and the 9th Division finish clearing their respective zones.

 

V Corps holds firmly at Butgenbach and the Elsenborn ridge, but the enemy continues to move west through a gap south of Butgenbach.

 

In the VIII Corps area, the 106th Division’s encircled 422nd and 423rd Regiments try in vain to break out toward Schonberg. The 7th Armored Division is too heavily engaged at St. Vith to assist with an eastward push. The Germans occupy Recht and cut the St. Vith–Vielsalm road, at Poteau, but Combat Command A recovers Poteau. The 28th Division is unable to stop the enemy in its zone and becomes completely disorganized. The Germans get almost to Houffalize and Bastogne, smashing through roadblocks of Combat Command R, of the 9th Armored Division, on the Bastogne–St. Vith road.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 90th Division, attacking cautiously with two battalions, clears most of Dillingen, against surprisingly light resistance.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 320th Infantry (35th Division), takes Nieder Gailbach in hard fighting.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, elements of 45th Division attack across the Lauter River, into Budenthal, but are isolated there.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps overruns Ammerschwihr.

 

Eastern Europe
Red Army forces reach the Hungarian-Czechoslovak border, on a 70 mile front, north of Miskolc, and are crossing it.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 560 B-17s and B-24s to bomb targets in Germany, Austria, Poland and Czechoslovakia.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

20th Air Force (XX Bomber Command) Mission 21 – 94 B-29s, flying out of the Chengtu, China area, are dispatched to drop incendiaries on the docks at Hankow, China, in the first mass firebomb attack by B-29s.

 

China Theater

In conjunction with the 20th Air Force’s B-29 attack on Hankow, the 14th Air Force dispatches over 200 aircraft to targets in China

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends 17 P-47s to hit bypass bridges at Hinlong, China, and Wingkang, Burma.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Leyte, in the X Corps area, the 126th Infantry, of the 32nd Division, works slowly forward, south of Limon, and closes the gap between it and the 127th Infantry.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 307th Infantry, of the 77th Division takes Valencia and its airstrip, without opposition.

 

Central Pacific Area

Six B-24s, based on Guam Island, flying armed photo reconnaissance over Moen, Param, and Eten islands, and bomb Dublon Island. After photographing the airfields on the three islands, the B-24s return by way of Woleai and Puluwat atolls, and Namonuito Island, in the Caroline Islands, while photographing all three.

 

During the night, four B-24s, from Guam and Saipan Islands, fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

 

20th Air Force (XXI Bomber Command) Mission 13 – 89 B-29s, flying out of the Mariana Islands, are sent to hit the Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Nagoya, Japan.

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Tuesday, December 19,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

American Theater

The 4th Air Force sends four fighters, directed by the Los Angeles Control Group, to search for a Japanese balloon, reported over Santa Monica, California. They are unable to locate the target.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 756 – 328 bombers, escorted by 41fighters, are dispatched to hit tactical targets, which include rail and road junctions, rail and road chokepoints and railheads, in the Luxembourg area, and the Ehrang and Koblenz areas, of Germany, to impede the German counteroffensive launched in the Ardennes.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

Weather grounds 9th Air Force bombers.

 

Allied commanders conferring at Verdun decide to halt offensives toward the Rhine River and concentrate on reducing the enemy salient in the Ardennes.

 

Because of Ardennes counteroffensive, Field Marshal Montgomery abandons plans to employ XXX Corps, of the British Second Army, in the Nijmegen area and orders it to assemble in the Louvain– St Trond–Hasselt region, to hold the Meuse River line.

 

The US Ninth Army is ordered to go on the defensive.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the 2nd and 99th Divisions repel further attacks and start toward new defensive positions, from which they will defend the Elsenborn ridge. The 1st Division holds the line east of Malmédy. The 30th Division holds at Stavelot and engineers blow a bridge across the Amblève River, and keeps the enemy from Stoumont in a costly battle.

 

In the VIII Corps area, hope of relieving the beleaguered 422nd and 423rd Regiments, of the 106th Division, in the Schnee Eifel fades. The 7th and 9th Armored Divisions are aggressively defending the region just east of St. Vith. The 101st Airborne Division arrives at Bastogne, which the enemy has almost encircled. Also employed in the defense of the Bastogne area are Combat Command B, of the 10th Armored Division, and remnants of Combat Command R, of the 9th Armored Division.

 

The US Seventh Army is ordered to go on the defensive.

 

In the XV Corps area, the 44th Division finds that the enemy has abandoned Fort Simershof and Hottviller. Fort Schiesseck, barring access to Bitche, continues to hold out.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 400 B-24s and B-17s to attack targets in Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Hungary.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British Eighth Army area, V Corps, renewing its offensive during the night, clears the Faenza area sufficiently for the deployment of the 56th Division.

 

During the night, Canadian I Corps begins an attack to break out of the Naviglio Canal bridgehead.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

20th Air Force (XX Bomber Command) Mission 22 – 36 B-29s, from the Chengtu area, in China, are dispatched to hit an aircraft plant at Omura, Japan.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 16 B-25s, escorted by 24 P-40s, to attack Pengpu, China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 12 B-25s, from the 10th Air Force, hit road junctions at Mongmit and south of Kyaukme, the Kyaukme railroad station, and the Hsenwi bridge. 42 P-47s pound supply and personnel areas and troops at Myadaung, Tantabin, and Twinnge, the village of Nyaugbintha, and a truck park near Humon. Over 300 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s IV Corps area, the Indian 19th Division takes Wunthe.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Negros Island, in the Philippine Islands, fighter-supported B-25s, from the Far East Air Force (FEAF), bomb the Fabrica Airfield, while fighters, on a sweep over Ponay and Leyte islands, the hit Fabrica, Bacolod, Silay, Dumaguete and Alicante airfields, and the town of Palompon, on Leyte Island. On Luzon Island, B-24s bomb the Legaspi Airfield, while P-38s hit the Batangas Airfield. B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s pound the Kairatoe area, on Celebes Island. Other Far East Air Force (FEAF) aircraft on armed reconnaissance, sweeps, and small strikes, hit targets of opportunity at many locations throughout the Netherland East Indies and the Philippine Islands.

