After Action Report: 634th TD Battalion - December 1944 (Map-enabled, v1.0) Original Report Document (PDF)
Abbreviation | Meaning |
---|---|
APC | Armor-piercing capped projectile |
APO | Army Post Office |
AT | Antitank |
Bn | Battalion |
Cal | Caliber |
Co. | Company |
CP | Command Post |
Div | Division |
DOW | Died of Wounds |
EM | Enlisted Men |
Ey | Enemy |
FA | Field Artillery |
GO | General Order |
GP | General Purpose |
HE | High Explosive |
Incl | Inclosure |
Inf. | Infantry |
KIA | Killed in Action |
LIA | Lightly Injured in Action |
LWA | Lightly Wounded in Action |
M-10 | U.S. Army Self-propelled Tank Destroyer vehicle |
M-8 | U.S. Army lightly armored wheeled reconnaissance vehicle |
MIA | Missing in Action |
MG | Machinegun |
Mk IV | German Army Panzer IV medium tank |
Mk VI | German Army Panzer VI Tiger heavy tank |
PW | Prisoners of War |
Rcn | Reconnaissance |
Rd(s) | Road(s); Round(s) |
Recon | Reconnaissance |
Regt | Regiment |
SIA | Seriously Injured in Action |
SIW | Self-inflicted wound |
SWA | Seriously Wounded in Action |
TD | Tank Destroyer |
WIA | Wounded in Action |
WO | Warrant Officer |
Credit:
Most of the map marker positions were computed from the after-action report coordinates using Thierry Arsicaud's "Coordinate Translator." His excellent utility transforms map coordinates from the Modified British System used by allied forces in the European Theater of Operations during World War II to decimal latitude/longitude values that may be used with various map tools.
HEADQUARTERS
634TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230, US Army
1 January 1945
SUBJECT: After Action Reports.
TO: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D.C.
1. Following report for the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion for the month of December 1944 is submitted.
a. Original unit: no change.
b. Changes in organization: no change.
c. Strength:
0001, 1 Dec 44: | 31 Officers | 2 WO | 576 EM |
2400, 31 Dec 44: | 37 Officers | 2 WO | 574 EM |
Net Gains and Losses: | 6 Gain | Same | 2 Losses |
d. Stations: | Coordinates | Date of Arrival | Date of Departure |
Vicht, Germany | (VK946388) | 24 Nov 1944 | 3 Dec 1944 |
Hamich, Germany | (VK002436) | 3 Dec 1944 | 6 Dec 1944 |
Montzen, Belgium | (VK736350) | 6 Dec 1944 | 15 Dec 1944 |
Henri Chapelle, Belgium | (VK740620) | 15 Dec 1944 | 18 Dec 1944 |
Sourbrodt, Belgium | (VK772095) | 18 Dec 1944 | None |
e. Marches: Not applicable -- See Appendix No. 1.
f. Campaign:
(1) Name - Germany
(2) Duration - Began 12 Sept 44 and continues at date of this report.
(3) Purpose: Destruction of German Armies.
(4) Authority - Par. 2, General Orders No. 49, 1944, War Dept., Washington, D.C.
g. Battles: See Appendix No. 1.
h. Commanding Officers in important engagements: Appendix No. 2.
