A. Co. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion

 

1944 - , , , , , , , , , , and

1945 - January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October

JANUARY 1944

30th Left Camp Polk, Louisiana by troop train for the Port of Embarkation at Camp Shanks, New York.

FEBRUARY 1944

2nd Arrived at Port of Embarkation at Camp Shanks, N.Y.

8th Completed processing, shots, and paper work etc. at the Port of Embarkation for shipment to Europe.

9th Loaded aboard the British HMS "ANDES" for somewhere in Europe or Africa (?).

Bill Hay told me today (3/15/97) the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion sent an advanced detail to England in early January 1944 on the British Ship "Mauritinia" to prepare for the arrival of the Battalion on February 19, 1944. The advanced detail was----Major Bert Scott---Captain Bill Hay---T/Sgt Roscoe Rowe---T/Sgt Haven Howatt.

9-19th We sailed by the Statue of Liberty in the early morning, out into the Atlantic and were at high seas for the next l0 days. As I remember, we were told, that we had about 7,000 troops aboard this 3rd largest British Luxury liner converted to a troop carrier. We had 2 meals a day, one in the AM and one in the PM. The ships galley served meals from early morning to about 10:00 PM and then the tables were used at night for some of the troops to sleep. Bob Van Buskirk says, "how could you ever forget creamed liver for breakfast?" The English cooks could not furnish meals to the American liking.

We hit a very severe storm in the North Atlantic and many troops were sick either hanging their heads over the side or in the latrine sitting on one stool with there head over another. Most of the 635th men were assigned duty of some kind while on the ANDES. We stood fire watch at stations around the ship or on the 20 and 40 millimeter gun anti-aircraft turrets on the ship. Company A had the anti-aircraft turrets and the other companies had other such duties around the ship. Our watch on the gun turrets were 2 hours on and 6 hours off for the 10 days at sea.

After several days at high seas word came down that our destination was England.

19th We arrived at Liverpool, England. Moved by English train to Cheltenham, England and then by truck to the Tracy Estates, Toddingham, Gloucester, England. We were billeted in Nissen Huts on the Tracy Estates. Our double deck bunks were made from wooden shipping crates with a lattice made of the steel banding across the bottoms. For a mattress we stuffed a mattress cover with straw. For heat we had a small potbelly stove in each hut and one bucket of coal per day. We had outdoor latrines with honey buckets under each stool. The honey wagon would come each day to empty the buckets. We heard rumors that this waste was used on the vegetable gardens by the English farmers and sold to the Army. During this period in England we continued our combat training with a great deal of physical endurance workouts. We knew the invasion was ahead and our physical conditioning was important for survival.

MAY 1944

16-Jun 1st We moved into the marshaling areas (“Sausage Camps”) at Chasewater in southern England. Our vehicles were equipped with the water, gasoline, rations and the many things that were necessary when we hit the beaches. All vehicles were water proofed and equipped with snorkel tubes well over the tops of the vehicle. All motor and drive-train vents were sealed with this water proofing material as well as the entire electrical ignition system. The water proofing was needed in the event that we would have to land in the water.

We were issued impregnated clothing in the event of a gas war. No one will ever forget these smelly and stiff outfits. Each man had an inflatable life belt to be worn under the armpits that could be inflated with a CO2 cartridge. If the cartridge failed they could be inflated by mouth with 2 tubes on your chest.

We were paid with French invasion money and handed a French phrase book. Briefings were held on what to expect on the beaches. All that we were told about the beaches were the code names: DOG --- GREEN,WHITE & RED. Next, to the east, were EASY--- GREEN, & RED. East of these were FOX ---GREEN & RED. The higher command had more information of where we would land but most enlisted men knew very little. Security was very tight and we could not send any mail.

JUNE 1944

1st Company "C" loaded men and equipment on LST-55 at Plymouth, England.

2nd Company "A" was loaded on LST-5 at Falmouth, England. Company "B" and part of Headquarters Company were loaded on LST-393 at Falmouth, England. All of this information is taken from the LST Deck Logs of these 3 ships. We have log sheets for LST's 5, 55, 393 & 392 for the period of June 1st thru June 8th, l944.

LST-381 is also listed in the battalion records. The log sheets however, show that this ship was damaged in Italy and was in dry-dock on June 6th, 1944. However it made its lst trip to Normandy on June l8th. Haven Howatt's records show that a part of Headquarters Company was on LST-393. It also shows that parts of Headquarters Company did not arrive in Normandy until June l8th. It does not indicate the LST but its possible that it may have been LST-381. LST-392 also shows up in battalion records but we have the log sheets for this LST and nothing indicates that any of our units were on it. However Ernie Pyle and the son of John Pershing as well as many Washington high brass were on this ship for observation of the beach assault on June 6th.
LSTs 5, 393 & 55 on June 6th were well within view of Omaha Beaches. The 16th Regiment of the lst Infantry Division was going in on EASY & FOX beaches. The 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division was landing on DOG beach. We could observe that the beaches were under very heavy shelling and bombing. It seemed, at times, that most of the rocky areas back of the sand and the bluffs of the higher ground to the back were on fire from the shelling. Large clouds of smoke would block our view a good part of the time.

We waited on our LSTs for our turn to go ashore. There were hundreds of LSTs and infantry landing crafts on all sides of us. The beaches were crowded with men and equipment and the units were called on to land as they were needed. Battalion records would indicate that some advanced parts of the 635th landed on the beach on June 6th & 7th. Small crafts were busy taking troops on to beach and returning with wounded to the LSTs. Medical teams were set up on the LSTs to receive wounded, take care of their immediate needs, and then transfer them to hospital ships. We now know that this operation OVERLORD consisted of about 5,000 ships of all types.

7th Battalion landed in France on Omaha Beach in LSTs and Rhino barges. Order of landing--Company's. A, B, C. Battalion CP party was last to land. Upon arrival Battalion attached to 1st US Infantry Division Artillery. Proceeded to Transit Area #4 for de-waterproofing. T/5 Grazier's ammo truck hit a land mine, rear tire blown and trailer turned over and damaged beyond use. Companys A & C attached to 26th Infantry Regiment and Company B to 18th Infantry Regiment. General bivouac in vicinity of 1st Division Artillery CP.

From the log sheets of LST-5 we read-------0800 hours anchor await proceeding toward beach EASY RED.-------l000 hours Anchored -------1030 started unloading Army Tank Destroyer units of vehicles and men, started loading army casualties-------1320 hours completed unloading army vehicles and men. (this was Company A of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion.)

From the deck log sheets of LST-393 we read--------0800 to 1200 hours anchored as before-------At 0920 hours LCT-290 alongside to commence unloading Army vehicles and personnel-----At 1025 hours LCT-209 away with one-tenth of army vehicles and personnel aboard.------seven 40mm guns manned in condition III.-----1200 to 1600 hours anchored as before with previously described set. Ten percent of combat load disembarked,awaiting further unloading. ------US LST-209 alongside for unloading at 1245 hours-----LCT-209 away at 1317 hours. Underway closing beach off FOX GREEN at 1320 hours------At 1830 hours LCT-199 cast off loaded with Army vehicles and personnel.-------At 1840 hours Rhino ferry secured to ramp and ship completely unloaded at 1902 hours.Our small boats shoved off for FOX GREEN beach to pick up casualties at 1950 hours. (This was Company B and part of Headquarters Company of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion that was unloading.)

From the deck log of LST-55 we read-----1530 hours beached at EASY RED France, dried out according to orders. 1945 hours, completed unloading Army personnel and equipment, containers of gasoline, water, oil and barrage balloon. 1950 hours 2 deceased casualties taken ashore. 2154 hours retracted from beach, under way, destination, assembly area. (This was Company C of the 635 Tank Destroyer Battalion that was unloading)

(Note) We have pictures of all 3 LSTs on Omaha Beach. Also pictures of a Company "C", 2nd platoon, gun section #4 halftrack & gun coming down the ramp of LST-55. (See picture album of LSTs). The 635th T.D. Battalion. was the first Tank Destroyer onto Omaha Beach. The 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion was the first Tank Destroyer outfit on UTAH BEACH.

During this period of June 1944, all of the areas on and near Omaha Beach were very busy bringing in landing crafts of all types. Rhino Ferries were working between landing crafts and the beaches bringing in troops and returning with casualties. When unloading is indicated on the LST's deck logs, we have no way of knowing if they are 635th units or other troops. The logs only indicate Army Troops. However, the time frames for the unloading of the 635th fit these slots and some of the logs are marked in pencil, Tank Destroyer troops. Advanced parties of 635th personnel may have went on to the beaches on the 6th of June by small boat as this activity was very heavy.

Harold Duarte (Company C) remembers that during the time we were on the LSTs waiting to go ashore, they asked for volunteers to go on shore by small boat and bring the wounded back to our LST for medical treatment. Each LST had a Medical team and a small operating room back of the tank deck. Harold says that he, Bob Van Buskirk and others volunteered for this task. On one of the trips to shore, he says he saw Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith going to shore by small boat.

As the 635th went on to the beach June 7th we could now see close up what faced the 1st assault waves on June 6th. On the ground back of the sand beaches and on the rising bluffs facing the beach area, the Germans had built their block houses, bunkers and pill boxes. The German gun emplacements were on the higher ground above the beaches and could lay heavy fire on the Americans as they had advanced across the sand. The naval guns and some of our self propelled artillery on LSTs had shelled the German bunkers on the bluffs ahead of the advancing assault troops.

The ground back of the beaches and up onto the bluffs was covered with tall marsh grass and brush. The shelling had set this area on fire and we could see smoke still billowing up from the burned ruins. The large 14 and 16 inch naval guns were still firing over our heads inland to road junctions and railroad terminals to slow the Germans from bringing in reinforcements.

The area behind the sand beach was infested with land mines, deep tank barriers, anti-personnel mines, wire entanglements and everything to hold back the advancing men and vehicles. The combat engineers had cleared narrow lanes thru mines and marked these narrow trails with white ribbon tape. Many of the vehicles as they moved thru these marked lane would strike a land mine that had been missed or the vehicle would wonder a little outside the tape. (See pictures of the EASY BEACH area and the white marking tape)

Nick Kuntz (Company A) remembers----As we left the LST and were moving down the lane between the white marking tapes, our half-track got mired in the sand. The Engineers brought in a bulldozer to give us a pull. As the bulldozer was moving backwards pulling our half-track, it got slightly outside of the taped lane. It struck a land mine and blew a track off of one side. The only casualties was sand in our eyes.

We moved across the beach, over the trails marked by white tape and up a crude road that the engineers had dozed up the side of the bluff. On the higher ground back of the beach, we moved into a transit area between the hedgerows. Here we removed the water proofing from our vehicles and equipment. Everything must now be made ready to go into active positions with our guns the next morning.

We now were to learn the sounds, sights and smells of war. The sight of the dead along the hedgerows told us that this was for real. One of our first fears was snipers. We were to learn that many French women had lived with the Germans in their underground bunkers. They were left behind and now many had become women snipers. They were everywhere sniping at us. We moved around very careful and never alone. We would even take someone with us when nature called.

These small fields with hedgerows all around made it almost impossible to know who was on the other side of a hedgerow maybe only a hundred feet or so away. We were soon to learn the sound of the German burp gun, the German 88mm artillery guns, the rattle of German tanks and the silence of the incoming mortar. Every new sound brought new fears. The smells of war will never be forgotten by anyone.

The first night in Normandy, we were bivouacked in a small field with the hedgerows on all sides. We dug our foxholes deep and got no sleep. At the first sound of anything, we had to learn to interpret it in an instant and decide the action to take or dig deeper. The clatter of German tanks moving about at night and at times the voices of Germans only a hedgerow away. Also this very first night we would see a dogfight between the American and German fighter planes. We never could be to sure of anything these first days and only time would sharpen our understanding.
Companies A and C were attached to the 26th Infantry Regiment and Company B to the 18th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division the first day in combat.

9th Company A transferred to the 2nd Infantry Division.

We were now living on C and K rations and this would be our diet for a month or so until the 10 in 1 was added. The one burner Coleman stove was our way of heating our food or heating water in our steel helmet for washing and shaving. Later we picked up a few cooking pans in bombed out homes, otherwise we used our mess kits. Our steel helmet was used as a stool while sitting, also cooking, washing, dipping water from our fox holes and many other uses besides our head protection. Major Scott (S-3), Corporal Dever, and Private Opray captured a German flying NCO radio operator who parachuted from his burning plane the previous night.

10th All Companies in positions near Hau Gros, France. Sergeant Blair, 2nd platoon, Company C killed 5 Germans with .30 cal machine gun and other members of his platoon captured 10 prisoners. Staff Sergeant Bonham, Company B wounded in groin by enemy sniper.

11th All Companies in position near Le Vielle, France. 1st platoon of Company C captured 2 enemy prisoners.

12th All Companies moved into positions near Castillion, France during the night of the 11th. Then on June 12th all Companies took up new gun position 3 miles north of Caumont, France. We would hold in these positions until the 17th of July. (This was a period in which we were in a holding position waiting to build up supplies, fuel, ammunition etc. from over the beaches to start the offensive code named OPERATION COBRA--St. Lo breakthrough.)

1st Sergeant Lowell A. Harper, Company C Killed In Action, southeast of Caumont, France. Company C also lost a half-track. Enemy infantry infiltrated and tossed a hand grenade into vehicle that burned beyond use. Replacement June 14th

14th Pfc Donald Snook, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action and returned to duty. Private Henry Maderis, Company C, Severely Wounded In Action and evacuated. Dale P. Schuetz, Company C, Severely Wounded In Action and evacuated - died later of wounds. Ray Magines remembers Madaris and Schuetz were wounded on June 14th shortly after we occupied Caumount, France and died the same day. They were the squad security riflemen. They were surprised by a German patrol and killed by "Burp" gun fire and grenade. The same German patrol destroyed Marintzer's half-track. Snook was wounded in the leg by a grenade in the skirmish that followed. Earlier in the same afternoon Kramer was wounded in the leg by an 88mm shell fragment. (Snook and Kramer were not evacuated) They were both killed later on July 14th. Harry Carver, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action--treated and remained on duty.

Ray Magines remembers-----Henry Madaris and Dale Schuetz were killed June 14th shortly after we occupied Caumont, France. They were the squad security riflemen. They were surprised by a German patrol and were killed by "Burp Gun" fire and grenades. The same German patrol destroyed Marintzer's half-track. Snook was wounded in the leg by a grenade in the same skirmish that followed.

16th Sergeant Poor, Company A, section took 9 enemy prisoners June 13th while reconnoitering the new gun position. Corporal Stanley Linquist, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action and evacuated. Sergeant Durward L. Whitford, Company B, Killed In Action. Private Olney Harrison, Company B Lightly Wounded In Action and evacuated. Private Samuel Rutherford, Company B, Lightly Wounded In Action and evacuated. Company B reported that enemy infiltrated into area of 2nd platoon. Section's machine guns went into action to support automatic riflemen of the 18th Infantry Regiment. Next morning 26 German dead were found in front of Corporal Peterson's machine gun. In this action an enemy sniper was accounted for by S-3.

17th Private Martin Halpern, Company C, Killed In Action. Company C half-track suffered direct hit and burned beyond use. Pfc James Grant, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action and evacuated. Private Emil Reich, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action and evacuated. Company A transferred from 2nd Infantry Division to support 16th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. Company B attached to the 18th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. Company C attached to the 26th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division.

Lew Williams remembers,---Helpern was killed near Caumount, France on June 17, 1944. A German shell hit on the inside of Sergeant Fender's half-track where Halpern was sitting. The half-track's tanks of gas as well as the 3" ammunition exploded and Halpern was burned in the resulting fire.

In the book "OMAHA BEACHHEAD," June 6th through June 13th, the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion is listed on 4 different occasions. On page 120 the 2nd Battalion of the 26th Infantry Regiment is reinforced by a Company of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion and Company C of the 745th Tank Battalion. Then on page 138, the 18th Regiment with Company C of the 745th Tank Battalion, Battery A of the 62nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion and Company B of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached and the 32nd Field Artillery in direct support. Also on page 138, attachments of the 2nd Infantry Division for the attack include a Company of the 747th Tank Battalion and Company A of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The last entry in the book on page 151 list each Regiment of the 16th, 18th and the 26th Regiments had a Company of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached.

18th Battalion Residue, less detachments of replacements, arrive.

Glen Horman likes to tell a story on Ray Klein----One of Ray's gun sections was selected to shoot down a church steeple that the 1st Infantry Division Commander thought the Germans were using for observation. Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith, Commander of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and the lst Infantry Division Commander were to observe this from an artillery light plane. However before they got the plane into the air, Ray destroyed the steeple and the Ole Man about blew a gasket.

20th Lieutenant Whelehon's platoon, Company B, on orders fired 21 shells and demolished church steeple at Sept Vent, France reported to hold snipers.
S-1 to 32nd Field Artillery and Recon Officer to 7th Field Artillery as forward observer, relative to Company A firing harassing and observed fire mission. S-3 to Company A to coordinate firing and our personnel for FDC. Results very satisfactory but had to discontinue because the fuse caused 5 premature burst which endangered friendly troops, 1500 rounds were fired. Camouflaged enemy tank spotted in Company B area obviously bogged down in swamp terrain. 57mm gun unable to hit tank. On order, Sergeant Cumming's gun fired 9 rounds and had six direct hits---distance 2500 yards. Battalion surgeon advised Schuetz and Maderis, Severely Wounded In Action to Died Of Wounds.

Ray Klein, Company B, tells this story-----On June 22, 1944, Colonel Taylor of the 18th Regiment, lst Infantry Division told me that a German tank was firing into the Battalion area. He said to locate the tank and stop the firing. The 2nd Lieutenant in charge of their platoon of 57mm anti-tank guns and I moved one of our 3rd platoon 635th 3" guns into a spot where we had a clear shot. The German tank was spotted camaflouged on a small trail of a forward slope. I had a BC scope and estimated the distance at 2500 yards. He and I had a wager on the distance. (I'm sure with a little more digging I can identify the gun crew that fired). We hit the tank with our lst round of APC. A couple of the crew bailed out, so we fired some HE around it. It was the 3rd platoon, not the 2nd, as listed in the After Action Reports. Later that day the infantry Lieutenant went in with a patrol to verify the destruction of the tank. When the patrol came back the Infantry Company Commander told me that the 57mm Lieutenant that had gone to check the tank, had been shot through the chest, and left by the Germans. After the St Lo break-through, Colonel Taylor of the 18th Regiment, was badly shot up near Marigny, France and withdrew. The evacuating men told me that the 57mm Lieutenant had been found in St. Lo, had been operated on by the Germans, was evacuated to England and would recover. I would be almost sure that Lieutenant Johnson listed in the After Action Reports was that 2d Lieutenant Johnson anti-tank officer of the 3rd Battalion, l8th Regiment and he did recover. I always thought that this German tank destroyed by the 3rd platoon of Company B was the 1st tank taken by the 635th.

We learned early in June that the Germans would string a small wire across the roadways at just the right height to catch a man in a jeep by the neck. The Americans were quick to react. From that time on, you would see every jeep equipped with a wire catcher on the front.

