After Action Report: 634th TD Battalion - February 1945 (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, U. S. Army
1 March 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 February 1945 is submitted:
a. Original unit: No change.
b. Changes in organization: No change.
c. Strength:
0001, 1 Feb 45: | 34 Officers | 2 WO | 578 EM |
2400, 28 Feb 45: | 36 Officers | 2 WO | 581 EM |
Net Gains and Losses: | 2 Gains | Same | 3 Gains |
d. Stations: | Coordinates | Date of Arrival | Date of Departure |
Weywertz, Belgium, | (VK887038) | 27 Jan 45 | 6 Feb 45 |
Remouchamps, Belgium, | (VK564110) | 6 Feb 45 | 9 Feb 45 |
Schevenhutte, Germany, | (WF006418) | 9 Feb 45 | 27 Feb 45 |
Kreusau, Germany, | (WF021391) | 27 Feb 45 | None |
e. Marches: See Appendix No. 1.
f. Campaign:
(1) Name - Germany
(2) Duration - Began 15 Sep 44 and continues at date of this report.
(3) Purpose: Destruction of German Armies.
(4) Authority - WD Gen Orders No. 80, dtd 5 Oct 44.
g. Battles: See appendix No. 1.
h. Commanding Officers in important engagements:
Lt Col | Henry L. Davisson | 0332232 | FA | Bn Commander |
Captain | Thomas B. Anderson | 01822575 | NMB | Company A |
Captain | John F. Thompson | 0353186 | FA | Company B |
Captain | James B. Armstrong | 01168156 | FA | Company C |
Captain | Richard S. Wright | 0383236 | FA | Hq. Co. |
Captain | James Barrow | 0453364 | FA | Rcn. Co. |
i. Losses in action:
Grade or Rank | Name | ASN | Type of Casualty | Dates in Feb |
Sgt | James M. LaSage | 36243881 | LWA | 1 Feb 45 |
1st Lt | Randolph L. Marshall | 01824774 | LIA | 2 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Leo I Petrewicz | 331503341 | SWA | 9 Feb 45 |
Pvt | Kedrick T. Jones | 33662009 | LIA | 11 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | Roland H. Uhrbom | 37026612 | LWA | 11 Feb 45 |
Pfc | Lewis F. O'Neal | 38266642 | LWA | 23 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Norvel A. Garlington | 38349073 | LIA | 26 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Lloyd R. French | 20714722 | LIA | 26 Feb 45 |
PFC | Seymour Brown | 35913948 | LWA | 26 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Harold J. Moots | 35469111 | LIA | 26 Feb 45 |
Pfc | Edward E. Burgess | 34848446 | KIA | 26 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Clinton Doran | 38212263 | KIA | 27 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | John F. Larson | 20713531 | LIA | 27 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Wilbur W. Perkins | 36267970 | LWA | 27 Feb 45 |
Pfc | John W. Irwin | 6834847 | LWA | 27 Feb 45 |
Pvt | James A. Hennessee | 38511726 | LIA | 27 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Frank J. Vojtisek | 37023214 | MIA | 27 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Jacob Datema, Jr. | 36182001 | MIA | 27 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Harold W. Karr | 37475225 | MIA | 27 Feb 45 |
j. Former members who have distinguished themselves in action: All General Orders hereafter listed were published by Hq, 1st U. S. Infantry Division, APO 1, U. S. Army.
Sgt | Anton S. Jozefowicz | 32236172 | Bronze Star Medal GO 33 7 Feb 45 |
Pfc | Frank V. Zlodi | 36268220 | Bronze Star Medal GO 33 7 Feb 45 |
Pvt | William T. Manning | 33628631 | Bronze Star Medal GO 38 13 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Frank P Groeber | 32263869 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 39 14 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Clinton F. Doran | 38212263 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 40 15 Feb 45 |
Pvt | Robert L. Davin | 20715953 | Bronze Star Medal GO 41 16 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Charles A. Strenk | 33240401 | Bronze Star Medal GO 43 18 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Jacob Datema, Jr. | 36182001 | Bronze Star Medal GO 46 24 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Sevearn J. Struyk | 33628331 | Bronze Star Medal GO 47 25 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | John F. Larson | 20713531 | Bronze Star Medal GO 47 25 Feb 45 |
Present members who have distinguished themselves in action. All General Orders hereafter listed were published by Hq, 1st U. S. Infantry Division, APO 1, U. S. Army.
