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50 Years Ago - December 1944 Originally posted to the World War II mailing list and in the Usenet newsgroup SOC.HISTORY.WAR.WORLD-WAR-II. Author: John Davis jbd@netcom.com Sources: "United States Army in World War II, Chronology 1941-1945" compiled by Mary H. Williams, Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army, "2194 Days of War" by Cesare Salmaggi and Alfredo Pallavisimi, "The World Almanac Book Of WW II" by Peter Young, "Facts On File Yearbook 1944, Person's Index Of World Events" edited by R.L. Lapica and "Time" magazine. Copyright 1994 by John B Davis, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ======================================================================= ====== On 01-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The Allied offensive continues moving forward, but at a very slow pace. Units of the 102nd Division (US 9th Army) capture Linnich, northeast of Aachen. The VII Corps (US 1st Army) is having great difficulties in the Hurtgen forest area. In the US 3rd Army sector, the XX Corps is advancing west of the Saar in preparation for crossing the river. The 79th Division (US 7th Army) captures Schweigenhause. The 44th and 45th Division are engaged in heavy fighting near Tieffenbach and Zinswiller. Eastern Front - The 4th Ukraine Front crosses the river Ondava near Humenne and Trebisov, in Czechoslovakia. In Hungary, the Germans contain the attacks of the 2nd Ukraine Front. The 3rd Ukraine Front, makes progress north and northeast of Pecs, southwest of Budapest.

Philippines (Leyte) - Hard fighting is still occurring on Kilay Ridge and on a line of hills southeast of Limon, west of Carigara. Burma - The Chinese capture Chefang, on the Salween river front. The Homefront ------------Kimmel and Short Escape Trial - Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal announce in Washington that the Army and Navy investigations have disclosed no evidence to justify a court-martial of Maj. Gen. Walter C. Short and Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel in connection with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. They do concede that certain unnamed officers at Pearl Harbor and in Washington "did not perform their duties with the necessary skill or exercise the judgement needed." Plane Crash - A Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. passenger plane bound from San Francisco to Burbank has crashed in the Van Nuys district near Los Angeles, killing eight of the 23 persons aboard. Circus Accepts Plan - The directors of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, have approved a plan drawn up for the settlement of claims against the circus resulting from the fire in Hartford, Conn. on July 6th. An arbitration committee will determine the amount of liability in each individual case and this will be entered automatically as the judgement of the court. Army & Navy ----------Paul Bunyan Of The Marines - The Paul Bunyan of the Marine Corps has pulled through again: 45-year-old "Jim" Crowe has persuaded the doctors to let him go back to war. Leading his battalion of the 8th Marines into a beachhead landing, at Saipan last June, 6 ft., 200 lb. Lieut. Colonel Henry Pierson Crowe came about as close to getting killed as a man can and still live. First a Japanese bullet pierced his left lung. Then he was almost killed by one of his own men who mistook him for the enemy. Dragged back to a shell hole in the sand near the water, Crowe was treated by a Navy corpsman. There a Japanese mortar shell killed the corpsman; another fragment wounded

the doctor who took the corpman's place. By that time mortar and artillery shells were dropping on the beachhead continuously. Crowe covered his chest wound with his poncho and his face with his helment. A shell fragment tore throught the phoncho and pierced his chest in two more places. Five other fragments hit him in the arm, shoulder and leg. A sliver tore off his thumbnail. A doctor who examined him said, "Not much chance." Crowe retruned: "First thing you do, cut off that hanging thumbnail. It's damned annoying." Kentucky-born Jim Crowe came up through the ranks. He was an enlisted man up until 1934, when he became a Marine gunner (warrant officer). After Pearl Harbor, he was commissioned a captain. During his 16 years in the ranks Jim Crowe was famed for two things: he was one of the world's topnotch rifle shots and for six years he was a crack player on the all-Marine football teams. At Guadalcanal, Crowe contributed to to Marine folklore. While leading a charge against the dug-in Japanese he yelled: "Get out of those foxholes, men, you'll never get the Purple Heart layin there!" Crowe received the Silver Star for his actions on Guadalcanal, the Navy Cross on Tarawa and a Purple Heart on Tarawa. The medal he is most proud of though is his Good Conduct medal for four enlistments. In San Diego a doctor told Crowe: "Colonel, you owe your life to a strong constitution and good, clean living." Jim just smiled. ======================================================================= ====== On 02-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - A dyke on the lower Rhine near Arnhem is blown up by the Germans, flooding the region southwest of Arnhem and forcing the Canadian II Corps to withdraw from their bridgeheads over the Waal. The US 3rd Army captures Dreisbach. This completes the capture of the 3rd Army's sector west of the Saar. In the XX Corps sector, the 90th Division crosses the river near Dillingen. The 95th crosses the river opposite Saarlauter, where there is heavy house-to-house fighting. The 5th Division crosses the western border of the Houve forest. The XII Corps crosses the Saar near

Saar-Union. In the US 7th Army sector, the 44th and 45th Divisions capture Waldhamhach, Engwiller and Meitesheim. The US 76th Division reinforces the French 1st Army, which is ordered to converge on the Colmar pocket from the north and south simultaneously. Eastern Front - The 4th Ukraine Front extends its bridgehead over the Ondava, in Czechoslovakia. In Hungary, the 2nd Ukraine Front attacks the German fortifications in the Miskolc area. The 3rd Ukraine Front forces the Germans back on a wide front between the Danube and the Drava. Philippines (Leyte) - There is a lull in the ground activity after several days of heavy Japanese attacks. American destroyers shell the Japanese positions at Palompon, on the west coast of Leyte, and in Ormoc Bay. Four destroyers enter Ormoc Bay during the night and are attacked by Japanese aircraft, destoyers and coastal artillery. One of the destroyers is sunk and two are damaged. One Japanese destroyer is sunk. Burma - The 11th East African Division reaches the Chindwin river at Kalewa. China - The Japanese occupy Tu-shan. The Homefront ------------Fliers Escape From Russia - It has been disclosed in Washington that five of the U.S. Army fliers who made the first raid on Tokyo in 1942 and then landed in Russia, where they were interned, are back in the United States after an "escape" from Russia. After several months of internment they were taken to a location near the Russian-Iranian border. One day they got into a truck and drove to Meshed, Iran and never returned. College Football - Army 23, Navy 7; Georgia Tech 44, Georgia 0; LSU 25, Tulane 6; Oklahoma 31, Nebraska 12; Virginia 26, North Carolina 7. Army & Navy ----------Notification Of Casualties - The Army has adopted a new procedure for notifying the next of kin of reports of casualties. Designed to eliminate the gnawing doubts and anxieties that invariably follow its terse telegrams; henceforth the telegrams will be followed by full, fast follow-up reports direct from the theaters of war. If a soldier dies, his

commanding officer or chaplain will write a letter soon afterwards to his next of kin telling, if possible, how, when and where the death occurred and where the soldier is buried. For men who are wounded, the hospitals to which they are assigned will send home full details of their condition and follow them with progress reports every 15 days. To speed delivery, all of the supplemental news will be airmailed. ======================================================================= ====== On 03-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The XII Corps (British 2nd Army) captures Blerick which is on the west bank of the Maas opposite Venlo. The entire region west of the Maas has now been cleared of Germans. The XIII Corps (US 9th Army) reaches the Rur. The 5th Armoured Division (US 1st Army) reaches Brandenberg. The 95th Division (US 3rd Army) captures a large part of Saarlautern. The 44th Division (US 7th Army) is being held up near Ratzwiller by strong German resistance. The 45th Division captures Zinswiller. Eastern Front - The 2nd Ukraine Front captures Miskolc, northeast of Budapest. Italian Front - The British 8th Army begins a new offensive towards Bologna with the Polish II Corps on the left flank, the V Corps in the center heading for Santerno and the Canadian I Corps on the right flank following the Adriatic coast. Philippines (Leyte) - Fighting is taking place southeast of Limon. Pacific - Tokyo is bombed again by B-29s from the Marianas. Burma - The 11th East African Division establishes a bridgehead over the Chindwin near Kalewa. The 20th Indian Division crosses the Chindwin near Mawlaik. China - The Japanese break off its advance towards Kweyang because of a shortage of reinforcements. The Homefront

