Unit History of the
87th Chemical Mortar Battalion
22 May 1943 to 6 November 1945

Abbreviations and their meanings for casualties:

Preparing for combat

Across the ocean Assault on the continent Supported units
Attachments and campaigns

Preparing for combat

May 1943

22 May 1943, Item 1: 87th Sep Cml Bn, Mtz, activated at Cp Rucker, Ala., pursuant to authority contained in letter, AG 322.095-7, HQ 2nd Army, Memphis, Tenn., 14 May 1943, subject: Letter Orders No. A-256 (Activation of the 87th Cml. Bn.), with a strength of 6 officers and 1 enlisted man, obtained by transfer from other organizations.

23 May 1943, Item 2: Strength increased to 8 officers and 72 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 May 1943, Item 3: Strength increased to 11 officers and 101 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

25 May 1943, Item 4: Strength increased to 13 officers and 104 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Cadre training began.

26 May 1943, Item 5: Strength increased to 112 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

27 May 1943, Item 6: Strength increased to 118 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

28 May 1943, Item 7: Strength increased to 127 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

30 May 1943, Item 8: Strength increased to 146 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

31 May 1943, Item 9: Strength increased to 16 officers, obtained by transfer.

June 1943

2 June 1943, Item 10: Strength increased to 157 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Road march to Claybank Creek and return. Distance 5 miles.

3 June 1943, Item 11: Strength increased to 17 officers, decreased to 150 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

4 June 1943, Item 12: Strength increased to 18 officers and 158 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

6 June 1943, Item 13: Strength increased to 165 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

7 June 1943, Item 14: Strength increased to 20 officers and 168 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

8 June 1943, Item 15: Strength increased to 166 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

9 June 1943, Item 16: Strength increased to 167 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Road march to New Enterprise Highway and return. Distance 10 miles.

10 June 1943, Item 17: Strength increased to 178 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 June 1943, Item 18: Strength increased to 22 officers and 184 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

12 June 1943, Item 19: Strength increased to 24 officers and 189 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

14 June 1943, Item 20: Strength increased to 33 officers and 190 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 June 1943, Item 21: Road march to Lake Tholocco and return. Distance 12 miles.

17 June 1943, Item 22: Strength increased to 210 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. One enlisted man, S/Sgt Philip Francis, 34142121, died as a result of sunstroke.

19 June 1943, Item 23: Strength increased to 37 officers and 214 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 June 1943, Item 24: Strength increased to 38 officers, obtained by transfer.

21 June 1943, Item 25. Strength increased to 222 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

22 June 1943, Item 26: Strength increased to 223 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 June 1943, Item 27: Strength increased to 226 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 June 1943, Item 28: Road march to Lake Tholocco. Distance 6 miles.

25 June 1943, Item 29: Strength increased to 274 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

July 1943

1 July 1943, Item 30: Road march and cross-country hike to Lake Tholocco. Distance 6 miles.

2 July 1943, Item 31: Strength increased to 39 officers, obtained by transfer.

5 July 1943, Item 32: Strength increased to 275 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

6 July 1943, Item 33: Road march to Lake Tholocco. Distance 10 miles.

8 July 1943, Item 34: Strength increased to 40 officers, obtained by transfer.

10 July 1943, Item 35: Strength decreased to 38 officers, obtained by transfer.

13 July 1943, Item 36: Battalion personnel present subjected to overhead machine gun fire.

14 July 1943, Item 37: Strength increased to 39 officers and 277 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Road march toward New Enterprise Highway. Distance 13 miles.

15 July 1943, Item 38: Strength decreased to 276 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 July 1943, Item 39: Strength increased to 277 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

17 July 1943, Item 40: Strength decreased to 276 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 July 1943, Item 41: Road march to Lake Tholocco and return. Distance 15 miles.

21 July 1943, Item 42: Strength decreased to 275 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 July 1943, Item 43: Strength increased to 323 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 July 1943, Item 44: Strength increased to 324 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Entire battalion present fired Course B for record using Springfield .30 Cal. Model 1903 Rifles.

26 July 1943, Item 45: Strength increased to 325 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

27 July 1943, Item 46: Strength decreased to 320 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

31 July 1943, Item 47: Strength decreased to 297 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

August 1943

1 August 1943, Item 48: Pre-MTP instituted.

2 August 1943, Item 49: Strength decreased to 291 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

4 August 1943, Item 50: Strength decreased to 290 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

6 August 1943, Item 51: Strength increased to 40 officers, obtained by transfer.

9 August 1943, Item 52: Strength increased to 562 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. The 87th Cml. Bn, Mtz. relieved from assignment from 2nd Army and assigned to III Corps.

10 August 1943, Item 53: Strength decreased to 559 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 August 1943, Item 54: Strength decreased to 558 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 August 1943, Item 55: 82 EM fired Course C with M1903 rifles, 252 recruits fired familiarization course with M1903 rifles.

18 August 1943, Item 56: Strength decreased to 557 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 August 1943, Item 57: Strength increased to 657 enlisted men and decreased to 39 officers, obtained by transfer.

21 August 1943, Item 58: Strength decreased to 655 enlisted men and 37 officers, obtained by transfer.

22 August 1943, Item 59: Strength increased to 755 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 August 1943, Item 60: Strength increased to 38 officers, obtained by transfer.

24 August 1943, Item 61: Four Chemical Companies made road march to Lake Tholocco. Distance marched 6 miles.

25 August 1943, Item 62: Strength decreased to 754 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

27 August 1943, Item 63: Strength increased to 777 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

28 August 1943, Item 64: Strength decreased to 774 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 August 1943, Item 65: Strength increased to 893 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

30 August 1943, Item 66: MTP instituted.

September 1943

2 September 1943, Item 67: Strength increased to 39 officers, obtained by transfer.

3 September 1943, Item 68: Strength increased to 905 enlisted men and decreased to 38 officers, obtained by transfer.

4 September 1943, Item 69: Strength decreased to 898 enlisted men and increased to 1 Warrant Officer, obtained by transfer.

5 September 1943, Item 70: Strength decreased to 897 enlisted men and 35 officers, 1 Warrant Officer, obtained by transfer.

6 September 1943, Item 71: Strength decreased to 894 enlisted men and increased to 36 officers, 1 Warrant Officer, obtained by transfer.

7 September 1943, Item 72: Strength decreased to 893 enlisted men and 35 officers, 1 Warrant Officer, obtained by transfer.

9 September 1943, Item 73: Strength decreased to 883 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

10 September 1943, Item 74: Strength decreased to 853 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 September 1943, Item 75: Strength increased to 859 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

13 September 1943, Item 76: Strength decreased to 34 officers, obtained by transfer.

14 September 1943, Item 77: Strength decreased to 856 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

15 September 1943, Item 78: Strength decreased to 853 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 September 1943, Item 79: Strength decreased to 852 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 September 1943, Item 80: Strength increased to 886 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

22 September 1943, Item 81: Strength decreased to 885 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 September 1943, Item 82: Strength decreased to 884 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 September 1943, Item 83: Strength increased to 885 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

25 September 1943, Item 84: Strength decreased to 883 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Administration records inspected by IGD, III Corps. Battalion stood Command Inspection by Battalion Commander.

26 September 1943, Item 85: Strength increased to 2 Warrant officers, obtained by appointment.

28 September 1943, Item 86: Strength decreased to 880 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 September 1943, Item 87: Strength increased to 886 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

30 September 1943, Item 88: Strength decreased to 883 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

October 1943

1 October 1943, Item 89: Strength decreased to 882 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

1 October 1943, Item 90: Battalion stood Command Inspection, CG, III Corps.

2 October 1943, Item 91: Battalion witnessed 4.2" Chemical Mortar Shoot, Artillery Range, Camp Rucker, Alabama.

4 October 1943, Item 92: Strength increased to 35 officers, decreased to 880 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

5 October 1943, Item 93: Strength increased to 36 officers, obtained by transfer.

6 October 1943, Item 94: Captain Stone, Ass't Chemical Officer, Second Army on tour of inspection; strength decreased to 879 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

8 October 1943, Item 95: Strength decreased to 877 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

9 October 1943, Item 96: Strength increased to 37 officers, obtained by transfer.

10 October 1943,Item 97: Strength increased to 38 officers, decreased to 876 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 October 1943, Item 98: Battalion reorganized under T/O 3-25 dated 7 September 1943. Strength increased to 40 officers, decreased to 874 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

12 October 1943, Item 99: Battalion moved by motor to bivouac 14 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama at 0700 to conduct MTP in field. Strength increased to 41 officers, obtained by transfer.

13 October 1943, Item 100: Strength increased to 42 officers, decreased to 861 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

14 October 1943, Item 101: Strength decreased to 850 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

15 October 1943, Item 102: Battalion moved from bivouac 14 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama, to Camp Rucker by motor 1500.

16 October 1943, Item 103: Strength decreased to 41 officers, 842 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

17 October 1943, Item 104: Strength decreased to 40 officers, obtained by transfer.

18 October 1943, Item 105: Strength decreased to 840 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

19 October 1943, Item 106: Strength decreased to 795 enlisted men, obtained, by transfer.

20 October 1943, Item 107: MTP training, Camp Rucker, Alabama, strength increased to 820 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

21 October 1943, Item 108: Major Batte promoted to Lt. Colonel effective 18 October 1943. Colonel Bonner, 2nd Army Chemical Officer on tour of inspection, 21-24 October, inclusive. Strength decreased to 819 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 October 1943, Item 109: Lt. Colonel Batte from duty to temporary duty, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. Major Slovak assumed command.

25 October 1943, Item 110: Strength decreased to 816 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

28 October 1943, Item 111: Strength increased to 41 officers, decreased to 813 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 October 1943, Item 112: Weapons inspected by 2nd Army Inspection Team.

30 October 1943, Item 113: Motors inspected by 2nd Army Inspection Team, strength decreased to 811 enlisted men1 obtained by transfer.

31 October 1943, Item 114: MTP training, Camp Rucker, Alabama, strength decreased to 810 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

November 1943

1 November 1943, Item 115: Strength decreased to 758 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

2 November 1943, Item 116: Lt. Colonel Batte resumed command. Strength decreased to 757 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

3 November 1943, Item 117: Strength decreased to 756 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

4 November 1943, Item 118: Strength decreased to 755 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

5 November 1943, Item 119: Strength decreased to 40 officers, 616 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

7 November 1943, Item 120: Strength increased to 617 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

8 November 1943, Item 121: Strength decreased to 39 officers, obtained by transfer.

9 November 1943, Item 122: Battalion moved by motor to bivouac 14 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama, to conduct MTP training in the field. Strength increased to 40 officers, obtained by transfer.

10 November 1943, Item 123: MTP training 1-10 November 1943.

11 November 1943, Item 124: Battalion moved by motor to bivouac 5 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama, at 0300. Colonel Wanamaker, III Corps Chemical Officer and Captain Luedke, Ass't Chemical Officer, on tour of inspection. Strength decreased to 39 officers, obtained by transfer.

12 November 1943, Item 125: Battalion moved from bivouac 5 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama, to camp. Strength increased to 41 officers, obtained by transfer.

14 November 1943, Item 126: Strength increased to 42 officers, obtained by transfer.

15 November 1943, Item 127: Strength increased to 47 officers, obtained by transfer.

18 November 1943, Item 128: Strength increased to 48 officers, obtained by transfer.

19 November 1943, Item 129: Strength decreased to 617 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 November 1943, Item 130: MTP training, Camp Rucker, Alabama, 11-20 November, 1943.

22 November 1943, Item 131: Colonel Rankine, Army Ground Forces Chemical Officer, on tour of inspection. Motors and arms inspection by 2nd Army inspection team.

24 November 1943, Item 132: Battalion completed transition firing, rifle caliber .30, M1903.

25 November 1943, Item 133: Strength decreased to 47 officers, obtained by transfer.

27 November 1943, Item 134: Colonel Bonner, 2nd Army Chemical Officer, inspected and observed Battalion in training. Strength decreased to 616 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

28 November 1943, Item 135: Strength decreased to 614 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 November 1943, Item 136: Strength decreased to 613 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

30 November 1943, Item 137: MTP training, Camp Rucker, Alabama, 21-30 November, 1943.

December 1943

2 December 1943, Item 138: Strength decreased to 611 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

4 December 1943, Item 139: Strength decreased to 46 officers, obtained by transfer.

6 December 1943, Item 140: Colonel St. John, Office Chief Chemical Warfare Service on tour of inspection and observation of battalion.

9 December 1943, Item 141: Motors inspected by inspector, 2nd Army. Strength decreased to 45 officers, obtained by transfer. Increased to 46 officers.

10 December 1943, Item 142: MTP training, Camp Rucker, Alabama, 1-10 Dec 43. Strength decreased to 610 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 December 1943, Item 143: Strength decreased to 605 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

13 December 1943, Item 144: Battalion started on MTP test given by III Corps.

14 December 1943, Item 145: Battalion completed test given by III Corps.

15 December 1943, Item 146: Annual inspection by Inspector General started. Strength decreased to 45 officers, obtained by transfer.

16 December 1943, Item 147: Annual inspection by Inspector General completed. All units satisfactory with the exception of Company B which was rated EXCELLENT.

20 December 1943, Item 148: MTP training and test, Camp Rucker, Alabama, 10-11 Dec 43; UTP Camp Rucker, Alabama, 15-20 Dec 43.

22 December 1943, Item 149: Strength decreased to 608 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

27 December 1943, Item 150: Strength increased to 46 officers, obtained by transfer.

31 December 1943, Item 151: MTP continued, Camp Rucker, Alabama, 21-31 Dec 431.

January 1944

1 January 1944, Item 1: Strength decreased to 45 officers, 607 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

2 January 1944, Item 2: Colonel Orsonger, III Corps G-4, on tour of inspection.

10 January 1944, Item 3: Strength increased to 46 officers, obtained by transfer. UTP continued.

11 January 1944, Item 4: Strength decreased to 45 officers, obtained by transfer.

12 January 1944, Item 5: Strength decreased to 44 officers, obtained by transfer.

13 January 1944, Item 6: 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz, relieved from assignment to III Corps and assigned to IX Corps. Strength decreased to 43 officers, obtained by transfer.

15 January 1944, Item 7: Strength decreased to 604 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 January 1944, Item 8: Maneuver umpire detail, 2 officers and 49 enlisted men departed at 0800 for Camp Forrest, Tennessee, by Government Motor Transportation.

17 January 1944, Item 9: Strength decreased to 602 enlisted men obtained by transfer.

20 January 1944, Item 10: Battalion moved by motor to a point 15 miles NW of Camp Rucker, Alabama, to bivouac for platoon combat firing. UTP continued, Camp Rucker, Alabama. Strength decreased to 601 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

21 January 1944, Item 11: Battalion moved by motor to Camp Rucker, Alabama at 1800.

23 January 1944, Item 12: Battalion completed infiltration course.

24 January 1944, Item 13: Major Keuron, IX Corps Chemical Officer, on tour of inspection.

26 January 1944, Item 14: Strength decreased to 600 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

27 January 1944, Item 15: Strength increased to 601 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 January 1944, Item 16: Strength increased to 602 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

31 January 1944, Item 17: Battalion departed from Camp Rucker, Alabama, enroute to the Tennessee Maneuver Area at 0600. Arrived at Fort McClellan, Alabama, at 1700. Movement was by motor. 11-30 January 44, UTP continued. Preparation undergone for movement to Maneuver #5, Tennessee Maneuver Area.

February 1944

1 February 1944, Item 18: Departed from Fort McClellan, Alabama at 0700. Arrived Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama at 1500, movement by motor.

2 February 1944, Item 19: Departed from Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama at 0700. Arrived at Camp Forrest, Tennessee at 1430. Strength increased to 603 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

3 February 1944, Item 20: Battalion relieved from assignment to IX Corps and assigned to Second Army; further attached to 11th Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Forrest, Tennessee.

5 February 1944, Item 21: Strength decreased to 602 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

6 February 1944, Item 22: All personnel of the Battalion fired transition course with carbine, M1.

9 February 1944, Item 23: Strength decreased to 601 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

10 February 1944, Item 24: Battalion completed combat firing. Strength decreased to 600 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

11 February 1944, Item 25: Strength increased to 625 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

12 February 1944, Item 26: Battalion completed Air-Ground Liaison Test given by 11th Detachment, Special Troops. Results-excellent.

13 February 1944, Item 27: Approximately 450 officers and enlisted men departed on leave for furlough for eight days.

15 February 1944, Item 28: Strength decreased to 624 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 February 1944, Item 29: Lt. Col. Batte from duty to leave. Major Slovak assumed command. Strength increased to 634 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

18 February 1944, Item 30: Strength decreased to 633 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 February 1944, Item 31: Period 11-20 February 1944, special training continued. Strength decreased to 632 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

21 February 1944, Item 32: Strength decreased to 631 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 February 1944, Item 33: Lt. Col. Batte from leave to duty and resumed command.

25 February 1944, Item 34: Strength decreased to 624 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

29 February 1944, Item 35: Special training continued.

March 1944

1 March 1944, Item 36: Strength decreased to 625 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

2 March 1944, Item 37: Strength decreased to 624 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

4 March 1944, Item 38: Strength decreased to 618 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

5 March 1944, Item 39: Strength decreased to 41 officers, obtained by transfer.

6 March 1944, Item 40: Strength decreased to 40 officers, 616 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

7 March 1944, Item 41: Battalion inspected by Second Army Inspector General.

9 March 1944, Item 42: Battalion observed by AGF Inspector, Brigadier General Donavon. Battalion completed night infiltration course.

10 March 1944, Item 43: Special training continued at Camp Forrest, Tennessee.

11 March 1944, Item 44: Strength decreased to 601 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

16 March 1944, Item 45: Strength decreased to 596 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

18 March 1944, Item 46: Strength decreased to 589 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

20 March 1944, Item 47: Special training continued at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. Battalion restricted to area at approximately 1500 hours prior to movement to staging area. Strength decreased to 582 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

23 March 1944, Item 48: Battalion departed from Camp Forrest, Tennessee for permanent change of station, via rail, to Camp Shanks, New York. Accommodations excellent on train.

25 March 1944, Item 49: Battalion arrived at Camp Shanks, New York. Medical Detachment, Company C and Company D arrived at 0630. Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Company A and Company B arrived at 1235.

27 March 1944, Item 50: Strength increased to 586 enlisted men, obtained by transfer. Bn cleared at Camp Shanks, and 50% of personnel allowed 12 hour pass to N.Y.

28 March 1944, Item 51: Battalion restricted to area at approximately 0800 prior to departing from Camp Shanks, New York for New York P. O. E.

30 March 1944, Item 52: Medical Detachment, Company C and Company D departed Camp Shanks, New York via rail for permanent change of station to NYPE at 1500. Embarked upon HMT Queen Elizabeth. Strength decreased to 584 enlisted men obtained by transfer of two AWOL's.

31 March 1944, Item 53: Headquarters Detachment, Company A and Company B departed from Camp Shanks, New York for permanent change of station to NYPE by rail at 0445. Embarked HMT Queen Elizabeth. Vessel left New York Harbor for European Theater of Operations at approximately 1300. Accommodations aboard ship proved excellent. Strength decreased to 582 enlisted men, obtained by transfer of two AWOL's.

Across the ocean

April 1944

6 April 1944, Item 54: Vessel sighted land this date. Steamed up Firth of Clyde and anchored off Geenock, Scotland. Trip had been pleasant, seas calm, weather clear, morale excellent. Strength decreased to 581 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

7 April 1944, Item 55: Headquarters Detachment, Medical Detachment and Company A debarked from HMT Queen Elizabeth at 0800, enroute to Tiverton in Devon County, England via rail. Battalion assigned to First United States Army, attached to VII Corps and further attached to 4th Infantry Division. Strength decreased to 579 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

8 April 1944, Item 56: Headquarters Detachment, Medical Detachment and Company A arrived at Tiverton, Devon County, England at 0900. Company B, Company C and Company D debarked HMT Queen Elizabeth 1030 enroute to Tiverton, Devon. The advance detail of two officers and one enlisted man which had left the unit 1 March 1944 were rejoined.

9 April 1944, Item 57: Company B, Company C and Company D arrived at Tiverton, Devon County, England at 1000.

22 April 1944, Item 58: Company D at reduced strength departed Tiverton, Devon by motor for combined training in water and land operation.

23 April 1944, Item 59: Companies A, B and C, at reduced strength departed Tiverton, Devon for combined operations and training. Arrived at marshalling area by motor.

24 April 1944, Item 60: Strength increased to 580 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

24 April 1944, Item 61: Personnel participating in problem left marshaling area and boarded troop transports.

27 April 1944, Item 62: Units left troop transports via small landing craft and landed on beach at Slapton Sands; with complete equipment, moved to support of 8th and 22nd Infantry Regiments, 4th Division. Strength increased to 581 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

28 April 1944, Item 63: Battalion moved in support of Infantry and set up mortars in alternate positions. Moved toward completion of maneuver.

29 April 1944, Item 64: Company D, at reduced strength returned to Tiverton, Devon.

30 April 1944, Item 65: Companies A, B and C, at reduced strength returned to Tiverton, Devon from combined training in water and land operations.

May 1944

1 May 1944, Item 66: Battalion authorized change in equipment per instructions of First United States Army. Shall receive 90 light cargo carriers, M-29, in place of a similar amount of 1/4-ton trucks, which are to be turned in.

2 May 1944, Item 67: Battalion alerted for departure.

8 May 1944, Item 68: Strength decreased to 580 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

9 May 1944, Item 69: Last of cargo carriers received and jeeps turned in.

11 May 1944, Item 70: Strength decreased to 579 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

15 May 1944, Item 71: Companies A, B, C & D, at reduced strength departed from Tiverton for marshaling areas via motor for combined operations with other arms.

16 May 1944, Item 72: Battalion Commander plus portion of staff left Tiverton for marshaling area for combined operations with other arms; strength decreased to 577 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

18 May 1944, Item 73: Strength increased to 579 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

25 May 1944, Item 74: Strength decreased to 578 enlisted men, obtained by transfer.

31 May 1944, Item 75: 113th Chemical Processing Company (strength 5 officers, 120 enlisted men) arrived Tiverton on detached service from home station, Bristol for training purposes.

June 1944

1 June 1944, Item 76: Orders placing 113th Chemical Processing Company on detached service with 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz., amended to attach unit instead. Strength increased to 42 officers, 699 enlisted men.

2-4 June 1944, Item 77: Assault group of Battalion embarked on board ships prior to sailing for French coast.

4-5 June 1944, Item 78: Combined naval and land forces underway across English Channel for assault on France.

Assault on the continent

D-Day on Utah Beach

After approximately seven weeks of intensive preparations following arrival in the United Kingdom, the 87th Chemical Battalion moved to marshalling areas to begin operation NEPTUNE. 440 officers and men and 67 vehicles comprised the assault wave. The remainder of the Battalion, known as the residue, were left in bivouac at Tiverton and were to follow on D plus 8. After approximately 10 days in the marshaling area, the assault echelons of Companies A, B and D loaded onto their respective types of transportation at Torquay; Battalion Headquarters loaded at Dartmouth; and Company C loaded at Plymouth. This was the last that the Battalion Commander saw of any of the companies until after the landing on Utah Beach.

At 1800, 3 June 1944, the Battalion Commander's party, which was on the same boat with the Commanding Officer, 8th Infantry Regimental landing team, weighed anchor and stood out to sea. After the breakwater had been crossed, Colonel Van Fleet announced that D-Day would be Monday, June 5, H-Hour 0650. During the night bad weather set in; D-Day and H-Hour were postponed for 25 hours. The approximately 62 hours spent on this LCT in the English Channel was a rather miserable, never-to-be-forgotten experience. Salt spray fell across the craft at all times and the decks had from one-half to an inch of water washing about at all times. The majority of the occupants were seasick and conditions were crowded. In spite of this, spirits were good and morale excellent in anticipation of the momentous occasion. The huge invasion fleet was a very inspiring sight.

The coast of France was approached on the morning of 6 June. there was a great roar and rumble in the distance and the huge flashes were observed every few seconds. The Battalion Commander's party transferred to an LCVP along with the Regimental Landing Team party at about 17,000 yards from shore and touched down on the coast of France at H plus 50. Companies A, B, C and D likewise transferred from ships to LCVP's at approximately 17,000 yards from shore and proceeded to a landing.

The entire battalion had been attached to the 4th Infantry Division and sub-attached to the 8th Infantry RLT. The following attachments were made within the 8th Infantry RLT:

Company A to the 1st Battalion
Company B to the 2nd Battalion
Company C to the 3rd Battalion
Company D to the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, which was also attached to the 8th Infantry RLT

6 June 1944, Item 79 (D-Day) (H-Hour - 0630): Company A and Company B landed at H plus 50 and set up on the beach ready to deliver fire on call from its forward observers who had landed with the leading infantry waves at H-Hour. Company A fired 20 rounds and Company B fired 80 rounds. After approximately 40 minutes, both companies moved inland in order to keep up with the advance of the battalions which they were supporting.

Companies C and D landed at H plus 90 and set up on the beach, ready to deliver fire on call from its forward observers who had landed with the leading waves of the supported infantry units at H plus 50. Company C fired 10 rounds and Company D fired 30 rounds before displacing forward with their supported units. Battalion Headquarters operated with Headquarters 8th Infantry RLT.

It is interesting to note that the first time this battalion had ever fired over the heads of its own troops was on the battlefield and against an armed enemy. This battalion was the sole "artillery" support for the 4th Division for approximately 6 hours. At all times the mortar companies kept pace with the advance of the supported infantry and were always in position, ready to fire when called upon by the forward observers. The infantry was amazed at the rapidity and accuracy with which our mortars replied. Enemy strong points, machine gun emplacements, pill boxes, and even concrete emplacements were brought under fire during the initial hours of the assault.

In the landing, two mortars and two vehicles were lost as a result of the sinking of LCVP's. No personnel were lost at sea, however, one man killed and that by a direct hit into a foxhole, this, despite rather severe enemy shelling of the beach.

Bn CP moved inland from Utah Beach via Ste Marie-Du-Mcnt, closing in vicinity of Les Forge, CR (363932) at 062000 June.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 695 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1535529, Shouse, Harold W., 2nd Lt, KIA, Co C
33655680, Smith, Frederick R., PFC, KIA, Co C
35644934, Richey, Herman L., Pvt, SWA, Co A
13081250, Montgomery, James, Cpl, LWA, Co D
51549262, Trent, William T., Cpl, LWA, Co A

Beyond the beach

7 June 1944, Item 80 (D plus 1): Co A, Co B and Co C continued to support the battalions of the 8th Infantry Regiment in their advance towards Ste. Mere Eglise. Company D continued to support the 3rd Battalion of the 22nd Infantry north along the beach towards Quineville. Approximately 1500 rounds were fired by the battalion during the 24-hour period on strong points and personnel. By this time the supported infantry had begun to appreciate the terrific firepower which the mortar companies could deliver. Bn CP closed I mile NE of Ste. Mere Eglise (351967) at 071900.

First build-up left Tiverton, Devon at 0700 for marshalling area. Arrived Falmouth, Cornwall at 1800. Build-up of Co A, Co B and Co C embarked ship. HQ Det and Co D returned to marshalling area to spend the night.

Strength decreased to 692 enlisted men. Casualties:

32277928, Walker, Robert C., 1st Sgt, KIA, Co D
32925289, Plubell, Francis L., Pvt, IMA, Co D-Med
31366954, Stubb, Frank R., Jr., Cpl, LWA Co D

8 June 1944, Item 81 (D plus 2): Company A was detached from the 8th Infantry Regiment and attached to the 12th Infantry at 0630 to support the attack of this regiment north towards Montebourg. This placed at least one mortar company with each combat team of the 4th Infantry Division. On two occasions, counterattacks were stopped by intense barrages delivered by this company and a number of rounds were placed on enemy positions. Company B and Company C remained attached to the 8th Infantry Regiment and moved north with the 1st and 2nd Battalions, respectively, towards Montebourg. While displacing forward to a new position, just north of Ste. Mere Eglise, Company B came under very heavy shell fire at 1020. This shellfire hit the road without prior registration. Lieutenant Taylor and four men were seriously wounded. Two mortars and two M-29 Cargo Carriers were put out of action. Company B was reorganized by the Battalion Commander who came upon the scene approximately one hour and a half later, into one platoon of six mortars and led forward into action. Ammunition and equipment was salvaged from the shelled vehicles and fired several hours later by which time this company had worked its mortars up close to two casemented positions believed to contain 88mm guns, fired upon and silenced them. Company D fired approximately 800 rounds in support of operations of the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Regiment in its advance north along the beach. Well-prepared enemy positions were encountered and both HE and WP were used with great effect.

Bn CP closed I mile NW of FRESVILLE (318007) at 082330. Remainder of first build-up embarked ship at 1300. Second build-up departed from Tiverton, Devon by motor convoy at 1730 for Plymouth marshaling area.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 681 enlisted men. Casualties:

33698853, St. Clair, William E. Jr., Cpl, SWA, Co C
34826500, Fowler, Thomas J., Pvt, DOW, HQ Det
31386119, Ventriglia, Pasquale, PFC, SWA, Co C
0-1038499, Taylor, Ray O., 1st Lt, SWA, Co B
31379140, O'Connell, Harold F., T/5, LWA, Co A
36685248, Miller, Adolph, Pvt, LWA, Co B
51567268, Berry, Frederick W., Pvt, LWA, Co B
31556992, Fordell, Edward E., Pvt, LWA, Co B
33246909, Albright, John, Sgt, LWA, Co B
31588273, Bernatowicz, Bonificious J., Cpl, LWA, Co B
0-1555562, Cable, William H., 2nd Lt, LWA, Co A

9 June 1944, Item 82 (D plus 3): At 0600, Company B was detached from 8th Inf, 4th Div and transferred across the VII Corps front and attached to the 101st A/B Division to provide supporting fire for the bridging of the Douve River and the resulting attack on Carentan. Company A fired approximately 800 rounds in support of operations of the 12th Inf Regt. Company C continued to support the 8th Inf Regt in the attack on the ridge line southwest of Montebourg. Two hundred rounds were fired in two hours. 0n three occasions, barrages were laid down against enemy counterattacks.

Company D continued to support the 3rd Battalion of the 22nd Inf Regt and fired approximately 900 rounds. Progress over this well-defended terrain was very difficult and slow. During the night an ammunition truck containing approximately 100 rounds of HE was destroyed by enemy shellfire while parked in a bivouac position of the 2nd Battalion.

No change in location of CP. Second build-up arrived Plympton, Devon at 0230.

10 June 1944, Item 83 (D plus 4): Company A attached to the 12th Inf Regt. Company C, attached to the 8th Inf Regt, and Company D, attached to the 22nd Inf Regt, continued to support advance of the 4th Inf Div to the west and east of Monteb0urg. Approximately 1,500 rounds were fired against enemy counterattacks and enemy positions.
Company B fired approximately 400 rounds of WP to assist the crossing of the Douve River of the 101st A/B Division. This screen was highly effective and successful.

At approximately 0130, Captain Henry S. Williams, Commander of Company D was killed when an enemy anti-personnel airplane bomb landed approximately one foot from him while he was going from the 1st platoon to the 2nd platoon in order to inspect positions.

Bn Cp closed 1.5 miles SW of Montebourg (308054) 101200. Second build-up departed the marshalling area at Plymouth at 1700 and boarded the Liberty ship SS John Henry.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 678 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1035102, Williams, Henry S., Captain, KIA, Co D
37666640, McQuiston, Warren K., T/5, KIA, Co D
0-1038499, Taylor, Ray 0., 1st Lt, DOW, Co B
6994339, Atkinson, Walter G. Jr., S/Sgt, SWA, Co D
31579568, Gentile, Alfred Jr., Cpl, LWA, Co D

11 June 1944, Item 84 (D plus 5): Company A continued to fire numerous missions in support of the advance of the 12th Inf Regt northward in the vicinity of Ozeville. Company C, because of losses in equipment and vehicles from enemy action, was reorganized by the Bn Commander into one platoon of five mortars and at 1100 was detached from the 8th Inf Regt and attached to the 101st A/B Div.

Company B was attached to the 101st A/B Div at the same time and these two companies materially assisted in the rapidity with which the city of Carentan capitulated. The companies fired both HE and WP. The employment of WP had a huge psychological effect on the defenders and is officially credited by the Division G-3 with having been a contributing factor in the sudden capitulation of the defending forces. Not until approximately 20 rounds were fired into the city did the Germans surrender.

Company D was detached from the 22nd Inf Regt and attached to the 8th Inf Regt and took up positions just south of Montebourg.

Bn CP closed 1 mile NW of Fresville (318007) 112300. First build-up landed in France and remained in vicinity of Utah Beach overnight. Second build-up departed from Plymouth, England enroute to France.

Strength decreased to 57 officers and 673 enlisted men. Casualties:

35698892, Wilkevich, Joseph R., Cpl, KIA, Co A
56215916, Simon, Leonard E., T/4, SWA, Co C
35751804, Redman, Joseph A., Cpl, SWA, Co A
51367006, Morison, Robert L., T/5, DOW, Co C
56580752, Sobole, Arthur W., Cpl, LWA, Co C
0-1058420, Leah, Lawrence D., 1st Lt, LWA, Co A

12 June 1944, Item 85 (D plus 6): Company A, detached from 12th Inf Regt and attached to the 22nd Inf Regt, moved to that sector in the morning. Companies B and C were detached from the 101st A/B and attached to the 12th and 22nd Inf Regts, respectively of the 4th Inf Div.

Company B was very effective in providing supporting fire for the 8th Inf Regt in operations west of Montebourg. On two occasions enemy counter attacks were stopped cold by the accurate adjustment of mortar fire upon the advancing forces.

Bn CP closed 5 miles NE of Ste. Mere Eglise (542013) 120900. Battalion residue began to arrive during the late afternoon from the United Kingdom, bringing with them much needed personnel and vehicles. Casualties:

6949768, Czerwinski, John, 1st Sgt, KIA, Co C
31388958, Abdallah, George, T/5, LWA, Co D
31579332, Faber, Harry W. Sgt, LWA, Co A

13 June 1944, Item 86 (D plus 7): Companies A and C fired approximately 800 rounds each in support of operations of the 22nd Inf Regt. Company B fired approximately 500 rounds in support of the 12th Inf Regt.

Company D fired approximately 1400 rounds of WP and HE in 90 minutes on the city of Montebourg from 2100 to 2230 to support operations of the 8th Inf Regt. The city was fired and completely gutted with resulting great damage. Reconnaissance parties the following morning found only gutted buildings and isolated points of resistance.

No change in location of Bn CP. Battalion second build-up arrived in France; debarked at Utah Beach and proceeded to Ste. Mere Eglise to bivouac area.

Strength decreased to 670 enlisted men. Casualties:

36215916, Simon, Leanord E., T/4, DOW, Co C
33054784, Ermillio, Frank, Pvt, SWA, Co A
31388992, Sheehan, Leonard J., T/5, SWA, Co A

14 June 1944, Item 87 (D plus 8): Companies A and C continued support operations of the 22nd Inf Regt. These companies occupied very favorable positions from which supporting fires were delivered for the attack of this regiment on the ridge line west of Quineville, approximately 400 rounds being fired. All during the day interdictory fire was placed on cross roads in the rear of the enemy positions.

Company B fired prearranged concentrations on cross roads and likely concentration areas in support of the 12th Inf Regt. This Company was attached to the artillery which was supporting the regiment and all such fire was coordinated thru the so-called "Artillery Groupment". This type of set-up works rather successfully in a defensive situation or stationary situation. However, it is not recommended for offensive situations where a close-in, direct support for the infantry is needed and usually on a moment's notice.

Company D fired 1640 rounds during the 24-hour period in support of operations of the 8th Regt on strong points and enemy positions surrounding Montebourg. Harassing and interdictory fire computed from map was also placed on positions in the rear of the enemy lines.

No change in location of Bn CP. Strength increased to 682 enlisted men.

15 June 1944, Item 88 (D plus 9): Companies A and C fired approximately 700 rounds in support of operations of the 22nd Inf Regt operating on the Division's left flank. Company C was subjected to heavy counter battery at 0900. However, there were no casualties. Company B continued to fire missions on call in support of the 12th Inf Regt. All requests for fire were cleared thru the artillery group supporting the regiment.

Company D continued to support operations of the 8th Inf Regt against Montebourg by firing 5000 rounds on enemy positions to the flank and outskirts of the city. HE and WP were also placed on the high ground west of the city which the Germans were using for observation purposes. A new battalion record of 5,582 rounds was fired in a 24-hour period.

At 2100 the battalion was detached from the 4th Inf Div. The battalion, less Co B was attached to the 9th Inf Division at 2100 in order to provide the now much desired mortar support for this division's attack west from Ste. Mere Eglise in order to cut the neck of the Cherbourg Peninsula. Company B was attached to the 82nd A/B Division and moved out at approximately 1400.

16 June 1944, Item 89 (D plus 10): The Battalion, less Company B, was attached to the 9th Inf Div as of 2100 15 June, and further attached to the 39th Inf Regt. Positions are five miles southwest of Ste Mere Eglise. Companies are ready to fire on call.

Company B was attached to the 82nd Air Borne Division as of 2100 15 June. Position is two miles east of St Saveur le Vicomte. Personnel are very tired as a result of ten straight days and nights of almost continuous firing. Morale, however, is still very high.

At 1640 Company A was placed in support of the 2nd Battalion, 39th Inf Regt moved from a bivouac area, approximately six miles to a gun position, established the necessary liaison, dispatched forward observers, and opened fire on an enemy mortar emplacement at 1810. Enemy installations were silenced. The company then proceeded to shell La Calais.

At 1640, Co C and Co D were attached to the 1st Bn of the 39th Inf Regt, and moved forward into position ready to place fire on call. The Battalion received a number of replacements, 3 officers and 97 enlisted men.

Strength increased to 40 officers and 779 enlisted men. Casualties:

33698565, Soltesz, Joseph A., Cpl, LIA, Co C

17 June 1944, Item 90 (D plus 11): The Battalion, less Co B, remained in support of the 39th Inf Regt of the 9th Inf Division and continued the advance to the north and west from Courbesville. At dawn, approximately 600 rounds were fired on Orglandes, an enemy strong point which had held up the advance for six or seven hours. The position was completely, neutralized and all opposition silenced.

At 1400, the Battalion, less Co B, displaced forward in order to continue to be in position to provide close support to the forward units. At 2100, Co A fired five rounds of WP for purposes of adjustment on a suspected enemy strong-point north of Golleville. Six enemy vehicles and four automatic weapons were observed to immediately abandon the area. A short while later, Co A, in support of the 2nd Battalion, fired 100 rounds on an enemy mortar emplacement and on observed hostile personnel.

Co. B, attached to the 82nd Air Borne Division, fired a concentration of HE and WP on St Saveur le Vicomte in advance of our troops entrance into the town. A short while later, Captain Marshall, Commanding Officer of B Company, obtained a direct hit on a M-6 tank with HE at 3000 yards. All during the night, harassing and interdictory fire were placed on the area to the south and west of the town.

General Order #26, Headquarters, First United States Army, this date, cites the 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz. for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action in the initial assault on the northern coast of Normandy, France, 6 June 1944.

18 June 1944, Item 91 (D plus 12): In order to effect mortar support to the rapid advance of the 39th Infantry Regt across the Cherbourg Peninsula, Co. A was attached directly to the 3rd Battalion in the vicinity of Blandamour, Co. C was attached directly to the 2nd Battalion in the vicinity of Valdecie, Co. D was attached directly to the lst Battalion in the vicinity of St Jacques de Nehan. Battalion headquarters (forward) remained with the 39th Inf Regt CP near St Jacques de Nehan. All companies displaced forward well early in the morning.

Co. B continued to fire support of the 82nd Air Borne Division. An entire German infantry company was brought under heavy HE fire and completely routed; 47 were killed.

At 1500, orders were received from Headquarters VII Corps to the effect that present attachments to the 9th Infantry Division and 82 Air Borne Division were terminated, and that Battalion Headquarters was to proceed to the 313th and 315th Infantry Regiments, respectively, of the 79th Inf Div, and Companies C and D attached to the 8th and 12th Infantry Regiments, 4th Inf Div. These companies immediately executed march order, and were in position with their new attachments, six or seven miles distant, ready to fire at 2000.

19 June 1944, Item 92 (D plus 13): At approximately 0300, Company C fired a concentration of HE and WP on targets by map coordinates in preparation for an attack by the 8th Infantry Regiment. Excellent results were obtained from this harassing and interdictory fire. This mission was fired on a very dark night and, while moving and adjusting base plates in order to fire on the various prearranged positions, one mortar worked back under a tree and a round of HE hit an overhanging limb and exploded, seriously injuring one officer and six enlisted men.

Co A and Co B, operating with the 79th Division, fired one mission apiece during the rapid advance of this division northward. Each company displaced forward from four to five times during the day.

Co D, in support of the 12th Infantry Regt, 4th Infantry Div, displaced forward three times during the day in order to be in position to provide the necessary close support for the rapid advance of this Regiment northward to the high ground east of Valognes.

Co C occupied a position directly west of Montebourg and fired between four and five hundred rounds of interdictory and harassing fire on prearranged targets in support of the 8th Infantry Regt. This fire was noted by the forward observers to be very effective. At approximately 1300, as the second platoon was executing march order to displace forward, a terrific explosion on an ammunition truck, cause unknown and undetermined, resulted in twelve men being killed and twenty-four wounded. The explosion was tremendous, and hurled parts of the truck motor and the machine gun mount ring a distance of 500 yards. The entire company was within a radius of less than 100 yards of the explosion and everyone was severly shocked and dazed. The battalion commander, who was at the 79th Division operating with the two companies attached to that Division, was notified and arrived upon the scene approximately at 1630 to find the company sitting in foxholes at the gun position in a dazed and partially disorganized condition. Wreckage, mortar shells and bodies were scattered over the landscape. It is not known what caused the explosion or how many shells exploded sympathetically. However, it was observed that a large part of the shell, both HE and WP, remained unexploded even though some were severely dented and flattened. Meanwhile, the company commander had proceeded to the rear in an attempt to locate the Bn commander. After a hasty estimate of the situation, the Bn commander called the remaining officers and men of the company together, apprised them of the situation, reoriented them, reimbued them with the determined fighting spirit of this Battalion and instilled in them a desire and determination to remain in action and go forward, continuing to support the 8th Infantry Regt instead of, as they first desired, going to the rear to reorganize.

The battalion commander led the first platoon forward in reconnaissance of a new position, re-established liaison with the Infantry regimental commander and saw that this platoon was set up and ready to fire. The men moved out in high spirits and a grim determination to redeem the loss of their fellow soldiers. The vicinity of the area from which the Company moved and the new area selected were subjected to occasional enemy artillery and sniper fire. As a matter of fact, none of the gun positions occupied by the four companies have been out of range of enemy artillery and occasional small arms and sniper fire since D-Day.

The remaining twelve to fifteen men of the first platoon were ordered by the battalion commander to collect their material and vehicles and proceed with same to the Bn rear echelon. This was promptly executed in good order. This platoon was reorganized that same evening with new replacements and will again be in the front lines within twelve hours. All in all, the officers and men of this Company exhibited amazing recuperative and come-back ability and it is believed they are better and more determined soldiers as a result of having as quickly recovered from the above experience.

At 2100, Co B was transferred from attachment to the 315th Infantry Regt and attached to the 314th Inf Regt of the 79th Division and the 315th was falling back in reserve.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 767 enlisted men. Casualties:

33698906, Edmiston, William R., Pvt, KIA, Co C
33655657, Grizzle, Raymond O., Pvt, KIA, Co C
36685239, Tomsovic, Charles J., Pvt, KIA, Co C
34625674, Eckhoff, Kenneth A., PFC, KIA, Co C
31278325, Olubowicz, Steven, Tec 4, KIA, Co C
34583070, Gaston, Joseph M. Jr., Pvt, KIA, Co C
33682976, Misinay, Michael, Cpl, KIA, Co C
6964741, Cape, Willie L., Sgt, KIA, Co C
33764991, Cence, William A., Pvt, KIA, Co C
31379193, Mannix, Gordon C., PFC, KIA, Co C
33698936, Martin, George J., Jr., Pvt, KIA, Co C
36762331, Dunn, Ray A., Cpl, SWA, Co C
31003185, Stasinipulos, Charles M., Sgt, SWA, Co C
31336855, Vallera, Robert V., PFC, SWA, Co C
33647127, Vermillion, Jay L., Sgt, SWA, Co C
0-519927, Edwards, Charles V. III, 2nd Lt, SWA, Co C
31588967, Psoinos, James N., Pvt, SWA, Co C
32872689, LaMarca, Fred, Cpl, SWA, Co C
33698919, McCullough, Franklin, Pvt, SWA, Co C
31374033, Maynard, Roland J., PFC, LWA, Co C
33731995, Ellison, Albert L., PFC, LWA, Co C
31366534, Hamond, Stanley W., Pvt, LWA, Co C
38530535, Jones, Pershing A., Pvt, LWA, Co C
35340446, Savage, William J., Sgt, LWA, Co C
31366936, Shepardson, Raymond H., PFC, LWA, Co C
31162055, Simon, Gorham G., Sgt, LWA, Co C
36682094, Girton, Francis J. L., Pvt, LWA, Co C
13154101, Pompei, Romeo F., Sgt, LWA, Co C
31388949, Hildreth, William H., Pvt, LWA, Co C
33266381, Heinricher, Joseph A., S/Sgt, LWA, Co C
13996398, Wootten, Samuel J., Cpl, KIA, HQ Det
33655528, Powers, Hudson 0., Pvt, LWA, Co C
31336871, Burke, Edward W. Jr., Pvt, LWA, Co C
33732064, Byrns, Herbert F. Jr., Pvt, LWA, Co C

20 June 1944, Item 93 (D plus 14): Companies A and B, operating with the 313th and 314th Infantry Regts., respectively of the 79th Inf. Div. kept pace with the rapid advance northward towards Cherbourg, displacing forward four times during the day. At 1700 Co A placed counter-battery fire on two gun positions, identified as containing 88mm guns, and silenced them.

Company C and Company D kept pace with the rapid advance northward towards Cherbourg with the 8th and 12th Inf Regts, respectively, of the 4th Inf. Div. Each Company displaced forward four times during the day, however, they were not called upon to fire.

The reorganization of the second platoon of Company C completed this date and the men were anxious to return to the front.

21 June 1944, Item 94 (D plus 15): Co. A, operating with the 313th Inf Regt and Co B, operating with the 314th Inf Regt., of the 79th Division, moved forward in the closing arc on Cherbourg. The companies were called upon to fire only two missions each in view of the rapid retirement of the enemy behind prepared defenses. During the afternoon, Lt. Murray, forward observer of B Co. patiently watched the Germans establish and meticulously camouflage a large ammunition dump. When they had completed their work, he opened up on this dump with HE and completely destroyed it. Fires and explosions lasted for several hours.

Co C kept pace with the rapid advance of the 4th Division northwards towards Cherbourg and fired between six and eight hundred rounds of interdictory and harassing fire. Col Van Vleit, the regimental commander, credits this interdictory and harassing fire with being greatly responsible for the advance of his regiment through the enemy infested country.

Co D was transferred from attachment to the 12th Inf Regt. and attached to the 22nd Inf Regt. and supported the advance of this regiment towards the air field and surrounding strong points northeast of Cherbourg. Approximately 600 rounds of ammunition were fired.

Strength of organization decreased to 40 officers and 766 enlisted men. Casualties:

11012296, Smarth, William A., Sgt, KIA, Co D

22 June 1944, Item 95 (D plus 16): The Bn Rear Echelon displaced forward approximately 15 miles into position three miles west of Valognes. This places the rear echelon approximately five miles from the front lines. At the present time the Bn Forward Echelon is also operating from this area as it is only one mile west of VII Corps Headquarters. There was no change in the attachments of the companies.

Co A and Co B fired approximately 500 rounds in support of the 79th Div. in the attack of that Division upon the enemy's defenses south of Cherbourg. In view of the ample supply of ammunition which these companies had on hand at the gun positions, they provided the greater part of the artillery support for their respective infantry regiments. Each company is being employed exactly as though it were a component part of the divisional field artillery.

Co. C was shelled from 0800 to 1200 and three men from the second platoon were wounded and evacuated. This company continued its scheduled interdictory fire, however, by jumping out of foxholes, firing several rounds and then ducking back into the foxholes. Fortunately, two out of every five 88mm shells were duds and this probably saved many lives as several duds landed squarely in the mortar positions.

Co D was shelled heavily during the morning. During this shelling, the company continued to fire their priority mission which was being adjusted by forward observers against a concrete enemy strong point, which was captured.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 764 enlisted men. Casualties;

51357176, Barker, George R., PFC, SWA, Co C
51557169, Lombardi, Vincent M., Pvt, LWA, Co C
52937197, Spanagel, Jack A., Pvt, LWA, Co C
31278129, Kriss, Joseph S., Tec5, LWA, Co C

A very thorough investigation is being conducted by the Battalion CO into what appears to be an excessive bending of elevating screws and other parts of the mortars. It has been found in every case that the mortars have been properly set up and emplaced and have been properly employed. All positions have been in good, firm soil and there is no criticism of the technique of mortar emplacement or service of the mortars. Thus far, 186 elevating screws have been re-straightened by ordnance shops. This, of course, includes screws which have been straightened several times. Since D-Day the mortars have been firing almost continuously and in many cases, the base plates have had to be moved and reset four or five times in one emplacement in order to place fire in the desired sector to meet enemy counter attacks or to bring fire on a suddenly discovered strong point. A 360 degree mortar is sorely needed as this would eliminate having to reset the mortar a great number of times and would thus ensure a good substantial emplacement, there by eliminating a great deal of strain on the elevating screws.

23 June 1944, Item 96 (D Plus 17): Company A Displaced forward twice during the day in order to continue support of the 313th Inf Regt in its advance on the high ground just south of Cherbourg. Approximately 150 rounds were fired, mainly on pill boxes. This company was shelled intermittently all day and night. Enemy artillery shellfire at night was especially heavy and one casualty resulted.

Co B displaced forward twice to continue supporting fire for the 314th Inf Regt in its advance to the high ground just north of Cherbourg. Approximately 300 rounds of HE and 109 rounds of WP were fired during the day directly on the enemy front lines, mainly on spots containing automatic weapons. It was found especially effective to drive the German from his hiding place with HE and then shower him with WP as he was running across open country. An Ammunition dump was fired and exploded. During the afternoon, WP and HE fire was placed on a small village and completely gutted it. Several machine gun nests were definitely destroyed. Lt Murray was called upon by the regimental commander to adjust fire for the light artillery battalion. Hence, this man was adjusting for the two platoons of 4.2" chemical mortars and a battalion of field artillery with one SCR Radio. All missions were fired smoothly and efficiently.

Co C continued to fire prearranged harassing and interdictory missions to cover the advance of the 8th Infantry Regt northwards towards Cherbourg. At 1500, approximately 900 rounds were fired to cover an attack by the 3rd Bn. This was a rolling barrage which advanced in 50 yard bounds approximately 100 yards in front of the assault waves; HE and WP were fired alternately. General Roosevelt, who observed this barrage, telephoned his congratulations back to the guns with the statement that it was one of the best and most effective rolling barrages in front of assaulting infantry he had ever seen. This company displaced forward three times during the day. The enemy placed a heavy concentration of six inch shells into a position which Co C had just vacated approximately one hour earlier.