27th Pfc Everett D. Day, Headquarters Company, Killed In Action by shell fragment while on guard duty in rear echelon. Corporal Cwikla, Company B, wounded left forearm, mortar fragment, treated and remained on duty.

29th Replacement detachment consisting of 1 officer and 63 enlisted men returned to battalion.

At the end of June the 1st Army had moved deep enough into northern France so most of the small German field artillery could no longer reach to the beach area. The Allies had command of the air, so all units were laying away supplies for the big breakthrough to come.

JULY 1944

2nd Company B reported Germans were noted around a stranded enemy tank this morning. Six enemy personnel were moving around tank either repairing or camouflaging. After watching position for 1 1/2 hours, on order Sergeant Foord's gun fired 17 rounds HE as directed, range approximately 2500 yards. Hit top of turret and enemy scattered. Two believed killed.

7th Staff Sergeant McCellan, Company C, suffered small fragment wound nose, duty.

8th Company B reported at 1900 hours mortar shell severely wounded Sergeant Boock, shell fragment multiple leg and shoulders. Also Private Walter Henry, Company B, shell fragment right arm and leg.

10th Private Gordon Van Leeuwen, Company C, Severely Wounded In Action in neck by rifle bullet and evacuated.

13th Pfc Kenneth Millar, Company C, Lightly Wounded In Action, duty. Company A Commander changed from Captain Page to Captain Williams.

14th 2nd platoon, Company B, CP barn demolished by enemy shelling. 1/4 ton with Private Zieder (medic) driving, returned to Company C from rear echelon, hit by overhead burst, first hitting telephone pole. Pfc Snook and Private Kramer (both of Company C) Killed In Action. Private Smelcer, Company C, Severely Wounded In Action and Private Zieder (medic) Severely Wounded In Action ---all evacuated. 1/4 ton burned beyond repair and was replaced.

Lew Williams told me at Reno, that he remembers when Snook and Kramer were returning from the aid station when a shell hit a pole near their Jeep. This incident occurred on July 14, 1944.

15th Sergeant Stubb's (Company B) 3" gun knocked out by enemy rocket--gun replaced.

17th All companies moved from north of Caumont, France to a 1st Division assembly area near Bricqueville, France. All companies had been in a holding gun position north of Caumont, France since June 12th.

1st Infantry Division released from the V Corp and attached to the VII Corp. The 635th remained attached to the 1st Infantry Division.

20-28th 1st Infantry Division, 4 officers and 118 Enlisted Men, and four 90mm guns of Battery B, 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion attached to this battalion. Attached 1 officer and 41 Enlisted Men and 2 guns of Company A and Company B each, remaining 2 officers and 26 Enlisted Men to Headquarters Company.

Company A moved to Goucherie, France.

Company B moved to le Mesnil-Angot, France and then Tibaterie, France.

Company C moved to le Mesnil-Veneron, France.

On the morning of July 25th "OPERATION COBRA", the St. Lo breakthrough was set into motion. The sky was alive with planes. We had never before seen so much aircraft at one time. As the operation started, the infantry was to withdraw l000 yards for a safety zone from the B-17 and B-24 bombers. The 1st plane dropped a smoke shell to mark the line. However, as the bombing proceeded, the smoke markers drifted out over our troops. The following planes started dropping
short on to the American lines. Before a correction was made 111 Americans were killed and 490 wounded.

Private Nichols, (Company A) wounded by enemy bullet in shoulder---evacuated. Private Tureski, (Company A) Lightly Wounded In Action in left leg--not evacuated. Corporal Green, (Company A) Killed In Action by enemy mine---1/4 ton damaged beyond repair and replaced. Company B reported Private Eggleston (2nd platoon) took a prisoner---turned into PW cage. Lieutenant Standfield and Private Padoski (Company C) between gun positions noticed an enemy sniper in a tree and Padoski fired two burst from his Thompson Submachine gun and killed sniper.

29th T/5 DeMent captured a prisoner--turned over to PW cage. Lieutenant Horman captured a prisoner--turned over to PW cage. M51 Maxim Turret Mount of 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery attached to Company B knocked down enemy plane at approximately 2130 hours---confirmed by infantry according to Captain Pattison, Company CO of Battery B, 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery.

30th 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery B relieved of attachment to 635th as of 1000 hours per VOCG 1st US Infantry Division. Firing Companies, especially B and C reported their gun positions constantly under shell and mortar fire and all of their moves heavily shelled.

The hedgerow country of Normandy was apple orchards and dairy cows. Each little pasture between the hedgerows would have cows and apple trees. The apples were used mostly for apple cider. We would find cider cellars with huge wood barrels, maybe 500 gallons per barrel.

Carl Condon (Company A) remembers-----While the 635th was in a defensive holding position near Caumont from June 12th thru July 17th, our 1st platoon of Company A was near the little village of Cormolain, France. The 4th gun section of the 1st platoon (Company A) had its 3" gun in position behind a hedgerow of a small pasture covering a road junction. Two French milk maids would come each morning and evening to milk the cows in this field. Some mornings, we would beat the French girls to a couple of the cows. Fresh milk was quite a treat after all of the powdered milk in England and 6 weeks on "K" rations in Normandy. On the side of a hill near our gun position was a religious shrine. I have a BandW picture of this scene taken in 1944. Now 43 years later (1987) with the help of a French newspaper that printed a picture of the shrine and the little French girls, I have located one of the milk maids. She still lives near Cormolain and has sent me color pictures of the shrine as it is today. Madame Dumoncel has invited me to visit her and her family in the little village of Cormolain near Bricqueville, France.


AUGUST 1944

We have no AFTER ACTION REPORTS for Aug 1944. Somewhere or somehow they have been lost or maybe never did exist. A letter was written to the National Archives in Washington D.C. but they could find nothing except Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith's summary that he would write at the end of each month. (see copy in this booklet) The Allies sweep across France after the St. Lo breakthrough (OPERATION COBRA) was so fast and the miles put on each day was so great that I doubt if the Battalion had time to write any reports.

The summary letter for Aug lists the following incidents----

1st "On Aug 1st enemy bomber formation bombed our area killing 1 officer and wounding 1 officer plus wounding 13 Enlisted Men."

On talking to Glen Horman at the Kansas City reunion, he remembers the incident very well. He was the officer that was wounded and evacuated. He did not return to the outfit until the Battle of the Bulge in Dec 1944. The officer that was killed was Richard Kendell. Earl Proctor remembers that as we were moving into a bivouac area for the night, a German reconnaissance plane came over very low just above the tree tops and spotted our positions. Then later that night the German bombers came over and dropped anti-personnel, cluster (butterfly) bombs over our entire battalion area.

Harold Ganz remembers----- On Aug 1st, he was on the other side of a hedgerow when the German bombers came over. He says that Lieutenant Kendell was a young officer that had not been with the outfit very long when he was killed on the other side of the hedgerow from me.

Carl Condon also recalls the incident----I think it was about 40 miles from Mortain near St-Dennis le Gast, France. The bombing only lasted a few minutes but it seemed like 2 hours. Since we had just pulled into the bivouac area, we had not dug our foxholes yet and had to take shelter where ever we could find it. I remember that our gun section was hugging the side of a hedgerow as many other men were also during the bombing.

We have no record of the 13 Enlisted Men wounded.

2nd On Aug 2nd our Company C captured 3 spies; 1 women and 2 men.

3rd On Aug 3rd a Company C officer accompanied by 2 officers of the 26th Infantry Regiment were fired upon by the enemy.

4th On Aug 4th an A Company officer and 2 Enlisted Men were on recon in a 1/4 ton vehicle and were attacked in force. They escaped but 2 Enlisted Men were Severely Wounded In Action.

Herbert Wanitschke told me about this incident at our reunion in San Antonio Sept 1993. Wanitschke was driving a 1/4 ton Jeep on a recon mission with Lieutenant Cox and McCastlin in the back seat operating the radio. The Germans opened up with machine gun fire from both sided catching the Jeep in the crossfire. Wanitschke, while wounded, backed the Jeep 100 yards or more out of the crossfire. McCastlin was wounded in the upper left side of his head. Lieutenant Cox was not wounded but continued to spray the sides of the road with his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun as Wanitschke backed the Jeep. Both Wanitschke and McCastlin were evacuated. McCastlin was sent back to England and later to the US for reconstruction surgery on his jaw and face.
For a long time McCastlin was on our memorial board as killed in action. I (Carl Condon)
wasn't sure that this was right so I wrote to Mrs Howard McCastlin in l990. Dorothy McCastlin a few weeks later called and told me about what had happened to Howard. She said that through a series of hospitals in England and back in the States, he finally was sent home. He was wounded through the jaw and much of his face was shot away. He opened a business in El Dorado,Kansas. He died of cancer on Sept 26, 1974

5th "On Aug 5th 2 platoons of Company B, in position in Mortain, France were bombed. Casualties 2 Enlisted Men killed, and 2 Enlisted Men wounded and evacuated.”

Richard Knudson remembers--Carnes was killed on the outskirts of Mortain. Ray Klein remembers---Carnes was in my platoon and he was killed on Aug 5th during the German bombing of 2 platoons of Company B. He was on a gun section that caught a big one, maybe a 500 lb bomb. When I got to their gun section the crater was as wide as the road near the gun.

Norman Saastad remembers----- Whited was killed on Aug 5th by a German Nebelwerfer (Screeming Meemie) shell during the bombing of Company B. Whited's name is not listed in the AFTER ACTION REPORTS but we found his name listed under the awards of the BRONZE SERVICE ARROWHEAD, Posthumous.

Norman Saastad says-----Vernon Sanker was killed on Aug 5, l944 when the Germans dropped bombs on Company B. The bombing was very intense and for quite a period of time. Norman said that when Sanker was found, he had no body wounds of any kind. It was thought that with the massive bombing, he may have died of a heart attack.

On August 5th, 1944 the enemy bombed 2 Platoons of Company "B" near Mortain. Clarence Carnes, Vernon Sanker, and Joseph Whited were killed and 2 men wounded.

I talked to Edsel Cedar at our reunion in Colorado Springs during Sept. 1995. Cedar told me that in the afternoon of Aug. 5th, they had visited with some French people. We thought, at the time, they were just French civilians but we decided later that they were spying for the Germans. That evening the German planes stated to drop bombs on 2 Platoons of Company "B". Our men took cover wherever they could. Clarence Carnes and others took cover in the entrance to a cave. A bomb hit the entrance to the cave, and Cedar says, that this was when Carnes was hit and killed. Sanker and Whited were killed in this bombing on Aug. 5th but Cedar is not sure if it was in the entrance to the cave.

One of the men wounded and evacuated on Aug 5th we have found was Donald G Meyer. The name of the other man, we do not know at this time. We did find the name of Charles Braman listed for August but we are not sure if this was on August 1st or August 5th.

7th On Aug 7th the 3rd platoon of Company A, going into position ahead of 2 Infantry outpost, were fired upon by enemy small arms and heavy artillery shelling. Recon platoon M-8 , on forward recon work for 1st US Infantry Division, was hit by 2 enemy shells while in bivouac area. Vehicle taken to ordnance for repair or replacement. Our Company B CP heavily strafed.
13 to 15th Our Company B furnished half-track's and 1 officer and enlisted men to haul infantry forward to capture and occupy Juvigny, France. Our liaison officer, with 1st Division artillery, assisted in observing the registering field artillery battalions in the destruction of an enemy column.

16th Our 3rd platoon of Company B was fired upon and returned fire with small arms and 3" guns. 1st platoon of Company B, on order, fired 3" harassing fire into houses and area reported as a enemy strong point.

In mid Aug the entire German 7th Army was encircled between the British and Americans except for a narrow gap between Argentan and Falaise. German vehicles and equipment were bumper to bumper trying to escape to the east over only 3 roads. Then it was narrowed down to only 1 road. The Air Force dropped fire bombs during the daylight and the artillery shelled at night. As we moved eastward later, on this road, never had we ever seen as much destruction of German equipment and men. Even dead horses still hitched to artillery guns. This was later called the "FALAISE GAP".

After the St. Lo breakthrough we moved east very rapidly toward Paris and the Seine River. In the last days in August we had moved as much as 75 to 120 miles per day and crossed the Seine River just on the south edge of Paris on August 25th.

On Sept 1st, 1944 the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion was transferred from the 1st Infantry Division to the 4th and 24th Cavalry Group. Company A was attached to the 24th Cavalry and Companies B and C attached to the 4th Cavalry.

SEPTEMBER 1944

1st Message from 18th Field Artillery Group "Message rec'd from Captain Bryan lst Division Artillery 0245 today for transmission to you reads --Effective 1000 hours 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion is detached from danger and attached to 4th Cavalry Group.” Left 1505 hours for new area and arrived 1730 hours and established new CP in Rozoy Sur Serre area, France. Enroute new area Lieutenant Brant captured enemy and made him prisoner, evacuated by S-2.

"A" Company CO and Recon party for new positions to Brumehamel for gun positions. Advise there Aubenton free of enemy. Upon arrival Aubenton, party heavily attacked by machine gun fire. Also two salvos enemy rockets dropped in their vicinity. Headquarters Recon section drove into town and relieved A Company group. Company A assisted in the recovery of wounded 3rd Armored soldier left behind by their own medics due to the heavy enemy fire.

2nd B Company first troops to enter Rethel--followed by Infantry. Recon party sent to Mezeries area to reconnoiter enemy positions for lst mission with 4th Cavalry Group.

3rd Forward CP left 0815 hours for assembly position in Girondille area, France. Left assembly area 1040 hours and arrived and established new CP at 1215 hours in German airport at Charleville, France.

A Company captured enemy prisoner--turned in to 9th Division Prisoner of War Enclosure.

Recon party sent to Mezieries area to reconnoiter enemy position returned after having visited Rocroi and Charleville. Discovered enemy evacuated and destroyed all bridges across Meuse River. While on reconnaissance for bridge crossing, enemy fired on Captain Page in 1/4 ton. Enemy fire from house and water tower used for observation point. M-8 behind 1/4 ton fired 70 rounds of .50 caliber into house and 2 rounds of 37mm Canister and 2 rounds of HE at tower, neutralized both strong points.

Left 0905 hours for new area and arrived 1255 hours and established new CP in Rosee area, Belgium. Entered Belgium at Bruly.

635th now in Belgium.

B Company reported--2nd platoon attached C Troop 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron went into position at approximately 1400 hours Sept 3rd and two guns fired at Old Fort used as strong point Lieutenant Von Ende killed 2 German soldiers from roof of house.

B Company reported CP Recon section, aided by Security section 3rd platoon fired at enemy near L'Orangerie. Our party was fired on from across the river from hilly terrain. No observed effect. A Company reported Lieutenant Thompson and 6 Enlisted Men, 3rd platoon, in three 1/4 tons on Recon for gun positions on hill. Unable to secure suitable gun positions, installed two .50's and one .30 machine guns from their 1/4 tons covering target Nouzonville. Mission was to fire and dislocate enemy in house and strong points in town as they were unable to cross river; bridges all out. They were supported by elements of Troop C of 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron who in turn were supported by two 75mm assault guns and one 60mm mortar. Lieutenant Thompson registered the artillery in for the 24th. Our Enlisted Men fired bazooka in roof of enemy headquarters building at approximately 300 yards. Three enemy half-tracks were observed firing into civilian homes. Our machine guns knocked these out. We also knocked out two camouflaged civilian cars. Our detail remained in position from 1230 to 1600 hours September 4th until relieved by 102nd Cavalry Recon elements.

8th Left at 0715 hours for assembly position in T'r Leopold area and arrived at 0945 hours. Left 1350 hours for new area and arrived 1440 hours and established new CP in Haversin, Belgium.

9th Left 1015 hours for new area and arrived at 1050 hours and established new CP in Baillonville, Belgium.

Company C reported--At 1930 hours September 8th 3rd platoon fired 35 rounds of HE and 4 rounds of smoke indirect fire at two crossroads harassing enemy movements. Base point range 13,200 yards, maximum range 14,200 yards. Had aircraft observation, but too hazy to pick up smoke and had to fire by map coordinates.

B Company reported - Pfc Harold Schunk Killed In Action, shot in back by enemy sniper in his half-track in the vicinity Hotten, Belgium.. At approximately 1100 hours 1st Sergeant Sarras Severely Wounded In Action right shoulder and jaw. Private Eugene Colman Severely Wounded In Action shell fragment in left side.

Tom Reilly writes (February 1997)----I was near 1st Sergeant Michael Sarras (Headquarters Company) when he was hit by a sniper's bullet. I think it was in the town of Hotten, Belgium. I never saw so much blood in my life. Sarras was in the state of shock. I sent a couple of my men to get a truck and they took him to the nearest medical receiving station. I never expected to see Sarras again. (After much time in the hospital, Sarras recovered and stayed in the Army until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel).
Tom Reilly goes on---Harold N. Schunk was killed about the same time as Sarras (September 9, 1944) was also hit by a sniper. It has always been my opinion that they were both hit by the same sniper. I took Schunk’s body back to grave registration.

10th Left 1430 hours for new area and arrived 1805 hours and established new CP at Izier area Belgium. A Company radioed---3 prisoners taken.

11th C Company reserve left to guard VII Corps per VOCG VII Corps. Left 1705 hours for new area--forded Grumont River vicinity Snamont --and arrived 1920 hours and established new CP at Noirfontaine area, Belgium.

Company B reported by radio---Private Erwin wounded and evacuated---Private Harris wounded---duty.

12th Left at 1215 hours for new area---forded Rau dela Venne River in vicinity of Fosse, crossed Salm River in Grand Halleaux---arrived 1410 hours established new CP at Baugnez, Belgium.
Lieutenant Brant captured German in Wenne---evacuated.

13th A Company recovered F/O Orville Schutz, T2870 and waist gunner Sergeant Delmar J. Galloway 39468121, who bailed out of B-17 due to mechanical difficulties--both members of 838 Bomber Squadron, 487 Group, 3rd Division---both evacuated to rear to MSR. 3rd platoon, A Company placed in position for indirect fire in cooperation with 87th Field Artillery Battalion also attached to 4th Cavalry Group.

Battalion CO appointed as Group Provost Marshal to govern Civil Affairs of group per group Memo 13, Sept 44 signed by Colonel Tully.

14th 3rd platoon A Company (Sergeant Baxter's gun) first to fire 3" gun in to Germany. Fired at 2215 hours Sept 13th from vicinity Bullingen, Belgium.

15th Left 1020 hours for new area and arrived 1100 hrs and established new CP at Butgenbach, Belgium.

Company B reported incidents not previously reported--On Sept 7th at approximately 1100 hours in vicinity of Bourdon, two guns 1st platoon fired 27 rounds of HE and 1 round APC into personnel and area targets; range 2000 yards, no observed effect.
At approximately 1000 hrs Sept 9th while on Recon in vic of Hotten, Belgium lst Lieutenant Whelehon with 6 Enlisted Men and two 1/4 tons were fired upon from 3 sides. 1 Enlisted Man seriously wounded. Lieutenant Whelhon administered first aid and evacuated him for additional medical attention in face of considerable enemy fire. One 1/4 ton damaged but evacuated for repair by our own Battalion Maintenance. Enemy attack repulsed but no observed effect due to necessity of prompt withdrawal. (no name of wounded Enlisted Man listed)

Between 1500 and 1700 hrs on Sept 10th 2 guns of 2nd platoon fired on enemy equipment in vicinity of Stavelot knocking out l half-track l with towed 40mm anti-aircraft gun and 18 enemy personnel in double column nearby.