 

On Leyte, the Japanese 35th Army learns that it must manage with its current resources.

 

The US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 127th Infantry, of the 32nd Division, continues to battle the enemy, south of Limon. The 12th Cavalry attacks toward Lonoy, on Highway 2, and seizes this barrio.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 307th Infantry, of the 77th Division, attacks north, astride Highway 2, toward Libongao, gaining nearly three miles.

 

The Western Visayan Task Force, helped by Mindoro guerrillas, begins a series of patrol actions along the southern, western, and northwestern shores of Mindoro, and reconnaissance of small islands offshore.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 27 B-24s, from Saipan Island, and 25 more, from Guam Island, to hit Iwo Jima Island. Meanwhile, three B-24s, on armed reconnaissance from Guam, bomb Marcus Island, while 14 P-38s, from Saipan, with three B-29s as navigational escort, strafe airfields on Iwo Jima.

 

The headquarters of the 7th Air Force is officially opened at Tanapag, Saipan Island.

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Wednesday, December 20,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

Bad weather prevents all 9th Air Force combat operations, except a night intruder mission by two fighters.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 5th Armored Division resumes their attack toward the Roer River, blocking the Winden–Untermaubach highway, and pushing into Untermaubach and into Schneidhausen, which the enemy is stoutly defending.

 

In the V Corps area, the 2nd and 99th Divisions complete withdrawal to new defensive positions, before the Elsenborn ridge, and organize a secondary defense line. The Germans make a slight penetration in the line of the 99th Division, west of Wirtzfeld, but are sealed off and destroyed. The 1st Division clears their assigned region, south of Eupen, and contains attacks in the Butgenbach–Faymonville area.

 

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, Combat Command B, of the 3rd Armored Division, is attached to the 30th Division and assists in an attack on La Gleize and Stoumont, which the enemy effectively defends. Elements of the 30th Division continue to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. The 3rd Armored Division, less Combat Command A and Combat Command B, upon closing in on the Hotton area, attacks eastward to secure the Manhay–Houffalize road.

 

In the VIII Corps area enemy pressure on St. Vith is undiminished. Elements of the 10th Armored Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion fight their way out of a local encirclement, on the perimeter of larger encirclement of the Bastogne area. The 101st Airborne Division extends its defensive line to the west and southwest of Bastogne. They are assisted by the remnants of Combat Command R, of the 9th Armored Division, and Combat Command B, of the 10th Armored Division. Marvie, southeast of Bastogne, is cleared in the course of a tank battle. Some 25 miles southeast of Bastogne, the 109th Infantry, of the 28th Division and attached to the 9th Armored Division, establishes a defensive line from Ettelbruck to Oberfeulen to Merzig. The 109th Infantry also has forces near Ermsdorf, backing up Combat Command A, of the 9th Armored Division. The enemy now holds Waldbillig, six miles west of Echternach. Southwest of Bastogne, the 28th Division headquarters and remnants of the 110th Infantry block the Neufchâteau–Bastogne highway. In an effort to halt the enemy, engineers block roads and demolish bridges, far west of Bastogne, at St. Hubert.

 

In the US Third Army area, III Corps moves its headquarters from Metz, France, to Arlon, Belgium, and elements of Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, push to the Bastogne area and make contact with the 101st Airborne and the 10th Armored Divisions.

 

In the XX Corps area, the 378th Infantry, of the 95th Division, completes their withdrawal from Ensdorf, to positions west of the Sarre River.

 

Mediterranean Theater

For the fifth consecutive day, 15th Air Force bombers hit Axis oil production, as a force of 454 B-17s and B-24s hit the oil refinery at Regensburg, Germany, the marshalling yards at Linz, Salzburg, and Villach, Austria, and armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, continued bad weather limits 12th Air Force operations, as medium bombers are grounded and overcast prevents fighters and fighter-bombers to reach many targets.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the 56th Division begins to clear the region between the Naviglio Canal and the Lamone River, working northward from Faenza. The New Zealand 2nd Division is clearing northward between the Naviglio Canal and the Senio River.

 

In the Canadian I Corps area, the enemy is forced back behind the SenioRiver, during the night, under pressure of the 1st Division and the 5th Armoured Division.

 

China Theater

Continuing his inspection of the China Theater, General Wedemeyer urges that Y–Force resume their offensive toward Wanting, on the Salween front, in an effort to link up with forces of the Chinese Army in Indai (CAI), as soon as possible.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s IV Corps area, Kawlin falls to the Indian 19th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) sends over 150 B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers to attack 10 airfields throughout the central Philippine Islands and three on Mindanao Island.

 

On Leyte, in the X Corps area, the 12th Cavalry, of the 1st Cavalry Division, attacks from Lonoy, south along Highway 2, toward Kananga, reaching positions near that barrio. Elements of the 126th Infantry, of the 32nd Division, clear the last resistance within the regimental sector, south of Limon.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 307th Infantry, of the 77th Division, overcomes strong opposition at Libongao and continues north, toward a road junction. The 306th Infantry quickly reaches the Palompon road. The 1st Battalion then advances west along it to the Togbong River and other elements of the regiment drive east along the road toward its junction with Highway 2. The 2nd Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry (7th Division), continuing east to establish contact with the 511th Parachute Infantry, of the 11th Airborne Division, is delayed by the enemy, entrenched on two ridges. During the night, the 77th Division conducts its most intensive artillery bombardment of enemy positions of the Leyte Campaign.

 

On Mindoro, aircraft begin arriving to operate from Hill Drome. Under direction of a small party from the 503rd Parachute Infantry, a guerrilla force of 50 moves by water, from Agustin to the Pasugi–Pianag area, without incident.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 23 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to hit Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, six B-24s, from Guam and Saipan Islands, hit Iwo Jima with five snooper strikes.

