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 February 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 January 1945 is submitted.

a. Original unit: No change.

b. Changes in organization: No change.

c. Strength:

0001, 1 Jan 45	37 Officers	2 WO	574 EM
2400, 31 Jan 45	34 Officers	2 WO	578 EM
Net Gains and Losses:	3 Losses	Same	4 Gains

d. Stations	Coordinates	Date of Arrival	Date of Departure
Sourbrodt, Belgium	(VK872095)	18 Dec 44	27 Jan 45
Weywerz, Belgium	(VK887038)	27 Jan 45	None

e. Marches: Not applicable -- 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:

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

i. Losses in action:

Grade or Rank	Name	ASN	Type of Casualty	Dates in Jan
Cpl	Sevearn J. Struyk	33528331	LWA	15 Jan 45
Cpl	Fate King	35877611	LWA	19 Jan 45
Sgt	Charles A. Strank	33140401	LWA	18 Jan 45
Cpl	Frank Haylo	32652850	SWA	21 Jan 45
Pvt	Leonard M. Asouith	31409070	SWA	21 Jan 45
Pvt	Ben W. Maier	20714276	LIA	20 Jan 45
1st Lt	John E. Hugus, Jr.	0442281	KIA	19 Jan 45
Tec 5	Harold E. Tanner	35795211	LIA	22 Jan 45
Sgt	Richard S. Phillips	35202185	LIA	24 Jan 45
Pvt	Lionel J. Billings	31410879	LIA	27 Jan 45
Sgt	Jacob H. Pompa	38267145	SWA	30 Jan 45
2nd Lt	Steve Kacvinsky	01024325	LWA	31 Jan 45

j. Former members who have distinguished themselves in action:
All General Orders hereafter listed were published by Hq, 1st US Infantry Division, APO #1, US Army.

Pvt	Ellis A. Smith, Jr.	34883395	Bronze Star Medal	GO 5, 5 Jan 45.
Tec 4	Leonard E. Stolley	37121961	Bronze Star Medal	GO 16, 17 Jan 45
Pfc	Howard R. McDonald	33628695	Bronze Star Medal	GO 15, 16 Jan 45.
Tec 5	Harold P. Coco	38223040	Bronze Star Medal	GO 17, 18 Jan 45.
1st Lt	ALASTAIR H. MCKAY	0887487	Silver Star Medal	GO 23, 25 Jan 45.
Sgt	Arvid W. Anderson	20715696	Silver Star Medal	GO 6, 6 Jan 45.

Present members who have distinguished themselves in action: All General Orders hereafter listed were published by Hq, 1st US Infantry Division, APO #1, US Army.