3rd platoon fired on enemy between 1700 and 1900 hrs Sept 12th in vicinity Baugnez, fired 2 rounds of HE at 1200 yards into approximately 20 enemy personnel dismounted. Burst hit among group. Noticing movement 20 minutes later 50 rounds of .50 cal machine gun were fired into same area. Checked for results next day; 1 dead German found but estimated most of them either wounded or dead and evacuated during night.

3rd platoon fired on enemy 0800 hrs Sept 13th in vicinity of Baugnez, knocking out German sedan. Unable to determine whether 2 occupants injured but believe wounded. 2nd platoon fired on enemy at approximately 1600 hours Sept 13th, 2 guns fired at a group of enemy sighted at 500 yards. Results---1 enemy dead, l wounded and evacuated, 3 bicycles destroyed, 1 enemy Machine gun and 1 machine pistol captured.

16th A Company reported--2nd platoon took German prisoner at 0025 hours near their gun position. Headquarters personnel captured 2 enemy prisoners.

17th Recon party recovered Pfc William E Harrell 38554854, Company C, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Division.---He claimed he was taken prisoner by enemy Sept 14th. He was evacuated to rear and Commanding general, 9th Infantry Division advised by mail.

A Company reported---1st platoon fired September 16th two rounds of HE and two rounds of APC on order from 24th Recon Squadron troop Commander at log barrier believed to harbor tank--results unknown.

20th Sergeant Stephenson, Headquarters Company, captured German prisoner---evacuated.

21st Company A reported--2nd platoon heavily shelled in their own area from 2100 to 0500 hours. Company C reported to Battalion from guarding Corps CP.

22nd Company A reported---2nd platoon heavily shelled between 0030 and 0130, and 0200 and 0400. Believed 16 rounds of 150mm fell into platoon area. One 1/4 ton damaged by shell fragmentation but evacuated and repaired by our own Maintenance Section.

B Company reported---at 2330 hrs Sept 21st 1st platoon aided in repelling enemy attempt to infiltrate 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron forword positions -results unknown.
At 2335 hours Sept 21st an enemy patrol attacked 2nd platoon's position on their left flank. We returned fire, action lasted approximately 30 minutes. Extent of damage to enemy unknown. Inspection next morning showed 1 enemy rifle with fixed bayonet 10 yards from our position and considerable blood on road. Enemy used rifles, grenades and machine pistols.

24th A Company reported--- on Sept 22nd at approximately 0030 hours, 2nd platoon subjected to heavy shelling for 20 minutes. Lieutenant Games hit lightly in back with shell fragment; treated by our medics and returned to duty.

B Company reported---Company CP heavily shelled from 2230 to 2315 hours Sept 23rd by 150mm. Deep craters in CP area--no damage.

25th A Company reported---at 1700 hours September 24th large enemy infantry patrol infiltrated behind 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron elements vicinity crossroads Rockroth. 3rd platoon of Company A supported Cavalry Recon Squadron to repel attack and drive patrol back---results unknown.

26th Sergeant Peterson, Company B, Severely Wounded In Action 2330 hours September 25th shell fragment right ankle. Private Gerald Cox Wounded In Action penetrating wound back lumbar region---both evacuated. Captain Wikoff, Company B, captured 2 enemy while at 1st platoon position.

B Company reported---1st platoon shelled during evening Sept 25th. Enemy planes dropped flares in vicinity.

Our movement eastward was so rapid that we were running short of gasoline, rations ammunition and all supplies. The supply lines were very long and still coming in over the beaches. The vehicles were showing the wear from lack of maintenance and most troops were getting very tired. The 635th with the 4th and 24th Cavalry were liberating Belgium town by town as we moved east now getting near the German border.

27th B Company reported---At 2100 hours September 26th 1st platoon in vicinity Hofen, Germany supported B Troop 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron in repelling enemy patrol infiltration after heavy artillery barrage in area. At 2045 hours September 25th 2nd platoon was attacked by enemy patrol withdrew and results unknown.

Lieutenant Sands apprehended 4 German soldiers in civilian clothing in Ruitzhof near Kalterherberg, Germany---processed through Provost Marshal Group.

28th Company B reported--2nd platoon fought off enemy in an exchange of fire lasting approximately 10 minutes. Large enemy patrol on both flanks---results unknown as action took place at 2100 hours Sept 26th.

29th B Company reported--- At 1900 hours Sept 28th enemy shelled 2nd platoon positions for approximately 15 minutes. Four 150mm shells fell into platoon area---no damage.
Gun Sergeant Floyd Goudy, Company B, Killed In Action. Norman Saastad remembers that Goudy was killed by his own booby trap that he was attempting to set. Something went wrong and he was killed when it exploded on Sept 29,1944. Leo Hullihan writes; I was at Headquarters with Major Scott's unit when Floyd's body was brought in to be picked up by a burial unit. Floyd and I had played in many a poker game during our state-side army days, so I went to pay last respects to him. One side of his face was gone so he probably died instantly. He was always a quite well mannered man.

30th B Company reported---2nd platoon heavily shelled between 1945 and 2015 hours Sept 29th with 150mm shells coming into area---no damage.

Lieutenant Pritchard's platoon, Company C, captured enemy---turned in to Battalion CP for processing.

Lieutenant Whelehon, Company B, turned in report of activities of 3rd platoon not previously reported:

Sept 20th***** Fired on patrol approximately 1000 hours.

Sept 21st***** Wounded 1 German, taken prisoner from 180th Infantry Battalion at 1100 hours when attacked by patrol. Sent combat patrol out at 1800 hours.

Sept 22nd***** Encountered enemy patrol at 1400 hours. Took out combat patrol at 1800 hours.

Sept 23rd***** 40 Germans attacked our gun positions but were driven off. Sent out combat patrol at l800 hours.

Sept 24th ***** Took out combat patrol at 1800 hours.

Sept 25th ***** Took out combat patrol at 1800 hours.

Sept 26th ***** Took out combat patrol at 1800 hours.

Company A submitted report of 3" gun firing by 3rd platoon in support of 87th Field Artillery Battalion, Captain Page, Liason Officer in charge of all firing activities of platoon. Firing was done from Sept 13th thru Sept 30th excepting on 17 and 18th Sept. A total of 1672 3" HE rounds fired. 80% of the firing was indirect harassing and interdiction, l8% observed general support fire and 2% registration. All observation, air and forward, was conducted by the 87th Field Artillery Battalion. Observed fire was pronounced effective on enemy infantry, CPs OPs, strong points, tanks, etc. (Daily record of fire and coord in unit journal file). One self propelled gun, believed to be an 88mm, was pronounced destroyed by the observer.

All of the 635th was now in Germany. Some Recon units were in Germany as early as Sept 19th.
At the end of September fighting was very intensive and now progress was slow. Sometimes the movement was only a few yards a day. The Meuse and Moselle Rivers were crossed in Sept. The Germans were now on their homeland and put up heavy resistance.

On Sept 1st the 635th was detached from the 1st US Infantry Division and attached to the 4th and 24th Cavalry Group (Mechanized).

OCTOBER 1944

On the 1st of October the 635th was at the German West Wall (Siegfried Line). Most companies were within sight of the German Siegfried Line.

Company A CP was at Monschau, Germany from Oct 3rd to Nov 11th.

Company B CP was at Lammersdorf, Germany Oct 3rd thru Oct 11th and then at Roetgen from Oct 11th thru Nov 11th.

Company C CP was at Roetgen, Germany Oct 3rd thru Oct 11th and then Lammersdorf Oct 11th thru Nov 11th.

1st A Company reported--2nd platoon fired on enemy patrol sighted at edge of woods at 1600 hours. Killed 1 enemy---patrol withdrew. Captain Page reported--3rd platoon, A Company completed their indirect fire mission in support of the 87th Field Artillery Battalion by firing 180 rounds of HE in 8 interdiction missions.

Company B reported---1900 hours CP shelled for 20 minutes. 40 to 50 rounds estimated at 150mm fell in area. At 1700 hours 2 rounds fired for registration.

2nd B Company reported---From 2030 to 2045 hours Company CP shelled---12 rounds estimated at 150mm fell in area. Between 2030 and 2100 hours 10 rounds of 150mm fell in lst platoon area. Company C reported--Staff Sergeant McClellan captured German prisoner in his area.

3rd Left 0920 hours for new area and arrived 1100 hours and established new CP in Roetgen, Germany. Distance traveled 29.9 miles. Rear echelon moved from Malmedy to Eynatten, Belgium.

Following Enlisted Men of B Company wounded when 1st and 2nd platoons moved into position north edge of Lammersdorf, Germany:
Rowley---Penetrating wound right and left arm---not evacuated.
Pazamickas---Penetrating wound left arm---not evacuated
Manser---laceration wound left shoulder---not evacuated
Donald Meyer---Penetrating wound right thigh and side---was evacuated
Degen---laceration skull---was evacuated
Parfitt--laceration wound left calf---was evacuated
Price---Penetrating wound left leg and cheek---was evacuated
Fatchett---Penetrating wound left cheek---was evacuated
Rowland---laceration wound left leg---was evacuated
Lesjack---laceration wound right arm, penetrating wound left shoulder---was evacuated
Cummings---Penetrating wound leg---was evacuated
Luther Johnson---(Medical Detachment) attached to Company B laceration wound right shoulder, and multiple penetrating wounds left ear--was evacuated

4th B Company reported---lst platoon area received 8 rounds of 150mm enemy shells at 2200 hours. Meader's 1/4 ton peppered with shell fragments when enemy shell exploded 50 yards from his vehicle while driving to his CP vicinity Lammersdorff, Germany. Repaired by Company Maintenance. B Company reported---Pfc Gates wounded by shell fragment right hand ---given medical aid but not evacuated. At 0600 hours 1st platoon area heavily shelled by enemy. One shell burst on area near 1/4 ton which was damaged beyond repair by fragmentation's. Replaced.

A Company reported---0900 hours 1st platoon, on order, fired 9 rounds of 3" APC at pillbox in front of their position---results unknown. At 0600 hours Oct 3rd vehicles of 2nd platoon moving toward their gun positions were shelled on road in vicinity of Monschau, Germany, and had small arms fire fight with enemy foot troops---results unknown. At 1100 hours two 1/4 tons of 1st platoon going to their own gun positions were bogged down in heavy mud and were shelled by enemy for 45 minutes---no damage.

Company C 1st platoon went into position to fire indirect fire mission in support of the 87th Field Artillery Battalion.

5th Company A reported--Between 0945 and 1000 hours Lieutenant Gotham in his 1/4 ton driven by Pfc Frey bringing Reef to medical aid station for treatment fever and cold were attacked approximately 1 3/4 miles south of their gun positions by 2 German soldiers and 1 civilian. Enemy emerged from woods and threw hand grenades and fired rifles at vehicle. Driver Frey started backing vehicle and at same time fired Lieutenant's machine gun. Private Reef expended 12 carbine shells and Lieutenant Gotham fired the .30 cal machine gun mounted on 1/4 ton. Results 2 dead German soldiers and 1 dead civilian. 1/4 ton sustained damage left front tire cut from grenade fragments, rifle bullets in rear tire and radio; repaired by Battalion motor maintenance.

B Company reported---Staff Sergeant Grusheski hit lower right back by shell fragment at 1630 hours Oct 4th---treated by our men and returned to duty status. Company CP area shelled between 1600 and 1700 hours Oct 4th also 1115 hours Oct 5th.

6th Company B reported--1st platoon fired 8 rounds of HE at 1430 hours Oct 5th and 8 rounds of HE at 0720 hours Oct 6th direct harassing fire into Beckerath, Germany ---range 1800 yards --- results unknown account heavy haze.

Private Ridgeway Lightly Wounded In Action Oct 5th shell fragment left side of head---medical aid given and returned to duty status.

7th C Company reported--T/4 Williams Lightly Wounded In Action laceration thigh left leg in air raid at 1120 hours by strafing enemy plane---received medical aid and returned to duty.
8th 1st platoon Company C placed in position to support 3rd platoon in their indirect fire mission with the 87th Field Artillery Battalion.

9th B Company reported---Oct 7th all positions received light shelling throughout day. On Oct 7th Lieutenant Stewart and 30 Enlisted Men of 1st platoon took and held high ground in front of their position vicinity Lammersdorff after elements of B Troop, 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron (Mechanized) dislodged by enemy by heavy enemy shelling. Company CP shelled by enemy artillery throughout Oct 8th.

At 0800 hours Oct 9th T/5 Elbert Clark wounded by shell fragment through jaw---evacuated.

A Company reported---at 0930 hours Private J A Hoagland while on duty as gun sentry was Lightly Wounded In Action in right testicle by enemy small arms fire---given medical aid and returned to duty status. On Oct 8th 3 rd platoon fired at OP church steeple in Immelburg, destroying it. On Oct 8th 3rd platoon fired at OP church steeple in Kinzen, destroyed it.

10th 15 tanks of 759th Tank Battalion to B Company intersection to aid in blocking this strategic point. B Company reported---T/5 Seeman wounded left foot by shell fragment---evacuated.

11th C Company reported--1130 hours Oct 7th planes which strafed their area were P-47's with Allied striping but obviously manned by enemy pilots as strafing continued although red panels displayed on vehicles.

A Company reported--1st platoon on Oct 10th between 1230 and 1300 hours fired 22 rounds of APC and 6 rounds of HE at pillbox in front of their position. Pillbox neutralized. All direct hits---range 1700 yards. Fire also directed to aid confusion made by feint attack by Group in aid of southern drive by 9th Infantry Division.

B Company reported--- 3rd platoon fired at church steeple in Cimerath, destroying it. B Company moved to Roetgen in reserve replacing C Company moving to front position in Lammersdorff area also taking over indirect fire mission in aid of 87th Field Artillery Battalion.

13th B Company reported--when 2nd platoon moved from Lammersdorff position to Roetgen they were heavily shelled by enemy--l sight on 3" gun damaged by shell fragmentation.

C Company reported--mortar fire on all platoon positions throughout day. Experienced considerable sniper fire. Enlisted Men went out on individual patrol to draw fire to enable them to detect enemy position--no results. Wire crew fired on by sniper 3 times in 300 yards--no casualties. 3rd platoon fired at enemy patrol moving toward their position--- patrol withdrew---results unknown.

14th C Company reported--3rd platoon heavily shelled by mortar at 2130 hours. All platoon positions experienced considerable mortar fire throughout the day. 3rd platoon picked up enemy CP house and directed 87th Field Artillery Battalion fire on it---results unknown.

15th C Company reported--at 2330 hours Oct 13th an enemy patrol of 4 men endeavored infiltration 1st platoon position. Our men threw 4 hand grenades---patrol withdrew. At 1000 hours Oct 14th 3rd platoon directed artillery fire by B Company at enemy OP house (believed to be mortar emplacement).---target destroyed. Observed 4 men enter ruins with litters twice. Unknown whether dead or wounded enemy evacuated. Oct 14th 2nd platoon directed B Company fire at enemy mortar positions. Mortars ceased firing. All platoon positions were subjected to mortar fire sporadically throughout day. Company CP shelled, one 150mm dud fell by CP building.

Lieutenant Silki (Company A) observing for 87th Field Artillery Battalion in schoolhouse in Mutzenich near Company A positions in Monschau area spotted 15 enemy personnel Oct 13th. Artillery had direct hit. Observed men being carried off but number dead or wounded unknown.---range approximately 2600 yards. Oct 7th, on way to Battalion CP, A Company's 1st Sergeant's 1/4 ton observed by enemy bombers. Two bombs dropped, but no damage done.

C Company reported---Raymond Baker KIA shell fragment in head. Guerra 3 penetrating shell fragment wounds in back--evacuated. Corporal Way shell fragment in left leg---evacuated

John Winslow told me at the Reno Mini-Reunion that Baker was killed on Oct 15th,1944 near Lammersdorff, Germany. John said Baker was a part of a detail of volunteers up on a wooded hill near Lammersdorff that was being used as an OP to watch the German pill boxes and machine gun nest on the Siegfried Line. Baker was part of the volunteer group along with Baker was Zugg, Laxague and others. This observation point was made up of Company C and also men of the 4th Cavalry. The OP was manned for more than 35 days and as casualties got greater, volunteers from Company B were called in to help. The enemy were aware of our OP and they had it under almost constant artillery and mortar shelling. During one of these shellings Baker was sitting on a tree stump when it started. A shell hit a tree near his location and the air burst fragments hit Baker in the head.

Winslow goes on to say, that Willie Zugg dug a foxhole with his bare fingers large enough for 4 or 5 men on this same hill when the Germans dropped flares and then anti-personnel bombs on Oct 28th. It was during this bombing that George Laxague was killed. He was the 4th or 5th man into Zugg's foxhole when a fragment hit him in the back. It hardly drew blood but it severed his spine. John Winslow says that Willie Zugg deserves a lot of credit for digging this foxhole that not only saved his life but the lives of the other foxhole buddies on that night.

16th C Company reported--- at 0935 hours Oct 15th 3rd platoon directed B Company fire on vehicles. Results---1 vehicle knocked out and personnel dispersed. At 1130 and 1300 hours fire directed at mortar positions--results unknown. 1530 hours Oct 15th Pfc Davis hit in leg by shell fragment--given medical aid and returned to duty status. 1430 hours Oct 15th Company CP shelled---10 rounds from self propelled gun estimated 75mm. Private Zugg wounded left arm from grenade fragment---brought to Battalion aid station for treatment---returned to duty status.

A Company reported---at dawn this morning lst platoon become engaged in a fire fight. Privates Ford and Bunney were on guard and saw 2 men appear at the edge of the roads west of their position. Private Bunney fired a short burst with his light machine gun. The firing aroused all the men and they were in their firing positions in a matter of seconds. Since more Germans were seen north and east of their position it appeared that the best defense would be to lay a blanket of machine gun and rifle fire clear around their position. The 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron added to the density of fire by 37mm canister and mortars. The Germans fired at one of the half-tracks with a bazooka, which landed about 4 feet from Sergeant Smith's gun. After the firing died down, Corporal Oetting and another man went over to the wood pile where they thought there were some Germans and took 2 prisoners. One of the prisoners was a Corporal. He stated that the patrol consisted of 31 men led by a Staff Sergeant. 6 of the men were to circle around and attack the platoon's position from the west while the remaining 25 were to advance from the north and east. Accurate results of our fire have not been obtained as 20 rounds of estimated 150mm enemy artillery fell into the area at that time coming from the east. We had no casualties. This was at KONZEN CORNERS.

T/4 Hare (Company A) killed by a booby trap 1600 hours Oct 16th. Sergeant Cantrell (Headquarters Company) in M-20 guarding approach to Group Headquarters slightly wounded by shell fragment--duty.