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Thursday, December 21,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater 8th Air Force

The RAF dispatches 113 Lancasters, two waves, to bomb the railway yards at Trier, and one Hudson on a resistance operation.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 207 Lancasters and one Mosquito to attack the synthetic-oil refinery at Politz, near Stettin. Meanwhile, 67 Lancasters, 54 Halifaxes, and 15 Mosquitos attack the Cologne/Nippes marshalling yards, which are being used to serve the German offensive in the Ardennes.

 

European Theater, Western Europe 9th Air Force

Weather grounds all 9th Air Force operations.

 

In the US First Army VII Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 5th Armored Division, pushes about half way through Schneidhausen, while Combat Command B gains approximately half of Untermaubach.

 

In the V Corps area, the 9th Division, reinforced by the 102nd Cavalry Group, rounds up enemy troops in the Monschau area. The 99th Division breaks up enemy formations with artillery fire. The 1st Division contains further attacks toward the Elsenborn ridge.

 

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, Combat Command B, of the 7th Armored Division, withdraws from St. Vith during the night. Combat Command A contains an attack near Poteau, while Combat Command R clears the Vielsalm–Poteau road. The 82nd Airborne Division’s 504th Parachute Infantry clears Cheneux and Monceau, forcing the enemy back across the Amblève River. The 30th Division is unable to take La Gleize and Stoumont, but continues to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. The 3rd Armored Division, to which Combat Command A reverts, contains the enemy at Hotton, and continues their efforts to secure the Manhay– Houffalize road.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, the enemy lays siege to Bastogne and extends westward, crossing the Neufchâteau–Bastogne highway in force. Ammunition and food supplies of the Bastogne garrison are running low. Combat Command A, of the 10th Armored Division, tries unsuccessfully to recover Waldbillig. The 4th Division repels enemy attacks toward Consdorf and Osweiler, and becomes out of communication with the troops in Echternach.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends 84 B-24s to bomb the main marshalling yard and railroad sidings at Rosenheim, Germany. 40 P-51s provide escort, while over 40 P-38s fly photo reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort missions.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, the 5th Kresowa Division, having relieved the 3rd Carpathian Division, begins mopping up east of the Senio RIver.

 

V Corps continues to clear northward, astride the Naviglio Canal.

 

Canadian I Corps overruns Bagnacavallo and reaches the Senio River, in the Cotignola-Alfonsine area, but the enemy retains positions along the river on both flanks.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

20th Air Force (XX Bomber Command) Mission 23 – 49 B-29s, from Chengtu, China, are dispatched to attack Mukden, Manchuria. 19 hit the primary objective, the Manchuria Airplane Manufacturing Company, while eight other B-29s bomb alternate targets and targets of opportunity. The factory suffers little damage, and a nearby arsenal and rail yards are slightly damaged. The B-29s shoot down 21 Japanese aircraft. Two B-29s are lost.

 

China Theater

A force of 145 P-40s and P-51s, from the 14th Air Force, fly armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of southern China, eastern Burma, and northern French Indochina.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 12 B-25s the bomb a supply and personnel area at Magyidon, Burma.

 

In the Allied Land Forces Southeast Asia (ALFSEA) area in Burma, XV Corps is making such rapid progress on the Arakan front that Admiral Mountbatten holds a commanders conference at Calcutta to discuss exploitation and presents alternative plans for an assault on Akyab. By this time, river craft have been launched in the Kalapanzin to assist the Indian 24th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers pound 10 airfields, mostly on Negros Island and elsewhere in the central Philippine Islands. Meanwhile, Leyte Island based fighter-bombers fly over 100 attack sorties. The Likanan Airfield on Mindanao Island is hit by B-24s, and, in the Moluccas Islands, B-25s pound Goeroea, Anggai, and Lolobata, on Halmahera Island.

 

US the Sixth Army area, the junction between X Corps and XXIV Corps, just south of Kananga at 1645 hours, opens Highway 2, from Ormoc to Pinamopoan, and gains complete control of the Ormoc Valley.

 

In the X Corps area, the 12th Cavalry attacks and takes Kananga, they then make patrol contact with the 77th Division to the south.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, on the 77th Division’s western flank, the 1st Battalion, of the 306th Infantry, after concentrated artillery preparation, takes the ridge commanding the Togbong River bridge site and outposts it, but is driven off. In preparation for the next task of the 77th Division, a drive west to seize Palompon, artillery is emplaced near San Jose, within range of Palompon.

 

On Mindoro, the Japanese, having received reinforcements by air, for the defense of Mindoro, attack a resupply convoy moving toward the island, destroying two LSTs (landing ship tank) and damaging other shipping. From the Pasugi-Pianag area, a patrol of guerrillas and the 503rd Parachute Infantry sail north to Sabalayan. From there, they move on foot to Mamburao, to reconnoiter toward Palauan and Abra de Ilog.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 23 B-24s, based on Guam Island, to hit Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, four B-24s, from the Mariana Islands, fly three harassment strikes against Iwo Jima.

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December 22, 1944

General McAuliffe, commanding the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, replies to the German demand that they surrender with one word - "Nuts".

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Friday, December 22,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater 8th Air Force

During the night, the RAF dispatches 166 Lancasters and two Mosquitos to rail yards at Koblenz.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

9th Air Force fighters fly a few strafing, weather reconnaissance, intruder patrols, and alert missions. Bad weather cancels all other missions.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, the 5th Armored Division clears Untermaubach and Schneidhausen. The 8th Division attack on Obermaubach fails.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the Germans breach the lines of the 1st Division at Butgenbach and of the 9th Division, in the Monschau Forest, but are unable to exploit their success.

 

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the withdrawal of the delaying forces in the St. Vith area, through the 82nd Airborne Division line, begins. The 82nd Airborne Division is under strong pressure along the Salm River, in the Trois Ponts area. A 30th Division column captures Stoumont. The 3rd Armored Division maintains roadblocks at strategic points and attempts to clear the Hotton area.

 

VII Corps, reconstituted to consist of the 75th and 84th Infantry Divisions and the 2nd Armored Division, is rapidly concentrating in the Durbuy–Marche area, of Belgium, and organizing a defensive line. The 84th Division completes the perimeter defense of Marche and establishes a counter-reconnaissance screen to the south and southwest.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, Brigade General McAuliffe, acting Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, refuses the German demand for surrender of Bastogne. The garrison is holding under heavy fire and sharp attacks. 28th Division troops blocking the road southwest, out of Bastogne, at Vaux-lès-Rosières, are forced back to Neufchâteau. US ammunition shortage is becoming acute and weather conditions prevent aerial resupply.