Cpl	Raymond R. Jenkins	38223154	Bronze Star Medal	GO 156, 29 Dec 44.
Sgt	John B. Guill	38107541	Bronze Star Medal	GO 156, 29 Dec 44.
S Sgt	Raimundo R. Salas	38071719	Silver Star Medal	GO 2, 2 Jan 45.
Sgt	Talmadge O. Snow	38212188	Silver Star Medal	GO 2, 2 Jan 45.
1st	Lt MORGAN T. LEWIS	01822025	Silver Star Medal	GO 2, 3 Jan 45.
Pfc	Edward F. Welch	20714399	Bronze Star Medal	GO 5, 5 Jan 45.
Sgt	Charles H. Harris	34188072	Bronze Star Medal	GO 5, 5 Jan 45.
Pvt	Paul E. Gibson	35469498	Bronze Star Medal	GO 6, 6 Jan 45.
Sgt	George C. Kahora	32236377	Silver Star Medal	GO 6, 6 Jan 45.
Pfc	Richard K. Miller	42030636	Bronze Star Medal	GO 9, 9 Jan 45.
Tec 4	John P. David	36244477	Bronze Star Medal	GO 9, 9 Jan 45.
S Sgt	Richard Lobin	37056417	Bronze Star Medal	GO 9, 9 Jan 45.
Tec 5	John W. MacDonald	36875407	Bronze Star Medal	GO 10, 10 Jan 45.
Sgt	Jacob H. Pompa	36267145	Bronze Star Medal	GO 10, 10 Jan 45.
S Sgt	Clarence E. Tyrell	37134275	Bronze Star Medal	GO 10, 10 Jan 45.
Cpl	Elmer C. Ermatinger	36244465	Bronze Star Medal	GO 13, 13 Jan 45.
Tec 4	Frederick G. Yantis	39682118	Bronze Star Medal	GO 15, 15 Jan 45.
Sgt	Gordon H. Almberg	20708710	Bronze Star Medal	GO 13, 13 Jan 45.
Sgt	Donald J. Sturm	39681607	Bronze Star Medal	GO 12, 12 Jan 45.
Sgt	Wilfred E. Nowak	36172801	Bronze Star Medal	GO 12, 12 Jan 45.
Sgt	Cleo B. Rogers	38190110	Bronze Star Medal	GO 12, 12 Jan 45.
Cpl	Mark A. Frey	33490085	Silver Star Medal	GO 14, 15 Jan 45.
Tec 5	Edgar R. Nettles	38087261	Silver Star Medal	GO 14, 15 Jan 45.
Pvt	Loss Clemons	35878495	Silver Star Medal	GO 14, 15 Jan 45.
Capt	JAMES BARROW	0453364	Bronze Star Medal	GO 15, 16 Jan 45.
1st Lt	LUTHER J. DEAN	01822678	Bronze Star Medal	GO 15, 16 Jan 45.
Pvt	Donald B. Brennan	42086418	Bronze Star Medal	GO 17, 18 Jan 45.
Pvt	Jose M. Lugo	38561729	Bronze Star Medal	GO 17, 18 Jan 45.
S Sgt	Leo F. Samek	20715944	Bronze Star Medal	GO 17, 18 Jan 45.
S Sgt	Elvin E. Howk	37043529	Bronze Star Medal	GO 17, 18 Jan 45.
1st Lt	ROGER E. RONNING	01996467	Bronze Star Medal	GO 20, 22 Jan 45.
Lt Col	HENRY L. DAVISSON	0332232	Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal	GO 20, 22 Jan 45.
Sgt	Donald W. Bateman	37043350	Silver Star Medal	GO 21, 23 Jan 45.
Sgt	Wilfred E. Nowak	36172801	Silver Star Medal	GO 21, 23 Jan 45.
Capt	JAMES B. ARMSTRONG	01168156	Bronze Star Medal	GO 21, 23 Jan 45.
1st Lt	NORMAN W. BAYS	01168166	Bronze Star Medal	GO 21, 23 Jan 45.
Sgt	John B. Guill	38107541	Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal	GO 23, 25 Jan 45.
Cpl	Raymond R. Jenkins	38223154	Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal	GO 25, 27 Jan 45.
Sgt	Grover Anderson	37024896	Oak Leaf Cluster to Silver Star Medal	GO 26, 28 Jan 45.

k. Photographs: None.

l. Inclosures: Battalion Journal from 1 Jan 45 to 31 Jan 45 incl. and the complete file in support thereof.

HENRY L. DAVISSON,
Lt. Col., F. A.,
Comdg.

5 Incls:
Incl #1 Battalion Journal
#2 Supporting Documents 1 Jan to 9 Jan 45 incl.
#3 “ “ 10 Jan to 14 Jan 45 incl.
#4 “ “ 15 Jan to 20 Jan 45 incl.
#5 “ “ 21 Jan to 31 Jan 45 incl.

HEADQUARTERS 634TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230
U.S. ARMY

1 February 1945

SUBJECT: Unit Report of Action 1 - 31 January 1945

TO: Adjutant General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

MAPS: GSGS4414, 1/25.000 Sheets: 5502, MALMEDY; 5503, ELSENBORN; 5602, RECHT; 5603, MEYERODE; 5504, HELLENTHAL; 5604, BLANKENHEIM.

1. Narrative:

a. 1 January Weather: Partly cloudy & cold. Visibility: Fair.

As the period opened, the 634th TD Bn was still attached to the 1st U.S. Inf Division. Company A was attached to the 26th Inf Regt; Company B to the 18th Inf Regt; and Co C to the 16th Inf Regt. The Rcn Company was attached to TF “Davisson” whose other elements consisted of the 1st Rcn Troops of the 1st U. S. Inf Div, and elements of the 745th Tank Bn (Light Tank Co, one mortar platoon, and one 105mm Howitzer Platoon). The TF was commanded by Lt Col. HENRY L. DAVISSON, C. O., 634th TD Bn. The balance of the Bn (Hq & Hq Co) was attached to the 1st U. S. Inf Div Arty.