------------President's Son Marries - Col. Elliott Roosevelt has married motion picture actress Faye Emerson in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Army & Navy ----------New Cruiser - The 10,000 ton light cruiser Atlanta has been commissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Mare Island Mutineers - The sentences for the 50 Negro sailors who refused to load explosives on a Pacific-bound munitions ship have been announced. They have all been reduced to the lowest rank (apprentice seaman) and given stiff prison terms. Ten of them got 15 years, 24 got twelve years, eleven got ten years and five got eight years. Good behavior can cut their terms down to a third. ======================================================================= ====== On 04-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The XIII Corps (US 9th Army) ends its offensive after capturing all of its objectives west of the Rur except for the villages of Mullendorf and Wurm. The 104th Division (US 1st Army) reinforces its bridgehead over the Inden. The 95th Division (US 3rd Army), after capturing the bridge over the Saar at Saarlautern, quickly regroups and sends several units across the Saar, where they begin a bitter fight for the capture of the outskirts of Fraulautern (which forms part of the Siegfried Line). The XII Corps begins the final attack on the Saar with its four divisions, the 80th, 6th Armoured, 26th and 35th. Eastern Front - The Russians capture Mitrovica in Hungary. Fighting continues southwest and northeast of Budapest. Italian Front - The Polish II Corps captures Montecchio. Units of the Canadian I Corps enter Ravenna. Philippines (Leyte) - The 112th Cavalry renews its attacks against the Japanese southest of Limon, with little success. Units from the 24th Division withdraw from Kilay Ridge towards Pinamopoan. The XXIV Corps prepares for the offensive against Ormoc; the 7th Division will advance along the coast, while the 77th Division will carry out an amphibious

landing in Ormoc Bay. The Homefront ------------Pro Football - New York 16, Washington 13; Philadelphia 34, Brookly 0; Detroit 38, Boston 7; Chicago 49, Cards-Pitt 7. Byron Nelson Wins Again - Byron Nelson has won the $14,500 San Francisco open golf tournament for the second year with a score of 281 for the 72 hole tournament. ======================================================================= ====== On 05-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the US 1st Army sector, the 104th Division holds against strong German counterattacks in Lucherberg. In the US 3rd Army sector, the 95th Division continues to attack toward Saarlautern-Roden and Fraulautern, without making much progress. The 5th Division captures Lauterbach without a fight. The 4th Armoured Division crosses the creek at Domfessel and pushes north towards Rohrbach-les-Bitche, an important communications center, but is halted with heavy losses short of Bining. The US 7th Army begins a general attack northwards toward the Maginot Line. Eastern Front - Forward elements of the 3rd Ukraine Front reach Lake Balaton. Italian Front - The Polish II Corps captures M. Rinaldo. The 46th Division continues to make slow progress against the Pideura ridge. In the Canadian I Corps area, the 1st Division is forced to abandon its bridgehead across the Lamone. Philippines (Leyte) - The US 6th Army begins its offensive against Ormoc. Japanese suicide planes seriously damage two US destroyers off Leyte. ======================================================================= ====== On 06-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The 90th Division (US 3rd Army) crosses the Saar between

Rehlingen and Wallerfangen and establishes a small bridgehead near Patchen-Dillingen. The 95th Division continues the battle for Saarlautern and Roden, Fraulautern and Ensdorf. The 5th Division continues advancing across the Saar. The 6th Armoured Division and the 35th Division reach the west bank of the Saar between Grosbliederstraff and Wittrin. Eastern Front - The Russian offensive in Hungary grows stronger. Philippines (Leyte) - The efforts by the US 112th Cavalry to drive the Japanese from the hills southeast of Limon are still unsuccessful. In the south, the 7th Division pushes on towards Ormoc, capturing Balogo and Kang Dakit. The 77th Division sails for the landing in Ormoc Bay. The Japanese attack the Buri airfield. Burma - The Japanese cross the river Shweli and advance on Tonk-wa, where part of the Chinese 22nd Division are in position and the US 475th Regiment is making its way. The Homefront ------------Prisoners In US - War prisoners in the United States as of Dec. 1 totaled 359,247 - 305,648 Germans, 51,156 Italians and 2,443 Japanese. Federal School Aid Urged - Dr. Alexander J. Stoddard, superintendent of Philadelphia schools, has urged that the Federal government adopt a program to spend more than $1,000,000,000 annually to provide adequate postwar schooling. ======================================================================= ====== On 07-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The US 90th and 95th Divisions continue to attempt to consolidate their positions; the 90th in the Patchen-Dillingen sector and the 95th in the Saarlautern bridgehead. In the French 1st Army sector, I Corps opens an attack on the Colmar packet. The II Corps is engaged in holding against strong Geram counterattacks in the Ostheim, Guemar and Mittelwihr sectors. Eastern Front - The 3rd Ukraine Front reaches the south bank of Lake Balaton, in Hungary. The area between Lake Balaton and the Danube is occupied as well as Eyning. The Russians also capture Barcs. Yugoslav

troops cross the Danube at various points near Vukovar in Slovenia. Philippines (Leyte) - Aircraft from the US 5th Air Force along with Marine aircraft attack a Japanese convoy heading for Leyte with reinforcements and supplies. The pilots report that all of the Japanese ships are sunk. The US 77th Division begins an amphibious landing in Ormoc Bay at Deposito. The Japanese put up very little resistance and the landing force penetrates into the interior very quickly. A kamikaze attack results in the sinking of one American destroyer and also a fast transport. The US 7th Division continues to advance on Ormoc from the south. Fighting continues around the Buri airfield. The Homefront ------------Convict Revolt Ends - Twenty-five inmates of the Atlanta Federal Prison, who seized four guards as hostages and barricaded themselves in the segregation building the night of Dec. 4th, have surrendered after their grievances were printed in the Atlanta Journal. The main complaint of the prisoners were that they did not like being housed with German spies and saboteurs. They have been placed in solitary pending trial. Dorsey Case Dropped - Judge Arthur Crumm in Los Angeles has dismissed assault charges against band leader Tommy Dorsey, his wife, Pat Dane and their neighbor, Allen Smiley, growing out of an alleged attack at the Dorsey home on actor Jon Hall. The court described one witness as a "master fabricator of falsehoods" ands says Hall himself gave four different accounts of the affair which accurred on Aug. 5th after a party. Outstanding Football Player For 1944 - The Maxwell Memorial Football Club in Philadelphia has selected Army halfback Glenn Davis as the outstanding football player for the 1944 season. Army & Navy ----------Pearl Harbor Day - On Pearl Harbor day it is announced that all six of the Japanese aircraft carriers that participated in the Pearl Harbor attack have now been sunk. The Kaga, Akagi, Soryo and Hiryu were sunk at Midway in 1942. The Shokaku was sunk in the first Battle of the Philippines Sea, June 19-20 of this year and the Zuikaku was sunk on Oct. 25th in the second