Ken Kipp, Mess Sergeant in Company A says---Joseph Hare was with his kitchen crew at Monschau. Joe was killed by a booby trap along a trail back of the kitchen building located in a small building next to a German blanket factory. Before serving supper Joe left and didn't say where he was going. While we were getting ready to serve, we heard an explosion and we knew it was one of the booby traps up on the trail from the kitchen. We thought it was possibly a dog or a cow that had tripped the booby trap as that had happened at other times. After supper we wondered where Joe was at as no one seemed to know. He was found along the trail killed by the booby trap.(Oct 16th,1944)

17th C Company reported---at 1430 hours Oct 15th a 15 man enemy patrol attacked 3rd platoon position. Fire fight lasted about 30 minutes. Our men pinned down by machine gun and machine pistol (Burp gun) fire but managed to return fire effectively and patrol withdrew leaving one dead. One of our men was wounded by grenade fragment but remained on duty. At that time enemy threw in heavy artillery barrage and Private Daugherty was wounded in neck by shell fragment and Private Roisum in left side, but both remained on duty after securing medical treatment from our medics. Elements of the 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron on the hill with our men retreated leaving the 3rd platoon to defend the position by themselves--which they did.

All platoon positions sustained mortar fire throughout the day. At 1130 hours 20 rounds of enemy artillery fire fell in Company CP area.

18th C Company reported---lst and 2nd platoon positions under heavy mortar fire throughout the entire day. Two enemy artillery shells fell in Company CP area at 1930 hours. At -330 hours enemy patrol attack 3rd platoon position. Our 3 outpost returned their fire and at the same time our artillery fell into their vicinity causing enemy withdrawal---results unknown.

19th C Company reported---all platoon positions sustained mortar fire throughout the day and 16 artillery shells estimated at 150mm fell on roads in front and rear of Company CP.

20th C Company reported---Between 1630 and 1700 hours Oct 19th 1st platoon engaged in fire fight with large enemy patrol which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Enemy opened fire at 200 yards pinning our men down and sent large group forward to take high ground. Two of our men, in face of heavy enemy fire, fired their Thompson submachine gun and light machine gun repelling the forward group and causing general withdrawal of enemy patrol.

At 1730 hours Oct 19th 3rd platoon position was heavily shelled by medium artillery. 1 shell hit Sergeant Van Buskirk's gun pit and exploded a 3" shell with no damage to gun or personnel. 5 enemy hits were scored on CP house tearing off roof of house. Another house nearby was demolished.

CP area in Lammersdorff bombed Oct 19th by enemy planes. Private Roscoe received bomb fragment in left side of head---treated by Aid station and returned to duty status. All platoon positions sustained heavy mortar fire thought the day.

A Company reported---4 artillery shells fell into 1st platoon's area Oct 19th. Two booby traps set off by enemy patrol. We fired into position---results unknown. Enroute to Battalion CP Oct 20th 1st Sergeant of Company A fired upon by 2 bursts of machine pistol (Burp gun) from enemy on high ground on road between Monschau and Mutzenich ---no damage.

21st B Company reported---1st platoon CP got 7 large enemy artillery shells in their area; 1 shell fell directly in front of CP house with superficial damage to house only.

C Company reported---0715 hours lst platoon's position on hill sustained heavy enemy mortar concentration. Pfc Forsman received mortar fragment in left hand and Pfc Schwinn wounded in right shoulder ---both evacuated. All platoon positions received mortar and artillery fire throughout day.

25th A Company reported--- 1st platoon organized combat patrol in charge of Staff Sergeant Lewis. Patrol out from 1015 to 1315 hours Oct 24th and made up of Headquarters Recon men. Proceeded to crossroads SW of 1st platoon's position. Observed fire from 3 enemy heavy machine guns generally firing SW on to crossroads. Patrol fired 16 rounds of rifle grenades along road and hedgerow and 6 bazooka rounds at enemy dugout. All rounds hit dugout--results of action against enemy personnel unknown. 29 rounds of enemy mortar fell into lst platoon's position between 1315 and 1630 hours Oct 24th.

Company C reported---mortar and artillery fire fell on all platoon positions throughout day. S-3 and vehicle crew captured 3 German prisoners in vicinity of Lieutenant Gotham's position.

A Company reported--- enemy artillery fell around CP Oct 24th. Pfc Bean ---A Company wounded in back by shell fragment---evacuated.

Battalion Commander appointed Reserve Commander for Anti-Airborne Defense for this area per order dated Oct 23, 1944 from 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized).

26th Received Troop Assignment #38 (Administrative) Secret dated Oct 25th,1944 from Headquarters VII Corps indicating this Battalion relieved from attachment to 1st Infantry Division and is attached to 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized), effective Sept 1st,1944. Battalion attached to V Corps for operation only, effective 1200 hours Oct 25th,1944 per Anti-Tank Bulletin #88, Headquarters VII Corps artillery dated Oct 26th,1944 signed by Robt M. Brewer, Lieutenant Colonel, VII Corps Anti-Tank Officer.

Company C reported---all platoon positions sustained mortar fire throughout day.

Company A reported---3 heavy artillery shells fell 3rd platoon area 2000 hours Oct 25th. A Company reported--at 1430 hours Oct 25th 6 rounds of enemy mortar fell into 1st platoon's area. On Oct 26,1944. Sergeant Poor, Company A, was killed with enemy mortar shells that started falling into the 1st platoon area. Carl Condon retmembers-----The 1st platoon of Company A was in positions at Konzen Corners north of Monschau, Germany . We were along the west side of the Siegfried Line (West Wall).

Corporal Thomas to Battalion aid station for shell fragment left leg--duty status. Private Harold Peterson for shell concussion of ears---duty. Following Enlisted Men wounded and evacuated: Corporal N. Collins, multiple mortar fragment wounds both legs and right hand. Private Felzien multiple chest and back wounds from mortar fragments. At 1345 enemy mortars started falling into lst platoon area; 20 rounds fell at 1420 hours. 2 rounds fell in front of Sergeant Poor's CP house and fragment coming in through window and open door struck him in head, killing him. (Company A). Mortar fragments wrecked 2 tires and 2 headlights on Burnett's half-track and fragments through Sergeant Stephenson's 1/4 ton. Both vehicles repaired for duty by Battalion Motor Maintenance.

27th A Company reported---Private Podraza, lst platoon hit by mortar fragment in neck on Oct 26th---duty.

C Company reported---all platoon positions drew mortar and artillery fire throughout day. A Company reported---On Oct 25th 2nd platoon observation patrol encountered enemy in vicinity Konzen--were fired upon but withdrew without returning fire as their mission accomplished. 2115 hours Oct 25th 2 rounds of estimated 105mm enemy artillery fell in 3rd platoon area and 2 rounds in Company CP area. 2015 hours Oct 26th 5 rounds of enemy artillery fell in 3rd platoon area 7 rounds in 2nd platoon area and 2 rounds in Company Cp area.

During night of Oct 26th light showed on hillside. Guards fired as instructed and light extinguished. Patrol next day indicated footprints.

1030 hours Oct 27th 5 man patrol [Carrell, James W. (Company A); Cirillo, Steven L. (Company A); Williams, Gale W. (Company A); Walters, Lloyd M. (Company A); Thomas, Walter E. (Company A)] in charge of Sergeant Williams set off enemy mine on footbridge. Corporal Thomas and Walters and Cirillo Killed In Action. Sergeant Williams Severely Wounded In Action laceration both legs and head (Died of wounds same day) and Pfc James W Carrell laceration face, head and body (Died Of Wounds same day) Patrol was directed to south flank of Monschau by CO, 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron.

Nick (Pop) Thill and Harold Ganz remember this incident------On Oct 27th, the 5 above men were killed while on a patrol lead by Sergeant Williams near Monschau, Germany. The 24th Cavalry man was to lead our patrol around an American mined area including a footbridge. As the patrol crossed the footbridge, a mine was set off, killing 3 men and wounding 2 men. The 2 wounded died that same day of the wounds.

28th A Company reported--- 1st platoon area had mortar fire all day; enemy registering on area with 2 smoke mortar shells at 1045 hours Oct 27th. 1st platoon organized observation patrol in charge of Staff Sergeant Lewis (Headquarters Company Recon) which left at l030 hours returned at 1600 hours. Went to reconnoiter SE of railroad tracks. Observed enemy personnel activity at pillbox and called for fire mission from Troop E 24th Cavalry Squadron; registering hits on and around pillbox--effect unknown. Spotted activity pillbox and called on 87th Field Artillery Battalion for fire. 3 rounds fired with 1 direct hit---mission accomplished.

C Company reported---1630 hours Oct 26th enemy patrol attacked 1st platoon position on hill for purpose of drawing our fire. Enemy fired approximately 20 rifle grenades and a number of short Machine gun bursts. Our troops did not return fire and enemy withdrew. 2230 hours Oct 27th enemy patrol attacked 3rd platoon's position. After 20 minutes fire fight enemy withdrew leaving 2 of their dead behind. All platoon positions had mortar with a few rounds of artillery throughout day.

Private Laxague Severely Wounded In Action mortar fragment back ---evacuated (Died Of Wounds same day). Tony Sebaugh remembers---- Laxague died as results of wounds when Company C was near Lammersdorf, Germany on Oct 28,1944. Company C was acting as infantry on a hill that was called the Lammersdorf Hill. We took enemy artillery and mortar shelling with the shells hitting trees and getting air burst. The Germans also bombed this hill and it was during this bombing that Laxague was killed.

Frank Brewer told me at Reno----- Laxague was killed on the OP hill near Lammersdorf on Oct 28, l944. George Laxague told Brewer before he went up on the hill, "Frank, I've got a feeling that I'll never walk off of that mountain.” And he didn't!! His spinal cord was severed by a shell fragment, he was evacuated, but died the same day.

Sergeant Fender Lightly Wounded In Action mortar fragment right arm---treated by Battalion aid man and returned to duty. Pfc Warrix Lightly Wounded In Action mortar fragment right leg ---treated by platoon aid man and returned to duty.

29th A Company reported---lst platoon area received mortar concentrations throughout the day; 1 shell falling into shed housing 1/4 ton damaging radio----replaced. 2015 hours Oct 28th 4 rounds of heavy enemy artillery fell in Company CP area and 4 rounds in 3rd platoon area.

0930 hours Oct 29th enemy patrol sent 2 rounds of bazooka into schoolhouse in Mutzenich where Lieutenant Silki has been observing for 87th Field Artillery Battalion - also three hand grenades, two of which were duds. Considerable damage to schoolhouse but none to our personnel or equipment. No fire returned as enemy promptly withdrew in extreme darkness.

C Company reported---2230 hours Oct 28th enemy patrol attacked 3rd platoon position to draw fire. Our troops did not return fire and enemy withdrew. Mortar and artillery fell on all platoon positions throughout day. 3rd platoon had much heavy artillery and 2nd platoon heavy mortar concentrations.

We know very little about Lieutenant [William F.] Gothum at this time. Earl Proctor remembers that Gothum was evacuated when the 1st platoon of Company. A was at Konzen Corners near Monschau, Germany on the Siegfried Line. Earl says that he returned to the 1st platoon to take command after Gothum was evacuated. Jerry Workman, who was platoon Sergeant of the 1st platoon, says that when Gothum was evacuated, he was without a platoon Officer until Lieutenant Proctor returned in late Oct. 1944.

Following Enlisted Men of 2nd platoon wounded by mortar fragments and evacuated: Fred Wells penetrating wound right side and back of left knee. John Olson, penetrating wound front of neck. John Ratto penetrating wound right side and right arm. Medical Detachment reported---Gleason, of A Company, received penetrating wound lst finger left hand from mortar fragment---treated at Battalion Aid station and returned to duty.

30th A Company reported--- at 0555 hours Oct 29th, 9 rounds of enemy artillery estimated at 88mm swept the lst platoon area from north to south. No gun flashes noted by guards. Fire from SE. From 0755 hours thru 1400 hours 23 heavy mortar shells fell into area. At 1530 hours 1st platoon organized observation patrol headed by Staff Sergeant Lewis (Headquarters Company Recon). Patrol took up position in house establishing forword observation post. 3 civilians living in house were placed under guard while our patrol occupied house. Radio communication set up with Fire Direction Center.

31st A Company reported---from 1215 thru 1700 hours Oct 30th 35 mortar shells fell into 1st platoon area. 1st platoon observation patrol in house captured enemy, Corporal Franz Hermann, 1088 Infantry Regiment at 1515 hours Oct 30th and brought him to Battalion CP for processing.

Company C reported---All platoon positions sustained mortar and artillery shelling throughout 29th and 30th Oct; 4 rounds of 150mm artillery fell in area of Sergeant Morgan's position at intersection doing considerable damage to his CP house. 1900 hours Oct 30th Company CP organized 15 man patrol to hunt enemy sniper who wounded 4th Cavalry Recon tanker---results negative.

Our primary mission throughout October and the lst 10 days of November was to hold the area along the Siegfried line in general support of the south flank of the VII Corps and on the 25th of October, the Battalion was attached to the V Corps for operations only continuing our primary mission under Group control.

Employment of the firing companies was coordinated between Group Commanders and Company Commanders, and they have been successfully used in repelling counter attacks and enemy patrol activities, for combat and observation patrol, OPs, creating and protecting roadblocks, and generally neutralizing German attacks and resistance in designated defense areas. Our firing companies were utilized as infantry because of military necessity, and often a platoon was employed where ordinarily a company of infantry could be used. The combat efficiency of this command is very satisfactory, and has all its equipment except one M-8. Our platoons and patrols had 27 fire fights with the enemy, and aided considerably in the elimination of personnel and obstacle resistance with forword observation for the artillery.

At the end of the drive up to the Siegfried Line by the end of Sept, all ammunition, gasoline, rations and other supplies were in very short supply. As a result it was decided to go into a holding action for about 4 weeks while supplies could be moved in and prepare for the next offensive. However, during this period the 635th experienced many very heavy attacks of mortar, artillery and enemy patrols.

During these 40 days along the Siegfried Line near Monschau, Lammersdorff and Roetgen, Germany, we got our mail at pretty good intervals for the first time. Also the paper "Stars and Stripes" and the "Yank" was getting up to the firing platoons. This was also the first time we got fresh bread. What a great treat after 5 months of "K's" and "10 in 1" rations. Our gun section had found a battery pack portable radio in a bombed out home back in August near Mortain, France. We could now get the news from AFN radio in Algiers, North Africa and BBC in London.

During Oct the 635th was sending a few men at a time back to Verviers, Belgium for 3 days of R and R. We were treated to hot showers, clean clothes, real food and some movies.

The casualties suffered by the 635th during this Oct holding operation was the 2nd highest month, only exceeded by December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge.
9 men killed in action
21 men wounded and evacuated
20 men wounded and not evacuated

Our high losses were the result of very heavy enemy artillery and mortar shelling during this holding operation along the Siegfried Line in Oct and early Nov.

Carl Condon (Company A), 1st Platoon) says---------The 1st Platoon of Company A was in positions at Konzen Corners, a railroad junction, NW of Monschau, Germany. We were along the west side of the Siegfried Line (West Wall) and the Germans were hitting us daily with artillery and mortar shells from the German side of the Line. Sergeant Kuntz and Sergeant Poor's gun crews were only about l00 yards apart covering this railroad jct. On Oct 26th we were under very heavy attack by German mortar and it was that day a shell hit near Sergeant Poor's CP and he was struck in the head and killed. We were getting a lot of rain in late Oct which made the ground quite soft. Had it not been for this soft ground, I'm almost sure, that our casualties from the mortar fire would have been much higher.

NOVEMBER 1944

1st 1st platoon Company A reported--- Between 0005 and 0658 hours heavy enemy artillery fell in our area. From 1100 to 1240 hours 27 enemy mortar shells fell into same area. At 0315 hours CP house occupied by Staff Sergeant Lewis and his patrol was approached by 2 enemy soldiers and 1 civilian. One soldier knocked on door and Sergeant Lewis had a civilian occupying the house answer door. As the soldier entered the house Sergeant Lewis stepped up to take him prisoner and was fired upon by soldier remaining outside with machine pistol (Burp Gun). Other members of patrol in position at windows fired and killed the 2 soldiers and wounding the civilian who escaped behind hedgerow. Staff Sergeant Lewis was Severely Wounded In Action perforation wound upper right arm and left shoulder, penetrating wound right shoulder and perforation wound abdomen. At 0330 hours entire patrol withdrew to woods line north of OP house carrying Sergeant Lewis with them. At 0530 hours enemy opened fire on house from their lines. A 610 radio and Enlisted Men's equipment left in the house was recovered. Patrol remained in woods line until approximately 0800 hours, not risking travel through heavily booby-trapped woods. Sergeant Lewis was evacuated at approximately 0830 hours.

Company C reported---0530 hours enemy patrol directed heavy small arms fire at 1st platoon's position to draw our fire. No fire fight ensued. Mortar and artillery fire fell on all positions throughout the day. Enemy moved machine gun in front of 3rd platoon's position in heavy fog and fired intermittently all day for purpose of drawing fire; no damage---no fire returned.

Company A reported---Enemy dropped 4 heavy artillery shells in CP area at 2100 hours and 4 rounds in area occupied by our artillery OP in Mutzenich schoolhouse.

2nd 1st platoon, Company A, reported--59 enemy mortar shells fell into our area between 0844 and 1655 hours.

Company C, reported---Mortar fire fell on all positions throughout the day.

3rd Delivered, to Corps Forward, F/O Wright, British Lancaster bomber navigator who parachuted to safety when enemy night fighter knocked out his starboard engine. Picked up by Company B.

Company C reported---All platoon positions sustained heavy mortar fire throughout the day. Between 1700 and 1800 hours 3rd platoon received exceptionally heavy mortar barrage. Staff Sergeant Neske captured 3 enemy prisoners.

Company A reported---3 rounds of mortar dropped into 1st platoon area. 20 to 30 rounds of mortar fell in 3rd platoon area throughout the day.

4th Company C reported---Mortar and artillery fire on all platoon positions throughout the day.
Company A 3rd platoon fired on enemy patrol in their area; patrol withdrew with no known results.

5th Company A reported---27 enemy rounds of medium artillery fire fell into 1st platoon area between 1000 and 1100 hours.

Company C reported---Mortar and artillery fire on all positions throughout the day.

6th Company A reported---1st platoon advised at 2100 hours 2 booby traps tripped and at 2300 hours 1 mine and 1 booby trap tripped. Our troops fired in direction of sound and at 2100 hours drew return machine pistol fire. Two enemy observed in light of flare. Patrol next morning saw signs of enemy patrol activity and picked up enemy ammo container---results of action unknown. 3rd platoon reported---outpost reported enemy movement from enemy lines toward platoon position. Fired on enemy patrol which withdrew with no known results.

Company C reported sporadic mortar and artillery fire on 2nd and 3rd platoon positions. Heavy barrage of enemy rifle grenades fell on 1st platoon position to draw fire and give away positions. 2nd platoon patrol fired at enemy trenches and pill boxes to force movement and disclose positions. Results accomplished. Directed artillery fire on machine gun nest which was neutralized. 2nd and 3rd platoon patrols fired at enemy pillboxes, machine gun emplacements and trenches, harassing to disclose positions.---results satisfactory. 2nd platoon fired 5 APC and 5 HET-105 3" at machine gun nest at 1000 yards in front of their position definitely destroyed same. Number of personnel dead or wounded unknown.