The battalion was disposed as follows: HQ & Hq Co were situated in Sourbrodt, Belgium with the Battalion CP at (872094) . The CP of Co “A” was at Camp Elsenborn, Belgium (891085) with the 1st Platoon (hereinafter referred to as 1A) in AT positions supporting the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt at Lutgenbach, Belgium (913038) ; 2A was in AT positions supporting the 2nd Bn, 26th Inf Regt in the vicinity of Dom Butgenbach, Belgium (931031) ; 3A was in AT positions supporting the 3rd Bn, at (938036) but were relieved by elements of the 745th Tank Bn in the evening and went into reserve positions in Butgenbach (913042) . The B Co CP was at Nidrum, Belgium (911063) with 1B supporting the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt in AT positions in Butgenbach (912037) ; 2B supporting the 2nd Bn in reserve at (911063) ; 3B supporting the 3rd Bn, in AT positions at (895037) . One (1) M-10 of 2B was in an indirect fire position (879076) prepared to fire illuminating missions with 3” Star Shell on call. The CP of Co “C” was in the vicinity of Walk, Belgium (845058) with 1C supporting the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt in mobile reserve in Gueuzaine (863047) . 2C supporting the 2nd Bn was in AT positions in Weismes, Belgium (847030) . 3C was in reserve in support of 3rd Bn, at (845058) . Task Force “Davisson” had been given the mission of guarding the dam at (845073) , and the right flank of the Division. The TF CP was in Walk, Belgium (844066) . The CP of Rcn Co, 634th TD Bn was also located in Walk (844066) . 1 Rcn, 3 Rcn, & Pioneer Rcn were also located in Walk. 2 Rcn was located in Libomont, Belgium (835045) where the platoon had set up a road block, and maintained defensive positions. Contact patrols with the 1st & 2nd Bn’s of the 16th Inf Regt on the left, and with the 525th Armormed Inf Bn and the 2nd Bn, 120th Inf Regt on the right were being run each night by personnel of the Rcn Co. Also a road block in the vicinity of the Co CP was being maintained nightly. On the night of 1 - 2 Jan 45, 1 Rcn contacted the 526th Armd Inf Bn & the 2nd Bn, 120th Inf; 3 Rcn contacted the 1st & 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt; & the Pioneer Platoon guarded the road block by the Company C.P. A “buzz bomb” landed in the area occupied by 1A during the morning of 1 Jan 45 and hit a house occupied by a destroyer crew. The house was practically demolished but there were no casualties.

b. 2 January: Weather: Clear to partly cloudy & cold. Visibility: Good.

There was no change in Co A. 2B was relieved by 3B during the night and 2B went into reserve at Nidrum. This change took place when the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf Regt relieved the 2nd Bn. The one (1) gun of 3B in indirect fire position at (879076) was relieved by a gun of 2B. Company C had no change. Normal contact patrols and road blocks were maintained during the night by Rcn Co.

c. 3 January: Weather: Snow and cold Visibility: Poor.

The A Co sector remained quiet. 1B in sopporting an infantry attack, fired 100 rds HE (NC). Due to the poor visibility, the effectiveness was not determined, but the infantry supported reached their objective without serious resistance, the area covered was about 600 yards wide and the range from 1300 yards to 2000 yards. 1 Rcn guarded road block by Rcn Co CP during the night of 3 - 4 Jan. 2 Rcn remained in Libomont and ran contact patrols to 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt, during the night of 3 - 4 Jan. 4 Rcn ran contact patrols to 526th Armd Inf in Malmedy and from there contacted the 120th Inf during the night.

d. 4 January: Weather: Snow and cold. Visibility: Fair.

There was no change in Co A. The one (1) Gun of 2B in indirect fire position at (879076) fired two (2) illuminating missions with a total of 3 rds 3” star shell expended. 1C remained in mobile reserve in support of Co B, 16th Inf Regt at (863047) . 2C remained in defensive positions in support of 2nd Bn, at (847031) . 3C held in reserve in support of Co K, 16th Inf Regt at (886037) . 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt. 2 Rcn maintained road block and defensive positions in Libomont. 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 526th Armd Inf Bn. and from there contacted the 120th Inf by telephone. The Pioneer Platoon guarded the road block by the Rcn Co CP. Road blocks and patrols were in effect only during the night.

e. 5 January: Weather: Cloudy & cold. Visibility: Fair.

There was no change in Co’s A, B, or C. 1 Rcn ran patrols to the 526th Armd Inf Bn and 2nd Bn, 120th Inf. During the night, the 526th Armd Inf Bn moved and patrols were run to the 2nd Bn, 120th Inf Regt only. 2 Rcn maintained the road block and defensive positions in Libomont. 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt. Pioneer Platoon guarded road block by the Rcn Co CP. Road blocks and patrols in effect during the night, only.

f. 6 January: Weather: Cold with snow flurries Visibility: Fair to poor.