i. Losses in action:
Grade or Rank | Name | ASN | Type of Casualty | Dates in Dec |
Tec 5 | Silas J. Gilbert | 38181668 | KIA | 30 Nov 44 |
Pvt | George J. Cieslinski | 36878084 | MIA | 30 Nov 44 |
Pvt | Clyde U. Seymour | 35225502 | KIA | 30 Nov 44 |
Sgt | Lester C. Schloeman | 37044164 | SWA | 1 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Raymond V. Ramirez | 39138793 | LIA | 1 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Charles C. Pickrel | 37250592 | DOW | 4 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Arnie D. Sillanpaa | 36851804 | KIA | 18 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Clarence E. Bell | 20715899 | LWA | 21 Dec 44 |
Pvt | Robert F. Farrell | 35874027 | LWA | 21 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Bobbie L. White | 38189055 | KIA | 21 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Frank P. Groeber | 32263869 | KIA | 27 Dec 44 |
Pvt | Robert L. Davin | 20715953 | KIA | 27 Dec 44 |
S/Sgt | John G. Roding Jr. | 37043428 | LWA | 28 Dec 44 |
Tec 4 | Carl T. Howard | 36172962 | LWA | 28 Dec 44 |
j. Former members who have distinguished themselves in action:
Following awards ordered by Hq., 1st US Infantry Division:
Sgt | Le Roy C. Buzza | 36244463, Silver Star Medal- Per GO 135, dtd 2 Dec44 |
Pvt | Joseph Stiloski | 36343673, Bronze Star Medal- Per GO 139, dtd 6 Dec 44 |
S/Sgt | John E. Long | 20716640, Silver Star Medal- Per GO 139, dtd 6 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Vernon C. O'Malley | 37125812, Bronze Star Medal- Per GO 140, dtd 7 Dec 44 |
1st Lt | IRA W. BLACKWELL | 01168174, Silver Star Medal- Per GO 153, dtd 23 Dec 44 |
Present members who have distinguished themselves in action: Following awards ordered by Hq., 1st US Infantry Division:
Sgt | Allen J Gauthier | 38223015 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 135 dtd 2 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Harris Quanrud | 37043723 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 135 dtd 2 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Clinton F. Smail | 36268279 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 135 dtd 2 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Donald D. Fry | 37043972 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 136 dtd 3 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Alvin H. Hess | 36267940 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 136 dtd 3 Dec 44 |
Maj | ERROL B. OLSON | 0395471 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 140 dtd 7 Dec 44 |
Capt | JOHN F. THOMPSON | 0353186 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 140 dtd 7 Dec 44 |
Tec | 5 Edwin E. Erickson | 20714960 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 141 dtd 8 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Joseph Dunch | 32236116 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 141 dtd 8 Dec 44 |
Sgt | George W. Clift | 38181891 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 141 dtd 8 Dec 44 |
Pvt | Herman Lacombe | 38223026 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 144 dtd 11 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Wally P. Kopala | 36344823 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 144 dtd 11 Dec 44 |
Pvt | Robert J. Diller | 39862514 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 143 dtd 10 Dec 44 |
Sgt | Lloyd W. Majors | 38181820 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 143 dtd 10 Dec 44 |
S/Sgt | Robert M. Esposito | 32237129 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 142 dtd 9 Dec 44 |
Pvt | Leonard Nerenberg | 42030511 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 142 dtd 9 Dec 44 |
Tec 5 | William A. Nickell | 20716684 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 149 dtd 17 Dec 44 |
T/Sgt | Milo W. Miller | 20716632 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 149 dtd 17 Dec 44 |
S/Sgt | Roland H. Uhrbom | 37026612 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 151 dtd 19 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Jean F. Getten | 20714410 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 151 dtd 19 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Walter L. Bond | 38181726 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 151 dtd 19 Dec 44 |
2nd Lt | JESSE R. JAMES | 01822800 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 152 dtd 20 Dec 44 |
S/Sgt | Douglas J. Lawler | 37025857 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 152 dtd 20 Dec 44 |
Pfc | Thomas J. Haralson | 38197750 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 152 dtd 20 Dec 44 |
Tec 5 | Charley R. Trantham | 38046862 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 153 dtd 23 Dec 44 |
Tec 4 | Raymond O'Bleness Jr. | 37045494 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 153 dtd 23 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Carl E. Thomas | 17075342 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 153 dtd 23 Dec 44 |
Pvt | James J. Flanagan | 42030681 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 153 dtd 23 Dec 44 |
2nd Lt | BLAINE E. ANDERSON | 01996415 | Silver Star Medal Per GO 153 dtd 23 Dec 44 |
Tec 4 | James G. Parmley | 38189219 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 154 dtd 24 Dec 44 |
Cpl | Glen H. Kelly | 15076540 | Bronze Star Medal Per GO 155 dtd 27 Dec 44 |
k. Photographs: None
l. Inclosures: Battalion Journal from 1 Dec 44 to 31 Dec 44 incl. and the complete file in support thereof.