Tec 4 | John P. David | 36244477 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 28 31 Jan 45 |
Pfc | Lloyd F. Kelly | 36182709 | Bronze Star Medal GO 30 2 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Gordon S. Grow | 20713503 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 30 2 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Robert E. Johnson | 16068036 | Bronze Star Medal GO 30 2 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Clifford E. Schommer | 36268070 | Bronze Star Medal GO 31 3 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | M. F. Beauford | 38181716 | Bronze Star Medal GO 31 3 Feb 45 |
Pvt | John A. Mutchler | 42007918 | Bronze Star Medal GO 31 3 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | Lloyd R. Moody | 20714278 | Bronze Star Medal GO 32 6 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Lorenzo M. Hicks | 39027169 | Bronze Star Medal GO 32 6 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | Leo F. Samek | 20715922 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 32 6 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | Louis C. Evans | 38212281 | Bronze Star Medal GO 33 7 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | Raimundo R. Salas | 38071719 | Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal GO 32 8 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Robert H. Preston | 37043720 | Bronze Star Medal GO 34 8 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | Harold Kaletsky | 32236639 | Bronze Star Medal GO 34 8 Feb 45 |
1st Lt | Robert C. Snell | 01821931 | Silver Star Medal GO 35 9 Feb 45 |
S Sgt | Marvin D. Edwards | 20714238 | Bronze Star Medal GO 35 9 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Sam J. Guzzardo | 38197838 | Bronze Star Medal GO 35 9 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | John A. Maletta | 37043507 | Bronze Star Medal GO 38 13 Feb 45 |
Pvt | Marshall G. LaFex | 20713318 | Bronze Star Medal GO 38 13 Feb 45 |
Sgt | Edward A. Bauer | 20714231 | Bronze Star Medal GO 39 14 Feb 45 |
Pvt | James W. Plant | 34917749 | Bronze Star Medal GO 39 14 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Levern M. Boyd | 37043375 | Bronze Star Medal GO 40 15 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | Alton M. Bjerkos | 36245076 | Bronze Star Medal GO 40 15 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | Fred G. Wolverton, Jr. | 33628679 | Bronze Star Medal GO 40 15 Feb 45 |
Pfc | Otis H. Parks | 36343327 | Bronze Star Medal GO 41 16 Feb 45 |
1st Lt | Harry E. Lintz | 01822026 | Silver Star Medal GO 42 17 Feb 45 |
Tec 4 | Richard W. Rhodus | 20714857 | Bronze Star Medal GO 42 17 Feb 45 |
Tec 5 | Charlie E. Wilhelm | 38212170 | Bronze Star Medal GO 43 18 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Albert B. Hilgart | 3624422 | Bronze Star Medal GO 46 24 Feb 45 |
1st | Sgt John L. Arnquist | 37026708 | Bronze Star Medal GO 46 24 Feb 45 |
Cpl | Wilbur W. Perkins | 36267970 | Bronze Star Medal GO 47 25 Feb 45 |
k. Photographs: None.
l. Inclosures: Battalion Journal from 1 Feb 45 to 28 Feb 45 inclosed and the complete file in support thereof.
signed
Henry L. Davisson,
Lt. Col., F. A.,
Comdg.
4 Incls:
Incl #1 Battalion Journal.
#2 Supporting Documents 1 Feb to 10 Feb 45 incl.
3 " " 11 Feb to 19 Feb 45 incl.
#4 " " 20 Feb to 28 Feb 45 incl.