Battle of the Philippines Sea. AAF Statistics - The War Department has disclosed that the Army Air Forces' warlong records include 1,566,329 combat sorties, 1,202,139 tons of bombs dropped, at least 29,316 Axis planes destroyed in the air and on the ground and 1,310,006 tons of enemy shipping destroyed in the Pacific. The AAF has lost 13,491 aircraft. It has also suffered approximately 86,580 battle casualties. Soldiers Under Nineteen To Go Overseas - Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson has disclosed that the policy not to send youths under 19 overseas to fight has recently been revised and that now soldiers aged 18 are going abroad as infantry replacements. He says this step has been taken only after all other available sources have been tapped. ======================================================================= ====== On 08-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The 90th and 95th Divisions are facing counterattack in the Dillingen and Saarlautern sector. crosses the Saar. Plans are finalized for an attack by (US 1st Army) in the area between the rivers Inde and Rur, objective being the town of Duren.

a strong German The XII Corps the VII Corps with the final

Eastern Front - North of Budapest the Russians widen the breach opened by the 2nd Ukraine Front. The 3rd Ukraine Front are attacking near Szekesfehervar, 40 miles southwest of Budapest. Italian Front - Troops from the British 8th Army cross the Lamone River south of Faenza. Philippines (Leyte) - A regiment of the 77th Division comes within a mile of Ormoc. Attacks on the Buri airfield by the Japanese are repelled. Iwo Jima - US cruisers and destroyers along with B-24 and B-29 bombers carry out heavy attacks on airfields and coastal defences on Iwo Jima. Burma - The Japanese capture Tonk-wa. China - The Japanese of the 11th Army join up with units coming up from Indo-China.

======================================================================= ====== On 09-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - Fighting continues around Dillingen and Saarlautern by the 90th and 95th Divisions. The US 7th Army continues its offensive, attempting to reach the Maginot Line and the Siegfried Line. In the French 1st Army sector, the II Corps overcomes heavy German resistance to capture Mittelwihr. Eastern Front - The 2nd Ukraine Front reaches the bend of the Danube north of Budapest at Vac. The 2nd Ukraine Front also connects up with the 3rd Ukraine Front south of Budapest. Philippines (Leyte) - Japanese reinforcements land at Palompon, west of Ormoc. The Americans are still being held up southeast of Limon. In the west, the 77th Division expands its beachhead near Ormoc. The Japanese carry out night counterattacks against the Buri airfield. Burma - The Chinese continue to attack Bhamo. The Homefront ------------Draft Resumed In 26-37 Bracket - The Selective Service has announced that the induction of men in the 26 through 37 age group will be resumed because they are needed to replace "several thousand" men who have been released from the services to fill some of the manpower shortages in war plants. Tire company managements notify the government that they will put their plants on a seven-day work week for the next 120 days to meet the shortage of heavy-duty truck tires. ======================================================================= ====== On 10-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the US 1st Army sector, the VII Corps begins an offensive to liberate the west bank of the Rur and the town of Duren. Three infantry and one armoured divisions are involved in the offensive: the 9th, 83rd, 104th and 3rd Divisions. The Germans mount a strong counteroffensive

with the objective of destroying the Dillingen bridgehead. They are held off with great difficulty. The 95th Division steps up their attacks to get through to Fraulautern, but a surprise German counterattack frustrates their efforts. In the French 1st Army sector, the 2nd Moroccan Division captures Thann. The 9th Colonial Division eliminates the last German bridgehead west of the Rhine between Kembs and the Swiss border. Philippines (Leyte) - The US 77th Division captures Ormoc. Japanese units attack the Burauen airfield. The garrison from the US 5th Air Force is temporarily forced to withdraw. A counterattack recovers the airfield. A kamikaze attack results in the sinking of an American destroyer and PT boat. China - Japanese forces link up with their garrisons in Indo-China. Japan has reached the highest point of its expansion into the continent of Asia. The Homefront ------------Pro Football - The New York Giants have won the eastern title of the National Football League by defeating the Washington Redskins 31-0 in New York. Green Bay has already clinched the western division title. ======================================================================= ====== On 11-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The US 90th Division regroups in order to resume their offensive and expand the Saarlautern bridgehead. The 95th Division reaches the center of Fraulautern. The 35th Division captures Sarreguemines. The largest American bomber force yet is sent on a bombing raid on Frankfurt, Hanau and Giessen. The force is composed of some 1,600 Flying Fortresses and Liberators. More than 1,200 fighters escort the bombers. Philippines (Leyte) - Bombers from the US 5th Air Force, dispatched from Leyte, begin the pre-invasion bombing of Mindoro Island. The Americans outflank the Japanese positions southeast of Limon and split the Japanese forces. The Japanese attempt to land reinforcements in Ormoc Bay, but their effort is mostly frustrated. Kamikaze attacks result in the sinking of another American destroyer.

Burma - Units from the British IV Corps capture Indaw. ======================================================================= ====== On 12-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the US 1st Army sector, the 104th Division captures Pier. Units of the 9th Division and 3rd Armoured Division complete the capture of a large part of the region west of the Rur and the town of Duren. In the US 7th Army sector, the advance of the XV Corps is stopped at Hottvillers-Bitche on the Maginot Line. Italian Front - The 6th Armoured Division (US 5th Army) begins the second part of its offensive; units of the 61st Brigade attack Tossignano. In the British sector, the 5th Armoured Division and 1st Division advance to the Canale Naviglio where a bridgehead is established north of Bagnacavallo. Philippines (Leyte) - Two task groups from the 7th Fleet sail for Mindoro. Fighting continues south of Limon and in other areas in the northwest part of the island. A Japanese suicide attack results in a destroyer being damaged. Burma - The British XV Corps begins an offensive to free the coastal sector of the Arakan. The 25th Division advance in the Mayu peninsula towards Akyab. The 82nd West African Division penetrates into the Kalapanzin valley near Buthidaung. The 81st Division attacks near Kyauktaw. ======================================================================= ====== On 13-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The 30th Division (US 9th Army) captures much of the region between the Inde and the Rur. The 9th Division captures Derichsweiller. The 104th Division reaches the Rur. In the US 3rd Army sector, the 90th Division prepares for an offensive to capture Dillingen. The 95th Division is unable to make in progress in the Saarlautern bridgehead. Eastern Front - Units of the 2nd Ukraine Front are only 6 miles from Budapest in the northeast and 8 miles to the east.

