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Noville, Belgium 1945-01-15 (16 others)

Overview:

German advances in the Ardennes had been halted on 25 December 1944 and Bastogne had been relieved on 26 December 1944. For over a week, American forces on both the north and south of the bulge had been defending their lines against German attacks and organizing forces for their counterattack. First U.S. Army’s VII Corps prepared to attack into the ‘waist” of the bulge from the north. Third U.S. Army’s VIII Corps and III Corps were to attack into the bulge from the south. Lt Gen Middleton’s VIII Corps axis of advance was along the roadway leading north out of Bastogne, through Foy and Noville, to Houffalize. The “Battling Bastards of Bastogne,” the 101st Airborne Division, was to lead this attack with armored support. Third U.S. Army’s attack began on 3 January 1945. Although even Hitler realized by early January that his broad objectives for Wacht am Rhein had failed, he had not yet authorized a full withdrawal– and while German forces in the bulge were exhausted and much reduced in strength, they would not be pushed out of the bulge without a fight.

Defender: German (26. Volksgrenadier-Division with 2. Panzer-Division)  

Errata (source)