Co D advanced northwards with the 3rd Battalion of the 22nd Infantry Regt. and fired approximately 200 rounds on concrete enemy strong points. During the night, while this company was placing a heavy barrage against counter-attacking enemy forces, an urgent call was received by the company from the infantry for reinforcements. Twenty men went forward and engaged in the fire fight, aiding in repulsing the enemy attack. Thus, this company was instrumental both with mortar fire and with small arms in repulsing a counter attack. Approximately 100 rounds of interdictory fire were placed on prearranged targets. More and more each day, the infantry regimental commanders, in conjunction with division artillery are employing the 4.2" chemical mortars for interdictory and harassing fire on cross roads, likely troop concentration areas, and on defiles. This is considered an excellent use of this weapon and ammunition when priority missions are not being fired and prisoners state that such fire is amazingly effective both from the damage done and psychological effect.

Casualties:

31316041, Cusano, Pasquale A., T/5, LWA, Co D
31337176, Barker, George R., PFC, DOW, Co C

24 June 1944, Item 97 (D plus 18): Co A displaced forward three times and emplaced in defilade on the high ground overlooking Cherbourg, ready to throw thousands of rounds of HE and WP into the city in the event that the capitulation Was not imminent. During this advance, approximately 100 rounds of ammunition were placed on la Glacerie. One man was wounded during the day as a result of enemy counter-battery fire.

Co B situated itself just west of the Co A position, and poised ready to support the advance of the 314th Infantry Regt into the city of Cherbourg. At approximately 1700, 88mm guns began shelling the vicinity of the regimental CP. Two mortars from each platoon moved forward on carts, as shellfire prohibited vehicular traffic on the road, into position approximately 1200 yards from 4 enemy pieces. The 4.2's opened up on the 88's position with HE and were quickly picked up by enemy observers. Innumerable shells were placed about the mortar position, however, could not get into the emplacement because of defilade. After about ten minutes of fierce dueling, all fire from the 88mm position ceased and the 4.2's were officially credited with knocking out two of them and silencing the others.

Both General Wyche, Commanding General of the 79th Infantry Division, and Colonel Thomas, Chief of Staff for this division expressed high regard and appreciation for the support rendered them by Companies A and B during the advance of the division on Cherbourg. Colonel Thomas stated that the presence of those two companies had materially affected the success and progress of the advance, especially when on several occasions the 4.2's were the only available artillery support because of their rapidity of getting into positions and the always availability of ammunition at the gun positions. The forward observers have done a superior job and time and time again have rallied shaken and demoralized troops around them and led them forward, at the same time observing fire and adjusting it for the guns behind them. Lieutenants Murray and Byers have done a superior job and have lived day and night in the front lines or with the outposts in order to accomplish their tasks. Never a day passes that the forward observers are not forced to take part in a fire fight.

Co C fired 1500 rounds in support of the advance of the lst Battalion of the 8th Inf Regt. This Company fired on an area containing guns identified as 88's and kept them silenced throughout the advance of the infantry. At 1500 approximately 300 rounds were fired in a very few minutes to break up a determined enemy counter-attack. It is interesting to note that 4.2" chemical mortars and infantry fire alone successfully repulse counter-attacks before Division artillery is able to range in and begin firing. The infantry Battalion commander reports that if the mortars had not been present, his position would have been over-run. This company displaced forward three times during the day. At approximately 1600, a 3/4 ton weapons carrier, while employing wire, hit a mine and was totally destroyed.

Co D fired 735 rounds between midnight and 0600 on two well prepared enemy strong points containing concrete emplacements and well constructed perimeter guns in support of the advance of the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment to cut the road leading east out of Cherbourg. Both the infantry Battalion commander and the artillery forward observer reported that this fire was far more effective than artillery fire which had earlier been placed on this position. At 0600 the infantry attacked and overran the position. At 0800, between 40 and 50 enemy mounted troops were observed moving northwards on a road. Twelve well-placed rounds of HE killed 20 and completely routed the rest. Since the 22nd Infantry Regt had not reached its objective, Co D was transferred at 1950 from attachment to this unit and to the 12th Inf Regt in order to provide support for an advance to a position north and east of Cherbourg.

There has never been any rest for the 4.2" chemical mortar company for, when the infantry to which it is attached gains its objective, the heavy mortar company is transferred to another unit which jumps several hours later. The wear and tear on our men and material is terrific. However, at the present time, the men are standing up better than the material and equipment.

All companies are experiencing difficulty with the M-29 Cargo Carriers. It has proven itself unsatisfactory and is not recommended for use in a mortar battalion. Not only spare parts are unavailable, but they continue to throw tracks and simply cannot be used on narrow trails or roads, especially if there are any ruts. Then, too, the slightest bit of artillery or rifle fire knocks them out and 90 percent of the time sets them afire. The 1/4 ton trucks will stand far more punishment than the cargo carriers.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 747 enlisted men. Casualties:

36685245, Ford, Howard, T/4, LWA, Co C
12008970, Conway, John D., T/5, LWA, Co A
36762785, Forkash, David, Pvt, LWA, Co B

25 June 1944, Item 98 (D plus 19): Co A, now in position on the high ground overlooking Cherbourg stood ready to fire on call. Very little firing was done for the fighting had progressed to a point where it became infantry against infantry and hand to hand combat. Artillery at this stage would most probably do as much damage to friend as foe.

Co B occupied a position on the high ground overlooking Cherbourg. A smoke screen, interpaced with HE was fired to cover the advance of the 314th Infantry Regiment into the center approaches of the town. This screen was observed to be very effective both for screening purposes and casualty effect.

Co C displaced forward twice during the day and evening found them in position approximately 2000 yards south of the leading waves of the 8th Infantry, which had reached its objective. There was very little firing by this company during the day as no prepared strong points were encountered. In the infantry's advance to its objective in the past several days, very few Germans have been found in the open as all have retired behind well prepared concrete positions. It is just a question of capture or killing all or none in a position.

Co D displaced forward to a position east of Hau St Jean and fired approximately 50 rounds to silence two enemy machine guns. After being in this position for approximately an hour, several of the men decided to investigate a stone house approximately 300 yards away from the position. Our own infantry had advanced through this position 24 hours previously and it was supposedly clear. Nevertheless, many enemy underground positions and strong points have unintentionally been by-passed and much sniping and harassing of our troops has resulted therefrom. Lt. Duffy led a patrol towards the house and was suddenly met with a burst of automatic weapons fire and hand grenades. The house was quickly surrounded and after a brisk exchange of rifle fire, five Germans were killed and 14 captured. The house was found to contain a very elaborate radio set-up and was being used by the Germans as an OP and spy headquarters on our movements into positions.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 746 enlisted men. Casualties:

32909831, Paton, Harold C., Pvt, LWA, Co D
36066328, Little, DeVern C., Pvt, LWA, Co D

26 June 1944, Item 99 (D plus 20): Co A detached from 313th Inf Regt., 79th Div and attached to the First Bn, 47 Inf Regt, 9th Div effective 26-1130. The move to new positions, approximately 8 miles distant, was effected in four hours.

Co B, while operating in support of the 314th Inf Regt in mopping up operations on the approach to Cherbourg, fired 43 rounds of HE on a 40mm gun position which was firing point blank at assaulting troops. The gun position was destroyed and personnel killed. Quite an elaborate operational method was employed to adjust fire on this well concealed and located 40mm gun. An infantry lieutenant, who was pinned down a short distance from the gun, adjusted our mortar fire by yelling adjustments back to the infantry regimental commander who in turn yelled them back to Captain Marshall, who was operating an SCR 300, and in turn radioed to the gun position. In spite of this rather roundabout method, fire for effect was begun with the fourth round.

Co C remained attached to the 8th Infantry Regiment, which occupied its objective. Early in the morning, 20 rounds of HE were fired on an ammunition dump and destroyed it. One displacement forward was made during the day.

Co D was detached from the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Inf Div. and attached to the 22nd Inf Regt of the same division at 0800 since the 12th had reached objective and 22nd given the mission of cleaning up the tip of the peninsula to the north and east of Cherbourg. 24 rounds of HE were fired on a huge concrete emplacement, the fire from which was pinning down our infantry. Our HE shells caused practically no damage to the concrete emplacement, yet immediately upon completion of the firings, 30 men came out of the position and surrendered. It is interesting to note that apparently concussion alone forced the surrender.

Casualties:

32354025, Nigro, James W., Pvt, LWA, HQ Det

27 June 1944, Item 100 (D plus 21): Co A continued in support of the 1st Bn, 47th Infantry Regt, 9th Inf Div, in mopping up operations in the area northwest of Cherbourg. Little resistance was encountered and only one mission of approximately 20 rounds was fired. This mission was fired by forward observers on two automatic weapons emplacements. Two displacements were made during the day. While unloading ammunition from a truck, a round of ammunition suddenly exploded and wounded six men, all of whom were evacuated. This round was boxed but our examination of the fuse following the explosion showed the pin still properly placed therein. The other round of WP in the box did not explode and was fired a short while later. Cause of the explosion is as yet unknown and undetermined.

Co B was relieved from attachment to the 314th Regt, 79th Inf Div and attached to the 60th Regt, 9th Inf Div, 27-1000; movement of approximately ten miles was completed and company set up, ready to fire in its new position at 1400. No missions were fired during the day as the 60th Regt was preparing for an advance into the area northwest of Cherbourg on the following day.

Co C continued to support the 22nd Regt, 4th Inf Div in mopping up operations in the area northeast of Cherbourg. Two missions of approximately 20 rounds were fired during the day on strong points and a sniper was killed close to one of the gun positions.

The last organized resistance in Cherbourg came to an end at approximately 2130 this date when the troops in the arsenal surrendered. Organized resistance in the area northeast of Cherbourg, which is being mopped up by the 22nd Regt, officially came to an end at 2400 this date. However, small isolated positions and sniper fire continued.

The Battalion Commander contacted. G-3 of Corps in an effort to bring Co C and Co D back under direct battalion control but Corps wished to keep these two companies in position for several more days in order to guard against any sudden flare-up of resistance. Meanwhile, during what might be considered a temporary lull in operations, every effort is being made to effect complete maintenance on all mortars and vehicles and other equipment. No springs are available for replacement and every mortar in the battalion need replacement of these springs.

The Battalion Commander was informed by General Roosevelt of the 4th Inf Division that the two huge forts just north of the airfield in the 22nd Regt's sector showed no signs of surrender this afternoon until Co D began firing white phosphorus into the area. The white flag was seen to appear immediately and, after capture, the Germans freely admitted that the use of WP was the deciding factor in their surrender.

The Battalion was commended this date for the work of Co B while attached to the 314th Inf Regt, 79th Inf Div.

Strengthof Battalion decreased to 39 officers and 740 enlisted men. Casualties:

31366973, Heron, Lawernce J., Cpl, SWA, Co A
31379399, Valette, Michael A., Pvt, LWA, Co A
33514970, Williamson, Robert L., Pvt, LWA, Co A
31367303, Almeida, Arther, Pvt, LWA, Co A
31379360, Bartosiewicz, Edmond S., Cpl, LWA, Co A
31366564, Madeiros, James N., Cpl, LWA, Co A

28 June 1944, Item 101 (D plus 22): Co A, operating in support of pending advance of the 47th Regt, 9th Inf Div to clear the Cap de la Hague Area northwest of Cherbourg, displaced forward to gun positions at 1700 and is standing by ready for the attack. Co B operating in support of 60th Regt, 9th Div. to clear the Cap de la Hague area northwest of Cherbourg, displaced forward to its gun positions at approximately 1800 and awaited the attack. The plan of the regimental commander was to withhold fire of these two companies until 0600 the following day in order that surprise may be effected.

Co B commander was ordered by the infantry Bn Commander to maintain contact at his CP. This necessitated Bn Commander having to order the Bn Liaison officer (G-2) from Division Headquarters to the 60th Regimental CP the detailing of the Bn G-3 from duty at the Bn CP to Liaison officer with the 9th Inf Div.

Co C and Co D had been standing by in a tactical bivouac since 27-2400 as all organized resistance in the area northeast of Cherbourg ceased at that time. Battalion Commander has made repeated efforts to effect the return of these companies to his control. However, Corps G-3 advised that this could not be done without the direct, personal approval of the Corps Commander. This authority was finally obtained at 2245 and these two companies were ordered to return to the Bn Rear Echelon for a much needed overhauling and maintenance of equipment and a personal clean-up job.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 739 enlisted men.

29 June 1944, Item 102 (D plus 23): Co A displaced forward twice in support of the 47th Regt, 9th Inf Div. Progress in cleaning up the Cap de la Hague area has been made slow and difficult by numerous Teller and S-mines and accurate artillery fire. Approximately 100 rounds of HE were fired during the day on strong points.

Co B displaced forward in support of operations of the 60th Regt, 9th Inf Div. Eighty rounds of HE were fired at 0600 on prearranged targets, namely, strong points. At approximately 1000, two enlisted men in the forward observer party were hit and seriously wounded by enemy shellfire. At approximately 1700 while firing a mission on an enemy strong point, an enemy artillery shell landed directly in the gun position of the first platoon and killed three men, wounding six others. Only one radio was put out of action by this shellfire and the platoon continued to fire all four mortars in its mission in spite of the sudden loss of nine men. Nine replacements and a new radio were immediately displaced forward from the Bn rear area and the platoon was at full strength again by 2100. Intermittent artillery fire continued to fall in the vicinity of all the positions occupied throughout the day.

Co C and Co D returned to Bn control at 0900. Arrangements have been made to use power-driven apparatuses for showers and the day was spent in cleaning and overhauling both men and equipment.

Colonel Couglin, Chemical Officer, 1st Army, visited the Bn area with his staff.

The battalion was commended this date for the work of Co A while attached to the 47th Inf Regt, 9th. Inf Div.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 734 enlisted men. Casualties:

36682189, Hild, Arthur J., Pvt, KIA, Co B
31389062, Ohlson, Lief O., Cpl, KIA, Co B
31379323, Doyle, Edward F., Pvt, DOW, CoB
31337171, Bakis, Joseph A., Pvt, SWA, Co B
32939114, Dayton, Hyman B., Cpl, SWA, Co B
32880832, Shapiro, Irving, PFC, SWA, Co B
33730054, Bailey, Edward E., PFC, LWA, Co B
31299503, Binns, Joseph H., Sgt, LWA, Co B
31374023, Martel, Lionel F., Pvt, LWA, Co B
37663620, Olsen, Norman L., Pvt, LWA, Co B
33440454, Shapiro, Harry, Pvt, LWA, Co B

30 June 1944, Item 103 (D plus 24): Co A fired approximately 500 rounds in support of the 47th Inf Regt, 9th Inf Div. in its advance to the tip of the peninsula northwest of Cherbourg. All rounds were fired on well-placed and well-concealed enemy strong points and effective fire was observed. Three forward displacements were made during the 24-hour period.

Co B fired approximately 250 rounds in support of the advance of the 60th Regt, 9th Inf Div. towards the tip of the peninsula northwest of Cherbourg. Two forward displacements were made during the day. Operations and progress in this area have been extremely difficult because of numberless, well-placed enemy strong points and defensive positions as well as hundreds of Teller and S-mines. Our mortars have been found to be very effective.

Co C and Co D are in bivouac under battalion control and spent the entire day in maintenance of equipment and clothing. Time. was also found for much needed haircuts, baths and shaves.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 731 enlisted men.

July 1944

1 July 1944, Item 104 (D plus 25): Co A and Co B went into tactical bivouac at 0800. At 1200 these companies were permitted by Corps G-3 to return to the battalion area for bivouac. However, they remain attached to the 9th Inf Div. Companies arrived at approximately 1600 in battalion area for hot showers from power driven apparatuses which were awaiting them.

There was no change in the status of Company C and Company D. Battalion Commander issued warning order and a reconnaissance was conducted for movement to a new area on the morning of 2 July in the vicinity of Bloiseville.

This brought to an end 25 consecutive days of continuous fighting for units of this battalion. Approximately 32,000 rounds of ammunition were fired. There were six Officer casualties and 88 enlisted men casualties. The battalion is making plans to again be actively engaged in operations with 48 hours. During the campaign for Cherbourg, an amazing job has been done by the rear echelon in the maintenance and repair of radios, mortars and vehicles and the replacement of ammunition. Without the establishment of a rear echelon as now existing the battalion could not have functioned with any such degree of efficiency as it has performed.

It has just been brought to light that on at least three occasions during the recent campaign, our forward observers, operating alongside field artillery forward observers, used the artillery liaison plane to adjust mortar fire. On several other occasions our forward observers adjusted artillery fire and artillery observers adjusted mortar fire. There has been splendid harmony and cooperation between all arms in the employment of the 4.2" mortars.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 727 enlisted men.

2 July 1944, Item 105 (D plus 26): The 87th Chemical Battalion, with all companies under battalion control for the first time since H-Hour, D-Day, moved from tactical bivouac vicinity west of Valognes, approximately 18 miles south to tactical bivouac just west of Bloiseville; entire movement complete in three hours. This movement in preparation for advance of VII Corps units inland from recently captured peninsula.

3 July 1944, Item 106 (D plus 27): Orders received attaching Co A to 330th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, and Co C to the 351st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. Necessary liaison was effected by the battalion commander and company officers concerned during the morning. Companies A and C moved into respective gun positions at about 1900. The areas in which the companies established forward CP's and gun positions were very crowded and is an ideal set-up for enemy harassing and counter-battery firing.

Company B and Company D were attached to the 8th and 12th Regiments, respectively, of the 4th Infantry Division. The necessary liaison was effected by the battalion commander during the afternoon.

Lt. Col. Hamilton, Commanding Officer, 86th Chemical Battalion, Mtz, VIII Corps, visited the battalion area with the Battalion Commander.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 718 enlisted men.

4 July 1944, Item 107 (D plus 28): Company A, attached to the 330th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired approximately 200 rounds at 0445 to support the opening attack of the 2nd Battalion. At approximately 0630, three enemy shells landed in the gun position of the second platoon; one shell killed four men and wounded three others. At 0930, all members of the forward observer party, second platoon, Composed of Lt. Ansley and two enlisted men, were seriously wounded by enemy shellfire. This party was operating with front line infantry units. Missions were fired throughout the day on called fire from forward observers and a total of 1500 rounds were fired by this company during the day. At approximately 1800, Lt. Gump forward observer for the first platoon, was killed by enemy shellfire and the two men with him were seriously wounded. This party was also operating with front line infantry units. At approximately 1500, a forward observer party composed of Lt. Branson and two men were ambushed by a German patrol and were brought under severe grenade and rifle fire. The two men were wounded but Lt. Branson escaped unscathed. This forward observer party was ambushed because the infantry unit with which they were operating fell back without so advising Lt. Branson, thus leaving him and his party completely exposed and unprotected. This same thing also happened to the two other forward observer parties.

Company C, acting in support of the second and third battalions of the 331st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired approximately 400 rounds of observed fire during the day on enemy strong points and automatic weapons. One radio at the gun position was knocked out by shellfire. There were no casualties in this company during the day. There was no change in the status of Co B from previous data. Co D moved into bivouac area in vicinity of the 12th Regiment, 4th Division, in preparation to support the advance of this regiment when it moves south.

Strength decreased to 36 officers and 706 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1037021, Gump, Arthur L., 1st Lt, KIA, Co A
32928438, Kolman, Leslie S., Pvt, KIA, Co A
31367171, Rubenstein, David H., Cpl, KIA, Co A
12140465, Thomas, David, S/Sgt, KIA, Co A
33576084, Volcjak, Carl C., Sgt, KIA, Co A
0-1035639, Snsley, Oscar L., 2nd Lt, LWA, Co A
34611741, Collins, William S., Tec 5, DOW, Co A
31219150, Velente, Joseph J., PFC, LWA, Co A
31366981, Fertitta, Arthur J., Sgt, LWA, Co A
32986142, Delbene, Philip J., Pvt, LWA, Co A
33278403, Nusser, Robert K., Tec 5, LWA, Co A
33682444, Shaffer, Edward A., Cpl, LWA, Co A

5 July 1944, Item 108 (D plus 29): Company detached from the 530th Inf Regt was attached to the 329th Inf Regt of the 83rd Division; further attached in support of the advance by the 3rd Battalion. Approximately 300 rounds were fired in support of this Battalion although forward observers were operating with the Battalion Commander throughout the day.
Company B proceeded to a rendezvous area with the 8th Infantry Regt of the 4th Infantry Division, and prepared to support the attack by this regiment the following day.

Company C fired approximately 100 rounds in support of the operations of the 331st Regt, 83rd Infantry Division. Forward observers were operating with the Infantry Battalion Commander. Company D was in bivouac under control of the 12th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, and ready to move south with this regiment on call.

Strength increased to 708 enlisted men. Casualties:

42036995, Shannahan, William E., Pvt, KIA, Co A
31349270, Fiske, Stephen F., Cpl, KIA, Co A
31366865, Kaiser, Joseph G., PFC, LWA, Co D
33681643, Barker, Robert L., Pvt, LIA, Co C

6 July 1944, Item 109 (D plus 30): Company A; during the entire morning and most of the afternoon, the SCR 300 radios operating between the company forward CF and the gun positions to our forward observers with the 2nd and 3rd Bns of the 329th Inf Regt, 83rd Div were the sole means of communication between the regimental CP and the above mentioned battalions. Messages were brought by courier from the regimental CP to either the Company CP or the gun position and were in turn transmitted to our forward observers who gave same to the supported battalion commander and then sent back his answer. Since the radios were occupied in this manner, no rounds were fired until approximately 1800 when about 200 were fired to halt an enemy counter-attack.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Inf Regt, 4th Inf Div, moved to a firing position near La Granvallarie and emplaced guns in preparation to fire on prearranged targets at 0300 the following day.

Company C, detached from the 331st Regt was attached to the 330th Infantry Regt, 83rd Inf Div at 1200. No rounds were fired during the day, for during the greater part of the time, radios were occupied in the transmittal of messages from regimental CP to front line positions.

Company D, operating in support of the 12th Regiment, 4th Inf Div, moved south with this unit when it relieved the 331st Regiment of the 83rd Division. Guns were emplaced ready to fire on call.

Strength increased to 709 enlisted men, 38 officers.

One Officer and 3 enlisted men today were awarded the Bronze Star Medal per Sec II, General Order 32, Headquarters 4th Infantry Division, APO #4, U.S. Army. The recipients of this award were:

1st Lt Charles B. Griffis, 0-1035476
S/Sgt Julian 0.Brunt, 34005567
S/Sgt David Thomas, 12140465 (deceased) (revoked per 6041, 4th Div)
Cpl Lloyd L. Kruse, 42021343

Attached hereto-congratulatory message through command channels from the Secretary of War to members of the First United States Army.

Attached hereto letter of commendation from the Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division, to all personnel of this Battalion.

7 July 1944, Item 110 (D plus 51): Company A, operating in support of the 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired 150 rounds of observed fire on personnel and hedgerow defenses. One forward displacement was made during the day.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired approximately 80 rounds of WP at 0300 on the boundaries of an area thru Which our troops were to advance; in other words, a path was marked by firing WP shell on the flanks and then lifting our fire again. The objective was also marked every five minutes with a WP shell. During the morning, approximately 50 rounds of observed fire were placed on hedgerow defenses.

Company C fired approximately 600 rounds of HE in support of the 330th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. This regiment advanced on a 500 yard front and the route of advance was divided into 100 yard phase lines. Fire was placed for four minutes on each successive phase line and the infantry literally walked up to their objectives. This is the first sizeable advance made by any infantry unit in several days through this difficult and strongly fortified terrain. At 1530, this company was detached from the 330th Regiment and attached to the 351st Regiment as the 330th was relieved by the 331st. It is the same old story; the infantry units are relieved in order to rest and reorganize, but the 4.2 mortar units are continually in the line, firing day and night. An over-strength is an absolute necessity if this is to be kept up day in and day out. At approximately 1750, the radio operator at the forward observer party, operating with front line infantry, was hit in the arm by rifle fire and evacuated.

Company D fired approximately 370 rounds on personnel and hedgerow defenses in support of the advance of the 12th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Approximately half of this amount was fired during the hours of darkness. At 2400, Company D was detached from the 12th Infantry and attached to the 22nd Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, and the 22nd relieved the 12th.

An incident which might be considered by a very few to be tragic occurred near the rear echelon. A cow stepped on a land mine and was instantly killed. Fortunately a qualified meat cutter was close by. The first steaks that we have had since leaving the United Kingdom were very delicious. Some of the officers and men are considering adding land mines to their basic loads.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 708 enlisted men. Casualties:

33514995, Hafer, Cameron H., Pvt, LWA, Co B
33644928, Swart, John F. Jr, Sgt, LWA, Co C

8 July 1944, Item 111 (D plus 32): Company A, firing in support of the 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, placed an approximately 20 rounds of WP on a crossroads at 0300. All computation was from maps and fire was requested by regimental headquarters.

Company B fired a smoke screen in support of the 8th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, along a 3000 yard front and maintained same from 0900 to 1130; 1116 rounds of WP were used. The screening and casualty effect of the WP was very effective and when our troops arrived at the screened area, the enemy had evacuated.

Company C fired approximately 25 rounds on an enemy strong point in support of operations of the 331st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. No other firing missions were called for during the day by the infantry battalion or regimental commanders.

Company D fired approximately 15 rounds on an enemy strong point in support of operations of the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Two direct hits (one HE, one WP) were observed on the turret of a captured M-4 American tank which was being used by the enemy as a pillbox. Neither of the hits had any effect on the tank as the machine guns remained in action.

Morale of unit remains high, general health good.

Included in this history, G0 #4, Headquarters, 87th Chemical Battalion, Motorized, this date, awarding the Purple Heart to members of this organization.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 707 enlisted men.
Casualties:

31367007, Wallace, Arnold W., Sgt, LWA, Co A

9 July 1944, Item 112 (D plus 33): Company A, detached from 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division and attached to 330th Regiment, 83rd Division, While engaged in a night firing problem of approximately 80 rounds, the enemy replied with terrific counter-battery fire on and in the vicinity of the gun positions. The mission was completed by the men jumping out of slit trenches, firing the mortars and then taking cover again. By so doing, Jerry was not able to ascertain just when he had registered on the gun position. Effective at 2400, this company was detached from 330th Regiment and attached to the 351st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division.

During the day Company B fired approximately 600 rounds of observed fire on hedgerow defenses and well prepared defensive positions and was very instrumental in assisting the advance of the 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, approximately 2000 meters. There was counter-battery in the vicinity of the position day and night but no casualties were suffered.

Company C, operating in support of the 331st Regiment, 83rd Division, fired approximately 522 rounds of observed fire on successive 100 yard phase lines and walked the second and third battalions right up to their objectives, thus proving again that when the infantry closely follows mortar and artillery barrages, ground can be gained with the loss of a very few men as well as the expenditure of a very small amount of small arms ammunition. During the afternoon an enemy ammunition dump was hit and blown up; the resulting fire and explosions lasted for approximately 2 hours. Effective at 2400, Company C was detached from the 331st Regiment and attached to the 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division.

Company D, operating in support of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired approximately 400 rounds of observed fire on well-prepared hedgerow defenses. This company was subject to terrific enemy counter-battery during the night at all positions which they occupied during the day. However, due to well-prepared slit trenches and the defiladed positions occupied by the guns, there were no casualties. Jerry opened up immediately with counter-battery each time this company fired its two prescribed night missions.

Orders were received this date from FUSA to the effect that expenditures of 4.2" mortar ammunition is restricted to one-third unit of fire per day, cumulative until further notice; unit of fire, 60 rounds per gun. This data was immediately disseminated by the Battalion Commander to the Commanding General, 4th and 83rd Infantry Divisions and copies sent to regimental commanders with whom our companies are currently operating. All officers of this battalion were likewise informed and duly instructed that under no circumstances was this restricted expenditure to be exceeded unless they were directly ordered to do so by the infantry regimental commanders whom they were supporting, who then would have to bear the responsibility. Orders concerning the above restrictions were also disseminated by HQ, VII Corps to the above divisions. Protests against this restriction have been received from all sides and it is hoped that it will soon be lifted. Mortar fire had been found to be the most effective method of dealing with well prepared hedgerow defenses found in this well defended sector through which the Corps is now advancing.

Strength increased to 38 officers and 715 enlisted men. Casualties: None

10 July 1944, Item 113 (D plus 34): Company A, detached from the 331st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, effective 0300 and attached to 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, for the purpose of firing a smoke mission on Tribehou and Les Aubris. After much negotiating and phone calling by the Battalion Commander with Corps G-3, Division G-3 and FUSA G-3, permission was obtained to draw from ASF 101 700 rounds of FS over and above the restricted allowance for this mission. After the issue was obtained between 0100 and 0300, Captain Stiefel moved his guns forward to the very front lines of our own troops in order to be within, range to fire the smoke mission. Between 400 and 450 rounds were fired from 0800 to 0830 on a 2,000 yard front. Screen was observed to completely cover the desired area. After firing mission, the company moved back to its normal position of approximately 600 yards to the rear of the front lines. From 1000 to 1030 this company fired another screen on approximately a 1500 yard front. The target was an area just east of Auxais per Division order. Approximately 100 rounds were employed. After a careful reconnaissance, the writer is not able to ascertain what, if anything, was accomplished by the above two screens other than the expenditure of much needed ammunition. Not a single infantryman of either of the regimental front lines was observed to move forward under the protection of these two screens and no forward movement beyond the front lines took place until approximately 1200. If the firing of these screens Was to be a feint, Jerry was evidently not fooled or knocked off balance because he was not observed to fire into the smoke screen or to dispose his troops any differently because of the two screens. Approximately 14 rounds of HE were fired by the forward observer on a strong point at 1500.

Company B fired approximately 100 rounds of HE at various times throughout the day in support of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Company C, operating in support of the 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired approximately 170 rounds of observed fire on well emplaced enemy hedgerow defensive positions. One forward displacement was made during the day. Company D made one forward displacement while operating in support of the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Approximately 150 rounds were fired on enemy hedgerow defenses.

The ammunition expenditure restriction of one-third unit of fire per day is seriously curtailing the employment of the companies and the fact that they are limited to the expenditure of 240 rounds per day, cumulative, seriously limits their value as a supporting unit.

A reconnaissance was made to select an advance bivouac area and at 1830, the forward echelon of the battalion displaced forward to a bivouac approximately three miles south of Carentan and approximately three miles from the front lines. The entire battalion rear echelon will move into this position the following morning.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 714 enlisted men. Casualties:

31270162, Joseph, Tofie E., Pvt, LWA, Co D

11 July 1944, Item 114 (D plus 35): Company A, detached from 330th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, and attached to 351st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired approximately 80 rounds during the day on hedgerow defenses.

Company B fired approximately 97 rounds during the day on hedgerow defenses in support of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. One man was killed by an enemy mortar shell which fell into the field adjoining the gun position.

Company C fired approximately 100 rounds in support of the 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, on hedgerow defenses. The company made one forward displacement during the day.

Company D fired approximately 400 rounds in support of the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, at approximately 1500. One man was killed and one wounded as a result of enemy artillery fire falling into the gun positions. It is believed that the enemy was firing at five tanks which moved into the adjoining field. On numerous occasions, especially within the past two weeks, the presence of and movement of tanks in the vicinity of our gun positions has resulted in a large volume of fire being placed thereon.

Two men departed from the battalion bivouac area at approximately 1750 to deliver the daily ration returns. While passing through Carentan a few minutes later, two enemy shells landed in the very center of the town square and one landed within five feet of the 1/4 ton truck transporting the men. The truck continued in motion for approximately 100 yards. The driver was burned to a crisp and the other occupant was seriously injured.

The restriction of fire of one-third unit of fire per day, cumulative, has seriously affected the employment and efficiency of the companies. In several regiments an effort is being made to build up an accumulated supply in order that a company can take a worthwhile part in an offense for at least one day. A limit of 240 rounds per day per company is not worth risking the life of a forward observer to expend. All companies are operating largely in a defensive role and expending their limited supply of ammunition mainly for specifically located strong points or holding same in reserve for a possible counter-attack. Each Company is now operating one six-gun platoon and the personnel of the remaining two guns have been brought back to the battalion rear echelon for a rest. The six gun platoon is more than ample for all requirements under present conditions and circumstances.

One Officer today was awarded the Bronze Star Medal per par II, Co #35, HQ 4th Infantry Division. General order attached as a component part of this history. The recipient of the award was Lt Col James H. Batte, 0-23401.
Strength decreased to 38 officers and 711 enlisted men. Casualties:

33268978, Bernardo, Anthony J., Sgt, KIA, Co B
31367042, Sullivan, James J. Jr., PFC, KIA Co D
31302338, Parent, Homer L., Pvt, SWA, Co D
38343214, Scott, Orville F., T/5, KIA, HQ Det
32545453, Byrne, Harold A., T/5, SWA, HQ Det

12 July 1944, Item 115 (D plus 36): Company A, operating in support of the 330th Infantry, 83rd Infantry Division, fired approximately 200 rounds of observed fire on machine gun emplacements and hedgerow defenses. At approximately 1600, 30 rounds of observed fire were placed on two Mark IV enemy tanks which caused them to move out of their well-concealed positions. Then, their route of flight was interdicted and they were forced to flee into the sector occupied by the 331st Infantry Regiment and they were knocked out by bazookas.

Company B, although attached to the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired approximately 200 rounds on call missions of the 22nd Infantry Regiment which was on the left flank of the 8th Infantry.

Company C, operating in support of the 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, fired 150 rounds of HE on a tank park and was officially credited with knocking out two Mark IV tanks and the routing of the other tanks that were in the park. An additional 60 rounds were fired during the day on machine gun emplacements and hedgerow defenses.

Company D, Operating in support of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired four rounds during the day for registration purposes. Lt. Hinkle, the forward observer, was wounded by rifle fire while operating with front line infantry units. The company was detached from the 22nd Infantry and attached to the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, effective 2100 in order to support the attack of the 12th Infantry on the following day as this regiment is relieving the 22nd Regiment.

Prisoners of war interrogated by the 4th Division report that their front lines suffer most casualties, in order of their destructiveness, from mortar fire, artillery, dive-bombers, and level bombers. This is quite a tribute to the effectiveness of our mortar fire.

Strength increased to 39 officers and decreased to 709 enlisted men. Casualties:

35215977, Meehling, Denver E., PFC, SWA, Co D
0-1301825, Hinkle, John M., 1st Lt, LWA, Co D
31379264, Leslie, John G., PFC, LWA, Co D

13 July 1944, Item 116 (D plus 37): Company A; while operating as forward observer with the 3rd Battalion, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, Lt Bonafin was killed at approximately i8oo. Lt Bonafin had observed and fired between 350 and 400 rounds during the day to assist the advance of this battalion and finally, what appeared to be a breakthrough was achieved. Lt Bonafin warned the infantry battalion commander that, to him, it appeared to be a mousetrap and to exercise caution in following through. This advice was disregarded and a short while later the entire infantry battalion was mouse-trapped by four Mark VI tanks and almost wiped out. Lt Bonafin was killed by machine gun bullets from one of the tanks. At the gun position, one barrel was damaged by enemy shellfire but no casualties were sustained.

Company B continued to support the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Three hundred and sixty eight rounds were fired on three phase lines and materially assisted the advance of this regiment to its objectives. Five rounds of enemy shellfire fell into the gun position at 1700. The now-trained ears of the men heard the shells coming, the men ducked into foxholes and no one was injured; there was no damage to material.

Company C, operating in support of the 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division fired 374 rounds on enemy strong points and hedgerow defenses. A number of small smoke screens resulted from HE and WP being placed on these defenses and was instrumental in assisting the advance of this regiment. One forward displacement was made during the day.

Company D, operating in support of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired 85 rounds on strong points and hedgerow defenses.

It is not possible to express in words the praise and credit due to the forward observers operating with this battalion. Scarcely a day passes that someone, if not all of the forward observers party are either wounded or killed. Yet, all officers of this battalion operate as forward observers and there are always volunteers among the men to carry the SCR 300 radio or to provide security, thus making up a three-man forward observer party. These men go out without hesitation or a backward glance to operate with the front line infantry, handicapped in their movements by the carrying of a radio and the transmission of messages in order to observe and provide the much-needed support from the mortars. They are even more exposed and handicapped in their operations and maneuvers than the attacking infantry elements with whom they are operating. They are entitled to every possible praise and consideration.

Quoted herewith is a paragraph from the IPW Report, dated 12 July 1944. HQ 4th Infantry Division which is an extract from a captured document of the 77th German Infantry Division:

"Experience has proved that CP locations are safer in houses than on rocky ground. This is true because of the fact that enemy (American) mortar ammunition has a highly sensitive fuse and explodes without causing much damage to roof."

Strength decreased to 35 officers and 708 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-524080, Bonafin, Eugenio L., 1st Lt, KIA, Co A
33655541, Eagle, John R., PFC, LWA, Co A

14 July 1944, Item 117 (D p1us 38): There was a lull and general inactivity along the VII Corps front. The only firing by units of this battalion during the day was by Company A, which fired 60 rounds on two tanks, causing them to evacuate a prepared favorable position which they occupied.

All companies went into position from six to eight hundred yards to the rear of the front lines ready to fire on call. All positions were subjected to intermittent harassing shellfire by enemy artillery. Throughout the day there were no casualties to personnel. However, a one-quarter ton trailer in A Company was hit and destroyed along with eleven empty gasoline cans.

The area of the battalion rear echelon was subjected to very heavy enemy shellfire during the night from what appears to be 155 or 240 millimeter guns. This shellfire lasted for approximately three hours. There were no casualties to men or equipment despite the fact that a number of shells landed in fields adjoining those occupied by men and equipment.

At approximately 2100 two enemy planes flew over the battalion rear echelon and strafed the vicinity. There were no casualties. One plane was observed to be shot down.

Strength of organization decreased to 38 officers and 706 enlisted men.

15 July 1944, Item 118 (D plus 39): Company A fired approximately 20 rounds on hedgerow defenses in support of the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Division, to assist this regiment to reach its limited objective.

Company B fired a five-hour smoke screen on a 2,000 yard front using 1060 rounds of WP and also fired 20 rounds of HE to assist the attack of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, and seize an objective they had been attempting to gain for three days. Upon reaching the objective, a large number of wounded and dead Germans were observed to have been seriously burned.

Companies C and D were not called upon to fire any missions during the day by the units they were supporting.

Six infantry officers, all experienced 81mm mortar men, were assigned to this battalion, this date. These infantry officers with mortar experience were obtained from a replacement depot since no CWS men with mortar experience or training are available in this theater for assignment as replacements. If the three CWS officer replacements recently assigned to this battalion are a criterion, then this is just as well.

Companies A, B, and C were detached from assignments and returned to control of the chemical battalion Commander for movement to a new bivouac area the next day. Shortly after arrival in the battalion bivouac area (approximately 2130) the detachment of companies A and C from the 83rd Division was cancelled by the Corps Commander and these companies ordered to return immediately to the 331st Infantry, 83rd Division, to render support for an attack which was to take place the next morning. These companies immediately returned to the front and by 2245 all RSCP and necessary liaison had been completed.

Strength decreased to 38 officers and 704 enlisted men.

16 July 1944, Item 119 (D plus 40): Company A fired approximately 200 rounds in support of the 2nd Battalion, 331st Infantry, 83rd Division. This fire was placed on several enemy strong points.

Company C fired approximately 60 rounds while in general support of the attack of the 331st Infantry. The two companies were detached from the 83rd Infantry Division at 1430 and proceeded to the battalion bivouac area.

The battalion less the actively engaged firing echelons of Companies A and C, moved to a new bivouac area approximately six miles east and south of Carentan. This movement of approximately 11 miles was completed by 0900. At sundown the battalion had been joined by the firing echelons of Companies A and C, marking the second time since D-Day that the battalion had been together once again as a unit for a very short period of time before beginning the next operation. Arrangements were made for both Protestants and Catholics to attend religious services at 2130. This is the first opportunity that some of the men have had to attend religious services since before departure from the United Kingdom.

GO #40, Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following enlisted men of this organization for service during the current campaign:

Sergeant Hiram P. Inman, 33698821, Co C
Corporal Howard E. Deabondorfer, 33764418, Co C
Corporal Ralph G. Portis, 36762769, Co C
Technician Fifth Grade John F. Swart, Jr., 33644928, Co C
Private First Class Francis J. Doran, 33698832, Co C

Strength increased to 44 officers and decreased to 702 enlisted men. Casualties:

33698914, Kelley, Harold E., PFC, LWA, Co C

17 July 1944, Item 120 (D plus 41) - 19 July 1944 (D plus 43): The entire battalion remained in bivouac during the above period. The time was utilized for baths furnished by power driven decontaminating vehicles and in maintenance and repairs on vehicles and equipment. All vehicles, weapons and equipment are now in excellent condition. On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons the bivouac area and vicinity were subject to strafing by enemy planes. There were no casualties. On Wednesday afternoon, 35 M-29 Cargo Carriers were exchanged for 35 1/4-ton trucks. This was a most welcome exchange and the battalion is now left with 49 of the original 99 of these very unsatisfactory and undesirable cargo carriers.

This three-day period was great relief to many tired bodies and jangled nerves and despite the maintenance and repair work accomplished, there has been a general rest for all. With the exception of a few hours here and there, a number of officers and men were back from the front line gun positions for the first time since D-Day.

The morale and health of the battalion are excellent and all are now anxious to begin the next operation.

Orders were received at 2000 attaching Companies A and B to the First Infantry Division and Companies C and D to the 9th Infantry Division. The necessary liaison was effected and it is expected that the combat echelons of these Companies will move out within the next day or two to support operations of the above Divisions.

G0 #41, 4th Div. awards Bronze Star Medal posthumously to S/Sgt David Thomas, 18 July 1944; Order of the Day, Number One, was published this day by the Battalion quoting two commendations received and also voicing the sentiments and regards of our Commanding Officer towards the effort made by this unit.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 699 enlisted men.

20 July 1944, Item 121 (D plus 44): Orders received this date from Headquarters VII Corps and subsequently by Divisions concerned, made the following attachments; Company A to 16th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division; Company B to 8th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division; (detached from 16th Infantry, 1st Division); Company C to 47th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division; Company D to 60th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

The Battalion Commander, the two Liaison officers and the respective Company Commanders effected the necessary liaison and arranged for the companies to proceed to respective regimental areas. Channels for the SCR 300 radios were obtained as well as other necessary arrangements made with message centers, S-4 officers, etc.

An enemy plane flew over the battalion area at 1245. A few minutes later a dogfight took place at approximately 10,000 feet.

A final briefing was held at 1930 by the Company Commanders and Staff officers in preparation for the next operations.

All mortars, vehicles, weapons and equipment are now in excellent condition. The morale and physical condition of officers and men are excellent.

Strength still remains at 43 officers and 699 enlisted men.

21 July 1944, Item 122 (D plus 45): The three battalion liaison officers joined the Division CP's of the 1st, 4th and 9th Infantry Divisions.

Company A moved into position in vicinity of the 16th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division and was ready to support operations of this regiment.

Company B moved to a position in vicinity of 8th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, ready to support operations of this regiment. This company's position was subject to intermittent harassing fire throughout the day. Shells of approximately 155mm in size were employed by the enemy. A 2 1/2 ton truck was damaged and the tires on three one-quarter ton trucks were damaged. Only one man was slightly wounded.

Company C moved to a position in vicinity of 47th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division and was ready to support operations of this regiment. This company's position was subjected to enemy harassing fire throughout the day. However, there were no casualties.

Company D moved to vicinity of the 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division and was ready to support operations of this regiment. This Company's position was subjected to enemy shellfire, however, there were no casualties. General Eddy, the Commanding General of the 9th Division personally made arrangements for the 60th Regiment to "loan" Company D to the 39th Regiment of the 9th Inf Div. to support that regiment's attack south towards the high ground on the Periers-St Lo road. One platoon supported the 1st Battalion and the other platoon supported the 2nd Battalion. 450 rounds of HE were fire on enemy personnel and on well-constructed hedgerow defenses by the forward observers. The enemy reacted very strongly to this attack and hurled three counter-attacks against our forces in quick succession. The mortars were instrumental in breaking up all three counter-attacks. Co D returned to its original position in the area of the 6oth Infantry Regiment at 2130. No casualties were suffered during the day.

A gas alert was sounded in the battalion rear area at 1930. However, the "gas attack" was later ascertained to be without foundation. All men quickly and properly masked when the alert was sounded.

GO #3, this Headquarters, was published this date awarding the Purple Heart to eight (8) enlisted men. Copy attached.

Strength remained at 43 officers and 699 enlisted men. Casualties:

31278487, Cisero, Carmen V., PFC, LWA, Co B

22 July 1944, Item 123 (D plus 46): There was no change in the status of any unit of this battalion on this date. All units are in the same location and state of readiness as the previous date, and ready to go into action at a moment's notice when ordered by the regimental commander to whom attached. Strength remained at 43 officers and 699 enlisted men.

23 July 1944, Item 124 (D plus 47): All was relatively quiet on the VII Corps front as far as offensive action was concerned. The gun positions occupied by Company B were subjected to harassing fire throughout the day. Shell fragments hit and damaged one M-29 Cargo Carrier which was evacuated. One man was slightly wounded in action but remained on duty.

During the day, Company D fired 22 rounds of harassing fire on an enemy troop concentration areas in conjunction with the artillery supporting the 60th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

It was announced that D Company has been officially credited with knocking out two Panther tanks while supporting operations of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division on July 21, 1944. Approximately 50 rounds had been fired into an area believed to contain enemy troops and tanks. When our infantry reached the area several hours later, they found two tanks still burning, their treads knocked off.

A gas alarm was sounded in the vicinity of the battalion rear echelon from 2400 to 0100. The alarm was not passed on by the battalion sentries because they did not smell any gas. The alarm was later found to be false.

Two enemy planes flew over the rear echelon at 2100 and were soon met with a heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire. A large amount of flak fell into the area. One anti-aircraft shell landed within 30 yards of the Battalion CP and exploded. There were no casualties.

Strength remained at 43 officers and 699 enlisted men.

24 July 1944, Item 125 (D plus 48): Company A remained near the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, and was ready to proceed on call with this regiment to final positions.

Company B continued in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division. The positions occupied by both platoons were subjected to harassing and searching fire throughout the day, fire being extremely heavy between the hours of 1300 and 1700. At 1600, an enemy shell landed squarely in the corner of the field occupied by several camouflaged vehicles. One 3/4-ton weapons carrier was partially destroyed. The shell, approximately of 105mm caliber, landed about five feet away from the truck and within ten feet of 30 rounds of WP. The walls of two WP shells and the gasoline tank on the truck were ruptured by the concussion. Prompt action by the men of the platoon prevented a fire. There were no casualties to personnel during the day.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 50 rounds throughout the day. The fire, which was tied in with the artillery supporting the Regiment, was mainly harassing and searching in character. The positions of both platoons were subjected to the same type of fire from the enemy all through the day, however, there were no casualties.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 160 rounds. The fire was coordinated with the artillery supporting the regiment and consisted mainly of searching and harassing fire, most of which was placed on a very large orchard. A weapons carrier located in a field adjacent to the gun positions was hit by enemy shellfire at 1400 and partially damaged. There were no casualties.

Several enemy planes flew over the rear echelon between 2500 and 2400. An intense anti-aircraft barrage broke out, fragments of which rained down on the area, however, no casualties were suffered.

Strength increased to 43 officers and 700 enlisted men.

25 July 1944, Item 126 (D plus 49): The commanders of Companies B, C, and D were busy during the early part of the morning briefing their men and making sure all were properly dug in to withstand the shock of the aerial assault accompanying H-Hour of long-awaited COBRA.

Company A remained in position with the 16th Infantry 1st Infantry Division.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, fired 367 rounds during the day: on prearranged targets at 1100, on an enemy counter-attack at 1430, and at targets of opportunity as designated by the forward observers. A large percentage of the bombs from the approximately 4,ooo planes taking part in the operation fell seven to eight hundred yards to the front of the gun positions. One forward displacement was made during the day. A shell fragment pierced the gasoline tank of a 1/4-ton truck at 2035 while the occupants were on a reconnaissance. One enlisted man was slightly wounded at 2340 when an enemy shell landed squarely in the gun position, but remained on duty. There were no other casualties to personnel or material. At 1445, while the Battalion Commander and the Liaison Officer were at the CP of the 8th Infantry Regiment, an armor-piercing shell entered the building and carried through one of the walls into the next room. Neither of the above was injured; however, 8th Infantry Regimental Headquarters suffered three casualties.

Company C, supporting the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 17 rounds at 0500 on three tanks. Results could not be observed because of darkness. No other fire was called for during the day by either the forward observers of the supported infantry unit. One forward displacement was made during the day. The forward observer party composed of 1st Lt. Alton L Owens, 2nd Lt Robert H. Henn, and Sergeant Gagliardo awaited the completion of the aerial bombardment at the CP of the 3rd Bn, 47th Infantry, in order to be in position to move forward and adjust mortar fire for the assault. It was reported that a number of our bombs landed on this CP. At any rate, Lt Owens and Sgt Gagliardo were killed and Lt Henn seriously wounded during the bombing. In all, a total of 12 were killed and 27 wounded at the CP while the bombing was in progress.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 35 rounds at 0700 on prearranged targets. At 1100, 300 rounds were fired for interdictory purposes in conjunction with artillery. Fire was observed to fall in the vicinity of several enemy tanks, causing them to withdraw. One forward displacement was made during the day.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 697 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1038784, Owens, Alton L., 1st Lt, KIA, Co C
31349276, Gagliardo, Victor U., Sgt, KIA, Co C
0-1039386, Henn, Robert H., 2nd Lt, SWA, Co C

26 July 1944, Item 127 (D plus 50): Company A continued in position in the vicinity of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division. There was no movement and no firing.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, fired 443 rounds to assist the advance of this Regiment south towards Marigny. Fire was placed on cross roads, enemy strong points and likely concentration areas. Two forward displacements were made during the period.

Company C was detached from the 47th Infantry, 9th Division and attached to 39th Infantry, 9th Division, effective 0900. One forward displacement was made in order to keep up with the progress of this regiment. There was no firing during the day because advance was made through the area devastated by the terrific aerial bombardment of the previous day.

Company D operated in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, this date. A total of 400 rounds were fired, one fourth of which were used to accomplish two smoke missions; the balance were placed on enemy personnel, strong points and concentration areas. While firing at 2800 yards, seven recoil slides were broken and one elevating screw bent. The emplacement of the mortars was excellent and in good soil. It is the consensus of opinion that the sole reason for the breakage of these slides is the extremely poor quality of the recoil springs which have been observed to contract and fail to resume length after firing only four or five rounds at ranges of only 2500 to 3000 yards,

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 696 enlisted men. Casualties:

32990058, Gerety, Frank J., PFC, SWA, Co B
16106396, Nora, Donald L., Cpl, LIA, Co B

27 July 1944, Item 128 (D plus 51): Company A moved out at 1450 to accompany the road march of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, south of Marigny, thence towards Coutances. No ammunition was fired during the period.

Company B displaced forward three times to keep pace with the rapid movement of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, south towards Marigny. A few rounds were fired for registration purposes only, no fire was called for. Lieutenant Duggan of the forward observer party was slightly wounded by enemy shellfire at 0100 while up forward, operating with the 1st Battalion.