Headquarters 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion
APO 230 U. S. Army
1 March 1945
Subject: Unit Report of Action 1-28 February 1945
To: Adjutant General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
Maps: GSGS 4414, Belgium, Scale 1/25,000 Sheets: 5502, Malmedy; 5503, Elsenborn; 5602, Recht; 5603, Meyerode; 5504, Hellenthal. GSGS 4040, France and Belgium, Scale 1/50,000 Sheets: 80, Aywaille; 81, Malmedy; 92, Durbuy and 93, Vielsalm. GSGS 4414, Germany, Scale, 1/25,000, sheets: 5203, Stolberg; 5204, Lendersdorf; 5205, Vettweiss; 5105, Buir.
1. Narrative:
a. 1 February: Weather: cold with occasional showers. Visibility: poor.
As the period opened the 634th TD Bn was attached to the 1st U. S. Inf Div. The attachment was broken down further as follows: Co A atchd to the 26th Inf Regt with the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Platoons (hereinafter referred to as 1A, 2A & 3A) attached to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Bn’s respectively; Co B attached to the 18th Inf Regt with 1B, 2B & 3B atchd to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Bns respectively; Co C atchd to the 16th Inf Regt with 1C, 2C & 3C atchd to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Bns respectively; Rcn Co atchd to TF ”Davisson”, whose other elements were the 1st Rcn Trp, Med Det, 634th TD Bn and elements of the 745th TK Bn (Light Tank Co, 1 mortar Platoon, and 1 105mm Howitzer Platoon). The TF was commanded by Lt. Col. Henry L. Davisson, C. O. 634th TD Bn, and the Hq consisted of personnel from the 634th TD Bn. The balance of the Bn (Hq & Hq Co) was atchd to the 1st U. S. Inf Div Arty.
The Bn was disposed as follows; Hq & Hq Co was located at Oberweywertz, with the CP at (887037) . The Co A CP was at Oberweywertz, (887038) with 1 gun of 1A in AT positions NE of Murringen at (011037) and 2 guns in AT positions at (006049) . 2A moved during the day from Murringen to (022062) . 3A was in AT positions NE of Murringen at (009045) . Co B CP was at Hepscheid (927985) with 1B in Honsfeld (962989) . 2B moved during the day from Hunningen to occupy AT positions st (028032) . The CP of Co C was in Gueuzaine (862049) with 1C & 3C assembled for rest and maintenance in the same town. 2C was assembled in Faymonville (868013) and was in res with the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt. The CP of Rcn Co was in Heppenbach (921971) with the entire Co assembled in that town. TF”D” at this time was in Div Res, assembled in Heppenbach with the CP at (921971) .
b. 2 February: Weather: Cold with light showers during the last of the period. Visibility: Fair to poor.
1A & 2A assembled in AT positions in vicinity of (025063) . 3A supporting the 3rd Bn, 26th Ing Regt, moved to AT positions at (013057) . Co B CP moved from Hepscheid (927985) to Honsfeld (962989) . 1B supporting the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt, moved from Honsfeld to (018035) . 2B supporting the 2nd Bn attack on Ramscheid, fired 70 rds HE (NC) from (041063) on Ey pillboxes and emplacements in vicinity of Ramscheid. 3B remained in same location. Co C alerted for possible relief of the 26th Inf Regt. 2nd section of 2C moved to vicinity of Co CP. 1st section of 2C remained in Faymonville. Rcn Co remained with TF”D” in Heppenbach in Division res.
c. 3 February: Weather: Cold with light showers early part of period. Visibility: Poor to good.
