Patton's Vanguard

The Battle of Arracourt was a major clash between U.S. and German armored forces near the town of Arracourt, Lorraine, France, between 18–29 September 1944, during World War II. As part of a counteroffensive against recent U.S. advances in France, the German 5th Panzer Army had as its objective the recapture of Lunéville and the elimination of the U.S. XII Corps bridgehead over the Moselle River at Dieulouard. With local superiority in troops and tanks, the Germans anticipated quick defeat of the defending Combat Command A (CCA) of the U.S. 4th Armored Division. However, due in part to better American tactics and use of terrain, the 4th Armored Division's CCA, in concert with U.S. tactical air forces, defeated two Panzer Brigades and elements of two Panzer divisions in a series of engagements over an eleven-day period.

The German attack begins on the 18th.

By the end of the 18th, the German forces reached Hill 246 and it would be hotly contested the following days. American reinforcements streamed in, menacing an encerclement of the Germans.

On the 19th, German reinforcements stabilize the situation by threatening Hill 318 while the battle for Hill 246 rages on.

During the 20th, the Americans lose most of their forces in two ill-fated attacks on Hill 238, while elements of the second German Panzer Division tie up most of the remaining American units in Coincourt.