Italian Front - In the 5th Army sector, units of the British XIII Corps make strong attacks against Tossignano. Philippines - In the Mindanao Sea, the Mindoro invasion fleet is attacked by Japanase aircraft including many kamikazes. The cruiser Nashville and the destroyer Haraden are badly damaged. The Nashville is the flagship of the invasion force and there are many casualties amonth the senior officers. Philippines (Leyte) - In the US X Corps sector, the Japanese counterattack during the night. The 77th Division is being held up in front of strong Japanese defences a little north or Ormoc. Japan - B-29's bomb the Mitsubishi aircraft works in Nagoya inflicting significant damage. Burma - The Chinese 38th Division finally succeed in breaking the northern defences of Bhamo. The US 475th Infantry repel a Japanese attack in the Tonk-wa area. The Homefront ------------Coal Situation Critical - The Solid Fuels Administration has announced that due to manpower shortages and strikes, stocks of coal will reach critical points by next April. Coach Of Year - Carroll Widdoes, coach of Ohio State's undefeated football team, has been selected "coach of the year" in the "New York WorldTelegram" annual pole. ======================================================================= ====== On 14-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The 30th Division (US 9th Army) completes the capture of the area between the Inde and the Rur. Italian Front - In the US 5th Army sector, the 6th Armoured Division looses contact with patrols that have reached Tossignano. The Polish II Corps resumes its offensive. The 5th Armoured Division establishes a bridgehead over the Canale Naviglio.

Army & Navy ----------Army Shifts 80,000 - The War Department has disclosed that 80,000 enlisted men are being transferred from the air and service forces to the infantry for deployment on the various battlefronts. New Carrier Launched - The Navy Department has announced the launching of Boxer, the 17th Essex class aircraft carrier built since Pearl Harbor, at Newport News, Va. ======================================================================= ====== On 15-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the US 3rd Army sector, the 90th Division moves in to capture Dillingen and the bridge over the river Prims that links Dillingen with Saarlautern. A lull in operations in the sector then occurs and the 90th suspends its attack. The 95th Division is continuing to advance in the Saarlautern bridgehead. The 35th Division captures Habkirchen. In the French 1st Army sector, the French forces attack German positions west of the Rhine in the Colmar area. Field-Marshal Montgomery sums up the current Allied position as follows - "The enemy is at present fighting a defensive campaign on all fronts; his situation is such that he can not stage any major offensive operations." Eastern Front - Units of the Red Army cross the Ipely, north of Budapest and establish a bridgehead at Sahy, in Czechoslovakian territory. Philippines (Mindoro) - The US 24th Division, reinforced by a parachute battalion, lands on Mindoro. The landing occurs on the southwest coast of the island in the area of San Agustin. The infantry advances 8 miles inland without meeting any resistance. They begin immediately to construct an airfield. Japanese kamikaze aircraft attack the invasion transports, sinking two PT boats and damaging the escort carrier Marcus Island, two destroyers and a third PT board. Philippines (Leyte) - The Americans begin liquidating pockets of resistance

in the Ormoc area, but fail to pursue operations against the main Japanese resistance concentrated north and northwest of Ormoc. Burma - The Chinese 38th Division captures Bhamo. The 82nd West African Division captures Buthidaung. The Homefront ------------Draft of Older Men to Increase - Selective Services has announced that the services can not be kept substantially filled by drafting men in just the 18-25 year age category. Local boards are instructed to enforce the "work or fight" edict and to reclassfy as 1A those men who shift into work regarded as not in the best interests of the war effort. Army & Navy ----------5-Star Rank - The Senate has approved the new "five-star" rank for Generals George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Henry H. Arnold and two Admirals William D. Leahy, Ernest J. King and Chester W. Nimitz. ======================================================================= ====== On 16-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The Battle of the Bulge begins; the German offensive in the Ardennes. The attack begins with a short, heavy artillery barrage along the front between Monschau and Trier. Almost complete surprise is achieved. The immediate aim of the offensive is the retaking of Antwerp and the splitting of the British and American armies in two. The Germans have assembled 24 divisions, including 10 armoured for the offensive. The forces include the 6th SS Panzer Army, the 5th Panzer Army, the 15th Army and the 7th Army. All of these forces are part of Model's Army Group B. Rundstedt is in overall charge of the operation. The Americans only have six divisions from V and VIII Corps consisting partly of inexperienced troops and troops sent to rest and recuperate. The terrain is fairly rugged and heavily wooded. Most movement must take place over the few major roads, so it is vital that the various

junctions be seized. The Germans infiltrate small groups of specially trained English speaking troops in captured American uniforms into the rear areas to perform sabotage and intelligence gathering. This move results in creating an atmosphere of suspicion and uncertainty among the Americans. The Germans are relying on bad weather to keep the Allied air forces on the ground. During the first day of the offensive the Germans succeed in disrupting the front and make very good ground in a number of sectors. General Eisenhower is at his headquarters at Versailles as the offensive begins. His first order is to reinforce the sector under attack with all available armoured forces. The 10th Armoured Division is transferred to the VIII Corps to face the German thrust. In other areas the 95th Division continues to extend its bridgehead at Saarlautern. The XII Corps continues its attacks against the outer defences of the Siegfried Line. These operations are suspended though when word is received of the German offensive in the Ardennes. In the south, the VI Corps of the 7th Army sends its divisions forward towards the German border. Italian Front - Units of the British V Corps, capture Faenza. The New Zealand 2nd Division reaches the Senio and the 10th Indian Division enters Pergola. Philippines (Mindoro) - The landing force confines itself to constructing an airstrip and to consolidating its perimeter. Philippines (Leyte) - The 77th Division captures Cogon and San Jose and then resume their advance north to Ormoc. Burma - The 19th Indian Division captures Pinlebu and Banmauk. The Homefront ------------Glenn Miller Dead - Popular band leader Glenn Miller has been killed in an air crash over the English Channel. ======================================================================= ====== On 17-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts -------------------------------

Western Front - The German offensive in the Ardennes continues. Reinforcements are being sent to the Ardennes to protect vital road centers. The 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions are released from SHAEF reserve for action against the offensive. The US 9th Army releases the 7th Armoured Division to the VIII Corps and the 29th Division to the V Corps. In the US 1st Army sector, VII Corps, while rounding up German paratroopers and guarding against possible airborne attack, continues to press its right flank toward the Roer. The 83rd Division clears Roelsdorf and Lendersdorf. The 9th Division gains ground slowly west of Dueren. The V Corps is fully occupied holding its position north of the breakthrough and delaying the German offensive, which continues to gain ground slowly towards Malmedy. 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. Elements of the 7th and 9th Armoured Divisions are committed to the defense of St Vith. The Germans drive almost to Wiltz in the 28th Division zone. The 4th Division halts the Germans south of Osweiler and Dickweiler. In the US 3rd Army sector, the 5th Division is continuing to relieve the 95th in the Saarlautern bridgehead. In the US 7th Army sector, the XV Corps is stalled by opposition from Forts Simershof and Schiesseck. VI Corps is virtually halted at the outer defences of the West Wall. Eastern Front - The 2nd Ukraine Front pushes to within 5 miles of Budapest. Italian Front - The 10th Indian Division establishes several small bridgeheads over the Senio. Philippines (Leyte) - The ships of the 7th Fleet that escorted the Mindoro invasion fleet return to the Gulf of Leyte after more Japanese air attacks. The 32nd Division progresses slowly south of Limon. The 77th Division attacks towards Valencia and reaches the edge of the airfield. Philippines (Mindoro) - Patrols and work on defences continue. Indian Ocean - Oil and harbor installations at Belawan-Deli in northern Sumatra are attacked by planes from the Indomitable and Illustrious. The Homefront -------------