1A in support of 1st Bn, 16th Inf Attack to reach objective at RJ at (037070) moved to AT positions at (037069) . 2A & 3A remained in same positions. 1B remained in same location. 2B moved from (018028) to Ramscheid (052062) . 3B moved from (028032) to Ramscheiderhohe (037054) . Because of the extremely muddy conditions of the roads, making them impossible for wheeled vehicles, the M-1-’s of 2B & 3B were engaged in hauling wounded, ammunition and rations to & from Ramscheid during the period. 1st Section of 2C joined the rest of the Co at Gueuzaine at 0900A. All platoons continued maintenance and care of equipment. Rcn Co was alerted at 0700A and 1 Rcn plus 1 sqd of Pioneer Platoon with mine detectors and one (1) assault gun moved out at 0930A with mission of screening and patrolling between 1st & 2nd Inf Divisions in 26th Inf Area in vicinity of (995055) . Road patrols were run to the town of Krinkelt where contact was made with the 2nd Div. Upon return a road block was established at (995056) and infiltration routes were patrolled throughout the remainder of the period.
d. 4 February: Weather: Snow and rain. Visibility: Very poor.
1A moved to AT positions at (033065) . 2A remained in same positions. 3A supporting the 3rd Bn, 26th Inf Regt’s attack on Hollerath moved to AT positions at (055073) . Co A CP moved to Murringen (984020) during the afternoon. Co B occupied same positions and Co C remained in res at Gueuzaine. 2 Rcn plus 1 sqd Pioneers and 1 assault gun left Heppenbach at 0830A to relieve 1 Rcn (-) who returned to Heppenbach at 1030A. 2 Rcn (-) was released later in the day and returned to Heppenbach at 1500A.
e. 5 February: Weather: Intermittent rain throughout the reriod. Visibility: Very poor.
1A & 2A released to Co control after the 1st & 2nd Bns, 26th Inf were relieved by elements of the 395th Inf Regt, and the platoons assembled in the vicinity of the Co CP which had moved back to Oberweywertz (887037) during the day. 3A remained in support of the 3rd Bn, 26th Inf at Hollerath until late in the period when the 3rd Bn was relieved by elements of the 395th Inf Regt. The 18th Inf Regt was held by the 393rd Inf Regt in its sector and 1B moved to assembly area at Heppenbach, 2B remained in Ramscheid until the following day. 3B moved from (037054) , to assembly area at (028032) . Co C remained in same location in Div Res. Rcn Co moved with TF"D" to Sougne-Remouchamps, Belgium from Heppenbach closing in at 1430A. Co CP established at (565110) and TF"D" CP at (565109) .
f. 6 February: Weather: Intermittent rain throughout the period. Visibility: Very poor.
1A closed in the Co assembly area at Oberweywertz in the morning. The entire company spent the period in maintenance and care of equipment. 1B remained in Heppenbach. 2B moved from Ramscheid to an assembly area at Mirfield (964967) . 3B moved from (028032) to an assembly area at Moderschied (907993) . Co C moved with CC16 from Gueuzaine, Belgium to the vicinity of Kleinhau, Germany. Co CP was established at (035375) with all platoons in res in that vicinity. Rcn Co remained in Sougne-Remouchamps and spent period in maintenance and care of equipment. Hq & Hq Co moved from Oberweywertz, Belgium, to Sougne-Remouchamps, Belgium at 1315A, closing in at 1530A traveling a total of 38 miles. Bn CP was established at (565109) with the CP of TF"D".
g. 7 February: Weather: Partly cloudy. Visibility: Fair.
Co A moved from Oberweywertz with CT 26 to an assembly area at Grimonster, Belgium (511033) closing in at 1830A. Co B CP moved from Honsfeld (962989) to an assembly area at Ville and the Co CP was established at (474042) . All platoons marched with their respective Bns to the Regtl assembly area and were released to Co control and assembled in the vicinity of the Co CP. 1C moved at 1700A in support of the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt to AT positions in vicinity of Brandenberg, Germany (062344) . 2C moved at 1800A in support of the 2nd Bn; 1st section to AT positions; 1st section at (113387) and the 2nd section at (113381) . Rcn Co remained in Sougne-Remouchamps and continued maintenance and care of equipment.
h. 8 February: Weather: Fair to cloudy. Visibility: Good.
Co's A, B and Rcn remained in same locations and continued maintenance and care of equipment. 1C remained at (062344) . 2C assembled in reserve at (079390) . 3C remained in AT positions in the same locations.
i. 9 February: Weather: Cool with rain and light hail. Visibility: Poor to fair.