Company C fired 125 rounds of observed fire on enemy positions in support of the first and second battalions of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division. One forward displacement was made. One shell landed in the motor pool and damaged an M-29 Cargo Carrier, one trailer and punctured the water cans.

Company D fired 80 rounds in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division. One forward displacement was made during the day. Forward movement was difficult and suitable gun positions hard to obtain because of the swampy, spongy terrain in which the company operated.

Staff Sergeant Julian 0. Brunt, Company A was promoted to Second Lieutenant, AUS, effective this date.

Second Lieutenant Dean W. Mix, CWS, and 2nd Lt Henry N. Miller, CWS, reported this date for duty with the battalion and were assigned to Company B and Company C, respectively.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 696 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1535499, Duggan, Frank L., 1st Lt, LWA, Co B

28 July 1944, Item 129 (D plus 52): Between the hours of 0200 and 0230 from ten to fifteen enemy planes flew over the VII Corps area strafing and dropping anti-personnel bombs. A stick of these bombs landed approximately 400 yards from the battalion CP. There were no casualties.

Company A continued to move forward with the 16th Infantry, lst Division, in its rapid advance to Coutances from Marigny. No rounds were fired during the day. There was very little firing of any type by this regiment.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, displaced forward twice to keep pace with the rapid advance of this regiment to its objective which was reached at 16O0. Very little resistance was encountered in the advance and there was no firing of 4.2" ammunition.

Company C fired 230 rounds of HE on enemy personnel in support of operations of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division. This fire was observed to be highly effective on the Germans as they fled from hedgerow to hedgerow. Two forward displacements were made during the day. This regiment reached its objective at approximately 1700.

Company D fired 180 rounds in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division. The regiment's objective was gained at 1600, at which time Company D set up defensive positions. One M-29 Cargo Carrier was damaged by enemy mortar fire during the forward displacement made by the company. There were no casualties to personnel.

Throughout the night of 28-29 July a considerable number of enemy planes (20 to 30) appeared over the Corps area strafing and dropping anti-personnel bombs. No bombs fell closer than approximately one mile to any of this organization's installations.

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 694 enlisted men.

29 July 1944, Item 130 (D plus 53): Company A continued operations with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the drive towards Coutances. Three rounds were fired to register on a house containing the enemy. However, they quickly surrendered before fire for effect was brought to bear.

Company B kept pace with the rapid march southward of the 8th Inf, 4th Infantry Division. No organized resistance was encountered during the day and there was no firing.

Company C, operating with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, set up defensive positions southwest of MARIGNY with this regiment and awaited further orders.

Company D fired 180 rounds in support of mopping up operations of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On one occasion, approximately 30 rounds were fired on several houses believed to contain enemy troops. The shells were observed to go through the slate roof and explode inside the house. When the interior was observed a short while later, the sight of mangled German bodies was seen. Between thirty and forty of the enemy were in these houses; all were killed.

It is of much interest and satisfaction to note that none of the companies have experienced any difficulty in keeping pace with the rapid advance of the supported units since the breakthrough was effected several days ago. The platoons have leapfrogged forward and at all times there have been at least one platoon, usually both, in position, ready to cover the area to the front of the rapidly advancing troops. Adequate supplies of food, water and ammunition have always been available.

The Battalion CP and the Rear Echelon moved at 1300 to a new bivouac area approximately one mile southeast of Marigny (T395615). The move was completed at 1545 same date.

Enemy planes were over the vicinity of the Battalion rear echelon from 2300 to 2400. There was no bombing or strafing in the immediate vicinity.

30 July 1944, Item 131 (D plus 54): Companies A and B moved forward with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division and 8th Infantry Regt, 4th Inf Division respectively in their rapid pursuit of the enemy south between Percy and Brehal. At least one platoon was always in position to fire while the other leapfrogged. However, no missions were called for during the day.

Companies C and D were in holding positions with the 39th and 60th Infantry Regiments of the 9th Division. The regiments which they were supporting during the day assisted in the bottling up of a large enemy force. No rounds were fired as the job of destroying the enemy equipment and personnel was delegated to the Air Corps and long range artillery.

Casualties: 31398013, Cote, Roland, PFC, LIA Co D

31 July 1944, Item 132 (D plus 55): Company A moved with the 16th Infantry Regt., 1st Infantry Division, at 0200 and closed into new positions at 0700 just north of ST. DENISLE CAST. The regiment which this company supported was in division reserve during the period. No rounds were fired.

Company B, operating with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Div., moved with this regiment into division reserve during the morning and later in the afternoon displaced forward and set up positions south of PERCY to protect the left flank of the division which is now considerably exposed. No rounds were fired during the period.
Company C was detached from the 39th Infantry Regiment and attached to the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division at 0900. This regiment was in division reserve. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company D displaced forward approximately nine miles with the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division in order to be in position to take part in the attack of the following day. No rounds were fired during the period. The areas occupied by this regiment and this company were fired upon very heavily from 2200 to 2300. There were no casualties in D Company, however, regimental CP sustained casualties.

What appeared to be 15 or 20 planes were over the area of the Battalion CP between 2300 and 2400 and a number of high explosives and anti-personnel bombs were dropped. Fortunately, no bombs fell any closer, than 300 or 400 yards of the installations of this Battalion.

At 1300, the Battalion CP and the Battalion Rear Echelon moved from the area southeast of Marigny, a map distance of approximately 12 miles to a location four miles southwest of Notre Dame de Cenilly and closed at 1605. Movement was made by infiltration and without mishap.

Reclassification papers were instituted on 1st Lt Orville S. Hedges, CWS.

General Order # 46, Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following officers and enlisted men of this Battalion,

First Lieutenant Eugenio L. Bonafin 0524080 (posthumously), Co A
First Lieutenant Gordon E. Byers, 0-1535355, Co B
First Lieutenant William H. Cable, 0-1535362, Co A
First Lieutenant Adam N. Duffy, 0-1535448, Co D
First Lieutenant Charles W. Kidd, 0-1535488, Co D
First Lieutenant Victor D. Lundstrom, 0-1038742, Co C
First Lieutenant William F. Murray, 0-1535504, Co B
Staff Sergeant Walter 0. Atkinson, 6996339, Co D
Staff Sergeant Carl Balonick, 36762758, Co D
Staff Sergeant Rex M. Duncan, 39201697, Co D
Sergeant Harry W. Feber, 31379322, Co A
Sergeant Warren G. McKinley, 33075977, Co B
Sergeant Robert W. Rowlands, 33608693, Co B
Corporal Joseph A. Radman, 35751804, Co A
Technician Fifth Grade John J. Geoghan, 32763275. Med Det
Technician Fifth Grade Wilson W. Hoerichs, 33731877, Co A
Technician Fifth Grade Harold F. O'Connel, 31379140, Co A
Technician Fifth Grade Leonard J. Sheehan, 31388992, Co A
Technician Fifth Grade Meville E. Wolf, 31336886, Co B

August 1944

1 August 1944, Item 133 (D plus 56): Company A, operating in support of the 16th infantry, 1st Division, displaced forward three times during the period. The advance of the 16th Infantry was practically without resistance, consequently, the mortars were not emplaced until the last displacement. The almost continuous movement on the crowded roads is becoming very tiring to the men. For example, A Company moved the first time from 0100 to 0600, the second time from 0900 to 1400 and the third time from 2100 to 2300.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, is now set up in a defensive position with platoons echeloned to the right rear to protect the left flank of the 4th Division, mortars are facing towards the XIX Corps sector. Approximately 40 rounds were fired at 1900 against enemy personnel. Because of heavy artillery fire the mortar positions were moved twice during the day. Enemy shellfire obtained a direct hit on one 2 1/2-ton truck which was totally destroyed. There were no casualties to personnel.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, displaced forward twice during the day preparatory to launching an attack on 2 August. These forward displacements practically amounted to road marches. No ammunition was fired during the day.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, moved forward during the day by making two displacements and set up in a defensive position in a corner between VII and XIX Corps fronts in order to protect the flank of the 4th Division and VII Corps. Quite an extensive armored battle has been raging on this flank for several days. Jerry is reported to be using three armored divisions against the XIX Corps front.

GO #6, Headquarters 87th Chemical Battalion Mtz., this date, awards the Purple Heart to members of this organization and is included in this history.

Three men, Staff Sergeant Atkinson, Corporal Trant and PFC Hildreth, who were wounded during the early days of the invasion, walked into the Bn CP this afternoon. They reported that between ten and twelve trained men, members of this battalion for over a year, are now at the replacement depot with them and are awaiting assignment. All efforts to effect a return of these trained and much needed key men to this organization have met without success. This is a very serious morale factor as all of the men have expressed an intense desire to return to this organization and no other and state that if they are to be kicked around in replacement depots in the future as they have in the past, they would just as soon be left to die on the battlefield and not evacuated. Sgt Atkinson reports that on several occasions, he and some of the other men have been assigned to processing companies simply because he is listed as CWS. The present effective strength of this battalion is 577 enlisted men, which is five men under strength. However, according to a recent War Department policy, our strength must be reduced to 555 enlisted men before we can requisition replacements. Meanwhile, trained and much needed personnel sit around in replacement depots, are assigned to other outfits in which they have had no training or desire to be in, or else go AWOL from the depots and report to this organization. The latter situation places the very unpleasant tack on the Battalion Commander's shoulders of ordering these men back to a depot. As stated above, there must be a change in policy so that men who are evacuated from the battlefield will be returned to their organization. It had been brought to our attention that some men are covering up wounds and refusing medical attention for fear of being evacuated and permanently separated from this organization. This is the most serious problem that has confronted us since arrival in the ETO. The intense desire of all former casualties to return to this organization is indeed a compliment, and to avoid serious repercussions and unpleasantness in the future, steps must be taken by higher authority to make it possible for these men to return automatically to their organization.

Strength of organization is 44 officers and 689 enlisted men.

2 August 1944, Item 134 (D plus 57): Company A displaced forward five times during the period in order to keep pace with the rapid advance south of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division. There was no firing of 4.2" ammunition. In fact, scarcely a round of any type was fired by the regiment. At approximately 0400, a sentry on duty at the gun position challenged four men who were approaching his post. It turned out to be a German patrol. After an exchange of rifle fire, the sentry was wounded and the patrol fled.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, displaced forward three times during the day in order to keep pace with the advance of this regiment as it cleared the left flank of the Division and Corps sector. There was no firing during the day.

Company C displaced forward six times during the day in order to keep in position to support the rapid southward advance of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division. Resistance by the enemy on this flank seems to have completely broken down.

Company D displaced forward four times during the day in order to keep pace with the rapid advance southward of the 6oth Infantry, 9th Division. No fire was called for during the day. Enemy planes were over the sector during the night. However, no bombs were dropped and there was no strafing in the area of any units of this battalion.

The advance of Companies B, C, and D during the period was subjected to occasional long-range interdictory fire. There were no casualties.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 689 enlisted men. Casualties:

13141880, Knoll, Walter A. Jr., Pvt, LWA, Co A

3 August 1944, Item 135 (D plus 58): Company A, operating in support of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, displaced forward three times in an advance which resulted in the capture of MORTAIN and the high ground east thereof. The advance did not meet with enemy resistance. There was no firing during the period.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, displaced three times during the period. 173 rounds were fired on enemy personnel and strong points in the rear guard action of the enemy. The forward displacements of this Company were perilous because of numerous Teller mines and S-mines.

Company C displaced forward six times during the period to keep pace with the progress of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division. There was no firing during the period. The progress of this company has been imperiled by countless Teller and S-mines on all roads and in many fields.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, fired a smoke mission covering a one thousand yard front and maintained same for 30 minutes. It was necessary to use only 129 rounds of WP in the mission. The screen was laid down the Corp's and Division's extreme left flank in order to screen movements from observation of the enemy still present in the XIX Corps' sector. Later in the day, 29 rounds of HE were fired on enemy personnel attempting to deploy in a rear guard action. What personnel in this strong point could, quickly fled. Three forward displacements were made during the day. The forward progress of this company is imperiled by numerous enemy Teller and S-mines.

Enemy aircraft were active over the area during the period with resultant dropping of anti-personnel bombs and strafing. There were no casualties suffered by this organization.

Two French civilians were arrested by this Headquarters for firing shotguns within one hundred yards of the Battalion CP. They explained that they were trying out the guns which had been hidden from the Germans for the past four years. The two Frenchmen were turned over to CIC authorities of VII Corps.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 689 enlisted men.

4 August 1944, Item 136 (D plus 59): Company A set up in a defensive position with the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, to protect the extreme south and right flank of Corps just south of Mortain. One forward displacement was made during the day. There was no firing during the period.

Company B advanced with the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, south toward St Pois. 168 rounds of HE and 43 rounds of WP were fired against centers of enemy resistance employing rear guard action and delaying tactics. Excellent results were observed. Two forward displacements were made during the period.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th infantry, 9th Division, fired 115 rounds on enemy strong points and fleeing enemy personnel.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 486 rounds on enemy strong points, personnel and likely concentration areas.

Enemy aircraft were active during the period over the area, however, no casualties were suffered by units of this organization.

Colonel McArthur, Chemical Advisor of the 12th United States Army Group, visited the battalion this date.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 689 enlisted men. Casualties:

36422502 Snyder, Norman D, Pvt LWA Co B

5 August 1944, Item 137 (D plus 60): Company A moved south with the 16th Infantry, 1st Division towards Mayenne. No resistance was encountered with the result that there was no firing. One forward displacement was made.

Company B fired 998 rounds of HE and 96 rounds of WP in support of an attack by the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, on a hill just east of St Pois and on enemy personnel. Excellent results were observed. As a matter of fact, the forward points had a regular field day by placing HE and WP on houses and strong points and then interdicting the routes of retreat of troops who were able to flee. Large bodies of troops were caught in the open and literally cut to pieces by our mortar fire which was effectively placed in their path of flight. This was one of the most effective demonstrations of the quick, close-in support which a 4.2" mortar unit can give to a supported infantry unit. The forward observer was up front and the enemy positions were quickly brought under fire wherever he was discovered. The Regimental Commander stated that this close-in support delivered so quickly and effectively was a contributing factor in the success of his regiment. Three casualties were sustained at the mortar positions during the period; one from small arms fire who remained on duty and two from enemy shellfire. Two forward displacements were made during the period.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 111 rounds on enemy strong points which were set up to delay the advance of our troops towards the high ground several miles east of St. P0is. Three forward displacements were made.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, fired 232 rounds against enemy strong points which were employed in delaying actions. As soon as accurate fire is brought to bear on these rear guard actions, they quickly disengage and move south. Three forward displacements were made.

The Battalion CP and the Battalion Rear Echelon moved from position four miles southwest of Notre Dame de Cenilly a distance of 20 miles southward to a bivouac approximately two and one-half miles east of Villedieu Les Poeles (T428335); movement was begun at 1300, close at 1635.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 689 enlisted men. Casualties:

31337063, Smith, Raymond L., PFC, LWA, Co B
33764417, Yackuboskey, Stanley (NMI), PFC, LWA, Co B

6 August 1944, Item 138 (D plus 61): Company A crossed the Mayenne River with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. No opposition was encountered and no rounds fired during the period.

Company B, operating with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, set up defensive positions just north and west of St. P0is. This regiment has reached its objective and is holding present locations pending further orders. No movement was made during the day; no rounds were fired.

Company C fired 175 rounds at 0750 in support of the attack of the 47th Inf, 9th Div. This fire was adjusted by forward observers on known enemy positions and good results were observed. One displacement was made during the day.

Company D fired 89 rounds in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div. the rounds were fired on known enemy positions on high ground on the regimental objective. Two forward displacements were made during the period.

A relatively large number of enemy planes were active over the area shortly before 2400. No casualties were suffered by units of this battalion.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 697 enlisted men.

7 August 1944, Item 139 (D plus 62): Company A, operating in support of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 190 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP in defense of the crossings of the Mayenne River which they have forced just east of the town. These rounds were placed on aggressive enemy patrols, self-propelled guns and troop concentrations. Two men were slightly wounded as a result of a rather heavy concentration of shellfire on the mortar positions of the first platoon.

Company B operated with the 8th Inf, 4th Div this date. This company was summoned at 0700 from a so-called defensive position to assist in repelling a very serious and aggressive enemy counter attack and penetration. Thirty-eight rounds of HE were fired on observed enemy infantry, and later in the afternoon, after the company had displaced forward, 22 rounds of HE were placed on enemy patrols, causing the patrols to withdraw.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 162 rounds of HE and 122 rounds of WP on patrols, groups of enemy personnel, on self-propelled guns and on a group of buildings from which the enemy was observed to flee. The two forward observers had a very enjoyable time firing on the patrols and especially by interdicting the path of flight of the Jerries who were able to flee from buildings which had been brought under fire by our mortars.

The very effective method now being employed by our companies of blasting thru the slate and straw roofs of the French houses with several rounds of HE and then quickly dropping addition rounds of HE or WP into the building has produced excellent results. On several occasions in the past few days, our observers have literally herded groups of the enemy across the landscape by interdicting their route of flight. Sooner or later, no enemy is left to run.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div1 fired 261 rounds of HE and 48 rounds of WP on enemy patrols, equipment and buildings as described in the above paragraph. On any number of occasions the forward observers adjust fire to within 10 yards. One forward displacement was made during the day.

In this difficult fighting, especially on the 4th and 9th Divisional fronts, the 4.2" mortars are proving especially effective in placing fire quickly and accurately on aggressive enemy patrols and self-propelled guns which work their way into the rather fluid front lines.

Two German soldiers wearing civilian clothes and of French nationality (Province of Lorraine) were arrested in the middle of the battalion rear echelon and turned over to CIC authorities. These two men were from the 363rd German Infantry Division which moved into the area a few days ago after a forced foot march from Belgium. Both men stated that immediately upon arrival in this area, they went into hiding and when the German troops retreated, changed to civilian clothes provided by local Frenchmen. They were picked up by several French speaking members of the battalion in accordance with the Battalion SOP of checking on houses and the occupants thereof in the vicinity of the battalion. Both men also stated that they were in the French Army until captured in 1940 and after a tour of duty in a concentration camp, were pressed into the German Army.

Enemy planes were active over the area during the period, dropping the usual number of bombs and flares. There were no casualties suffered as a result of this action.

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 696 enlisted men. Casualties:

34366698, Shaw, James J., PFC, LWA, Co A
35066529, Sebian, Richard A., Pvt, LWA, Co A

8 August 1944, Item 140 (D plus 63): Company A fired 110 rounds on enemy emplacements, patrols and self-propelled guns to support operations of the 16th Inf, 1st Div just east of Mayenne.

Company B, operating in support of the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 20 rounds of HE on an enemy patrol at 0500 and at 1500, 16 rounds were fired on a building which contained the enemy. Several of the enemy were observed to flee from the building and were quickly polished off by waiting infantry.

Company C, operating in support. of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 54 rounds of WP and 87 rounds of HE on patrols, self-propelled guns and troop concentrations. Two forward displacements were made during the day.

Company D, operating in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 23 rounds of HE and 132 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and equipment, mainly patrols and self-propelled guns. One displacement was made during the period.

There is a distance of 50 to 60 miles from Company D on the left flank and Company A on the south and right flank of the VII Corps sector. However, thanks to the sound and efficient SOP under which this battalion is operating, no administrative or re-supply problems exist. Class I, III and V items are delivered daily to the forward positions as well as mail, radio news reports and editions of the Stars and Stripes. The only problem has been communication which must be done by courier over very congested and dusty roads. The trip from Battalion CP to Company A takes approximately four hours.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 700 enlisted men.

9 August 1944, Item 141 (D plus 64): Company A, holding a position east of the city of Mayenne and east of the river, was called upon to fire only 12 rounds in support of the 16th Inf, 1st Div during the period. The vicinity was heavily shelled and there was also enemy aerial activity during the day. There were no casualties.

Company B is in more or less a static position with the 8th Inf, 4th Div. No rounds were fired; no movement was made during the period.

Company C fired 113 rounds of WP and 209 rounds of HE in support of the advance of the 47th Inf, 9th Div south towards Cherence Le Roussel. These rounds were fired by the forward observers on enemy patrols and material.

Company D fired 112 rounds of WP and 158 rounds of HE on enemy personnel, mainly patrols, and enemy material in support of operations of the 60th Inf, 9th Div south of Chap Du Boult. One forward displacement was made during the period.

GO #49, Headquarters, 4th Inf Div, this date, awards the following enlisted men of this organization, the Silver Star for gallantry in action. (Copy Attached)

T/4 Richard R. Chaffin, 34623167, Co D
PFC Francis C. Girton, 36682094, Co C

Order of the Day No. 15, Headquarters, 4th Inf Div, this date, commends the 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz., for meritorious service.

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 699 enlisted men.

10 August 1944, Item 142 (D plus 65): Company A remained set up in a semi-circular defensive position just across the river east of MAYENNE to support any action of the 16th Inf, 1st Div. No rounds were fired and no displacements were made during the day.

Company B continued in support of the 8th Inf, 4th Div in its mission to repel any enemy counter attacks which may develop southeast of ST. P0IS.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 414 rounds of HE and 174 rounds of WP on enemy personnel, mainly patrols, self-propelled guns and automatic weapons positions. All fire was directed by forward observers. Included in the above number of rounds was the fifty thousandth round fired by this battalion to date. On one occasion, two well dug in and camouflaged machine guns, which had held up out infantry's advance for a day and a half, were covered and screened with WP with the result that our infantry moved into the positions and wiped them out. One forward displacement was made during the period.

Company D remained in a defensive set up with the 60th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired during the period. Enemy planes were active over the area during the hours of darkness but there were no casualties to personnel or equipment of this organization.

While at Company D positions this date, the Battalion Commander visited the area in which the forward observers of this company had directed fire two days previously. German bodies and equipment were still strewn up and down the length of a sunken road and about the courtyard of a building. Four complete German 81 millimeter mortars and three complete machine guns gave evidence to the fact that apparently an entire heavy weapons platoon had been wiped out. As a matter of fact, a prisoner of war, captured the day after this shelling, reported that "those dreaded heavy mortars" had killed over 100 Jerries in this particular locality. The above mission was fired by Lieutenant Kidd. Lieutenant Harvey then showed the battalion commander where he had trapped and accounted for between 40 and 45 Germans in a group of buildings. He related an interesting story about how Lieutenant Kidd operated alongside a field artillery observer and how the field artillery observer could not get his artillery to fire on this particular group of buildings because of the priority of other fire missions and the necessary clearance thru the artillery channels. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Harvey had registered in on the buildings with such accurate fire that between 40 and 45 were killed and the remainder (about 15) surrendered.

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 697 enlisted men. Casualties:

0-1038356, Cool, William H., 1st Lt, LIA, Co B

11 August 1944, Item 143 (D plus 66): Company A continued in a holding position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div just east of Mayenne.

Company B moved approximately 34 miles with the 8th Inf, 4th Div to a new area in accordance with VII Corps plan. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company C remained in defensive position with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired during the period, however one displacement was made.

Company D, relieved from attachment to 60th Inf, 9th Div, was attached to 39th Inf, 9th Div effective 1800. This detachment was made in view of the fact that the 60th Inf was going into Division reserve and the 39th Inf moving up to continue the attack. Hence, the "Camel Caravan" is attached to the unit which continues in the battle and rolls on. Four rounds of WP were fired during the period after reporting to the area occupied by the 39th Inf.

Enemy planes were active over the area during the period. However, there were no casualties to personnel or equipment of this organization in spite of a large number of bombs being dropped.

The Battalion CP closed at its position two and one-half miles east of Villedieu du Plessis (Y570900); movement begun at 1030, completed at 1735.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 697 enlisted men.

12 August 1944, Item 144 (D plus 67): Company A continued to provide perimeter defense for the defensive position of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, across the river just east of Mayenne. At approximately l500 a patrol reported that an enemy machine gun position had been encountered approximately 3500 yards to the front. After the position had been plotted and data computed, 12 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP were fired onto this enemy machine gun position. Our patrol then returned to the area to check on results. A prisoner of war from the position was captured who reported that 12 of his comrades were casualties and that the machine gun had been destroyed. At 1600, 16 rounds of HE were fired by the forward observer on an enemy patrol which was dispersed with casualties.

Companies B, C and D moved with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, 47th Inf, 9th Div. and 39th Inf, 9th Div, respectively, to new assembly areas in accordance with VII Corps plan in preparation for future operations. No rounds were fired by these companies during the period.

Enemy planes were active over the area during the hours of darkness; there were no casualties.

G0 #101, this headquarters, awards the Good Conduct Medal to 420 enlisted men of this command.

13 August 1944, Item 145 (D plus 68): Company A moved forward with the 16th Inf,1st Div in its attack from vicinity of Mayenne towards La Ferte-Mace. Good progress was made. No opposition was encountered, hence no rounds were fired during the period.

Company B remained in bivouac with the 8th Inf, 4th Div on a two-hour alert notice to move. The day was spent overhauling and in maintenance of vehicles and equipment following a movement of approximately 30 miles made the day before.

Company C moved approximately 45 miles with the 47th Inf, 9th Div to a new bivouac area south of GORRON. The movement was made without mishap although much trouble was encountered with the M-29 Cargo Carriers overheating.

Company D remained in position with the 59th Inf, 9th Div in the area northwest of SOURDEVAL and made preparations to move south to the vicinity of GORRON the following day.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 697 enlisted men.

14 August 1944, Item 146 (D plus 69): Company A continued to move forward with the 16th Inf, 1st Div towards La Ferte-Mace. Very little opposition was met during the day; no rounds were fired.

Company B remained in a defensive position with the 8th Inf, 4th Div. No rounds were fired during the day; no movements were made.

Company C continued to move forward with the 47th Inf, 9th Div towards La Ferte-Mace to close the "door" on the large pocket believed to contain many thousands of the enemy.

Company D moved south approximately 50 miles with the 39th Inf, 9th Div and took up positions about 20 miles east of MAYENNE in order to move forward on Division order.

All companies are having a great deal of trouble with the M-29 Cargo Carriers on long movements such as the ones Companies C and D have made in the past several days. The Cargo Carriers have been overheating and, in several cases, the water has completely boiled out of the radiators. These vehicles were made to operate in arctic temperatures. The motor becomes so hot that the oil in the transmission literally boils and boils out. Plates are coming off the tracks and the cables that hold the tracks together break on these long movements. All in all, the efficiency and mobility of this battalion is greatly reduced by our being required to operate with such a vehicle, not only because it is inefficient but because it was never intended to operate in this climate or on hard and paved roads.

Strength is increased to 45 officers and 697 enlisted men.

15 August 1944, Item 147 (D plus 70): Company A, operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 17 rounds of HE and 15 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and equipment. Good results were observed. One forward displacement of approximately 8 miles was made during the day. No opposition was encountered.

Company B continued in defensive position with the 8th Inf, 4th Div. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company C, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 25 rounds of HE and 25 rounds of WP on two enemy machine gun nests. Three forward displacements were made during the period in its progress northwest of ALENCON. Another M-29 Cargo Carrier had to be towed in today.

Company D moved to the north and east of Alencon (approximately 20 miles) with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired during the period. The Bn CP closed at Pougerolles du Plessis area and moved east 47 and three-tenth miles to a position approximately one mile southwest of Couptran (2029909). Movement was begun at 1230, battalion closed at 1630.

Three M-29 Cargo Carriers overheated and had to be towed in.

General Order #51, (Battle Honors), 4th Inf Div, dated 14 August 1944, was received this date, and by that authority, this battalion and its personnel are awarded the Distinguished Unit. Badge. Award cites this unit for outstanding performance of duty.

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 695 enlisted men.

16 August 1944, Item 148 (D plus 71); Company A advanced north towards Briouze with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. One hundred and sixty-eight rounds were fired on machine gun nests and a concentration of troops, estimated to be a battalion, in a woods. When the infantry advanced through the woods a short while later. they found a large number of dead Germans, dead horses and stored equipment. It is believed that the men were members of a reconnaissance battalion. The white phosphorous had burned out seven or eight square acres of forest. Three forward displacements were made during the period.

Company B continued in a defensive position with the 8th Inf, 4th Division, Tracks were thrown off three M-29 Cargo Carriers on one of the movements over a narrow, well-rutted road which was easily passable to wheeled vehicles.

Company C fired 172 rounds of HE and 56 rounds of WP on groups of enemy personnel and, in one instance, on a column of the enemy observed on a road. Two machine gun positions were also brought under fire. Good results were observed. Three forward displacements were made during the period. Attachment to the 47th Inf, 9th Div continued in effect.

Company D fired 45 rounds of HE and one round of WP in support of operations of the 59th Inf, 9th Div north toward PUTANGES. Two enemy machine gun nests and several tanks which were holding up the advance of the infantry were brought under fire. These weapons were silenced and the advance was continued without further resistance. Four forward displacements were made during the period One enemy sniper was captured when the company moved into one of the new positions.

The heavy weapons companies are proving especially effective in assisting the rapid advance of their supported units by being able to keep pace with the advance and their ability to quickly deliver a heavy concentration of fire upon any enemy resistance that suddenly appears. Machine gun positions, patrols and enemy tanks are brought under fire and either destroyed or dispersed and the advance of the infantry continues.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 695 enlisted men.

17 August 1944, Item 149 (D plus 72): Company A continued to support operations of the 16th Inf, 1st Div just west of BRIOUZE. Only slight resistance was encountered by the infantry; no rounds were fired. The first platoon was subjected to very heavy enemy artillery fire early in the afternoon. However, thanks to well-dug positions and foxholes, there were no casualties to men or equipment.

Company B moved east approximately 60 miles on a road march with the 8th Inf, 4th Div to the vicinity of Carrouges. No rounds were fired during the day.

Company C fired 162 rounds of HE on enemy personnel and two machine gun nests in support of operations of the 47th Inf, 9th Div in its advance to cut the railroad leading out of Briouze. Three forward displacements were made during the period.

Company D fired 243 rounds of HE and 67 rounds of WP in support of the advance of the 39th Inf, 9th Div to cut the road leading out of Briouze. These rounds were fired on concentrations of enemy troops and strong points which were holding up the advance. Sporadic enemy shellfire fell in the vicinity the gun positions throughout the afternoon, however, there were no casualties. Ten prisoners have been captured by members of this company within the past two days. Two were hiding out in the gun positions and the others were taken while a reconnaissance for new forward positions was being made.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 695 enlisted men. Casualties:

31366761, Glennie, James W., Pvt, LWA, Co C
36830028, Preder, Norman H., Pvt, LWA, Co C
32729020, DeJoseph, Sanford, PFC, LWA, Co C

18 August 1944, Item 150 (D plus 75): Company A remained in defensive positions with the 16th Inf, 1st Div just southwest of Briouze. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company B remained in a defensive position with the 8th Inf, 4th Div just south of Carrouges. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company C moved with the 47th Inf, 9th Div to an area just east of Briouze. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company D, operating in support of the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 100 rounds of HE and 108 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and strong points to assist the advance of this regiment to cut the road and railroad leading north and east out of Briouze. Later in the period, this company displaced forward into a defensive position to cover the sector's front.

General Hugh W, Rowan, Chemical Officer, ETO, Colonel St. John, Chemical Advisor, SHAEF, Colonel Sharrion of Headquarters, Communication Zone and Lieutenant Colonel Leggin, Chemical Section 12th Army Group, visited the battalion and spent the night. Battalion Commander conducted the above on a tour which included the gun positions of Company A, Regimental CP of the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, Regimental CP of the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, the gun positions of Company B, 4th Division CP and First Division CP.

Notification was received this date, that the Detachment of the 113th Processing Company was released from attachment to First Army and reverted to the 12th Army Group, and would report to its parent unit at C-705 immediately. The officers and men were assembled from the forward areas and all preparations made for departure on the 19th of August.

Order of the Day No. 2, Headquarters, 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz., this date, commends the Detachment of the 113th Chemical Processing Company for Meritorious Service.

GO #49, Headquarters, VII Corps, this date, awards the following officers of this organization, the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service.

Captain James J. Marshall, 0-1035089, Co B
Captain John T. Stiefel, 0-466714, Co A
Captain Robert D. Trather, 0-1035385, Co C

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 694 enlisted men. Casualties:

36830028 Preder, Norman H. Pvt DOW Co C

19 August 1944, Item 151 (D plus 74): All companies continued in defensive set-ups with their respective supported units ready to fire in case of counter attack. Time is being utilized in maintenance of equipment, weapons and much-needed baths.

The Detachment of the 113th Processing Company detached and departed this date for duty in Communication Zone.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 585 enlisted men.

20 August 1944, Item 152 (D plus 75): Companies A, B, C, and D continued in defensive positions with their respective supported regiments. Time was utilized on instructions in the use of the sight, gunnery procedure, and on cleaning and maintenance of weapons and equipment as well as clothing.

Company C was detached from the 47th Inf, 9th Div and attached to the 60th Inf, 9th Div in preparation for the next operation.

Companies C and D alerted for a road march to the east towards Paris to take place the following day.

Strength increased to 43 officers and 585 enlisted men.

21 August 1944, Item 153 (D plus 76): Companies A and B continued in defensive positions with the 16th Inf, 1st Div and the 8th Inf, 4th Div, respectively and awaited orders to move east towards Paris.

Companies C and D moved forward with the 60th and 39th Regiments, respectively, of the 9th If Div to new positions north and east of Mortegne. The distance covered was approximately 45 miles. Three M-29 Cargo Carriers in Company C were forced out of the convoy because of defective tracks.

General Craig, Commanding General of the 9th Division, stopped the Commanding Officer of Company C along the road and commended him highly on this company's convoy, stating that it was one of the best he had ever seen.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 585 enlisted men.

22 August 1944, Item 154 (D plus 77): Company A and Company B remained in defensive positions with the 16th Inf, 1st Div and 8th Inf, 4th Div, respectively.

Four men of Company C were seriously injured and evacuated and one man slightly injured at 2300, about five miles north of St. Anne, when two ¬-ton trucks of this company met head on. The night was very dark and heavy rain was falling. One vehicle was going north with radio equipment for the forward observer with the 3rd Battalion, 60th Inf, 9th Div, the other vehicle was moving south after having delivered radio batteries and a message to the forward observer operating with the 2nd Bn, same Regt. The two ¬-ton trucks were demolished. During the period, Company C assisted in infantry elements by conducting an active patrol for tanks and enemy patrols. No rounds were fired during the day.

Company D moved forward to a new position just north of ST. SCOLASSE. The mortars were kept in the jeep ready to move to any sector of the regimental front at a moment's notice. This company augmented the infantry patrols searching for enemy tanks and patrols. No rounds were fired during the period.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 585 enlisted men. Casualties:

35556305, Hughes, Joseph J., Pvt, LIA, Co C
7001755, McNanus, Charlie, S/Sgt, LIA, Co C
35340446, Savage, William J., Sgt, LIA, Co C
20615058, Callape, Benni A., Cpl, LIA, Co C

GO #50 HQ, VII Corps awards Silver Star and nine Bronze Star Medals to members of this command.

23 August 1944, Item 155 (D plus 78): No change in location of Companies A, B, C, and D.

The 4th Division has been attached to V Corps and the attachment of Co B with the 8th Inf of this Division remains in effect. The operation of units of this battalion between two Corps will complicate administrative and supply needs as well as increasing the problem of keeping contact over great distances via crowded roads.

Battalion CP moved east 91 miles to a bivouac approximately 8 miles east of LA LOUPE, coordinates (RO89101). Movement was begun at 0600 and completed at 1215. Three M-29 Cargo Carriers had mechanical failures en route and had to be evacuated. This now makes a total of 16 vehicles (14 M-29 Cargo Carriers and two jeeps) which have been evacuated by this battalion within the past two days for which no replacements have been received. Great difficulty is being experienced in transportation of men, equipment and ammunition as every effort is being maintained to transport the basic load as well as all eight guns per company. This is quite a problem in view of the fact that the companies operate on a basis of seven or eight vehicles equivalent to that of a company are absent from the battalion.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 585 enlisted men.

24 August 1944, Item 156 (D plus 79): Company A moved east approximately 100 miles with the 16th Inf, 1st Division to an assembly area just east of La Loupe. Because of a shortage of vehicles in this company, the result of M-29 Cargo Carriers having been evacuated, 150 rounds of ammunition were turned in to the ASF.

Company B moved forward with the 8th Inf, 4th Div to an assembly area south of Courville, while en route, orders were received from the Commanding General, VII Corps relieving Company B from attachment to the 4th Division since that Division is now attached to V Corps. The Commanding General of the 4th Division sent a message to the Commanding General, VII Corps requesting that the attachment of Company B remain in effect. Meanwhile, Company B, which had pulled off the road to await further orders, proceeded to an assembly area with the 8th Inf, 4th Div.

Companies C and D were alerted for movement with the 9th Division to an assembly area east of Arpajon.

This battalion is now operating with a shortage of 19 vehicles (17 M-29 Cargo Carriers and two 1/4-ton trucks). All efforts to obtain replacements have been unsuccessful. The shortage of these vehicles is forcing a reduction in the basic load of ammunition and weapons carried as well as creating a necessity of a company having to shuttle two, and in some cases, three times on displacements. This is especially undesirable in view of the fact that road marches of recent date have been from 40 to 100 miles in length.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 585 enlisted men. Casualties:

6928500, Liles, Jack H., Cpl, LIA, Co D
33745811, Levinson, Murry, PFC, LIA, Co B
33698916, Lemmon, Harry L., PFC, LIA, Co B

25 August 1944, Item 157 (D plus 80): Company A closed in an assembly area approximately 15 miles north of Etampes with the 16th Inf, 1st Div after a road march of approximately 140 miles and is prepared to go forward with this regiment to meet German opposition between Courville and Paris.

During this period and the preceding 24-hour period, Company B experienced quite a bit of attaching and detaching to various units as an effort was being made by the Commanding General, 4th Division and Commanding General, V Corps to keep this company with the 4th Division. The following is a chronological list of attachments and detachments during the 48-hour period: Detached from 8th Inf, 4th Div and attached to 87th Cml Bn per orders of CG, VII Corps. The CG, 4th Division sent a request to the CG, VII Corps, asking that Company B remain attached to the 4th Division and at the same time ordered Company B to continue to previously designated bivouac area with the 8th Inf. Upon arrival in bivouac area, Company B was detached from 8th Inf, 4th Div and attached to the 12th Inf, 4th Div. Several hours later Company B was detached from this Regiment and attached to the 8th Inf, 4th Div. An order was then received detaching this Company from the 8th Inf and attaching them to 87th Cml Bn.

A few minutes later an order was received, effecting a detachment from the 87th Cml Bn, and re-attaching the company to the 12th Inf, 4th Div. About this time the CG of V Corps sent a message to the CG, First Army, requesting that Company B be allowed to remain with the 4th Division which was currently with his Corps. The final outcome was that during the afternoon, Company B was detached from the 12th Inf, 4th Division, and attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Division, of VII Corps. Liaison was effected at 1700 and Company B closed in an area just south of Corbell under First Division control at 1945. It is well to note that Company B, while operating in support of the 12th Infantry, 4th Division, was among the first American troops to enter Paris. This company was approaching the center of the city when orders were received that they were to report to the First Division.

Company C moved approximately 80 miles to an assembly area just south of ARPAJON with the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, and awaits further orders.

Company D was alerted to move approximately 80 miles with the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, to an assembly area just south of Arpajon. Movement will be probably made on 26 August 1944.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 585 enlisted men.

26 August 1944, Item 158 (D plus 81): Company A and Company B, operating with the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, moved to an assembly area on the western outskirts of the city of Corbell, and awaited orders to cross the Seine River.

Company C was detached from the 60th Infantry, 9th Division and attached to the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, effective 1700. The company had less than one-half hour in which to move from its position with the 60th Infantry, and take its place in the march column with the 47th Infantry which was already on the road moving towards Melun. A road march of approximately 20 miles to the outskirts of the city of Melun was executed during the night. This movement was made in almost complete darkness. En route, an M-29 Cargo Carrier which in addition to equipment, contained the driver and four men, went over an embankment about six feet high and overturned. One man was seriously injured and two men slightly injured. Although it has a pintle hook for the towing of a trailer, the M-29 Cargo Carrier does not have a socket whereby the lights of a trailer can be hooked up. At night, when approaching an M-29 Cargo Carrier which is hauling a trailer, it is very difficult, if not impossible to see the one small light which serves as a taillight. None of the occupants of the Cargo Carrier which overturned reported that he was able to see that the M-29 and trailer ahead of them had halted on the road until it was too late to stop short of it. Hence, the driver swerved to the right onto what, in the darkness, appeared to be a broad shoulder with the result that the trailer overturned into the embankment. Thus, another undesirable feature of these M-29 Cargo Carriers is plaguing this battalion.

Company D moved approximately 80 miles with the 39th Inf, 9th Div to an assembly area just south of ARPAJON and immediately upon arrival in this area was alerted for another movement of approximately 20 miles to an area just west of Melun. This move was made about 2300.

The Battalion CP moved from its location 8 miles east of La Loupe at 0630 a distance of 78.3 miles east to a location approximately 20 miles south of Paris in the vicinity of Corbell (S133015). CP opened above location at 1010.

This battalion is now operating with a shortage of 16 vehicles or the equivalent of vehicles which two platoons use while operating in the forward areas. All efforts to obtain replacements have been unsuccessful as VII Corps has received a directive from First Army to the effect that evacuated M-29 Cargo Carriers will be replaced with other M-29 Cargo Carriers and not with ¬-ton trucks, which incidentally, are presently available for issue, according to VII Corps authorities.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 581 enlisted men. Casualties:

31360058, Chase, Kenneth M., Pvt, SIA, Hq Det
33185772, Gallagher, Joseph B., S/Sgt, LIA, Co C
31367011, Dubrofsky, David, Pvt, LIA, Co C

27 August 1944, Item 159 (D plus 82): Company A, moving east with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, crossed the Seine River at 0900 at Corbell. During the march from bivouac area to the crossing, three M-29 Cargo Carriers broke down and were evacuated. Upon reaching the pontoon bridge, it was found that the M-29 Cargo Carriers could not cross this particular type of treadway bridge. Hence, they had to be left on the west side of the river while the wheeled vehicles moved on. This company, like all other companies, is suffering from a lack of prime movers. Thus, practically all remaining prime movers are pulling two trailers in tandem.

Company B, operating in support of the second battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, crossed the Seine River at 1230 at Ris-Orangis, approximately 15 miles south of Paris. This company also experienced great difficulty in getting its M-29 Cargo Carriers over the treadway bridge. As a matter of fact, they were pulled out of the column and held on the west bank until all other vehicles had crossed, and then allowed to work their way over. This scattered the vehicles of this company over a distance of approximately 15 miles.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, crossed the SEINE at TILLY at approximately 0900. The company advance approximately 25 miles during the day and no resistance was encountered. One platoon of guns was kept in position at all times and the platoons leap frogged forward. At 1800 this company was detached from the 47th Infantry and attached to the 6Oth Infantry as the 60th was taking over the point of the advance of the 9th Division.

Company D, operating in support of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, crossed the Seine at approximately 0600 at Melun. The distance covered during the day was approximately 20 miles. The platoons leap-frogged each other, thus keeping one platoon in position at all times.

The rapid movements and forward displacements of units of this battalion are being successfully accomplished in spite of a shortage of 16 prime movers.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 580 enlisted men. Casualties:

33731866, Farinholt, Kenneth L., PFC, LIA, Co A
33611323, Conner, Guy, Jr., Pvt, LIA, Co A

28 August 1944, Item 160 (D plus 83): Company A and Company B moved forward approximately 12 miles on what amounted to a road march with the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, to the city of Meaux. No rounds were fired during the period, no opposition encountered. The only trouble was the now almost hourly occurrence of difficulty with the M-29 Cargo Carriers breaking down in convoy or in attempting to get same over a treadway bridge. When it is impossible to get these Cargo Carriers over a treadway bridge, 1/4-ton trucks must be used to pull the trailers across, thus tying up and delaying the entire convoy.

Company C moved forward approximately 20 miles with the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, to an area northeast of Coulommiers. No opposition was encountered during the period.

Company D moved forward with the 39th Inf, 9th Division on its road march to the vicinity of Coulommiers. No opposition was encountered during the period.

Staff Sergeant Hosmer was promoted to Second Lieutenant, AUS, and assigned to Company B.

The Battalion CP moved from its location in the vicinity of Corbell 27 miles across the Seine River to a location approximately 3.5 miles south of Tournanen-Brie, or about 20 miles east of Paris (S325218). CP opened above location at 1300. CP is in the same location occupied by Company C 12 hours previously. While Company C was in this position it captured 26 German prisoners. During the afternoon of this period, two snipers were captured approximately one-fourth of a mile from the CP.

Enemy planes were active over the area at 2300. However, no bombs were dropped in the immediate vicinity of any installation of this battalion.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 580 enlisted men.

29 August 1944 (D plus 84), Item 161: Company A and Company B, supporting the 16th Inf, 1st Div engaged in a road march of approximately 25 miles to an area just south of Villers Cotterets.

Company C and Company D, operating in support of the 60th Inf and 39th Inf, respectively of the 9th Div engaged in a road march to the vicinity of Chateau Thierry and the area northeast of that city. No opposition was encountered during the period. As a matter of fact, not even a rifle was fired by anyone.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 58o enlisted men.

30 August 1944 (D plus 85), Item 162: Company A and Company B engaged in what amounted to a road march of approximately 30 miles with the 16th Inf, 1st Div to the vicinity of Soissons. No opposition was encountered during the march.

Company C advanced approximately two miles beyond the Aisne River at a point about 10 miles east of Soissons with the 60th Inf, 9th Div. No opposition was encountered during the period. Mechanical failures developed in one M-29 Cargo Carrier and it was evacuated.

Company D advanced to the south bank of the Aisne River with the 39th Inf, 9th Div approximately 12 miles east of Soissons. No opposition was encountered. Two M-29 Cargo Carriers had to be evacuated because of mechanical failures.

The Battalion CP moved from its location 3.5 miles south of Tournen-En-Brie, 38.6 miles northeast to a location about 8 miles southwest of Chateau Thierry (S648519). CP opened the location at 1305.

The battalion is now operating with a shortage of 20 vehicles. During the period an officer from the Ordnance Section of First Army and two representatives of the Studebaker Corporation which manufactures the M-29 Cargo Carriers, visited the battalion CP. It was enthusiastically agreed by all concerned that the Cargo Carrier was not a general purpose vehicle and should not be employed as such and as this battalion is being required to do so. The Studebaker officials stated that this vehicle was never intended to operate on dry ground or highways and that its life expectancy is 1,000 miles. Many of the Cargo Carriers in this battalion have been driven two and three thousand miles. Even with the shortage of 20 vehicles, all units are able to keep pace with the supported infantry units. This is indeed a tribute to the ingenuity and dogged determination of the officers and men. We are doing our job in spite of and not because of these vehicles.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 580 enlisted men.

31 August 1944 (D plus 86), Item 163: Company A, operating in support of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 61 rounds of HE and 16 rounds of WP on a pocket of enemy resistance which information obtained later showed to contain some 702 officers and men, one 88 millimeter gun and one tank. Immediately after this mission was fired, no further resistance was received from the enemy strong point and many prisoners were captured. This action took place near LAON.

Company B continued to move forward with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, however, was not called upon to fire any missions.

Company C, operating in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 10 rounds of WP on an enemy machine gun nest and silenced same. During the afternoon, Lieutenant Miller, the forward observer, was slightly wounded by enemy mortar fire, however, was not evacuated but continued on his mission. This company moved northwards towards the Belgian border approximately 25 miles during the day.

Company D moved forward approximately 25 miles towards the Belgian frontier in the direction of Mons with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired during the period.

The battalion is now operating with a shortage of 20 vehicles.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 576 enlisted men.

September 1944

1 September 1944 (D plus 87), Item 164: Company A and Company B operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, moved to the northeast approximately 18 miles and took up positions just south of LAON. No rounds were fired. Company C moved forward approximately 18 miles with the 60th Inf, 9th Div to the vicinity of Brunehamel. No opposition was encountered, no rounds were fired. Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, moved north approximately 20 miles to a position 5 miles south of HIRSH0N. At 1500 the column was subjected to artillery and mortar fire. There were no casualties. No rounds were fired. The battalion CP moved north 88.6 miles to the city of Montcornet. (O-311282) Strength remains at 42 officers and 576 enlisted men.

2 September 1944 (D plus 88), Item 165: Company A and Company B, operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. advanced approximately 22 miles northward to the vicinity of Puisieux Et Clanieu. No rounds were fired. Company C advanced north approximately 20 miles with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, crossed the border of Belgium at 1135, and advanced 12 miles into Belgium. No resistance was encountered; no rounds were fired. Company D advanced north approximately 25 miles with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. crossed the Belgian frontier at 1130 and advanced 15 miles into that country. No rounds were fired.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 574 enlisted men.

3 September 1944 (D plus 89), Item 166: Company A and Company B moved north 20 miles with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, to the city of Mons. They crossed the border of Belgium at 1400. During the day, approximately 22,000 of the enemy, representing five divisions, were encountered between Bavai and Mons. Members of Companies A and B were utilized as infantrymen and assisted two of the infantry battalions in attacking this enemy force. No rounds were fired.

Company C fired 130 rounds of HE and I round of WP on two anti-tank guns which were silenced, on personnel escaping down a railway fill, just east of Chimay, and on several strong points. They advanced towards the east approximately 15 miles with the 60th Inf, 9th Div during the period. Company D advanced east towards the Meuse River with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Fifteen rounds of HE and 10 rounds of WP were fired on two strong points which were holding up the advance.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 572 enlisted men.

4 September 1944 (D plus 90), Item 167: Companies A and B, acting as infantry, with the first and second Bn's respectively, of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, continued mopping up operations of the pockets of enemy still existing in the Bavai-Mons sector. Because of the confused situation, no mortar fire has been employed. No casualties have been sustained by either of the above companies.

Company C, operating on the west bank of the Meuse River in the vicinity of GIVET, fired three rounds of WP for registration purposes. The entire west bank of the river has been subjected to sporadic enemy artillery and small arms fire.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 250 rounds of HE and 150 rounds of WP upon enemy personnel across the Meuse River who were observed to be preparing emplacements and operating guns in strong points. Good results were observed.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 569 enlisted men.

5 September 1944 (D plus 91), Item 168: Companies A and B continued mopping up operations with the first and second battalions, respectively, of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, in the Mons-Bavai sector. No rounds were fired.

Company C fired 144 rounds of HE and 84 rounds of WP across the Meuse River on enemy personnel, machine gun and automatic weapon emplacements in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div, in the vicinity of Givet.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, prepared to cross the Meuse River in the vicinity of Dinant. No rounds were fired.

The battalion CP moved north and east across the border of Belgium, 103.3 miles to a location in the vicinity of Fosse (J-852048).

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 567 enlisted men.

6 September 1944 (D plus 92), Item 169: Company A and Company B continued mopping up operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div in the vicinity of Mons.

Company C, operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, crossed the Meuse River on treadway and footbridges and in assault boats at 1600 and took up positions on the high ground on the east bank of the river. Five rounds of WP were fired for registration purposes.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 259 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP across the Meuse River on well prepared enemy strong points which were employing 20 millimeter and machine guns, and on enemy personnel and vehicular traffic. Good results were observed. This company crossed the Meuse River at 1900.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 567 enlisted men.