Japanese Ban Lifted On Coast - Maj. Gen. H. Conger Pratt, Western Defense Command chief, has proclaimed in San Francisco that effective January 2nd all persons of Japanese ancestry who have been proved loyal to the United States may return to their former homes in coastal areas of California, Oregon and Washington. Resettlement of these people, who have been held in inland segregation camps since shortly after the end of the war, will be a gradual process. The restrictions are being lifted, he explains, because "existing military necessity does not justify control over American citizens who have been determined not to be potentially dangerous." Green Bay Wins - The Green Bay Packers have won the National Football League title by defeating the New York Giants in New York, 14 to 7. Rita Hayworth Has Daughter - Actor Orson Welles and his wife, actress Rita Hayworth, became parents of a daughter in Hollywood, California. ======================================================================= ====== On 18-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The German offensive in the Ardennes continues. In the VII Corps area, the 9th and 83rd Divisions finish clearing their respective zones. The V Corps holds firmly at Butgenbach and Elsenborn ridge but the Germans continue to move west through a gap south of Butgenbach. The Germans now hold Honsfeld and Buellingen and push into Stavelot. The 39th Division recovers most of Stavelot northwest of the Ambleve. In the VIII Corps area, the 106th Division's encircled regiments try in vain to break out toward Schonberg. The 7th Armoured Division is heavily engage at St Vith. The 28th Division is completely disorganized and unable to stop the Germans in their zone. The 4th Division mops up German infiltrators beyond Osweiler and Dickweiler. In the US 3rd Army sector, the 90th Division clears most of Dillingen against surprisingly light resistance. The 5th Division takes charge of the Saarlautern bridgehead and attacks at once, gaining some ground. In the US 9th Army sector, the 84th Division is attacking its last objective, Wurm and Muellendorf and capture both with

ease. In the 7th Army sector, units of the 45th Division attack across the Lauter into Budenthal but are isolated there. In the French 1st Army sector, the 2nd Corps overruns Ammerschwihr. Eastern Front - The Russian forces reach the Hungarian-Czechoslovak border on a 70 mile front north of Miskolc and begin crossing it. Italian Front - The V Corps (British 8th Army) resumes its offensive, liberating the Faenza sector. Philippines (Leyte) - The 32nd Division is working slowly forward south of Limon. The 77th Division captures Valencia and its airstrip without opposition. The southern part of Ormoc Valley from Ormoc to Valencia is now clear. Philippines - East of the Philippines a violent typhoon hits the US 3rd Fleet. Three destroyers are sunk and serious damage is inflicted on four light carriers, four escort carriers, one cruiser, seven destroyers, three escort destroyers, one tanker and various other ships. China - B-29's make a strong attack on Hankow, a Japanese supply base and industrial center, achieving good results. The Homefront ------------Draft Rise Ordered - The War Department has announced that for January and February it will need to have the Selective Service provide 80,000 men instead of the usual 60,000 men each month. It is not known at this time whether this rate will have to continue into March and April. Army & Navy ----------Soldiers Sentenced - A general court-martial board in Seattle, Washington has found 27 Negro soldiers guilty of rioting against an Italian service unit at Fort Lawton on August 14th and gives prison sentences totaling more than 200 years. Three defendants have been found innocent of additional charges of murder in connection with the lynching of an Italian private. ======================================================================= ====== On 19-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts

------------------------------Western Front - Allied commanders meet at Verdun and decide to halt the offensives toward the Rhine and to concentrate on stopping the German advance in the Ardennes. In the Ardennes, the 2nd and 99th Divisions repel further attacks and start toward new defensive positions from which they will defend the Elsenborn ridge. The 9th Division takes up defensive positions in the 2nd Division zone, relieving elements of the 2nd and 99th Division. 1st Division holds the line east of Malmedy. 30th Division holds at Stavelot and engineers blow the bridge across the Ambleve. The 30th Division also holds against the Germans from Stoumont in a costly battle. The 82nd Airborne Division relieves troops from the 30th Division at Werbomont. In the VIII Corps sector, hope of relieving the 422nd and 423rd Regiments of the 106th Division in Schnee Eifel fades. The 7th and 9th Armoured Divisions are aggressively defending the region east of St Vith. The 28th Division is ordered to abandon Wiltz and to return to the Allied lines by infiltration. The 101st Airborne Division arrives at Bastogne, which the Germans have almost encircled. Also employed in defense of Bastogne are units of the 10th Armoured Division and the 9th Armoured Division. South of the Ardennes, the 4th Division and 10th Armoured Division are ordered to hold the the Germans on the south flank of the Ardennes and to plug the gap existing between them and elements of the 9th Armoured Division and 29th Division near Ettelbruck. Italian Front - The V Corps (British 8th Army) resumes its offensive and liberates the Faenza sector. Philippines (Leyte) - General Yamashita of the Japanese 35th Army is told by his headquarters that from now on he will have to rely on local resources, since they are no longer able to send him reinforcements or supplies. The 32nd Division continues to battle the Japanese south of Limon. The 77th Division is attacking north astride Highway 2 and captures Lonoy. Philippines (Mindoro) - The Americans, assisted by Mindoro guerrillas, begin a series of patrol actions along the south, west and northwest shores of Mindoro. Philippines (Luzon) - The planned bombardment of Luzon by the large carriers of the 3rd Fleet is canceled because of the typhoon. East China Sea - The Japanese aircraft carrier Unryu is sunk by an American submarine.

Burma - The Indian 19th Division captures Wunth. The British 2nd Division crosses the Chindwin at Kalewa and begins relieving the East African 11th Division. The Homefront ------------Senator Nye Predicts New War - Sen. Gerald P. Nye, R., N.D., making a farewell address in the Senate after 20 years of service, says that the members of the Senate alone stand between the US and another World War. He predicts another conflict within the new 10-20 years with the US being called upon to fight Russia. ======================================================================= ====== On 20-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - The German offensive continues in the Ardennes. Bastogne is completely surrounded. The 5th Armoured Division resumes its attack toward the Roer, blocking the Winden-Untermaubach highway and pushes into Untermaubach and Schneidhausen, which is being strongly defended by the Germans. The 1st Division clears its assigned area south of Eupen and contains attacks in the Butgenbach-Faymonville area. Elements of the 30th Division continue to defend Stavelot and Malmedy. The 3rd Armoured Division is attacking eastward to secure the Manhay-Houffalize road. The 82nd Airborne is attempting to make contact with friendly forces in the Vielsalm-St Vith area, pushing towards Vielsalm and Hebronval. German pressure on St Vith is still very strong. Elements of the 10th Armoured Division and the 101st Airborne Division fight their way out of a local encirclement on the perimeter of the larger encirclement of Bastogne. Marvie, southeast of Bastogne, is cleared in the course of a tank battle. Some 25 miles southeast of Bastogne the 28th Division establishes a defensive line Ettelbruck-Oberfeulen-Merzig. The Germans now hold Waldbillig, 6 miles west of Echternach. Engineers block roads and demolish bridges as far west of Bastogne as St Hubert. Elements of the 4th Armoured Division, push to the Bastogne area and make contact with the 101st Airborne and the 10th Armoured Division. Italian Front - In the British 8th Army sector, 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.

Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry Division is attacking from Lonoy south along Highway 2 towards Kananga. Units of the 32nd Division clears the last resistance within its sector south of Limon. Units of the 77th Division overcome strong opposition at Libongao and continues north. During the night the 77th Division conducts the most intensive bombardment of Japanenese positions of the entire Leyte campaign. Philippines (Mindoro) - Aircraft begin arriving to operate from the Hill Drome. Burma - The Indian 19th Division captures Kawlin. ======================================================================= ====== On 21-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 1st Army sector, units of the 5th Armoured Division push about halfway through Schneidhausen. Other units capture about half of Untermaubach. The 1st Division holds against German attacks toward the Elsenborn ridge. Units of the 7th Armoured Division withdraw from St. Vith. The 82nd Airborne clears Cheneux and Monceau, forcing the Germans back across the Ambleve. The 30th Division is unable to capture La Gleize and Stoumont but continues to defend Stavelot and Malmedy. The 3rd Armoured Division holds the Germans at Hotton and continues efforts to secure the Manhay-Houffalize road. The Germans lay siege to Bastogne and extend westward, crossing the Neufchateau-Bastogne highway in force. Ammunition and food supplies for the Bastogne garrison are running critically low. The 4th Division repels attacks toward Consdorg and Osweiler. Eastern Front - Berlin reports fierce fighting southwest of Budapest between Lake Balaton and the Danube where troops of the 3rd Ukraine Front are again on the offensive. The Germans continue to withdraw from the Balkans. Italian Front - The 5th Kresowa Division, having relieved the 3rd Carpathian Division, begins mopping up east of the Senio. V Corps continues clearing northward astride the Naviglio Canal. The Canadian I Corps overruns Bagnacavallo and reaches the Senio in the Cotignola-Alfonsine area. Philippines (Leyte) - The advances of the X and XXIV Corps meet in the center of the Ormoc Valley. The 12th Cavalry captures Kananga and makes

contact with the 77th Division south of Kananga. Philippines (Mindoro) - The Japanese attack a resupply convoy moving toward Mindoro, sinking 2 LST's. The Homefront ------------McCormick Marries - Col. Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the "Chicago Tribune", has married Mrs. Maryland Hooper in Chicago. Army & Navy ----------Pilots Get Gravity Suits - The Army and Navy reveal that fighter pilots are being equipped with new gravity suits designed to conteract the pressure that causes fliers to "black out" in dives and other maneuvers. ======================================================================= ====== On 22-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In Bastogne, Brig. Gen. McAuliffe, refuses a German demand for surrender with the single word "Nuts". The garrison is holding under heavy fire and sharp attacks. The 28th Division that is blocking the road out of Bastogne towards the southwest, is forced back to Neufchateau. The US ammunition shortage is become acute and weather conditions prevent resupply. The 4th Armoured Division columns reach Burnon and Martelange. The 26th Division makes contact with the Germans in the RambrouchGrosbous area. The 80th Division runs into stiff resistance at Merzig and Ettelbruck but clears most of Merzig. The 90th Division completes withdrawing from the Dillingen bridgehead. In the 1st Army sector, the Germans breach the lines of the 1st Division at Butgenbach and the 9th Division in Monschau Forest. They are unable to exploit their success however. Th 82nd Airborne is under strong pressure along the Salm in the Trois Ponts area. The 30th Division captures Stoumont. In the US 9th Army sector, the 5th Armoured Division clears Untermaubach and Schneidhausen. Philippines (Leyte) - Units of the 32nd Division reach Lonoy. Units of the

24th Division clears Tuktuk. The 77th Division, starts west of Valencia and moves towards the coast. The Homefront ------------Roosevelt Appeals To Home Front - In his press conference President Roosevelt departs from custom to permit himself to be quoted in this appeal to the home front: "We can best help the Christmas season of our fighting men if we carry on our respective tasks, doing those things which will contribute to winning the war at the earliest possible moment. Therefore, I urge that each of us resolve to keep on the job and maintain the steady output of supplies needed by our men on the fighting fronts." Civilian Tires Cuts - The War Production Board announces that the production of tires for civilian passenger cars will be cut by 1,650,000 to a total of 5,000,000 for the first quarter of 1945. This cut is being made so manufacturers can give more time to production of military tires. ======================================================================= ====== On 23-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - Improving weather conditions permit extensive air support, particularly in the Bastogne area, where supplies are dropped to the garrison. Units from the 4th Armoured Division clear Martelange and continue 2 miles up the Arlon-Bastogne highway. Other units from the division drive to Chaumont but are then ousted by a German counterattack. The 26th Divsion clears Crosbous and pushes on to Dellen and Buschrodt. The 80th Division captures Heiderscheid and holds it against counterattacks. The division also finishes clearing Merzig and captures Kehmen. The 3rd Armoured Division attempts to clear the Hotton-Soy road but makes little headway. Eastern Front - Soviet forces succeed in encircling about three fourths of Budapest. Moscow confirms reports that the 3rd Ukraine Front is on the offensive in the vacinity of Szekesfehervar, southwest of Budapest. Italian Front - The Indian 8th Division captures M. della Volpe and M. Tondo with ease. Philippines (Leyte) - Artillery of the US 77th Division and aircraft from

the 5th Air Force pound Palompon, in preparation for an imminent landing. Philippines (Mindoro) - A new airfield, named Ellmore Field, on the south bank of the Bugsanga, is ready for limited use. Burma - The Indian 19th Division captures Kokoggon. ======================================================================= ====== On 24-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - Bastogne still holds out, half destroyed by the German air and artillery attacks. Units of the 4th Armoured Division are facing strong resistance south of Chaumont. The 26th Division secures Rambrouch and Koetschette but is held up at Arsdorf and Hierheck. The 80th Division holds against determined counterattacks. The 5th Division relieves the left flank elements of the 4th Division and attacks toward Haller and Waldbillig, making slow progress. In the 1st Army sector, the 1st Division repels a German attack against Butgenbach. The 82nd Airborne Division is under strong pressure in the Manhay area and loses Manhay. The 17th Airborne Division is being flown to France from England to join the VIII Corps. In the 9th Army sector, the 83rd Division clears about two thirds of Winden. In the French 1st Army sector, the US 3rd Division clears Bennwihr, concluding operations in the Colmar sector. Eastern Front - The Red Army narrows the German escape gap from Budapest to less than 20 miles. Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry Division continues moving west against scattered resistance. Units of the 77th Division embark at Ormoc and sail for Palompon. Iwo Jima - Iwo Jima is bombarded by a US naval squadron. Two Japanese transports are sunk. Burma - The British 2nd and Indian 20th Division overcome strong opposition in Pyingaing. The Homefront ------------New Rationing Orders - The Office of Price Administration has announced that effective Dec. 26th ration points will be required to purchase canned