 

III Corps begins a northward drive to relieve Bastogne. In the west, 4th Armored Division columns reach Burnon and Martelange. The 26th Division, to the right, marches about 16 miles before making contact with the enemy, in the Rambrouch–Grosbous area. After a five mile advance, the 80th Division runs into stiff resistance at Merzig and Ettelbruck, but clears most of Merzig.

 

XII Corps, in a new zone along the eastern border of Luxembourg, attacks with the 4th Division, southwest of Echternach, but is held to small gains. The 10th Armored Division maintains positions northeast of Luxembourg and straightens its lines. The 5th Division closes north of Luxembourg.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

Clearing weather during the day enables 12th Air Force medium bombers to hit bridges at Torre Beretti, Pontetidone, and at Chiari.

 

China Theater

Four B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, damage a bridge at Song Hoa, French Indochina, while two other B-25s bomb Yungning, China. A group of over 80 P- 51s and P-40s, on armed reconnaissance over wide reaches of southern China, eastern Burma, and northern French Indochina, hit numerous targets of opportunity.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends 12 B-25s to bomb a supply area at Magyidon. Eight P-47s knock out the Namhkai bypass bridge and damage two bridges at Kinu and 16 other P-47s hit targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River. Over 300 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command area in Burma, the 29th Brigade, of the British 36th Division, moving down the Irrawaddy River, gets patrols to Tigyaing, from which the Japanese have withdrawn. From Tigyaing the 29th Brigade is to cross the river for a drive on Mongmit, while the rest of the 36th Division closes in on Mongmit from the north.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon Island, in Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, with P-47 support, bomb Clark Field, while P-40s bomb and strafe Lipa Airfield. On Negros Island, B-24s bomb Carolina Airfield, while B-25s, with P-47 cover, hit the Fabrica Airfield. On Mindanao Island, B24s bomb storage and personnel areas, while B-25s hit the waterfront at Zamboanga. In the Moluccas Islands, US and RAAF B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit Lolobata, the Wasile River and Goeroea areas, and attack the Hate Tabako Airfield, on Halmahera Island.

 

In the X Corps area on Leyte, the 127th Infantry, of the 32nd Division reaches Lonoy. The 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry (24th Division), aided by a mortar platoon brought forward by sea, clears Tuktuk.

 

Central Pacific Area

During the night, the 7th Air Force sends two B-24s, based on Guam and Saipan islands, to make harassing strikes on Iwo Jima Island.

 

20th Air Force (XXI Bomber Command) Mission 14 – 78 B-29s, from the Mariana Islands, are dispatched to hit the Mitsubishi aircraft industrial complex in Nagoya, Japan. Three B-29s and crews are lost.

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December 22, 1944: In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, Brigade General McAuliffe, acting Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, refuses the German demand for surrender of Bastogne.

 

The demand for surrender was delivered through a German party consisting of a Major, a Lieutenant, and two enlisted men, under a flag of truce. The party entered the American lines southeast of Bastogne, in an area occupied by Company F, 2nd Battalion, of the 327th Glider Infantry. The message from General von Lüttwitz read as follows:

 

“To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

“The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

“There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

“If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

“All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

“The German Commander.”

 

According to various accounts from those present, when McAuliffe was given the German message, he read it, crumpled it into a ball, threw it in a wastepaper basket, and muttered, “Aw, nuts.” While struggling to come up with an appropriate reply, Lt. Colonel Harry Kinnard suggested that McAuliffe’s first response summed up the situation pretty well, and the others agreed. The official reply was typed and delivered by Colonel Joseph Harper, commanding officer of the 327th Glider Infantry, to the German delegation:

 

“To the German Commander.

“NUTS!

“The American Commander”

 

The German major appeared confused and asked Harper what the message meant. Harper said, “In plain English? Go to hell.” General McAuliffe was one of a few Generals who did not use profanity, choosing to use other words to describe his feelings.

 

The threat of artillery fire did not materialize, and the 101st Airborne was able to hold off the Germans until the 4th Armored Division arrived on December 26.

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Saturday, December 23,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 757 – 423 bombers and 636 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards, communication centers and a rail junction in the rear of the battle area.

 

The RAF dispatches 153 Lancasters to attack the Trier railway yards.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of around 500 B-26s and A-20s to attack rail bridges, communications targets, villages, a rail junction and targets of opportunity. Meanwhile, fighters fly bomber escort, armed reconnaissance, and patrols that support ground forces along the northern and southern battle line of the Bulge. The fighters shoot down over 100 aircraft and hit three airfields. 31 bombers and crews are lost.

 

260 C-47s drop 334 tons of supplies in parapacks on several drop zones inside the besieged American positions at Bastogne, Belgium.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, the 83rd Division, whose relief on the battle line is begun, drives to the edge of Winden, in a limited attack.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the 1st Division restores the line at Butgenbach, as does the 9th Division in the Monschau Forest.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division attempts to clear the Hotton–Soy road, but makes little headway, losing a key road junction southeast of Manhay. The Germans penetrate the 84th Division positions, between Hargimont and Rochefort.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, the enemy continues to press-in slowly on Bastogne.

 

In the III Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, clears Martelange and continues two miles up the Arlon–Bastogne highway. Combat Command B, on a secondary road, drives to Chaumont, from which it is ousted in a counterattack. Combat Command R begins a drive toward Bigonville, Luxembourg. The 26th Division’s 104th Infantry clears Grosbous, then pushes on to Dellen and Buschrodt. The 328th Infantry occupies Wahl. The 80th Division seizes Heiderscheid, and holds it against counterattacks, finishes clearing Merzig, takes Kehmen, and continues to battle the enemy at Ettelbruck.

 

In the XII Corps area, the attack southwest of Echternach still gains little ground. The 10th Armored Division continues its action to shorten and improve its battle line.