7 September 1944 (D plus 93), Item 170: Companies A and B, operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. moved from the vicinity of MONS approximately 55 miles east to the vicinity of Huy and prepared to cross the Meuse River. No opposition was encountered, no rounds were fired.

Company C, operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired one hundred and sixty five rounds of HE and one hundred and fifty rounds of WP with good results on enemy personnel, on two road blocks, and on three strong points containing automatic weapons. Two men guarding a platoon ammunition dump on the west side of the river, captured seven Germans during the night.

Company D continued to operate with the 39th Inf, 9th Div after having crossed the Meuse River. All resistance ceased after the initial crossing and no rounds were fired.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 567 enlisted men.

8 September 1944 (D plus 94), Item 171: Companies A and B remained in defensive positions with the 16th Inf, 1st Div in the vicinity of HUY. No rounds were fired during the period. At 1100 and again at 1700, enemy planes were active over the area. One plane was observed shot down.

Company C, operating in support of the 60th Inf, 9th Div, moved forward from the east bank of the Meuse River to the vicinity of Ouffet. Two rounds of WP were fired.

Company D, operating in support of the 39th Inf, 9th Div, moved from the vicinity of Cinay, approximately 18 miles to the northeast to the vicinity of Villers Le Temple. Two rounds of WP were fired.

9 September 1944 (D plus 95), Item 172: Companies A and B continued in defensive positions in the vicinity of HUY with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. No rounds were fired.

Company C continued to advance to the east with the 60th Inf, 9th Div to the vicinity of LIEGE. Four rounds of WP for registration purposes were fired.

Company D continued to advance towards the east to the vicinity of LIEGE with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Only light opposition was encountered, no rounds were fired.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 567 enlisted men.

10 September 1944 (D plus 96), Item 173: Companies A and B displaced with the 16th Inf, 1st Div from the vicinity of HUY approximately 20 miles to the east to an area just west of Verviers. No opposition was encountered. No rounds fired.

Company C continued to advance east with the 60th Inf, 9th Div to a position approximately 10 miles south of Liege. During the advance, the greater part of which was made at night, the column was subjected to enemy artillery fire in the vicinity of Sprimont. One officer and one enlisted man were wounded and evacuated. No missions were called for during the period.

Company D continued its advance to the east with the 39th Inf, 9th Div to a position approximately 8 miles south of Liege. Fifteen rounds of HE were fired during the advance, on two enemy machine gun positions, both were silenced.
The battalion CP moved 64 miles to a position approximately 6 miles southeast of Liege. (K-59326O).
Strength decreased to 42 officers and 566 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1319551, Edwards, Carl H., 2nd Lt, LWA, Co C
33698821, Inman, Hiram P., Sgt, LWA, Co C

11 September 1944 (D plus 97), Item 174: Companies A and B remained attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company C, operating with the 6Oth Inf, 9th Div, moved approximately 10 miles northwards to an area just south of Spromont. No rounds were fired.

Company D continued operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div in an area just southwest of Verviers. No rounds were fired.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 566 enlisted men.

12 September 1944 (D plus 98), Item 175: Company A moved to the east with the first battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div, crossed the German border at 1530. Resistance was encountered from tanks and artillery. The column was subjected to sporadic shelling throughout the period. 25 rounds of HE were fired on an antitank gun and surrounding personnel; the gun was silenced.

Company B moved to the east towards the German border with the second battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div. No resistance was encountered, no rounds fired.

Company C was detached from 60th Inf, 9th Div and attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div effective 1130. The necessary liaison was effected with the 47th Regimental CP, approximately 15 miles to the east and company closed in to new assembly area at 1920.

Company D continued in defensive position with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 566 enlisted men.

13 September 1944 (D plus 99), Item 176: Company A crossed the German border, approximately one mile southwest of Aachen with the first battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div on 12 September. This force was subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire throughout the night and morning hours. One man was killed and one officer and ten wounded. Seven of these wounded men were evacuated. Thirty one men were evacuated by the first battalion. 102 rounds of HE and 11 rounds of WP were fired on attacking personnel, on automatic weapons and against six enemy half-tracked vehicles and two tanks which were driven off.

Company B, operating with the second battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div, moved to the east 12 miles to an assembly area just south of Aachen. No rounds were fired.

Company C moved 12 miles to an area two miles east of Eupen with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired.

Company D moved east 11 miles with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. En route, slight . resistance was encountered; however, no mortar fire was called for.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 565 enlisted men.

Casualties:

350646760, O'Dellm Raymond C., Tec 5, LWA, Med Det
33514970, Williamson, Robert L., Pvt, KIA, Co A
31349237, Learned, Charles M., Sgt, LWA, Co A
32990907, Poggi, Paul J., Sgt, LWA, Co A
32928503, Spitznas, Arthur J., Cpl, LWA, Co A
31367303, Almeida, Arthur (NMI), Pvt, LWA, Co A
33698951, Pallot, Joe (NMI), Cpl, LWA, Co A
32990474, Della Volpe, Ralph E., PFC, LWA, Co A
0-1316781, Peterson, Douglas L., 1st Lt, LWA, Co A

14 September 1944 (D plus 100), Item 177: Company A moved east with the first battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div to a position two miles south east of AACHEN. No rounds were fired.

Company B crossed the border of Germany at 1430 with the second battalion, 16th Inf 1st Div, and took up positions approximately three miles south of Aachen. During the period 40 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, all observed fire, were placed on personnel, an anti-tank gun and two automatic weapons positions which were covering road blocks.

Company C advanced to the east from Eupen with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. Enemy artillery fire was encountered, however, only a small number of enemy infantry opposed the advance. No missions were called f or during the period.

Company D proceeded east from EUPEN with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. 103 rounds of HE and 9 rounds of WP were fired on automatic weapons covering road blocks and on enemy personnel observed in the open. Results unknown.
Strength remains at 42 officers and 565 enlisted men.

15 September 1944 (D plus 101), Item 178: Company A displaced forward twice during the period and is now in position about three miles southeast of Aachen with the first battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div. No rounds were fired during the period.

Company B displaced forward three times and is now in a position three miles east of Aachen with the second battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div. 100 rounds of HE were fired with good results during the advance on groups of enemy personnel and on automatic weapons covering road blocks. At 1300, while firing a mission, there was a premature explosion of an HE shell in the second platoon. Eye witnesses report that the shell appeared to explode approximately two feet from the barrel. Cause is undetermined. One man was killed and 8 men wounded, seven of whom were evacuated.

Company C, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, displaced forward during the period to the vicinity of Zweifall. Resistance was encountered during the advance. Two hundred and forty six rounds of HE and 36 rounds of WP were fired on infantry observed in the open, on automatic weapons covering road blocks and on two pill boxes. A small settlement which had been converted into an enemy strong point was partially fired by HE and WP.

Company D advanced to the east with the 39th Inf, 9th Div to a position southeast of Rötgen. Light resistance was encountered during the advance. Four hundred and eighty four rounds of HE and 35 rounds of WP were fired on machine gun nests, two of which were silenced, on an estimated company of enemy infantry observed going down a road and on several houses containing enemy resistance which were burned down.

GO No. 57, Headquarters, VII Corps, this date, awards posthumously, the following officer of this organization, the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service: 1st Lt., Alton L. Owens, 0-1038784, Co C.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 564 enlisted men. Casualties:

33609873, Kopicki, Richard J., Cpl, KIA, Co B
31389004, DeProfio, Emilio (NMI), Sgt, LWA, Co B
31366971, Mongiat, Edward A., Cpl, LWA, Co B
31349187, Pasternak, Joseph J., Pvt, LWA, Co B
31349265, Michonski, Walter P., Pvt, LWA, Co B
32650660, Schorr, Bernard (NMI), PFC, LWA, Co B
32826068, Pominowski, Stanley (NMI), PFC, DOW, Co B
37565050, Olson, Rolf (NMI), Pvt, LWA, Co B

16 September 1944 (D plus 102), Item 179: Company A was detached from the 16th Inf, 1st Div and attached to the 18th Inf, 1st Div effective 1200. Two hundred and forty seven rounds of HE and sixty three rounds of WP were expended on a strong point which was occupied by the 18th Infantry.

Company B, operating with the second battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 177 rounds of HE and 71 rounds of WP on detachments of troops, on strong points containing automatic weapons, on positions defending road blocks, and an enemy mortar position which was silenced. The entire area was subjected to sporadic enemy artillery fire throughout the period. One casualty resulted from time fire, however, and was not evacuated.

Company C moved forward with the 47th Inf towards Düren. Two displacements were made during the period. No rounds were fired.

Company D, advancing with the 39th Inf, 9th Div towards Düren, fired 176 rounds of HE and 66 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and on positions and road blocks containing automatic weapons. Results not known. Throughout the night, harassing fire on two crossroads was executed each hour on the hour.

The battalion CP moved to the east 25.5 miles to (K-885368), a position 4 miles southeast of Aachen, Germany. Strength decreased to 42 officers and 563 enlisted men

17 September 1944 (D plus 103), Item 180: Company A, operating with the 18th Inf, 1st Div approximately two miles south of Aachen, fired 224 rounds of HE and 46 rounds of WP on enemy personnel, enemy vehicles and on automatic weapons in strong points and road blocks. Good results were observed.

Company B fired 446 rounds of HE and 61 rounds of WP from 0700 to 1400 against a very determined attack on the positions occupied by the 16th Inf, 1st Div. The bulk of this fire was laid along a road which the Germans had to cross and on trails which led perpendicular to this road. Fire was later shifted to a body of woods where activity was observed.

Company C fired 117 rounds of HE and 50 rounds of WP in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div on groups of enemy personnel, on buildings observed to contain personnel, and on enemy vehicles. A large house was brought under fire which proved to be an ammunition dump that burned for about six hours.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 60 rounds of HE and 21 rounds of WP on personnel, machine gun nests and enemy vehicles. One vehicle believed to contain ammunition, exploded.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 561 enlisted men.

18 September 1944 (D plus 104), Item 181: Company A, operating with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 59 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP on a battery of enemy mortars and on two machine gun nests. Direct hits were observed on the mortar positions and were silenced. Direct hits were likewise observed on the machine gun positions which were silenced. One displacement was made during the period.

Company B, operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 57 rounds of HE and 27 rounds of WP on groups of enemy personnel, houses containing personnel, and on enemy vehicles. Good results were observed. At 0030, six direct hits, believed to be 105 millimeter shells, were made on the gun positions of the first and second platoons, The mortars were not firing at the time. Two men were killed and nine men wounded, seven of whom were evacuated. The switchboard and two SCR radios were destroyed and two vehicles damaged. This entire area has been subjected to heavy artillery fire for the past two days, mostly of a searching variety. The positions were moved approximately 600 yards to the flank. There are now only 108 men present for duty in this company and two platoons of three guns each are being employed.

Company C, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 8o rounds of WP and 86 rounds of HE on an enemy attack, on a column of infantry retreating after the attack was repulsed, and on three houses which were burned down. These houses contained enemy troops and, it is believed, were being used as CP's.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 135 rounds of HE and 193 rounds of WP on troops and on vehicles containing personnel. Good results were observed. One forward displacement was made.

Strength increased to 43 officers and decreased to 559 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31128161, Thrower, Spencer G. Jr., Sgt, KIA, Co B
33792532, Young, Gilbert (NMI), PFC, KIA, Co B
31388946, Hart, William J., Cpl, SWA, Co B
36450088, Chronister, Samuel C., Pvt, LWA, Co B
33345430, Fetterman, Aerio M., S/Sgt, LW/A, Co B
35145687, Rihm, Dorvin F., Pvt, LW/A, Co B
32746028, Hazzard, Herbert (NMI), Pvt, LWA, Co B
34072499, Murphy, Robert N., S/Sgt, LW/A, Co B
36741150, Bell, Robert A., Pvt, LWA, Co.B

19 September 1944 (D Plus 105), Item 182: Company A continued in a holding position with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Four rounds of HE and four rounds of WP were fired on an enemy wire team which fled.

Company B continued to operate with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. One hundred and sixteen rounds of HE and 80 rounds of WP were fired. A direct hit was observed on an enemy machine gun. Five houses observed to contain the enemy were burned down. Groups of enemy personnel and vehicles were taken under fire.

Company C continued in its holding position with the 47th Inf, 9th Div and fired 73 rounds of HE and 103 rounds of WP.
From 2215 until 2245, the second platoon fired approximately 100 rounds of both types on enemy vehicles which were observed to be shuttling troops. Artillery also fired on this road and a number of burning vehicles were observed. Shortly after firing ceased, the platoon's mortar positions were shelled at 30 minute intervals for the balance of the night. There were no casualties to the men or the mortars. However, seven vehicles and five trailers were slightly damaged. The first platoon fired approximately 30 rounds of both types on a twenty millimeter anti-aircraft gun which was observed to be destroyed. A group of houses which were observed to be occupied by the enemy were set afire.

Company D continued in its holding position with the 39th Inf, 9th Div and fired five rounds of HE and 91 rounds of WP on groups of enemy personnel and on vehicles containing personnel.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 542 enlisted men.

Casualties:

33682956, Volkay, William N., Tec 5, LIA, Co D

20 September 1944 (D plus 106), Item 183: Company A continued in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div approximately one and one-half miles south of Aachen. 16 rounds of HE and 10 rounds of WP were fired on a column of enemy personnel estimated to be a company. The column was dispersed.

Company B continued in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div two miles east of AACHEN. Four rounds of WP were fired during the day for registration purposes. Enemy artillery continued to pound the area.

Company C, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 93 rounds of WP to spot targets for P-47 dive bombers. One concentration of enemy vehicles and two concentrations of enemy personnel were marked and bombed.

Company D fired 91 rounds of HE and 161 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and on automatic weapon positions to assist the advance of the 39th Inf, 9th Div thru heavy woods. In one sector, a smoke screen was placed for fifteen minutes on a 600 yard front which successfully screened the advance of the infantry. Strength increased to 42 officers and 543 enlisted men.

21 September 1944 (D plus 107), Item 184: Company A continued in a holding position just south of AACHEN with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. 28 rounds of HE were fired on a column of enemy personnel which was dispersed. One round of Wp was used for registration purposes.

Company B continued in a holding position east of Aachen with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. 27 rounds of HE and 16 rounds of WP were fired with good results on enemy personnel and on two machine gun nests which were silenced.

Company C continued in its holding position with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. No rounds were fired.

Company D, supporting the 39th Inf, 9th Div in an advance to a limited objective, fired 147 rounds of HE and 180 rounds of WP against enemy personnel, vehicles, automatic weapons and against two small counter-attacks which were repulsed.

Strength increased to 42 officers and 547 enlisted men.

22 September 1944 (D plus 108), Item 185: Company A continued in a holding position with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Seventy rounds of HE and 15 rounds of WP were fired with good results on what was estimated to be a company of infantry digging in.

Company B continued in a holding position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div and fired 14 rounds of HE, one round of WP on a rather large group of enemy personnel observed in a wooded area.

Company C, operating in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 167 rounds of HE and 105 rounds of WP to assist in the repulsing of an attack which began at 0630A.

Company D assisted the advance of the 39th Inf, 9th Div thru a heavy wooded sector by firing 37 rounds of HE and 95 rounds of WP on personnel and automatic weapons in the vicinity of pill boxes which were encountered in this area.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 547 enlisted men.

23 September 1944 (D plus 109), Item 186: Company A continued its holding position just south of Aachen with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. 121 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP were fired into a well defiladed strong point. The position was reduced.

Company B fired 26 rounds of HE and one round of WP in support of .the 16th Inf, 1st Div on a group of enemy personnel observed in the woods. Good results were observed.

Company C fired 18 rounds of HE and 22 rounds of WP on a machine gun nest and on two small groups of enemy personnel. The machine gun was destroyed and the personnel routed.

Company D fired 10 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP on a small group of enemy infantry moving down a road. At 1710, four rounds of artillery fire fell in the area occupied by the Company CP and the mortar positions. Three casualties resulted, all of whom were evacuated.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 547 enlisted men.

Casualties:

6974529, Fairchild, Walter H., S/Sgt, LWA, Co D
36819632, Leon, Gilbert 0., Tec 5, LWA, Co D
35708288, Coleman, James C., Pvt, LWA, Co D

24 September 1944 (D plus 110), Item 187: Company A fired 192 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP in support of patrolling operations of the 18th Inf, 1st Div into the outskirts of Aachen. Direct hits were obtained on two kitchen vehicles and casualties were inflicted on the group of enemy personnel which had gathered around these trucks.

Company B fired 113 rounds of HE and 41 rounds of WP in support of patrolling operations of the 16th Inf, 1st Div. At 0945, 21 shells of 105 caliber fell squarely into the mortar positions of the second platoon. One man was killed and one man wounded. The platoon displaced approximately one-half mile to a new position.

Company C fired 200 rounds of HE and 113 rounds of WP in support of the 147th Inf, 9th Div. Effective results were observed on groups of enemy personnel, on vehicles and on enemy observed to be digging in.

Company D fired 113 rounds of HE and 56 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div On enemy personnel observed to be digging in, and on vehicles. A direct hit was observed on one vehicle.

General Order No. 61, Headquarters, VII Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following Officer and enlisted men of this organization.

Captain Kenneth B. Browne, O3O2554, Med Det.
First Sergeant Howard Ford, 36685243, Co C
Staff Sergeant Charlie McManus, 7001755, Co C

Strength increased to 42 officers and decreased to 546 enlisted men.

Casualties:

32989375, Kuhn, George B., PFC, KIA, Co B
33515097, Hydack, John (NMI), Cpl, SWA, Co B

25 September 1944 (D plus 111), Item 188: Company A continued in position just south of Aachen with the 18th Inf, 1st Div and fired 196 rounds of HE and 27 rounds of WP on vehicles, on enemy wire crews, and infantry observed to be digging in. A direct hit was observed on one vehicle.

Company B fired 32 rounds of HE on an enemy patrol. Enemy artillery and mortar fire continued to pound the entire area occupied by the 16th Inf.

Company C fired 239 rounds of HE and 44 rounds of WP in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, on houses observed to contain enemy and on personnel digging in. One mission was fired on two 20mm anti-aircraft guns which were set up in an old mine crater. The guns and personnel manning them were observed to have been destroyed. The first platoon of this company was detached from the second battalion, 47th Inf Regt and attached to the 60th Inf.

Company D fired 76 rounds of HE and 53 rounds of WP in support of the 39th Inf, 9th Div on enemy patrols and on houses observed to contain the enemy and which we believed to be CP's.

While one of the forward observers was adjusting fire for one of the missions, several rounds suddenly fell short by several hundred yards and inflicted casualties on our own troops. A careful investigation showed that the sensing of the forward observer had been correct and also that the records and computations at the mortar positions were correct. It is concluded that the short rounds were due to wet M-5 powder.

The Chemical Officer, Headquarters, 12th Army Group and the Chemical Officer, Headquarters 1st U. S. Army, visited the battalion during the period. The mortar positions of Company B and Company D were inspected.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and increased to 555 enlisted men.

26 September 1944 (D plus 112), Item 189: Company A fired 92 rounds of HE and 19 rounds of WP on enemy patrols and vehicles and also to support patrolling activities of the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Sporadic artillery and mortar fire fell on the area through out the period.

The second platoon of Company C fired 91 rounds of HE in support of patrolling activities of the 3rd Battalion, 47th Inf, 9th Div. The first platoon, which on 25 September was attached to the 60th Inf,,9th Div, was further attached to 1st Battalion, 39th Inf, which is attached to the 60th Inf.

Company D fired 54 rounds of HE and 165 rounds of WP On enemy personnel and enemy gun emplacements to support patrolling activities of the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Sporadic artillery fire fell in the sector during the period.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 549 enlisted men.

Casualties:

32927844, Carlo, Emanuel (NMI), LIA, Co B

27 September 1944 (D plus 113), Item 190: Company A fired 134 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP on enemy patrols and on buildings believed to be CP's and OP's in the city of Aachen. Direct hits were observed on several buildings.

Company B fired 44 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in support of patrolling activities of the 16th Inf, 1st Div. The rounds were fired on groups of enemy personnel and on automatic weapons emplacements.

The first platoon of Company C, operating with the first battalion, 39th Inf, 9th Div (attached to the 60th Inf), fired 223 rounds of HE on successive phase lines to support the attack of that battalion. A very strong counterattack was directed by the enemy against this battalion about two hours after the initiating of its attack. The first platoon directed fire on trails and roads over which the enemy was advancing for the counter-attack and on a known mortar position which was silenced. Effective results were observed against enemy personnel. This platoon was forced to displace its locations because of heavy enemy fire, however, there were no casualties to personnel or material.

The second platoon of Company C which is supporting the 3rd battalion of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, did not fire any missions during the period.

Company D, operating in support of the 2nd Battalion, 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 134 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP on enemy personnel and on houses observed to contain personnel. Effective results were observed.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 549 enlisted men.

28 September 1944 (D plus 114), Item 191: Company A continued in a holding position with the 18th Inf, 1st Div just south of Aachen. During the period, 165 rounds of HE and 27 rounds of WP were fired on observed personnel, on houses observed to contain personnel and on machine gun positions in the city of Aachen. Twenty to thirty of the enemy were believed to have been casualties in one house.

Company B continued to operate in a holding position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. Twenty-two rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP were fired 0n enemy vehicles and on an enemy mortar position which was silenced. Sporadic artillery fire continued to fall the vicinity throughout the period.

The first platoon of Company C, operating in support of the first battalion, 39th Inf, 9th Div, which is attached to the 60th Inf, fired 124 rounds of HE to support a limited objective attack of this battalion and on an ensuing counter attack by the enemy.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the third battalion, 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 54 rounds of HE and 20 rounds of WP on personnel, prepared positions, and on buildings in a small town containing the enemy, which were burned. During the period, a single large caliber shell landed 20 yards from the mortar positions; there were no casualties.

Company D, operating in support of an attack of the second battalion, 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 367 rounds of HE and 167 rounds of WP on personnel, prepared positions and on the town of Simmerath. This town was observed to contain many of the enemy and was being converted into a strong point.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 554 enlisted men.

29 September 1944 (D plus 115), Item 192: Company A continued in support of the 18th Inf, 1st Div and fired 396 rounds of HE, 54 rounds of WP on enemy patrols, groups of personnel and on houses observed to contain personnel in the city Aachen.

Company B continued in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div and fired 20 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP on two enemy patrols and vehicles.

The first platoon of Company C, operating with the 1st Battalion, 39th Inf, which is attached to the 60th Inf, fired 200 rounds of HE and 12 rounds of WP with the following observed results: Three tanks observed coming down a road were taken under fire with HE and forced to turn back; direct hits were observed on two self-propelled guns which had been harassing this area for the past several days. A platoon of enemy mortars was taken under fire and silenced. Observed fire was placed on personnel observed to be moving about bunkers and casualties were inflicted.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 3rd Battalion, 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 7 rounds of HE on enemy personnel observed to be digging in.

Company D fired 83 rounds of HE and 312 rounds of WP to assist an attack of the 39th Inf to the east and south of Lammersdorf. To assist the 2nd Battalion, a smoke screen was placed on a 1,500 yard front and maintained for two hours and 37 minutes with 312 rounds of WP. The second platoon assisted the attack of the 3rd Battalion to high ground east of Lammersdorf with the above-mentioned 83 rounds of HE. One casualty was suffered by the first platoon during the period from artillery fire, however, was not evacuated.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 554 enlisted men.

30 September 1944 (D plus 116), Item 193: Company A continued in operation with the 18th Inf, 1st Div and fired 65 rounds of HE and 31 rounds of WP on enemy activity in houses in and around AACHEN.

Company B continuing in operation with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 22 rounds of HE on a squad of enemy digging in, two of whom were observed to have been killed, and on an enemy chow line, five of whom were observed to be casualties and the rest dispersed.

The first platoon of Company C, attached to the 1st Bn, 39th Inf, which is attached to the 60th Inf of the 9th Div, fired on automatic weapons around pill boxes and on entrenched personnel to assist the advance of this battalion.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 3rd Bn., 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired upon and blew up an ammunition dump and neutralized an enemy OP. A total of 113 rounds of HE and 34 rounds of WP were expended.

Company D, operating with the second and third battalions of the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 21 rounds of HE and 68 rounds of WP to assist the attacks of these battalions. Fire was placed on enemy personnel, gun emplacements and enemy vehicles.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 554 enlisted men.

October 1944

1 October 1944 (D plus 117), Item 194: Company A, continuing in a holding Position with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 24 rounds of HE and one round of WP on enemy personnel observed in the city of Aachen.

Company B, continuing in a holding position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 35 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP with undetermined results on two small enemy patrols and on enemy personnel observed to be digging in.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 3rd Bn, 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 131 rounds of HE on an installation of enemy mortars, results not known, however, they ceased firing, and on enemy personnel observed to be digging in. Sixteen rounds of WP were fired at 1900 on three tanks which were delivering fire on the battalion front. Results could not be observed, however, the tanks ceased firing.

Company D fired 183 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP from 2000 to 2030 to assist in the successful stopping of an enemy counter-attack against the 2nd Battalion, 39th Inf, 9th Div.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

2 October 1944 (D plus 118), Item 195: Company A, detached from the 18th Inf, 1st Div and attached to Headquarters, 1106th Engineers Group effective 1500, fired 39 rounds of HE on personnel observed moving about in the city of Aachen, and on a small patrol. Results are mot known. At 0545, 21 rounds of WP were fired to screen a small attack of the 18th Inf on a bunker.

Company B continued in holding position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div and fired 23 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP with unknown effect on entrenched personnel and on two houses observed to contain the enemy.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 3rd En, 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 48 rounds of HE on entrenched personnel and on a small enemy patrol. Seventeen rounds of HE were fired on a small group of houses observed to contain the enemy; the houses were set afire.

Company D fired 72 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div on enemy positions and on an enemy patrol; results not determined.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

3 October 1944 (D plus 119), Item 196: Company A fired 362 rounds of HE and 111 rounds of WP in accordance with orders of the supported battalion commander on three machine gun nests, and on an OP in Aachen which had been located by patrols. The fire could be observed to hit the vicinity of these targets, however, exact results were not determined.

Company B fired 102 rounds of HE and 53 rounds of WP from 0010 to 0350 to assist in repulsing an enemy attack against the positions of the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf, 1st Div. The 53 rounds of WP were fired in conjunction with Division artillery on three enemy tanks observed in a draw, two of which were left burning.

Company C fired 256 rounds of HE and 52 rounds of WP on enemy mortar positions which were silenced; on two small concentrations of troops; and on two individual mortars, the locations of which had been reported by patrols. Results not observed.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 49 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP of interdictory fire on roads and crossroads in the towns of Simmerath and Witzlrath.

GO #64, Headquarters, VII Corps, this dale, awards the following enlisted men of this organization, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.

Staff Sergeant Aerio M. Fetterman, 33345430, Co B
Staff Sergeant Robert N. Murphy, 34072499, Co B

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

4 October 1944 (D plus 120), Item 197: Company A, continuing in a holding position with Headquarters, 1106th Engineers Group, fired 251 rounds of HE and 12 rounds of WP. At 0130, employing map data furnished by a patrol, a small concentration was placed on enemy observed digging in around a bunker. Another patrol reported that they immediately ceased this operation. Observed fire was placed on a mess line which was dispersed. A small number of casualties were observed to have been inflicted. A house in the city of Aachen observed to contain enemy personnel was set afire and partially burned.

Company B, continuing in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 32 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP on a small patrol which was scattered, two casualties were observed to have been inflicted. Interdictory fire also was placed on a road leading into Haaren over which German traffic was observed. The WP was used to register for a future mission.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 3rd En, 47th Inf, 9th Div., fired 235 rounds of HE and 54 rounds of WP on enemy positions which had been located by patrols. The effect of this fire was undetermined.

Company D moved with the 39th Inf, 9th Div from the vicinity of Lammersdorf approximately 12 miles to an assembly area two miles east of Zweifall. No rounds fired.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

5 October 1944 (D plus 121), Item 198: Company A, operating with 1106th Engineers Group, fired 81 rounds of HE and 22 rounds of WP on enemy entrenchments and a machine gun position located by friendly patrols. Patrols report effective results.

Company B, operating with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 20 rounds of HE, observed fire, on an enemy mortar position which was silenced. Fourteen rounds of WP were fired on a position believed to contain a machine gun and to register for a future mission.

The second platoon of Company C, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div fired 92 rounds of HE, all map data, on two mortar positions, one strong point and one 20mm anti-aircraft position, the location of which had been reported by patrols. Results not known, however, no additional fire came from the mortar position or the anti-aircraft position. No missions fired by the 1st platoon of Company C operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div.

Company D, operating with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, no change.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 554 enlisted men.

Casualties: 6385146, Haywood, Clyde (NMI), 1st Sgt, LWA, Co C

6 October 1944 (D plus 122), Item 199:Company A fired 111 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in support of operations of the 1106th Engineers Group. From 0130 to 0430 fire was delivered on an enemy patrol which had infiltrated between our outposts and MLR. The patrol was forced to withdraw. Fire was delivered on an estimated 125 of the enemy observed attempting to establish strong points in the city of Aachen. An estimated 50 casualties were inflicted.

Company B, continuing in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired one round of WP for registration purposes.

The second platoon of Company C fired 155 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was delivered on entrenched personnel and on a position containing two mortars. Casualties were inflicted and the mortars silenced. Unobserved fire was placed on two 20mm anti-aircraft batteries, results not known. The first platoon of Company C, operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 59 rounds of HE from map data on a mortar position which was reported silenced.

Company D fired 82 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP of preparatory fire on entrenchments around bunkers in support of an attack by the 39th Inf, 9th Div.

Strength remains at 40 officers and 554 enlisted men.

7 October 1944 (D plus 123), Item 200:Company A fired 129 rounds of HE in operations with the 1106th Engineers Group. Unobserved fire was placed on entrenchments around a bunker. Observed fire was placed on an estimated 50 men taking calisthenics in Aachen and an estimated 10 casualties inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on a machine gun position which had been located by patrols; results were unknown.

Company B fired 36 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position. The personnel fled and abandoned two of the mortars. A small number of casualties were observed to have been inflicted. Company B detached from 16th Inf and attached to 18th Inf, 1st Div effective 2400.
The first platoon of Company C fired no missions for the 60th Inf, 9th Div. The second platoon fired 206 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was placed on entrenched personnel around two bunkers. An estimated nine casualties were reported to have been inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on an enemy mortar position, results not known, however, no more fire emanated from the position.

Company D fired 55 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, for an attack by the 39th Inf, 9th Div on entrenched personnel around bunkers.

GO #66, Headquarters, VII Corps, this date, awards the following officer of this organization, the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action: Second Lieutenant James C. Hosmer, 0887368, Co D

Strength remains at 40 officers and 554 enlisted men.

8 October 1944 (D plus 124), Item 201: Company A fired 234 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP in operations with the 1106th Engineers Group. Between 0320 and 0400, 200 rounds (HE), preparatory fire, were placed on enemy positions in Aachen in coordination with an attack by elements of the First Division and a demonstration in the sector of the 1106th Engineer Group. 38 rounds were placed on enemy positions which had been located by patrols, results not reported.

Company B fired 330 rounds of HE and 363 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Preparatory fire was delivered between 0330 and 0400 for an attack by the 2nd Battalion, 18th Inf. Later, fire was placed on enemy positions north of Verlautenheide. Smoke screens were delivered to assist the attacks of the 1st and 3rd Battalions as follows: From 0800 to 0830; 0855 to 0930; 0955 to 1100; 1130 to 1245. At 0835, two shells landed in the mortar positions of the 1st platoon. Three men were wounded and evacuated.

The first platoon of Company C fired 280 rounds of HE and 95 rounds of WP, preparatory fire, to assist an attack by the 60th Inf, 9th Div. This fire was directed at entrenched personnel and OP's around bunkers. Harassing fire was also delivered on a hill to the immediate front. The second platoon in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div fired 3 rounds of HE and 21 rounds of WP on coordinates furnished by the Regimental Commander. A fire and much black smoke were observed. The nature of the target is not known. At 1830 one shell landed in the mortar positions and inflicted two casualties, both of whom were evacuated.

Company D fired 188 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP, preparatory fire, on entrenched positions for two attacks by the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel and casualties were observed inflicted.

Strength increased to 41 officers and decreased to 552 enlisted men.

Casualties:

33075977, McKinley, Warren C., Sgt, SWA, Co B
36685248, Miller, Adolph (NMI), Pvt, SWA, Co B
31367087, Crivello, James H., Cpl, LWA, Co B
33655529, Rose, Alvin (UNI), Cpl, LWA, Co C
34813330, McKenzie, Berlin B., Cpl, LWA, Co C

9 October 1944 (D plus 125), Item 202: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group, expended 63 rounds of HE with excellent observed results on a road block containing automatic weapons; on a house containing German personnel; and on a machine gun nest.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 82 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP to assist in the repelling of two enemy counter-attacks in the vicinity of Verlautenheide; in support on an attack on Crucifix Hill, and against two enemy machine gun emplacements. All fire was observed; effective results were obtained.

The first platoon of Company C, operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 289 rounds of HE and 72 rounds of WP (Map coordinates) on an enemy CP and on entrenched personnel around a bunker; fire reported effective, results unknown. The second platoon of Company C in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 117 rounds of HE from map coordinates on an enemy mortar position and on entrenched personnel around a bunker; fire was reported effective, results unknown.

Company D fired 67 rounds of HE and 12 rounds of WP, preparatory fire, on machine gun emplacements and enemy personnel in support of an attack by the 39th Inf, 9th Div.

A special platoon of four mortars departed this date to fire a mission in the vicinity of Neuhof for the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, V Corps in accordance with a request from Commanding Officer, 8th Infantry Regiment.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 546 enlisted men.

10 October 1944 (D plus 126), Item 203: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group, fired 71 rounds of HE and 11 rounds of WP with excellent observed results on houses and personnel in Aachen. Unobserved fire was placed on a machine gun position located by patrols. Fire reported effective, however, results unknown.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 220 rounds of HE to assist in the repelling of a counter-attack on Verlautenheide on an enemy mortar position which was silenced; on an enemy machine gun position in a haystack which was set afire; and on a concentration of enemy personnel in a draw. Effective results were observed.

No missions were fired by the first platoon of Company C in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div. The mortar positions were shelled by an estimated 12 rounds at 1415. One man was wounded and evacuated. The second platoon, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 80 rounds of WP to screen enemy OP's on two hills to support an attack by the 47th Infantry.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div fired 82 rounds of HE and I round of WP on enemy personnel; on an enemy machine gun emplacement; and to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack.
The special platoon operating with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

GO # 124, this headquarters, awards the Good Conduct Medal to 95 enlisted men of this command.

Casualties:

33312385, Graham, Theodore L., Cpl, LWA, Co C

11 October 1944 (D plus 127), Item 204: Company A fired 389 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in operations with the 1106th Engineers Group. Observed fire was placed on groups of enemy moving past a road block. An estimated six casualties were inflicted. Unobserved fire was delivered at 0300 on a strong point which had been located by patrols, results unknown.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 35 rounds of HE and one round of WP to assist in the successful repelling of an attack by enemy tanks; and on a group of 16 enemy personnel, six of whom were observed killed and the remainder scattered.

The first platoon of Company C fired 84 rounds of HE to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the first battalion, 60th Inf, 9th Div. The second platoon, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 40 rounds of WP to screen enemy OP's on two hills in support of an attack by the 3rd Bn. Thirty rounds of HE were placed on an enemy mortar position which had been located by patrols; results unknown. The company CP was shelled from 1605 to 1615; there were no casualties.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 60 rounds of HE, interdictory fire, on a crossroads and on a machine gun nest which was silenced. Eight rounds of WP were expended to burn two houses observed to contain enemy personnel.

From 0315 to 0400, 13 shells, estimated to be 150mm, impacted in the immediate vicinity of the battalion CP. There were no personnel casualties, however, one trailer was damaged and all wire communications were severed.

The special platoon operating with the 8th Inf, 4th Div-no change.

GO # 67, Headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards the following officer and enlisted men of this organization, the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in action. This order also awards Private Delizon A. King, 6141365, Company A, the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action:

Major Jay L. King, Jr., 0-362379, Headquarters
Staff Sergeant Francis K. Gregor, 31379052, Co A
Private First Class Angelo Bastoni, 31366798, Co A

12 October 1944 (D plus 128), Item 205: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group fired 179 rounds of HE and 147 rounds of WP into the city of Aachen on three enemy wire teams and on two small columns of personnel which were dispersed with casualties and on enemy personnel in houses, four of which were burned. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy entrenchments which had been located by a patrol, results unknown.

Company B fired 147 rounds of HE and one round of WP to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the first battalion, 18th Inf, 1st Division. Fire also was placed on groups of enemy personnel observed in the open which were routed.

The first platoon of Company C, operating with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 206 rounds of HE (all map data) on three mortar positions which had been located by patrols, results unknown. Twenty rounds of WP, interdictory fire, were placed on a crossroads. The second platoon, operating with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 66 rounds of HE, observed fire, on two 20mm anti-aircraft guns which were silenced.

Company D fired 37 rounds of HE to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the first battalion of the 39th Inf, 9th Div. 73 rounds of WP were placed on an 800 yard front for 30 minutes to screen an attack on the town of Vossenack.

The special platoon operating with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

13 October 1944 (D plus 129), Item 206: Company A remained attached to the 1106th Engineer Group and fired 104 rounds of HE on enemy positions and personnel observed in the outskirts of Aachen in conjunction with an attack by the 26th Inf, 1st Div.

Company B fired 104 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. At 0300 fire was directed on a counter-attack against the second battalion, 18th Inf in the vicinity of Wambach. It is believed this was a body of the enemy attempting to force its way out of Aachen. At 1600, fire was placed on a small patrol. Two were observed killed, one wounded and the remaining dispersed. The second platoon displaced forward from Eilendorff to the vicinity of Haaren.

The first platoon of Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 241 rounds of HE and 196 rounds of WP. All firing was by coordinates on a counter-attack against the 1st Battalion; on a mortar position and entrenched personnel to support an attack by the 1st Battalion; and on a counter-attack against the second battalion. The second platoon of Company C, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div fired 84 rounds of HE and 56 rounds of WP. Two observed smoke screens were placed on enemy OP's on hills to support an attack by the 47th Inf, 9th Div. Unobserved fire was placed on positions containing entrenched personnel, results unknown.

Company D fired 28 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP to support an attack by the 1st Battalion, 39th Inf 9th Div on Vossenack. One 1/4-ton truck was damaged by shell fire while it was being employed to operate a relay station between the forward observer and the mortar positions. The vehicle was evacuated.

The special platoon operating with the 8th Inf, 4th Div. V Corps-no change.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

14 October 1944 (D plus 130), Item 207: Company A fired 13 rounds of HE (map coordinates) on a strong point which had been located by patrols of the 1106th Engineer Group, results not known.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 154 rounds of HE and 38 rounds of WP. Approximately 20 rounds each were delivered at 0100, 0415, and 0530 on tank and troop concentrations observed northeast of Haaren: it is believed that these troops were attempting to escape from Aachen. This fire was delivered in conjunction with division artillery and dispersed the concentration with casualties. During the morning, observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position which was silenced and later, on enemy personnel observed in the vicinity.

The first platoon of Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 139 rounds of WP (map coordinates) on a concentration of enemy personnel in support of an attack by the 1st Battalion. The second platoon, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 71 rounds of HE, observed fire, on a rather large group of what appeared to be infantry replacements. Casualties were observed inflicted and the group dispersed.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 289 rounds of HE and 22 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments and on two machine gun positions. Fire was observed to fall on the target, however, results are unknown. Observed fire was placed on a concentration of what appeared to be enemy replacements. Casualties were observed inflicted and the remainder dispersed. 15 rounds of interdictory fire were placed on a crossroads.

The special platoon with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

15 October 1944 (D plus 131), Item 208: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group, fired 137 rounds of HE and 199 rounds of WP, all observed fire, on a column of infantry observed in Aachen which was driven back; on two machine gun nests which were reported silenced; and to set afire two houses observed to contain personnel. A section of two mortars was detached from the 1106th Engineer Group and attached to the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div, which is attacking the city of Aachen.

Company B fired 309 rounds of HE and 26 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Observed fire was placed on a concentration of enemy tanks and infantry assembling for an attack which was launched at 1000. Observed fire was also placed on three enemy machine gun emplacements, in all cases fire was observed to fall on target. The mortar positions of this company were heavily shelled by artillery throughout the period. There were no casualties.

The first platoon of Company C fired 24 rounds of HE and 52 rounds of WP (map coordinates) on two mortar positions and entrenched personnel to assist an attack by the 2nd Battalion, 60th Inf, 9th Div. The second platoon in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 95 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on a column of enemy personnel, casualties were observed inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on a concentration of personnel, results unknown.

Company D fired 272 rounds of HE and 28 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was placed on entrenched personnel and on two machine gun emplacements north of Vossenack; the machine guns were reported silenced. Two houses in Vossenack, observed to contain enemy personnel, were set afire. Twelve rounds of interdictory fire were placed on crossroads. Fire was placed on a ridge line to assist in the repulsing of a light counter-attack.

The special platoon with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

16 October 1944 (D plus 132), Item 209: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group fired 193 rounds of HE and 54 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on a wire team in Aachen. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy positions in Aachen which had been located by patrols, results not reported.

A section of two mortars operating with the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 253 rounds of HE and 55 rounds of WP to assist in the repelling of two strong counter-attacks in the city of Aachen, and on enemy strong points arid positions to assist the advance of this battalion in cleaning up the city.

Company B fired 517 rounds of HE and 58 rounds of WP to assist in repelling four strong enemy counter-attacks against positions occupied by the 16th and 18th Regiments, 1st Division. This company is credited with disabling two tanks, knocking out one self-propelled gun and killing 70-80 Germans. Fire was also delivered on entrenched personnel around bunkers.

On orders from the Commanding General, 1st Division, a third platoon was organized and placed in general support of the 16th Infantry. One Officer and nine enlisted men from the 16th Inf are assisting in the operation of this platoon.

The first platoon of Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 102 rounds of HE (map data) on enemy entrenchments and mortar positions, results not known.

The second platoon of Company C, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 48 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on two anti-aircraft positions which were reported silenced.

Company D fired 124 rounds of HE and 13 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments around bunkers; on two houses believed to be a CP which were set afire and the personnel dispersed with an estimated 15 casualties inflicted. Fire was also delivered on an area in conjunction with artillery to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the 39th Inf, 9th Div.

The special platoon with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

17 October 1944 (D plus 133), Item 210: The first and second platoons of Company A fired 115 rounds of HE and 21 rounds of WP in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group. Harassing fire, one round each five minutes, was placed on the western part of Aachen to assist the 26th Inf, 1st Div. A field artillery observer directed fire upon a hotel which had been converted into an enemy strong point. Direct hits and excellent results were reported.

One section of two mortars operating in support of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, in Aachen, fired 379 rounds of HE and 13 rounds of WP. A direct hit was observed on a machine gun nest; a mortar position was silenced; harassing fire was delivered throughout the period. Fire was delivered to assist in the repelling of a counter-attack and these two mortars were credited with disabling one tank.

The first and second platoons of Company B fired 164 rounds of HE and 17 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Preparatory fire was placed on enemy positions to assist an attack by the 18th Inf to wipe out a local penetration. One tank was disabled. Fire was placed on a concentration of tanks which were dispersed. A house observed to contain enemy personnel was set afire, two were observed killed. A harassing mission of 100 rounds was delivered between 1930 and 2130.

The third platoon of Company B fired 134 rounds of HE and 21 rounds of WP in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div. Observed fire was placed on enemy entrenchments and on concentrations of enemy personnel and tanks which were observed to be dispersed with losses.

Company C, operating with the 47th and, 60th Inf Regiments, 9th Division - no change.

Company D fired 103 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div on entrenched personnel; to assist in repelling a counterattack; on two machine gun emplacements. Satisfactory results were reported. Interdictory fire was placed on two crossroads.

The special platoon with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

18 October 1944 (D plus 134), Item 211: Company A, in operations with the 1106th Engineer Group, fired 92 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP to assist in the reduction of the city of Aachen. Harassing fire (WP shell) was placed on Aachen throughout the period. One round of interdictory fire each five minutes was placed on a crossroads in the city.

The section of two mortars operating in support of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, fired 168 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP to assist in the reduction of the City. Fire was placed on area targets throughout the period and against a counterattack. Coordinate fire was placed On a self-propelled gun position, results unknown.

Company B fired 220 rounds of HE and 68 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div to assist in the repulsing of two counterattacks; on two self-propelled guns which were forced to turn back; and on a six-man wire crew, only one of which was observed to escape from the area.

The 3rd platoon of Company B fired eleven rounds of HE and 24 rounds of WP, observed fire, in support of operations of the 16th Inf, 1st Div on groups of enemy personnel; casualties were reported.

The first platoon of Company C fired 60 rounds of HE, interdictory fire, on a road junction in support of operations of the 60th Inf, 9th Div.

The second platoon of Company C fired 125 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was placed on two columns of enemy personnel, casualties were observed inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on an enemy mortar position, results unknown.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 264 rounds of HE and 35 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments; on personnel; and on two machine gun positions. Satisfactory results were observed. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads throughout the period.

The special platoon with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps - no change.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

19 October 1944 (D plus 135), Item 212: Company A fired 61 rounds of HE and 91 rounds of WP to assist operations of the 1106th Engineer Group and the 26th Inf to capture the city of Aachen. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy positions and houses believed to contain the enemy.

The section of two mortars operating with the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 158 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP, observed fire, on large concentrations of enemy personnel on high ground inside the city; the infantry observer reported an estimated 150 casualties inflicted. Observed fire was also placed on an enemy gun battery which was reported silenced.

Company B fired 192 rounds of HE and 13 rounds of WP to assist in the repulsing of two counter-attacks against positions of the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Unobserved fire was placed on a reported concentration of enemy personnel, results unknown. Fire was placed on an enemy tank concentration in the vicinity of Wambach which was dispersed.

The 3rd platoon of Company with the 16th Inf, 1st Div - no change. The first platoon of Company C fired 229 rounds of HE in support of operations of the 60th Inf, 9th Div (map coordinates) on five entrenched positions and one CP, results not reported.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 171 rounds of HE. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel which were dispersed; on an enemy ammunition dump which was set afire; and assisted in the successful repelling of a counter - attack against the 2nd Battalion. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads in Germeter and on the town of Vossenack. Unobserved fire Was placed on a machine gun emplacement.

The special platoon returned this date from operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, V Corps. Thirty eight rounds of HE and 76 rounds of WP, observed fire, were placed on entrenched positions around bunkers in the vicinity of Neuhof. A direct hit was observed on a machine gun position.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

20 October 1944 (D plus 136), Item 213: Company A fired 144 rounds of HE and 111 round of WP, interdictory fire scheduled throughout the period, on area targets in Aachen to support operations of the 1106th Engineer Group and 26th Inf, 1st Div.

The section of two mortars fired 225 rounds of HE and 8o rounds of WP in operations with the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div. to capture the city of Aachen. Observed fire was placed on a mortar position and on a machine gun position, both of which were reported by infantry observers to have been silenced. Fire was placed on concentrations of personnel in the vicinity of the Technical High School which had been converted into a strong point.

Company B fired 116 rounds of HE in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. One round, harassing fire, was placed each half-hour from 2200 to 0200 On crossroads. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position and an enemy vehicle. Two mortars were reported knocked out and the vehicle set afire.

The 3rd platoon of Company B attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div - no missions fired.

The first platoon of Company C fired 103 rounds of HE and the second platoon of Company C fired 32 rounds of HE, interdictory fire, in accordance with defensive fire plans of the 60th and 47th Regiments, respectively.

Company D fired 77 rounds of HE and 35 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position, two of which were reported knocked out; on enemy entrenchments and houses in the vicinity of Vossenack; and on enemy personnel east of Germeter which were scattered. The WP was fired to silhouette tanks which were supporting an enemy counter-attack at 2030. Five of the tanks were successfully silhouette, one Was knocked out and two damaged by the tank destroyers while the other two turned and fled back thru the smoke screen.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

21 October 44 (D plus 137), Item 214: Company A continued in attachment with the 1106th Engineer Group, no missions fired.

The Section of two mortars in operations with the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div fired 203 rounds, HE, interdictory fire, on Aachen throughout the period and preparatory fire on a strong point for the final attack to seize the western section of the city.

The 1st and 2nd platoons of Company B fired 171 rounds of HE and 78 rounds of WP in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. Harassing fire was placed throughout the hours of darkness on crossroads, a rail junction, three assembly areas, and on a road. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position which was reported silenced.

The 3rd platoon of Company B operating in support of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 54 rounds of HE and 222 rounds of WP, the greater part of this was harassing fire throughout the night as described above. Observed fire was effectively placed On enemy mortar positions which were silenced.

The first platoon of Company C fired 122 rounds of HE as a rolling barrage for a limited objective attack by the 3rd Battalion, 60th Inf, 9th Div.

The 2nd platoon of Company C fired 43 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, observed fire, in support of the 47th Inf, 9th Div, on a wire crew and other personnel in and around a pillbox.

Company D fired 56 rounds of HE in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, observed fire, on positions around a pillbox, and on enemy entrenchments in a wood northeast of Germeter. Effective results were reported. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

22 October 1944 (D plus 138), Item 215: Company A detached from the 1106th Engineer Group effective 0800. Company A, less second platoon, attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div, effective o8oo. Both platoons are operating six mortars each. The entire company moved to respective positions. No missions fired during period.

The 3rd platoon of Company B, supporting the 16th Inf, 1st Div, passed to the control of the Commanding Officer, Company A, effective 0800 and combined into one six-gun platoon. The 1st and 2nd platoons, Co B, placed 121 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy personnel and vehicular concentrations in woods in front of I Company, 16th Inf. The Company headquarters and 1st platoon displaced forward to Haaren, thus placing the entire company in the vicinity of this city.

The 1st platoon of Company C fired 52 rounds, unobserved fire, on an enemy mortar position and an enemy CP, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 48 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on two enemy mortar positions.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 20 rounds of HE, observed fire, on entrenched enemy personnel northeast of Germeter. The fire was observed to fall on target, results not determined.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31370246, Buck, Kenneth T., Pvt, LWA, Co C
33075977, McKinley, Warren C., Sgt, DOW(8 Oct), Co B

23 October 1944 (D plus 139), Item 216: The 1st platoon of Company A fired 221 rounds of HE and 72 rounds of WP on a large concentration of enemy personnel and. vehicles in woods to the immediate front of the 16th Inf, 1st Div. Effective results were reported.

The 2nd platoon of Company A attached to the 26th Inf, no missions fired.

Company B, attached to the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 8 rounds of HE for registration purposes.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 31 rounds of HE, map coordinates, on a reported enemy CP; results unknown.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 108 rounds of HE and 18 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire was placed on personnel in the village of Gressenich; fires and casualties were observed inflicted.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 367 rounds of HE and 80 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on trails to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the 2nd Battalion; or. enemy infantry maneuvering behind the lines which were scattered with casualties; employed to set fire to buildings in Vossenack and Hürtgen. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads between Vossenack and Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

24 October 1944 (D plus 140), Item 217: The first platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 133 rounds of HE and 69 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a convoy of enemy vehicles and on personnel observed in and about houses; one vehicle was hit, two houses set afire.