Bn (-Co's A, B, & C) moved with TF"D" from Sougne-Remonchamps, Belgium to the vicinity of Schevenhutte, Germany, closing in at 1900A, traveling a distance of 53 miles. The Bn CP and TF"D" CP was established at (003417) . Rcn Co assembled in the vicinity of the Co CP which was established at (017420) . Co A moved with CT 26 and assembled in the vicinity of Grosshau with the CP established at (042385) . Co B moved with CT 18 and assembled in the vicinity of Schevenhutte in the vicinity of the Co CP, which was established at (989394) . 1C moved at 0400A from (064345) to a res position at Gey (068398) . 2C remained in res at (079390) . 3C remained in AT positions at (113387) and (113381) .
j. 10 February: Weather: Unsettled. Visibility: Fair to excellent.
All companies remained in the same positions. Period spent in maintenance and care of equipment by all but 3C, which was in AT positions.
k. 11 February: Weather: Colder with snow changing to intermittent rain. Visibility: Fair to good.
There was no change in A, B, & Rcn Co's. 1C remained in res at (072398) . 3C moved to AT positions at (105388) . 1 EM LWA by Ey mine.
l. 12 February: Weather: Rain, low overcast and mist. Visibility: Very poor.
Bn Released from attachment to XVIII Corps (Abn) and atchd to III Corps. No change in Co dispositions.
m. 13 February: Weather: Cool with intermittent rain. Visibility: Poor to fair.
There was no change in Co's A, B, & C. TF"D" alerted and attached to the 26th Inf Regt as of 1200A. 1st Rcn Troop relieved elements of the 32nd Cav Sqdn during the night. Rcn Co, 634th TD Bn, prepared to relieve Co's A & C, 26th Inf Regt the following night.
n. 14 February: Weather: Warmer and clear with some broken clouds. Visibility: Excellent
There was no change in Co's A, B, & C. TF"D" CP moved from Schevenhutte, at 1715A to Bogheim (081375) . Rcn Co relieved Co's A & C, 26th Inf Regt during the night. 1 Rcn at (090364) , 2 Rcn with 1st section at (090362) and 2nd section at (087361) . Pioneer Platoon reinforced 1st & 2nd Platoons. 3 Rcn at (093360) . All platoons were in defensive positions.
o. 15 February: Weather: Warm, clear in the morning and hazy in the afternoon. Visibility: Good to very poor.
Companies A & B remained assembled in their respective assembly areas and continued maintenance and care of equipment. 1C remained at (105388) in AT positions while 2C & 3C remained in res at Gey. Rcn Co maintained their defensive positions in the vicinity of Obermaubach. Light Ey activity was observed across river during period. Ey shelled by arty and mortars on call from Rcn Platoon OP's. Light Ey mortar fire fell in Co area during period. Rcn Co CP located at Obermaubach, (088363) .
p. 16 February: Weather: Fair and warm. Visibility: very good.
1 M-10 of 1A moved to an indirect fire position at (05473746) at 1600A, and was tied into the FDC of the 965 FA Bn. 3 rds of HE (NC) were expended adjusting the piece and 4 rds Star Shell were fired during the night experimentally, with excellent results. The balance of the Company remained in their assembly area. There was no change in the dispositions of Co's B, & C. All platoons of Rcn Co remained in defensive positions in vicinity of Obermaubach. Light Ey activity was observed across river and Platoon OP's direct arty and mortar fire upon Ey positions. Medium Ey mortar fire fell in Co area during the period. 3 light tanks, Co D, 745th Tk Bn were attached and joined Rcn Co as Co reserve.
q. 17 February: Weather: Mild and clear. Visibility: Good.
There was no change in the dispositions of Co's A, & B. 1C & 2C remained the same. 3C who was in res at (068398) put 2 guns in indirect fire positions but were unable to register because of a ground haze. Guns were tied into the 7th FA Bn. Rcn Co maintained same defensive positions and observed light Ey activity across the river during the period and platoon OP's directed arty & mortar fire upon Ey positions. Light Ey mortar fire fell in Co area during period.
r. 18 February: Weather: Rain. Visibility: Poor.
