17 DEC 44:

The US forces under increasing German pressure along the Clerf River line have begun to withdraw their Engineers of the 1128th Engineer Group back to help prepare the next defensive line. Meanwhile CCR, 9th US Armor division takes full responsibility for Wilwerwiltz (Zone 14) while remnants of the 28th ID continue to contain the German bridgeheads at Drauffelt (Zone 16) and Clerveaux (Zone 12).

The German forces of course will continue to try to expand their bridgeheads at Clerveaux and Drauffelt. The 26th Volksgrenadier Division did seize the bridges at Kautenbach (Zone14) and was supposed to continue with a two pronged attack at Wilwerwiltz from the south and east. However, the 559th Jagdanzer Bn was delayed by congestion and could only move as far as Consthum (Zone 13). Without armor support of the 559th the commander of the 77th Grenadiers held off an assault against CCR 9th AD and allowed his weary troops some rest.

For the afternoon of 17DEC44.

Scenario XI - City Fight in Clerveaux

Scenario XII - Panzer Lehr Bridgehead

Results:

The Germans held the bridgeheads at both Clerveaux (Zone 12) and Drauffelt (Zone 16).

The US forces stalled on heavy artillery barrges and difficult terrain. The 110th forces were bled further. German losses were very light.