There was no change in Companies A, B, or C. During the night of 6 - 7 Jan, 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 2nd Bn, 120th Inf; 2 Rcn maintained positions and road block in Libomont; and the Pioneer Platoon ran contact patrols to the 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt. One (1) light Tk Platoon, 745th Tk Bn, took over guarding the road block by the Rcn Co CP.

g. 7 January: Weather: Cold & snow. Visibility: Fair to poor.

There was no change in Companies A & C. 2B relieved 1B in Butgenbach (913037) during the night of 7 - 8 Jan, and 1B went into reserve at Nidrum (911063) . One (1) Gun of 1B relieved the gun of 2B that was in indirect fire position at (879075) . This was accomplished when the 2nd Bn, 18th Inf relieved the 1st Bn, 18th Inf on the line. No other changes in Co B. During the night of 7 - 8 Jan, 2 Rcn maintained the road block and positions in Libomont. 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 1st & 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt and the Pioneer Platoon contacted the 2nd Bn, 120th Inf Regt.

h. 8 January: Weather: Cold & snow flurries. Visibility: Fair to poor.

There was no change in Co’s A & C. The one (1) Gun of 1B in indirect fire position at (879076) fired one illuminating mission during the night with a total of 2 rds 3” star shell. During the night of 8 - 9 Jan, 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 3rd Bn, 120th Inf, 2 Rcn maintained positions in Libomont, & 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt.

i. 9 January: Weather: Cold & snow flurries. Visibility: Fair to poor.

There were no changes in Co’s A & B. One (1) M-10 of 1C moved into an indirect fire position at (839969) and was tied into the FDC of the Cannon Co, 16th Inf Regt. 200 rds HE (RC) were fired at a total of 9 targets in the vicinity of Faymonville. All fire was observed. Targets were snipers in buildings. Fire was very effective. During the night of 9 - 10 Jan, 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to 3rd Bn, 120th Inf; 2 Rcn maintained positions in Libomont; 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to 1st & 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt; and the Pioneer Platoon guarded the road block by the Co CP.

j. 10 January: Weather: Cold and cloudy. Visibility: Fair to poor.

Company A remained in the same position in support of the 26th Inf Regt. The gun of 1B in indirect fire position at (879076) supporting the 18th Inf, fired nine (9) harassing missions and two (2) illuminating missions. 91 rds 3” HE (RC) and 6 rds 3” star shell expended. The gun of 1C in indirect fire position supporting the 16th Inf Regt, fired 5 harassing missions with a total of 293 rds 3” HE (RC) expended. During the night of 10 - 11 Jan, 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt; 2 Rcn continued to man their positions in Libomont; 3 Rcn was in reserve and the Pioneer Platoon ran contact patrols to the 3rd Bn, 120th Inf regt.

k. 11 January: Weather: Cloudy and cold. Visibility: Fair.

Company A remained in same positions. Company B saw no action, and the one (1) gun of 1C that was in indirect fire position at (839060) returned to the 1st Platoon. During the night of 11 - 12 Jan, 1 Rcn was in reserve; 2 Rcn maintained positions in Libomont; 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to 1st & 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt; & the Pioneer Platoon ran contact patrols to the 3rd Bn, 120th Inf Regt.

l. 12 January: Weather: Cold & clear to cloudy. Visibility: Good to fair.

Companies A & C remained in same locations, and no action was reported. The one (1) gun of 1B fired two (2) illumination missions during the night. 4 rds Star Shell were expended. During the night 1 Rcn contacted by patrols, the 3rd Bn, 120th Inf Regt on the right; 2 Rcn maintained their positions in Libomont; 3 Rcn contacted 1st & 2nd Bn’s 16th Inf Regt on the left. Pioneer Platoon was in reserve.

m. 13 January: Weather: Cold, clear to cloudy. Visibility: Good to fair.

The situation in Companies A & B remained the same, with no action reported. 1C supporting the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt, was in reserve positions at (863048) . 2C supporting the 2nd Bn, moved to AT positions at (848029) . 3C supporting the 3rd Bn, was in reserve positions at (886039) . The Co C CP moved from Walk, Belgium to Gueuzaine, Belgium (862049) . During the night of 13 - 14 Jan, 1 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 3rd Bn, 120th Inf Regt; 2 Rcn maintained their positions in Libomont; 3 Rcn ran contact patrols to the 1st & 2nd Bn’s, 16th Inf Regt; and the Pioneer Platoon guarded the road block near the Co CP.

n. 14 January: Weather: Clear & cold. Visibility: Good to very good.