There was no change in the dispositions of Co's A & B. 10 rds HE (RC) were expended in adjusting the two guns of 3C during the morning. 8 rds HE (RC) were expended on targets of opportunity using a fwd observer during the afternoon, but due to a ground haze the firing was suspended. Rcn Co continued to maintain defensive positions in vicinity of Obermaubach. Lt Ey activity was observed across river during period and Platoon OP's directed arty and mortar fire upon the Ey. Medium Ey mortar fire fell in Co area during the period.
s. 19 February: Weather: Continued warm with broken clouds. Visibility: Fair to good.
There was no change in the dispositions of Co's A, B, & C. The 2 guns of 3C in direct fire positions in Gey expended 42 rds HE (RC) at targets of opportunity (observed) during the day. 36 rds HE (RC) were expended on harassing & inderdiction fire during the night. One 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck was destroyed by Ey firs in Gey during the morning. Rcn Co maintained their defensive positions in Obermaubach. Lt rifle and MG fire exchanged during the period. Also lt Ey mortar fire fell in area during the period. Lt Ey activity observed and mortar fire was called for from Platoon OP's.
t. 20 February: Weather: Cold with rain. Visibility: Poor.
All companies remained in the same positions. The 2 guns of 3C in indirect fire positions during the early morning, rifed 6 missions (harassing and interdiction) and during the day fired 11 missions on targets of opportunity (observed). 239 rds HE (RC) expended. Rcn Co remained in defensive positions in Obermaubach. Lt Ey activity was observed and arty and mortar fire was brought upon the enemy when called for by Platoon OP's. During the latter part of the period, MG fire was exchanged and hvy Ey mortar fire fell on platoon positions tearing up communication lines.
u. 21 February: Weather: Slightly colder with overcast in the morning. Visibility: Fair to good.
All companies remained in same positions. The 2 guns of 3C in indirect fire positions expended 50 rds HE (RC) in harassing and interdiction missions during the early morning, and from 0515A to 0530A. 15 rds HE (RC) were expended in a corps demonstration. During the day, 117 rds HE (RC) were expended on targets of opportunity (observed), and during the latter part of the period 100 rds HE (RC) were expended on harassing and interdiction missions. Rcn Co in Obermaubach observed lt Ey activity across the river and the Ey were shelled by mortar fire on call from Platoon OP's. Lt Ey mortar fire fell in the area during the period.
v. 22 February: Weather: Fair and colder. Visibility: Excellent.
All companies remained in same positions. The 2 guns of 3C in indirect fire postions fired 58 missions during the period (11 interdiction, 24 harrassing and 23 on targets of opportunity (observed)). A direct hit was scored on an Ey GP vehicle. 352 rds HE (RC) expended. Lt Ey activity was again observed across the Roer River from Rcn Co. Lt Ey mortar fire fell in the Co area.
w. 23 February: Weather: Slightly warmer with broken clouds. Visibility: Excellent.
Co A remained assembled at (043384) . Co B was relieved from attachment to the 18th Inf Regt and attached to the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt. In preparation for the coming attack, 1B moved to (111394) , 2B to (109398) and 3B to (113388) , all in the vicinity of Wirden. The Co CP moved to Burgheim (105388) . Co C remained in the same positions and the 2 guns of 3C in indirect fire positions fired 43 missions of which 11 were harrassing and 32 were on targets of opportunity (observed). Excellent results were reported from the OP. 573 rds HE (RC) were expended. 2 EM WIA by an explosion of an undetermined source. Rcn Co remained in defensive positions. Lt Ey mortar fire fell on Platoon positions damaging communication lines.
x. 24 February: Weather: Fair & cooler. Visibility: Very good.