7th Company A reported---at 0045 hours 1 booby trap tripped, at 0210 hours 1 anti-personnel mine and 1 booby trap tripped. Our troops fired in direction of sound---results unknown. At 1430 hours Nov 6th 2nd platoon fired 5 rounds of HE delayed fuse and 5 rounds of APC at pillbox, scoring 6 direct hits. Embrasure knocked out and pillbox neutralized. At 1512 hours 5 rounds of enemy artillery estimated at 105mm fell in 3rd platoon's area. At 1550 hours our OP in schoolhouse in Mutzenich spotted 2 enemy tanks and directed mass fire of 71st Field Artillery Battalion, who fired 2 volleys at target---results unknown. At 1645 hours 3rd platoon fired harassing small arms fire at newly dug enemy position---results unknown

Company C reported---Mortar fire fell in their 2nd platoon area throughout the day.

8th Company A reported---At 1700 hours Nov 7th 1st platoon sighted enemy five man patrol working their way toward their position. Directed Company B 3" guns on mission for direct hit. Results 3 known dead. 1430 hours Nov 7th 2nd platoon fired 5 rounds of HE and 5rounds of APC 3" at pillbox scoring 7 direct hits making noticeable hole, neutralizing pillbox. Also fired 2 rounds of HET-105 at OP building, scoring direct hit and destroying building.

Medical Detachment reported---At 1225 hours following Enlisted Men Severely Wounded In Action from enemy mortar fire and evacuated: Pfc Woodrow Franklin, Medical Aid man, with Company C and Pfc Winslow Hildreth, Company C (Franklin Died Of Wounds Nov 13th,1944)

Company C reported---Enemy mortar and artillery fire fell on all positions throughout day. At 2315 hours Nov 7th Sergeant Crandall noticed and detected movement 20 yards in front of his machine gun outpost. A booby trap tripped and one figure was noted in the light. Enemy soldier promptly shot with Thompson submachine gun fire. Sergeant Crandall noted another figure crawling toward his position by wristwatch dial and again fired his Thompson submachine gun. Hearing further sounds, he sprayed the position with machine gun fire. Next morning 2 enemy dead were found. Also 3 machine pistols and 1 P-38 pistol.

9th Company C reported exceptionally heavy mortar fire on all platoon positions throughout the day.

Company A reported--- 1015 hours Nov 8th 3rd platoon outpost observed activity at house and fired light and heavy Machine guns into house--- results unknown. At 1425 hours outpost detected enemy personnel and activity at enemy house in woods. Fired heavy and light machine guns and directed 75mm assault guns on woods and house indirect fire. Results - house set on fire---number of personnel hit unknown. At 1730 hours Nov 8th 3rd platoon layed mine field on railroad tracks using 10 land mines and road block on railroad at junction of road. At 2030 hours trip flare set off---no activity --- no firing. At 0352 hours Nov 9th CP area received 4 rounds of HE artillery fire from 120 degrees and at 0610 hours they received 4 rounds of HE from 60 degrees.

10th Company C reported---Mortar fire on all platoon positions throughout the day.

Company A reported----1 mortar shell fell in 1st platoon area Nov 9th. 0352 hours 4 rounds of HE artillery shells fell in CP area from 2140 m. At 0610 hours 4 rounds estimated at 105 mm HE fell in CP area from 1070 m. 1045 hours 3rd platoon outpost fired .30 machine gun harassing fire at enemy in woods---results unknown. At 1100 hours they fired 5 rounds of APC and rounds of HET-105 from gun position at pillbox---pillbox neutralized. Also fired 5 rounds of HE delayed fuse harassing fire at town of Imgenbroich (All 15 rounds fired in less than 2 minutes). At 0130 hours Nov 10th 4 rounds of HE of undetermined caliber fell in Company CP area.

11th At 0830 hours CP moved from Roetgen and established new CP in SW Aachen, Germany, at 1030 hours. Company's B and C moved to same area ---assembly position for CP and 2 firing companies. 1320 hours Nov 11th l944 operations attachment to V Corps no longer in effect per CO 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized).

12th Company A reported---at 0130 hours 4 105mm shells fell into CP area. Company A moved to vicinity of Eupen, Belgium, with the 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron.

13th Received Corps Artillery anti-tank Bulletin #105 dated November 12th, 1944 indicating this Battalion passed to control of VII Corps on closing in Assembly area.

Company A reported---0800 hours Nov 12th received field orders and made Recon east of Zweifel and north of Lammersdorf, Germany.

17th Company A reported---Left Eupen area and established new CP Zweifel, Germany, area---distance traveled 22.4 miles. All platoons were in position at 1500 hours.

18th Medical Detachment reported--- 4 men wounded by glass and debris resulting from explosion of flying bomb dropped in area---all remained on duty status. (We found the following Enlisted Men listed for the Purple Heart listed as wounded on Nov 18th: James McNamee---Harry Stoerkel---Frank Thebault---the other Enlisted Man could not be found.)

19th Company A reported---That Company A is with 24th Cavalry Squadron less Troop C established a moving counter reconnaissance screen to cover the gap between the 8th and 22nd Infantry Regiments. Also to cover road blocks already established by 289th Engineers.

20th Company A reported---l gun section 3rd platoon moved into position to vicinity of 010390.

21st Battalion Commander placed in command of anti-airborne defense plan of the southern part of Aachen. Arrangements to recconnoiter all roads, etc for defense position.

22nd Company A reported---2 guns of 3rd platoon moved from 988355 to vicinity 003378.

23rd Received Field Order 21 dated 221000 Nov 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group. Group less 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and our Company A now in support in the 4th Division area, attached to 1st US Infantry Division effective date Field Order 21. Mission of Group with this Battalion as integral part to fill or plug the gap between the 18th Infantry Regiment on its right (S) and the 26th Infantry Regiment on its left (N); advancing to the East in conjunction with the advances of both of these regiments, paying particular attention to the protection of the 1st US Infantry Division Right (S) flank; artillery support to be furnished by 1st Division Artillery. Group and our Company C to move to vicinity Schevenhutte. Balance this Battalion to remain present location with other units of group left behind in command of Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith and be prepared to move in vicinity of Schevenhutte on an hours notice and to make advance for forward assembly area. Group established new CP vicinity Vicht. 3rd platoon Company C moved forward to protect CP vicinity Schevenhutte.

Company A reported---enemy tanks reported in vicinity. Moved 2 guns 1st platoon in position---no trace of enemy tanks found.

24th Company C reported---3rd platoon area lightly shelled at 0800 hours. Made reconnaissance for gun positions on order. Found roads impassable, ground hilly and covered with heavy timber growth. At 2310 hours heavy guns shelled 3rd platoon area and long range guns shelled the town of Schevenhutte throughout the night. At 0815 hours Nov 24th Private Robinson Medical Aid man attached to 3rd platoon Lightly Wounded In Action shell fragment and evacuated.

25th Company A reported---2nd section 1st platoon moved. 2nd section 2nd platoon also moved.

26th Company A reported---Due to crowded conditions 3rd platoon brought back to vicinity of Company CP as Military Police set up posts in front of their guns.

27th Company C reported---Nov 26th 3rd platoon made Recon in vicinity 02904170. 2 guns placed in position on road running east out of Schevenhutte. Four rounds of light mortar fell into 3rd platoon area.

Company A reported---2nd platoon moved Nov 26th to new positions.

29th Company C reported---7 rounds of heavy artillery fell into 3rd platoon area Nov 28th; 2 proved duds.

30th Received through channels with favorable endorsements from Commanding General, 1st US Infantry Division, Commanding General, VII Corps and CO 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized), Commendation from Commanding General 1st US Infantry Division Artillery for service during this battalion's attachment between June 8th 1944 and Aug 31st 1944: Commendation dated Oct 24th 1944.

SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER

After 40 days on the Siegfried Line under constant artillery and mortar shelling along with enemy patrols, the 4th and 24th Cavalry Group along with the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion were relieved by the 102nd Cavalry Group. On Nov 11th we moved to Aachen to re-group, rest and do some badly needed maintenance on our vehicles and equipment.

The 635th had been under constant enemy contact since Omaha Beach (5 1/2 months) with no period of rest or any maintenance on our vehicles and equipment. The big offensive across the Rhine River and the German heartland was to begin in mid November and everyone could see that the war would soon come to an end. (This whole picture was changed however, by the Battle of the Bulge)

After 13 days of rest, on Nov 23rd, we moved into the HURTGEN FOREST near Schevenhutte, Germany. The 4th and 24th Cavalry along with the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion bridged an area between the 1st US Infantry Division and the 4th US Infantry Division. This was a new type of war in the Hurtgen Forest, where we had to protect ourselves from artillery shell air burst. The artillery shells would hit the tops of trees and shrapnel would cover large areas. We would cover our foxholes with logs and earth. During this period we were under overcast skies with rain, snow and no air support. Our foxholes would fill with water and mud and we were wet most of the time. Many men developed foot problems and had to be evacuated.

We would be in the Hurtgen Forest for a little over 4 weeks. Much of the time we were under constant move of gun positions and dis-mounted on enemy foot patrols much of the time.

DECEMBER 1944

1st Made reconnaissance South Aachen for security positions against airborne attacks. (Battalion Headquarters still in Aachen)

2nd Personnel Section moved from 1st US Infantry Division Base and joined our rear echelon at Eyenatten, Belgium. 6 Enlisted Men on DS with 1st US Infantry Division Artillery forward CP to alleviate their shortage of personnel returned to Battalion for duty.

3rd platoon Company C moved to Eyenatten in preparation of movement with 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron returned to Aachen assembly area due to limited room and billets in Eyenatten, Belgium.

Advance billeting guard of 7 Enlisted Men returned from Eschweiler, Germany due to change in mission

3rd Following report submitted by Company C--3rd platoon which displaced an A Company platoon in the Schevenhutte, Germany, area was heavily shelled by the enemy between 0630 and 0730 hours Dec 2nd. A 1/4 ton vehicle hit by shell fragments with no repairs necessary. Staff Sergeant McClellen sustained laceration wound left arm; treated by our own medics and remained on duty. At 1030 hours Dec 1st Corporal Shows entered an unmarked enemy mine field to rescue an engineer who had his foot blown off by an exploding mine. Corporal Shows has been recommended for the Silver Star award for his brave deed. Following officer and enlisted men decorated by the VII Corps Commander for bravery in action against the enemy: 1st Lieutenant Whelehon, Company B, Silver Star; Sergeants Mead and Stalpes, Company B, Bronze Stars; Corporal Kelly Savoy, Company B, Bronze Star and Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star; Pfcs Bender and Bussman, Company B, Bronze Stars.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 2nd--2nd Section, 3rd platoon moved from Company CP to new anti-tank positions.--entire company alerted for movement.

4th Following report received from Company A for Dec 3rd---Moved CP and established new CP. At 1405 hours 4 enemy planes strafed CP area. Sergeant Matthews was hit by a bullet which penetrated his field jacket, sweater, shirt and bible in shirt pocket causing slight scratch and considerable bruise left side of body below heart ---remained on duty. At 1432 hours 1 enemy plane strafed area again, but no damage caused. Following is the report for Dec 4th for Company A---Between 0100 and 0525 hours approximately 30 rounds of enemy artillery from 1800 mils hit in and around CP area. At 0525 hours 3 enemy shells hit the CP. 1 round hit our ammunition trailer causing severe fire damaging two 1-ton trailers exploding 72 rounds of 3" APC and 24 rounds of HE shells and destroyed beyond use approximately 125 duffel bags belonging to Enlisted Men, A Company officers duffel bags and personal luggage, 2 platoon 3" spare parts kits and 2 aiming circles. Private Phipps, driver of loaded ammunition cargo truck, braved the exploding shells and drove the cargo out of the area and Private Vogan drove a 1 1/2 truck and a 1/4 ton from the exploding trailers. Both men recommended for the Silver Star award for their bravery. 2nd platoon moved into reserve position in vicinity of Company CP.

5th Following report received from Company A for Dec 5th---Between 0240 and 0500 hours the enemy shelled CP area from 1700 mils; estimated 75mm or 88mm. A total of 78 rounds hit the area with 49 rounds falling during the 1st hour. One half-track sustained a direct hit putting it out of action (Replaced). Corporal Walter Anthony wounded and evacuated for possible fracture penetrating wound left leg, shell fragment. Private Louis E. Saki wounded and evacuated for penetrating wound left arm shell fragment. Sergeant James Nelson wounded not evacuated laceration wound shell fragment right side face. Private Lloyd Callwell wounded not evacuated slight laceration wound left buttocks shell fragment. Private Russell K. Sites wounded not evacuated laceration wound right arm shell fragment.

6th Company A established new CP, new location approximately south of Gressenich, Germany.

Medical Detachment reported---On Dec 4th Pfc James Frey, Company A, 2nd degree burn left hand from exploding 3" shell when enemy shell hit ammo trailer---remained on duty.

7th Received Memo #11 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group dated Dec 6th. This Battalion less Company A tactically attached to 83rd US Infantry Division effective 080600A Dec 44. Company A will be attached effective the time 83rd Infantry Division assumes control of the 4th Infantry Division Zone.

Sergeants Dever and Lackey presented with the Silver Star Award for bravery in action.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 6th--Lieutenant Gotham reconnoitered for and found suitable indirect fire gun positions. At 2050 hours 21 rounds of enemy artillery estimated at 75mm fell in 3rd platoon area from 1400 mils.

8th 8 Enlisted Men; 6 from Company B, and 2 from Company C, left Battalion for 92nd Replacement Battalion of 3rd Replacement Depot to be returned to the United States on furlough per confidential letter Nov 29th 44, Headquarters EOUTSA, "Return of Personnel to the US on Temporary Duty for Rehabilitation, Recuperation and Recovery." Authorization Headquarters VII Corps S/O 169 Dec 7th 44.

CP group left assembly area in SW Aachen at 1045 hours and established new CP 1150 hours in town of Vicht, Germany.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 7th---1st platoon started indirect fire with Lieutenant Silki as forward observer; guns in position. 73 rounds of 3" HE expended. Platoon ceased firing 1600 hours as unable to register without smoke. 5 harassing missions were fired on towns of Derichsweiler and Gurzenich, Germany.

9th B Company reported--- Company CP left assembly area SW Aachen, Germany at 1245 hours Dec 8th and arrived 2 miles east of Schevenhutte, Germany at 1445 hours. Company B attached to 331st Infantry Regiment of 83 US Infantry Division tactically.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 8th---1300 hours 1st platoon fired 116 rounds of HE---7 harassing missions into town of Derichsweiler and Gurzenich, Germany. 1830 hours 3rd platoon reported unidentified plane flying from east to west circled to south and dropped 3 anti-personnel bombs---no damage. 2000 hours 7 artillery air bursts to be from our own artillery into Company CP ---no damage.

Company C reported--- Left assembly area SW Aachen and established new CP Dec 8th near Schevenhutte, Germany.

Received Operations Memo # 12 Dec 9th 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group: This Battalion less Company's A, B and 3rd platoon Company C attached to 4th Cavalry Group effective 091500A Dec 44. Company B, this Battalion, attached to 759th Tank Battalion, light.

Captain Page, Liason Officer, on order from Commanding general 83rd Division Artillery placed Company C in position for indirect firing; 1st platoon 00605-40295, 2nd platoon 00675 40500, 3rd platoon 00540-40355. Fired 432 rounds of 3" HE 14 interdiction and harassing missions with no known effect. 2 registration fired on 2nd mission. Fired from 0500 Dec 8th to 0600 Dec 9th.

10th B Company reported---Moved approximately 2 miles west of Kleinhau, Germany and established new CP 1700 hours Dec 9th.

11th Battalion Commander, S-3, Liason Officer and 15 Enlisted Men left CP to establish Advance Forward CP in vicinity Kleinhau in the Hurtgen Forest to permit closer operation and Liason with Company's B and C nearby and Group Headquarters also removed to the forest.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 10th---1st platoon moved to reserve position. 2000 hours: 3rd platoon shelled from 2000 mils by 2 enemy guns estimated at 75mm--no damage.

Company C reported---CP moved and established new CP in town of Vicht, Germany, 1230 hours Dec 10th. Moved again Dec 11th from Vicht to vicinity Kleinhau in Hurtgen Forest and established new CP at 1300 hours. Attached to 85th Recon Squadron of 5th Armored Division less 3rd platoon which remains with the 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron. Advised that since departure from assembly area SW Aachen, Company C on VO were attached to the following organizations prior to their attachment to the 85th Recon Squadron of 5th Armored Division; 83rd Division Artillery, 330 Infantry Regiment, 326th Field Artillery Battalion and 329th Infantry Regiment ---all for tactical purposes, but changes in mission caused detachments.

12th Advance Forward CP augmented with additional personnel; 1 Officer and 10 Enlisted Men and l ambulance and 3 medics.

Company C reported they established Liason with 85th Recon Squadron and were awaiting orders to support the Squadron in screening the south flank of an extended drive to the east contemplated by the 5th Armored Division. Company C reported---3rd platoon in vicinity of Jaegerhaus, Germany, subjected to heavy enemy artillery concentrations throughout the night with 60 shells falling in area in one hour.

Company B reported---Dec 10th: Between 1730 and 1800 hours an estimated 4 enemy planes bombed CP area. One 100 pound bomb fell 25 yards from CP and several anti-personnel bombs fell in 3rd platoon area. Staff Sergeant Demanett hit in finger left hand and remained on duty. T/4 Ruth hit by bomb fragment and remained on duty. One 12 volt battery was damaged, one 610 radio knocked out and 1 rifle damaged; 6 tires and one 2 1/2 ton cargo damaged superficially. Company maintenance section took all damaged material to rear echelon for repair or replacement.

Dec 11th: 1st and 2nd platoons committed forward to hold approximately 300 to 400 yards high ground east of Kleinhau, Germany. Our troops went forward at 1300 hours Dec 11th dismounted and to take place of infantry. The area they were assigned to hold was under enemy observation at all times and was heavily raked by enemy mortar and artillery fire; over 200 shells dropped in approximately one hour, and not all the men were able to reach their positions. Shell fire came from the northeast. By 1700 hours the following Enlisted Men were wounded and evacuated by tank due to the constant enemy fire and muddy terrain. Sergeant Stalpes, shell fragment right arm, Sergeant Harold Brown shell fragment arm and leg; Pfc Albert Speaker shell fragment right side of face and forehead, Private Amato Wounded In Action, Pfc Frank Nitschke Wounded In Action, Pfc James O. Woodward BE.

Following Enlisted Men wounded but not evacuated: Pfc Carl M. Larsen grazing wound right side of head and shell fragment thru lobe of left ear; Private Chester L. Gilkison shell fragment right shoulder and right hip; Pfc Thomas Garver shell fragment right arm. At 1100 hours Private Ridgeway Wounded In Action grenade fragment--evacuated. 1st Sergeant Moore, while contacting radio detail in Kleinhau, Germany, Wounded In Action by HE shell fragment, contusion, abrasing right arm, triceps region---remained on duty.