Some enemy artillery fell in the area occupied by 2A during the morning. A frequent air-burst went through the floor of an M-10, cutting an oil line. The oil line was repaired in the position. The gun of 1B that was in an indirect fire position at (879076) returned to 1B at Nidrum during the evening. Positions of Co C remained the same with no action reported. All road block positions and contact patrols which Rcn Co operated were discontinued.

o. 15 January: Weather: Clear and cold in the morning, becoming overcast at noon. Visibility: Good.

In the early morning of 15 Jan the 1st U.S. Infantry jumped off from positions which had been held since the 12 SS Panzer Division had tried to force a passage north at the beginning of the German breakthrough to the west. The objectives were as follows: The 16th CT on the right was to capture Faymonville, the 18th CT in the centre was to take the high ground about 1400 yards south of their line of departure, & the 26th CT on the left was to hold, demonstrate and support the attack by fire. The snow was deep and the going was very difficult.

Company A remained in the same positions, in support of the 26th Inf. 3B in support of the attack by the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf, moved to an assembly area at (887038) . At 0830, they moved to (892031) and occupied direct fire positions. 150 rds 3” HE (NC) and 11 rds 3” APC were expended firing on Ey MG positions in woods in vicinity of (892025) and (896026) . After firing, they withdrew to (890033) to resupply ammunition. While firing and withdrawing, heavy arty and mortar fire fell upon them. At least one (1) ey MG was silenced permanently. 1B & 2B remained in position as of the previous day. 1B moved at 0700 in support of the attack of the 1st Bn, 16th Inf attack and reached (868016) . One (1) Ey MG strong-point at (864021) was neutralized by 3” fire. 2C remained at Weismes. 3C moved at 0700 in support of the 3rd Bn’s attack through Faymonville and reached (888028) . 3C neutralized three (3) Ey MG strong-points at (832029) , (876026) , & (879025) . 35 rds 3” APC and 99 rds 3” HE (NC) expended. Besides the 3” fire, the destroyers supported the Inf by fire of the .50 Cal MG’s on the turrets of the M-10’s. 2 EM WIA, one of which remained on duty. 1Rcn & 3 Rcn were alerted and moved to 2 Rcn positions at Libomont at 0700 with mission to be prepared to move and set-up road blocks at road junctions (835013) & (839012) approximately 1 ½ miles SW of Weismes. The mission was called off and all personnel returned to their former locations by 2100.

p. 16 January: Weather: Cold & slightly cloudy to clear. Visibility: Fair to good.

The attack continued, and Co A remained in the vicinity of Butgenbach. At 160400A, 3B withdrew to their former position at (895037) . 1B & 2B remained in the same positions, and no action was reported for the day. 1C in support of 1st Bn, 16th Inf moved to AT positions at (866013) . 2C in support of Co K, moved at 160400A to (875010) . 3C remained at (881029) in support of 3rd Bn. Rcn remained in the same positions in Walk and Libomont in Division Reserve.

q. 17 January: Weather: Cold with intermittent snow. Visibility: Poor.

The attack continued and Company A remained in its same positions supporting the 26th Inf Regt. 1B moved in support of the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt from its reserve positions in Nidrum to an assembly area in the vicinity of Lignueville (805989) . The first Bn, 18th Inf was attached to the 23rd Inf, in an effort to out-flank the enemy positions south of the Amel River. 2B & 3B remained in the same positions, and saw no action. 2C supporting the drive of the 16th Inf Regt, had one section in mobile reserve and one section in AT positions at (872070) . The one section in mobile reserve was given the mission of moving to (880003) and fire 16 rds 3” HE (NC) and 4 rds 3” APC at enemy infantry and vehicles known to be in the woods to their front (882007) . This was repeated every hour between the hours of 1300 and 1700. After each mission, the section withdrew. 2C also fired 2 rds 3” HVAP at a Mk V Tank at (880008) , both rounds strinking and apparently jamming the turret. The tank then backed into the woods & disappeared. Rcn Company moved from Walk, Belgium with TF“D” closing in at 1345A. The CP of TF“D” was established at (887038) and the CP of Rcn Co at (887047) . TF“D” was given the mission of relieving Co K, 16th Inf Regt and Co I, 18th Inf regt on the line east of Faymonville in the vicinity of (890020) and holding this line while the Infantry continued the attack. 1 Rcn & 3 Rcn were attached to the 1st Rcn Troop and relieved Co K by 1600.

r. 18 January: Weather: Cold and snow with high winds. Visibility: Poor.