 

Eastern Europe

Soviet forces succeed in encircling about three fourths of Budapest.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British XIII Corps area, the Indian 8th Division seizes Monte della Volpe and Monte Tondo, with ease.

 

China Theater

Eight B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, pound points along the Burma Road. 13 B-25s hit town areas, trains, and other targets of opportunity. Three B-25s and five P-40s damage about 50 railroad cars in the area south of the Yellow River, while 16 P-51s, over Wuchang and Hankow, damage two ferry ramps and blast three oil dumps.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 15 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, knock out and damage bridges. Transport sorties to forward bases and frontline areas total 353.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 19th Division takes Kokoggon.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the Fabrica and Silay airfields, on Negros Island, while P-38s and P- 47s provide cover. B-24s bomb the Grace Park Airfield, in the suburbs of Manila. On Mindanao Island, B-25s pound the San Roque Airfield and the Davao and Zamboanga areas.

 

On Leyte, X Corps begins to advance west toward the coast from Highway 2. The 1st Cavalry Division, on the southern flank, leads off, moving slowly over difficult terrain, but unopposed by the enemy.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 305th Infantry, less the 1st Battalion, continues their overland drive toward Palompon, pushing through Matagob, under heavy fire. During the night, enemy efforts to penetrate US lines fail.

 

On Mindoro, the new airfield, called Ellmore Field, on the south bank of the Bugsanga River, is ready for limited use.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 12 B-24s, from Saipan Island, and 14 more, from Guam Island, to attack Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, the 7th Air Force sends two B-24s, from Guam and Saipan, on harassing strikes against Iwo Jima.

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Sunday, December 24,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 760 – A high pressure front across west Europe brings clear weather and the 8th Air Force launches a maximum effort against airfields and communications in western Germany. This is the largest air strike of World War II, with 2,034 bombers and 853 fighters.

 

The RAF sends 248 Halifaxes, 79 Lancasters, and 11 Mosquitos to attack the airfields at Lohausen and Mülheim.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 104 Lancasters to attack Hangelar Airfield, near Bonn. Meanwhile, 97 Lancasters and five Mosquitos hit Cologne/Nippes, and the nearby Butzweilerhof Airfield.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 276 B-26s and A-20s to hit rail bridges and communications centers in western Germany. Meanwhile, 160 C-47s drop 160 tons of supplies at Bastogne, Belgium.

 

In the British Second Army’s XXX Corps area, the 29th Armoured Brigade clashes with enemy spearheads between Dinant and Ciney.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, the 83rd Division, in limited attacks, clears about two thirds of Winden, and the 8th Division improves its positions near Obermaubach.

 

In US First Army’s V Corps area, the 1st Division repels another enemy bid for Butgenbach.

 

In the XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the 30th Division overruns La Gleize.

 

In the VII Corps area, the Germans reduce the 3rd Armored Division’s roadblock at Belle Haie, on the road to Manhay. Combat Command R columns, attacking east from Hotton and west from Soy, clear the Holton–Soy road. In the 84th Division zone, the Germans drive through Verdenne.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, heavy fighting continues around the Bastogne perimeter. The city is badly damaged by air attacks. Combat engineers are guarding the Meuse River line and blocking the approaches to bridges.

 

In the III Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, is meeting lively opposition, south of Chaumont, as is Combat Command A, at Warnock. Combat Command R seizes Bigonville. The 26th Division secures Rambrouch and Koetschette, but is held up at Arsdorf and Hierheck. The 80th Division contains determined counterattacks.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 5th Division attacks toward Haller and Waldbillig, making slow progress. Combat Command A, of the 10th Armored Division, captures Gilsdorf and Mostroff on the Sauer River.

 

The 6th Army Group warns that the enemy is massing for a offensive.

 

Eastern Europe

The Red Army narrows the enemy escape gap, from Budapest, to less than 20 miles.

 

China Theater

In China, six B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, blast the Kunlong ferry area, while three B-24s sink a tanker in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, a force of over 100 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s, on armed reconnaissance, attack targets of opportunity throughout southern China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 38 P-47s to hit troop concentrations and supply areas. 287 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the British 2nd and Indian 20th Divisions overcome strong opposition in Pyingaing.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb Clark Field, on Luzon Island, the Puerto Princesa Airfield, on Palawan Island, and the Kudat Airfield, in Borneo. B-25s and fighter-bombers blast the Goeroea area, in the Moluccas Islands, bomb the Silay Airfield, on Negros Island, and, on Mindanao Island, hit the San Roque barracks, the Zamboanga waterfront, and Davao Bay shipping.

 

On Leyte, in the XXIV Corps area, the 1st Battalion, reinforced, of the 305th Infantry (77th Division), embarks at Ormoc and at 2000 hours sails for Palompon. The convoy is protected by PT boats. The 305th Infantry, less the 1st Battalion, is lightly opposed, as it continues west along the road to Palompon.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 12 B-24s, from Saipan Island, and 38, from Guam Island, to strike Iwo Jima Island. Meanwhile, 17 P-38s, based on Saipan, make a low-level strafing attack on Iwo Jima. 23 other B-24s, based on Saipan, bomb Chichi Jima Island.

 

During the night, two B-24s, from the Mariana Islands, fly harassment strikes on Iwo Jima.

 

20th Air Force (XXI Bomber Command) Mission 15 – 29 B-29s, based on Mariana Island, are dispatched to attack two airfields on Iwo Jima Island.

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Monday, December 25,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 761 – 422 bombers and 460 fighters are dispatched to hit communications centers and rail bridges west of the Rhine River.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of nearly 650 B-26, A-20s and A-26s to hit rail and road bridges, communications centers and targets of opportunity in western Germany and the breakthrough area.

 

In the XIX Corps area, the 83rd Division completes the capture of Winden and is alerted for movement to the First Army zone.

 

VII Corps, directed to go on the defensive, conducts limited attack to stabilize the right flank of the First Army.

 

In the US Third Army area, VIII Corps maintains the Bastogne perimeter, against pressure from all sides.