2A moved at 0100A to forward position at (105382) but returned to Co assembly area at 2230A without firing. The M-10 of 1A that was in position at (05473746) and prepared to fire star shell, returned to the Co assembly area at 1700A. 1B & 2B fired harrassing fire on Kreuzau. 1B at 1030A fired 11 rds HE (NC) on bldgs at (117393) and (119392) . At 1315A, they fired 18 rds HE (NC) and 6 rds APC in the same area. They also fired 4 rds HE (NC) on a tank at (128387) . At 1500A, 1B fired 30 rds HE (NC) and 5 rds APC on the buildings at (117393) & (119392) . At 1700A, 1B fired 6 rds HE (NC) and 1 rd APC on buildings at (129392) . All firing was from positions at (114395) and results of firing were not determined. 2B at 1200A fired 10 rds HE (NC) on buildings at (120395) and (117395) . At 1230A, 6 rds HE (NC) were fired on buildings at (118398) and (118400) . At 1545A, 7 rds HE (NC) and 11 rds APC were fired on buildings at (120395) and (117395) . All firing was from positions at (112397) and results of the firing was not determined. A total of 122 rds HE (NC) and 33 rds APC were expended by the company. Rcn Co remained in defensive positions at Obermaubach. Lt Ey activity was observed and was taken under fire by mortars of TF"D". Lt Ey mortar fire fell in area damaging communication lines. Flares were dropped over the Co area by Ey planes and 1 bomb dropped in front of 1 Rcn positions with no damage inflicted.
y. 25 February: Weather: Thin high overcast, moderate westerly wind. Visibility: Good.
1A & 3A were atchd to the 3rd Bn and crossed the Roer River, during the afternoon to an assembly area in Niederau. 2A supporting the 2nd Bn moved to direct fire positions at Burgheim (103387) . Co B supported the attack of the 16th Inf on Kreuzau by direct fire from the opposite bank. 1B expended 94 rds HE (NC) and 5 rds APC from (114395) in harrassing fire on Kreuzau (118395) . 2B expended 36 rds HE (NC) and 5 rds APC in harrassing fire on Kreuzau from (112397) . Also they fired 10 rds HE (NC) at en Ey AT Gun at (130390) destroying it. 3B expended 35 rds HE (NC) and 11 rds APC in harrassing fire on Kreuzau (116392) and (117394) . Total rds expended by Co B was 175 rds HE (NC) and 24 rds APC. 1C supporting the attack of the 1st Bn, 16th Inf, crossed the Roer River, moved toward Drove, went into AT positions at (135388) . 2C supporting the 2nd Bn, went into AT positions with 1st Section at Kreuzau (135379) and 2nd section at Drove (123392) . 3C in support of the 3rd Bn attacking to clear the woods SW of Stockheim, moved to AT positions at (139399) . Ammunition expended by Co C: 61 rds HE (NC), Co CP moved to Kreuzau (120392) . Rcn Co remained in defensive positions at Obermaubach. Lt Ey activity was observed during the period and Lt Ey mortar fire fell in the Co area. At 2230A, the Co put on a demonstration of fire in conjunction with the Division attack and drew light Ey fire in return.
z. 26 February: Weather: Cool with intermittent rain. Visibility: Poor
1A supporting the attack of the 3rd Bn, 26th Inf attack on Boich, moved into the town and occupied AT positions at (125358) . 2A moved across the river with 1st BN and took up AT positions in Drove (139375) . 3A supporting the 2nd Bn, moved into Leversbach and took up AT positions at (104362) . 3A fired 10 rds HE on an enemy strong-point neutralizing 2 MG's, killing 2 Germans and taking 9 PW's. Co B was relieved of attachment to the 16th Inf Regt and re-atchd to the 18th Inf Regt. The Co Cp moved from Burgheim to Stockheim (144404) . All platoons moved into an assembly area at Stockheim. 1C in support of the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt, moved into positions at (158392) . 2C in support of the 2nd Bn attack toward Soller, moved into positions at (153378) . 1 M-10, 1st Section was put out of action when an Ey direct fire (SP) weapon scored a hit on the track. The M-10 was later recovered. The other M-10 of the section received a hit from an Ey direct fire (SP) weapon setting the vehicle on fire. 2 EM KIA & 3 EM WIA. 3C supporting the attack of the 3rd Bn, on the high ground NW of Soller, took positions at (155395) . Ammunition expended by Co C: 58 rds HE (NC). Rcn Co remained in defensive positions in Obermauback. Medium Ey mortar fire fell on positions during the period, damaging communication lines.
aa. 27 February: Weather: Warmer & slightly cloudy. Visibility: Good.