Co A remained in their positions and reported no action. 3B supporting the attack of the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf Regt moved one section at a time from (895038) to (903032) and fired at a concentration of Ey infantry in the woods at (905015) and then returned to (895038) by going through Butgenbach. During the afternoon, 141 rds 3” HE (NC), 121 rds 3” HE (RC) and 33 rds 3” APC were expended. 2B and 3B remained in same positions and saw no action. 1C was in support of the attack by Co B, 16th Inf Regt who swung around to the west through the 23rd Inf Regt with the intention of taking its objective in the northern edge of the Rohr Busch from the east. The Co ran into heavy art fire and got involved in a powerful counter-attack which was directed at the 23rd Inf. The counter-attack was very expensive for the enemy as a large percentage of the attacking force was killed out-right. 1C fired 70 rds HE at Ey Inf in woods at (885995) . The platoon reached (861000) . 2C in support of the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf, with one section in close support of Co B & the other in close support of Co F, reached the vicinity of (878004) . At 182400A, 3C in support of Co L moved from (881029) to (870013) to be in position for the attack the following morning. 2 Rcn & the Pioneer Platoon moved out at 0300 from Weywertz, and relieved Co I, 18th Inf. The Company remained in their positions in the vicinity (890020) throughout the day. 4 EM were wounded by Ey mortar shells during the day, of which one was evacuated.

s. 19 January: Weather: Cold with snow flurries. Visibility: Poor.

Company A stayed in the same positions supporting the 26th Inf Regt, who were holding the left flank of the --------. 1B moved in close support of the 1st Bn, 18th Inf in their ---- ----------. 96 rds 3” HE (NC), 33 rds 3” APC & 1700 rds Cal. 50 MG ammo was expended on Ey positions. The firing was reported as very effective. The platoon went into positions at (848974) . 3B moved during the night to (903017) . 2B remained south of Butgenbach. The attack of the 16th Inf to take Schoppen continued in weather so bad that the Ey expected no attack. 3C in close support of Co L jumped off at 0645A and pushed forward to (898001) . One (1) M-10 was destroyed by an SP gun at (894999) . 2C supporting the 2nd Bn reached (875000) . Two (2) M-10’s slightly damaged by Ey arty fire but were repaired by the Co maintenance. 1C supporting the 1st Bn, reached (864992) . One (1) Officer (Platoon Leaders, 2C) KIA at (881003) at 1430A by Ey arty fire. One (1) EM WIA. Rcn Co remained in their positions in the vicinity of (890020) .

t. 20 January: Weather: Cold with snow flurries. Visibility: Fair to poor.

There was no change in the dispositions of Co A. 3B in the morning, moved from (895037) to (903017) . 1B & 2B remained in the same locations. 1C supporting the 1st Bn, 16th Inf reached (885985) and deployed in AT positions. 2C moving in close support of the 2nd Bn and took AT positions with the 1st Section at (886984) and the second section at (886984) and the second section at (886997) . 3C supporting the 3rd Bn, moved to positions at (893009) . Rcn Co maintained the same positions as of the previous day. No ammunition was expended by any of the companies during the period.

u. 21 January: Weather: Cold with snow flurries. Visibility: Poor.

Ey mortar fire fell on the positions of 2A during the day, 2 EM WIA. There were no changes in Co A positions. 1B moved from Montenau to a reserve position in Nidrum (911063) during the morning. 3B moved back to (895038) . 2B remained in Butgenbach. 1C supporting Co A 16th Inf Regt, remained at (886984) . 2C with 1st section supporting Co G at (887986) and the 2nd section supporting Co E in AT positions at (886994) . 3C supporting Co L in AT positions at (893999) . TF”D” were released and went into division reserve in the vicinity of Weywertz. The TF CP remained at (887037) . Rcn Co CP remained at (887047) .

v. 22 January: Weather: Cold with broken clouds. Visibility: Fair to good.

1A remained in Butgenbach, 2A in the vicinity of Dom Butgenbach, & 3A in Butgenbach. 1B remained in Nidrum, 2B in the vicinity of Butgenbach, and 3B at (895038) . Co “C” spend the day consolidating their positions from which mutual support could be given. 1C was at (886987) , the 1st section of 2C at (889992) and the 2nd section (888001) , and 3C remained at (893999) . Rcn Co remained in Weywertz. 1st Echelon maintenance was done all vehicles & all equipment was cleaned and checked.

w. 23 January: Weather: Cold & partly cloudy. Visibility: Fair to good.