1 officer and 11 Enlisted Men additional moved to Advance Forward CP in Hurtgen Forest.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 11th---2nd platoon moved into indirect firing positions at 1100 hours. 1400 hours: 3rd platoon moved from position to reserve in CP area. 1430 to 1600 hours; 2nd platoon fired 37 rounds of 3" HE harassing fire at town of Gurzenich at company of Infantry dug in. Company Survey Crew utilized and A Company officer used for forward observation.

Rec'd SO 338 Dec 9th 44 Par #2 Headquarters First U.S. Army promoting 2nd Lieutenant Lawrence J Stewart 01824933, to 1st Lieutenant.

13th Following report received from Company A for Dec 12th---1410-1730 hours 2nd platoon fired 20 rounds of 3" HE unobserved fire in support of 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and 331st Infantry harassing fire on road junction; all in town of Birgel, Germany and vicinity.

Company C reported---3rd platoon in vicinity of Schevenhutte, Germany, subjected to intermittent heavy artillery fire throughout the night, averaging 3 to 4 rounds per hour through the hours of darkness.

9 additional Headquarters Company Enlisted Men from forward CP transferred to Advance Forward CP.

At 1530 hours Dec 12th 4 enemy artillery shells fell in CP area; one shell fell 25 yards from where Battalion Commander was standing but proved to be a dud.

Company B reported---Following Enlisted Men wounded and evacuated on high ground east of Kleinhau, holding as infantry Dec 12th: Private Edward Walker shell fragment buttocks and legs; Private Randall Schaub, fragment in leg: Private John Roper, fragment right shoulder and face; Private Walter Henry, Wounded In Action, Pfc Arthur Weller, shell fragments arm; 1st Lieutenant William R. Von Ende killed in action same action. Following Enlisted Men Severely Wounded In Action and evacuated Dec 13th; Sergeant John Cwikla, double fracture spinal cord and Died Of Wounds Dec 14th. Enemy continued to rake area Company B holding with artillery and mortar fire all day and night. Battalion Commander committed forward to assist Company B to hold high ground, l officer and 20 Enlisted Men of Recon platoons Headquarters Company.
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Dick Chaney remembers-------Lieutenant Von Ende came to the outfit the same time that he did. Von Ende and Chaney came to the outfit around the 15th or 16th of June 1944 at Caumont, France as replacements. He was killed in the Hurtgen Forest on the 12th of Dec l944. He was hit by an artillery shell. Von Ende was a West Point Officer. Everyone in Company B said he was a very fine man and Officer.

14th Following report from Company A---Dec 13th: 1320-1630 hours; 2nd platoon fired 20 rounds of HE harassing fire in support of the continued attack on Birgel, Germany by 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and 331st Infantry Regiment

Company B reported---3rd platoon committed forward to aid 1st and 2nd platoon to hold high ground. Position heavily shelled with artillery and mortar fire throughout day. Headquarters Recon platoon were able to get into position during a lull in the enemy firing. Reported that Private Stedonsky Lightly Wounded In Action Dec 11th shell fragment left wrist and left thumb ---remained on duty. On Dec 14th 1st Lieutenant Paul W. Whelehon Wounded In Action by shell fragment penetratingleft shoulder---remained on duty. Pfc Ernest Meador, Lightly Wounded In Action shell fragment hip--- remained duty.

15th Following report received from Company A for Dec 14th---Lieutenant Brant, on Recon for OP to fire indirect on Birgel, Germany, reported enemy tanks and approximately l00 infantry moving SW thru town---unable to fire as friendly troops working toward town.

Company B reported--Sergeant Emery Smith, Lightly Wounded In Action shell fragment finger right hand ---duty.

Battalion Commander reported---Mission of Company B plus Recon platoon of Headquarters Company was to occupy and hold as infantry defense positions for 3/4 mile SE of Kleinhau and engage in protecting the right flank of the 4th Cavalry Group reinforced with patrols south and east for distances of approximately 500 yards. That 1st platoon of Company C attached to 759th Tank Battalion, Light to occupy positions 1 mile NE of Kleinhau. That 2nd platoon Company C attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron to take up antitank positions 1 1/2 miles north of Kleinhau.

16th Pfc Edsel Cedar, Company B, Wounded In Action shell fragment in left knee---remained on duty. Pfc Ralph Miller, Medic attached to Company B, Wounded In Action shell fragment left thumb---duty.

Received Operations Memo #14 dated Dec 15th 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group; Company B and 1st platoon Company C and l Recon platoon Headquarters Company attached to 759th Tank Battalion, Light; 3rd platoon Company C reld attached 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron and attached to group in reserve effective 151300 Dec 44. 2nd platoon Company C attached 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron for mission---from selective positions protect right (S) flank of 5th Armored Division and prevent enemy movement north of the line CP F-084381 (excl) RJ F-100389 (incl), maintain contact with elements of CCV on left (East flank) Headquarters 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion less gun Companies and 1 Recon platoon under group control.

Company B reported sporadic shelling throughout day and night on high ground.

Medical Detachment reports---Captain Harold L. Pellegrino, Company C, Wounded In Action mortar fragment right hand and head 1100 hours Dec 16th---evacuated. Private Amadee Reulet, (Company A) Wounded In Action shrapnel right hand and thumb---remained on duty.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 15th---Lieutenant Brant on route Recon from CP and at 1300 hours lst platoon moved into position.

THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

The weather on Dec 16th and up until Christmas was to the satisfaction of the Germans and our Air Force could not give any support.

Company "B", (Hurtgen Forest)

William R. Von Ende Killed In Action Dec 12,1944
John Cwikla Wounds Dec.12--Evacuated Dec.13--Died Dec.14, 1944
Edward Walker Wounds Dec.12, 1944
Randall Schaub Wounds Dec.12, 1944
John Roper Wounds Dec.12, 1944
Walter Henry Wounds Dec.12, 1944
Arthur Weller Wounds Dec.12, 1944

From December 3rd, 1944 until the German Breakthrough (Battle of the Bulge) the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion was in the Hurtgen Forest, dismounted and being used as infantry in a holding action. During this period it was raining almost daily and we were living in mud filled foxholes due to the heavy artillery shelling by the Germans. Due to the heavily wooded area, the shells were hitting in the trees high above the ground and the shell burst would spread over a very wide area.

Up until this time, we or at least I, didn't know the story of 1st Lieutenant William Von Ende and his platoon. Von Ende was Killed in Action, John Cwikla was wounded and could not be evacuated until Dec. 13th and died of his wound on the 14th. The other above men were wounded in the same shelling on Dec.12th and we are not sure just when they were evacuated due to the heavy shelling

I talked to Ed Judson last night on the telephone in Flint, Michigan and he gave me the story on Lieutenant Von Ende. Judson says, "I was maybe the only person that really knows just what happened to Von Ende since I was with him when he was killed. We were under constant German shelling barrages night and day. It was so bad that we could hardly ever come up out of our foxholes for fear that the next barrage would begin. The only way that we could get food rations and water was by tanks. The tank would come into our area and dump the rations as fast as possible and get out. When we got hungry or needed water, we would take a chance and get out of our foxhole, gather what we could as fast as possible, and back into the foxhole."

Judson said that during one of these shelling barrages, Art Buckner who was in a foxhole next to his, shouted out "Judson, Judson I'm cracking up, help me, help me." Judson rolled over into Art's foxhole to get him settled down. Just about that time a shell made a direct hit on Judson's foxhole that he had just left, and destroyed everything in it. A few minutes later one of the fellows in another foxhole, that Ed said was a kind of Company comedian, started shouting "Help me, Help me, I'm cracking up, I'm cracking up." Lieutenant Von Ende got up out of his foxhole to check on his men and was hit and killed by an artillery shell. Ed Judson said that at the last reunion he was talking to Captain Wikoff (Company Commander of "B" Company) and he didn't realize until that time that he was maybe the only person who knows what did happen to Lieutenant Von Ende.

It is believed that the above men killed and wounded could not be evacuated for quite some time due to the heavy shelling.

Dick Chaney told me that Von Ende came to the outfit the same time as he did while the Battalion was at Caumont, France in early June 1944.

Ray Johnston and Ed Judson returned to France and Belgium in 1994 and visited the cemetery in Belgium where Von Ende, Schunk, and Goudy rest today. They brought back pictures of the 3 graves. Judson says that he would like to find information on where Von Ende was from so that maybe 51 years later he could tell his Family some of the details on his death.

With these conditions and Christmas very near it was the right time for the Germans to launch the big counter attack on the 16th of December. The Battle of the Bulge was to be the Germans final attempt to split the Allies. The German main drive was between the 1st and 3rd Armies, thru the Monschau, Roetgen and Lammersdorf area where the 635th had just left on the 11th of November. The area was in the path of the 106th Infantry Division which was green and had just been committed to the area. This was the lst mission in the ETO for the 106th Infantry Division and was almost wiped out, killed and captured.

The 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion was on the north flank of the main thrust of the German offensive thru the Ardennes. We were still involved in some very bitter fighting in the Hurtgen Forest SE of Aachen. It would be another 5 days before we would be pulled back into Belgium where we had been 3 months earlier.

17th Following radio message received from Battalion Commander in Advance Forward CP "Enemy paratroopers were seen appearing in many places. More expected. Also rumored in rear echelon areas. Notify our rear echelon". We immediately notified our Rear Echelon in Eyenatten, Belgium who organized Paratroops Alert Patrols and while paratroopers were not apprehended, at least 20 one-shot Panzerfaust bazookas were found and taken in.

Company B reported--Private Francis Ryan Wounded In Action shell fragment in buttocks ---evacuated.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 16th---2nd platoon moved to CP area in reserve from 001418. 1130 hours 3rd platoon went into position. 1630 hours ---4 rounds of enemy artillery estimated 75mm fell into 3rd platoons area from 1800 mils and Private Webb was hit by fragment in stomach and evacuated. Two enemy guns were doing firing and were shelling Gay, Germany. After the 4th rounds fell into the 3rd platoon area, several rounds fell north of the platoon's gun positions and then the shelling of Gay was resumed. Enemy planes were over Company CP hourly from 1715 to 0615 hours, but no damage reported.

Company C reported---Private Frost Wounded In Action and evacuated. He was in a foxhole covered by logs. Enemy plane dropped anti-personnel bombs. l bomb dropped on logs and spread them and a dud followed and hit him on small of back necessitating evacuation. Two guns of 2nd platoon went into position at 1900 hours Dec 16th.

18th Enemy planes over forward CP area in Vicht throughout night Dec 17th-18th. Number of bombs dropped but other than broken glass no damage sustained to personnel or material. Enemy planes activity continued during the daylight hours of 18th, Anti-aircraft guns in area knocked down one enemy plane.

8 more Enlisted Men from Headquarters CP displaced to Advance Forward CP. 1300 hours---1st and 3rd platoons Company A moved to reserve positions town of Vicht, Germany,

Company B reported enemy shelling on high ground but lighter than usual throughout day and night, but that movement on our part resulted in concentrated enemy mortar and artillery. Positions continued under enemy observation.

Advance Forward CP reported the following Enlisted Men of Company C wounded Dec 17th and evacuated: Sergeant Garvie fragment right buttocks, Private Hale fragment spine; Pfc Brewer fragment left upper arm. Following Enlisted Men wounded but not evacuated: Pfc Ring bomb fragment ear; T/5 Cockrell bomb fragment. One Company C half-track completely knocked out (replaced).

Company B reported---Between 2200 and 2300 hours Dec 17th Sergeant Emery Smith and 3 other Enlisted Men captured 2 enemy paratroopers and killed one in front of their outpost position 1 mile west of Bogheim, Germany. Kept paratroopers all night prisoners in a foxhole and turned them into Group CP the morning of the 18th.

Company C reported---1st platoon bombed twice on Dec 16th: anti-personnel and 500-pound bombs dropped, and twice by anti-personnel bombs during the night of Dec 17th. Platoon put 2 guns in position on Dec 15th and 1 gun in on Dec 16th. One gun remained in reserve. As the 3rd gun was put into position under the supervision of the Company Commander, a concentration of artillery fell near the vicinity of the gun position. Company Commander ordered every man to take cover and remain there as the position was obviously under observation and the half-track was drawing fire. Everybody took cover except Pfc Ring, who said "Hell no, that half-track will get hit unless I get it out." He climbed into the vehicle amidst the falling shells and drove the vehicle to safety. The enemy then dropped their barrage in the spot where our vehicle had previously been located. 2nd platoon went into position Dec 16th and were heavily shelled by enemy artillery and mortar, at least 250 rounds falling in and around their positions the 1st night. They were also bombed 3 times during the night of Dec 16th by enemy planes.

19th Company B reported---Following Enlisted Men wounded and evacuated Dec 13th: T/4 Ruenhall of Headquarters Recon platoon, shrapnel in stomach; Private Carpenter Company B, shrapnel leg and back. Only sporadic shelling reported on high ground positions.

l officer and 19 Enlisted Men of Headquarters Company in reserve at Advance Forward CP were sent to high ground to hold while Company B and Headquarters Recon men were committed forward to advance and take selected positions.

20th 6 more Enlisted Men transferred from Forward CP to Advance Forward CP.

Company C reported---1 gun 2nd platoon moved 1700 hours Dec 19th. Entire platoon sustained heavy fire from mortar and artillery. Company C CP shelled on night of 19th with 12 rounds of artillery falling into area.

Company B reported---One platoon of Company B supported by Recon platoon of Headquarters Company attacked at 0700 hours in support of the 759th Tank Battalion, Light, dismounted to take nose of hill---objective taken by 0900 hours. Private Sheppard took 6 enemy paratroopers prisoner by pillbox halfway up to the high ground where Company B entrenched. Prisoners turned over to an unidentified Colonel. Battalion Commander verified claim. Sergeant William Koenig, Recon Sergeant, Company B, Killed In Action by enemy sniper's bullet through head while leading his section and directing tanks in dismounted attack 1/2 mile west of Bogheim.

21st Rear Echelon moved from Eyenatten, Belgium, to Vicht, Germany and become part of Forward CP.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 20th--Moved at 1400 hours and established new CP 1500 hours in vicinity Kleinhau, Germany in Hurtgen Forest. Company alerted from time of arrival for dismounted attack Dec 21st.

Company C reported for Dec 20th---2 guns 3rd platoon placed into position on high ground in support of Company B action at 1730 hours. Sergeant Marintzer Lightly Wounded In Action fragment in buttocks---remained on duty. Pfc Clark's Ml rifle destroyed by enemy mortar fire at the same time requiring replacement. Pfc Sites had direct hit on foxhole by mortar shell suffering concussion resulting in stiffened jaw BC ---remained on duty.

Dick Chaney remembers-------Nathan Sites was wounded in the Hurtgen Forest. A mortar shell landed on some logs that he had over his foxhole. The logs came down on his helmet and and injured his neck.
Following report received from Advance Forward CP---Private Loop, Headquarters Recon platoon Killed In Action by mortar fragment 1/2 mile west of Bogheim, Germany. Private Rood, Headquarters Recon platoon Severely Wounded In Action shrapnel left thigh and right arm--evacuated by tank. Private Gilbert, Headquarters Recon Wounded In Action shrapnel upper right arm---evacuated. Privates Rood and Gilbert were sharing the same foxhole when wounded. Gilbert immediately applied first aid to Rood, bandaging his wounds and applying a tourniquet to his arm and another on his leg, definitely saving Rood's life and disregarding his own wounds. T/5 Dunigan Headquarters Company Wounded In Action mortar fragment right leg--evacuated. Staff Sergeant Allen Lightly Wounded In Action mortar fragment Face and hands---remained on duty. Pfc Lauffenberger Headquarters Company Wounded In Action mortar fragment right side of neck--- remained on duty. Private Francis R. Ryan Company B Killed In Action by small arms fire. Pfc Degen Company B, Wounded In Action Dec 21st 2 fingers blown off by booby trap--evacuated. This incident occurred in the Hurtgen Forest on Dec 21st.

Received Field Order #23 of 1911800A Dec 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group---Group reinforced has mission to aid CCA and CCB 5th Armored Division to secure west bank of Roer River in zone of action---Bogheim---Untermaubach ---Obermaubach area. One platoon Company C will support 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron and attack dismounted 200700A Dec to take high ground.

Company A will support 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and attack dismounted 210730A Dec to take high ground. Company B and 2 Recon platoons will support 759th Tank Battalion, Light, will attack 200800A Dec to secure nose of hill.

CO Headquarters Company Lieutenant Sands, reported from Advance Forward CP that 4th Cavalry Group with this Battalion released of present mission and were preparing to join VII Corps in their move into Belgium to combat new enemy offensive. Preparations made for certain personnel and vehicles to accompany the Battalion Commander in advance column.

22nd S-3 alerted Recon party to join 4th Cavalry Group advance billeting detail into Belgium.

Medical Detachment reported---Private Glasebrook, Company B, Lightly Wounded In Action contusion right arm ---duty. T/5 Leese, Headquarters Company, Lightly Wounded In Action shrapnel right arm---remained duty.

Battalion Commander returned to Forward CP and advised that on the new mission into Belgium, Company B would remain under Battalion control, Company C would be attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron and that Company A would be attached to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and that l platoon of Company Headquarters 238th Engineer would travel into Belgium with the Battalion Commander's convoy and would be attached for administration and rations. Reported that Private Manser, Company B, missing in action since Dec 12th. That neither Company A nor 1 platoon of Company C attached dismounted in accordance with Field Order #23 due to change of plans, but that Company C had 8 guns in supporting positions on high ground. Company B, 3rd platoon with Recon platoon headed by 1st Lieutenant Carlson took nose of hill to their east dismounted as infantry and that the action was supported by 3 tanks of the 759th Tank Battalion, Light. Our troops encountered considerable small arms fire and that we killed at least 30 enemy troops which was a conservative estimate.

Battalion Commander appointed 1st Lieutenant LaCroix, Company C, as Company Commander vice Captain Pellegrino wounded and evacuated.

Battalion Commander and Advance CP with elements of 238th Engineer left Vicht, Germany at 1700 hours for Belgium---destination assembly area Baillonville, Belgium and then to area between Ciney and Marche ---ready to fight.

23rd Remainder of Forward CP and the rear echelon combined as the rear echelon departed Vicht for rear echelon assembly area vicinity Baillonville, Belgium, 0900 hours. Rear echelon of 4th Cavalry Group in our convoy. Party detoured at Bomel by Military Police to west side of Ourthe River. Prior to arrival at Durbuy, Belgium, convoy turned around at crossroads as bridge would not take vehicles heavier than 1/4 tons. Proceeded west by north and arrived at Road Jct where information received enemy had crossed the main road between Hogue and Marche. Proceeded north and west to an assembly area south of Havelange and bivouacked for night---distance traveled 75 miles.

Tony Sebaugh says, We left the Hurtgen Forest at dusk on December 22nd and drove all night, arriving at Haversin, Belgium in the early morning of December 23rd and put our guns into positions by 8:00 A.M. Enemy mortar fire started by 8:30 A.M. and our gun section had four casualties. Our platoon dispersed but in the early morning confusion Lionel E. Moore and Larry E. Wessel were killed in action. Tony also says----Carthel H. Richardson told me, while we visited his home in Mississippi, that he carried Moore back and he died on his shoulder.