The second platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 110 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, unobserved harassing fire, throughout the night on a supply road.

Company B continued attachment to the 18th Inf, 1st Div and fired 54 rounds of HE, observed fire, on an enemy patrol which was scattered; and to register on a number of concentration points.

Company C - no missions fired.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 347 rounds of HE and 21 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy motor convoy, one half-track was destroyed; on three different concentrations of personnel in woods with effective results; and on entrenched personnel and houses in Vossenack.

Battalion CP and vicinity shelled from 0200 to 0400 by an estimated 50 shells believed to be 170mm. Two men slightly wounded, two trucks, two trailers and one field range damaged. Approximately one-third of shells were duds.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

25 October 1944 (D plus 141), Item 218: The first platoon of Company A fired 185 rounds of observed fire in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div on personnel in and around houses to the east of Stolberg. Casualties were observed inflicted.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 37 rounds of HE and 13 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy mortar position which was reported silenced; and for registration purposes on concentration points.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 36 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP, interdictory fire, on a road leading north from Haaren; and for registration purposes on concentration points. The 1st platoon displaced forward.

The 1st platoon of Company C, attached to the 60th Inf, 9th Div - no missions fired.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 47th Inf, 9th Div, fired 64 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on an enemy convoy, results unknown.

Company D, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired 184 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel in woods; and on entrenchments and houses in Vossenack; effective results reported.

Interdictory fire was placed throughout the period from Hürtgen to Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 556 enlisted men.

26 October 1944 (D plus 142), Item 219: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 331 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy motor convoy, one half-track of which was knocked out and others damaged; and on entrenched positions and personnel in two houses west of Stolberg. An estimated 50 casualties were inflicted.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 104 rounds of HE and 59 rounds of WP, observed fire, to burn down a house containing a machine gun; and on an enemy mortar position which was reported silenced.

Company B fired 227 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP, preparatory fire for an attack from 2400 to 0100 by Companies B and I of the 18th Inf, 1st Div; on enemy entrenchments and vehicular movements on roads behind the attacked area; and on a concentration of personnel, three of whom were observed killed and a number wounded. Registration was completed on three new concentration points.

Company C, relieved of attachment to 47th Inf, and 60th Inf, 9th Div and pulled out of the line for reorganization and overhaul of equipment.

Company D, detached from 39th Inf, 9th Div and attached, for operational purposes only, to 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps effective 1200. The 28th Inf Div has relieved the 60th and 39th Inf Regiments of the 9th Division in their respective sectors. 167 rounds of HE, observed fire, were placed on entrenched positions around pillboxes and houses in vicinity of Vossenack; and on a mortar position, one of which was knocked out. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads between Hürtgen and Germeter.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

27 October 1944 (D plus 143), Item 220: The first platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 248 rounds of HE and 49 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a self-propelled gun which was forced to withdraw; and on personnel in and around houses in Stolberg. An estimated 30 casualties were inflicted.

The second platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, placed 100 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, observed fire on a heavily defended house just north of Eilendorf which contained a number of machine guns. A large number of casualties were inflicted and the enemy called for a truce to evacuate the wounded.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 91 rounds of HE and 69 rounds of WP, observed fire, on two enemy mortar positions which were silenced; and to set fire to a house containing a CP. Two new concentration points were registered.

Company C - no change.

Company D, in operations with the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 117 rounds of HE and 16 rounds of WP, observed fire, on infantry moving about in the open and on prepared positions; and on a machine gun position northeast of Vossenack which was silenced; and fired several houses In Vossenack. Interdictory fire was placed on the road from Vossenack to Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

28 October 1944 (D plus 144) Item 221: The 1st platoon, Company A operating with the 16th Inf, fired 212 HE and 24 WP, observed fire on personnel in and around houses north of STOLBERG, estimated 40 casualties inflicted; and on an enemy vehicle which was destroyed and three occupants killed.

The 2nd platoon, Company A, operating with the 26th Inf, fired 148 HE and 4 WP observed fire, on enemy infantry, a machine gun nest, an 0P, three parked vehicles, and on an entrenchment around a pillbox. Effective results reported. 20 casualties inflicted.

An enemy patrol advancing toward the position of B Company was driven back and the enemy self-propelled gun reported knocked out. Company B, operating with the 18th Inf fired 109 HE, observed fire, at a machine gun nest, which was silenced and on personnel in the open which were dispersed with casualties. Twenty-seven rounds of WP were fired to screen the movement of a SP 155 gun into position to fire on enemy pillboxes.

Company C - no change.

Company D, operating with the 109th Inf Regt, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 100 HE and 22 WP, observed fire, on enemy infantry moving about behind the lines; estimated 18 casualties inflicted; to set afire houses in Vossenack and Germeter, and on entrenched personnel in Vossenack and Germeter. Interdictory fire placed on road between Hürtgen and Germeter.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

29 October 1944 (D plus 145) Item 222: The 1st platoon of Company A fired 280 rounds of HE and 15 rounds of WP, observed fire, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, on entrenchments around pillboxes; a machine gun position, and houses northeast of Stolberg. six casualties were inflicted and the machine gun silenced.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 101 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on two enemy mortar positions which were reported silenced.

Company B fired 9 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy patrol which was approaching the positions of the 2nd Battalion, 18th Inf, 1st Div. The patrol was dispersed.

Company C - no change.

Company D, in operations with the 109th Inf 28th Div, V Corps, fired 122 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy CP and on entrenched positions east of Germeter. Interdictory fire was placed on the road from Hürtgen to Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

Go # 8, this headquarters, awards Purple Heart to members of this organization.

30 October 1944 (D plus 146), Item 223: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 88 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP on enemy patrols and houses northwest of Stolberg. Results could not be ascertained because of poor visibility.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 192 rounds of HE on an enemy mortar position which was silenced; on a group of enemy personnel, five of whom were casualties; and to set fire to houses west of Stolberg.

Company B, operating with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 77 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on a machine gun position which was silenced; and to silence an enemy mortar position which was attempting to register on the mortar position of the 2nd platoon, Company A, this battalion.

Company C - no change.

Company D, operating with the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 265 rounds of HE and one round of WP, observed fire, on a column of Infantry believed to be replacements with an estimated 18 casualties; on entrenchments and pillboxes In the vicinity of Vossenack; and on a machine gun nest which was silenced. Two houses is Vossenack were fired. Interdictory fire was placed on the road from Hürtgen to Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

31 October 1944 (D plus 147), Item 224: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 321 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a pillbox, the garrison of which surrendered; on a self-propelled gun which was knocked out; and on a machine gun nest which was observed to be destroyed. An estimated 30 casualties were inflicted during the day.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 71 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a well-defended house north of Eilendorf which was destroyed. The 33rd Field Artillery Battalion adjusted this fire. The house burned slowly at first with billowing smoke, and then burned rapidly. Thirty enemy infantry were seen leaving the house and it is believed that 12 of them were hit by the mortar fire.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div. fired 409 rounds of HE and 55 rounds of VP, observed fire, Company concentrations were placed on enemy barracks north of Haaren, all of which were set afire. Explosions and what appeared to be smoke from burning oil emanated from the burning barracks. The approach of one of our self-propelled 155 guns into position was successfully screened and covered. Four enemy mortar positions were silenced, personnel and mortars were observed destroyed.

Company C - no change.

Company D, in operations with the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 36 rounds of HE and 24 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments and houses containing personnel in Vossenack with effective results. Interdictory fire was placed on the road from Hürtgen to Germeter.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

November 1944

1 November 1944 (D plus 148), Item 225: The first platoon of Company A - no missions fired.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 23 rounds of HE and 34 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy vehicle which was set afire; and on a small group of personnel, two casualties were inflicted. A pillbox believed to be an OP was screened.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 234 rounds of HE and 59 rounds of WP on personnel moving about in the open; on a machine gun position which was silenced; and two area concentrations to silence mortars arid machine guns.

Company C - no change.

Company D continued in attachment with the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps; no missions fired.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

2 November 1944 (D plus 149), Item 226: The first platoon of Company A, attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 47 rounds of HE and 1 rounds of WP on houses west of Stolberg observed to contain personnel, the houses were set afire and two casualties were observed.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 30 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy mortar positions which were silenced and a screening mission on a pillbox.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 133 rounds of HE and 50 rounds of WP, observed fire, on two houses north of HAAREN which were set afire; and unobserved fire on a group of enemy personnel and on enemy entrenchments around a pillbox, results unknown.

Company C - no change.

Company D fired 225 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, scheduled preparatory fire on enemy entrenchments, houses and machine gun emplacements northeast of Germeter to support an attack by the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps; effective results reported. A radio operator with one of the forward observer parties was slightly wounded by enemy shellfire. Two men at the mortar positions of the first platoon were slightly wounded by enemy shellfire.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

Casualties:

36105186, Peppler, Harold G., Sgt, LWA, Co D
32984415, Janosky, Joseph J., Sgt, LIA, Co D

3 November 1944 (D plus 150), Item 227: The 1st platoon of Company A fired 225 rounds of HE and 59 rounds of WP, observed fire, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div on enemy personnel; on houses observed to contain personnel and on entrenchments around a pillbox. Five casualties were observed inflicted.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 222 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, observed fire, on pillboxes and houses northwest of Stolberg. Fire was observed to fall in the area, however. because of poor visibility, results are unknown.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 222 rounds of HE and 99 rounds of WP, observed fire on enemy emplacements around two pillboxes; on an enemy barracks, the occupants of which rushed out of the building into the midst of subsequent shells and numerous casualties were observed. An area of 200 yards square was effectively covered in order to neutralize a mortar position. Observed fire was also placed on an enemy patrol, casualties were observed. In the afternoon an enemy mortar position to the northwest of Vorweiden was fired upon in conjunction with 8-inch artillery pieces. A large fire giving off much black smoke was started by this barrage.

Company C - no change.

Company D, continuing in attachment to 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 8 rounds of HE, observed fire, on a group of enemy personnel who were in the open; casualties were inflicted and the group scattered.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

4 November 1944 (D plus 151), Item 228: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 71 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP, observed fire, on houses and personnel northwest of Stolberg; two casualties were observed, the houses set afire.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 60 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, observed fire, on houses north of Eilendorf observed to contain enemy personnel, and on entrenchments around a pill-box; effective results were obtained.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 98 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, observed fire, on entrenchments and personnel moving around two pillboxes with effective results; and unobserved fire on a reported machine gun position which was firing on a patrol; the machine gun was silenced.

Company C - no change.

Company D, in operations with the 109th Inf, 28th Div, V Corps, fired 115 rounds of HE, observed fire, to assist in the successful repelling of an enemy counter-attack; on infantry observed moving about in the open and on entrenchments around a pillbox. Interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads in HÜrtgen. This company was relieved from attachment effective 1200 and pulled out of the line for the first time in 107 days for a much-needed reorganization and overhaul.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 555 enlisted men.

5 November 1944 (D plus 152), Item 229: The first platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 173 rounds of HE and 40 rounds of WP, observed fire, on entrenchments around a pillbox; on houses containing personnel; and on a bridge. Five casualties were inflicted, the house and bridge burned.

The 2nd platoon of Company A fired 75 rounds of HE and 18 rounds of WP on entrenchments around a pillbox; on personnel observed in the open and on houses observed to contain personnel. An estimated 22 casualties were inflicted and the houses burned.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 284 rounds of HE and 56 rounds of WP in company concentrations on three large areas, one of which an aerial photo showed to contain enemy mortar positions; on another in which a patrol had encountered heavy machine gun fire, an infantry observer reported the enemy evacuated the area; and on another area which photos showed to be well camouflaged, results unobserved.

Company C and Company D - no change.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 554 enlisted men.

6 November 1944 (D plus 153), Item 230: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 153 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP on entrenchments around a pillbox and on houses northwest of Stolberg; fire was observed to effectively fall on targets.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 116 rounds of HE and 19 rounds of WP on entrenchments around a pillbox and on houses north of Eilendorf. Three enemy soldiers were observed killed, the houses set afire.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 93 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, company concentration in conjunction with Division Artillery on an enemy mortar position, the location of which had been reported by a sound and flash unit. The air OP reported effective results and a large number of casualties. At 2030, fire was delivered on a machine gun position to protect the withdrawal of one of our patrols. The company CP was subjected to intermittent artillery fire, estimated 150 millimeter, throughout the period. Two 1/4 ton trucks were badly damaged.

Company C and Company D - no change.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 553 enlisted men.

7 November 1944 (D plus 154), Item 231: The 1st platoon of Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 80 rounds of HE and 20 rounds of WP On two factories observed to contain enemy troops and on entrenchments surrounding these factories. Fire was observed to fall on targets, two men observed killed.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, operating with the 26th Inf, 1st Div - no missions fired.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 100 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, company concentration, on a column of enemy infantry in the vicinity of Weiden, results unknown.

Companies C and D - no change.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 550 enlisted men.

8 November 1944 (D plus 155), Item 232: The 1st platoon of Company A, attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div - no missions fired.

The 2nd platoon of Company A, attached to the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 24 rounds of HE on houses north of Eilendorf.

The 2nd platoon detached from the 26th Inf, 1st Div and attached to 16th Inf, 081500.

Company B, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div fired 30 rounds of HE and 19 rounds of WP on a concentration of troops in a well-defiladed position, the location of which had been discovered by an infantry patrol. Casualties were inflicted and the remainder dispersed. This company was detached from the 18th Inf, 1st Div and attached to the 26th Inf, 1st Div, effective 081800.

Company C, less 1st platoon, attached to 22nd Inf, 4th Div, effective 081800. the 1st platoon was attached to 12th Inf, 4th Div, effective 081800. Necessary liaison effected, and company prepared to move to new positions.

Company D, attached to 1st Division on orders Headquarters, VII Corps effective 081800, was further attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div which is currently attached to 1st Division. Necessary liaison effected and company prepared to move to new positions.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 550 enlisted men.

9 November 1944 (D plus 156), Item 233: Company A moved to a new position with the 16th Inf, 1st Div in the vicinity of Schevenhütte. No missions fired.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 108 rounds of HE and one round of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy troops in a defiladed position which had been located by a patrol. Observed fire was placed on troops in the vicinity of Weiden with effective results reported by the infantry observer.

Company C engaged in reconnaissance activities for positions in the woods west of HÜrtgen.

Company D engaged in reconnaissance activities for positions in the woods south of Schevenhütte.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 549 enlisted men.

10 November 1944 (D plus 157), Item 234: Company A completed move to new positions and prepared for coming operations. No missions fired since firing by this unit is restricted until beginning of forthcoming operations.

Company B completed move to new positions southwest of Schevenhütte and prepared for coming operations. No missions fired since firing by this unit is restricted until beginning of coming operations.

Company C completed move to positions west of Hürtgen and prepared for coming operations. No missions fired.

Company D completed move to new positions southeast of Gressenich and prepared for coming operations. The column came under shellfire, estimated to be 170mm while passing through Vicht. Five men were wounded, three seriously and evacuated, two vehicles were damaged and evacuated. No missions were fired.

Casualties:

36762775, Crume, Philip W., Cpl, LWA, Co D
33655637, Hill, Millard L., PFC, LWA, Co D
32949841, McGovern, Edward J. Jr., Pvt, SWA, Co D

Strength remains at 41 officers and 549 enlisted men.

11 November 1944 (D plus 158), Item 235: Company A and Company B maintained positions with the 16th and 26th Inf Regiments, respectively, of the 1st Division, and completed preparations for coming operations. For security reasons, no missions were fired.

The 1st platoon of Company C fired 53 rounds of HE and 48 rounds of WP to support a small limited objective attack of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Inf, 4th Div.

The 2nd platoon of Company C continued in positions with the 22nf Inf, 4th Div and made final preparations for coming operation. No missions fired.

Company D remained in position with the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to 1st Division) and completed preparations for forthcoming operations. For security reasons, no missions were fired.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 548 enlisted men.

12 November 1944 (D plus 159), Item 236: Company A and Company B, attached to the 16th and 26th Infantry Regiments, respectively - no change, no missions fired.

The 1st platoon of Company C fired 51 rounds of HE and 15 rounds of WP, on enemy troop concentrations west of Hürtgen, unobserved fire, in support of an attack by the 12th Inf, 4th Div, to relieve Companies F and G which were isolated when the enemy infiltrated their positions.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, attached to 22nd Inf, 4th Div, no change, no missions fired.

Company D, attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to 1st Division) no change, no missions fired.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 548 enlisted men.

GO # 74, HQ, VII Corps, this date, awards Tec 5 Paul B. Urey, 33515238, the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action.

13 November 1944 (D plus 160), Item 237: Company A and Company B, attached to the 16th and 26th Infantry Regiments, respectively - no change, no missions fired.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 110 rounds of HE and 9 rounds of WP to assist in the successful repulsing of a counter-attack against the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry west of Hürtgen..

The 2nd platoon of Company C, attached to the 22nd Inf, 4th Div - no change, no missions fired.

Company D, attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to 1st Division) - no change, no missions fired.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

14 November 1944 (D plus 161), Item 238: Company A and Company B, attached to the 16th and 26th Inf Regiments, respectively - no change, no missions fired.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 172 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on enemy entrenchments and front line positions to cover the relief of 2nd Battalion by the 1st Battalion.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, attached to the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, no change, no missions fired.

Company D, attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to 1st Division) - no change, no missions fired.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31379052, Gregor, Francis K., Pvt, LWA, Co A

15 November 1944 (D plus 162), Item 239: Company A and Company B, attached to the 16th and 26th Inf Regiments, respectively, no change, no missions fired.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 63 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on a reported concentration of enemy troops, results unknown.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, attached to the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, no change.

Company D, attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to 1st Division) no change, no missions fired.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

GO # 76, Hq, VII Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star to T/S Joseph A. Halesey, 33020841, and T/5 Jeremiah Clancy, 31357022, for heroic achievement.

16 November 1944 (D plus 163), Item 240: Company A fired 1443 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, in fifty minutes on an area in the vicinity of HAMICH containing enemy entrenchments, machine guns and mortar positions to support an attack by the first battalion, 16th Inf, 1st Div. This concentration was reported to be very, effective and our troops jumped off and advanced through this area with only minor opposition. The radio operator with the forward observer was slightly wounded when hit by small arms fire. Just before this preparatory fire was begun at 11:10, and throughout the time it was being fired 125 rounds of enemy artillery and mortar fire fell in the immediate vicinity of the mortar positions. A shed containing 600 rounds of ammunition was hit, however, no rounds were exploded. Ammunition boxes filled with dirt and stacked in a circular fashion around the mortars saved the crews, for despite this counter-battery there were no personnel casualties.

Company B fired 158 rounds of HE and 1 round of WP, preparatory fire, on concentration points to support an attack by the second battalion, 26th Inf, 1st Div, in the vicinity of Wenau.

The 1st platoon of Company C, attached to the 12th Inf, 4th Div, was not called upon to fire any of its planned missions.

The 2nd platoon of Company C fired 38 rounds of HE, interdictory fire preparatory to support of an attack by the 22nd Inf, 4th Div. A 1/4-ton truck at the mortar positions was slightly damaged by enemy artillery fire and evacuated.

Company D fired 522 rounds of HE in support of an attack by the 47th Inf, 9th Div. 200 rounds each were placed on concentration. points containing enemy entrenchments, machine gun and mortar positions and 122 rounds, observed fire, were placed on a target of opportunity. This target was pointed out by a captured German Officer and was a well-concealed enemy OP for two 88mm guns located in the vicinity. The guns, which had been causing considerable trouble, were silenced. The 47th Inf reached its objective on schedule.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 552 enlisted men.

Casualties:

33514379, Nowen, Martin I., PFC, LWA, Co C
33515093, Brazinski, Vincent V., PFC, LWA, Co C

17 November 1944 (D plus 164), Item 241: Company A fired 255 rounds of HE and 71 rounds of WP to continue in support of the attack of the 16th Inf, 1st Div towards Hamich. Fire was delivered at 2230 to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack; massed fire Was delivered on mortar and machine gun positions to the east of Hamich; a smoke screen on enemy positions in Hamich was maintained for approximately 20 minutes. The vicinity of the mortar positions (Schevenhütte) was under heavy artillery and mortar fire of all caliber's throughout the day. It is estimated that at least one round per minute landed in the area from 0600 to 1700, twelve rounds landing squarely in the mortar positions. Two men were wounded, one M-29 Cargo Carrier practically destroyed and four 1/4-ton trucks slightly damaged.

Company B fired 406 rounds of HE to support the advance of the 26th Inf, 1st Div towards Wenau. Massed unobserved fire was placed on a reported enemy troop concentration; on enemy entrenchments; on two mortar positions; on a machine gun position and to explode a minefield in the sector of advance of the 8th Inf, 4th Div.

The 1st platoon of Company C fired 254 rounds of HE in support of an attack by the 12th Inf, 4th Div in the direction of Hürtgen. Fire was adjusted on the following targets by 81mm, artillery and 4.2" observers; two machine gun positions, which were silenced; an enemy patrol which was dispersed with casualties; and to explode a mine field in the sector of advance. One vehicle was hit by artillery fire, there were no personnel casualties.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in support of the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 22 rounds of HE and 101 rounds of WP on personnel which were dispersed with casualties, and to screen enemy machine gun positions while a minefield was being cleared. One Officer, the forward observer, and one enlisted man, the radio operator, were wounded by artillery fire and evacuated.

Company D, in operations with the 47th Inf 9th Div (attached to the 1st Division) fired 47 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel and entrenchments north of Gressenich, 11 casualties inflicted, and on a machine gun emplacement which was silenced. The smoke was employed to screen the placing of Bangalore torpedoes to blow a path thru a wall of concertina wire.

GO # 77, Headquarters, VII Corps, this date, awards the Silver Star Medal to the following Officer for gallantry in action: 1st Lt Marvin J. DeWitt, 0-522565

Strength increased to 41 officers and 553 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1324011, Egnatchik, Peter (NMI), 1st Lt, LWA, Co C
33644928, Swart, John F. Jr., Sgt, LWA, Co C
31367567, Bochnak, William J., PFC, LWA, Co C

18 November 1944 (D plus 165), Item 242: Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 1380 rounds of HE and 67 rounds of WP to repel six enemy counter-attacks supported by tanks against Company C, first battalion. Two tanks were set afire and knocked out. A large concentration was placed on Hill 232 northwest of Hamich to support an attack by the second battalion against the hill. A smoke screen was placed along the left flank of the sector of advance. The attack on the hill was successful. During the period, only six rounds of enemy artillery fell in the vicinity of the mortar positions. One Officer, the forward observer, was suffering from concussion and evacuated, one enlisted man, the radio operator, was wounded and evacuated.

Company B fired 491 rounds of HE and 50 rounds of WP in support of the advance of the 26th Inf, 1st Div in the direction of Wenau. Massed preparatory fire was placed on Hill 193 located just south of Wenau to support an attack by the second battalion. A smoke screen was placed on Hill 221 to assist the advance of the first battalion. Massed area fire was placed on enemy mortar positions; and a 400 yard area was searched for a direct fire artillery place, results unknown because of the dense woods, fire adjustment was made by sound. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy entrenchments at the foot of Hill 193.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 13 rounds of HE, interdictory fire on a crossroads between Germeter and Hürtgen. Intermittent artillery fire fell in the vicinity of the platoon position during the afternoon and three men were wounded.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 33 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on a concentration of personnel, results unknown.

Company D, attached to the 47th Inf, 9th Div (attached to the 1st Div.) was not called upon to fire any missions during the period, since, for the moment, this regiment had been pinched out by the advance of the 3rd Armored Division on its left flank and immediate front, and the 16th Inf on its right flank.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 553 enlisted men.

Casualties: 0-1315954, Lee, Jack W., 1st Lt, LIA, Co A

19 November 1944 (D plus 166), Item 24: Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 961 rounds of HE and one round of WP. Approximately 600 rounds of HE were fired to successfully repel two very violent counter-attacks at 0300 and 0430 by a tank-infantry force which is estimated to have consisted of 15 tanks and at least two companies of infantry. At 1400, 400 rounds of preparatory fire were placed on an area 400 yards square to support an attack by the 3rd Battalion, 16th Inf, upon the high ground and woods of Hill 232 towards Wenau.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 502 rounds of HE, all unobserved preparatory fire. Over 200 rounds were placed on high ground comprising the German MLR northeast of Schevenhütte to support a successful attack by the 1st Battalion, 26th Inf. At 1030, preparatory fire of 200 rounds was placed on an area 300 yards square to support an attack by the 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf. In the afternoon an area reported to be an assembly area for enemy troops was swept, results unknown.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 70 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on four enemy mortar positions. One position is known to have been silenced, the other three, results unknown. One forward displacement was made during period.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, operating in support of the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 49 rounds of HE to sweep a draw reported to contain enemy personnel, results not reported. One forward displacement was made during period.

Company D displaced forward to the city of Gressenich to support contemplated attack of the 47th Inf, 9th Div towards Weissweiler. No missions fired.

Strength reduced to 40 officers and 545 enlisted men.

Casualties: 32949841, McGovern, Edward J., Jr. , Pvt, Fr SWA to DOW, 15 Nov 1944, Co D

20 November 1944 (D plus 167), Item 244: Company A, attached to the 16th Inf, 1st Div, no missions fired because of a regrouping of elements and displacement of 1st platoon to HAMICH and second platoon to Gressenich.

Company B fired 170 rounds of HE, preparatory fire on high ground east of Hamich to support a successful attack by the 1st battalion, 26th Inf, on this objective. Twelve rounds of WP, observed, were placed on a concentration of enemy personnel in woods; they were dispersed with casualties. The company displaced forward to a position just southeast of Hamich.

The 1st platoon of Company C, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 99 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, to search for reported enemy mortar positions, results unknown. The radio operator with the forward observer was slightly wounded by enemy shellfire and evacuated.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 254 rounds of HE into a well defiladed draw reported to contain an assembly area for personnel and a mortar position. Ambulances were observed to remove casualties from this area; the enemy mortars did not fire thereafter.

Company D, detached from 47th Inf, 9th Div, and attached to 18th Inf, 1st Div, effective 2010C, displaced to a position east of Gressenich. Seven rounds of WP were fired on a machine gun position which was reported silenced.

Strength remains at 40 officers and 545 enlisted men.

Casualties: 31398059, Surette, Reginald J., Cpl, LWA, Co C

21 November 1944 (D plus 168), Item 245: Company A attached to 16th Inf, 1st Div, fired 2 HE and 6 rounds of WP to register for a planned screening mission, an area neutralization to support an attack by the 2nd and 3rd battalions. The second platoon displaced from Gressenich to Wenau. Both platoons positions in Hanich and Wenau were sporadically shelled throughout the period, there were no casualties.

Company B fired no missions for the 26th Inf, 1st Div during period as this regiment consolidated its recent gains. The forward observer with the first battalion was wounded by enemy shellfire, however, was not evacuated.

The first platoon of Company C, detached from 12th Infantry, 4th Division and attached to the 8th Infantry, 4th Division effective 211600, moved to a new position approximately one kilometer south of Schevenhütte. No missions fired by either this platoon or the second platoon, attached to 22nd Inf, during the period.

Company D fired 220 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, unobserved interdictory fire, on the road and crossroads north of Heistern, one round each fifteen minutes being fired thru hours of darkness; and to assist in the successful repelling of an enemy counter-attack supported by tanks at 0845. Observed fire was placed on a concentration of enemy personnel which was dispersed with casualties.

During the period, the 100,000th round since D-day was fired.

Strength remains at 40 officers and 545 enlisted men.

22 November 1944 (D plus 169), Item 246: Company A, in operations with the 16th Inf, 1st Div, expended 27 rounds of HE and 693 rounds of WP. A smoke screen was maintained on an enemy OP and along the edge of woods in the vicinity of Rössler Hof (F-014474) from 1030 to 1500 to support an attack by the 2nd Battalion. Another smoke screen was placed on the town itself which had been converted into an enemy strong point and maintained from 1330 to 1500. The 18th Inf reached its objective; most of the buildings in the town were set afire and burned out. Observed fire was placed on a group of enemy personnel which were dispersed with casualties.

Company B fired 142 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, on an enemy MLR to support an attack by the 2nd Battalion, 26th Inf.

The 1st platoon of Company C fired 26 rounds of HE and 186 rounds of WP to support an attack by the 8th Inf, 4th Div. In order to support the attack of 1st Battalion, two guns of this platoon displaced to Schevenhütte and maintained a smoke screen on a reported enemy OP by firing one round per minute, from 1230 to 1715. Whenever the wind, which was decidedly unfavorable, would break the screen, the enemy would immediately open up with artillery fire on the 8th Inf positions. The remaining two guns of this platoon fired on three reported enemy mortar positions which were kept silent throughout the period.

The 2nd platoon of Company C, in operations with the 22nd Inf, fired 30 rounds of HE and 15 rounds of WP on two enemy mortar positions; adjustment was made by artillery observers who reported the rounds fell squarely on targets. One forward displacement was made.

Company D, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 31 rounds of HE and 73 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a concentration of enemy personnel, casualties were observed inflicted; and to assist in the successful repelling of an enemy counter-attack supported by tanks against positions of the 2nd Battalion.

GO # 79, Headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards the following members of this organization awards as indicated:

Silver Star Medal

Sergeant Karl A. Kaupert, 36250861, Co B
Oak-leaf Cluster To Bronze Star Medal
Captain James J. Marshall, 0-1035089, Co B
Bronze Star Medal
1st Lt. Herbert W. North, 0-1311682, Co A
1st Lt. Ralph H. Walker, Jr 0-414432, Co B
S/S Roger G. Burt, 31284128, Co A
S/S Robert A. Myers, 33698920, Co A
Sgt William S. Hepner, Jr. 33726933, Co B
Sgt Nelson W. Stone, 39465891, Co A
Cpl James 0. Groves, 33698945, Co B

Strength increased to 40 officers and 555 enlisted men.

23 November 1944 (D plus 170), Item 247: Company A was detached from 16th Inf, 1st Div and attached to the 18th Inf, 1st Div, effective 231200. Forty-two rounds of HE, unobserved fire, were placed on crossroads and roads in vicinity of Langerwehe. 339 rounds of WP were expended to maintain a smoke screen from 0815 to 1015 in the vicinity of Rössler Hof (F-014474) to screen a strong point on a hill which was the objective of an attack by the 3rd Battalion, 16th Inf. It was reported that our troops were within 400 yards of their objective before the enemy opened fire. one enlisted man, the radio operator with the forward observer, was wounded but not evacuated.

Company B fired 116 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, on the enemy MLR which was located in a draw east of WENAU to support an attack by the 26th Inf, 1st Div.

The 1st platoon of Company C continued to operate as two separate sections; one section located in Schevenhütte fired 248 rounds of WP to screen an enemy OP for an attack by the 1st and 3rd Battalions, 8th Inf, 4th Div. The other section, located approximately one kilometer south, fired 43 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on two reported enemy mortar positions. The infantry commander reported the mortars were kept silent.

The 2nd platoon of Company C fired 126 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on two reported enemy mortar positions, results unknown. 141 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, were placed on entrenchments comprising the enemy MLR. These entrenchments were located in woods and WP was reported effective. This platoon was detached from 22nd Inf and attached to 8th Inf, 4th Div, effective 231200 and late in the period moved across the Division sector to its new position.

Company D was detached from the 18th Inf, 1st Div. and attached to 22nd Inf, 4th Div effective 231200. Necessary liaison and reconnaissance was effected and movement across the sectors of the 1st and 4th Divisions completed by 1700; no missions fired.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 546 enlisted men.

24 November 1944 (D plus 171), Item 248: Company A, attached to the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 177 rounds of HE on two machine gun positions, which were destroyed, on two houses in the vicinity of Langerwehe observed to contain personnel. The two houses were severely damaged. At 1730, they assisted in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against positions of the 16th Inf. To support an attack of the 16th Inf, 1st Div, 151 rounds of WP were fired between 0700 and 0745 to screen the enemy MLR situated along the railroad south of Langerwehe.

Company B fired 96 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on two reported concentrations of enemy personnel in the vicinity of Jüngersdorf. The 1st platoon displaced north to an area two kilometers east of WENAU.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 323 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on four enemy mortar positions, results unknown; and to search a reported concentration area for enemy personnel. Smoke was placed on an enemy OP to support an attack by the 3rd Battalion.

Company D fired 80 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments and a concentration of enemy personnel to support an attack by the 22nd Inf, 4th Div west of HÜrtgen.

Strength remains at 40 officers and 546 enlisted men.

Casualties: 32897560, Baker, Bernard, Pvt, LWA, Co B

25 November 1944 (D plus 172), Item 249: Company A fired 227 rounds of HE harassing fire throughout the night on a draw reported to contain enemy personnel in front of the 19th Inf positions in the vicinity of LANGERWEHE; and on enemy entrenchments and houses south of Langerwehe to support an attack by the 1st Battalion, 18th Inf., A second screen was fired from 1030 to 1115 to support an attack by the 1st Battalion, 18th Inf, in the same vicinity. The radio operator with a forward observer was wounded by artillery fire and evacuated. One man at the mortar positions of the second platoon was wounded during the sporadic shelling of this platoon's position.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 127 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy entrenchments and personnel along the enemy MLR south of Merode.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 450 rounds of HE and 176 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on five reported enemy mortar positions; observed fire on two concentrations of enemy personnel which were dispersed with casualties and on a patrol which was driven back with casualties; and to search a defiladed area believed to contain enemy personnel.

Company D, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 560 rounds of HE to assist in the successful repelling of an enemy counter-attack supported by tanks from 1800 to 2100 against the 3rd Battalion; on enemy entrenchments along the enemy MLR west of Grosshau; and on a reported enemy ammunition dump, results unknown. Fired 224 rounds of WP from 1100 to 1200 to screen enemy positions along a ridge line to support an attack by the 2nd and 3rd Battalions in the direction of Grosshau. A forward observer was seriously wounded by artillery fire and his radio operator slightly wounded. The Company CP was shelled at 0230, there were five casualties.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 543 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1535448, Duffy, Adam N., 1st Lt, LWA, Co D
39158663, Williams, Ray U., Tec 4, LWA, Co D
12008970, Conway, .john D, Tec 5, LWA, Co A
33515094, Dickson, Walter J., PFC, LWA, Co A

26 November 1944 (D plus 173), Item 250: Company A fired 505 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on selected areas and concentration points believed to be enemy positions and OP's as an harassing and softening up process to keep the enemy off balance in preparation for an attack by the 18th Inf on 27th November. One 1/4-ton truck near the positions of the 1st platoon was hit and damaged by enemy artillery fire. A 3/4.-ton truck at the company ammunition dump was hit during the night by enemy artillery fire and practically destroyed.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 153 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy positions and a small concentration of personnel on the edge of woods south of Langerwehe. The mortar positions of the first platoon were shelled throughout the period. Three men were wounded, one of whom was evacuated.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 210 rounds of HE and 67 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on two reported enemy mortar positions, results unknown. Observed fire was placed on a column of enemy which was being relieved from the line and moving back towards the rear. Judging from the number of ambulances and aid men coming to the area , a large number of casualties appear to have been inflicted. Both platoons displaced forward during the period. One man was killed and one 1/4-ton truck completely demolished when the vehicle hit a land mine.

Company D, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 36 rounds of HE on enemy positions in the town of Grosshau. The second platoon displaced forward towards GROSSHAU.

Strength remains at 39 officers and 543 enlisted men.

Casualties:

36682130, Schultz, Austin N., S/Sgt, KIA, Co C
39861415, Fierros, Philip C., Pvt, LWA, Co B

27 November 1944 (D plus 174), Item 251: Company A fired 563 rounds of HE, preparatory fire on enemy MLR and defenses along road and railroad south of Langerwehe to support an attack by the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf, Then, 969 rounds of WP were expended on a series of smoke screens. One screen was maintained from 1000 to 1500 along the southern and western edge of Langerwehe to cover the right flank of the 3rd Battalion as it proceeded across open ground along the railroad tracks, highway, and in the city itself to screen crossings of the tracks and road as well as the open ground south of the city for three separate assault waves of infantry, one wave of tanks and one wave of tank destroyers. Many buildings in the city itself were set afire and were still burning at the end of the period.

Company B fired 157 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, on enemy defenses in the vicinity of Merode to support a successful attack by 3rd Battalion, 26th Inf.

Company C attached to 8th Inf, 4th Div, no missions fired as this regiment prepared for a forthcoming attack.

Company D, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 185 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, on enemy defenses in Grosshau to support an attack by 2nd En. Thirty rounds of WP were fired in the reported vicinity of an anti-tank gun in an effort to screen its direct fire observation. The 1st platoon displaced forward during the day. One man at one mortar position of the 1st platoon was slightly wounded by artillery fire which fell sporadically in the area.

Strength increased to 39 officers and 551 enlisted men.

Casualties

33731690, Shoemaker, George L., Tec 5, LWA, Co B

28 November 1944 (D plus 175), Item 252: Company A fired 354 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on concentration areas reported to contain enemy tanks and personnel in the southeast portion of Langerwehe to support the final mopping up of the town by 3rd Bn, 18th Inf. Observed fire was placed on two machine gun positions by an infantry observer who reported the guns silenced. The 2nd platoon displaced forward to a position approximately 1,500 meters south of Langerwehe.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, placed 200 rounds of unobserved preparatory fire on the town of MERODE, and observed fire on enemy troop concentrations and other targets of opportunity in support of an attack by the 3rd Bn on the town. A forward observer was slightly wounded by enemy shellfire.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, placed unobserved fire on an enemy CP; on two enemy mortar positions and on a wooded area reported to contain personnel. All of these targets were obtained from the interrogation of POW's. Observed fire was placed by an infantry observer on an estimated platoon of the enemy preparing emplacements along the edge of a woods. Casualties were inflicted and they were forced to withdraw.

Company D, in operations with the 22nd Inf, 4th Div, fired 197 rounds of HE and 85 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on four enemy strong points in the town of Grosshau.

Strength remains at 39 officers and 551 enlisted men.

29 November 1944 (D plus 176), Item 253: Company A, operating in support of the 18th Inf, 1st Div, placed 261 rounds of HE and 9 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a small column of infantry supported by three tanks which were forced to withdraw; and on enemy personnel preparing entrenchments northeast of Langerwehe. The entire company displaced to positions on the southern outskirts of Langerwehe.

Company B, attached to the 26th Inf, 1st Div, no missions fired. The second platoon displaced to vicinity of the first platoon's positions.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 356 rounds of HE, unobserved interdictory and harassing fire on crossroads and enemy supply roads to this regiment's front. An unobserved smoke screen was fired with 147 rounds of WP on enemy OP on a hill from 1430 to 1400 in order to screen movements and preparations of the 8th Inf for a forthcoming attack.

Company D fired 22 rounds of HE and 1 round of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy defenses in Grosshau in support of an attack by the 22nd Inf, 4th Div. This company was detached from 22nd Inf and attached to 12th Inf, 4th Div 291700.

Strength increased to 41 officers and decreased to 550 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1035897, Narmorstein, Robert, 1st Lt, LWA, Co D
33676225, Stillwagon, William S., PFC, SWA, Co D

30 November 1944 (D plus 177), Item 254: Company A, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 380 rounds of HE, observed fire, on a castle reported to be a CP, 16 hits were obtained; on entrenchments in woods surrounding this CP; and on two machine gun positions, shells were observed to hit all targets; 56 rounds of WP were fired on buildings in Luchem. The company commander was slightly wounded by shell fire, however, was not evacuated.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 791 rounds of HE on enemy vehicles and men observed in the vicinity of Merode; and as protective fire to cover withdrawal of a friendly patrol; 55 rounds of WP were fired to burn houses on the eastern edge of Merode.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 500 rounds of HE and 451 rounds of WP, unobserved preparatory fire on enemy strong points and concentrations in support of an attack by the 1st Bn; and to assist in repelling a small counterattack late- in the period. Interdictory and harassing fire were placed on crossroads and routes of approach in the enemy zone of action.

Company D displaced to a position approximately 2,000 meters northwest of GEY to support a forthcoming attack by the 12th Inf, 4th Div. No missions fired during the period.

Strength increased to 41 officers and 553 enlisted men.

Casualties:

33676225, Stillwagon, William S, PFC, Fr SWA 29 Nov to DOW, Co D

December 1944

1 December 1944 (D plus 178), Item 254: Company A fired 203 rounds of HE and 55 rounds of WP, harassing and interdictory fire on the enemy sector to the northeast of Langerwehe on front of the 2nd Bn, 18th Inf. One 1/4 ton truck, one 1/4-ton trailer, one 4.2" barrel and one sight were damaged when artillery fire fell in the second platoon positions.

Company B fired 297 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP to assist in repelling a counter-attack against the 2nd and 3rd Bns of the 26th Inf. Observed fire was placed on a machine gun position which was silenced. At approximately 0700, four Germans, members of the 3rd Parachute Division, walked into the company CP and surrendered.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 678 rounds of HE and 446 rounds of WP, unobserved interdictory and harassing fire on enemy concentration areas, strong points, two mortar positions, and on roads and trails in the enemy zone of action.

Company D, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 169 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on an OP located on high ground east of GEY. Two men and one Officer, the Bn S3, were slightly wounded when shellfire hit the position of the 1st platoon. At approximately 0630 four Germans walked into the positions of the 1st platoon and surrendered.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 553 enlisted men.

Casualties: 39566636, Johnson, Merle A., Pvt, LWA, Co D

2 December 1944 (D plus 179), Item 255: Company A, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 187 rounds of HE and 16 rounds of WP, unobserved harassing and interdictory fire on crossroads, roads and possible concentration areas in the enemy zone of action.

Company B fired 161 rounds of HE and I round of WP, preparatory fire, on enemy entrenchments in the vicinity of Merode to support a limited objective attack for the 26th Inf.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 610 rounds of HE and 154 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on a reported enemy mortar position; on reported enemy concentration points; and on strong points as well as on crossroads and roads in the enemy zone of action.

Company D, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 43 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on a reported enemy mortar position and interdictory fire on crossroads in the city of GEY; 77 rounds of WP were fired on an enemy OP on a hill east of GEY to screen movements of friendly tanks and infantry.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 550 enlisted men.

3 December 1944 (D plus 180), Item 256: Company A fired 188 rounds of HE, unobserved fire on a battery of 120mm mortars which had been firing into our mortar positions for the past three days. The position of this battery was detected by our forward observer who noted their flash as they fired a night mission. A company concentration was brought to bear and rounds observed to fall within the desired area. No further counter-battery was received during the period. Interdictory fire was placed on roads and crossroads from 2400 to 0200 in the vicinity of Luchem and Obergeich. From 1200 to 1700 a smoke screen was fired in front of the high ground overlooking the town of Leuherberg and on the town itself to support an attack by the 104th Division. Elements of this Division had advanced to the edge of the town and had been pinned down by small arms and machine gun fire as well as direct fire from SP guns. Fire was adjusted by members of the l04th Div who telephoned adjustments thru the 1st Div switchboard. They reported that the screen was very effective and that fire directed against them was considerably reduced.

Company B fired 459 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, observed fire, on the town of MERODE to support movements by the 26th Inf, 1st Div to consolidate positions; and harassing and interdictory on crossroads and roads leading into Merode from the east.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 301 rounds of HE and 24 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on a reported concentration of enemy personnel; and harassing and interdictory fire on roads and crossroads north of the town of GEY in front of the regimental sector.

Company D fired 491 rounds of HE and 259 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy personnel in a draw and in woods just north of Gey, and on enemy positions and strong points in the vicinity of and in the town of GEY itself.

Strength increased to 43 officers and 551 enlisted men.

Casualties: 0-1285700, Brouse, Arthur S., 1st Lt, LWA, Co D

GO # 9, this headquarters, awards the Purple Heart Medal and Oak Leaf Clusters to members of this organization.

4 December 1944 (D plus 181), Item 257: Company A, in operations with the 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 187 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, unobserved fire on reported enemy mortar positions and observed fire on houses and enemy personnel moving about houses in the vicinity of Jüngersdorf. Three casualties were observed inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy installations in Geich.

Company B, in operations with the 26th Inf, 1st Div, fired 376 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy mortars and machine gun positions which were reported silenced and on small groups of personnel moving about north of Merode.

Company C, in operations with the 8th Inf, 4th Div, fired 380 rounds of HE and 268 rounds of WP, unobserved fire on reported enemy mortar positions; and interdictory and harassing fire on concentration points and roads north of Gey.

Company D, in operations with the 12th Inf, 4th Div, fired 703 rounds of HE and 160 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel in a draw north of Gey; and on positions in Gey. Interdictory fire was placed on roads and crossroads northeast of Gey.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 550 enlisted men.

5 December 1944 (D plus 182), Item 258: Company A fired 653 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP to assist in the successful repelling of a counter-attack against the 16th Inf, 1st Div during the hours of darkness; and on a draw in the vicinity of Glich reported to contain a concentration of enemy personnel.

Company B fired 79 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy personnel observed in the open south of Merode, casualties were inflicted.

Company C fired 310 rounds of HE in support of operations of the 8th Inf, 4th Div. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy strong points and concentration points in the vicinity of Gey.

Company D fired 170 rounds of HE and 121 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on concentration points and strong points containing antitank guns and machine guns in the vicinity of Gey. Observed fire was placed on a draw north of Gey containing personnel, casualties were inflicted.

Late in the period, all four companies were detached, pulled out of the line and placed under battalion control for a rest and overhaul of equipment. This is the first time Company A and Company B have been out of the line in 139 days. Not since D plus 44 have all four companies been out of the line and under control of this headquarters.

Commendation from Commanding General, 1st Division and endorsed by Commanding General, VII Corps commending Companies A and B of this organization.

Strength increased to 44 officers and decreased to 546 enlisted men.

6 December thru 9 December 1944 (D plus 183 to D Plus 186), Item 259: These four days were utilized in the overhaul and repair of weapons and equipment. Fourteen officers and 400 men spent three days at the VII Corps Rest Camp at Verviers.

The following attachments have been made:

Company A, attached 83rd Inf Div effective 100800A;
Company B, attached l04th Inf Div effective 100800A;
Company C, attached 9th Inf Div effective 100800A;
Company D, attached 5th Armd Div effective IOO800A.

Necessary liaison and reconnaissance completed and companies prepared to move to positions at first light on 10 December.

Letter of Commendation, headquarters VII Corps, this date, commends this Battalion for the magnificent job done since D-Day.

GO # 83, headquarters VII Corps, 9 Dec 1944, awards the following officer the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action: Second Lieutenant Julian U. Brunt,0-887328, Co A

Strength increased to 45 officers and 550 enlisted men.

10 December 1944 (D plus 187), Item 260: Company A closed in to mortar positions at 1130A and further attached to 330th Inf, 83rd Div. No missions fired.

Company B closed in to mortar positions at 1145A and further attached to 415th Inf, 104th Div. No missions fired.

Company C closed in to mortar positions at 1115A and further attached to 2nd and 3rd Bns, 60th Inf, 9th Div. No missions fired during period.

Company D closed in to mortar positions at 1100A and further attached to CC "B", 5th Armored Division. No missions fired. At 1720A six ME1O9's dropped bombs in the vicinity of the Company CP located west of Grosshau. The Company Commander and one enlisted man were wounded and evacuated.

Strength increased to 46 officers and decreased to 547 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1035476, Griffis, Charles B., Capt, LWA, Co D
32965270, Ribaudo, Charles (NMI), Pvt, LWA, Co D

11 December 1944 (D plus 188), Item 261: Company A fired 313 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing and interdictory fire throughout the night in preparation for a dawn attack by the 330th Inf, 83rd Div. During the morning 138 rounds of WP were fired to screen the movement of tanks of the 5th Armored Division east of GEY moving to support the attack of the 330th Inf.

Company B fired 212 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, on enemy positions in Merken to support an attack by 1st Bn, 44th Regt, 104th Div on the town. During the period 178 rounds of WP were fired on three separate smoke screens. The first screen was placed just west of Vilvenich to cover the assault by Company A on the town. A second screen was later fired on the same location and after Company A had occupied the town, in order to cover the approach of Engineers and protect them from direct fire weapons from the flanks of the town while they swept the road into town. A third screen was placed on the western edge of Merode to screen an assault of tanks on the town while crossing open ground.

Company C fired 135 rounds of HE in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div. Unobserved fire was placed on a reported enemy mortar position in a canyon south of Echtz. Observed fire was placed on Konzendorf to support an attack by 3rd Bn.

Company D continued in attachment to CC "B", 5th Armd Div. No missions fired. The radio operators with each of the two forward observer parties were wounded by shellfire and evacuated.

Strength increased to 46 officers and 548 enlisted men.

Casualties:

32989670, Cote, Oliver E., Tec 5, LWA, Co D
33515104, Sadusky, Russel A., Cpl, LWA, Co D

12 December 1944 (D plus 189), Item 262: Company A fired 554 rounds of HE to assist in repelling a counter-attack against the 3rd Bn of the 330th Inf, 83rd Div; as well as harassing and interdictory fire on enemy positions east of GEY. Observed fire was placed on enemy infantry and anti-tank guns in Schafberg. One hundred and twenty-five rounds of WP were fired for a 30-minute smoke screen to cover the advance of the 2nd Bn into the town of GEY to relieve the 3rd Bn which was surrounded and cut off.

Company B fired 50 rounds of WP in operations with the 4l4th Inf, l04th Div to screen the advance of tanks across open fields into Merken.

Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 165 rounds of HE, unobserved fire on Mariaweiler and Hoven to support an attack by the 1st and 2nd Bns. Unobserved fire was also placed on positions On the east bank of the Roer River. Thirty-three rounds of WP were expended to screen an attack by 3rd Bn across open ground towards Konzenbaum.

Company D, in operations with CC "B", 5th Armd Div, fired 279 rounds of HE and 61 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy personnel in the vicinity of Bogheim; and on enemy maintenance and repair sections located in a quarry northeast of Bogheim.

Go # 84, headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards members of this organization the following decorations:

Silver Star Medal

Corporal Henry R. Loomis, 31379178, Co D.
Oak-leaf Cluster T0 Bronze Star Medal
Sergeant Francis G. Healey, 32942273, Co A.
Bronze Star Medal
Corporal William J. Roberts, 42004472, Co A
PFC. Gilbert G. Cook, 31367015, Co D.
PFC. Samuel Duva, 33782680, Co A.
Pvt. Roy A. Miller, 35232397, Co A.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 547 enlisted men.

13 December 1944 (D plus 190), Item 263: Company A, in operations with the 330th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 222 rounds of HE, harassing and interdictory fire on enemy positions and supply routes located north and east of GEY. One hundred and thirty-eight rounds of WP were expended to screen the movement of supply vehicles across open ground to beleaguered forces in GEY. This company detached 330th Inf and attached 331st Inf, 83rd Div effective 132200.

Company B, in operations with the 414th Inf, 104th Div, fired 51 rounds of WP to screen the advance of tanks across open ground from Pier into Schophoven. The first platoon displaced to Merken.

Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 130 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing fire on roads and crossroads leading south and east from Mariaweiler. Also fired 193 rounds of WP on two screens, one from 0730 to 0830, 900 yards in width, on the east bank of the Roer River to blank advance of 1st Bn across open ground into Hoven. The second screen was fired from 0900 to 0930, 600 yards in width on the east bank of the Roer River to again screen movement of troops into Hoven.

Company D, attached to CC "B", 5th Armd Div, no missions fired.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 547 enlisted men.

