The German advance through the Ardennes moved into a narrow corridor northwest to Marche after bypassing Bastogne. The 84th Infantry Division moved to block them.
"Troops of 10th Armored Division preparing for attack on German spearhead headed toward Bastogne, Belgium, await order to move out. Note refugees in foreground. 19 December, 1944. 10th Armored Division."
The Germans took about 9,000 surrounded U.S. troops prisoner in the Schnee Eifel region on the Belgian-German border. US forces were pushed out of German territory. The 6th SS Panzer Army reached Stavelot and 5th Panzer Army approached Houffalize. US forces in-between these advances continue to hold Gouvy and St. Vith.
Eisenhower appoints Field Marshal Montgomery, commanding British 21st Army Group, to lead all Allied forces to the north of " the Bulge" and General Bradley, all Allied forces to the south reflecting the tactical situation.
Chester Nimitz was promoted to five star rank.
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Japan determined to cease reenforceing the Japanese 35th Army on Leyte.
The Japanese aircraft carrier Unryū was sunk in the East China Sea by the Redfish. The German submarine U-737 sank in a collision with depot ship MRS 25 in Vestfjorden, Norway.
The French newspaper Le Monde published for the first time.
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