asparagus, green and wax beans, corn, spinach and peas; all of which have been ration-free since May. Beginning Dec. 31 most meats, including beef and bacon, will be back on the rationed list. Roosevelt's Christmas Message - President Roosevelt, in a Christmas Eve broadcast from the White House, speaks of the "determination of right-thinking people and nations that Christmases such as those we have known in these wartime years" shall not recur. He adds that the enemy knows he is doomed and that "we may hasten the day of that doom if we here at home continue to do our full share." ======================================================================= ====== On 25-DEC-1944, the following occurred MERRY CHRISTMAS!! World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - Bastogne is still holding out as the German offensive in the Ardennes comes slowly to a halt. In the 3rd Army sector, units of the 26th Division attack Eschdorf; while other units from the division clear Arsdorf. The 80th Division clears its sector to the Sauer and connects up with the 26th Division. The 5th Division captures Waldbillig and Haller. In the 1st Army sector, the 7th Armoured Division, assisted by units from the 106th Divsion, tries vainly to recover Manhy. The 30th Division clears the area north of the Ambleve between Stavelot and Trois Ponts. The 3rd Armoured Division is attacking toward Grandmenil. The 84th Division recovers Verdenne. The 2nd Armoured Division seizes Celles and Havrenne. In the 9th Army sector, the 83rd Division completes the capture of Winden. The 8th Division gains additional ground near Obermaubach. Eastern Front - Units of the 3rd Ukraine Front cut off the last of the western rail exits from Budapest and narrow the escape gap to 9 miles. Philippines (Luzon) - Allied air attacks against Luzon are intensified as preparations for invasion continue. Philippines (Leyte) - The 8th Army relieves the 6th Army of responsibility for the Leyte-Samar area. The 6th Army is thus freed for the Luzon

operation. Work is progessing very well on the Tacloban, Dulag and Tanauan airfields. The 1st Cavalry and 32nd Infantry Divisions continue moving west toward the coast. Units of the 77th Division land unopposed north of Palompon and seize the barrios of Buaya, Look and Palompon. The Homefront ------------Japan Says Subs Off US Coast - A London report says that a Japanese radio broadcast today has claimed that Japanese submarines "are again operating along the United States Pacific Coast" and are now "striking in force" after two years of supply operations. Germans Escape - Twenty-five German prisoners, most of them officers, escaped yesterday from the Papago Park Prison in Arizona. Six of them were recaptured last night and today. In connection with the breakout, camp authorities have revealed the fate of Lt. Comdr. Gunther Prien, ace Uboat commander who performed one the most startling feats of the war in slipping into Britain's Scapa Flow naval base on Oct. 14, 1939 and torpedoing the battleship Royal Oak. He is a prisoner at Papago Park, but was not one of those who escaped. Pope's Christmas Message - Pope Pius XII, in a Christmas message, said he looks forward to a time when further aggression would be prevented by an international organization operating with the approval of democracyloving poples everywhere. He warns against convicting entire nations of war guilt along with their leaders. The Pope set a precedent by celebrating Christmas Eve mass personally in St. Peter's Basilica. ======================================================================= ====== On 26-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 3rd Army sector, forward units of the 4th Armoured Division break through to Bastogne. The 26th division closes along the Sauern capturing Eschdorf. The 80th Division, after clearing Scheidel, is halted in the Kehmen area. The 5th Division captures Berdorf. The 6th Armoured Division moves into Luxembourg and relieves the 10th Armoured Division. In the 9th Army sector, the 8th Division clears Obermaubach. In

the 1st Army sector, the German's westward drive is stopped short of the Meuse. The German supply lines are now overextended and stalled armor becomes a lucrative target for air attacks. The 3rd Armoured Division captures Grandmenil. The 85th Division reduces the German pocket between Verdenne and Bourdon and hurls back an enemy thrust toward Menil. The 2nd Armoured Division repels counterattacks in the Celles area and against Havrenne and Frandeux, inflicting heavy losses on the Germans. Eastern Front - The 3rd Ukraine Front closes the ring around Budapest and captures the fortress city of Esztergom. Italian Front - The Germans begin a series of counterattacks against the 92nd Division astridge the Serchio, forcing a general withdrawal after outposts are driven back. Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry and 32nd Infantry Divisions continue moving west over rough terrain. The 34th Infantry and 24th Divisions prepare to clear the northwest part of the Leyte Peninsula. Philippines (Mindoro) - A Japanese naval surface force composed of two cruisers and six destroyers, despite air attacks, arrives off Mindoro and about 2300 begins bombarding the beachhead. One of the Japanese destroyers is sunk by a PT boat. This is the last sortie by a Japanese naval force in the Philippines area. Burma - The Indian 25th Division reaches Foul Point, at the tip of the Mayu Peninsula, well ahead of the expected time. The Japanese decide to withdraw from Akyab. The Homefront ------------Correspondent Killed - Mrs. Barbara Frankish has been notified that her husband, Jack Frankish, United Press war correspondent, was killed on Dec. 23rd on the the Western Front. ======================================================================= ====== On 27-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 1st Army sector, units of the 82nd Airborne Division

continue driving northeast and recaptures Manhay. The 84th Division clears a pocket of resistance in the Verdenne area. The 2nd Armoured Division envelops Humain and clears the area of stubborn resistance. In the 3rd Army sector, the 17th Airborne Division takes over the Meuse River sector. Trucks and ambulances roll into Bastogne on the road opened by the 4th Armoured Division, ending the siege of the city. The 4th Armoured Division, with reinforcements from the 9th Armoured and 80th Infantry Divisions are broadening the corridor to Bastogne and are attempting to open the Arlon-Bastogne hightway. From the south bank of the Sauer, the 35th Division is attacking northward capturing Surre, Boulaide and Bsochleiden. The 26th Division is pushing northward clearing Mecher-Dunkrodt and Kaundorf. Eastern Front - Budapest is completely encircled as elements of the 2nd Ukraine Front clear the island in the Danube north of the city and establish contact with the 3rd Ukraine Fron. Fighting is in progress in east and west suburbs. Italian Front - The Germans force further withdrawals of the US 92nd Division. Elements of the Indian 8th Division pass through the 82nd and make patrol contact with the Germans. Philippines (Leyte) - Units of the 24th Division sail from Gigantangan Island to Taglawigan on the northwest coast of the Leyte Peninsula and land without opposition taking Taglawigan. They also capture Daha. The 77th Division is still facing strong Japanese resistance in the Palompon area. Iwo Jima - Iwo Jima undergoes air-surface bombardment in preparation for invasion. The Homefront ------------Year's Best Picture - The New York film critics have selected "Going My Way", starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald, as the year's best picture. Fitzgerald as also recognized as giving the most outstanding male performance for the year. Tullulah Bankhead, in her role in "Lifeboat", gave the best performance by an actress. The critics voted "special recognition" to the U.S. Army for its factual war films, with special commendation for "The Memphis Belle" and "Attack! The Battle of New Britain." ======================================================================= ====== On 28-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts -------------------------------