14 December 1944 (D plus 191), Item 264:Company A fired 561 rounds of HE in operations with the 331st Inf, 83rd Div. Unobserved preparatory fire was placed on enemy positions east of Strass to support an attack by 1st and 2nd Battalions. Throughout the period observed fire was placed on targets of opportunity, mostly enemy infantry, observed moving about between defensive positions. Two hundred and ninety rounds of WP were fired to screen enemy OP's on two hills during the advance of the 331st Inf. The 1st platoon displaced to GEY.

Company B continued in support of the 415th Inf. However, two mortars displaced to a position north of Lucherberg and fired 260 rounds of HE, 212 rounds of WP in support of an attack by the 414th Inf in the vicinity of Pier. The company CP and second platoon displaced to Merken, thus placing the entire company in that town.

Company C, in operations with the 60th Inf, 9th Div, fired 132 rounds of HE on enemy personnel observed between Mariaweiler and the Roer River. Numerous casualties were observed. Enemy shellfire fell in the positions of the second platoon at approximately 1415 and wounded three men, one of whom was evacuated. Seventy rounds of WP were fired from 1200 to 1300 to maintain a 400 yard screen on the east bank of the Roer River to support an attack across open ground on a factory located southeast of Mariaweiler.

Company D, in operations with CC "B", 5th Armd Div, fired 180 rounds of HE interdicting and harassing fire on enemy positions located east of Strass; fire adjusted by field artillery observers. During the morning 220 rounds of WP were fired to screen the advance of tanks across open ground from GEY to the Schafberg-Strass vicinity.

Strength increased to 46 officers and 553 enlisted men.

Casualties: 34722024, Bates, Joe P., Pvt, LWA, Co C

15 December 1944 (D plus 192), Item 265: Company A continued in attachment to the 331st Inf, 83rd Div. The first platoon displaced to Horm. Company CP and second platoon displaced to GEY. No missions fired.

Company B continued in attachment with 415th Regt, 104th Div. No missions fired.

Company C detached from 60th Regt, 9th Div and attached to 39th Regt, 9th Div effective 151000. Three hundred and one rounds of HE were expended on enemy personnel and strong points in the vicinity of the factory area south of Mariaweiler and on the east bank of the Roer River. One hundred and sixty-four rounds of WP were expended to screen enemy observation of 39th Inf troops movement across open ground south of Mariaweiler.

Company D fired 150 rounds of HE, interdictory fire on draws believed to contain enemy mortar positions east of Bogheim. Sixty rounds of WP were expended to screen the direct observed fire of enemy mortars and anti-tank guns being fired against a tank column of. the 5th Armored Division as it moved east of Bogheim. Fire was adjusted by a field artillery observer from one of the tanks.

GO # 85, headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards members of this organization the following decorations:

Oak-leaf Cluster To Bronze Star Medal

First Lieutenant Ralph H. Walker, Jr.,0-441432, Co B.
Bronze Star Medal
Private James E. Norton, 32956753, Co B.

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 553 enlisted men.

16 December 1944 (D plus 193), Item 266: Company A continued in attachment with the 331st Regt, 83rd Div. The second platoon displaced to a position near Birgel. Seventy-four rounds of HE, observed fire, were placed on enemy troops in the vicinity of Krauthausen, casualties were observed inflicted. Thirty-two rounds of WP were fired to screen the movement of troops across open ground into this town.

Company B continued in attachment with the 415th Inf, 104th Div. No missions fired.

Company C in operations with the 39th Regt, 9th Div, fired 82 rounds of WP, observed fire on an enemy mortar position which was set up in a cemetery and on personnel observed to be digging in around the cemetery. WP was used for the purpose instead of HE in order not to needlessly damage the cemetery.

Company D, in operations with CC "B", 5th Armored Division, fired 200 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy troops attempting to cross a bridge on the Roer River just south of BILSTEIN. This fire was adjusted by a liaison plane. Interdictory fire was also placed on the road leading east from Boghelm. Seven rounds of WP were expended for sensing purposes.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 554 enlisted men.

17 December 1944 (D plus 194), Item 267: Company A fired 391 rounds of WP on enemy positions in the vicinity of Landersdorf to screen movement of 3rd Bn, 331st Inf, 83rd Div across open ground towards the town. The second platoon displaced to a position approximately 2,000 meters northeast of GEY. One Officer, a forward observer was killed by direct fire from a tank while adjusting fire from the vicinity of Kufferath.

Company B continued in attachment with the 415th Inf, 104th Div. No missions fired.

The second platoon of Company C, in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div, fired five rounds of HE and 45 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on a reported enemy mortar position; results unknown.

The first platoon detached 39th Inf and attached 60th Inf effective 171200. Enemy fire fell sporadically on the positions of both platoons throughout the period. One enlisted man of the first platoon was wounded and evacuated.

Company D fired 217 rounds of HE, 155 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel using a bridge across the Roer River just south of Bilstein. Casualties were inflicted. Unobserved fire was placed on draws and defiladed positions believed to contain enemy personnel and mortar positions.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 548 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-522565, DeWitt, Marvin J., 1st Lt, KIA, Co A
31349210, Szubelik, Joseph S., Pvt, LWA, Co C

18 December 1944 (D plus 195), Item 268: Company A, in operations with the 331st Inf, 83rd Div, fired 58 rounds of HE and 16 rounds of WP on enemy positions located in a factory on the east bank of the Roer River opposite Landersdorf, results unknown.

Company B continued in attachment with the 415th Inf, 104th Div, no missions fired.

The second platoon of Company C fired 4 rounds of WP in operations with the 39th Inf, 9th Div. Late in the period this platoon displaced to Konzendorf. It was relieved from attachment to 39th Inf and attached to 60th Inf effective 182400, thus placing the entire company with the 60th Inf Regt. RCT 60 and Company C detached from 9th Inf Div to 104th Div effective 182400A.

Company D, in operations with CC "B", 5th Armored Division, fired 235 rounds of HE. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel attempting to cross bridge of Roer River east of Bilstein and on enemy infantry observed digging in the vicinity of Schlagstein. Unobserved interdictory fire was placed on the road leading from Untermaubach and on draw in that vicinity believed to contain enemy mortar positions, and on a reported enemy ammunition dump located east of Bogheim.

Strength increased to 43 officers and 549 enlisted men.

19 December 1944 (D plus 196), Item 269: Company A, in operations with the 331st Inf, 83rd Div, fired 103 rounds of HE and 225 rounds of WP, harassing and interdicting fire throughout the period on enemy positions on the east bank of the Roer River opposite Lendersdorf.

Company B continued in attachment with the 415th Regt, 104th Div. No missions fired.

Company C fired 295 rounds of HE, unobserved interdicting and harassing fire on enemy infantry and mortar positions on the east bank of the Roer River mostly in the northern sector of Düren. One mortar position was reported silenced.

Company D fired 131 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy positions located on high ground on the east b2nk of the ROER RIVER opposite Untermaubach and on the bridge crossing the river east of B1LSTEIN. Interdictory fire, observed by a liaison plane, was placed on the road between Untermaubach and Obermaubach. The enemy vehicles were reported out. Unobserved fire was placed on a suspected enemy mortar position across the Roer River.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 549 enlisted men.

20 December 1944 (D plus 197), Item 270: Company A fired 35 rounds of HE and 45 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy positions on the east bank of the Roer River. This company attached to 329th Inf as well as continuing attachment to 331st Regt, 83rd Div. thus operating in general support of two regiments in the line.

Company B, operating with the 415th Inf, 104th Div, fired 77 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP, unobserved harassing fire on enemy positions on east bank of the Roer River opposite Merken. Approximately 35 rounds of harassing fire were fired from a captured German 80mm mortar.

Company C fired 205 rounds of HE and 36 rounds of WP, observed fire, on two observed machine gun emplacements located in the cloverleaf on the Autobahn just east of the Roer River. Both positions received direct hits and were destroyed. Direct hits were obtained on a house being used as an OP. Unobserved harassing and interdictory fire were placed on roads on the east side of the Roer River.

Company D fired 178 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP, preparatory fire on Bogheim and on enemy positions across river to support an attack by CC "B", 5th Armored Division; unobserved preparation, also in support of this attack, was placed on reported enemy positions on high ground east of Bogheim.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 549 enlisted men. [Ed. note: At this time, battalion was receiving orders that would culminate in Ardennes campaign (Battle of the Bulge).]

21 December 1944 (D plus 198), Item 271: Company A, in operations with the 329th and 331st Inf Regts, 83rd Div, fired 192 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing fire on enemy positions on the east bank of the Roer River. This company detached at 212400 and placed under battalion control for move to new assembly area.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf, 104th Div, fired 256 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing fire on enemy positions across Roer River from Merken. This company detached at 212400 and placed under battalion control for move to new assembly area.

Company C, in operations with the 60th Regt, 9th Div, (attached to 104th Div) fired 250 rounds of HE, observed fire, on three machine gun positions on east bank of Roer River. Direct hits were observed. Observed fire was also placed on enemy infantry observed preparing emplacements. Casualties were inflicted. This company continues in attachment with 60th Inf and will move to new assembly positions with that regiment.

Company D, in operations with CC "B", 5th Armd Div, fired 216 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP, preparatory fire, against Untermaubach to support an attach. by 330th Regt, 83rd Div, which is attached to CC "B". Observed fire was placed on enemy troops in vicinity of ridge across Roer River southeast of Bilstein; and on an OP in Untermaubach. Interdictory fire was placed on roads leading into Untermaubach from the east. This company detached at 212400 and placed under battalion control for move to new assembly area.

GO # 86, headquarters VII Corps, this date awards the Bronze Star Medal to: Private First Class Walter J. Dickson, 33515094, Co A.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 549 enlisted men.

22 December 1944 (D plus 199), Item 272: Company A and Company B closed into assembly positions in vicinity of Battalion CP and prepared to move on 23 December to an assembly area in Belgium.

Company C fired 33 rounds of HE on two machine gun positions on east bank of Roer River. Rounds were observed to fall on targets. This company continued in attachment with 60th Inf, 9th Div and moved with this regiment to an assembly area in Belgium.

Company D fired 71 rounds of HE and 34 rounds of WP, observed fire, on Untermaubach to support an attack by 2nd Bn, 330th Inf, which is attached to 5th Armored Division. An unobserved preparation was placed on enemy entrenchments across Roer River from Untermaubach. Company then moved out and closed into assembly area in BRAND in preparation for move on 23 December to assembly area in Belgium.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 548 enlisted men.

23 December 1944 (D plus 200), Item 273: Battalion, less Company C, departed from CP and assembly area, (K-885368) 4 miles southeast of Aachen at 0800, moved 64 miles into Belgium to new assembly area in Havelange. CP located at (K-235010), opened at 1300.

Company C, which moved with 60th Regt, 9th Div, detached from this regiment and placed under battalion control 231000, and is located in vicinity of Ouffet (K-390070).

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 548 enlisted men.

24 December 1944 (D plus 201), Item 274: Battalion Headquarters and Companies A, B, and D continued in assembly area in vicinity of OUFFET. Companies A and D attached 84th Inf Div effective 242400A. Companies B and C attached 3rd Armd Div effective 242400A. Necessary liaison effected before close of period.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 548 enlisted men.

25 December 1944 (D plus 202, Item 275: Company A, attached to 335th Inf, 84th Div, completed reconnaissance and closed into mortar positions vicinity of Marche at 1500A.

Company B, attached to CC "A", 3rd Armd Div, was further attached to 289th Inf, 75th Div which is attached to 3rd Armd Div. Reconnaissance was completed and company closed into mortar positions vicinity of Sadzot at 1515A.

Company C, attached to CC Howze, 3rd Armd Div, was further attached to 290th Regt, 75th Div. Company completed reconnaissance and closed into mortar positions vicinity of Ny and Soy at 1430A.

Company D, attached to 334th Inf, 84th Div, completed reconnaissance and closed into mortar positions vicinity of Focagne at 1520A. Heavy enemy artillery fire at 1800 forced the company from these positions and company moved to new positions vicinity of Marche.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 546 enlisted men.

26 December 1944 (D plus 203), Item 276: Company A, in operations with the 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 427 rounds of HE and 49 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on entrenched personnel south of Marche. Unobserved interdictory fire was placed on the road leading into Marche from the south. Scheduled harassing fire was delivered throughout the period on enemy positions and prearranged concentration points.

Company B, in operations with the 289th Inf, 75th Div, (attached 3rd Armd Div) fired 46 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP unobserved fire on suspected enemy troop assembly areas in support of an attack by 2nd Bn, 289th Inf in the direction of Grandmeuil.

Company C, attached 290th Regt, 75th Div, attached 3rd Armd Div, fired 3 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP for registration for defensive fire plan.

Company D, in operations with the 334th Inf, 84th Div, fired 213 rounds of HE and 40 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on a concentration of enemy tanks and infantry north of Verdenne. This company has been officially credited with knocking out two of the tanks, reported to be Mk V's. Heavy casualties were also reported inflicted when numerous enemy attacks in line of action were broken up.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 546 enlisted men.

27 December 1944 (D plus 204), Item 277: Company A, in operations with the 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 392 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP. Unobserved interdictory fire was placed on roads and crossroads south of MARCHE and on two reported enemy mortar positions; concentration points were registered.

Company B fired 305 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP in operations with the 289th Inf, 75th Div (attached 3rd Armd Div). Unobserved fire was delivered against a counter-attack at 1900. Preparatory fires were put down at 0900 and 1200 to support operations by 1st and 2nd Battalions, fire adjusted by infantry observers.

Company C, in operations with the 290th Inf, 75th Div (attached 3rd Armd Div) fired 265 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel in Trinal; numerous casualties were observed. Unobserved searching fire was placed on a wooded area north of the town.

Company D, in operations with 334th Regt, 84th Div, fired 233 rounds of HE an4 55 rounds of WP; observed fire was placed on enemy tanks and infantry in vicinity of Verdenne. Unobserved fire was placed on a reported enemy infantry assembly area south of Hampteau from 0325 to 0600. Observed fire was delivered on crossroads and concentration points. The first platoon displaced to Hotton at 0130 and the second platoon displaced approximately one mile east of Marche in order to be in better positions to render general support to regimental sector.

Strength increased to 42 officers and 547 enlisted men.

28 December 1944 (D plus 205), Item 278: Company A, in operations with the 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 269 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing and interdicting fire on roads and crossroads and enemy assembly areas in the south of Marche.

Company B, in operations with the 289th Regt, 75th Div, attached 3rd Armd Div, fired 24 rounds of HE, unobserved interdictory fire on a road junction south of first battalion's position. At 0140 the company mortar positions, vicinity of Sadzot (P4789) located approximately 3,000 yards behind our front lines, were suddenly attacked by a large group of enemy infantry which had infiltrated thru a gap approximately 1,000 yards wide between the 1st and 2nd Bns, 289th Inf. This group of enemy infantry was composed of four companies of approximately 60 men each (the 5th and 6th companies led the assault) of the 25th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 12th SS Panzer Division (Hitler Jugend). The suddenness and strength of this attack, which was supported by light mortar fire, automatic weapons, and many rifle grenades, overran- the mortar positions. However, the enemy was immediately engaged by officers and men of Company B who had been alerted by our own security posts. The enemy was resisted from houses in the village until they were set afire and then the men slowly fell back to defensive positions north of the village. Three officers and approximately 30 men after successive defensive operations, fell back to a line approximately 500 yards north of the village which was being formed by the 509th Parachute Battalion and they fought on this line until approximately 0630 at which time they were relieved. Although the mortar positions and Vicinity had been overrun by the strength of the attack, when elements of Company B entered the village with paratroops at 1130, it was discovered that 6 of the 9 mortars were still in position and intact; these were recovered. The remaining three mortars were in an area about 800 yards east of the village and are still in enemy hands. Only five of the 17 vehicles had been destroyed and at the close of the period, the twelve were in use. One officer and one enlisted man were killed, 15 enlisted men wounded, 9 of whom were evacuated and 26 men are missing. This company was the first resistance encountered by this enemy force whose objective was to seize Sadzot from the south and east, to secure that village, push on to capture two other towns in the vicinity, and to take and hold the main highway running west and east through Brezee-Grandmenil. Had they been successful, they would have overrun the 289th regimental CP and several battalions of artillery in the vicinity. The stubborn resistance by Company B not only prevented the enemy force from cutting this road but gained time for units to the rear to establish a defensive line from which a counterattack was launched at approximately 0400. Reports indicate that from 20 to 25 casualties were inflicted upon the enemy by members of Company B before they were forced to withdraw from the village. Those men were still resisting in the village when our troops fought their way back in at approximately 1100. By 1500, a platoon of four guns had formed and, having re-entered the village, was set up in firing positions and available for any fire missions which the infantry might request. Small arms and mortar fire in the vicinity continued heavy throughout the period.

Company C, in operations with the 290th Infantry, 75th Division (attached 3rd Armd. Div), fired 275 rounds of HE and 119 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, in three missions on enemy activity in the town of Trinal. Buildings in the town were observed to burn.

Company D, attached 334 Inf, 84th Div., no missions fired.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 544 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31357022, Clancy, Jeremiah (NMI), Tec, 5, KIA, Med det
0-887395, Duncan, Frederick A., 2nd, LT, KIA, Co B
31336871, Burke, Edward W., Jr, Pvt, LWA, Co B
31366685, Kaiser, Joseph G., PFC, SWA, Co B
38071222, Lozano, Santoa 0., Pvt, LWA, Co B
36682127, Penman, Milton C., PFC, LWA, Co B
34107039, Scroggins, William T., Sgt, LWA, Co B
31366773, Ciampi, Theodore V., Cpl, LWA, Co B
6767753, Phalen, John C., Tec, 5, LWA, Co B
31373978, Valade, Edward L., Tec, 5, LWA, Co B
31349238, Marini, Gisto A., Cpl, MIA, Co B
1386161, Kevorkian, Andrew (NMI), PFC, MIA, Co B (KIA, 1/2/45)
33758534, Barrett, Charles A., Pvt, MIA, Co B
35066328, Little, DeVern C., Pvt, MIA, Co B
38028115, Jones, James W. Jr., Sgt, MIA, Co B
33731674, Beck, Albert E., Tec, 5, MIA, Co B KIA, 3/8/45
31374033, Maynard, Roland '3., PFC, MIA, Co B (KIA, 1/2/45)
33793530, Kopcho, Michael (NMI), PFC, MIA, Co B
31388964, Heliotis, Louis N., PFC, MIA, Co B
39921410, Georgedes, John A., Pvt, MIA, Co B
31388273, Bernatowicz, Bonificius J.., Cpl, MIA, Co B
32952173, Loundy, Sidney (NMI), PFC, MIA, Co B
32988782, Forte, Anthony, PFC, MIA
31336954, Russo, Nicholas M., Pvt, MIA, Co B
33731690, Shoemaker, George L., Tec, 5, MIA, Co B
33792272, Capriotti, Vincent J., PFC, NIA, Co B
31367123, Grandmont, Emery (NMI), PFC, LWA, Co B
36682200, Cummings, William A., Tec, 5, MIA, Co B (KIA 12/31/44)
34677697, McGowan, Jesse E., Pvt, MIA, Co B
39213143, Lloyd, Loune F. Sgt, MIA, Co B
39279061, Nash, William B., Cpl, MIA, Co B
31336855, Vallera, Robert V., PFC, MIA, Co B
33246909, Albright, John (NMI) Jr, Sgt, MIA, Co B
31398089, Nadeau, Raymond F., Cpl, MIA, Co B
31373965, Forbush, Edward F., PFC, MIA, Co B
32156439, De Peri, John J., Pvt, MIA, Co B
33698901, Bloise, Joseph L., Sgt, MIA, Co B

29 December 1944 (D plus 206), Item 279: Company A, in operations with the 335th Inf, 84th Div., fired 367 rounds of HE and 18 rounds of WP. Unobserved interdictory and harassing fire was placed throughout the night on roads, crossroads and draws south of Marche. Observed fire was placed on enemy mortar and machine gun positions in the town of Hargimont. Rounds were observed to fall on target.

Company B, reorganized into one four-gun platoon, continued in operation in Sadzot even though the village was subjected to heavy snail arms and mortar fire. No missions were fired during the period as the men were being employed as infantrymen and were occupying defensive positions in the village. At the close of the period the gap between the 1st and 2nd Bns, 289th Inf had not been closed and it is believed that the enemy had reinforced his infiltrating troops which had assaulted the town. The area around the positions of the three mortars located approximately 800 yards southeast of the town remained in enemy hands. Heavy enemy fire prevented the salvaging of damaged equipment. Orders received from Headquarters VII Corps detached this company from current assignment effective 291600 and placed under control of parent unit. However, at 291800, CG, CC "A", requested current attachments remain in effect indefinitely because of the situation in the vicinity of Sadzot.

Company C, in operation with the 290th Inf, 75th Div (attached 3rd Armd Div) fired 254 rounds of HE and 91 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire was placed in front of the positions of the 3rd Bn and later on positions in front of boundary of the 1st and 2nd Bns to assist in repelling two counterattacks.

Company D continued in attachment to 234th Inf, 84th Div, however, one platoon in direct support of the 233rd Inf, 84th Div. No missions fired.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 544 enlisted men.
Det: Browde & Delik of 60th Cml Depot Co rec'd from TD & RTD to their organization. Strength: same except 2 enlisted men attached instead of 4.

30 December 1944 (D plus 207), Item 280: Company A, in operations with 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 443 rounds of HE and 9 rounds of WP. Harassing fire was delivered throughout the night on enemy positions south of Marche to screen movement of the 3rd Bn into the line. Unobserved fire was placed on an enemy mortar position, the location of which was reported by a patrol; results not known. Unobserved fire was delivered on entrenched infantry, the location of which was obtained by IPW. (Interrogation of POW)

Orders were received at 300800 that Company B would proceed to assembly area with 3rd Armored Division and company started movement at 1300. At 1410, orders were received from Headquarters, VII Corps that Company B would not proceed to assembly area with 3rd Armd Div but would continue in the line in the 3rd Armd sector and reinforce the fires of the 290th Inf, 75th Div. The column was turned around on the road and proceeded to new positions in the vicinity of SOY. A small detail was left in Sadzot to recover additional equipment as soon as the situation permits. The village and vicinity was subjected to heavy small arms and mortar fire throughout the period and at close of period the enemy had been driven to a position approximately 1,000 yards southeast of the village.

Company C, in operations with the 290th Inf, 75th Div, (atchd 3rd Armd Div) fired 44 rounds of HE and 35 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on entrenched personnel along the enemy MLR. Effective results were obtained and the enemy was observed to evacuate positions when WP was called in. Observed fire was placed on enemy movements in Trinal.

Company D, in operations with the 334th Inf, 84th Div, fired 64 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of SP, harassing and interdictory fire on roads and crossroads south and southeast of Verdenne.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and [quantity obliterated by classification stamp] enlisted men.

31 December 1944 (D plus 208), Item 281: Company A, in operations with the 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 163 rounds of HE and 20 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire was placed on entrenched enemy infantry; on a reported enemy mortar position; and on two anti-tank guns reported to be 88mm. Infantry observer reported that both anti-tank guns were destroyed.

Company B, detached 3rd Armd Div 310800, reverted to control of parent unit and closed into assembly area vicinity of the CP, 311030 and immediately set about re-organization and maintenance of equipment.

Company C fired 209 rounds of HE and 112 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on German activity in vicinity of Magoster. While adjusting this fire, the forward observed noticed three flashes from an enemy artillery place and seconds later three shells hit in his vicinity. Mortar fire was brought to bear on the area where the flash occurred and no more was seen or heard from the gun. Unobserved fire was placed on enemy activity in BAFFE. Company detached 3rd Armd Div and attached 83rd Inf Div, 311200, however, continues in support of 290th Inf Regt, which is also attached 83rd Div.

Company D, in operations with the 334th Inf, 84th Div, fired 264 rounds of HE, unobserved fire was delivered from 1900 to 2230 on an area approximately 300 yards forward of the MLR to screen and block out the sound of tanks moving into hull-down positions on the MLR. Unobserved fire was also delivered on reported enemy activity south of Verdenne; interdictory fire was placed on a crossroads southeast of Verdenne.
Strength decreased to 39 officers and 513 enlisted men.

January 1945

1 January 1945 (D plus 209), Item 1: Company A, in operations with the 335th Regt 84th Div, fired 241 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP, unobserved interdictory and harassing fire on roads, crossroads and concentration points to the front of the regimental sector. Company began movement at 2115 to assembly area vicinity Oppagne (P4192) in preparation for forthcoming attack.

Company B, no change.

Company C, in operations with 290th Inf, 75th Div, (atchd 83rd Div) fired 231 rounds of HE, observed fire on enemy activity in Magoster and Trinal; casualties were observed inflicted. Unobserved fire, 225 rounds of WP, was placed on a number of haystacks believed to be camouflage for tanks; results unknown.

Company D, attached 334th Inf, 84th Div, began movement to assembly area vicinity Oppagne (P4192) in preparation for forthcoming attack. No missions fired.

Strength decreased to 39 officers and 512 enlisted men.

2 January 1945 (D plus 210), Item 2: Company A and Company D continued in attachment to 84th Inf Div and remained in assembly area vicinity of Oppagne awaiting attack orders.

Company B received orders for attachment to 83rd Inf Div effective 030800. Liaison was effected and the second platoon moved out at O21550A to assembly positions with the 331st Inf Regt. The first platoon continued reorganization and re-equipping vicinity of Bn CP and awaited the arrival of replacements.

Company C, attached 329th Inf, 83rd Div, began movement 021100 to assembly area vicinity of Grandvue, closed in new positions 021410A.

Strength increased to 40 officers and 515 enlisted men.

3 January 1945 (D plus 211), Item 3: Company A, attached 333rd Inf, 84th Div, moved to new assembly area vicinity of Erpigny (P4589).

Company B, attached 331st Inf, 83rd Div, remained in assembly area vicinity of OZO (P5798).

Company C, attached 329th Inf, 83rd Div, moved to new assembly area vicinity Veucy le Marteau (P5798).

Company D continued in assembly area vicinity Oppagne (P4192) awaiting orders and prepared to move out in general support of either 333rd Inf or TF Church.

Strength increased to 41 officers and decreased to 514 enlisted men.

4 January 1945 (D plus 212), Item 4: No change.

Strength remains at 41 officers and 514 enlisted men.

5 January 1945 (D plus 213), Item 5: Company A displaced to the vicinity of Le Batty (P5188). No missions fired. Companies B, C, and D, no change. Battalion CP closed Havelange (K235010) at 051100A, displaced 18 miles east and opened in Verlaine (K419027) 051230A.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 514 enlisted men.

6 January 1945 (D plus 214), Item 6: Company A attached333rd Inf, 84th Div, fired 356 rounds of HE and 7 rounds of WP in support of an attack by the 67th Armd Regt, 2nd Armd Div. Observed fire was placed on enemy strong points and along the enemy MLR to assist the advance of this regiment.

Companies B, C, and D, no change.

Strength decreased to 40 officers and 513 enlisted men.

7 January 1945 (D plus 215), Item 7: Company A, in operations with the 333rd Inf, 84th Div, fired 218 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP, harassing fire during the night on the town of Freineux (P5186). Preparatory fire was placed at 0830 on Freineux and vicinity to support an attack by the 67th Armd Regt, 2nd Armd Div. Late in the period, the company displaced to Freineux.

Company B, attached 331st Inf, 83rd Div, alerted and prepared to move on Division order.

Company C, attached 329th Inf, 83rd Div, alerted and prepared to move on Division order.

Company D, attached to Division Artillery, 84th Div, however, operating in direct support of 334th Inf, moved to Amonines. (P4487). Company fired 207 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP to support an attack by the 2nd Bn, 334th Inf, 84th Div thru woods south of Amon1nes. Observed fire was placed on enemy resistance in Devantave (P4484).

Strength increased to 40 officers and 518 enlisted men.

8 January 1945 (D plus 216), Item 8: Report Company A continued in attachment with 333rd Inf, 84th Div. No missions requested.

Company B moved from OZO (P4499) to Lierneux (P6189). Attachment to 331st Inf, 83rd Div remained in effect, no missions fired.

Company C, attached to 329th Inf, 83rd Div, moved first platoon to Lierneux (P6489) and second platoon to Verleumont (P6387), no missions requested.

Company D, attached to Division Artillery, operating in direct support of the 334th Inf, no missions requested. Company CP moved to Devantave (P4484). Both platoons moved to Marcouray (P4481).

Strength increased to 42 officers and decreased to 517 enlisted men.

9 January 1945 (D plus 217), Item 9: Company A, in operations with the 333rd Inf, 84th Div, fired 63 rounds of HE and 32 rounds of WP; observed fire was placed on entrenched enemy and on vehicles in vicinity of Chabrenez (P5582). Because of poor visibility exact results could not be ascertained.

Company B continued in attachment with 331st Inf., however is also operating in support of 1st Bn, 330th Inf, 83rd Div. The first and second platoons moved to Joubieval (P6586); no missions requested. One enlisted man was slightly wounded and evacuated.

Company C continued in attachment with 329th Inf, 83rd Div. The first and second platoons displaced to Joubieval (P6586). The company CP displaced to SART (P6587). No missions requested. One 1/4 ton truck in the vicinity of the mortar positions was damaged by shellfire.

Company D, attached Division Artillery, however, in direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div, fired 114 rounds of HE and 110 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on personnel and vehicles in vicinity of La Roche (P4678) with effective results. A smoke screen was put down to support an attack by 2nd Battalion on high ground east of La Roche. The first and second platoons displaced to CIELLE (P4479). Company CP displaced to Marcouray (P4381). The forward observer with 2nd Bn was seriously wounded by shellfire and evacuated.

GO # 2, this headquarters today awards the Purple Heart Medal and oak-leaf Cluster to the Purple Heart, to members of this organization. (Copy attached)

Strength remains at 42 officers and 517 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1038420, Lesh, Lawrence D., 1st Lt, LWA Co D
3.155222, Schexnayder, Harry W., PFC, LWA Co B

10 January 1945 (D plus 218), Item 10: Company A, in operations with the 333rd Inf, 84th Div, fired 225 rounds of HE, 16 rounds of WP, Unobserved fire was placed along the enemy MLR on troops digging in and dug in vehicles behind the MLR.

Company B, in operations with the 331st Inf, 83rd Div, fired 166 rounds of HE and 51 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy infantry and tanks in the vicinity of Langlir (P6582).

Company C, in operations with the 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 25 rounds of HE and 19 rounds of WP, harassing fire from 0030 to 0200 on a road junction south of OTTRE (P6485). At 0415 an HE shell from Lot number KN5-142 burst inside the barrel. The barrel and standard were completely destroyed and the base plate severely damaged. One enlisted man was seriously wounded and evacuated. Cause of this premature explosion unknown and undetermined.

Company D attached to Division Artillery but operating in direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div, fired 128 rounds of HE and 17 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on reported enemy OP's in the vicinity of La Roche. The mortar positions in the vicinity of Cielle (P4479) were subjected to shellfire throughout the period. One 1/4-ton trailer was destroyed, tires and radiators of five vehicles were punctured. Two enlisted men were slightly wounded but not evacuated.

Strength remains at 42 officers and 517 enlisted men.

Casualties:

35750626, Spielman, Bernard L., Pvt, SWA Co C

11 January 1945 (D plus 219), Item 11: Company A relieved attachment 333rd Inf, attached to Division Artillery and placed in direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div, moved to assembly area in vicinity of Oppagne (P4295) to prepare for forthcoming attack.

Company B - no change, no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 78 rounds of HE and 114 rounds of WP. An observed smoke screen was placed on the north edge of Petite Langlir (P6583) to support an attack by 2nd Bn on the town. Then both HE and WP for casualty effect were placed on the town itself. At approximately 1600 an enemy mortar shell made a direct hit into the hole, vicinity of Petite Langlir, occupied by the forward observer and his radio operator, both men were killed instantly.

Company D continued attachment to Div Arty, however is now operating in direct support of 4th Cavalry Group which is attached to 84th Div. No missions requested.

Strength decreased to 41 officers and 516 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-543041, Keens, Robert E., 2nd Lt, KIA Co C
36698604, Schwartz, Norman W. PFC, KIA Co C

12 January 1945 (D plus 220), Item 12: Company A moved to positions vicinity of Sanree (P5081), continued in direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div. No missions requested.

Company B continued attachment to 331st Inf, 83rd Div, however, no missions requested. Company CP moved to Joubieval (P6586) and the second platoon displaced to Ottre (P6485).

Company C, in operations with the 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 1 round of HE and 20 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel in a sunken trail leading east from Petite Langlir (P6583). Casualties were observed inflicted.

Company D continued in direct support of 4th Cavalry Group (attached 84th Div), however, no missions requested. The first platoon displaced to vicinity of Samree (P5081). Company CP moved to Cielle (P4479).

Orders received from Chemical Officer, First Army, stipulating that until further notice all HE shells are to be fired by lanyard. These orders were necessitated by premature bursts which have occurred in this and other battalions.

Strength increased to 42 officers and 526 enlisted men.

Casualties: 31336872, Pizzonia, Anthony D., Tec 5, LWA Co B

13 January 1945 (D plus 221), Item 13:Company A CP and platoons moved to Berismenil (P5277). Company B, Company C and Company D - no change, no missions requested.

Strength increased to 42 officers and 528 enlisted men. Casualties: None.

14 January 1945 (D plus 222), Item 14: Company A, in operations with the 334th Inf, 84th Div. fired 233 rounds of HE and 38 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy positions south of Berismenil (P5277) and on a road block vicinity of Nadrin (P5375). Late in the period the two platoons displaced to Nadrin.

Company B continued in attachment with 331st Inf, 83rd Div. No missions requested. Company CP moved to Ottre (P6485). The 2nd platoon displaced to Langlir (P6582).

Company C continued attachment with the 329th Inf, 83rd Div. No missions requested. CP moved to Joubieval (P6586). The 1st platoon displaced to Petite Langlir (P6583); the 2nd platoon displaced to Provedroux (P6985).

Company D continued in direct support of 4th Cavalry Group; no missions requested. The 1st platoon and Company CP displaced to La Roche (P4677); the 2nd platoon displaced to Villez (P4777).

Strength increased to 42 officers and 531 enlisted men.

15 January 1945 (D plus 223), Item 15: Company A moved to the vicinity of Fronville (P3590), an assembly position, to await orders: continued attachment to 84th Div Artillery, however, relieved of direct support of 334th Inf. No missions fired.

The 2nd platoon of Company B displaced at 0400 to Fm Du Bertrand-Cheneux (P6683). At 0900 the platoon displaced again to P671823 and prepared to fire a smoke screen, however, no missions requested. One enlisted man was slightly wounded by shellfire in vicinity of second platoon.

Company C continued attachment to 329th Inf, 83rd Div. Seven rounds of WP were fired to screen the movement of troops in front of Bovigny (P7082). One officer was wounded by enemy shellfire in vicinity of second platoon, however, not evacuated. At approximately 1600 a WP shell, lot number 142-236 exploded about 30 yards from the mortar; there were no casualties. The cause of the explosion could not be definitely determined as no concrete evidence from the shell remained.

Company D moved to assembly area vicinity of Oppagne (P4192) and a-waited further orders. Continued attachment to 84th Division Artillery, however, relieved from direct support of 4th Cavalry Group. No missions fired.

The Battalion CP closed Verlaine (K-419027) at 151100A, moved 25.4 miles southeast to Verleumont (P630878), and opened 151300A.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and 530 enlisted men.

Casualties: 36741150, Bell, Robert A., Pvt, LWA Co B

GO #8, Hq 4th Infantry Division, this date amends GO #94 dtd 29 Dec 1944 awarding the Bronze Star Medal to Major Jay L King, 0362379, to read, Award of oak-leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star Medal.

16 January 1945 (D plus 224), Item 16: Company A continued in assembly area vicinity of Fronville (P3590); no change.

Company B, no missions requested, no change.

Company C fired 128 rounds of WP to screen open ground north of Bovigny (P7082) to support an attack by 2nd Bn, 329th Inf, 83rd Div. The forward observer party was under direct fire from tanks. One man was seriously wounded and evacuated, the other man had not been accounted for at close of period.

Company D continued in assembly area in Oppagne (P4192), no change.

Strength increased to 43 officers and 533 enlisted men.

Casualties:

32853065, Kneiper, Joseph W., S/Sgt, SWA Co C
33696947, Schuller, Henry I., PFC, MIA Co C

17 January 1945 (D Plus 225), Item 17: Company A, no change.

Company B fired 50 rounds of HE, observed fire, on Courtil (P7081) to support an attack by 1st BN, 331st Inf, 83rd Div.

Company C, in operations with the 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 32 rounds of HE and 17 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on enemy activity north of Bovigny (P7082).

Company D, no change.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 533 enlisted men.

18 January 1945 (D plus 226), Item 18: Company A and Company B, no change.

Company B continued attachment to 331st Inf, 83rd Div. The 2nd platoon displaced to P678805. Because of the heavily wooded terrain, engineers had to clear a road along a fire break as well as clear a mortar position out of the dense woods for this platoon. The company CP moved to the vicinity of LANGLIR (P6582), no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 24 rounds of HE and 20 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a house and personnel in the vicinity along a road leading into Bovigny, results unreported. The 1st and 2nd platoons displaced to 2683832.

Company D, no change.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 533 enlisted men.

19 January 1945 (D plus 227), Item 19: Company A, Company B and Company D, no change, no missions fired.
Company C, operating in support of 329th Inf, 83rd Div, fired 23 rounds of HE and 27 rounds of WP, unobserved fire, on personnel along a ridge between Honyelez (P7083) and Bovigny (P7082), results unknown.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 533 enlisted men.

GO # 9, Hq, 4th Inf Div, awards the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Henry S. Williams, 0-1035102, and the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant Lewis C., Bellis, 32860863.

20 January 1945 (D plus 228), Item 20: Company A, attached Division Artillery 84th Division and placed in direct support of 333rd Inf, was alerted f or movement into the line.

Company B moved out of the line with the 331st Inf, 83rd Div and moved to assembly area vicinity of Fays (P5097).

Company C, no change, no missions fired.

Company D, attached Division Artillery, 84th Div and placed in direct support of 334th Inf, was alerted for movement into the line.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 548 enlisted men.

21 January 1945 (D plus 229), Item 21: Company A operating in direct support of 333rd Inf, 84th Div, moved into line and closed at 1330. The platoons are located at P688829, Company CP at Petite Langlir (P6583).

Company B and Company C, no change.

Company D, operating in direct support of 335th Inf, 84th Div, moved into line and closed at 1430. The platoons are located east of Sterpigny (P6677), Company CF located at Sterpigny (P6677).

Strength increased to 46 officers and decreased to 546 enlisted men.

22 January 1945 (D plus 230), Item 22: Company A, attached Division Artillery and operating in direct support of 333rd Inf, 84th Div, no missions requested. Company CP moved to Honyllez (27083); both platoons displaced twice; positions at close of period was at Rogery (P728k).

Company B and Company C, no change.

Company D, attached Division Artillery and operating in direct support of 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 12 rounds of HE, preparatory fire, for an attack by 3rd BN on L'ourthe (P7578). One hundred and eighty rounds of WP were fired to screen high ground northeast of Gouvy (27278) in support of an attack by 1st Bn to cover exposed flank and screen enemy observation. At 222200 an HE shell, lot number KN-5-78, fuze #103, exploded inside the barrel of the 1st squad, second platoon. Round was fired by lanyard, hence there were no casualties. The barrel was completely destroyed and the base plate and standard damaged beyond repair. The premature burst was the second round fired in the mission which called for a range of 3300 yards.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 541 enlisted men.

23 January 1945 (D plus 231), Item 23: Company A, attached Division Artillery, operating in direct support of 333rd Inf, 84th Div, no missions requested.

Company B, no change.

Company C moved to new assembly area in vicinity of Tour (24397).

Company D, attached Division Artillery, operating in direct support of 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired 60 rounds of HE and 290 rounds of WP. Interdictory fire was placed on L'gurthe and eastern approaches throughout the night. A smoke screen was maintained from 1015 to 1200 on the high ground southwest of L'ourthe between (P7578) and Wattermal (P7577) to screen observation and cover the right flank in support of an attack by 3rd BN towards L'ourthe. One officer and one enlisted man were wounded and evacuated when a ¼-ton truck moving in a convoy between Gouvy and L'ourthe hit a mine.

Strength increased to 47 officers and 541 enlisted men.

Casualties:

0-1037421, Burleigh, Joseph P., 2nd Lt., LWA, Co D
35881214, Analey, Floyd G., PFC, LWA, Co D

24 January 1945 (D plus 232), Item 24: Company A, detached Inf Div and reverted to control of parent unit 240800 and moved to assembly area, Modave (K2707) for rehabilitation of personnel and maintenance of equipment.

Company B and Company C, no change.

Company D, attached Division Artillery and operating in direct support of 335th Inf, 84th Div, fired I round of HE and 12 rounds of WP, registration fire for defensive fire plan.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 541 enlisted men.

25 January 1945 (D plus 233), Item 25: Company A, Company B and Company C, no change. Company D, detached 84th Div 250800, reverted to control of parent unit and closed in assembly area vicinity of Modave (K2707) 251235A.

Orders received 252200 to the effect that entire battalion detached VII Corps and attached XVIII Corps (Abn) effective on arrival. Plans made to move to new assembly area.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 541 enlisted men.

GO #6, Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, this date, awards the Legion of Merit to the following Officer for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services: Lieutenant. Colonel James H. Batte, 0-23401.

26 January 1945 (D plus 234), Item 26: Necessary liaison effected with Headquarters, XVIII Corps (Abn) and plans made for battalion to move on 27 January. The following attachments are effective upon arrival: Company A to 82 A/B Div; Company B to 1st Inf Div; Company C to 30th Inf Div; Company D to 84th Inf Div; Strength remains at 47 officers and 539 enlisted men.

27 January 1945 (D plus 235), Item 27: Bn CP closed Modave (K2707) 271100A, moved 46 miles to the east and opened Malmedy (K795042) 271400A. Entire battalion passed to control XVIII Corps (Abn) 271400A.

Company A closed in position with 82nd A/B Div 271130A and prepared for forthcoming attack. Company CP and second platoon located Wallerone (P8890); first platoon located (2878938). One platoon placed in direct support of 325th Glider Inf Regt, one platoon in direct support of 504th Prcht Inf Regt.

Company B closed in position with 18th Inf, 1st Div 1000A and prepared for forthcoming attack. Company CP located Schoppen (K895000); first and second platoons located Möderscheid (2906995).

Company C closed in assembly area with 30th Div 271500A vicinity Vielsalm (27089); attached Division Artillery.

Company D closed in assembly area with 84th Div 271545A vicinity Aywailie (K5310); attached Division Artillery.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 539 enlisted men.

Casualties: 36682200 Cummings, William A. Tec 5 Fr MIA 12/28 to KIA Co B

28 January 1945 (D plus 236), Item 28: Company A continued in direct support of 325th Glider Inf Regt and 504th Prcht Inf, Regt, 82nd Abn Div, no missions requested. First platoon displaced to Meuerode (P8993); second platoon displaced to (2901917).

Company B, operating in direct support of 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 6 rounds of WP, registration fire for prearranged fire plan. CP moved to Möderscheid (29099); First and second platoons displaced to Hepscheid (29298).

Company C, no change.

Company D, attached to Division Artillery and placed in direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div, moved to Chevron CK5700) in order to be in designated assembly area.

Strength decreased to 47 officers and 538 enlisted men.

29 January 1945 (D plus 237), Item 29: Company A continued in operations with 82nd Abn Div. Forty-two rounds of HE and 114 rounds of WP, observed fire were placed on an estimated platoon of enemy infantry observed 1,000 yards northwest of Herresbach (29492), an estimated 15-20 casualties observed inflicted.

The first platoon detached 325th Glider Inf Regt and attached 505th Prcht Inf Regt 290500 and displaced to Wereth (29395).

The second platoon detached 504th Prcht Inf Regt, attached 508th Prcht Inf Regt 290500 and late in period displaced to (2923933).

Company B continued in operations with 18th Inf, 1st Div; 2 rounds of HE, 6 rounds of WP were fired for registration purposes, no change in disposition.

Company C attached Div Artillery, 30th Division, no change.

Company D attached Div Artillery, direct support of 334th Inf, 84th Div, no change.

Strength increased to 47 officers and 541 enlisted men.

30 January 1945 (D plus 238), Item 30: Company A, continuing in support of 82nd Abn Div fired 67 rounds of HE and 23 rounds of WP, observed fire, on an enemy strong point containing machine guns which were destroyed and on an estimated group of 30 enemy infantry. An estimated six casualties were inflicted. The 1st platoon, attached 325th Glider Inf Regt (detached 505th Prcht Inf Regt) 300400 displaced to Honsfeld (P9699). The 2nd platoon, attached 508th Inf Prcht Regt, displaced to Herresbach (P91492). Company CP moved to (2923933).

Company B, in operations with 18th Inf, 1st Div, fired 25 rounds of WP at 0830 on the town of Hünningen (K9700) to screen the advance of the 18th Inf from Honsfeld (29699). The first platoon displaced to (P9147987) and later to HONSFELD. The second platoon displaced to Honsfeld. Company C and D, no change.

Strength increased to 48 officers and 543 enlisted men.

31 January 1945 (D plus 239), Item 31: Company A continued in operations with 82nd Abn Div, no missions requested. The first platoon detached 325th Glider Inf Regt and attached 505th Prcht Inf Regt 310300, displaced from Honsfeld (P9699) to (P981984) and then to (L002992). The second platoon detached 508th Prcht Inf Regt and attached 504th Prcht Inf Regt 310300, displaced to Mendendorf (29793).

Company B continued in operations with 18th Inf, 1st Div, no missions requested. Company CP moved to Hünningen (K9700). First platoon, no change, second platoon displaced to Hünningen (K9700).

Company C and Company D, no change.

Strength remains at 48 officers and 543 enlisted men.

Order No. 334, Provisionary Government of France dated January 25th, 45, awards the Croix de Guerre to the following officers of this command:

1st Lt Gordon E. Byers, 0-1535355, Co B
1st Lt Adam N. Duffy, 0-15354148, Co D
1st Lt Victor D. Lundstrom, 0-1038742, Co C

February 1945

1 February 1945 (D plus 240), Item 32: Company A continued in operations with 505th Prcht Inf Regt and 504th Prcht Inf Regt, 82nd Abn Div. Company CP moved to (P992998). First platoon displaced to (L002995); second platoons displaced to (L005975). No missions requested.

Company B continued in operations with 18th Inf, 1st Div; no missions requested. Company CP and second platoon displaced to (P022031), first platoon displaced to (P010028).

Company C and Company D, no change. Small parties engaged in reconnaissance of forward areas in preparation for forthcoming move.

Strength increased to 48 officers and 544 enlisted men.

2 February 1945 (D plus 241), Item 33: Company A, in operations with 82 Abn Div, fired 22 rounds of HE, observed fire on a road block. Approximately a squad of the enemy and a machine gun were destroyed. The first platoon detached 505th Prcht Inf Regt and attached 325th Glider Inf Regt effective 020400 and displaced to (F022005). The second platoon continued in attachment with 504th Prcht Inf Regt and displaced to (L015997).

Company B, no change.

Company C relieved of attachment with 30th Inf Div, reverted to control of parent unit 021035A and remained in present location vicinity of Vielsalm (P7029).

Company D relieved of attachment of 84th Inf Div, reverted to control of parent unit 021035A and remained in present location vicinity of Chevron (K5700).

Strength increased to 48 officers and 547 enlisted men.

3 February 1945 (D plus 242), Item 34: Company A, in operations with 82 Abn Div, fired 153 rounds of HE, observed fire on a concentration of troops, estimated at battalion strength, in an assembly area forming for a counter-attack, approximately 1,000 yards northwest of Neuhof (F0404); heavy casualties were observed inflicted. The first platoon continued in attachment with 325th Glider Inf Regt. Second platoon continued in attachment with 504th Prcht Inf Regt and displaced to (FO22005), Company CP and first platoon, no change in positions.

Company B, Company C and Company D, no change, no missions fired.

Strength remains at 48 officers and 547 enlisted men.

4 February 1945 (D plus 243), Item 35: Company A in operations with 82nd Abn Div, fired 29 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP, unobserved harassing fire on a patch of woods believed to contain a concentration of enemy personnel, approximately 1,000 yards northwest of Neuhof (F0402). No change in attachments or locations.

Company B continued in operations with 18th Inf, 1st Div, no missions requested. Company CP, first and second platoons displaced to (F032053).

Company C and Company D, no change.

Strength decreased to 47 officers and 546 enlisted men.

5 February 1945 (D plus 244), Item 36: Company A detached 82nd Abn Div and reverted to control of parent unit O51100A, and moved to assembly area vicinity of Amcomont (P629925). Company B detached 1st Inf Div and reverted to command of parent unit 050700A, and moved to assembly area vicinity of Malmedy (K795042).

Company C and Company D, no change.

Orders received that the battalion is detached XVIII Corps (Abn) and atchd VII Corps effective upon arrival. Necessary reconnaissance and liaison effected and plans completed for move to VII Corps sector during morning of 6 February.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 546 enlisted men.

6 February 1945 (D plus 245), Item 37: The CP, 87th Chemical Battalion closed Malmedy (K795042) 060917A, moved 31 miles north into Germany and opened Brand (K8974o4) 061 200A. The 87th Chemical Battalion passed to control VII Corps 061200A.

Company A opened Schleckheim (K8837) 061310A.

Company B opened Brand (K894O) O61310A.

Company C opened Brand (K8940) 061600A.

Company D opened Brand (K894O) 061410A.

The entire battalion assembled and awaited orders for attachments.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 546 enlisted men.

7 February 1945 (D plus 246), Item 38: Orders received announcing the following attachments: Company A - 413th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div; Company B, 415th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div; Company C, , 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div; Company D - 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div. Necessary liaison and reconnaissance effected and companies prepared to move to new positions on 8-9 February.

Strength decreased to 47 officers and 545 enlisted men.

8 February 1945 (D plus 247), Item 39: Companies A, B, C, and D completed reconnaissance and prepared to move into new positions the following day. A 1/4-ton truck received a direct hit from an enemy shell while in the vicinity of Lendersdorf (F1141). The front end of the vehicle was blown away; however, the five occupants miraculously escaped injury, no one was scratched.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 545 enlisted men.

9 February 1945 (D plus 248), Item 40: Company A, attached to the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, closed into positions in Mariaweiler (FO947) at 1300A and prepared for forthcoming attack. Seven rounds of HE and 20 rounds of WP were expended for registration purposes and to destroy a factory on the east bank of the Roer River believed to be an enemy OP.

Company B, attached 415th Inf, Regt, 104th Div, closed into positions in Merken (F0750) 1100A, and prepared for forthcoming attack.

Company C, attached 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, closed into positions in Gurzenich (F0944) 1130A and prepared for forthcoming attack. Seventeen rounds of HE and one round of WP were expended for registration purposes.

Company D, attached 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, closed into positions in Lendersdorf (F1141) 1330A and prepared for forthcoming attack. Fifty-nine rounds of HE, 9 rounds of WP were expended for registration purposes and to destroy an enemy machine gun position across the Roer River from Lendersdorf; rounds were observed to fall directly on target.

