This Date in History: December 7

West of Stalingrad, on December 7, 1942, the 44th Infantry Division defended in sector against the 24th Rifle Division and the 304th Rifle Division.  The division repelled an attack against Hill 124.5.  The division lost two officers and 19 NCOs/enlisted killed in action; four officers and 99 NCOs/enlisted were wounded in action; one man was reported missing in action.  The division headquarters was located at Baburkin.  To the northeast was the 76th Infantry Division; to the southwest was the 376th Infantry Division.  The 177th Sturmgeschütz Detachment was attached to the division.  (Stalingrad: The Death of the German Sixth Army on the Volga, 1942-1943)

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Walter Nowotny, Luftwaffe Major, born December 7, 1920 in Gmünd, Austria, winner of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, credited with 258 aerial victories, killed in action flying his Me-262 on November 8, 1944 over Achmer near Hannover, last words: “One engine has failed.  Will try a landing.”  (2,000 Quotes From Hitler’s 1,000-Year Reich)