Co A CP moved to Obermaubach during the evening. 1A remained in Boich. 2A remained in Drove. 3A supporting the 2nd Bn, 26th Inf Regt, moved to Frangenheim (170370) . 1B moved from Stockheim at 0500A in support of the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt to Jakobwullesheim (174409) . 1B fired 75 rds APC, 28 rds HE & 1 rd HVAP from (174409) destroying 1 88mm AT Gun embedded in concrete at (195414) . At about 1900A the platoon moved to Kelz (198414) . 2B moved from Stockheim at 1400A in support of the 2nd Bn to Eschweiler (192467) . 3B at about 0400A, moved in support of the 3rd Bn, from Stockheim to Jakobwullesheim (174409) and at about 1900A, moved to Irresheim (214442) . 1C moved to Frangenjeim (175371) . 3C had one M-10 destroyed by Ey fire in the vicinity of Soller (170380) . 21 rds HE (NC) expended. 3 EM MIA & 3 EM WIA. This was an unlucky day for Co C as 4 M-10's were bogged down in the mud, and all the other M-10's of the Co except the 3 guns of 1C and 1 Gun of 3C at the Co CP, were unserviceable due to Ey action or mechanical failure. Rcn Co remained in Obermaubach and received light rifle & MG fire during the period. Bn (- Co's A, B, C & Rcn) moved from Schevenhutte at 1300A, closing in at Kreuzau (121391) at 1500A.
bb. 28 February: Weather: Warmer and slightly cloudy. Visibility: Good.
1A remained in Boich, 2A remained in Drove, and 3A moved back to Soller (167379) . Co B CP moved from stockheim to Frauwullesheim (178445) . 1B supporting the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt, fired 16 rds APC and 16 rds HE from (198415) on an Ey 88mm AT Gun emplaced in concrete at (216423) destroying the gun. 2B remained in Eschweiler. 3B moved in support of the 3rd Bn to Norvenich (231458) . 1 section of 1C moved to Vettweiss. These were the only two M-10's of the Co in the line. 1 M-10 of 1C bogged down west of Frangenheim. Rcn Co left Obermaubach at 0500A with TF"D" and moved to Burg Hubenheim (160420) arriving at 0830A. Rcn Co was alerted at 1030A with 3rd Platoon and lt tks atchd and moved to Jakobwullesheim (171413) arriving at 1130A. The mission was to screen north & east side of the town. Co CP at (170412) . TF"D" CP at (166427) .
2. Ammunition expended:
a. Direct Fire:
APC | HE (NC) | HE (RC) | HVAP | |
Co A | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
Co B | 148 | 411 | 0 | 1 |
Co C | 0 | 140 | 0 | 0 |
148 | 561 | 0 | 1 |
b. Indirect Fire:
HE (NC) | HE (RC) | STAR SHELL | |
Co A | 3 | 0 | 4 |
Co B | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Co C | 0 | 1542 | 0 |
3 | 1542 | 4 |
3. Enemy Materiel Destroyed:
AT Guns | GP Vehicles | MG's | |
Co A | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Co B | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Co C | 0 | 1 | 0 |
3 | 1 | 2 |
4. Prisoners of War taken:
Co A - 9 |
Co B - 16 |
Co C - 0 |
5. Our losses:
M-10's | GP Vehicles | Repairable | Total Losses | |
Co A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Co B | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Co C | 3 | 1 | 1 M-10 | 2 M-10's & 1 GP veh. |
Total | 3 | 1 | 1 M-10 | 2 M-10's & 1 GP Veh. |