The Battalion CP closed Brand 0(897404) 0916A, moved 7.2 miles northeast, opened Eschweiler (K949460) 091100A.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 545 enlisted men.

10 February 1945 (D plus 249), Item 41: Company A, attached 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 22 rounds of HE, 6 rounds of WP, observed fire to register ,on concentration points in preparation for forthcoming attack.

Company B, attached 415th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, fired 59 rounds of HE, 39 rounds of WP, observed fire to register on concentration points in preparation for forthcoming attack; and on enemy self-propelled gun, vicinity of Arnoldsweiler (11249); the gun was observed to move back into the woods.

Company C, attached 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 25 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP, observed fire, to register on concentration points in preparation for forthcoming attack.

Company D, attached 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 3 rounds of HE, 217 rounds of WP, observed fire, across the Roer River on a factory at (F122428) which was set afire by six direct hits and burned out. An automatic weapons position at (F119421) and a Regimental CP at (F129417), the location of which was reported by a POW, were taken under fire. Rounds were observed to fall on targets.

Strength increased to 47 officers and 548 enlisted men.

11 February 1945 (D plus 250), Item 42: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf 104th Div, fired 130 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP, observed fire on a group of factories in Birkesdorf (F1048) observed to contain enemy personnel; rounds fell on target and buildings set afire.

Company B in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, fired 34 rounds of HE and I round of WP observed fire, on a building located at Huchem-Stammeln (11051) reported by a POW to be an enemy 0P; the building was burned.

Company C, attached 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, no change, no missions requested.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Reg, 8th Inf Div, fired 195 rounds of HE and 87 rounds of WP, all observed missions. A company concentration was placed on large enemy barracks southwest of Düren (F131438); and fires were started and barracks burned for several hours. A company concentration was placed on enemy personnel and automatic weapons observed at (F131411) and at (F122428); effective results reported. Observed interdictory fire was placed on enemy activity on crossroads at Krauthausen (1122421).

Strength remains at 47 officers and 548 enlisted men.

12 February 1945 (D plus 251), Item 43: Company A, Company B, and Company C, no change, no missions requested. Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 136 rounds of HE and 30 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on a chateau at (1129417) reported to be an enemy CP. Direct hits were observed on the building. A company concentration was placed on a reported enemy mortar position vicinity of Niederau (F1242), mortars did not fire again during period. Interdictory fire was placed on crossroads at (F122421).

Strength increased to 47 officers and 549 enlisted men.

13 February 1945 (D plus 252), Item 4: Company A, no change, no missions requested.

Company B, in operations with 415th Regt, 104th Inf Div, fired 35 rounds of HE, observed fire, on observed enemy emplacements vicinity of Huchem-Stammeln (11051); rounds observed to fall on target.

Company C, in operations with 13th Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 22 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP to register additional concentration points in preparation for forthcoming attack.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 28 rounds of HE and 11 rounds of WP for registration purposes for planned smoke screen and on a reported enemy mortar position vicinity of Niederau (11242; results unknown.

Strength increased to 47 officers and 551 enlisted men.

14 February 1945 (D plus 253), Item 45: Company A, in operations with 413th Regt. 104th Inf Div, fired 150 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on an enemy 120mm mortar position 400 yards north of Birkesdorf (F1048), which had been located by a patrol. The position was silenced and one mortar observed destroyed. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel observed in the vicinity of two factories in Birkesdorf (F1048), the factories were set afire.

Company B, attached 415th Regt, 104th Inf Div, no change, no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 63 rounds of HE and 186 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on buildings in Düren (F1145), which were set afire and burned all night. Unobserved fire was delivered on targets the coordinates of which were supplied by regiment, type of targets and results unknown.

Company D, in operations with 28th Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 167 rounds of HE and 114 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on enemy activity in vicinity of factory in Niederau (F1242) which was set afire and burned; and on enemy activity vicinity of barracks (1131438), direct hits were observed on barracks, exact results unknown. A company concentration wasdelivered against enemy activity in Niederau and on personnel and automatic weapons at edge of woods (1131141). Interdictory fire was placed throughout period on crossroads in Niederau.

Strength remains at 47 officers and 551 enlisted men.

15 February 1945 (D plus 254), Item 46: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 44 rounds of HE and 1 round of WP, observed fire, on enemy mortar positions vicinity of Birkesdorf (11048); position reported silenced.

Company B and Company C, no change no missions requested.

Company D, in operations with 28th Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 72 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on two enemy machine gun positions south of Düren (1119407); both positions were reported silenced. Two concentration points were registered. One enlisted man was slightly wounded by artillery fire, however was not evacuated.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 550 enlisted men.

16 February 1945 (D plus 255), Item 47: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, fired 62 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position and on positions of dug-in infantry in vicinity of Birkesdorf (11048); rounds were observed to fall on targets.

Company B, attached 415th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, no change, no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 16 rounds of HE to register concentration points.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 5 rounds of WP for registration purposes for contemplated smoke screen on area South of Düren. The mortar positions were shelled at 1245 by an estimated 30 rounds. There were no personnel casualties; however, tires on five vehicles were damaged.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 549 enlisted men.

Casualties: 33698947, Schuller, Henry N., PFC Co C (fr MIA 16 Jan 1945 to KIA)

17 February 1945 (D plus 256), Item 48: Company A, Company B, Company C, and Company D, no change, no missions requested. The area of all four companies were shelled intermittently during the day by heavy caliber artillery, duds measured 9 inches in diameter. Ten rounds of HE and 10 rounds of WP were detonated at the mortar positions, second platoon of Company C, one mortar damaged. No personnel casualties were suffered by any of the companies.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 549 enlisted men.

18 February 1945 (D plus 257), Item 49: Company A, Company B, and Company C, no change, no missions requested. Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div fired 67 rounds of HE and 28 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on enemy MG position, reported by patrols in vicinity of Niederau (F129130); rounds were observed to fall on target. One barrel was damaged by shell fire.

19 February 1945 (D plus 258), Item 50: Company A, Company B, and Company C, no change, no missions requested. Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 40 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire was placed on a reported MG position and on a reported mortar position in vicinity (F132400); results unknown.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 550 enlisted men.

20 February 1945 (D plus 259), Item 51: Company A and Company B, no change; no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 33 rounds of HE to register concentration points of fire plan for forthcoming attack.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 63 rounds of WP to produce two feint smoke screens in area southeast of Niederau (F129130). By putting down such a screen each day in this general area, it is hoped to catch the enemy off guard when the screens in support of the real attack are put down.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 545 enlisted men.

So much of GO # 77, Hq VII Corps, 17 Nov 41, as awards the Silver Star Medal to 1st Lt Marvin J. DeWitt, 0522565, this battalion, is revoked. GO W 5, Hq VII Corps, this date, awards the Silver Star Medal, posthumously to the above officer. Copy attached as a component part of this history.

21 February 1945 (D plus 260), Item 52: Company A, attached 413th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, no change, no missions requested.

Company B, attached 415th Inf Regt, 104th Inf Div, fired 19 rounds of HE and 1 rounds of WP to register concentration points of fire plan for forthcoming attack.

Company C, attached 13th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 27 rounds of HE, 2 rounds of WP to Register concentration points of fire plan for forthcoming attack.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 49 rounds of HE, observed fire, on a machine gun position at (F118405); rounds observed to fall on target, exact results unknown. At 0530 73 rounds of WP were expended on a feint smoke screen across Roer River on high ground just north of Niederau (F129130). Considerable enemy activity was heard behind the screen and he fired a number of automatic weapons into the screen, the location of which were picked up and fired upon by our artillery.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

22 February 1945 (D plus 261), Item 53: Company A, in operations with the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 64 rounds of HE to register concentration points of fire plan for forthcoming attack; and on a factory in Birkesdorf (11047), believed to be an enemy CP.

Company B, attached 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, no change, no missions requested.

Company C, in operations with the 13th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 9 rounds of HE and 23 rounds of WP to register concentration points of fire plan for forthcoming attack.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 739 rounds of WP. A smoke screen was maintained from 1930 to 2245 along a 1200 yard stretch of the east bank of the Roer River for the purpose of screening the movements of four patrols while they crossed the river and swept the eastern bank for mines in preparation for forthcoming attack. The screen was necessitated because of bright moonlight and both the screen and mission were very successful and there were no casualties. Harassing fire during the night was placed on enemy emplacements; a machine gun position at (1118445); and on automatic weapons at (1119421).

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

23 February 1945 (D plus 262), Item 54: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 738 rounds of HE and 173 rounds of WP, all observed fire. Preparatory fire, 580 rounds of HE, was placed from 0245 to 0340 on two concentration points in the (F1045) and (F1146) grid squares to soften enemy defenses for an attack which jumped off at 0330. Harassing fire, 158 rounds of HE, was delivered from 1200 to 1300 on the northwestern corner of Düren (F-1146) to button up machine gun and automatic weapons fire being directed against assaulting infantry. One hundred and fifty-four rounds of WP were fired from 1330 to 1415 on the area at (F-101473) to screen the crossing of the Roer River by a company of infantry in assault boats. Twenty-nine rounds of WP were delivered at 1500 on a road block in the northwestern corner of Düren (F-1146) to support infantry attack.

Company B, operating with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 129 rounds of HE. Preparatory fire was delivered from 0245 to 0315 on area from (1092509) to (F095510) to detonate mines and booby traps in the beachhead area to support the assault which jumped off at 0330. At 0830 an HE harassing mission on crossroads and enemy activity observed at (1095521) was completed. Sixty-four rounds of WP were expended between 0700 and 0730 to screen the crossing of the Roer River at CF085518) by Company F, second battalion. This screen was very effective and the company crossed with only a few casualties.

Company C, in operations with 13th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 96 rounds of HE and 1578 rounds of WP to support an attack which jumped off at 0330. From 0310 to 0326, 162 rounds of WP were expended, primarily for casualty effect against enemy entrenchments on the east bank of the river. This was followed from 0326 to 0350 by 96 rounds of HE in the same general area just south of Düren. A continuous screen approximately 1500 yards in length was maintained for 15 hours and 35 minutes in the general area south of Düren (F-115453) to (F-122440), beginning at 0400 and ending at 1935 to screen enemy observation for the construction of bridges across the Roer River just south of Düren. As a result of this screen, enemy observation from high ground south of Düren was blotted out and effective ferrying operations were maintained throughout the day and engineers were able to progress with the construction of bridges without being handicapped with adjusted enemy artillery fire. The screen was begun at 0400 because of bright moonlight.

Company D, in operations with the 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 358 rounds of HE and 1019 rounds of WP to support an attack which jumped off at 0330. High explosive interdictory fire was placed on crossroads and roads between Düren and Niederau (1129130) from 0300 to 0900. A series of four smoke screens were established between the hours of 0245 and 0730, beginning with the first screen in the western edge of Niederau to cover our assault waves and then move inland in successive stages to the high ground and woods east of Niederau. As a result of these screens, the 3rd Bn crossed the river and open ground and moved into the woods with negligible casualties. The screens were fired at night because of bright moonlight. A fifth screen Was laid from 1430 to 1805 on high ground northeast of Krauthausen (11242) to screen the crossing of the Roer River and the open ground on the east bank by the 1st Bn.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted, men.

Casualties:

38165711, Barela, Louis, PFC, LIA, Hq Det
33698860, Joseph, George P., PFC, LIA, Co D
32975639, Schoenwalter, Steve L., PFC, LIA, Co D
32991013, D'Orazio, Armondo L., PFC, LIA, Co D

24 February 1945 (D plus 263), Item 55: Company A, in operations with the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 351 rounds of HE and 2 rounds of WP. Two hundred rounds of an observed HE preparation were put down on Arnoldsweiler (F1249) from 0230 to 0300 to support an attack by 2nd Bn, 415th Inf Regt. The second platoon of Company A moved to Getzerhof (F0947) just north of Mariaweiler in order to fire this mission. An observed company concentration was fired from 1600 to 1700 on railroad yards at (11247) to support an attack by second battalion, 413th Inf Regt. The company CP and both platoons displaced across Roer River into Düren, vicinity (1114468) at 1710.

Company B continued attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP displaced across Roer River to Birkesdorf (1100485). First platoon displaced across river to position south of Huchem-Stammeln (1095504), The second platoon displaced to position in Huchem-Stammeln (F095504), movement began at 1500 and completed at 1600 and company prepared to support a night attack by third battalion towards Ellen (11251). At close of period no missions had been requested.

Company C, in operations with l3th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 797 rounds of WP. A seven-hour and 30 minute smoke screen, approximately 1100 yards in length was maintained from 0900 to 1630 to blot out enemy observation and direct artillery fire emanating from buildings on high ground south of Düren, vicinity (F130438). This screen assisted the advance of infantry across open ground towards this high ground as well as prevented observed direct fire on the newly constructed bridge at (F111449).

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 225 rounds of HE and 82 rounds of WP. Observed company concentration was placed on a machine gun firing from (1131418) at the rear of the third battalion, which is surrounded in the vicinity of Stockheim. Company concentrations were placed on a reported mortar position at (1145416) and machine gun position at (F131319) results unknown. Personnel observed at (F143404) were taken under fire and casualties inflicted. A 35 minute smoke screen was maintained on high ground east of Krauthauzen, vicinity (F125421) from 1800 to 1835 to cover advance by first battalion.

Enemy shellfire fell intermittently throughout the period in the vicinity of the mortar positions of all four companies. However, the only casualties were in D Company where three men were slightly wounded but not evacuated. During the period, the 150,000th round expended since D-day was fired at enemy positions.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

25 February 1945 (D plus 264), Item 56: Company A, now operating in direct support of first and second battalions, 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 361 rounds of HE and 6 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on an enemy mortar position (3 mortars) in marshaling yards northeast of Düren (F1348). All three mortars as well as the crews were observed destroyed. Observed fire in conjunction with artillery was delivered against an enemy counter-attack advancing along railroad in general area (F1348); the attack was repulsed. Unobserved harassing fire was delivered on reported enemy positions in grid square (11248). The WP was employed for registration purposes. The Company CP and first and second platoons moved to Arnoldsweiler (11249).

Company B, in operations with the 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 39 rounds of HE. At 0030 observed fire was placed on Ellen (11251) to support attack by third battalion. The company was detached 415th Inf Regt and atchd 414th Inf Regt effective 251800; completed liaison, reconnaissance, and moved to new positions, Company CP at (F145483), first and second platoons at (F147483).

Company C detached 13th Inf Regt, 8th Div and atchd 121st Inf, 8th Div effective 242200 and fired 75 rounds of HE and 709 rounds of WP in support of operations by the 121st Inf. From 0230 to 0400 unobserved harassing fire was delivered on marshaling yards east of Düren, vicinity (1136465). A three and one-half hour smoke screen, approximately 800 yards in length was put down from 1230 to 1600 on the western and southern edge of Girbelsrath (F1646) to support a successful attack by first and third battalions towards an objective. Early in period the company CP and first and second platoons displaced across river to (1128462).

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 186 rounds of HE and 17 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed against enemy personnel in woods east of Niederau (1129130) and against enemy entrenchments located on the western edge of Stockheim (1154) to support an attack by first and second battalions towards an objective. An unobserved company concentration was delivered against reported enemy mortar positions, vicinity (1143418); mortars reported silenced. The WP was expended for registration purposes. Early in period, the company CP and first and second platoons crossed the Roer River to positions in Niederau and later in period moved again to positions southeast of Düren, vicinity (1132440). During move one vehicle was put out of action by shellfire, however, there were no casualties to personnel.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

26 February 1945 (D plus 265), Item 57: Company A, in operations with 1st and 2nd battalions, 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 203 rounds of HE, observed preparatory fire beginning at 0200 on the woods located in grid square (11551) to support a successful attack by these two battalions. The 1st and 2nd platoons displaced to Morschinich (11652).

Company B, in operations with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 104 rounds of HE and 69 rounds of WP. A smoke screen was put down on the southwestern and northwestern edges of Golzheim (F 1849) to cover the advance of the second battalion and tanks across open ground towards the town; screen reported very effective. Late in the period Company CP moved to Golzheim (F-185494); first and second platoons in vicinity Golzheim (F-187495).

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 109 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire was delivered on Eschweiler-Über-Feld (F1945) from 1800 to 1900 to prevent assembly of the enemy for a suspected counter-attack. Early in period the Company CP and 1st and 2nd platoons moved to Distelrath (F1346). Later, the 1st platoon displaced to Girbelsrath (11646) to be in position to support attack by 3rd battalion. The second platoon displaced to Binsfeld (11544) to be in position to support attack by first battalion towards Eschweiler-Über-Feld. After the fall of Eschweiler-Über-Feld, the second platoon displaced to Girbelsrath (F1646).

Company D, in operations with the 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 2 rounds of HE and 38 rounds of WP. The HE was expended to register for fire plan. A smoke screen was put down on the northwestern edge of Steprath (F1441) to screen the attack of the 1st battalion across open ground towards the town. Company CP, first and second platoons displaced to Binsfeld (F-158448).

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 544 enlisted men.

27 February 1945 (D plus 266), Item 58: Company A continued in direct support of first and second battalions, 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to Mannheim (12054). No missions requested.

Company B, now operating in direct support of 3rd battalion, 414th Inf. Regt, 104th Div, Company CP and both platoons moved to Buir (11851) and late in period displaced to Dorsfeld (F2254). No missions requested.

Company C, operating with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 87 rounds of WP, harassing fire, during the night, along road leading from Eschweiler-Über-Feld (F1946) to Nörvenich (12346). Early in period the first and second platoons displaced to Eschweiler-Über-Feld (11946); the second platoon displaced to Seelrath (F2150). Just before end of period, the second platoon displaced to Blatzheim.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 20 rounds of HE, observed fire, on enemy personnel in open field 3,000 yards southeast of Binsfeld (11544) to support attack by second battalion. Casualties were observed inflicted and the personnel scattered. Company CP and both platoons displaced to Eschweiler-Über-Feld (11946).

Battalion CP closed Eschweiler (K949460) 271017A, moved 12.3 miles east and opened Rölsdorf (1104443) at 271105A.

The following statements are extracted from First Army Report on smoke screens put down by this battalion 23-24th February 1945 to support attack across Roer River: "All German observation posts were smoked out very effectively and deprived of observation. German fire could not be effective." Our harassing fire was greatly praised for its accuracy and POW's say that our smoke ammo was also expertly employed.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 544 enlisted men.

28 February 1945 (D plus 267), Item 59:Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 52 rounds of HE and 351 rounds of WP. High explosive preparatory fire was put down on enemy positions between the Erft Canal and Quadrath (F2660) to support attack by 2nd Battalion towards the canal. A smoke screen approximately 3,000 yards long extending from (F228609) to (F251595) along the eastern bank of the Erft Canal was put down from 1200 to 1305 to support attack by 2nd Battalion to the river bank. It is reported no casualties were suffered by the attacking infantry. Company CP displaced to (1204559), first and second platoons to Stammeln (F220580).

Company B, now operating in direct support of 2nd Battalion, 414th Inf, 104th Div, set up in defensive positions in preparation against a possible enemy counter-attack from the east. No missions requested. Company CP and first and second platoons moved to Sindorf (F2557). One enlisted man was slightly wounded by enemy shellfire, however, not evacuated.

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 972 rounds of WP to maintain a smoke screen from 1057 to 1455 in three successive places, Beginning at 1057 a screen of approximately 800 yards in width was put down about 300 yards west of Mödrath (f2954) on each side of highway to cover an attack by 1st and 2nd Bns across the Erft Canal. At 1210 the screen was moved east approximately 300 yards and placed on the western edge of Mödrath to cover the advance from the canal into the town. At 1340, the screen was moved east again and placed on high ground approximately 4oo yards east of the town in order to blanket enemy observation and direct fire weapons firing into the town. These screens were reported very successful and very few casualties were suffered by the attacking infantry in the operations. The Company CP and first and second platoons moved to Kerpen (F2652) early in the period.

Company D, in operations with the 28th Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, fired 52 rounds of HE to assist in the successful repelling of an enemy counter-attack against 2nd Bn from the east along the railroad tracks leading into Eschweiler-Über-Feld (F1946). During the night the first platoon moved to Sofienhöhe (F220488) and just before daylight the company CP and both platoons displaced to Blatzheim (F2251).

Strength remains at 45 officers and 544 enlisted men.

March 1945

1 March 1945 (D plus 268), Item 60: Co A, in operations with the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 477 rounds of HE and 46 rounds of WP. Three hundred rounds of HE, preparatory fire, were delivered on the vicinity of Ichendorf (F-2760) between 0245 and 0330 to support attack by 1st and 3rd Bns across river to capture the town. When assaulting troops had entered the town, harassing fire was then placed on enemy positions in the eastern outskirts of the town and approaches leading into the town. The WP was expended for casualty effect on woods in the northern portion of grid square (F-2760) on troops which had been observed to enter the town. Company CP and both platoons displaced to AHE (F-245593).

Company B, in operations with the 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 191 rounds of HE and 179 rounds of WP. Preparatory fire was delivered on Horrem (F-2757) from 0245 to 0330 to support attack by the 1st Bn across Erft Canal and river to capture the town. After troops had entered the town, interdictory and harassing fire was placed on enemy positions and eastern approaches to the town. A smoke screen approximately 1000 yards in width was put down for 65 minutes along the line (F-270573) - (F-269584) - (F-268577 to screen reconnaissance and bridging operations by Engineers across Erft Canal and river. Company CP and both platoons displaced to Horrem (F-2757) late in the period.

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, expended 647 rounds of WP on a 105-minute smoke screen approximately 800 yards in width extending from (F-288559) to (F-293555) to block out enemy observation and direct fire weapons from Bolsdorf (F-2956) on bridging operations being undertaken across Erft Canal and river just west of Hodrath (F-2854).

Company D continued in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div and late in period moved from defensive positions on the Corps southern flank to positions in Kerpen (F-2753) in preparation to support attack by regiment east of Hodrath.

Strength decreased to 45 officers and 539 enlisted men.

2 March 1945 (D plus 269), Item 61:: Company A detached 413th Inf Regt and atchd 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div effective 021800. Necessary liaison and reconnaissance effected and company CP and both platoons moved to Ichendorf (F-2760) and prepared to support attack by 4l5th Inf Regt east and south of Erft River. No missions requested during period.

Company B continued in operations with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div and prepared to support attack by 1st and 2nd Bns to high ground east of Horrem (F-2557). At close of period no missions had been requested.

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired a total of 1,626 rounds of WP. They fired 1,422 rounds of WP on a six-hour smoke screen from 1100A to 1700A approximately 1,000 yards in width extending from (F-293557) to (F-302553) to block out enemy observation and direct fire artillery from high ground onto Mödrath (F-2854) which was being attacked by elements of the 28th and 121st Inf Regts. A one hour screen from 1730 to 1830 approximately 800 yards in width, extending from (F-295540) to (F-300545) was put down to block enemy observation and direct artillery from woods on high ground southeast of Mödrath into the town.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, expended 734 rounds of WP. A six hour smoke screen was put down from 1330A to 1930A approximately 800 yards in width extending from (F-293541) to (F-298547) to block out enemy observation and direct fire artillery from high ground south of Mödrath (F-2854) into the town. Screen was requested by 121st Inf Regt and was adjusted by an artillery observer operating with the 28th inf Regt thru D Company's liaison officer. A ten-minute smoke screen, from 1350A to 1400A , approximately 600 yards in width extending from (F-299555) to (F-298550) was put down to screen the successful movement cf tanks along the road from Horrem to Mödrath. A one-hour screen, from 1430A to 1530A, approximately 600 yards in width, extending from (F-296560) to (F-298553) was put down to screen movement of tanks and infantry along road from Horrem to Mödrath. The CP and both platoons moved during the night to positions in Horrem (F-2857). One enlisted man was slightly wounded by shellfire and evacuated.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 539 enlisted men.

Casualties:

11011685, Kiselewicz, Edward (NMI) Pvt, LWA, Co D
38165711, Barela, Louis (NMI), PFC Fr LIA, 23, Feb to DOl, 24, Feb, Hq Det
32975639, Schoenwalter, Steve L., PFC Fr LIA, 23, Feb to DOI, 24, Feb, Co D
32991013, D'Orazio, Armondo L., PFC Fr LIA, 23, Feb to DOl, 24, Feb, Co D

3 March 1945 (D plus 270), Item 62: Company A continued in attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons displaced to Fortuna (F-2562). No missions requested.

Company B, in operations with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 81 rounds of HE from 1435A to 1530A along the line (F-298567) (F-301596) to support attack by 2nd Bn east from Horrem to this high ground. One hundred and .sixty-two rounds of WP were expended from 1500A to 1545A along the line (F-295583) (F-298557) to block out enemy observation and AW fire from this high ground onto 1st Bn which was attacking towards it from Horrem.

Company C, detached from 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, atchd 28th Inf, 8th Div effective 031800A. Thirty-one POW's have been captured by this company since it crossed the Roer River on 25 February.

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 179 rounds of HE. Observed fire was adjusted by an artillery observer against enemy personnel and machine gun positions at.(F-311548) and this company was credited with destroying two machine guns. Interdictory fire was put down in the general area of (F-315555) from 0300 to 0400 to cover the eastern approaches to Bottenbroich (F-3155) after it had been occupied by the infantry. At 0330A the second platoon moved to Götzenkirchen (F-2856). At 0800 the first platoon moved to Nodrath (F-2854). At 1630 the CP and both platoons moved to positions in Bottenbroich (F-3155) and prepared to support attack on Frechen (F-3557). Two men were injured in a vehicular accident while hauling ammunition to a gun position and evacuated.

Strength decreased to 43 officers and 539 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31379297, Orzech, John F., PFC, LIA, Co D
13053301, Weatherby, John D., Pvt, LIA, Co D

4 March 1945 (D plus 271),Item 63: Company A, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 164 rounds of HE and 423 rounds of WP. Preparatory fire was placed on Widdersdorf (F-3663) to support attack by 2nd Bn into the town. A 30-minute smoke screen approximately 800 yards in width, extending from F-317629 to F-318623 was put down to screen attack by 1st Bn from woods, across open ground into the town of Dansweiler (F-3163). A 90-minute smoke screen approximately 800 yards in width extending from F-365636 to F-364629 was put down to cover attack by 2nd Bn across open ground in to Widdersdorf (F-3362). A 45-minute screen approximately 900 yards in width extending from F-360615 to (F-363608) was put down to cover attack by 3rd Bn across open ground to Lövenich (F-3661). The CP and both platoons moved to Brauweiler (F-3362).

Company B, in operations with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 82 rounds of HE and 29 rounds of WP. Preparatory fire was put down from 24004 to 0010A on Knigsdorf (F-3260) to support attack by 2nd Bn against the town. Harassing fire put down from 00104 to 0040A on road junctions and roads in the town as well as the eastern approaches. Preparatory fire put down from 0110A to 0125k on Buschbell (1-3260) to support attack by 3rd Bn against the town. A smoke screen approximately 900 yards in width put down for five minutes along the line F-295600 - F-301595 to block enemy observation and fire in order to support attack by 2nd Bn across open ground into woods. Early in period both platoons moved to positions NE of Horrem (F-290587); later the CP and both platoons moved to positions in Königsdorf (F-3260); at close of period CP and both platoons had moved to positions in Buschbell (F-3359).

Company C, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 315 rounds of WP to put down a 90-minute screen approximately 700 yards in width between 0930A to 1100A extending along the line F-317576 to F-321581 in order to block enemy observation and fire from slag piles and buildings in the area. At 0100A both platoons moved to positions in Mödrath (F-2954) in order to be in position to support a night attack by 3rd Bn. At 0700A both platoons moved to positions in Grefrath (F-3157). At 1200A both platoons moved to positions in Benzelrath (F-3457) and company CP moved to GREFRATH. At 1500A Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Frechen (F-3557). Company detached 28th Inf Regt and atchd 121st Inf Regt, 8th Inf Div, effective 041800.

Company D, in operations with 28th Regt, 8th Div, fired 219 rounds of HE and 132 rounds of WP. Preparatory fire delivered on the following concentration points during a 32-minute period to support night attack by all three battalions; F-326569, F-330563, F-333569, F-334566, F-336563, F-339573, and F-334543. At 0030A unobserved fire placed on SP gun located at 1-327570, gun reported silenced. a 40-minute smoke screen approximately 1,000 yards long put down from 0720A to 0800A extending from F-323663 to F-328560 to block enemy observation and fire from the vicinity of Benzelrath (F-3356) to permit construction of a bridge approximately 3,000 yards W of the town. Observed HE and WP fire were placed on a well-defended enemy roadblock at F-3356 which was holding up the advance of the 3rd Bn. The position was completely reduced with 60 rounds, a number of casualties inflicted, twelve POW's taken and 3rd Bn continued advance.

Strength remains at 43 officers and 539 enlisted men.

Casualties:

33782564, Mosca, Gabriel J., PFC, LWA, Co A

5 March 1945 (D plus 272), Item 64: Company A continued in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, no missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Lovenitch (F-3661). Mortar positions were heavily shelled, one enlisted man was slightly wounded and evacuated, a 1/4-ton truck badly damaged and evacuated, and a number of tires punctured by shellfire.

Company B, in operations with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 100 rounds of WP to put down a 25-minute screen approximately 1,000 yards long extending from F-369592 to F-382592 to screen attack by 3rd Bn across open ground into the town of Junkersdorf (F-3859). The screen blocked enemy observation and fire against the battalion's exposed right flank. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Weiden (F-3660).

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 38 rounds of HE and 158 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire requested by Division Artillery was placed on enemy positions SE of Gleuel (F-3754). A 30-minute smoke screen approximately 700 yards in width put down from F-385682 to F-382586 between I000A and 1030A to screen the movement of eight X-38 Tank Destroyers along road from Frechen (F-3457) to Horbell. (F-3857). The Tank Destroyers had been fired upon by SP guns in an earlier attempt to negotiate the road; however, under cover of this screen, not a single round was fired at them. The CP and both platoons moved to positions on eastern edge of Frechen (F-355772).

Company D continued in attachment with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div. No missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to Frechen (F-3457) and later in period moved to positions just E of Frechen. Although attached to the 28th Inf Regt, the company was in direct support of 1st Bn, 121st Inf Regt.

Battalion CP closed Rölsdorf (F-104443) at 050930A, moved 21 miles E and opened FORTUNA (F-253628) at 051045A.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 539 enlisted men.

6 March 1945 (D plus 273), Item 65: Company A, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 82 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on an enemy strong point on outskirts of Köln, vicinity F-405603, to support attack by 1st Bn into the city. Early in the period the CP and both platoons moved to positions in Köln, vicinity (F-4060) and later moved farther into the city to positions vicinity of (F430596).

Company B continued in attachment with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div; no missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to Junkersdorf (F-3860), early in period and set up defensive fire plan for 3rd Bn. Later, the CP and both platoons moved to positions in Köln, vicinity F-429584.

Company C, in operations with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 100 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire to silence a machine gun position southwest of Hürth (F-376526). First platoon displaced to position in Burbach (F-3753). Company CP and second platoon moved to positions in Gleuel (F-3754) and several hours later the 2nd platoon moved to positions in Altstädten (13954).

Company D continued attachment with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div and fired 160 rounds of HE, harassing preparatory fire for two and one-half hours on Stotzheim (F-3855) to support an attack by 121st Inf Regt against the town. The Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Gleuel (F-3755).

Strength increased to 44 officers and 540 enlisted men.

7 March 1945 (D plus 274), Item 66: Company A continued in attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div which is now closed up in its sector along the western bank of the Rhine River. No missions requested, however, the company set up to fire interdictory and harassing missions across the Rhine. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions further into Köln at F-451585. Eleven POW's have been captured by this company since crossing the Hoer River.

Company B, in operations with the 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 16 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on a concentration of enemy infantry at F456572 to support operations by 3rd Bn advancing into the city.

Company C, in operations with the 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 34 rounds of HE and 10 rounds of WP, observed fire on an enemy MG position E of Hürth at F-405530, MG destroyed. Company CP and 1st platoon moved into Hürth (F-387532); second platoon moved to positions in Fischenich (F-4051).

Company D, in operations with the 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div, fired 82 rounds of HE and 458 rounds of WP, unobserved harassing fire placed on town of GUT (F-4652) to support attack by 3rd Bn against the town. A two-hour smoke screen approximately 1,100 yards in length was put down from 1430A to 1630A on the high ground vicinity (F-459530) to (F-458520) to support a movement by tanks and mounted infantry from Rondorf (F-4553) to Immend0rf (F-4551); enemy observation and fire successfully blocked. The Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Hermühlheim (F-4051) at daybreak. The first platoon displaced to positions in Kalscheuren (F-4253). Company CP and 2nd platoon moved to positions in Rondorf (F-4553). One enlisted man was slightly wounded by enemy shell- fire, however not evacuated. A total of 15 POW's have been taken by this company since crossing the Roer River.

Strength increased to 45 officers and decreased to 539 enlisted men.

Casualties: 35708283, Coleman, James C., PFC, LWA, Co D

8 March 1945 (D plus 275), Item 67: Company A continued in attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div; no change, no missions fired.

Company B continued in attachment with 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div; 4 rounds of HE and 8 rounds of WP were fired to register road junctions and avenues of approach on eastern bank of the Rhine River. Company CP and both platoons moved farther into the city to F-458569.

Company C continued in attachment with 121st Inf Regt, 8th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to assembly positions in Königsdorf (F-3260).

Company D, in operations with 28th Inf Regt, 8th Div fired 66 rounds of HE and 378 rounds of WP. At 0015 harassing fire was placed on enemy personnel in Rodenkirchen (F-4775) to support attack by 3rd Bn against the town. Casualties were observed inflicted. Two 2-hour smoke screens, approximately 500 yards in width were put down simultaneously from 1630A to 18304 along the line F-444523 - F-446518 and from F-445513 to F-441508 to support attack by 2nd Bn by screening observation and direct fire weapons from GUT (F-4652) and observation and direct fire from high ground south of Immendorf (F-4551). A third screen approximately 1400 yards wide was put down from 1830A to 19004 along the line F-461548 to F-459505 to support attack by 1st Bn against COBART (F-5650) by screening the observation and direct fire from the town. At 0730A the first platoon moved to positions in Gr0ssr0it (F-4554). At 0900A the 2nd platoon moved to positions in Rodenkirchen (F-4755) Late in period Company CP and both platoons moved to assembly positions in Königsdorf (F-3460).

Strength remains at 145 officers and 539 enlisted men.

9 March 1945 (D plus 276), Item 68: Company A continued in attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div and fired 222 rounds of HE and 18 rounds of WP. Harassing and interdictory fire were placed on crossroads and roads across the Rhine River in grid square F-4659.

Company B, now placed in general support of 413th Inf Regt as well as continuing in support of 414th Inf Regt, 104th Div and set up defensive fire plan to cover both sectors.

Company C and Company D, no change.

Strength increased to 46 officers and 539 enlisted men.

10 March 1945 (D plus 277), Item 69: Company A attached 415th Inf, Regt, 104th Div, fired 1 round of HE and I round of WP to register a concentration point on the east bank of the Rhine River.

Company B, operating in general support of 413th and 414th Inf Regts, 104th Div, fired 48 rounds of HE and 110 rounds of WP. Harassing and interdictory fire placed on a road junction and a reported enemy mortar position on east bank of the Rhine River at F-485571 and F-481581, respectively.

Company C and Company D, no change.

The battalion alerted for move to SEVENTH ARMY and the advance detachment departed. All companies relieved from respective attachments to 104th and 8th Divisions and returned to control of parent unit effective F-1200A and awaited orders for move to Seventh Army.

General Order # 9, Headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards Bronze Oak-Leaf Clusters to the Bronze Star Medal to the following individuals of this battalion:

1st Lt, William F. Murray, 0-1535504, Co C
Sergeant, Ralph G. Portia, 36762769, Co C

11-12 March 1945 (D plus 278-279), Item 70: All Companies assembled under Bn control and awaited orders to begin movement to Seventh Army sector; Time utilized in maintenance and rehabilitation of equipment.

13-14 March 1945 (D plus 280-281), Item 71: CP, 87th Chemical battalion, closed Fortuna, Germany 1308354 and entire Bn departed same time, moved west into Belgium and then south for a distance of 317 miles to Achen, France (Q-583388) where CP opened 141130A. Battalion detached from VII Corps, passed to control First Army 130835 and was attached to Seventh Army upon arrival at 141130A, further attached XV Corps, and further attached, Bn less Company A, to 3rd Inf Div, Co A attached 45th Inf Div. Battalion bivouacked in Verdun (U-2764) the night of 13-14 March and replenished Class III supplies. Of the 162 vehicles in convoy, only three were not able to complete the move on schedule because of mechanical failure.

Company A attached 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div closed into positions and prepared for an attack scheduled to begin at 150100A. Company CP located at Neunkirchen (Q-5358); first and second platoons in positions at Frauenberg (Q-5560).

Company B attached 7th Inf Regt, Company C attached 15th Inf Regt, and Company D attached 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Inf Div. Companies closed into respective regimental positions and prepared for attack scheduled to begin at 150100A.

Company B assembled at (Q-665554) and later in period Company CP and both platoons moved to firing positions vicinity Rimling (Q-654553).

Company C closed into assembly positions with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div at (Q-584423).

Company D assembled at (Q-618441) and later in period moved to firing positions vicinity Setviller. (Q-672535).

Strength increased to 46 officers and 549 enlisted men.

15 March 1945 (D plus 282), Item 72: Company A, in operations with 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div, fired 123 rounds of HE and 51 rounds of WP. Preparatory fire put down on grid square Q-5760 beginning at 0100A to support the regimental attack. At 0115A observed fire placed on a MG position in grid square Q-5659; MG observed destroyed by direct hit. From 06304 to 1100A observed harassing fire placed on enemy personnel in grid square Q-5461, casualties observed inflicted. One enlisted man was slightly wounded by the explosion of a mine and evacuated.

Company B in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 14 rounds of HE and 49 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire placed on entrenched enemy infantry along edge of wood in a draw at Q-660585. At 0130A and again at 0230A, WP harassing fire was placed on the town of Erching (Q-6557) to support regimental attack. First and second platoons moved to positions vicinity Guiderkirch (Q-6556). Mortar positions shelled sporadically throughout period, however, no casualties.

Company C, attached 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, began movement from assembly area to firing positions. First platoon, operating in direct support of 1st Bn, second platoon in direct support of 3rd Bn. Company CP moved to Guising (Q-6552).

Company D, in operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div fired one round of HE and 318 rounds of WP. A one-hour smoke screen approximately 600 yards in width put down from 11004 to 1200A extending from Q-699568 to Q-693563 to screen enemy observation from the high ground overlooking Urbach (Q-6957) to cover the reorganization of the 1st Bn after taking the town. A one (1) hour screen, approximately 600 yards in width put down from 1200A to 1300A extending from Q-710577 to Q-705574 to screen enemy observation and direct fire from the high ground NW of Weiskirch (Q-7156) to support an attack by 3rd Bn against the town. A two-hour screen approximately 700 yards in width put down from 1400A to 16004 extending from Q-715569 to Q-716562 to screen enemy observation and direct fire weapons from this high ground to support attack by 3rd Bn against Weiskirch. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Q-712550.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 547 enlisted men.

Casualties: 35147226, Dudenhoffer, William H. Cpl, LWA, Co A

16 March 1945 (D plus 283), Item 73: Company A, in operations with 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div, fired 9 rounds of HE, unobserved harassing fire to disperse enemy personnel at edge of woods, vicinity (Q-594635. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions across the German border, the CP to Hebelsheim (Q-5863) and both platoons to Wittersheim (Q-5865).

Company B, in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 35 rounds of HE and 57 rounds of WP, preparatory fire at 15004 on the town of Peppenkum (Q-6760) and on the woods just E of the town to support a regimental attack against this town. Company CP moved early in the period to Guiderkirch (Q-6656) and later crossed the German border to Peppenkum. The first platoon moved to a position at Q-665574 and later crossed the German border to positions at Q-668601. The second platoon crossed the German border at the same time to positions at Q-667596.

Company C, attached to 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved to firing positions at Q-713549 to support attack by 1st and 3rd Bns. Later, both platoons displaced to new positions, first platoon to Ormersviller (Q-7159) and second platoon to Volmünster (Q7358). Company CP also moved to Volmünster, no missions requested.

Company D, in operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 23 rounds of WP to put down a 15-minute smoke screen approximately 400 yards wide extending from (Q-692582 to Q-692585 to block enemy observation from Utweiler (Q-6758) to support attack by 1st Bn along open ground east of the town.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 545 enlisted men.

Casualties:

31367095, Silvia, Manuel C., Cpl, LWA, Co A
33782548, Baxter, Robert W., Cpl, LWA, Co A

17 March 1945 (D plus 284), Item 74: Company A, in operations with 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div, fired 64 rounds of HE and 63 rounds of WP. Unobserved fire placed on entrenched infantry vicinity Q-606663 to support attack by 1st Bn against the area. Unobserved fire placed on MG position, vicinity Q-605688, one MG destroyed, three occupants killed and two surrendered. Company CP moved to Assweiler (C-6068) first and second platoons moved to positions in Erfeiler (Q-6066) and later to positions in Assweiler. Three POW's captured during the period.

Company B, in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 52 rounds of HE and 192 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire placed on woods north of Neualtheim (Q-67C3) believed to contain enemy troops. HE and WP harassing results not known. In order to soften up the town for an attack, WP was placed on the town of Altheim for casualty and incendiary effect, numerous fires were started. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions on northern edge of Peppenkum (Q-6760). During the night, two squads from the first platoon were moved to positions vicinity Altheim. Eight POW's captured during period.

Company C, in operations with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 113 rounds of WP to put down a one-hour smoke screen approximately 700 yards wide extending from Q-753616 to Q-757611 to screen southeastern edge of the woods from which the 3rd Bn was receiving fire as it attacked from Eschviller (Q-7459) to Loutsviller (Q-7461). Company CP moved to Eschviller and then to positions vicinity Schweyen and then to positions vicinity Hornbach. Second platoon moved to positions vicinity Ohrenthal (Q-7663) and then to positions vicinity Dietrichin-Gen (Q-7665). Just before close of period Company CP moved from Hornbach back to Schweyen because of change in regimental boundaries.

Company D continued in attachment with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, however no missions requested. The second platoon moved out at 1030A with the 2nd Bn which is attached to 7th Inf Regt, and established gun positions at Q-713637.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 545 enlisted men.

18 March 1945 (D plus 285), Item 75: Company A in operations with 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div, fired 341 rounds of HE and 214 rounds of WP. Observed HE harassing fire put down on enemy entrenchments along road in grid square (Q-6170) to support attack by 3rd Bn. A one and one-half hour smoke screen approximately 600 yards wide, extending along the road from Q-626717 to. Q-6297I4 put down to cover advance of 2nd Bn across open ground to this road. Two enlisted men slightly wounded by enemy shellfire and evacuated. First and second platoons moved to positions north of Assweiler (Q-672688).

Company B, in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 12 rounds of HE and 325 rounds of WP. HE fire observed by an infantry observer from I Company delivered against an enemy strong-point in woods at Q-747686. About an hour later, WP placed on same general area for casualty effect. A one-hour smoke screen approximately 1,000 yards wide put down along the edge of IXHEIM, extending from Q726700 to Q-729710 to support attack by 1st Bn against the town. A reconnaissance party from Company headquarters was brought under fire by an enemy MG while reconnoitering for new mortar position; the house (Q-729680) containing the MG was burned down by HE and WP. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Althornbach (Q-7367). Vicinity of mortar positions shelled sporadically throughout the period, however no casualties.

Company C, in operations with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 1,213 rounds of WP on two smoke screens. A one-hour screen approximately 600 yards wide extending from Q-775684 to Q-778691 put down to screen right flank of regimental attack against Meckersberg (Q-7669). A four-hour smoke screen, approximately 1,200 yards in width extending from Q-783686 to Q784795 put down to screen right flank of regiment and cover attack across open ground against Wallerscheid (Q-7570) First platoon moved to positions vicinity Monbyou (Q-7666). Two enlisted men slightly injured in action, however, not evacuated.

Company D continued in attachment with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CP and first platoon moved to assembly positions just south, of Hornbach (Q7365) and later in period moved to positions north of Hornbach. Second platoon maintained positions in Hornbach.

Bn CP closed Achen, France (Q584488) at 180915k, moved 13 miles north and opened Peppenkum, Germany (Q-673607) at 1810004. This once again places all elements of the Bn inside the border of Germany. The Bn CP was shelled sporadically from 1050A to 1910A by an estimated 45 rounds from high velocity guns. Salvos of five rounds each were received at intervals ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. One enlisted man was slightly wounded, not evacuated. Two 2 «-ton trucks damaged and a ¼-ton truck damaged.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 545 enlisted men.

Casualties:

34677677, Boyette, Charles h., PFC, LWA, Co A
33510441, Siegfried, William F., Cpl, LWA, Co A

19 March 1945 (D plus 286), Item 76: Company A, in operations with 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div, fired 252 rounds of HE and 776 rounds of WP. Observed harassing fire delivered throughout the night along the road from (Q606701) to (Q-603709) to support regimental attack to the north. A five-hour and 20-minute smoke screen approximately 1880 yards wide put down along road from (Q-624704) to (Q-633707) to screen the road for advancing infantry of 2nd Bn and tanks from direct enemy fire and observation. The company relieved from attachment to 180th Inf Regt, 45th Div and passed to control of 3rd Inf Div effective 190800A; moved from Assweiler (Q-6068) and assembled in Division reserve in Hornbach (Q-7365) effective 191145A.

Company B, in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 202 rounds of HE and 1,559 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire placed on draw in woods at (Q-728683) on reported enemy gun positions; results unknown. HE and WP combined to place harassing and interdictory fire on the town of Ixheim (Q7072) throughout the night. An unobserved company concentration placed on draw located at (Q-745709) to support the first bn in the successful repulsing of a strong enemy counter-attack. Unobserved WP fire for casualty effect placed in draw 600 yards north of Rimschweiler (Q-6873) believed to contain enemy mortar positions. WP for casualty effect fired on woods vicinity grid square (Q7569) to silence enemy MG's. A company concentration of WP fired on a group of buildings at (Q-680729) which were housing snipers. Buildings set afire and M-12's advanced under cover of smoke screen to positions from whence direct fire could be directed against the area. A company concentration coordinated with Division Artillery fired on hill and woods vicinity (Q-7268) and on draw approximately 300 yards to the north. Harassing WP fire delivered for two hours throughout the night. The first platoon put down a five-hour smoke screen approximately 800 yards wide extending from (Q-740703) to (Q-751703) to cover engineers engaged in blowing dragon's teeth and filling in an anti-tank ditch. The second platoon likewise put down a five-hour smoke screen approximately 600 yards in width extending from (Q-743691) to (Q-748697) to screen engineers engaged in removing dragon's teeth and filling in an anti-tank ditch. Company CP received direct hits from heavy artillery shells which blew in stone wall, however, there were no casualties.

Company C, in operations with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 1,009 rounds of WP. a five-hour smoke screen approximately 1,000 yards wide extending from (Q-757700) to (QQ-766698) put down to screen enemy observation and fire on antitank ditch. 4 three-hour smoke screen approximately 1,100 yards in width extending from (Q-754700) to (Q-766698) put down to screen enemy observation and fire on engineers and infantry work parties as they crossed open ground from the first belt of dragon's teeth to the second belt of dragon's teeth where they began the demolition of these obstacles. Company CP moved to Dietrichlinger (Q-7665). A section of two guns of the 1st platoon moved to position in a quarry at (Q-769673); no change in positions of the other two guns of 1st platoon. The position of the 2nd section, 1st platoon, located in Monbyou (Q-7666) was heavily shelled, 87 rounds, estimated to be 105 caliber, fell in immediate vicinity of mortars within 20 minutes. The concentration was adjusted by the enemy with red and orange smoke shells; there were no personnel casualties, however, five tires on three ¼-ton trucks damaged.

Company D, in operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 220 rounds of WP. Two 15-minute smoke screens fired concurrently to screen enemy observation and direct fire from high ground against 2nd Bn in support of its attack against Rimschweiler (Q-6873). One screen was 200 yards in width extending from (Q-737693) to (Q-735693). The other screen was approximately 500 yards wide and extended from (Q-727686) to (Q-730690). A 30-minute screen, approximately 200 yards in width extending from (Q-739693) to (Q-75O690) put down to screen enemy observation and fire from this high ground to allow the movement of infantry and tank reinforcements into Rimschweiler (Q-6873). Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in northern outskirts of Althornbach (Q-7361).

“The following is quoted from an IPW report: POW's from inside pillboxes say that the WP smoke shell has a very strong effect on them. In one case it caused a panic inside when one man called out 'Gas,' whereupon the entire crew left the pillbox and surrendered.”

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

GO # 11, Hq VII Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following two officers:

Captain Owen H. Jones, 0-1038020, CWS
1st Lt Henry M. Miller, 0-1038441, CWS

20 March 1945 (D plus 287), Item 77: The first platoon of Company A attached to 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div effective 2006304, and following reconnaissance and the establishment of liaison, moved from Hornbach (Q-7365) to position vicinity (Q-736680). Second platoon, Company A, attached 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, effective 200630A; liaison effected, however, remained in Hornbach in mobile reserve. No missions requested during period.

Company B, in operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 186 rounds of HE and 1,711 rounds of WP. HE fire, observed and adjusted by artillery liaison plans, placed on enemy strong, point in a draw at (Q-740724). Concentration observed to fall on target. WP also placed on pillbox at (Q-745698) which was holding up the advance of elements of the 7th Inf Regt. 30th Div. This pillbox was screened for five and one-half hours. WP for harassing purposes placed on road network in Zweibrücken (Q-7172); a concentration of 20 rounds of WP 6 rounds of HE delivered every 30 minutes throughout the night; a two and one-half hour screen approximate1y 1,200 yards in width, extending from (Q-744743) southeast along the road to (Q-750718) to screen advance by 3rd Bn across open ground towards Zweibrücken. First and second platoons moved to positions in Rimschweiler (Q-7368) where both positions were under heavy small arms and machine gun fire during the morning from pillboxes located at (Q-730693) and (Q-739699). A section of two guns from the 2nd platoon protected by five infantrymen armed with automatic weapons, moved into Rimschweiler earlier in the period in advance of both platoons and before town was cleared in order to be within range to fire the above night harassing mission on Zweibrücken.

Company C, in operations with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 1,248 rounds of WP. A two-hour smoke screen approximately 600 yards wide extending from (Q-780700) along crest of hill to (Q-781694) put down to screen enemy observation of elements of 1st Bn as it advanced towards C0ntwig (Q-7772). A six-hour smoke screen approximately 8oo yards wide extending from (Q-757700) along woods and high ground to (Q-765698) to screen the advance of infantry through dragon's teeth and other tank obstacles. The second section of the 1st platoon displaced to join the first section in quarry at ((Q-766674). Late in period Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in vicinity Contwig ((Q-7772).

