On the Western Front... Meanwhile, forces of the German 6th SS Panzer Army reach Stavelot in the north while elements of 5th Panzer Army approach Houffalize. Some US forces between these advance continue to defend positions around Gouvy and St. Vith. 

From SHAEF... At a meeting of senior Allied commanders, Eisenhower decides to appoint Field Marshal Montgomery, commanding British 21st Army Group, to lead all Allied forces to the north of " the Bulge" in the line created by the German attack. General Bradley, commanding US 12th Army Group, is responsible for all Allied forces to the south. The arrangement is not made public at this time.

On the Eastern Front... In Czechoslovakia, Soviet troops are closing in on the Slovakian railroad junction of Kosice.

From Moscow... A Soviet state commission investigating German atrocities in Lithuania reports that more than 300,000 civilians and about 165,000 prisoners of war were killed in the area.

In the Philippines... It is decided that the Japanese 35th Army on Leyte is no longer to be reinforced or supplied. Nonetheless, fighting continues to the north of Ormoc and throughout the northwest of the island.