[SIGNED]
HENRY L. DAVISSON,
Lt. Col., FA,
Comdg.
8 Incls:
Incl #1 Battalion Journal
#2 Supporting Documents 1 Dec to 4 Dec 44 Incl.
#3 " " 5 Dec to 8 Dec 44 Incl.
#4 " " 9 Dec to 11 Dec 44 Incl.
#5 " " 12 Dec to 17 Dec 44 Incl.
#6 " " 18 Dec to 21 Dec 44 Incl.
#7 " " 22 Dec to 26 Dec 44 Incl.
#8 " " 27 Dec to 31 Dec 44 Incl.
#9 Commanding Officers
The beginning of the period found the 634th TD Bn attached to the 1st US Infantry Division. Company "A" and the 1st Platoon of Rcn Co was attached to the 26th Inf Regt. Company "B" and the 2nd Platoon of Rcn Co was attached to the 18th Inf Regt, and Company "C" and the 3rd Platoon of Rcn Co was attached to the 16th Inf Regt. The Bn CP, the remaining elements of the Rcn Co, and the Bn Rear Echelon, were located in Vicht, Germany. The Bn CP was located at (002438) . On 1 Dec 44, the Bn CP moved to Hamich, Germany, closing in at (002438) at 1015A. The distance traveled was 6 miles. The Bn Rear Echelon, including the Rcn Co, (- 3 Platoons) moved to Bergrath, Germany (973463) . Both the Bn CP and the Rear Echelon remained in these positions until 6 Dec 44, when the 1st Div having been relieved by the 9th Division, was sent to a rest area in Belgium. The Battalion CP and the Rear Echelon including Rcn Co, (- 3 Platoons) assembled in the vicinity of Montzen, Belgium and the CP was established in a 12th Century Castle at (736350) . The Rcn Platoons remained with their respective Combat Teams. On 14 Dec 44 the Bn (- Co's A, B, C & Rcn) moved to the vicinity of Henri Chapelle with the CP at (VK740620) . Distance traveled: 7 miles.
On the morning of 16 December 1944, Rcn Co (- 3 Platoons) moved to Battice, Belgium and in the afternoon the 1st Inf Div and attached troops were alerted for movement to the V U.S. Army Corps Sector after the German Army had broken through the American Lines in the vicinity of St. Vith, Belgium.
On 18 Dec, the Bn Hq and Rcn Co (-3 Rcn Platoons), moved to the vicinity of Sourbrodt, Belgium and the Bn CP was established at (872098) closing in at 1045A. The Rcn Platoons of Rcn Co, 634th TD Bn moved with their respective combat teams; the 1st Platoon with CT 26, the 2nd Platoon with CT 18, and the 3rd Platoon with CT 16. On 20 Dec, the Bn Rear Echelon joined the Bn CP at Sourbrodt.
Task Force Davisson was formed at 181230A by VOCG 1st US Inf Div, composed of the following troops:
CO Lt Col Davisson Staff - Hq Co 634 TD Bn (S-3 & LO & CP personnel) "Rcn" Co 634th TD Bn "Rcn" Troops 1st Inf Div Lt Tank Co 745 Tk Bn Mortar Platoon 745 Tk Bn Assault Gun Platoon 745 Tk Bn 2 Platoons Co "B" 1st Eng Bn, 1st Div. 1 Platoon 703rd TD Bn
Mission: To seize, occupy, and hold the town of Weismes, Belgium until the 47th Evac Hospital had been evacuated and the ammunition in the ASP #125 had been evacuated or TF "D" relieved by friendly troops.
The only personnel immediately available was the Pioneer Platoon of Rcn Co 634th TD Bn. The balance of the task force was ordered to proceed along the route of advance as soon as they could be assembled. Meanwhile, the CO with Pioneer Platoon was advancing toward WEISMES, Belgium. En route to the objective the Platoon of the 703rd TD joined the column and also 3 - 1/4 ton vehicles of the 3rd Rcn Platoon. This small group seized the objective at 181600A without making physical contact with the enemy.