 

In the III Corps area, Combat Command R, moving to the west flank of the 4th Armored Division from Bigonville, launches a surprise attack and gains the road from Vauxles-Rosières to Chaumont. Combat Command B and Combat Command A seize Chaumont, Hollange, and Tintage. A 26th Division Task Force begins the struggle for Eschdorf, gaining a weak hold there. Other elements of the 26th Division clear Arsdorf. The 319th Infantry, of the 80th Division, clears its sector, to the Sauer River, and makes contact with the 26th Division. Assisted by the 317th Infantry, the 319th Infantry contains counterattacks and drives almost to Kehmen. Ettelbruck is found clear of enemy forces.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 5th Division takes Waldbillig and Haller.

 

Eastern Europe

Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front cut the last of the western rail exits from Budapest and narrow the escape gap to nine miles.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 253 B-17s and B-24s to hit the synthetic oil plant at Brux, Czechoslovakia, and the main marshalling yard at Wels, Austria. 145 others bomb marshalling yards at Plattling and Rosswein, Germany, and Villach, Hall, Graz, and two at Innsbruck and Innsbruck anti-aircraft position and rail siding, in Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, clearing weather in the Po River Valley permits 12th Air Force fighter-bombers to successfully cut numerous rail lines running north to the Brenner Pass. They also cut lines in the eastern Po River Valley, destroying or damaging several locomotives.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, during the night, enemy patrols in the Serchio Valley begin probing.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches six B-25s and eight fighter-bombers to knock out a bridge at Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma. 22 P-51s pound a railroad ferry, damage a tanker at Nanking, China, and hit a nearby airfield, claiming 13 aircraft destroyed.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, four P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, bomb and strafe troop concentrations and supplies at Mabein, while eight others sweep Burma Road stretches and strafe the Lashio Airfield. Transports fly 259 sorties, delivering men and supplies to forward bases and frontline areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, with fighter support, bomb the Mabalacat Airfield, on Luzon Island, the Sasa Airfield, on Mindanao Island, and the Sandakan and Jesselton airfields, in Borneo.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 1st Cavalry and the 32nd Infantry Divisions continue west, toward the coast, with the 32nd Infantry being supplied by air. The 1st Battalion, of the 127th Infantry, disperses a Japanese force of 300 to 400.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, after preparatory fire, the 1st Battalion, reinforced, of the 305th Infantry (77th Division), lands, unopposed, north of Palompon and seizes the barrios of Buaya and Look, as well as Palompon. Patrols then push northeast and south. The 305th Infantry makes very slow progress along the road to Palompon, against dug-in enemy pockets.

 

On Luzon, Allied air attacks are intensified as preparations for the invasion continue.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 12 B-24s, from Saipan Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, B-24s, from Guam and Saipan islands, continue strikes against Iwo Jima.

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December 26, 1944

The spearhead of Gen. Patton's 4th Armored Division breaks through and opens a corridor to Bastogne.

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Tuesday, December 26,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 762 – Poor weather inhibits operations but 151bombers and 336 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets behind the Bulge.

 

At last, the weather improves and allows RAF Bomber Command to intervene in the Ardennes battle. They dispatch 146 Lancasters, 136 Halifaxes, and 12 Mosquitos to attack German troop positions near St. Vith.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends bombers to attack road junctions, rail bridges, rail head, communications and casual targets in the breakthrough area, as the enemy's westward drive ends short of the Maas River. Fighters fly escort, armed reconnaissance, sweeps, and support Allied troops south of Bastogne, Belgium.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, the 8th Division clears Obermaubach and is working on a pocket to the south.

 

The First Army halts the enemy’s westward drive, short of the Meuse River. German supply lines are now overextended, and stalled armor becomes a lucrative target for aerial attacks.

 

XVIII Corps (Airborne) maintains defensive positions and defeats enemy efforts to break through to the Meuse River.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 84th Division reduces an enemy pocket between Verdenne and Bourdon, then hurls back an enemy thrust toward Ménil. The 2nd Armored Division repels counterattacks in the Celles area and against Havrenne and Frandeux, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

 

In the US Third Army area, armored units break through to Bastogne.

 

In the III Corps area, forward tanks of Combat Command R, of the 4th Armored Division, push through Assenois to Bastogne, but vehicles are unable to follow. The 26th Division closes along the Sauer River, winning Eschdorf in a lively battle, and begins crossing. The 80th Division, after clearing Scheidel, is halted in the Kehmen area and transferred in place to XII Corps.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 5th Division improves positions in the Echternach area and takes Berdorf.

 

Eastern Europe

The Third Ukrainian Front virtually closes the ring around Budapest, and captures the fortress city of Esztergom.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of around 380 B-24s and B-17s to bomb Odertal, and the Blechhammer south oil refinery, in Germany, an oil refineries at Auschwitz, Poland, a railroad bridge at Ora and viaduct at Avisio, Italy, plus scattered targets of opportunity.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers concentrate on the Brenner Pass and hit Padua, San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Ponte di Piave, Dolce, the Pordenone railroad bridge, and two dumps in the Bologna area.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the Germans begin series of counterattacks against 92nd Division positions, astride the Serchio River, forcing a general withdrawal after outposts are driven back.

 

China Theater

Six B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, bomb Wan Lai-Kam, Burma, and in China, five more B-25s hit targets of opportunity in the Formosa Strait, in the Siang-Chiang Valley, and at Ikiawan and Changsha.

 

General Wedemeyer, meeting with Chiang Kai-shek, Ambassador Hurley, and T. V. Soong, proposes that the food, clothing, and pay of the Chinese Army be improved. He informs the Generalissimo that plans are being made for an offensive, code named Operation BETA, against Kweilin, Liuchow, and Canton.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, eight B-25s, from the 10th Air Force, knock out and damage bridges at Taunggon, Padan, and Kyaukhlebein, while 34 P-47s hit troop concentrations. 275 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s pound Clark Field, on Luzon Island. On Mindanao Island, B-25s hit the Matina Airfield, shipping in the Davao River, and bomb the nearby Samal Island, while B-24s hit the Libby airfield.