Note by Carl Condon-----Checking back on Battalion After Action Reports for December 23, 1944, we find that 5 men were wounded in action. They were Thomas Whalen, Emil Reich, Van Bagwell, Everett Beneda, and Elton Sebaugh. Two men were killed in action; they were Larry Wessel and Lionel Moore. The Battalion records show, as Tony states above, Moore was wounded but died of wounds that same day.

24th Rear Echelon left bivouac area and proceeded to Huy, Belgium, and established CP in outer building of Chateau d' Ahin ---distance traveled 13 3/4 miles.

Battalion CP reported for Dec 23rd---Forward CP arrived at Sin Sin, Belgium at 0330 hours Dec 23rd--distance traveled 76 miles. Due to enemy situation original route to the assembly area at Baillonville changed. Having very little knowledge of the enemy situation, the line Companies reconnoitered the area of Sin Sin and put in a number of 3" guns for local security.

Company A left 1 mile west of Grosshau, Germany at 1715 hours Dec 22nd and arrived 1 1/2 miles NE of Haversin, Belgium at 0330 hours Dec 23rd, distance traveled 76 miles. Enroute a half-track crashed into a 3" gun in the darkness and due to the conditions of the road. Private Nichols fell out of the vehicle and hurt his shoulder but remained on duty. One half-track, and 3" gun, one 1 1/4 ton truck and two trailers were put out of action. A guard was placed on the wrecked equipment until the Battalion wrecker and maintenance crew arrived from the newly established rear echelon. At 0900 hours Dec 23rd the 2nd platoon went into positions. 1130 hours--1st platoon went into positions and at 1700 hours the 3rd platoon went into positions. Company CP location at Bois de L'Abime near Trou des Caiens, Belgium.

Company B left 2 miles W of Kleinhau, Germany at 1730 hours Dec 22nd and arrived at Sin Sin, Belgium at 0345 hours Dec 23rd---distance traveled 77 miles.

Company C left vicinity Kleinhau, Germany at 1700 hours Dec 22nd and arrived at Haversin, Belgium at approximately 0330 hours Dec 23rd and at daylight put in 2 guns of the 1st platoon 500 yards south of the CP. One gun was in position and as the 2nd gun was being maneuvered into position between 1200 and 1300 hours, enemy mortar fire started. When mortar fire ceased, small arms fire continued along steadily for at least 30 minutes. Intermittent 81mm mortar fire continued along with the small arms fire. Enemy 20mm and 40mm weapons from enemy light armored vehicles also joined in the attack. Company C was attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron. Company C withdrew in orderly fashion. Prior to withdrawal, Company C was able to fire 1 round 3" HE at enemy carrying a mortar across the railroad tracks and made direct hit. After being forced to withdraw, Lieutenant LaCroix got 4 light tanks to come up and fire at enemy and break up small arms fire. Tanks fired 25 to 30 rounds of 37mm and some machine gun fire. After this action at Haversin, Company C went into new positions. A PW taken in the vicinity indicated that he was sent to area to direct enemy tanks in and around Haversin, but obviously the enemy's plans had to be changed as they heard our antitank fire and bypassed Haversin. Following casualties resulted from this action--Corporal Larry E. Wessel Killed In Action.---T/5 Lionel E. Moore Wounded In Action compound fracture upper right arm mortar fragment, evacuated---T/5 Moore died of wounds the same day in field hospital. Pfc Thomas Whalen gun shot wound right arm twice, evacuated---Private Emil Reich penetrating wound right upper leg mortar fragment, evacuated---Pfc Van Bagwell compound fracture left thumb and slight wound face by mortar fragment, evacuated---Pfc Elton Sebaugh compound fracture right hand and right ring finger mortar fragment, evacuated--Corporal Everett Beneda penetrating wound top of left shoulder mortar fragment, evacuated.

Tony Sebaugh says------On Dec 23, 1944 Sergeant Fender's gun section moved behind the lines at night after leaving the Hurtgen Forest. We moved back, along with all of the battalion into Belgium to help head off the German drive into the Battle of the Bulge. We stopped at a place I remember as Haversin, Belgium. On December 23rd at 0800 hours, we put our guns into positions to cover an open field as well as a road jct. We had just got our guns into positions and didn't have time to dig foxholes, when mortar shells were starting to land in our area. One of our gun sections spotted what we thought was the German observer about 1000 yards on a rise in the terrain. We fired l round of HE at him, knowing that our .50 cal machine guns might not knock him out. By that time the mortars had zeroed in on our area. Everett Beneda was wounded with penetrating wounds on the top of his left shoulder from a mortar fragment. Van Bagwell, compound fracture of the left thumb and wounds on his face. Emil Reich, penetrating wound of right upper leg . Elton Sebaugh, compound fracture of the right hand ring finger and light wounds of the left hand. All wounded were evacuated but all returned to duty in about 30 days.

Dick Chaney remembers that Larry Wessel and Lionel Moore were killed on Dec 24th,1944 by .50 cal friendly machine gun fire in Haversin, Belgium.

Lew Williams told me at the Reno mini-reunion that it was a very foggy night on Christmas Eve and everyone was very edgy. We had just entered the "Battle of the Bulge" a few days before. We had heard so many stories about the Germans in American uniforms and the "Malmedy Massacre" that things were right for such an accident.

Larry Wessel had came into our outfit just a short time before as a replacement. Moore was evacuated to a field hospital but died the same day.

25th Following reports received from Forward CP--Forward CP left Sin Sin at 1600 hours Dec 23rd and set up new CP at Janne, Belgium 1615 hours Dec 23rd---distance traveled 4 miles. Recon platoon with CP assigned to Company B and used for OPs and to man 3" guns if necessary. T/5 Stoney of Company C Wounded In Action laceration wound left hand---remained on duty. Corporal Pitts of Company C wounded In Action laceration wound right hand---remained on duty.

Received Field Order #25 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group dated 240200 Dec 44; 4th Cavalry Group reinforced with Company C attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron and Company A to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will push reconnaissance and establish screen line on the Liege and L'Homme Rivers between junction of the Lesse and Meuse Rivers and Rochefort (incl) to deny any movement north of the River lines. Action in support of CCA, 2nd Armored Division attacking SE to clear Leignon and Buissonville and thence NE to destroy enemy reported in the woods with elements of British Armor holding crossings of Neuse River on our right flank and elements of 84th Infantry Division on our left flank maintaining outpost line thru Marche to Rochefort.

At 1130 hours Dec 24th at or slightly south of crossroads near Liroux, Belgium, Company C lost one half-track, one 3" gun and one 1/4 ton in action. Company was on march south in convoy with 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron when the forward elements received enemy small arms fire and convoy halted. Corporal Ring's half-track was on crest of high ground; he unhooked gun in road and put it into action turning half-track into field. Vehicle was hit as driver stepped out. Half-track was hit 7 times and burned. Ring fired l round 3" APC at gun flashes and as the Cavalry reported 3 tanks in the vicinity, it is assumed that tanks in defilade were firing at us. We fired at 600 yards range, but results unobserved. Pfc Ring was Lightly Wounded In Action penetrating wound right side of neck but remained on duty throughout the action. Sergeant Morgan endeavored to back his gun into field across road from Ring's gun and put his gun into action but gun jack-knifed and trails were bent. Sergeant Corbett's 1/4 ton was hit 3 times by APC and put out of action. Ring's gun was hit on the trail and it had to be turned in to Ordnance for exchange. Sergeant Morgan's half-track recovered Ring's gun and later he recovered his own gun which is now being repaired. During the time Ring's half-track was hit, Pfc Skolfield went to the half-track under fire for ammunition for the 3" gun. Company C reorganized promptly and went into position as planned.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 25th--0035 hours 3rd platoon in command of 1st Lieutenant John Thompson left Jamodine to attack and hold Humain, Belgium, in support of Troop A of the 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron. Arrived in Humain at approximately 0130 hours, Lieutenant Thompson noted 3 enemy vehicles in streets. He sent a patrol to investigate and learned that a Mark V tank, a half-track and a utility truck out of gas and abandoned. He unhooked 3" gun and fired and destroyed the 3 vehicles before he went into positions of defense which was completed at approximately 0330 hours. Lieutenant Thompson reported to the Troop Commander at this time that the defense was set up with one Recon section in support of each of the 3" antitank guns. At 0400 hours, Lieutenant Thompson was notified by one of his gun squads that they heard tanks to their front. Lieutenant Thompson joined that squad, heard the movement and noted about 30 enemy infantry with a number of flashlights occupy a house to their front. At the same time 1 German tank came into view and was promptly fired upon and destroyed. Lieutenant Thompson ordered 1 gun to fire HE at the house and Sergeants Senne and Urkevich fired bazooka rockets into the same house. Considerable screeming came from the house and it is reasonable to assume that none in the house escaped death or serious injury. Corporal Roones fired at the tanks and another tank was knocked out making it a total of 3 Mark Vs which was later confirmed. Corporal Roones was wounded but continued to fire the .30 cal machine gun when his 3" ammunition was exhausted. Private Stomper cannoneer, carried ammunition from #1 gun to #2 when all the crew were wounded, loaded, sighted and fired the 3" gun by himself. Corporal Strong was shot through the right arm by enemy machine gun fire while he knocked out one of the Mark Vs but continued to fire 3" gun until his ammunition was exhausted and then rested his carbine on a tire of gun carriage and fired at the enemy until his carbine ammunition was expended. Pfc Lang was wounded in the back and arm but refused to be evacuated, hung on to the trails as best he could and continued to pull the lanyard of the 3" gun till the ammunition was expended. The enemy returned our fire with small arms, automatic weapons, bazooka and tank guns and when all our ammunition was expended, Lieutenant Thompson decided to withdraw with his 7 wounded and 2 wounded men from the 24th Cavalry. It was believed that the guns could be gotten out later, but when the enemy fired increased in intensity, Lieutenant Thompson personally went back to the 2 guns and removed the firing mechanisms and brought them back. It was not possible to reach the 3rd gun. Pfc Beard, although wounded himself, carried a wounded man of the 24th Cavalry with him. The 3rd platoon withdrew to Aye. In submitting a personal report of this action, Lieutenant Thompson pointed out that the Battalion Commander's teaching insofar as picking suitable gun positions definitely paid "Dividends in Lives". ---He was not satisfied with the positions chosen by his Sergeants and had them man-handle the 2 guns into a depressed spot. When the enemy tanks fired their 1st rounds at them, their fire went over the heads of the gun sections. Lieutenant Thompson further stated that all he needed was an opportunity to exercise his primary mission of fighting and knocking out tanks and he would accomplish it instead of doing road reconnaissance with 3" guns, finding the enemy and fighting the enemy as infantry. (Art Polak was Lieutenant Thompson's driver).

His 3rd platoon knocked out 3 enemy tanks in this fight. The following casualties resulted---Private Keesee shell fragment belly, evacuated---Sergeant Baxter shell fragment wound head slight, evacuated---Corporal Strong gunshot wound arm, evacuated. Pfc Lang SWF back and arm, evacuated---Pfc Beard shell fragment wound right hand and sprained ankle, evacuated. Corporal Roones shell fragment head, duty. Private Valerio, shell fragment wound head and run over by 1/4 ton, evacuated. Pfc Braaten shell fragment wound cheek, duty.

At 0830 hours the 2nd platoon moved to Hogen, Belgium, and at 1030 hours the 2nd platoon augmented by the 1st platoon moved into position in the vicinity Jamodine, Belgium Received two 3" guns from Company B and one from Company C to make up for the loss of the three 3" guns lost in the Humain action. Closed CP and moved to Aye, Belgium, and established new CP at 1705 hours.

CHRISTMAS DAY 1944

The past weeks had been cloudy, overcast with a lot of rain and snow. It had been excellent for the German's assault into Belgium but for the Allies the Air Force could not give us any air support. On Christmas morning the sun came out bright with clear sky. Our planes were out in full force and this "Christmas Day" marked the turning point on the Battle of the Bulge.

Christmas Day in 1944 the 635th was just like any other day but our morale was improved 100% with the sight of the air support. We did have very heavy fighting as you may see by the above reports.

26th Received copy of Field Order #26 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group dated 241630A Dec 44: Group reinforced attached to 2nd Armored Division will maintain contact between 84th US Infantry Division and with CCA and CCB of 2nd Armored Division. Recon activity toward L'Homme-Lesse and Meuse River, maintain contact with the enemy and screen the assembly areas from the south and west. Company C supporting the 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will cover the gap between the CCA and CCB assembly areas. Company A supporting 24th Recon Squadron will maintain contact between CCA and 84th US Infantry Division on left. Battalion less Company's A and C will, from selected positions, reinforce antitank defenses of the 4th and 24th Recon Squadrons and will be prepared to move reserve elements to Threatened areas.

27th Following report received from Company A for Dec 26th--0930 hours: Lieutenant Horman on Recon for gun positions and tank approaches area. 1100 hours: Battalion Commander and S-3 to Company C and with Company Commander to CP and from there to vicinity to Recon for gun positions. Party shelled by the enemy 3 separate times at 5 minute intervals; approximately 14 rounds of HE estimated at 75mm or 88mm. One piece shrapnel went past the Battalion Commander's foot just as he lifted it from the ground. A piece of rock or shrapnel grazed front of the Battalion CO's upper left leg but did not break skin nor tear clothing. Party took refuge by stone wall until firing was over. No damage other than S-3 suffered scratched and bruised knee when he went to the ground along stone wall for protection---no medical aid necessary---firing evidently from observed positions. 1400 hours: 2 guns 2nd platoon and 1 gun 3rd platoon moved into positions.

Company C left Haversin at 2000 hours Dec 23rd and arrived at Hamois at 2230 hours Dec 23rd--distance traveled 10 miles. Company C left Hamois at 1145 hours Dec 27th and arrived at Ychippe at 1230 hours Dec 27th---distance traveled 10 miles.

Following reports for Dec 26-27th received from Company C--3rd platoon had 1 gun in position in an orchard at Custinne supported by elements of the 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron. When the fog lifted (Dec 26th) Cavalry security was not in evidence and it was decided to withdraw the one 3" gun. Prior to taking gun out of action and as they started moving around to get out of the orchard, enemy artillery fire came in, evidently direct observed tank fire from defilade positions. Sergeant Van Buskirk and Private Duarte, while still under fire, went ahead closing trails of their 3" gun as they could not locate the enemy positions and their first thought was the saving of their gun. 1 round enemy HE hit the trail of the gun breaking it off and wounding both men. Sergeant Van Buskirk shell fragment wound penetrating left heel---evacuated. Private Harold Duarte---shell fragment wound back, evacuated. The 2nd gun of Sergeant Van Buskirk's section then moved into position. At approximately 0200 hours Dec 27th dismounted men were seen approaching along the road some 250 yards from their position. A Lieutenant of the Squadron instructed our troops not to fire as he thought the approaching foot troops were American.

We ordered them to halt, but instead they scattered or dropped to the ground. As a Cavalry outpost of 3 men were not in evidence, our men promptly opened fire on the enemy, 3 of whom came forward and surrendered. Private Goldstein ordered the 3 prisoners to call to their comrades to lay down their arms and come forward with their hands in the air. 4 more came forward and gave themselves up. The remainder of the enemy retreated to the woods. Gunner Corporals Fogarty and Dickson promptly placed their men in advantageous around the gun in preparation for a counter-attack as it could not at that time be determined how many of the enemy were in the area. As quickly as the men went into their selected positions, a German Lieutenant and a group of men started forward toward our position. Corporal Dickson and Corporal Fogarty opened fire with their .30 cal machine guns, killing 2 and the officer and 6 more men surrendered to us. In all we killed 2 men and 1 officer and 13 men surrendered. The prisoners wore US combat boots, combat jackets and 1 man had a pair of combat trousers, but none were completely equipped with American uniforms. Corporal Dickson then spotted approximately 150 enemy foot troops on a nearby ridge but the Squadron officer would not permit our men to fire, stating they might be friendly. It was later determined the troops were enemy and if the outpost herein mentioned was in position as planned,this could have been established and we would have easily inflicted heavy casualties with HE fire. This situation indicated in part the difficulties of this particular phase of this campaign against the enemy. The enemy wearing all or part of American uniforms such as overcoats, short coats, field and combat jackets, etc making sure of the identity of approaching troops difficult. If a hesitancy to shoot our own troops did not exist, many more enemy would have been killed or put out of action during this particular fire fight.

29th Forward CP shelled during night of 28-29th of Dec---no damage. Forward CP moved---left Jsnnee at 1045 hours Dec 28th and arrived and set up new CP at LaLoux at 1545 hours Dec 28th ---distance traveled 11 miles.

Company B left Sin Sin at 1045 hours Dec 29th and arrived one mile south of LaLoux at 1545 hours Dec 28th---distance traveled 12 miles. Due to icy conditions of roads, l half-track wrecked badly damaging frame of vehicle, necessitating replacement.

Company C departed Ychippe at 1030 hours Dec 28th and arrived 1 mile east of Ciergnon at 1500 hours Dec 28th--distance traveled 18 miles.

Received Field Order #27 dated 262200 Dec 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group--Group reinforced maintains present outpost and road blocks; protects the assembly area of CCR (2nd Armored Division); holds present front line as LD for CCR. After being passed through by CCR, will protect left (E) flank of CCA, will be prepared to counter-attack on order any enemy armor breakthrough from east, southeast or south, and maintain contact with the 84th US Infantry Division on left (E) and CCR on the right (W), Company A will support 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron (reinforced) from present positions, will block any enemy movement to the north or northeast in zone of action.

Rec'd Field Order #28 dated 271800 Dec 44 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group---Group (reinforced), attached to CCA 2nd Armored Division effective 271800 Dec 44 will move beginning 280900 Dec 44 to establish screen along line Lesse and L'Homme Rivers in Group Zone of action---supporting CCA 2nd Armored Division while they continue to clean out enemy in CC zone of action as far south as the Lesse and L'Homme Rivers. 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron (reinforced) (Company C attached) will move at 280900 Dec from present position to establish screen along Lesse River within squad zone of action and prevent enemy movement north of the river. 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron (reinforced) (Company A attached) will move from present position at 28100 Dec to establish screen along the Lesse-L'Homme River and prevent enemy movement north of rivers. Battalion, less Company's A and C will move to forward assembly area.

Following report received from Company A --- For Dec 27th: 0800 hours CCR 2nd Armored Division jumped off on their attack on Humain; LD Company A 3" guns.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 28th: 0100 hours---- Received Field Order #37 dated 272100 Dec 44 Headquarters 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron reinforced by Company A will move to Bois de Famenne, recon south in assigned zone to line of Lesse and L'Homme Rivers to establish a counter Recon screen. After counter Recon screen established, Company A will place guns in position to provide Antitank defense within Squadron zone. 1050 hours---moved CP and arrived and set up new CP at Fm de L'Esperance at 1535 hours---distance traveled 22.7 miles. 1730 hours: 2nd platoon in position at 1735 hours. Private Callwell and Couture, 2nd platoon, captured German Lieutenant. 1740 hours --lst platoon in position and 3rd platoon in position.