1615A - Lt Tk Co 745th Tk Bn arrived and were ordered to establish rd blocks at: 1st Platoon (848029) , 2nd Platoon (846029) , 3rd Platoon (845030) .
1625A - 1st Rcn Troop arrived, and was ordered to strengthen 1st & 2nd Lt Tk Platoon with 1 Rcn Platoon, and to bolster up the 3rd Tk Pl with 1 Platoon of Rcn, the 3rd Rcn Platoon to establish themselves at (846031) as a reserve Platoon.
1630A - 2 Platoons Co "B", 1st Eng Bn arrived and was ordered to place mines at all road block positions. Minefields to be covered by fire.
1631A - 3 Rcn Platoons of 634th TD Bn arrived and ordered to establish road blocks at (842031) with 3rd Rcn Platoon and 1 section of TD's (90mm). The 2nd Rcn Platoon established defensive positions from (846036) to (845034) . 1st Rcn Platoon established rd block at (848035) , supported by 1 TD (90mm). The Pioneer Platoon of 634th TD Bn, and 1 Platoon Rcn Troop checked all houses in the center of WEISMES for enemy troops. (Negative) Pioneer Platoon held in reserve vicinity of TF "D" CP.
1900A - 1 1/4 ton (1A 18C, markings on bumper) containing 2 Germans, was captured by 3rd Rcn Platoon 634th TD Bn when they attempted to run the rd block at (842031) . 1 PW captured, 12 SS Pz Div. Also 4 rolls 60mm movie film and 4 rolls Leica film of the German attack and breakthrough; also a number of news stories of the German attack, route of the attack, and units were also mentioned. Dispatched to Div 2 at 190700, upon being discovered along road, where the box had been thrown by the enemy.
1935A - 2 Volkswagons ran over daisy chain and through rd block at (842031) and thence to the center of town where they again ran gauntlet of fire from 3 Cal. .50MG's, and a platoon of small arms fire. The 2 vehicles were finally stopped by the rd block of 1st Rcn Platoon 634th TD Bn. 1 PW captured from 1st Regt 1st SS Pz Div, evac to 16 Inf 3rd Bn CP. (1 enemy killed and 1 wounded who died while being evacuated). Papers, maps, battle group organization, and important documents evac to Div 2. 1 EM 1st Rcn Platoon, 634th TD Bn KIA.
From 182200, until relieved, a contact patrol from 3/16 checked in every two hours, all reports were negative.
On morning of 19 Dec 44, 2nd Platoon Rcn Co 634th TD Bn ordered to establish an OP on hill at (841017) . This OP was driven in by infantry and two (2) Lt Tks at (191045A). An attempt to re-establish OP at 191210 was a failure.
1st Rcn Platoon 634th TD Bn established and maintained an OP on high ground at (853034) and occupied it until relieved by "F" Co, 16th Inf at 192030A.
During 19 Dec 44, the enemy made two probing attacks into the town of Weismes. The 1st attack was at 191010A, and consisted of 1 Mk V tank and about 8 dismounted enemy soldiers, striking the town from the South and Southeast. This Panther Tank drove 1 lt tank platoon from its position, destroyed 1 M-8 armored car of 1st Rcn Troops, and finally, was halted by an Eng mine chain. All attempts by the enemy to remove the mines were foiled by the Eng M Guns, Rcn Troop Bazookas, and 90mm TD direct fire. The CP of TF "D" was subjected to direct fire from the Mk V and 1 1/4 ton of Co "D", 745th Tk Bn was destroyed; also the command half-track of TF "D" was damaged. This Mk V was later destroyed by a gun from 1st Platoon of Co "C", 634th TD Bn, attached to the relieving unit.
The second attack came from the South, and was broken up by mortar fire, (60 & 81mm). The OP's on the high ground South of Weismes were driven in, but the defensive positions were held.