Western Front - General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery meet at Hasselt in Belgium and plan the next steps to be taken in the offensive. In the 1st Army sector, the Germans fail in forcing the 1st Division from Elsenborn. German infiltrators capture Sadzot but are driven out by the 3rd Armoured Division. The 83rd Division relieves the 2nd Armoured Division and pushes into Rochefort. In the 3rd Army sector, the 35th Division continues driving on the south flank of the German salient despite very heavy fire southwest of Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. The 26th Division makes slight progress toward Wiltz. The 80th Divison repels an attack on Ringel. Italian Front - Troops of the Indian 8th Division gradually push northward. Philippines (Leyte) - Units of the 1st Cavalry Division reach the west coast of Tibur. Units of the 24th Division capture San Isidro against light resistance. Units of the 77th Division, move by LCM's from Ormoc to Palompon. Philippines (Mindoro) - Ellmore Field is now fully operational. The Homefront ------------Army Seizes Ward Stores - Under the direction of President Roosevelt, the Army has seized the executive offices and other facilities of Montgomery Ward & Co., in Chicago and in Detroit where employees of four Ward stores are on strike. The action against Ward has resulted from refusal to obey findings of the National War Labor Board in the matter of contracts with the CIO. Caldwell Novel Cleared - Judge Elijah Adlow in Boston has dismissed police charges against a bookseller for selling copies of Erskine Caldwell's "Tragic Ground" after the Watch and Ward Society had complained the book was obscene. Judge Adlow said he found the book "dull-one you would have to chain yourself to a chair to read." He added "I am not interested in these crusades against literature. I'm getting tired of books being bannded. It has rached the point where the court's business is divided between booksellers and bookmakers. It's not for me or for you (the police) to try to establish the literary tastes of the community."

Movie Actors Marry - Screen players Gloria de Haven and John Payne have been married in Beverly Hills, California. Army & Navy ----------U.S. Casualties - Washington has announced that as of Dec. 14 casualties of the U.S. armed forces has rached a total of 628,441. The Army has a total of 547,823 - 102,961 killed, 319,935 wounded, 65,762 missing and 59,165 captured. The Navy has 31,182 killed, 35,942 wounded, 9,010 missing and 4,484 captured. Submarine Reported Missing - The Navy has announced that the submarine Seawolf is overdue on Pacific patrol and is presumed lost with its crew of more than 60. The Seawolf was commanded by Lt. Comdr. Albert M. Bontier. It is the 34th U.S. submarine lost in the war and the 239th naval vessel lost from all causes. Mitscher Back On Duty - Vice Adm. Marc A. Mitscher, returning to undisclosed duty after a month and a half of leave, said today that the Japanese Fleet probably will be liquidated within a year "if the present rate of attrition is maintained." ======================================================================= ====== On 29-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 1st Army sector, the V Corps as well as the XVIII Corps fronts are quiet, with both sides on the defensive. The 83rd Division attacks towards Rochefort making slow progress. In the 3rd Army sector, the 4th Armoured Division opens the Arlon-Bastogne highway. The 25th Division is clearing the Villers-la-Bonne-Eau-Lutrebois area, while advance elements of the division make contact with the 101st Airborne forces at Marvie, southeast of Bastogne. The 26th Division continues moving towards Wiltz against increasing resistance. Eastern Front - Street fighting starts in Budapest as Soviet forces break into the city from the west. The Germans have prepared a large number of fortified positions in Budapest. The Russians had planned to negotiate the surrender of the city to avoid useless bloodshed, but the emissaries sent

to negotiate the surrender are killed. Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry Division reaches the west coast and captures Villaba, north of Tibur. Units of the 24th Division are eliminating small Japanese pockets along the coast. Burma - Patrols of the British 36th Division establish contact with the Indian 19th Division. On the Arakan front, the 15 Corps now holds Rathedaung and Kudaung Island. The Homefront ------------U.S. Protests Killing Of Prisoners - Washington has disclosed that the State Department today sent to the German Government through Swiss authorities "the strongest possible protest" against the massacre of about 115 American prisoners, near Malmedy, Belgium, by a German tank corps. Army & Navy ----------U.S. Warship Construction - The Navy Department has announced that it will start 1945 with 61,045 vessels, including 1,167 warships and 54,206 landing craft. In 1944 the Navy gained 39,971 vessels, 420 of them warships. It now has 23 battleships, 26 aircraft carriers, 60 escort carriers, 63 cruisers, 418 destroyers, 496 destoyer escorts and 249 submarines. ======================================================================= ====== On 30-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 1st Army sector, the Germans abandon Rochefort. In the 3rd Army sector, the VIII Corps opens a drive on Houffalize. The 11th Armoured Division makes slow progress and at a heavy cost. The 87th Division captures Moircy but loses it in a German counterattack later in the day. In the III Corps area, the Germans again attempt to cut the Arlon-Bastogne highway and isolate Bastogne; they reach Lutrebois and surround 2 companys of the 137th Infantry, 35th Division in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. Eastern Front - The 3rd Ukraine Front continues street fighting in west Budapest. The 2nd Ukraine Front breaks into the east part of the city. Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry Division makes contact with the 32nd Division northeast of Villaba. The 77th Division begins a 2-pronged attack

to open the Palompon road. During the night the Japanese withdraw most of their forces from this sector. Philippines (Mindoro) - The second resupply convoy arrives. While enroute, the convoy loses 3 merchant ships, 2 destoyers, 3 LST's and 2 LCM's from Japanese kamikaze attacks. Burma - The 33 Corps captures Kaduma. The Homefront ------------Higgins Contract Stands - The National War Labor Board's Shipbuilding Commission has ordered Andrew J. Higgins, New Orleans shipbuilder, to continue his present contract with the American Federation of Labor unions. Train Wreck - Forty-eight persons have been killed and more than 80 injured when the second section of the Southern Pacific Railroad's Pacific Limited rams into the rear of the first section 18 miles west of Ogden, Utah during a dense fog. Many of the victims are service men. South Wins - The Southern All-Stars football team has won the annual game with the Northern All-Stars in Montgomery, Ala., 24-7. Army & Navy ----------Congressional Medal Winner - The War Department has announced the posthumous awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Pvt. Patrick J. Kessler, Middletown, Ohio, for wiping out a machine gun nest, enabling his company to advance, at Ponpe Rotto, Italy on May 23rd. ======================================================================= ====== On 31-DEC-1944, the following occurred World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------Western Front - In the 3rd Army sector, units of the 87th Division capture Remagen and close in on Moircy. Units of the 11th Armoured Division drive to Pinsamont and Acul, while other units attack Chenogne. The 35th Division is unable to relieve the isolated units in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau, and they are presumed lost. The Germans still hold Lutrebois. The 26th Division repels a German counterattack.

Italian Front - The US 5th Army has regained most of the ground lost by IV Corps in the Serchio Valley and positions are about the same as they were at the end of October. The British 8th Army has worked northwards astride the Naviglio Canal between the Senio and Lomone Rivers to Granarole. Philippines (Leyte) - The 1st Cavalry Division repels several counterattacks against Villaba. Units of the 77th Division begin clearing the Palompon road. The 77th Division estimates that during the period of Dec. 21-31, it has killed 5,779 Japanese at a cost of 17 killed. Philippines (Mindoro) - The Japanese continue air attakcs on shipping, sinking a PT tender and badly damaging a destroyer. Burma - The US 475th Infantry starts marching toward the Mong Wi area. The British 2nd Division captures Kabo. ======================================================================= ======