when stalingrad front launched the southern offensive of operation uranus on november 20, the 302nd was one of the assault divisions that broke open the defending romanian 6th corps and supporting german elements, alongside the 126th rifle division. the two divisions were supported by the 254th tank brigade when the attack launched at 0845 hours, facing strong resistance from several romanian strong points. shortly after the initial assault the 4th mechanized corps (soviet union) sent its 55th and 158th tank regiments to reinforce the rifle divisions and accelerate the advance. the two tank regiments advanced through the 302nd, blasting through the romanian defenses with ease, and advancing up to 10km by 1300 hours. further advances allowed the 13th mechanized corps to break into the clear and complete the encirclement of the german 6th army.