2nd Bn 16th Inf Regt relieved TF "D" commencing at 19144A, and was complete at 192030A. All elements of TF "D" remained in position as a secondary defense line.
At 192100A, a determined enemy infantry patrol attempted to infiltrate into Weismes along the North side of RR tracks fr SE, and was contained by 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt.
During 20 Dec 44, 1st and 2nd Rcn Platoon 634th TD Bn were ordered to send motor and dismounted patrols to thoroughly check wooded area North and West of Weismes. All patrols reported negative.
At 202115A, the following phone message was received from 1st Div: "TF "D" relieved on 21 Dec 44." TF "D" (-) 1 Platoon Lt Tks & 1 Platoon of 703rd TD moved to assembly area in Weywertz, closed in new area at 211015A. CP at (889060) .
On 22 Dec 1944, TF "D" was alerted for movement to Butenbach, Belgium to support 26th Inf Regt of 1st Div, but was subsequently given a new mission and moved to Walk, Belgium (839063) closing in at 221520A. Mission assigned TF "D" was to defend dam at (845073) and screen right flank of 1st US Inf Div, preventing any infiltration.
During period 22 Dec 1944 to 31 Dec 44, contact was maintained with the following units by means of 2 hour motorized contact patrols between hours of 1700 and 0800 daily. 120 Inf Regt, 2nd & 1st Bn of 16th Inf Regt, and since 29 Dec 1944, with the 526th Armored Inf Bn located in Chodes, Belgium (807055) . The Rcn Co 634th TD Bn operated these patrols.
In event of enemy action or an attempt to infiltrate through the right flank of 1st Div, all units of TF "D" were prepared to immediately occupy and defend their assigned sectors. Road blocks were maintained in Walk, Belgium, and at Libomont, Belgium each night, by the Rcn Co, 634th TD Bn.
On 31 Dec 1944 the Bn CP remained at (872094) , TF "D" at (839063) and Rcn Co CP at (844066) .
Company "A" 1 Dec 44At the opening of this report we find Co "A" continuing the attack, supporting 26th Inf GT, and disposed as follows: 1A at (035446) . 2A has two (2) M-10's bogged down on woods trail at (044450) and balance of Platoon in mobile reserve position at (038445) ; 3A (-) one (1) TD in position (040465) . Co CP at (975372) . 1st Platoon of Rcn Co captured two (2) PW's.
2 Dec 441A in position at (035446) . 2A (-) one (1) section, in mobile reserve at (035446) and one section remains bogged down at (044450) . 3A (-) one TD remained in position at (038454) . Co CP moved to new location in Bergrath, German, (969467) .
3 Dec 441A remained in position as of 2 Dec 44; 2A still has one section bogged down on woods trail at (044450) and the condition of those vehicles is unknown. The other section is in mobile reserve at (035446) ; 3A (-) one (1) TD in position at (039453) with one (1) TD in position at (040465) . Co CP at (969467) .
4 Dec 44Platoons relieved of attachments to Bns and reverted to Company control as of 1600A. Entire Co closed in Company CP at (973463) at 2150A.
5 Dec 44Company moved with 26th Inf to rest area in Aubel, Belgium. Co CP at (675356) .
6 - 7 Dec 44Company moved to La Minerie, Belgium on 6 Dec and on 7 Dec move to St. Jeean Sart in order to be within 26th Inf Regt's area. Co CP at (645357) .
8 - 15 Dec 44This period was spent in the rest area at St. Jean Sart. Motor Maintenance and care and cleaning of Materiel was stressed.
16 Dec 44Co alerted at 2330A for movement within the hour to an assembly area in the vicinity of Bolington.
17 Dec 44Company moved with CT 26 to vicinity of Camp Elsenborn. Co CP at (898084) .
18 Dec 441A in position at (895037) in support of 1st Bn. 2A in position at (925024) in support of 2nd Bn. 3A in position at (918045) in support of 3rd Bn. 2A destroyed one (1) 57mm assault gun. Four (4) Ey killed, one (1) PW taken.