Company D, in operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 20 rounds of HE and 2,417 rounds of WP. HE in conjunction with WP placed on camouflaged SP gun at (Q-735699); fire adjusted by an infantry patrol, the gun reported destroyed. A six-hour smoke screen approximately 1,200 yards wide, extending from (Q-733699) along high ground to (Q-735709) put down to screen enemy observation and fire from this high ground east of Ixheim (Q-727O) to support attack by 1st Bn from Mittelbach (Q-7168) into Ixheim. A four-hour screen approximately 1,000 yards wide, extending from (Q-711705) to (Q-714712) put down to screen enemy observation and fire from high ground southwest of Burenhausen (Q-7171) to support attack by 1st Bn into Ixheim. 4 two-hour screen approximately 400 yards wide, extending from (Q-712700) to (Q-724704) put down on this high ground to screen enemy observation and fire to cover bridging operations southwest of Ixheim, vicinity (Q-725698). A one-hour and 45-minute screen approximately 400 yards wide, extending from (Q-727695) to (Q-730698) put down to screen observation and fire from woods northwest of Rimschweiler and to also cover bridging operations referred to above. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Rimschweiler (Q-7368).

Battalion CP closed PEPPENKUM (Q-6750) 201115A moved 7 miles north and opened just south of Hornbach (Q-731645) at 201215A. A new battalion record of rounds fired in a 24-hour period was established with the firing of a total of 5,582 rounds. This total was fired by the 24 guns of Companies B, C, and D, Company D alone having fired a total of 2,427 rounds.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 541 enlisted men.

21 March 1945 (D plus 288), Item 78: Company A remained assembled in the vicinity of HORNBACH in division reserve and performed maintenance of guns and vehicles.

Company B, attached 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, maintained positions in Rimschweiler (Q-7368). No missions fired during period. A time bomb exploded in a schoolhouse and hurled rocks and debris into the mortar positions approximately 40 yards away causing nine casualties, seven of whom were evacuated. Just before close of period, Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Contwig (Q-7772).

Company C, attached 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, maintained positions in Contwig (Q-7772) and was prepared to move to the north and east with regiment on division order. No missions fired during period.

Company D, attached 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Zweibrücken (Q-7272) and at close of period were prepared to move with regiment to the north and east on division order. No missions fired. One officer and two enlisted men were slightly wounded when a time bomb exploded in a house as they passed through the town of Mittelbach (Q-687I). No one evacuated.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

General Order # 3, this headquarters, published this date, awards Purple Heart Medals and clusters thereto to 26 officers and enlisted men of the battalion.

Casualties:

42063806, Anselmo, Angelo S., PFC, LWA, Co B
33851691, Caton, William R., PFC, LWA, Co B
36830046, Popadick, Harold E., PFC, LWA, Co B
34427836, Spears, Jessie E., PFC, LWA, Co B
11104411, Werner, Howard Il., PFC, LWA, Co B
31306969, Burke, William H., PFC, LWA, Co B
39861415, Fierros, Philip C., PFC, LWA, Co B

22 March 1945 (D plus 289), Item 79. Company A, in division reserve, remained in Hornbach (Q-7365), performing maintenance during period.

Company B, in support of mopping up operations with the 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved early in the period to Nassweiler (Q-8575) and later to Thalelsch-Weiler (Q-8874) and late in period moved again to positions vicinity Hohenod (Q-9076). No missions requested.

Company C, in support of mopping up operations of the 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved first platoon to positions vicinity Walshausen (Q-8168) to support 1st Bn in its mission to clear the eastern sector of the regimental area. Entire company moved from Contwig (Q-7772) and Walshausen with RCT 15 at 1600A en route to the Rhine River. No missions requested during the period.

Company D, in support of mopping up operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. departed Zweibrücken (Q-7272) at 1030A and moved north and east towards the Rhine River; at close of period were in vicinity Hermersberg (Q-9280). No missions requested during period.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

23 March 1945 (D plus 290), Item 80: Company A in Division reserve, moved from Hornbuch north and east to assembly positions vicinity (R-1397).

Company B, in support of operations with 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, continued movement towards Rhine River and at close of period were moving into assembly positions in vicinity of (M-2200).

Company C, in support of mopping up operations with 15th Inf Regt, moved north and east, temporarily established positions vicinity Hardenburg (R-2896). At close of period, 1st platoon was in assembly position with 1st Bn vicinity Kaiserslautern (R-0395). Company CP and 2nd platoon were assembled in the vicinity of (N-2606). No missions requested during period.

Company D, in support of mopping up operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved from Hermersberg (Q-9380) to Bad Dijrkheim CR-3196) and later to an assembly position in the vicinity of (M-2005). No missions requested during period. Battalion CP closed Hornbach (Q-731645) at 09154, moved 51 miles north and east and opened vicinity Enkenbach (R-139973) at 2316004. An advance CP was set up in Kaiserlautern (R-0394) during the night of 22-23 March.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 544 enlisted men.

24 March 1945 (D plus 291), Item 81: Company A, attached to 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, effective 232200A, remained in bivouac vicinity (R-1397). Reconnaissance was initiated for forward displacement into the regimental zone and at close of period had closed into assembly position in Frankenthal (M-4604). No missions requested.

Company B, attached 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, initiated reconnaissance for forward displacement in regimental zone and at close of period had closed into assembly positions vicinity Frankenthal (M-4604). While moving in convoy a 1/4-ton truck was damaged in traffic accident. Three enlisted men were slightly injured and evacuated. No missions requested.

Company C, attached 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CP closed in at Roxheim (M-4509). 1st platoon moved to assembly position in Bobbenheim (M-4510) and at close of period had moved into firing position in Worms (M-445145). The second platoon moved from Kaiserslautern to assembly positions vicinity Niedesheim (M-4209). No missions requested during period.

Company D, attached to 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, initiated reconnaissance for forward displacement in the regimental zone and at close of period had moved into assembly positions vicinity Wiesoppenheim (N-4012). No missions requested during period.

Battalion CP closed vicinity Enkenbach (R-139973) 242210A, moved 24 miles east and opened in Frankenthal (M-445043) 242300A.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 540 enlisted men

25 March 1945 (D plus 292), Item 82: Company A and Company B attached 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, formed a groupment of two companies for the coordination of fire for the forthcoming Rhine River crossing operation. The groupment moved from assembly areas to the group CP at (M-495038) and the four platoons completed reconnaissance and moved into firing positions during the hours of darkness. 1st platoon, Company A at (M-491081), 2nd platoon, at (M-496038), both platoons of Company B established positions at (M-496039).

Company C, attached 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, no change in dispositions.

Company D, attached 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to firing positions in Worms (M-459146). Preparations completed for attack across river.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 540 enlisted men.

26 March 1945 (D plus 293), Item 83: Company A and Company B combined into one group and operating in support of the river crossing operations of 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 462 rounds of HE and 3,615 rounds of WP. 1,200 rounds were expended on a prearranged fire plan consisting of 22 concentration areas from 0200 to 0315. Targets of opportunity, all unobserved, were engaged as follows: at 0345, fire was placed on enemy MG at (M-506042). At 0405 fire was placed on enemy SP gun which was delivering fire against bridging sites; gun silenced. At 0435, silenced an SP gun located at (M-525076). At 0450, fired upon enemy MG position at (M-522045). At 0445, fire placed on reported enemy mortar and MG position at (M-533047). At 0510, silenced enemy SP gun located at (M-520060) which was firing point blank into the positions of C Company, 1st Bn. Two ten- hour and 15-minute smoke screens maintained from 07004 to 17154, a 600 yard screen extending from (M-500046) to (M-504040) to screen enemy observation and direct fire on bridging operations vicinity (M-4906). Fire was at the rate of 120 rounds per hour until 0830A at which time rate of fire was increased to 150 rounds per hour. At 07154, regiment requested 20 round concentration on the following points: (M-524052), (M-527060), and (M-527055). The other screen 2,200 yards wide, extended from (M-505030) to (M-525030). Fire was at the rate of 120 rounds per hour until 0830A at which time rate of fire was increased to 150 rounds per hour. Both screens reported very effective and prevented accurate observed fire against the bridging sites and assembly areas. At 02004, 219 rounds of HE were placed on buildings in grid square (M-5204) reported to contain enemy mortars and direct fire weapons. Results unknown.

Company C, attached to 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved both platoons to assembly area in Beindershein (N-4207) and prepared to cross the Rhine River with the 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div on Call. The crossing was made at 1900A and at close of period was moving into Lapertsheim (N-5311). No missions fired during period.

Company D, attached 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 103 rounds of HE and 352 rounds of WP in support of the assault crossing of the Rhine River. Unobserved preparatory fire delivered against reported MG positions and enemy entrenchments in the landing area on the far shore. Approximately 325 rounds of WP for both screening and casualty effect placed on enemy automatic weapons positions vicinity (N-490120) which were firing on the bridging site of (E-478126). Company CP and both platoons crossed river at 1600A and at close of period were moving towards Burstadt (M-5216).

An advance CP of the 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz crossed Rhine River 2619304 and opened in the vicinity of Burstadt (N-532165) at 262330A.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 535 enlisted men.

27 March 1945 (D plus 294), Item 84: Companies A and B, operating as a unit in support of 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 100 rounds of WP at 0300A on buildings vicinity (M-5204) which were reported to contain enemy automatic and direct fire weapons. Both Companies moved out, crossed the Rhine River at 2200A and assembled vicinity (M-5906) with 7th Inf Regt. Company A detached 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div 1900h and reverted to control of parent unit.

Company C, attached 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moved from Lampertshein (M-5311) to Huttenfeld (M-6211), then to Lorsch (M-6017) and at close of period, company CP was located at Heppenheim (M-6516), first platoon continued on to Laudenbach (M-6612) and second platoon continued to Hemsbach (M-6610). No missions fired during period.

Company D continued its advance to the east with the 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, moving from positions in Burstadt (14-5216) to Lorsch (M-6017) and at close of period was in Heppenheim (14-6516).

Strength remains at 46 officers and 535 enlisted men.

28 March 1945 (D plus 295), Item 85. Company A, in division reserve and under control of parent unit moved to assembly position in Heppenheim (M-6516).

Company B continued in close support of 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, and late in the period moved with regiment to positions vicinity (M-748222).

Company C continued in close support of 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CF and both platoons moved to positions in Krumbach (M-7719) and later in period first platoon moved to positions vicinity Bonsweiler (M-7013). Second platoon moved to positions vicinity Nieder Liebersbach (M-7010). No missions fired during period.

Company D continued in close support of 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div and Company CP and both platoons moved from Kirschausen (14-6816) to Wald Erlenbach (M-7116), then to Erlenbach (M-7219) and at close of period were occupying positions in Linderfels (M-7521).

The advance CP, 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz, closed BURNSTADT (M-532165) 260630A, moved east and opened in HEPPENHEIM (M-655165) at 280800A. The administrative and service elements of the battalion headquarters crossed the Rhine River 281215A and closed in at Heppenheim (A-655165) 281410A, thus placing all elements of the battalion east of the RHINE.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 533 enlisted men.

GO # 17, Hq VII Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Roy E. Branson, 0-1038339, CWS, Co A.

29 March 1945 (D plus 296), Item 86: Company A, no change.

Company B continued in close support of the 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div Company CP and both platoons moved from positions vicinity (M-748222) to positions in Reichelsheim (M-7924) and at close of period had moved to positions in Steinbruck (M-8821); no missions fired.

Company C continued in close support of 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Kirch Brombach (M-8727). 1st platoon later moved to Hambach (M-8526). Second platoon moved to positions vicinity Zotzenbach (M-7512) and at close of period was closing into positions in Hembach.

Company D continued in close support of 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Company CP and 2nd platoon moved to Mumling Grumbach and 1st platoon to positions in Worth (M-0235). Nine rounds of HE and 63 rounds of WP, harassing fire, were delivered against spotty enemy resistance in the vicinity of Worth.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 533 enlisted men.

30 March 1945 (D plus 297), Item 87. Company A continued in division reserve and assembled in Heppenheim (M-6516).

Company B continued in support of 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Div. Late in period company CP and both platoons moved to Bremhof (M-9826); no missions fired.

Company C, in operations with 15th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 15 rounds of HE, observed harassing fire on a hill just north of Worth (M-0233) containing a machine gun position which was silenced. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Worth (M-0233).

Company D, in operations with 30th Inf Regt, 3rd Div, fired 3 rounds of HE and 1,053 rounds of WP on three smoke screens. A seven and one-half hour screen, approximately 800 yards long extending from (M-061300) to (M-061337) maintained on Hill 317 from 0730A to 1530A to block enemy flak weapons being used as direct fire on bridging operations just north of Worth (M-0233). The second screen, four and one-half hours long and approximately 800 yards wide extending from (M-060349) to (M-060342) maintained from 0730A to 2100A to block enemy direct fire weapons and observation from Hill 318 against bridging site just north of Worth. A third screen approximately 900 yards wide, maintained for two hours from (M-021363) to (M-060342) to block enemy observation and direct fire from high ground just north of the bridging site. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Seckmaured (M-9932) and later to positions in WORTH (M-0233).

Orders received at 0800A to the effect that the 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz was relieved from present attachment to XV Corps and SEVENTH ARMY, passed to control 12th Army Group upon departure, and will move to Honner (F-6427) and report to CG, VII Corps. The advance detachment departed 1130A for Headquarters VII Corps. Companies A, B, C, and D, detached 3rd Inf Div and reverted to control parent unit 302400A and prepared to assemble in Hepfenheim (M-6516) for move north to VII Corps.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 533 enlisted men.

31 March 1945 (D plus 298), Item 88: All Companies closed in Heppenheim 01-6516) between 1030A and 1045A, awaited orders from Headquarters Seventh Army, to begin move to VII Corps. Companies immediately began maintenance and overhaul of vehicles and equipment. Strength remains at 46 officers and 533 enlisted men.

April 1945

1 April 1945 (D plus 299), Item 89: Movement orders received from Headquarters Seventh Army to begin move to VII Corps area on 020600B. All companies continued with maintenance of equipment and preparations for road march.

Strength remains at 46 officers and 533 enlisted men.

2-4 April 1945 (D plus 300-302), Item 90: CP, 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz closed Heppenheim, Germany (N-655165) 02600B and entire battalion began movement north to VII Corps sector. The battalion closed into Prüm (L-062797) 02185013 after a road march of 206 miles and bivouacked for the night; departed Prüm 03073013 and arrived Marburg (G-726453) 031755B, a distance of 169 miles and bivouacked for the night; departed Marburg 040945B and closed Giershagen (B760125) a distance of 53 miles at 041600B. Total distance for road march was 439 miles. Only three of the 162 vehicles failed to complete march on schedule, and these were evacuated to ordnance shops along the route for third echelon repairs. The Battalion CP opened Giershagen (B-760125) 041300B.

Effective 020600B, 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz was relieved from attachment to XV Corps and Seventh Army and passed to control of 12th Army Group. The battalion remained assigned to FIRST ARMY and was attached to VII Corps 0l4130013 and further attached to 104th Inf Div.

Strength decreased to 46 officers and 522 enlisted men.

5-6 April 1945 (D plus 303-304), Item 91: The entire battalion assembled in Giershauen (B-760125) and continued maintenance of equipment and vehicles. Alert orders received that Companies C and D will be detached l04th Inf Div and atchd 1st Inf Div. Liaison and reconnaissance completed, however, companies continued in current assembly positions awaiting movement orders. Company A atchd 413th Inf Regt and Company B atchd 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div effective 051430B; liaison and reconnaissance effected. Company B moved from Giershagen (B-760125) to position vicinity of Lilbenau (C-0723) and closed at 06170513. At close of period Company A was preparing to move to positions in 413th Inf Regimental sector.

Strength decreased to 45 officers and increased to 523 enlisted men.

7 April 1945 (D plus 305), Item 92: Company A departed Giershagen 070430B, arrived Borgenstreich (C-0431) 0700B and jumped off with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div at 073013; closed into Friedrichsfeld (C-1932) at 1600B and at close of period was en route to Gieselwerder (C-2535). No missions fired.

Company B departed Liebzenau (C-0723) at 07303 and moved east, supporting the attack of 2nd Bn, 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div towards Weser River. At close of period they had established positions at (C-247287). No missions requested.

Company C, attached 16th Inf Rest, 1st Div effective 07120013, departed Giershagen 163013 for positions vicinity Rheder (B-9843) and prepared to move east to Weser River. No missions fired.

Company D attached 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div, effective 07120013, departed Giershagen 163013 for positions vicinity Borgholz (C-0637) and prepared to move east to Weser River. No missions fired.

The 87th Chemical Battalion, Mtz (less Company A and Company B) reverted VII Corps effective 0712003. Companies A and B continue in attachment to 104th Division.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 523 enlisted men.

8 April 1945 (D plus 306), Item 93: Company A moved from Gieselwerder (C-2525) across Weser River with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div at 1620B to positions vicinity (C-257356); no missions requested.

Company B moved from positions vicinity (C-247287) at 1500B across Weser River with 2nd Bn, 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div to positions vicinity Eberhausen (C-3730); no missions fired.

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 225 rounds of WP to put down two 30-minute smoke screens from 1450B to 1520B; an 800 yard screen extending from (C-147474) to (C-152468) fired by 1st platoon and a 600 yard screen extending from (C-149485) to (C-155485) fired by 2nd platoon to block enemy observation on the infantry assault across the Weser River in assault boats. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity WEHRDEN (C-1446).

Company D moved from Borgholz (C-0537) to positions in Beverungen (C-1432) to be in position to support attack by 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div across Weser River. The vicinity of the mortar positions was shelled intermittently throughout the period, however, no casualties to personnel or equipment.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 523 enlisted men.

9 April 1945 (D plus 307), Item 94: Company A fired 53 rounds of HE and 113 rounds of WP, observed fire from 22003 to 0200B to support attack by 2nd Bn, 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div on Wahmbeck (C-2338); heavy casualties were inflicted as confirmed by captured enemy morning report and two city blocks were burned out. Company CP and first platoon moved to positions vicinity Lippoldsberg (C-2637). First platoon later moved to positions vicinity Albershausen (C-3236). Second platoon moved to positions vicinity Verliehausen (C-3336).

Company B moved east with the rapid advance of the 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, operation in general support; at close of period were occupying positions in Adelebsen (C-3933); no missions fired.

Company C moved east with the rapid advance of the 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons moved from positions in Wehrden (C-1446) to Furstenberg (C-1549). the second platoon at close of period was moving to positions vicinity (C-189159) with 2nd Bn. Eight POW's captured during period. No missions fired.

Company D attached to 18th Inf, 1st Div, moved from Beverungen (C-1342) across Weser River and at close of period were occupying positions vicinity Amelith (C-2345). No missions fired.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 523 enlisted men.

10 April 1945 (D plus 308), Item 95: Company A continued the rapid advance east with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP moved to Hettensen (C-4237) and late in period moved to Gieboldshausen (C-7137). The 1st and 2nd platoons continued advance to the east with 1st and 3rd Bns, respectively, no missions fired.

Company B continued rapid advance east with the 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to Lenglern (C-4834) and at close of period were occupying positions in Duderstadt (C-7256); no missions fired.

Company C continued in attachment with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Neuhaus (C-2352) and remained attached to 16th Inf Regt although late in period regiment was placed in division reserve; mo missions fired.

Company D continued rapid advance to the east with the 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Schonhagen (C-2645), then to positions vicinity Hardesgen (C-4441), and at close of period were occupying positions in Northeim (C-5648).

Battalion CP closed Giershagen 100930B, moved 39 miles to the east and opened Friedrichsfeld (C-197320) 101110B.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 555 enlisted men.

11 April 1945 (D plus 309), Item 96: Company A continued advance east with the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions just east of Gieboldehausen (C-7137). First platoon later moved to Mackinrode (C-9431). No missions fired.

Company B continued advance with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Grosseweschsungen (D-0525) and late in period to positions just west of Nordhausen (D-1226). One enlisted man was slightly injured, not evacuated. No missions fired.

Company C moved east with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. At close of period the Company CP and both platoons occupied positions vicinity Dinkerhausen (C-5951). Three enlisted men were slightly wounded when a grenade was thrown by an enemy soldier as he was being taken prisoner. He was promptly killed. Two POW's captured. No missions fired.

Company D continued advance to the east with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons at close of period were occupying positions vicinity Schwiegershausen (C-7145).

Strength remains at 45 officers and 555 enlisted men.

12 April 1945 (D plus 310), Item 97: Company A continued advance to the east with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Four rounds of WP were fired on Hill 346 at (C-958353) for registration purposes. At end of period company CP had closed into Mackenrode (C-9431); first platoon occupied positions in BAD Sachsa (C-9536) and second platoon occupied positions in Ellrich (D-0336).

Company B continued advance to the east with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, having been further attached to 3rd Bn and departed from Nordhausen 1925B en-route to Sangerhausen (D-4725). No missions fired.

Company C continued advance east into the Harz Mountains with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and first platoon occupied positions in Wiebrechtshausen (D-5751); second platoon occupied positions in Iebshausen (C-5964) and later in period both platoons occupied positions in Herzberg (C-8043). At close of period, Company CP and both platoons were on move. No missions fired.

Company D continued in division reserve in Schwiegershausen (C-7145) with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. No missions fired.

Battalion CP closed Friedrichsfeld (C-197320) 120825B, moved 80 miles east and opened K(D-126279) 121225B.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 555 enlisted men.

13 April 1945 (D plus 311), Item 98: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 123 rounds of HE and 25 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a group of buildings containing enemy and automatic weapons along road at (D-005386) to support attack by 2nd Bn; casualties were inflicted and the remainder captured. Company CP moved to Niedersachswerfen (D-1032); 1st platoon moved to positions vicinity Wiegersdorf (D-1235).

Company B continued advance to the east with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to Oberböblingen (D-4821) and later to positions vicinity Osterhausen (D-6223). No missions fired.

Company C continued attachment with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Herzberg (C-8043); 1st platoon later moved to (C-825455) to support attack by 1st Bn. One POW captured. No missions fired.

Company D continued attachment with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and 2nd platoon moved to positions vicinity Horden (C-7644). The 1st platoon moved to positions near crossroads located northeast of Horden at (V-776451). No missions fired.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 555 enlisted men.

14 April 1945 (D plus 312), Item 99: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 55 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy strong point at (D-115344) in support of attack by 1st Bn. Eleven of the enemy were killed and one wounded; two MG's, two automatic weapons, a gasoline dump and an ammunition dump were destroyed. Two POW's captured.

Company B continued advance to the east with the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. At close of period, Company CP and both platoons were set up in defensive positions vicinity of Schraplau (D-7322).

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 30 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP observed fire, on enemy infantry and tanks at (C_885495); casualties were observed inflicted, two POW's captured. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Sieber (C-8648),

Company D continued in operations with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP moved to (C-778450), first and second platoons established positions at (C-810485); no missions requested.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 555 enlisted men.

15 April 1945 (D plus 313), Item 100: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 9 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP, observed fire on entrenched infantry in woods at (D-135369); results unknown. Second platoon moved with 2nd Bn to positions vicinity Obersdorf (D-483o). 4 POW's captured during period.

Company B continued advance to the east with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Wansleben (D-7825). Later to DOLAU (D-8731); later in period Company CP moved to Nietleben (D-8928). First and second platoons moved to Pessendorf (D-9127); while on reconnaissance for this position, the party captured an airfield and 18 POW's.

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 84 rounds of HE, unobserved fire, on reported enemy tanks, half tracks and infantry in the town of St. Andreasberg (C-9849); casualties were inflicted and the center of the town completely gutted. Late in period Company CP moved into St. Andreasberg. First and second platoons moved to positions in woods at (C-885278) and at close of period had established positions in St. Andreasberg (C-9249).

Company D continued attachment with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions north of Sieber (C-8446) and later to positions at (C-899482). No missions fired.

Strength decreased to 42 officers and increased to 557 enlisted men.

16 April 1945 (D plus 314), Item101: Company A crossed Saale River with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP moved to Sennewitz (D-9235); first platoon to positions in Tcrnau (D-9634). At close of period, second platoon was on the road en route across the river. No missions fired.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 52 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP on isolated enemy troops on the NE edge of Halle (D-9429); results not reported. Company CP and both platoons displaced to Westewitz (D-9139) and later moved to positions in Dammendorf (E-0439).

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 145 rounds of HE and 19 rounds of WP. Observed fire was placed on enemy personnel at (C-936515), casualties were observed inflicted; unobserved fire was placed on enemy half-tracks and personnel at (C-974499), results unknown. First and second platoons moved to positions at (C-940497).

Company D continued attachment with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. No missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to northern edge of St Andreasberg (C-923499). 2 POW's captured during period.

Battalion CP closed Nordhausen (D-125279) 160902B, moved 38 miles E and opened Eisleben (D-640330) 161035B. Elements of the battalion are now split from the HARZ Mountains to positions E of the Saale River, a distance of approximately 112 miles.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 561 enlisted men.

17 April 1945 (D plus 315), Item 102: Company A continued attachment with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and 1st platoon moved to positions in Peissen (D-9931); 2nd platoon to positions in Hohenthrum (E-0233). No missions fired.

Company B continued in attachment with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Glegitesch (E-0842) and later to positions vicinity Roitzsch (E-1340). No missions fired.

Company C continued attachment with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. Company CP moved to a position E of St. Andreasberg at (C-940497) and later to Benneckenstein (D-0645). First platoon detached 2nd Bn and atchd 1st Bn and moved to positions vicinity (C-958497); second platoon detached 2nd Bn and atchd 3rd Bn and moved to positions vicinity (C-957472). No missions fired.

Company D, in operations with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 30 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP, observed fire, on enemy personnel in woods at (D-158501) results undetermined. Company CP and both platoons moved E to Stolberg (D-2336) and later to positions in Hasselfelde (D-1648). Two POW's captured.

Strength increased to 44 officers and 564 enlisted men.

18 April 1945 (D plus 316), Item 103: Company A continued in support of the 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div. First platoon moved to positions in Reideberg (D-9929). Company CP and 2nd platoon, no change, no missions fired.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 62 rounds of HE and 38 rounds of WP. Observed fire placed, on enemy infantry along railroad south of Holzweissig (E-1643), casualties inflicted. Later in period WP placed on small group of infantry observed in the same vicinity, results not determined. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Ramsin (E-1144)

Company C continued in attachment with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div. No missions requested. Company CP moved to Tanne (D-0648). First platoon moved to positions in Sorge (D-047480) and later to (D-075504).

Company D, in support of operations with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 83 rounds of HE and 505 rounds of WP. An observed one-hour and 45-minute smoke screen approximately 2,000 yards long, extending from (D-183493) to (D-178500) put down to protect flank of advancing troops. A second screen put down in the vicinity of (D-177492) to cover the evacuation of wounded personnel. While firing this screen, an enemy MG position and personnel were revealed and 30 rounds of HE were fired to destroy gun and inflict casualties. Second platoon displaced to positions at (D-227488).

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 562 enlisted men.

19 April 1945 (D plus 317), Item 104: Company A detached 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div and atchd 415th Inf Regt effective 191600B. Reconnaissance and liaison completed and CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Glebitzsch (E-0842). No missions fired.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf :Regt, 104th Div, fired 8 rounds of HE and 36 rounds of WP, observed fire, on a small group of infantry entrenched along railroad on western edge of Bitterfeld (E-1645), results not determined. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions vicinity Zscherndorf (E-1344).

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 52 rounds of HE and 48 rounds of WP; unobserved HE fire placed on the town of Elbingerode (D-0953) and later to Rubeland (D-1555). First platoon moved to positions in Rubeland; 2nd platoon moved to positions in Konigshof and later to positions in Elbingerode (D-1156). One EM was KIA and another EM LWA by enemy artillery fire on the position occupied by 2nd platoon in Konigshof.

Company D continued in operations with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div. No missions fired. First platoon moved to (D-178504), second platoon to (D-238512).

Casualties:

31379314, Kenock, Walter, Cpl, KIA, Co C
33702665, Milutis, Tony J., PFC, LWA, Co C

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 559 enlisted men.

20 April 1945 (D plus 318), Item 105: Company A, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 300 rounds of HE and 78 rounds of WP. Observed preparatory fire delivered from 0220B to 0430B on enemy infantry and automatic weapons in building located in southern part of Bitterfeld (E-1643), to support attack by 1st Bn against the town. Assaulting infantry entering the area reported that heavy damage was inflicted upon these wooden buildings. Company CP moved to Roitesch (E-134). First and 2nd platoons moved to Petersboda (E-1539) and late in period to positions on southern edge of Botterfeld.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 187 rounds. of HE and 600 rounds of WP Observed preparatory fire delivered from 0210B to 0245B on buildings containing enemy infantry in vicinity (E-1444) to support attack by 2nd Bn against the town; these wooden buildings destroyed. Observed fire, adjusted by an artillery observer, placed on enemy troops assembling around a tank for a counter-attack at (E-158448); casualties inflicted, four direct hits were obtained with WP shells on the tank which was set afire and burned out. Observed fire placed on entrenched infantry along western edge of Bitterfeld, results not reported. Unobserved fire placed on a reported concentration of enemy infantry in woods at (E-144461); results unknown. First platoon moved to positions on western edge of Bitterfeld (E-146449).

Company C, in operations with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 17 rounds of HE, unobserved interdictory fire on road junction at (D-1163558). First platoon moved to positions vicinity Huttenrode (D-190750).

Company D, in operations with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div, fired 41 rounds of HE, unobserved interdictory fore on cross roads at (D-208549). First platoon moved to positions at (D-238564) and at close of period were in positions in Thale (D-2754). Company CP and 2nd platoon also moved to positions in Thale, 214 POW's captured during period.

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 556 enlisted men.

21 April 1945 (D plus 319), Item 106: Company A, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 133 rounds of HE and 66 rounds of WP. Observed fire placed on two MG'S located at (E-193417); both guns reported destroyed. Observed harassing fire delivered throughout the night in. vicinity grid square (E-1845). Company CP moved to positions just east of Pertesroda (E-1539); the 1st and 2nd platoons move to position in Bitterfeld (E-1745). 19 POW's captured.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 123 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire delivered from 0400B to 0430B on factory area vicinity (E-155471). A concentration, observed by an artillery observer, placed on infantry in factory at (E-173465), numerous casualties reported inflicted. Company CP and both platoons moved to positions in Bitterfeld (E-162447). 16 POW's captured.

Company C and Company D continued attachments to 16th and 18th Inf Regt, respectively, 1st Div. No change, no missions fired.

Strength decreased to 44 officers and 555 enlisted men.

22 April 1945 (D plus 320), Item 107: Company A in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 92 rounds of HE and 3 rounds of WP; observed harassing fire placed on railroad yards and a bridge north of Bitterfeld in grid square (E-1747), several buildings and some rolling stock set afire. Company detached 415th Inf Regt and atchd 413th Inf Regt effective 221030B. Company CP and both platoons moved to following locations and set up defensively to cover across the Mulde River; CP at Wannewitz (E-2736), 1st platoon at Reitzschjora (E-2943) direct support 1st Bn; 2nd platoon Wellaund (E-3441) direct support 2nd Bn.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 34 rounds of HE and 14 rounds of WP. Observed fire placed on an enemy patrol at (E-220470) and on a second patrol at (E-23-470); casualties inflicted, patrols scattered. Company set up defensively to cover across Mulde River with CP at (E-185454), the 1st platoon at Dohern (E-236437) direct support 2nd Bn; 2nd platoon (E-185468) direct support of 3rd Bn.

Company C and Company D continued attachment with 16th Inf Regt and 18th Inf Regt, respectively, 1st Div. No change, no missions requested. Both companies continued to assist respective regiments in the rounding up of enemy stragglers and prisoners in Harz Mountains.

Strength remains at 44 officers and 555 enlisted men.

23 April 1945 (D plus 321), Item 108: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 168 rounds of HE and 70 rounds of WP, observed fire on enemy infantry and buildings at (E-373407) and (E-369393) to support mopping up operations of 1st Bn. No change in disposition.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 206 rounds of WP. Unobserved harassing fire delivered from 2230B to 0630B on the following points: (E-186494), (E-194499), (E-201491), (E-245445), (E-235445), and (E-235443). An unobserved concentration of 50 rounds delivered across Mulde River on the town of Pauch (E-2246). No change in disposition.

Company C and Company D, no change.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 556 enlisted men.

24 April 1945 (D plus 322), Item 109: Company A, in operations with 413th Inf Regt, 104th Div, fired 10 rounds of HE and 5 rounds of WP. Observed fire placed on entrenched enemy infantry, vicinity of barracks on southern edge of Rosa (E-2945); barracks set afire, casualties inflicted. No change in disposition.

Company B, in operations with 415th Inf Regt, 104th Div, placed 27 rounds of WP, observed fire, on isolated groups of enemy infantry, vicinity (E-2445); casualties observed inflicted. No change in disposition.

Company C moved to an assembly area with 16th Inf Regt, 1st Div, vicinity Klosterrode (D-5728). Maintenance of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel initiated.

Company D moved to an assembly area with 18th Inf Regt, 1st Div, vicinity Kreisfeld (D-6033). Maintenance of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel initiated.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 556 enlisted men.

25 April 1945 (D plus 323), Item 110: Company A and Company B continued attachments to 413th and 415th Inf Regt, respectively, 104th Div. No change in dispositions. Time utilized in maintenance and overhauling of equipment.

Company C moved from Klosterrode (D-5728) to assembly area in Eisleben (D-6443); maintenance of equipment continued.

Company D, no change in disposition. Maintenance of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel continued.

Company C and Company D detached 1st Div and reverted to control of parent unit effective 251200B.

Strength increased to 45 officers and 557 enlisted men.

26 April 1945 (D plus 324), Item 111: Company A and Company B continued attachments with 413th and 415th Inf Regts, respectively, 104th Div. No missions requested. Company C and Company D continued overhaul of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel. Strength increased to 45 officers and 558 enlisted men.

27-28 April 1945 (D plus 325-326), Item 112: Company A detached 104th Div and reverted to control of parent unit effective 271200B. No missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to Luttchendorf (D-7029).

Company B detached 104th Div and reverted to control of parent unit effective 27120DB. No missions requested. Company CP and both platoons moved to Oberrissdorf (D-6934).

Company C and Company D, no change.

Entire battalion began training program and continued overhaul of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel.

Strength remains at 45 officers and 558 enlisted men.

29 April 1945 (D plus 327), Item 113: Battalion CP closed Eisleben (D-640330) at 0900B, moved 36 miles south and opened Naumburg (J-8491) at 11 30B. Companies A, C and D moved with Battalion CP to Naumburg. Headquarters, Company A, and Company D came under control of VII Corps Artillery per VOCG, VII Corps, and continued rehabilitation, maintenance, and training program. Company B and Company C remained under control VII Corps per VOCG, VII Corps. Company B moved to Naumburg where it relieved 102nd Cavalry Group from guard duty at VII Corps POW enclosure, transfer effected 1200B. Strength remains at 45 officers and 558 enlisted men.

30 April 1945 (D plus 328), Item 114: Headquarters, Company A and Company D, no change. Company C took over guard duty at POW enclosure from Company B at 301200B. Strength increased to 45 officers and 562 enlisted men. General Orders # 146, Hq, 3rd Inf Div, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to Tec 5 Robert G. Moore, 31219123, Company B.

May 1945

1 May 1945 (D plus 329), Item 115: Strength increased to 45 officers and 562 enlisted men.

2 May 1945 (D plus 330), Item 116: Company C moved from location in Naumburg to Mockern (E-3017) for the purpose of guarding a new VII Corps POW cage to be opened. Company B closed POW enclosure at Naumburg and turned grounds over to a detachment of the 438th AAA Bn. Transfer effected at 12003. Headquarters, Company A and Company D, no change.

3 May 1945 (D plus 331), Item 117: Company B and Company C reverted to control of parent unit. Orders received to reorganize under TO and E 3-25 dated 29 September 1944 per letter order, headquarters First United States Army, subject "Organization Order No. 62," dated 25 April 1945, at Naumburg, Germany while under control of VII Corps Artillery. Authorized strength for battalion now: 38 officers, 1 warrant Officer and 635 enlisted men.

4 May 1945 (D plus 332), Item 118: Battalion was reorganized under T/O & E 3-25, dated 29 September 1944 after Company C was relieved of guard duty at VII Corps POW enclosure in Mockern (E-2017) and returned to Naumburg (J-8491). Strength increased to 45 officers and 567 enlisted men.

5 May 1945 (D plus 333), Item 119: Strength increased to 45 officers and 568 enlisted men. General Order No 6, this headquarters, awards the Purple Heart Medal to one officer and four enlisted men of this battalion.

6 May 1945 (D plus 334), Item 120: Reorganization continued.

8 May 1945 (D plus 336), Item 121: Battalion continued in VII Corps Artillery reserve for purpose of furnishing three riot companies composed of four officers and 100 enlisted men per company. This date was officially designated as Victory in Europe Day, the destruction of the German military power being complete. Sec III, General Order-; # 132, Headquarters 104th Inf Div, this date, amends Sec III, General Orders # 103, Headquarters 104th Inf Div, dated 10 April 1945 to award Captain Roy E. Branson, 0-1038339, this battalion, an oak-leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star Medal. Strength decreased to 45 officers and 565 enlisted men.

10 May 1945, Item 122: Usual organization duties and training. Strength increased to 45 officers and 566 enlisted men.

11 May 1945, Item 123: Battalion relieved from attachment to VII Corps per Ltr, Headquarters First U.S. Army dated 9 May 1945. Battalion relieved from assignment to First U. S. Army and assigned to Ninth U.S. Army per ltr, Headquarters, 12th Army Group dated 7 May 1945. Battalion re-attached to VII Corps per ltr, Headquarters Ninth U.S. Army. Strength increased to 45 officers and 567 enlisted men.

12 May 1945, Item 124: General Orders # 42, Headquarters VII Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to Private First Class William J. Ingraham, 329142267, Company A. Strength increased to 45 officers and 568 enlisted men.

13 May 1945, Item 125: Strength decreased to 45 officers and 557 enlisted men.

16 May 1945, Item 126: Strength increased to 45 officers and 575 enlisted men. General Order Number 8, this headquarters, awards the Purple Heart Medal to twelve enlisted men.

17 May 1945, Item 127: Strength increased to 47 officers and decreased to 572 enlisted men.

20 May 1945, Item 128: Usual organization duties and training. Strength increased to 47 officers and 573 enlisted men.

21 May 1945, Item 129: General Order Number 9, this headquarters, awards the Purple Heart Medal to one officer and one enlisted man. Copy attached. Strength decreased to 47 officers and 568 enlisted men.

22 May 1945, Item 130: Strength decreased to 47 officers and 567 enlisted men.

24 May 1945, Item 131: Strength increased to 47 officers and 568 enlisted men.

25 May 1945, Item 132: Strength increased to 47 officers and 569 enlisted men.

27 May 1945, Item 133: Strength decreased to 47 officers and 557 enlisted men.

28 May 1945, Item 134: Strength decreased to 47 officers and 556 enlisted men.

29 May 1945, Item 135: Strength increased to 47 officers and 624 enlisted men.

30 May 1945, Item 136: Battalion held Memorial Day services for those officers and enlisted men killed in the past operations. One company furnished daily for duty starting this date, on guard detail at VII Corps POW cage, Naumburg, Germany.

June 1945

1 June 1945, Item 137: Lt Col Batte departed for temporary duty with Chemical Office, ETOUSA, Paris, France. Major Slovak assumed command.

General Orders # 182, Third Infantry Division, dated 28 May 1945, awarded the Silver Star Medal to the following named officers:

1st Lt. Henry H. Miller, 01038441, CWS, Hq Co
1st Lt William F. Murray, 01535504, CWS, Co C

General Orders # 186, Third Infantry Division, dated 30 May 1945, awarded the Bronze Star Medal to the following named enlisted men:

S/Sgt Robert E. Harshman, 33514391, Co C
Cp]. Kenneth E. Simmers, 35605625, Co C
Cpl Richard L. Bean, 36830045, Co C
Cpl Walter Kemock, 31379314, Co C (posthumously)

General Orders # 43, 4th Infantry Division, dated 16 May 1945, awarded the Silver Star Medal to the following named officer: Lt Col James H. Batte, 023401, CWS, Hqs

Strength increased to 47 officers and 626 enlisted men.

2 June 1945, Item 138: Major Slovak departed for temporary duty with Chemical Office, ETOUSA, Paris, France. Major Stiefel assumed command.

3 June 1945, Item 139: General Orders # 159, 104th Infantry Division, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to 1st Lt Carl H. Edwards, 01319551, Inf, Co A.

5 June 1945, Item 140: Strength increased to 47 officers and 628 enlisted men.

6 June 1945, Item 141: General Orders # 162, 104th Infantry Division, this date, awards the Oak-Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star Medal to Lt. Col James H. Batte, 0-23401, CWS, Hqs. Strength decreased to 45 officers and increased to 631 enlisted men.

7 June 1945, Item 142: General Orders # 53, VII Corps, this date awards the following named officers the Bronze Star Medal:

Major Charles J. Slovak, Jr. 0328562, CWS, Hq.
1st Lt. DeWitt Slaughter, 01038844, CWS, Hq Co.

9 June 1945, Item 143: Major Slovak returned from temporary duty and assumed command.

11 June 1945, Item 144: Battalion relieved from attachment to VII Corps and attached to XXI Corps APO 101, this date per 5 Operations Memorandum No. 216, Hq, VII Corps, dated 10 June 1945. Strength increased to 45 officers and 636 enlisted men.

13 June 1945, Item 145: Strength decreased to 44 officers and 636 enlisted men.

14 June 1945, Item 146: Strength increased to 44 officers and 651 enlisted men.

15 June 1945, Item 147: Lt Col Batte returned from temporary duty and assumed command. Battalion relieved from assignment to Ninth United States Army and assigned to the Seventh United States Army per letter, Hqs, XXI Corps, dated 13 June 1945.

16 June 1945, Item 148: Strength decreased to 43 officers and 624 enlisted men.

18 June 1945, Item 149: Strength decreased to 43 officers and 623 enlisted men.

19 June 1945, Item 150: Battalion departed from Naumburg, Germany at 0700 this date by motor en route to Assembly Area Command, France. Relieved of attachment to XXI Corps per OP Journal, XXI Corps. Arrived Giessen, Germany at 1510 and bivouacked for the night. Strength decreased to 40 officers and 623 enlisted men.

General Orders # 129, XXI Corps, this date, awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following named officers and enlisted men:

1st Lt Roy E. Connelly, 01535579, CWS, Co B
1st Lt Robert J. Harvey, 0532694, CWS, Co C
1st Lt William A. Evans, 01535451, Hq Co, CWS
1st Lt Robert H. Counihan, 01322132, Inf, Co B
1st Lt Cleo H. Willoughby, 01039803, CWS, Co C
1st Sgt Clyde Haywood, 6385146, Co C
CWO Rufus K. Hawkins, W2118487, Eq Co
Sgt James R. Redwine, 314130712, Co A
Cpl Willard R. Coonen 36830038 Co B
Cpl Stanley W. Hammond, 31366534, Co B
Cpl John H. Snyder, 33764412, Co B
Tec 5 George A. Mann, 33698939, Co A

20 June 1945, Item 151: Battalion departed from Giessen, Germany at 0745 by motor convoy, arrived Nancy, France, at 1750 and bivouacked for the night.

21 June 1945, Item 152: Battalion departed from Nancy, France at 1000 by motor convoy. Arrived thereat and established CP at Camp Miami, France at 1530.

22 June 1945, Item 153: Strength decreased to 40 officers and 622 enlisted men.

23 June 1945, Item 154: Strength increased to 140 officers and 623 enlisted men.

26 June 1945, Item 155: Advance detachment of battalion consisting of 3 officers and 7 enlisted men departed from Camp Miami, France, for Camp Home Run, Le Havre, France for temporary duty in the United States.

27 June 1945, 156: Strength decreased to 39 officers and 618 enlisted men. General Orders . # 179, XXI Corps, this date, awards the following officers specified decorations:

Silver Star Medal - Captain Ralph H. Walker, Jr. 0414432, Co C
Bronze Star Medal - 1st Lt William G. Hays, 01039094, Co C

28 June 1945, Item 157: Strength increased to 39 officers and 640 enlisted men. General Orders # 183, XXI Corps, this date, awards Captain James J. Marshall, 01035089, CWS, Co B, the Silver Star Medal.

30 June 1945, Item 158: Battalion departed from CAMP MIAMI, FRANCE at 2020 by rail for Camp Lucky Strike, St.Valery, France.

July 1945

1 July 1945, Item 159: Battalion arrived at Camp Lucky Strike, France, by rail at 1900

2 July 1945, Item 160: Advance detachment boarded USS General Bliss at 1900 from Le Havre, France en route to the United States.

9 July 1945, Item 161: Battalion departed Camp Lucky Strike, France, by motor convoy at 0600. Boarded SS Exchequer and departed Le Havre, France at 1400. Debarked at Southampton, England at 2200. Proceeded via rail to Camp Barton Stacey and arrived thereat at 2350.

11 July 1945, Item 162: Advance detachment arrived Boston Massachusetts, and proceeded to Camp Miles Standish, Massachussets via rail.

12 July 1945, Item 163: Personnel of advance detachment departed from Camp Miles Standish en route to reception stations for recuperating leaves.

13 July 1945, Item 164: General Order # 217, XII Corps, this date awards the Bronze Star Medal to the following named enlisted man: T/Sgt Alan J. Stein, 13096604, Hq Co

22 July 1945, Item 165: General Order # 225, XXI Corps, this date, awards the Silver Star Medal to the following named officer: Captain Roy E. Branson, 01038339, CWS, Co A

27 July 1945, Item 166: Battalion departed Camp Barton Stacey, England at 0005 by motor convoy and entrained at Andover Junction at 0300 en route to Grenock, Scotland. Arrived at 1510 and boarded HMS Queen Mary for journey to United States.

August 1945

2 August 1945, Item 167. Battalion arrived New York Port Of Embarkation at 0530 and proceeded via rail to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, arriving at 1050. Unit preparing for permanent change of station from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to Fort Benning, Georgia per letter War Department, AGO, file AG 370.5, dated 4 July 1945.

3 August 1945, Item 168. Battalion personnel departed from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to temporary duty Reception Station for recuperation leaves.

18 August 1945, Item 169: Advance detachment assembled Fort Benning, Georgia, to prepare for return of battalion.

22 August 1945, Item 170: Major Slovak assumed command in the absence of the battalion commander.

September 1945

7 September 1945, Item 171: Strength decreased to 39 officers and 639 enlisted men

8 September 1945, Item 172: Battalion slowly regrouping at Fort Benning as the personnel begin returning from leaves. Strength decreased to 39 officers and 611 enlisted men.

10 September 1945, Item 173: Lt Col Batte returned to duty and assumed command. Strength decreased to 39 officers and 586 enlisted men.

11 September 1945, Item 174. Strength decreased to 39 officers and 577 enlisted men.

18 September 1945, Item 175: General Order # 158, 1st Infantry Division received this date, awarded the Bronze Star Medal to the following officer: 1st Lt James J. Flannery, 01037486, CWS. Strength decreased to 39 officers and 542 enlisted men.

21 September 1945, Item 176: Battalion completed reassembly this date. Strength decreased to 39 officers and 513 enlisted men.

27 September 1945, Item 177: Battalion began redeployment training schedule on this date. The troops were reviewed by Colonel John B. Smith, Commanding Officer, of the 4th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, at a battalion retreat parade. Strength increased to 52 officers and 520 enlisted men.

October 1945

3 October 1945, Item 178: Brigadier General Ogden J. Ross, new commander of the 4th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, visited the battalion. Commissioned strength decreased to 45; enlisted strength increased to 553.

5 October 1945, Item 179: In accordance with the liberalized leave and furlough policy, 277 men departed this date for furloughs ranging from fifteen to forty-five days duration. Except for key administrative personnel, the majority of the enlisted men remaining are those having an ASE score of from 70 to 79 points, three of whom, the first to be ordered to report to 4th Hq and Hq Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army for separation, also departed this date. Commissioned strength decreased to 40; enlisted strength increased to 581.

6 October 1945, Item 180: Strength decreased to 38 officers and 580 enlisted men.

7 October 1945, Item 181: No change in strength.

8 October 1945, Item 182: Strength decreased to 32 officers and 569 enlisted men.

9 October 1945, Item 183: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 519.

10 October 1945, Item 184: Strength decreased to 31 officers and 515 enlisted men.

11 October 1945, Item 185: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted men strength decreased to 505.

12 October 1945, Item 186: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 481.

13 October 1945, Item 187: Commissioned strength increased to 32; enlisted strength decreased to 465.

14 October 1945, Item 188: No change in strength.

15 October 1945, Item 189: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 394.

16 October 1945, Item 190: Strength decreased to 29 officers and 385 enlisted men.

17 October 1945, Item 191: Brigadier General Ogden J. Ross visited Battalion this date. TWX received giving information as to proposed inactivation of this Battalion. Commissioned strength decreased to 28; enlisted strength unchanged.

18 October 1945, Item 192: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 384.

19 October 1945, Item 193: No change in strength.

20 October 1945, Item 194: Commissioned strength decreased to 27; enlisted strength unchanged.

21 October 1945, Item 195: No change in strength.

22 October 1945, Item 196: Commissioned strength increased to 36; enlisted strength increased to 388.

23 October 1945, Item 197: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 387.

24 October 1945, Item 198: No change in strength.

25 October 1945, Item 199: Commissioned strength increased to 37; enlisted strength increased to 389.

26 October 1945, Item 200: Commissioned strength decreased to 34; enlisted strength decreased to 383.

27 October 1945, Item 201: Commissioned strength decreased to 33; enlisted strength unchanged.

28 October 1945, Item 202: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 382.

29 October 1945, Item 203: Commissioned strength decreased to 27; enlisted strength to 369.

30 October 1945, Item 204: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 368.

31 October 1945, Item 205: 60 point men returned from furlough, for transfer to Separation Center. Commissioned strength decreased to 26; enlisted strength to 367.

November 1945

1 November 1945, Item 206: No change in strength.

2 November 1945, Item 207: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 339.

3 November 1945, Item 208: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 176 because of transfer of 60 point men to Separation Centers for discharge.

4 November 1945, Item 209: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 168.

5 November 1945, Item 210: Commissioned strength unchanged; enlisted strength decreased to 163.

6 November 1945, Item 211: Date of inactivation of the 87th Cml Mortar Bn. Commissioned strength - 0; enlisted strength - 0.


Supported units
Organizations to which the 87th Cml Mortar Bn was attached or otherwise gave support during its entire existence; plus the five campaigns in which the 87th participated.

Armies

FIRST
SECOND
SEVENTH
NINTH

Corps

III
V
VII
IX
XV
XVIII (Airborne)
XXI

Infantry divisions

1st    (16th, 18th & 26th regiments)
4th    (8th, 12th & 22nd regiments)
8th    (13th, 28th & 121st regiments)
9th    (39th, 47th & 60th regiments)
28th   (109th, 110th & 112th regiments)
30th   (7th, 15th & 30th regiments)
45th   (180th regiment)
75th   (289th & 290th regiments)
79th   (313th, 314th & 315th regiments)
83rd   (329th, 330th & 331st regiments)
84th   (333rd, 334th & 335th regiments)
104th  (413th, 414th & 415th regiments)

Armored divisions

2nd   (67th regiment)
3rd   (Combat Command "A" and Combat Command "Howze")
5th   (Combat Command "A")

Airborne divisions

82nd   (505th, 507th & 508th regiments)
101st   (501st, 502nd & 506th regiments)

Smaller units

4th Cavalry Group
1106th Engineers Group
325th Glider Infantry Regiment

Campaigns

Normandy
Northern France
Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge)
Rhineland
Central Europe

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