 

On Leyte, in the X Corps area, the 1st Cavalry and 32nd Infantry Divisions continue west over rough terrain. The 34th Infantry, of the 24th Division, prepares to clear the northwestern part of the Leyte Peninsula. Companies F and G sail at 2300 hours, through the Biliran Strait, to Gigantangan Island, where they spend the night.

 

A Japanese naval surface force, despite air attacks, arrives off Mindoro and at about 2300 hours begins bombarding the beachhead.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 13 B-24s, based on Guam Island, to hit Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, two B-24s, from the Mariana Islands, strike Iwo Jima.

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Wednesday, December 27,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 764 – Freezing fog at bases in the UK restrict operations, however, 641 bombers and 390 fighters are dispatched against rail targets in west Germany in support of the battlefront in the Bulge.

 

The RAF dispatches 200 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitos to attack the railway yards at Rheydt.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 227 Halifaxes, 66 Lancasters, and 35 Mosquitos to the marshalling yards at Opladen.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches bomber to attacks rail bridges, communications centers, and targets of opportunity in Germany and Belgium.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the Germans are infiltrating toward Sadzot, in the zone of Combat Command A, of the 3rd Armored Division, where the front line is held by Regimental Combat Team 289. The 84th Division clears a pocket in the Verdenne area. 2nd Armored Division columns envelop Humain and clear stubborn resistance there.

 

In the US Third Army’s III Corps area, trucks and ambulances roll into Bastogne on a road opened by Combat Command R, of the 4th Armored Division, ending the siege of the city. The 4th Armored Division and reinforcements from the 9th Armored Division and 80th Infantry Division are broadening the corridor to Bastogne and attempting to open the Arlon–Bastogne highway. From the southern bank of the Sauer River, the 35th Division attacks northward between the 4th Armored Division and the 26th Division, with the 137th Infantry taking Surre and the 320th Infantry taking 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. Beaufort, north of Waldbillig, falls to the 11th Infantry, of the 5th Division. 4th Division patrols find Echternach undefended.

 

Eastern Europe
Budapest is completely encircled.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 520 B-17s and B-24s to bomb targets in Austria, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers blast three Brenner area routes leading into Austria and Yugoslavia, and bomb two supply dumps in the Bologna area.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the enemy forces a further withdrawal of the 92nd Division, but elements of the Indian 8th Division pass through the 92nd Division and make patrol contact with the enemy.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches six B-25s to bomb the area west of Kengtung, China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, eight B-25s, from the 10th Air Force, attack bridges at Kin and Kyaukhlebein, damaging the bridge at Kin. 285 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the San Jose and Talisay airfields, on Negros Island, and the Matina Airfield, on Mindanao Island.

 

In US Eighth Army’s XXIV Corps area, the 3rd Battalion, of the 305th Infantry (77th Division), takes the heights 600 yards ahead, as it continues west along the Palompon road against tenacious resistance.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 13 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to hit Iwo Jima Island, while 21more bomb Chichi Jima Island. Meanwhile, 35 B-24s, from Guam Island, also pound Iwo Jima, while P-38s strafe the island.

 

20th Air Force (XXI Bomber Command) Mission 16 – 72 B-29s, from the Mariana Islands, are sent to bomb Tokyo's Nakajima and Musashino aircraft plants. 39 hit the primary targets and 13 attack alternates and targets of opportunity. Enemy fighters are active, flying over 250 individual attacks on the B-29s. The B-29s shoot down 21 enemy fighters. One B- 29s is lost to fighters and two are lost to mechanical difficulties.

 

During the night two B-24s, from the 7th Air Force, make snooper strikes on Iwo Jima Island.

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Thursday, December 28,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 766 – 1,275 bombers and 606 fighter are dispatched to hit rail and road bridges and several cities in the tactical area of western Germany.

 

The RAF sends 167 Lancasters to attack the marshalling yards at Cologne/Gremberg.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 129 Lancasters, 46 Halifaxes, and 11 Mosquitos to the Mönchengladbach railway yards. Meanwhile, 162 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitos are sent to railway installations at Bonn.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

Weather prevents all 9th Air Force combat operations except night-fighter missions.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 8th Division completes the reduction of a pocket south of Obermaubach.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the final enemy effort to force the 1st Division from their Elsenborn defenses fails.

 

In the VII Corps area, Germans infiltrating in the sector of Combat Command A, of the 3rd Armored Division, take Sadzot, but are driven out.

 

In the US Third Army area, III Corps makes limited progress against delaying opposition between the Sauer River and the Wiltz River. The 35th Division continues its 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.

 

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

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 480 B-17s and B-24s to attack targets in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers attack troop concentration at Aulla, a dump at Mirabello Monferrato, three rail lines from Austria and Yugoslavia, into northeastern Italy, by hitting bridges at Chiusaforte and Bodrez, in Yugoslavia, and the viaduct at Borovnica.

 

In the IV Corps area, the enemy begins to withdraw in the Serchio Valley, and troops of the Indian 8th Division gradually push northward during next few days.

 

During the night, 12th Air Force A-20s pound motor transports, ferry crossings, road bridges, rail line, and targets of opportunity throughout the northwestern and north central Po River Valley.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches two B-25s and 16 fighter-bombers to hit town areas, railroad targets, and gun positions in the Hengyang-Leiyang area, of China. Meanwhile, a group of 20 P-51s and P-38s attack the Gia Lam Airfield, in French Indochina, pounding the barracks area, hangars, shops, and railroad facilities. Another group of over 40 other P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s, on armed reconnaissance over southern China and over French Indochina, hit targets of opportunity at several locations.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 23 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, knock out a bridge at Nampawng and damage others at Man Pwe and Hsenwi. 297 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s pound airfields at Laha, on Ambon Island, Kairatoe, on Celebes Island, and Haroekoe, on Haroekoe Island, while fighter-bombers hit the Namlea Airfield, on Buru Island.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area on Leyte, the 5th and 12th Cavalry Regiments, of the 1st Cavalry Division, reach the west coast, at Tibur, a barrio north of Abijao. The 1st and 2nd Battalions, of the 34th Infantry (24th Division), take San Isidro, against light resistance.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 305th Infantry (77th Division), moves by LCMs (landing craft, mechanized) from Ormoc to Palompon. The 3rd Battalion continues its overland drive, gaining about 1,000 yards.

