However, by Christmas, Patton's Third Army had relieved weary soldiers in Bastogne, and the 2nd U.S.
In December 1944, Allied air support was grounded as a result of the bad weather, and Hitler's forces seized the opportunity to strike. For a few weeks, the Nazi troops and their tiger tanks prevailed, having pushed Allied forces back several miles. The Germans seized key crossroads, and advanced toward the Meuse River, creating the plan that gave the battle its name. However, by Christmas, Patton's Third Army had relieved weary soldiers in Bastogne, and the 2nd U.S. Armored Division stopped enemy tanks short of the Meuse River as well. The tide had turned, and by mid-January, the Allies had fought their way back to their original position in the Ardennes Forest. The battle turned out to be a failed last-ditch effort on Hitler's part to regain an upper hand in the war.