19 Dec 441A at (895037) ; 2A at (925024) ; 3A at (915035) . Co CP at (898084) .
20 Dec 441A fired into a house sheltering about 30 Ey Inf, from their position (895037) . Those not killed were taken prisoner by elements of the 26th Inf Regt. 3 rds HE expended. 2A destroyed two (2) Ey tanks (type unknown) from their position at (926023) .
21 Dec 442A destroyed four (4) tanks and possibly two (2) more (type unknown) in support of the 2nd Bn. Three (3) M-10s hit by enemy artillery fire. One (1) burned completely, and two (2) partially burned. One was evacuated to Company maintenance and repaired.
22 Dec 443A destroyed one (1) Ey Mk V tank and one (1) Ey Mk IV tk. 1A fired one (1) rd HE at enemy Inf.
23 Dec 441A at (912038) ; 2A at (931023) destroyed two (2) Ey tanks (type unknown) and one (1) GP vehicle; 3A at (940037) .
24 Dec 441A at (913037) ; 2A at (933019) ; 3A at (938037) . No action reported for the period.
25 Dec 44No change except that the two (2) M-10's disabled by Ey fire on 21 Dec 44 were evacuated to Butenbach during the night.
26 - 27 Dec 44No change.
28 Dec 44Two (2) EM WIA by an enemy shell that fell in the vicinity of the Co CP during the morning. Two (2) EM reported MIA.
29 - 31 Dec 44Co CP and platoons remained in same location. No action reported for the period.
Company "B" 1 Dec 44Co B remians attached to 18th CT and in direct support of their attack on Langerwehe and Jungersdorf, Germany. The platoons are in positions as follows: 1B occupied AT positions at (035471) . 2B in assembly area at (012449) , 3B in AT positions in Langerwehe at (031475) . Co CP at (975408) .
2 Dec 441B & 3B remained in AT positions in Langerwehe, Germany at (035471) and (031475) respectively. 2B moved fwd to firing positions at (039461) . Co CP moved fwd to new location at (013452) .
3 Dec 44Platoons remained in position as of 2 Dec 44. Co CP at (013452) .
4 - 5 Dec 44The 18th Inf Regt relieved 16th Inf Regt of their positions during the night of 4 Dec. Final dispositions of Co B, are as follows: 1B in Luchem (038491) . 2B remained in Langerwehe (040467) . 3B remained in Langerwehe occupying AT positions at (031475) . Co CP at (013452) . 2B fired 3 rds APC at a Mk IV Tank camouflaged to resemble a haystack located at (050473) . The Ey personnel abandoned the tank when it was hit and were subesquently chased from house to house by our Arty. 2B was relieved by elements of the 899 TD Bn during the night of 5 Dec and moved to an assembly area at (005437) .
6 Dec 441B and 3B remained in positions and 2B moved to an assembly area at Laschet, Belgium (714382) .
7 Dec 44All platoons were released by their respective Bn's and returned to Co control. Company assembled in Hagelstein, Belgium (680370) .
8 - 16 Dec 44This period was spent in the rest area at Hagelstein, Belgium. Motor maintenance, care and cleaning of materiel was stressed. Company alerted at 161430A for movement.
17 Dec 44Co CP moved to Eupen (804256) . 1B joined 1st Bn at Homburg (716376) and with the Battalion, moved Southeast of Eupen. 2B joined 2nd Bn at Remersdael (692387) and moved one (1) mile East of Eupen (825274) . 3B joined 3rd Bn at Gemminich (776398) and moved with the Bn 1.5 miles South of Eupen (805240) .
18 Dec 44One (1) section of 3B moved from (805240) and occupied AT positions at (805180).
19 Dec 441B moved with the Bn from (819249) to (851192) . 2B moved from (825274) to (881179) . 3B moved from (805240) and (805180) to (811179) .
20 Dec 44Co CP moved from Eupen to Sourbrodt (858098) . 2B moved from (811177) to (905038) and occupied AT positions. One (1) M-10 of 3B attached to Btry C, 32nd FA Bn and in position at (879076) fired 19 rds Star (illuminating) Shell.
