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19 Aug 1944

France
  • Field Marshal Günther von Kluge committed suicide by taking cyanide near Metz, France after being relieved of his command and recalled to Berlin, Germany. ww2dbase [Günther von Kluge | Metz, Lorraine | CPC, AC]
1 Sep 1944

France
  • Having established a bridgehead over the Meuse River at Commercy and Verdun in France, the US Third Army runs out of petrol after outrunning their communications. It would not be until 5 Sep 1944 that some petrol was flown in to allow the advance to continue, but the Germans had been given vital days to arrange their defences and prepare to make a stand. ww2dbase [Lorraine | AC]
10 Sep 1944

France
  • After sundown, the two companies that the US 7th Armoured Division had managed to get across the Moselle River in France were counterattacked by German SS troops. ww2dbase [Lorraine | AC]
11 Sep 1944

France
  • The two companies that the US 7th Armoured Division had managed to get across the Moselle River in France abandoned their positions after a fierce counterattack by German SS troops which began on the previous date. The loss was not too serious as a better crossing had been established further south at Arnaville, but even there bridging operations were still hampered by artillery fire from Fort Driant. ww2dbase [Lorraine | AC]
27 Oct 1944

Photo(s) dated 27 Oct 1944
German soldier with Panzerschreck weapon, near Metz, France, 27 Oct 1944
29 Oct 1944

France
  • George Sakato led his squad in halting German advances near Biffontaine, France; for this action, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross medal. ww2dbase [George Sakato | Biffontaine, Lorraine | CPC]
8 Nov 1944

France
  • The 761st Tank Battalion advanced on German positions in the town of Vic-sur-Seille, France. The battalion was stalled by trees across the road and they came under intense enemy fire. Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers in the lead tank quickly dismounted, helped direct infantry fire, connected a cable to the tree trunks blocking the road, and pulled the roadblock out of the roadway before continuing leading the advance. Rivers was awarded the Silver Star for these actions, the first Silver Star awarded in the 761st Tank Battalion. ww2dbase [Advance to the Saar | Ruben Rivers | Vic-sur-Seille, Lorraine | DS]
11 Nov 1944

Photo(s) dated 11 Nov 1944
Japanese-American troops of US 442nd Regimental Combat Team at Armistice Day service, Fays, France, 11 Nov 1944
16 Nov 1944

France
  • The tank commanded by Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers of the 761st Tank Battalion hit a mine while advancing on the town of Guébling, France. The tank was disabled and Rivers received an injury that slashed his leg to the bone. Rivers refused a medical evacuation and took command of another tank. ww2dbase [Advance to the Saar | Ruben Rivers | Guébling, Lorraine | DS]
19 Nov 1944

France
  • East of Bourgaltroff, France, the advancing A Company of the 761st Tank Battalion ran into stiff German resistance. The Company commander, Captain David Williams, ordered a retreat. Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers in the lead tank reported that he could see the German tanks holding the American column down. Holding his position with another tank and firing on the German tanks, the remaining Americans were able to effect their withdrawal. Rivers' tank, however, received a direct hit that killed Sergeant Rivers. Over 50 years later, Rivers would be awarded the Medal of Honor for these actions. ww2dbase [Advance to the Saar | Ruben Rivers | Bourgaltroff, Lorraine | DS]
9 Dec 1944

France
  • Fort Jeanne d'Arc, the last German garrison (some 500 men of the Fuesilier Battalion, 462nd Volksgrenadier Division) which had been holding out before Metz, France surrendered, through lack of food and water, to Brigadier General Harlan N. Harness of the US 26th Division. However, through bad weather, flooding, and American underestimation of the strength of the forts, had by this time, enabled the German 82nd Corps and 13 SS Corps to make a successful withdrawal to a new defensive line on the River Sarre. ww2dbase [Rozérieulles, Lorraine | AC]
1 Jul 1960

France

Timeline Section Founder: Thomas Houlihan
Contributors: Alan Chanter, C. Peter Chen, Thomas Houlihan, Hugh Martyr, David Stubblebine
Special Thanks: Rory Curtis




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Launching of submarine Caiman, Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut, United States, 30 Mar 1944

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