1A moved to the vicinity of Dom Butgenbach during the early morning to be in positions for the coming attack by the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt. 2A moved from Dom Butgenbach during the early morning to a reserve position in the vicinity of the Co CP. 3A remained in Butgenbach. 1B moved during the afternoon and occupied dire fire positions 1 mile south of Butgenbach (908033) . 2B remained at (913037) . 3B moved during the afternoon to occupy direct fire positions one (1) mile south of Butgenbach (910029) . All platoons were in readiness to support the attack by the Inf the following day. All platoons of Company “C” remained in same locations. Rcn Co remained in an assembly area attached to TF”D” in Division reserve.

x. 24 January: Weather: Cold & overcast, clearing in the PM. Visibility: Fair to good.

1A moved in support of the attack by the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt to the south. One (1) M-10 was rendered immobile by Ey Arty fire in Dom Butgenbach. Two (2) other M-10’s ran over Ey mines blowing a track off both vehicles. Two (2) EM WIA of which one (1) was evacuated. The remaining M-10 returned to the assembly area at Dom Butgenbach. 2A moved forward to Dom Butgenbach to reinforce 1A. 3A remained in Butgenbach (913041) . 2B moved from Butgenbach in support of the 2nd Bn, 18th Inf and occupied AT positions at (930038) . 1B remained in the vicinity of Butgenbach and 3B remained in reserve at Nidrum. 1C supporting the 1st Bn, 16th Inf, moved 1st section to AT positions at (887980) and 2nd section in AT positions at (891980) . 2C supporting the 2nd Bn, moved 1st section to AT positions at (892987) , and 2nd section to AT positions at (891980) . 3C remained in AT positions at (892002) . Rcn Company remained in reserve with TF”D” at Weywertz.

y. 25 January: Weather: Cold with ground haze. Visibility: Poor.

1A moved the one (1) remaining gun from Dom Butgenbach to the OR at (930008) and went into AT positions. 2A moved from Dom Butgenbach back to a reserve position at Butgenbach (913040) . 3A remained in Butgenbach. 1B moved from their positions south of Butgenbach and occupied AT positions in support of the 1st Bn 18th Inf one (1) mile SE of Moderscheid with 1st section at (917992) and the 2nd section at (916987) and (917988) . 2B moved to AT positions, two (2) miles south of Modersheid (904078) . 3B in support of the 3rd Bn, remained in reserve in Nidrum. 3C moved at 1500 to AT positions in support of the 3rd Bn, 16th Inf at (900965) . Rcn Co remained in Division reserve with TF”D” in Weywertz.

z. 26 January: Weather: Cold and clear to partly cloud. Visibility: Fair.

1A had one gun remaining at (930008) and with 2 guns repaired, had two in reserve at Dom Butgenbach. 2A & 3A remained in reserve in Butgenbach. 3B in support of the 3rd Bn, 18th Inf, moved from reserve positions at Nidrum to Moderscheid (908993) . 1B & 2B remained in same locations. 1C moved from (887980) & (891980) at 0900 to occupy AT positions in support of the 1st Bn, 16th Inf Regt at (898963) . 2C moved from (892987) & (891980) to a reserve position in Faymonville at (865018) . 3C remained at (900965) . Rcn Co remained with TF”D” in Div. Reserve at Weywertz. At 1800, the Bn was released from atchmt to V US Army Corps & atched to XVIII US Army Corps (Airborne).

aa. 27 January: Weather: Cold & overcast. Visibility: Fair

This was a quiet day along the whole division front and all companies remained in the same positions as of the previous day. 3C during the night fired 75 rds HE (NC) & 3 rds APC into the town of Valender. This was direct fire from their position at (900965) .

bb. 28 January: Weather: Cold with heavy snowfall in the early part of the period with snow flurries and overcast in the late morning and afternoon. Visibility: Poor.