21 Dec 443B moved to (845084) . The one (1) Gun of 3B with the 32nd FA Bn, fired 26 rds Star Shell.
22 Dec 44The one (1) Gun of 3B with the 32nd FA Bn fired three (3) illuminating missions firing a total of 12 rds 3" star shell. On one (1) mission, the FO called for illumination over Bullingen. The 1st Div Arty controlling the fires of the TD, ordered four (4) rds of Star Shell in rapid succession, 10 mils apart over the target. The resulting light disclosed six (6) German tks in the process of refuelling. Immediately, 7 Battalions of Artillery were brought down TOT. The FO reported violent explosions and fires over the target area. 1B moved from Sourbrodt to vicinity of Butenback, Belgium (913037) .
23 Dec 44Company CP moved from (858098) during the morning to vicinity of Nibrum (911064) . 3B moved to vicinity of Nibrum (911064) . 2B at (895037) . One (1) gun 3B at (879076) in conjunction with the 32nd FA Bn, fired 4 rds star (illuminating) shell during the night. One (1) M-20 of 1B destroyed by a bomb from a plane with US markings at (913044) .
24 Dec 441B at (912037) in AT positions; 2B at (895037) in AT positions; 3B at (911063) in reserve.
25 - 26 Dec 44Company CP and platoons remained in same locations. The kitchen truck at the Co CP was hit by fragments of an Ey Arty shell. Damage not serious.
27 - 28 Dec 44No change in positions. One (1) 1/4 ton of 1B hit by Ey Arty fragments but was repairable.
29 - 30 Dec 44No change in positions. One (1) Gun of 1B at (879076) fired 3 rounds star (illuminating) shell on the night of 30 Dec.
31 Dec 443rd platoon supporting the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf Regt, relieved the 2nd platoon during the night and the 2nd platoon went into reserve with the 2nd Bn at Nidrum, Belgium (911063) . One (1) Gun of 2B relieved the one (1) Gun of 3B in indirect fire position at (879076) . This gun fired 3 rds of Star Shell during the night.
Company "C" 1 Dec 44Co C remained attached to 16th CT and in direct support of their attack on Luchem, Germany. Platoons disposed as follows: 1C & 2C in assembly area at (002437) ; 3C has one (1) section in position supporting Co "I", 16th Inf Regt (020489) and one section in reserve at (002475) . Co CP at (002437) .
2 Dec 44One (1) TD of 1C relieved the M-10 of 2C firing Illuminating Star SHell. Balance of 1C remained in assembly area at (001438) . 2C rejoined 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt and moved fwd to assembly area at (003476) . 3C remained in position with one (1) section at (020489) and other in assembly area (002475) . Co CP at (002437) .
3 Dec 441C in assembly area at (001438) with one (1) M-10 in indirect firing position at (998440) . 2C moved fwd in support of 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt onto the objective, expending 12 rds HE direct fire at dug-in Ey Inf and strong-points; 3C remained in positions as of 2 Dec 44. The M-10 in the indirect fire position has expended 39 rds 3" Shell, Star Illuminating during the period, 26 Nov to 1 Dec 44. This M-10 was attached to 5th FA Bn, Division Arty. 1C demonstrated the M-10 Tank Destroyer and its 3" Gun to Co's E, F & G of 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt. 12 rds APC were expended during the demonstration. Co CP at (002437) .
4 Dec 441C attached to 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt and in mobile reserve at (002437) . One (1) M-10 of 1C fired 13 rds 3" Shell, Star Illuminating during the period. 2C remained in position in Luchem (037490) and assisted in repelling Ey attack at 041600A. 2C expended 4 rds HE direct fire and 50 rds Cal. .50 MG ammunition. One (1) Officer LWA and (2) two EM LWA, remained on dy. 3C remained in position as of 3 Dec 44. Co CP at (002436) .
5 Dec 44CT 16 was relieved by CT 18 and moved during 5 Dec 44 to V Corps sector on a holding mission in vicinity of Rotgen, Germany. Co CP (906283) .
