Chronology of World War II
The Malmedy Massacre
Sunday, December 17, 1944 www.onwar.com

On the Western Front... Eisenhower releases the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions from AEF reserve to reinforce American troops in the Ardennes. Other infantry and armored forces from US 12th Army Group are also being redeployed to meet the German offensive. Meanwhile, German forces capture 9000 Americans at Echternach, on the extreme right flank of the attack. Soldiers of the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich kill some 71 American POWs near Malmedy.

Over Germany... Bomber Command attacks Ulm as the primary nighttime targe for the first time and causes large fires.

In Italy... The British 10th Indian Division (an element of British 8th Army), captures crossings over the Senio River, near Faenza.

In the Occupied Dutch East Indies... Part of the British Eastern Fleet conducts air strikes on oil and harbor installations at Belawan-Deli in the north of Sumatra. The planes are from the HMS Illustrious and Indomitable. Admiral Vian commands the operation.

In the Philippines... On Mindoro, American forces capture San Jose Airfield. On Leyte, parts of US 10th and 24th Corps record advances against Japanese positions.


This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.