The First Division attacked in the early morning with the 26th Infantry Regt on the left, the 16th Inf Regt in the center and the 18th Inf Regt on the right. Company A remained in the same locations as the road network did not permit their use. 1B & 2B moved forward in support of the 1st & 2nd Bns 18th Inf respectively, 1B reaching their objective and went into AT positions at (930007) , and 2B reached Heppenbach (925970) . 3B remained in the same positions as of the previous day. The 16th Inf after a short advance was squeezed out and went into division reserve. 3C supporting the attack of the 18th Inf Regt on Heppenbach, fired 64 rds HE (NC) at personnel in woods along line running from (900957) to (910958) and also in the town of Valender (908957) . An undetermined number of Ey personnel were killed or wounded, but it is known to be over 100. 1C & 3C reverted to Company control during the afternoon. TF”D” was alerted during the afternoon and given the mission of screening the right flank of the Division in the vicinity of Heppenbach, and to also assist in the defense of the town. Rcn Co was reinforced by 1 Platoon of Assault guns, 2 Platoons of light tanks & 1 platoon of mortars of the 745th Tk Bn, received the mission of reinforcing Co “G”, 18th Inf Regt in the town of Heppenbach. The Co moved into town without resistance and took up positions in and around the town.

cc. 29 January: Weather: Cold & cloudy with strong wind. Visibility: Fair.

1A remained in positions with one (1) Gun at (931008) in AT positions and two (2) guns in reserve at Dom Butgenbach. 2A & 3A moved to Bullingen during the afternoon, 2A at 1745A & 3A at 1630A. The move was in preparation for the attack the following day. The company CP moved from the vicinity of Camp Elsenborn during the morning to the vicinity of Weywertz at (887037) . 1B in support of the 1st Bn reached positions 3 miles east of Hepscheid (947987) . 2B moved at about 2100A from Heppenbach to join 1B (947987) at about 2100A. This grouping was in preparation for the attack the following morning. 1C & 3C were assembled in the vicinity of the Co CP (862049) . 2C remained in reserve with the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf at Faymonville. All platoons spent the period in motor maintenance and in cleaning equipment. Rcn Co with TF”D” remained in Heppenbach and outposted the town.

dd. 30 January: Weather: Cold with snow flurries turning to sleet. Visibility: Fair to poor.

1A remained in positions of previous day. 2A in support of the 2nd Bn, 18th Inf, moved from Bullingen to Murringen (981020) . 3A remained in AT positions in Bullingen. The CP of Co B moved from the vicinity of Butgenbach to Hepscheid (927985) . All platoons moved in support of the 1st Bn, 18th Inf Regt in their attack on Honsfeld (960980) . 1B from (969989) fired 12 rds HE and 1 rd APC destroying 2 Ey towed 75mm AT Guns at (973988) and (974988) . 1B also fired 2 rds APC on an Ey tank, but the tank withdrew, apparently unharmed. The platoons went into AT positions at Honsfeld (962989) . 2B finished mission at 0330 and returned to Heppenbach at (922973) . 3B fired 56 rds HE from (973993) in support of the 3rd Bn attack on Hunningen (970000) . Co C remained in same locations for rest and maintenance. Rcn Co remained in Heppenbach with TF”D” and continued to outpost the town.

ee. 31 January: Weather: Warmer and overcast with light rain. Visibility: Poor.

1A moved to positions NE of Hunningen with one (1) Gun in AT position at (911037) and the remaining 2 M-10’s at (906049) . The crews of the two (2) M-10’s at (906049) laid mines across the road in vicinity of (905052) . Two (2) Ey SP 75mm Assault Guns came down the road and ran over the mines detonating them and the TD’s immediately took them under fire, destroying them. 1 AT Gun (towed) was also destroyed. 4 rds APC and 4rds HE (NC) were expended. 2A remained in Murringen during the day. 3A in support of the 3rd Bn, 26th Inf Regt, moved to vicinity of (909045) . 1B remained in Honsfeld; 2B moved from Heppenbach to Hunningen and took AT positions at (975007) and (978006) . 3B remained in Hunningen at (977008) and (976009) . Co C remained in same positions for rest and maintenance. Rcn Co remained in Heppenbach attached to TF”D” and continued to outpost the town.

2. Ammunition Expended:

a. Direct Fire

	APC	HE (NC)	HE (RC)	HVAP
Co A	4	4	0	0
Co B	82	529	121	0
Co C	75	469	0	2
	161	1002	121	2

b. Indirect Fire

	Missions
	Illumination	Harassing	HE (NC)	HE (RC)	STAR SHELL
Co A	0	0	0	0	0
Co B	6	9	0	91	15
Co C	0	14	0	493	0
	6	23	0	584	15

3. Enemy Materiel Destroyed:

	SP GUNS	AT GUNS	MG’s
Co A	2	1	0
Co B	0	2	1
Co C		0	4
	2	3	5

4. Our Losses:

	No of M-10’s Disabled by Ey Action	Number Repairable	Total Losses
Co A	3	3	0
Co B	0	0	0
Co C	1	0	1
	4	3	1