6 Dec 441C occupying AT positions in vicinity of Mutzenich, Belgium (930200) . 2C & 3C in reserve at Co CP. Co CP at (906282) .
7 Dec 44Co on mission outside Corps sector. 1C at (930200) ; 2C & 3C in reserve at (906282) . Co CP at (906282) .
8 Dec 44Co on mission outside Corps sector. 1C at (930200) . 2C in reserve at (906282) . 3C (-) one (1) section in reserve at (906282) . One Section occupying indirect fire positions at (926272) attached to 7th FA Bn. Co CP at (906282) .
9 Dec 44Co on mission outside Corps Sector. Platoons remained in position as of 8 Dec 44. One (1) Section of 3C expended 6 rds HE registering the guns. Co CP at (906282) .
10 Dec 44Co continued on mission outside Corps Sector. Platoons remained in positions as of 9 Dec 44. Co CP at (906282) .
11 Dec 44Co continued on mission outside Corps Sector. Platoons remained in position as of 10 Dec 44. Co CP at (906282) .
12 Dec 44Company relieved of combat mission in V Corps sector. Platoons reverted to Company control and assembled in Battice, Belgium. Company CP at (648294) .
13 - 16 Dec 44This period was spent in the rest area at Battice, Belgium. Motor maintenance, care and cleaning of materiel was stressed.
17 Dec 44Company was alerted for movement at 1330A. 3C & 3 Rcn joined 3rd Bn, 16th Inf Regt at 1700A. 2C joined 2nd Bn at 1500A, 1C joined 1st Bn at 1700A. Co Hq cleared area at 2015A and joined service Co, 16th Inf Regt.
18 Dec 44
Company moved with 16th Inf Regt to new positions. 1C in position at (814147) ; 2C in Res position at (824137) ; 3C in Res position at (857076) . Co CP closed in at (856072) at 0630A.
19 Dec 442C moved at 1200A to vicinity of Gueuzaine and later to vicinity of Weismes (845035) . 3C moved at 1530A in support of 3rd Bn to the vicinity of Weywertz (889053) . Company CP bombed, but no material damage done.
20 Dec 441C in reserve vicinity of Eruveres (849051) , 2C in support of 2nd Bn, remained at (845035) , knocked out one (1) Mk V Tank, expending 2 rds APC and 3rds HE. Co CP moved at 1400A to vicinity of Walk, Belgium (845058) .
21 Dec 441C in reserve at (863048) . 2C at (847034) . 3C at (888040) . No action reported.
22 Dec 44Platoons remained in positions of previous day. 2C destroyed one (1) AT Gun (Cal. unknown) just south of Weismes. Ammunition expenditures: 1 rd APC, 7 rds HE and 100 rds Cal. .50 MG were fired at Ey Inf in woods.
23 Dec 441C remained at (863049) . 2C moved to (852023) & 3C to (886037) . No action reported.
24 Dec 44Platoons remained in same locations. 600 rds Cal. .50 MG ammunition expended firing at low-flying aircraft.
25 - 26 Dec 44No change in positions, 3C fired 4 rds HE at an Ey strong-point.
27 Dec 44No change in positions. A bomb, dropped from plane with friendly markings, fell in the vicinity of the Co CP. No material damage done.
28 - 31 Dec 44No change in positions and no action reported.
APPENDIX No. 2 h. Commanding Officers in Important Engagements:HENRY L. DAVISSON | Lt Col | 0332232 | FA | Bn Commander |
THOMAS B. ANDERSON | Captain | 01892575 | NMB | Company A |
JOHN F. THOMPSON | Captain | 0353186 | FA | Company B |
JAMES B. ARMSTRONG | Captain | 01168156 | NMB | Company C |
RICHARD S. WRIGHT | Captain | 0383236 | FA | Hq Co |
JAMES BARROW | Captain | 0453364 | FA | Rcn Co |
GEORGE GITTELL | Captain | 01690273 | HC | Med Det |