 

On Mindoro, Ellmore Field is now fully operational.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 13 B-24s, flying out of Saipan Island, to bomb an airfield on Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, B-24s, from Guam and Saipan Islands, fly two single-plane strikes on the same Iwo Jima air field hit during the day.

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Friday, December 29,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 769 – 827 bombers and 724 fighters hit communications targets in western Germany.

 

The RAF sends 162 Halifaxes, 22 Lancasters, and eight Mosquitos attack the Mosel yards, near the main city, while 85 Lancasters attack the Lützel yards north of the city.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 324 Lancasters and 22 Mosquitos to Scholven/Buer, using Oboe skymarkers to hit and damage the oil refinery.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In US First Army area, VII Corps mops up infiltrators and patrols.

 

In the US Third Army’s III Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, opens the Arlon– Bastogne highway. The 35th Division is clearing the Villers-la-Bonne-Eau–Lutrebois region. Advance elements of the 35th Division make contact with the 101st Airborne Division at Marvie, southeast of Bastogne. The 26th Division continues toward Wiltz, against increasing resistance.

 

Eastern Europe
Street fighting starts in Budapest, as Soviet forces break into the city from the west.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches almost 450 B-17s and B-24s to attack targets in Austria, Germany, and Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers blast the Rovereto bridge and Lavis viaduct, attack several bridges in northeastern Italy, destroying the center span of the bridge at Pordenone, and severely damage the bridge at Motta di Livenza

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends four B-25s to attack targets of opportunity from Dong Hoa to Lang Son, in French Indochina. Meanwhile, a group of 37 P-51s and P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, attack the Gia Lam Airfield, in French Indochina, and hit various targets of opportunity east of Man Pong and north of Mongyu, in Burma, and at Shanhsien and Hei-Shih Kuan and east of Tsingsinghsien, in China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches nine B-25s to bomb troops and supplies at Panma, Burma, while 15 P-47s hit the supply area at Twinnge and troop concentration at Wetwun. Transports fly 289 sorties to forward bases and frontline areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the Sasa Airfield, on Mindanao Island, while B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Namlea, on Buru Island. Fighter-bombers hit northeast Celebes airfields, while B-24s bomb Limboeng, on Celebes Island.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area on Leyte, the 1st Cavalry Division reaches the west coast and takes Villaba, north of Tibur. The 32nd Division gains its west coast objectives, to the north of the 1st Cavalry Division, with the 127th Infantry taking the heights commanding Antipolo Point and the 128th Infantry reaching the high ground overlooking Tabango and Campopo Bays. Troops of the 34th Infantry, of the 24th Division, are eliminating small enemy groups along the coast.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 3rd Battalion, of the 305th Infantry (77th Division), after advancing 650 yards along the road to Palompon, is pinned down by the enemy

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 26 B-24s, based on Guam Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, for a six hour period, nine B-24s, from the 7th Air Force, flying at varying intervals, bomb Iwo Jima Island.

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Saturday, December 30,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 770 – 1,315 bombers and 572 fighters are sent to attack rail and communications targets in western Germany.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 356 Halifaxes, 93 Lancasters, and 21 Mosquitos to attack the Kalk-Nord railway yards at Cologne. In other action, 154 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos attack a German supply bottleneck in a narrow valley at Houffalize, while 68 Mosquitos are sent to Hannover, nine to Bochum and eight to Duisburg.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the Germans abandon Rochefort.

 

In the US Third Army area, VIII Corps opens a drive on Houffalize. The 11th Armored Division progresses slowly and at a heavy cost. The 87th Division takes Moircy, but loses it in a counterattack later in day.

 

In the III Corps area, the Germans again attempt to cut the Arlon–Bastogne highway and isolate Bastogne, reaching Lutrebois and surrounding two companies of the 137th Infantry (35th Division), in the Villers-la-Bonne-Eau.

 

The 6th Army Group reiterates its warning of a possible enemy attack.

 

Eastern Europe
While the Third Ukrainian Front continues street fighting in western Budapest, the Second Ukrainian Front breaks into the eastern part of city.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers concentrate a major effort on rail line running north to the Brenner Pass, hitting a fill at Dolce and bridges at Calliano, Ala, and Santa Margherita d'Adige, and an ammunition dump at Bologna.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends four B-24s to bomb a bridge west of Kengtung, China. Two others, flying northeast of Thanh Moi, French Indochina, damage a bridge, railroad tracks, and over 40 boxcars. Meanwhile, a group of over 40 P-51s and P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, attack targets of opportunity.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 12 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, knock out and damage bridges at Man Pwe, Ho-hko, and Inailong. Meanwhile, 17 B-25s blast a troop and supply area at Kyatpyin, while a group of 28 P-47s and P-38s hit troops, supplies, and areas of enemy activity. Transports complete 338 sorties to forward areas.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army area, XXXIII Corps takes Kaduma.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Leyte)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers pound airfields in the central Philippine Islands, northern Borneo, and northern and southwestern Celebes Island, while B-25s hit a barge anchorage and supplies at Haroekoe Island.

 

In US Eighth Army’s XXIV Corps area, the 77th Division begins a two-pronged attack to open the Palompon road. Company C, of the 305th Infantry, moves by water to Abijao, north of Palompon, and burns the town. While the 3rd Battalion, of the 305th Infantry, continues west to a point some 1,000 yards southwest of Tipolo, the Provisional Mountain Force attacks east, until they are stopped about four miles east of Palompon. During the night, the Japanese withdraw their main forces.

 

On Mindoro, the second resupply convoy arrives. Under enemy air attack while en route, the convoy loses three merchant ships, two destroyers, three LSTs (landing ship, tank), and two LCMs (landing craft, mechanized) at or near the island.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 14 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island.

 

During the night, nine B-24s, operating individually from Guam Island, hit Iwo Jima Island over an almost seven-hour period.

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