 It was then mentioned that the defense of the Eastern Front would require the redeployment of armored divisions from the Ardennes.In fact, von Rundstedt had asked for the Ardennes Offensive to be called off on 22 December 1944, in favor of reorienting Germany's armored strength to the East, but this was flatly refused by Hitler.The offensive against American forces in the Ardennes forest had preoccupied Hitler's mind, and the Eastern Front had suddenly become of secondary importance to the Wehrmacht High Command For example, the Sixth Panzer Army would not be transferred to the Eastern Front until 16 January 1945.