30th 8 of our 11 motorcycles turned in to Ordnance due to operational conditions.

Forward CP moved---left LaLoux at 0910 hours Dec 30th and arrived and established new CP at Scy, Belgium at 1030 hours in abandoned Chateau now occupied by a small order of Benedictine Monks- distance traveled 14 miles.

31st Following report received from Company A for Dec 29th: 1700 hours--- lst platoon moved into new positions. Utilized British bulldozer to dig in gun. Four 3" guns were dug in under supervision of our gun Sergeant's in less than 2 hours.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 30th:1500 hours--2nd platoon, 2 guns, moved from positions to reserve positions.

Following report received from Company A for Dec 31st---moved 1005 hours and established new CP 1330 hours at Troudes Chiens near Sin Sin--distance traveled 11.4 miles.

Company C moved--left position at 1230 hours Dec 30th and arrived at Scy, Belgium 1545 hours Dec 30th--distance traveled 27 miles.

Company B moved--left LaLoux at 0915 hours Dec 30th and arrived at Scy at 1100 hours on Dec 30th--distance traveled 15 miles.

Group detached from 2nd Armored Division Dec 31st and reverted to Corps control.

SUMMARY FOR DECEMBER l944

The 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed) has been in the field since D plus 2 with no specified rest period other than in assembly areas, and a small percentage of officers and enlisted men on 48 hour and 72 hour passes to Paris, France, and Verviers, Belgium. During our attachment to the 1st US Infantry Division Artillery through Aug 31st 1944, our firing companies have been under the control of the Division's Regimental Antitank Officers and generally were used to reinforce the organic regimental antitank defense. Because of the nature of the operations, and the disorganization of enemy armor, we did not fire at any tanks. In many instances, our gun platoons found themselves either on the infantry front line or in position in front of the infantry. Our support of the lst US Infantry Division entailed many fire fights with the enemy and we were subjected to considerable artillery shelling and bombing and strafing by enemy planes. We received favorable commendation for our services with the 1st US Infantry Division from Commanding general, 1st US Infantry Division Artillery dated Oct 24,1944 with comparable endorsements by Commanding general, 1st US Infantry Division, and Commanding general, VII Corps.

Our attachment to the 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized), become effective Sept 1st, l944 and we are currently attached to the same organization. Our firing companies have been employed by the Squadron Commanders on their screening missions, against enemy patrol activity, combat patrols, observation patrols, outposts, road blocks, and dismounted as infantry. Only during December in action against the enemy in Belgium were we able to prove our ability to perform our primary mission of destroying tanks. In the fire fight which ensued at Humain, Belgium on Dec 25th, the 3rd platoon of Company A destroyed three (3) enemy Mark V tanks.

We were responsible for killing and/or putting out of action against our troops many of the enemy, and in previous reports have taken credit only for those of the enemy we were actually able to verify ourselves. We are, however, positive we killed many more, particularly with our 3" gun fire. In one instance alone during an indirect firing mission against enemy foot troops on the road to Schmid, Germany, A, CP reported that dead and wounded enemy were hauled away for five hours. We took 116 prisoners up to Dec 31st and took credit only for those of the enemy we captured independently of assistance. Our 3" guns neutralized many enemy pillboxes and mortar batteries in action against our troops, destroyed machine gun nest, enemy armored, utility and horse-drawn vehicles, OPs, CPs and houses occupied by the enemy. Our mission to destroy the enemy and his means of fighting our troops was effectively accomplished, and we enter the new year with the same purpose in view and with even greater determination to do our share and more to gain victory against the Germans.

Battle casualties through Dec 31st were as follows:
Officers Enlisted Men Total
Killed in Action 1 23 24
Missing in Action 0 1 1
Wounded in Action-Evacuated 3 105 108
Wounded in Action-Not Evacuated 3 68 71
Died of Wounds 1 7 8

Our officers and enlisted men distinguished themselves in action against the enemy and through Dec 31st, 1944 was 7 Silver Stars and 13 Bronze Stars have been awarded. Additional recommendations are at present being processed through channels.

SILVER STARS:
1st Lieutenant Paul W. Whelehon Company B
Sergeant Donald W. Dever " B
Private Luther B. Johnson Medical Detachment
Staff Sergeant William E. Lewis Headquarters Company
Sergeant James A. Lackey Company B
Sergeant William G. Stubbs " B
Pfc Floyd L. Hicks " B

BRONZE STARS
Sergeant Lawrence J. Peterson Company B
Corporal Kelly Savoy " B
Sergeant Charles E. Mead " B
Sergeant Joseph M. Stalpes " B
Corporal Richard C. Fatchett " B
Pfc Henry P. Bender " B
Pfc James O. Bussman " B
Private Henry V. Ellis " B
Pfc Frank L. Farmer Medical Detachment
Corporal Kenneth E. Way Company C
Pfc Vinson D. Davis " C

BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER TO BRONZE STAR
Corporal Kelly Savoy Company B

Casualties for December
1-----Officer Wounded and not evacuated 1 Officer Killed in Action
31-----Enlisted men Wounded and not evacuated 6 Enlisted Men Killed in Action
1-----Enlisted man Missing in Action
+ 24-----Enlisted men Evacuated--Non Battle
+ 1-----Officer Evacuated--Non Combat

+ The Non Battle casualties in December were weather related. The weather in December and January was very severe due to a lot of rain and snow. The men could not keep dry and the major part of the casualties had foot problems. For about a month in Nov and Dec the troops were in the Hurtgen Forest followed by 2 months in the Battle of the Bulge in Dec and into Jan with the severe winter weather and little of any shelter.

During the Battle of the Bulge we would see the Germans use huge flood lights that they bounced the light off of low overhanging clouds. This would cause an artificial moonlight.

The "Sceeming Meemie" which we had heard in Normandy were used again by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge in December.

During the 1st days of the Battle of the Bulge, Germans were dressed in American Military Police uniforms and driving American Jeeps. They were placed at road junctions to mis-direct our units, sometimes into 88mm gun emplacements. They had changed road signs at major road junctions and for a few days it was causing much confusion. This only last a couple of days until we learned to trust no one without some sort of identification. Whenever in any doubt, we would ask them questions that only an American would know. Such question as about our comic strips, Hollywood stars or about American baseball. This would usually trip them up.

JANUARY 1945

1st 2nd Lieutenant Louis Mitchell transferred to Headquarters VII Corps for further assignment per Headquarters 1st US Army Special Order 357 of Dec 28th,1944.

2nd 2nd platoon Company B left Jan 1st for VII Corps Forward to act as Corps Security Guard. 3rd platoon of Company B and Headquarters Recon platoons left CP Jan 1st to support Corps Guard at Pontoon Bridge at Andenne, Belgium, mission 24 hours duration only.

Group Attached to 84th US Infantry Division per VOCG VII Corps.

Battalion CP left Scy, Belgium at 0315 hours Jan 2nd and arrived at Ronheuville, Belgium at 0630 hours Jan 2nd---distance traveled 24 miles.

Company B left Scy, Belgium at 0315 hours on Jan 2nd and arrived at Ronheuville, Belgium at 0630 hours Jan 2nd---distance traveled 25 miles.

Company C left Scy, Belgium at 0300 hours Jan 2nd and arrived at Ronheuville, Belgium at 0715 hours on Jan 2nd ---distance traveled 22 miles.

Company A left 1 mile west of Sin Sin, Belgium at 0430 hours Jan 2nd and arrived at Soliers, Belgium at 0900 hours on Jan 2nd---distance traveled 23.1 miles.

On January 2nd, Company A was re-organized into 4 tank destroyer platoons each with three 3" guns. This was to permit three platoons of 3 guns each to be on active duty and one platoon could be in reserve at all times. Companies B and C were re-organized at a later date.

Received Field Order #1 dated 022200A Jan 45 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized). Battalion Company A attached to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and Company C to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron attached to 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) (reinforced) attached to 84th US Infantry Division and further attached to TF Church which attacks in close support of CCA 2nd Armored Division and eliminates all pockets of enemy resistance within its zone of action. Protects west flank of the Corps, blocking any enemy movement across L'Ourthe River. Blocks La Roche, Belgium (P4678) by seizing Cielle, Belgium (P3679) and high ground (P4679). Bovigny (7082) prepare to continue advance to the east on order of 1st US Army. Formations, 3rd Armored Division on left,2nd Armored Division on right, followed by 83rd US Infantry Division in zone of 3rd Armored and 84th US Infantry Division in zone of 2nd Armored Division. 2nd Division attacks 03830 Jan 45 through present front lines to seize the line of the L'Ourthe River and establish bridge head at Houffalize. 84th US Infantry Division attacks in close support of 2nd Armored Division, eliminates all pockets of resistance within its zone of action, protects the right flank of the Corps and blocks any movement across the L'Ourthe River. Company C 298th Engineer Battalion less 1st and 2nd platoons is attached to this Battalion. Company C 297th Engineer Battalion less 1st and 2nd platoons is relieved of attachment to 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

3rd Two ambulances assigned to Forward CP.

Elements of the 297th Engineers attached to Forward CP relieved of attachment as of Jan 2nd and 1 combat platoon and 1 Headquarters platoon attached to Forward CP from 298th Engineer.

4th 2nd Lieutenant James S. Lynch, 01822028, officer-reinforcement reported for duty per Par 87 SO 3 of Jan 3rd 45, Headquarters 92nd Replacement Battalion, 3rd Replacement Depot.

Battalion CP left Ronheuville, Belgium, at 0800 hours Jan 3rd 45 and arrived at Barvaux, Belgium, at 1315 hours Jan 3rd 45---distance traveled 27 miles.

Company B left Ronheuville at 0800 hours Jan 3rd and arrived at Barvaux at 1315 hours Jan 3rd---distance traveled 27 miles.

Company C left Ronheuville at 0815 hours Jan 3rd and arrived Barvaux at 1400 hours Jan 3rd---distance traveled 27 miles.

Company A left Soliers, Belgium at 0820 hours on Jan 3rd and arrived at Petit Han, Belgium at 1100 hours Jan 3rd---distance traveled 16 miles. Company A left Petit Han at 1705 hours Jan 3rd and arrived at Erezee, Belgium the same day---distance traveled 10 miles.

5th Following report from Company A dated Jan 4th 45---Received Field Order #1 Headquarters 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron dated 032000 Jan 45---Company A supporting Squadron in mission of reconnoitering and mopping up pockets of resistance within assigned zone per Field Order #1 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) noted herein.

6th Following report from Company A dated Jan 5th: 0900-1300 hours---4th platoon Commanders on recon in area Blier-Amonines-Wy. 1630 hours: lst platoon moved from CP to gun positions in vicinity with A Troop 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron manning the roadblocks. Platoon went into position at 2000 hours. 1930 hours: 2nd platoon moved from CP to gun positions at 2350 hours with CP location.

7th Following report from Company A dated Jan 6th: 2215 hours ---CP placed on half hour alert for movement to Beffe, Belgium. 2230 hours: Lieutenants Thompson and Horman on road and gun position Recon to vicinity Beffe, Belgium.

Received Field Order #3 dated 072200A Jan 45 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group VII Corps continues attack with 84th US Infantry Division jumping off at 080900 Jan 45. Group reinforced with 1st Battalion 290th Infantry Regiment (reinforced) attached secures the line of the L'Ourthe River from Rendoux Bas Jupille by 080999A Jan to prevent enemy movement east of river and clears Marcour. 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron reinforced with our Company C attached will move to and occupy Marcouret relieving 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment prior to 081000 Jan to establish OP to cover crossing of L'Ourthe River at Jupille: prepare to assist in cleaning out of Marcour. Battalion less Company C will move on Group order and reconnoiter Marcouret for antitank defense, coordinate emplacement of all Tank Destroyers employ reserves to establish defense in depth.

8th Following report from Company A dated Jan 7th 45: Receiver Field Order #2 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron dated 072300 Jan 45---Company A reverts to operations control of Commanding Officer 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion-T and to make preparation for movement.

Battalion Commanded accompanied by S-3, Battalion Liason Officer, established an Advance Forward CP amidst the rubble of Beffe, Belgium, to permit closer control of the screening missions assigned to the 3 firing companies, and to closely monitor the choice of appropriate antitank gun positions at the most likely tank approaches.

Company C left Barvaux, Belgium, at 0300 hours Jan 8th and arrived Marcouret, Belgium 1730 hours---distance 19 miles.

Company B left Barvaux at 1045 hours Jan 8th and arrived 1350 hours at Amonines, Belgium---distance traveled 9.7 miles.

9th Following report from Company A dated Jan 8th 45: 0845 hours---Lieutenant Games relieved of command of 2nd platoon and returned to Battalion Rear Echelon. Lieutenant Proctor, Company Executive Officer, took command of 2nd platoon. 1400 hours---1st platoon in position and 2nd platoon in reserve with CP. 3rd platoon in position also 4th platoon in positions.

10th Company C reported their CP vicinity Marcouret, Belgium, received considerable direct enemy tank fire during night of Jan 9th.

Battalion Commander returned to Forward CP from Advance CP established Jan 8th at Beffe, Belgium.

Company B retained its Company CP in vicinity Barvaux, moved 1 platoon into antitank positions at south end of Tevantave, Belgium and another platoon on northwest edge of Tevantave, Belgium.

Company C went with 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron from Barvaux, Belgium, to vicinity of Trinal, Belgium. Due to icy and impassable condition of roads, convoy unable to reach Marcouret, Belgium, until late that evening. 3 platoons went into positions around the town Jan 9th. Reported that the 4th platoon sustained considerable enemy shelling during late evening Jan 9th and considerable shelling edge of Beffe, Belgium, during evening and night.

Enemy shelled Marcouret, Belgium vicinity Company C area from general vicinity Erezee, Belgium.

Following report received from Company A for Jan 9th 45 ---1525 hours: Moved from vicinity Beffe and arrived 1625 hours---distance traveled 6 miles. 2150 hours: Unable to transmit over company radios; Enemy jamming battalion channels.

Received Operations Memo #2 Jan 10th Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized): Group reinforced will support 334th Infantry Regiment Group will continue to protect right (W) flank of VII Corps. Will extend zone of action to the east as shown, relieving 2nd Battalion,334th Infantry Regiment Will establish and maintain contact with 3rd Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment at P490613 on our left (E) flank. 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron with our Company C attached will relieve 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment in Cielle by dark Jan 10th. Will relieve 2nd Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment on high ground in vicinity by dark Jan 10th. Will establish and maintain contact initially with elements of lst Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment on left (R) flank. Will establish and maintain contact with elements of 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron upon relief of 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment by 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron. 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron with our Company A attached will reconnoiter position and relieve elements 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment in zone by 111400A Jan 45. Upon relief of 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment will establish and maintain contact with elements of 3rd Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment Initial aggressive patrolling to south and southeast in zone of action. Company A this Battalion attached to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron effective 101200A Jan 45.

Company B left Amonines, Belgium at 1425 hours Jan 10th and arrived at Beffe at 1500 hours ---distance traveled 3.4 miles.

Company C left Marcouret, Belgium at 1500 hours on Jan 10th and arrived at Cielle, Belgium 1535 hours---distance traveled 2 miles.

11th Battalion Commander chose new CP area at Marcour, Belgium and secured sufficient number of billets for entire forward CP.

Company C reported that during their move from Marcouret, Belgium to Cielles, Belgium their convoy heavily shelled by enemy artillery. Also that approximately 60 rounds from enemy tanks fell into their CP area this morning.

Forward Battalion CP moved from vicinity Barvaux, Belgium at 1235 hours and arrived at 1335 hours in Marcour, Belgium---distance traveled 14.2 miles.

Battalion assigned the responsibility for the defense of Marcour, Belgium. Battalion Commander assigned Lieutenant Carlson, Recon Officer to coordinate the defense with other units in and in vicinity of Marcour.

Following report received from Company A for Jan 10th 45: 1200 hours: transferred from operational control of Battalion Commander to CO, 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron. 1500 hours: 1st platoon in position and 2nd platoon in positions.

Company A left Beffe at 1530 hours Jan 11th and arrived at Marcouret, Belgium, at 1547 hours---distance traveled 3 miles.

Received Operations Memo #3 dated Jan 11th 45 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group: Mission of Group reinforced: 1st Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment with 1 platoon Engineer and 64th Recon Troop attached, attacks Jan 12th to seize Berismenil Madrin and Filly. Group reinforced will advance to southeast within zone 120900A Jan 45, clear area of enemy, secure portion of LaRoche east of river and Villee---will sweep La Roche-Maboge Road. 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron with Company A attached will advance within zone 120900A Jan, clear area of enemy and seize initial objective Borzee---will secure final objective Maboge-Berismenil Road within Zone.

12th Following report received from Company A for Jan 11th 45 : 1330 hours: 2nd platoon in position, also 3rd platoon in position. 4th platoon in position. 1445 hours: Sergeant Spain Wounded In Action ---remained on duty status. Sergeant Spain was standing alongside of road when a tank hit a mine. The concussion threw him approximately 12 feet and he received penetrating wound left cheek and laceration wound lower lip from mine fragments. Given treatment by platoon medical aid man.

13th Battalion CP area bombed by enemy planes at 1145 hours. Six bombs were dropped, no damage other than broken glass.

Company C reported---1st and 2nd platoons in LaRoche, Belgium, 3rd platoon in Cielles, Belgium awaiting orders to assist Troop A's (4th Cavalry Recon Squadron) attack to south of La Roche. Commanding Officer Company C with platoon officer and platoon Sergeant 3rd platoon went forward with tanks to reconnoiter for gun positions. Commanding Officer, Company C, captured German officer of GAF in LaRoche. Sergeant Goodspeed's gun section reported a number of enemy artillery air burst from tank gun in front of their position., were unable to locate tank ----no damage.

Company C left Cielle, Belgium at 0900 hours Jan 12th and arrived at LaRoche, Belgium, at 0920 hours Jan 12th---distance traveled 3 miles.
Company B moved--left Beffe, Belgium at 1145 hours Jan 13th and arrived Marcour, Belgium at 1210 hours---distance traveled 3.3 miles.

14th From 0005 to 0035 hours enemy planes estimated between 8 and 12 were over Battalion CP area at Marcour, Belgium. Approximately 10 bombs were dropped and planes strafed---no damage other than broken glass.

Battalion Commander, S-3 and Liason Officer, left for Samree, Belgium, on group order to investigate the advisability of establishing an Advance Forward CP. Party returned due to change of Group mission. Battalion Commander reported T/5 Merle G. Couch (Headquarters Company) Killed In Action. Upon arrival at Samree, Belgium with S-3 at approximately 0930 hours, Couch went to a fire made by some other troops to warm his hands. As he was about to come abreast of the fire, an enemy grenade buried in the snow exploded and hit him in the groin, fragments traveling upward, killed him instantly.

Company B reported 2nd platoon assigned to VII Corps Forward for guard duty, moved with Corps Forward to Liernieu, Belgium, on Jan 13th.

Company C reported---Company CP area bombed by enemy planes after midnight Jan 13th. Bomb fragments hit CP building and a number fell near Sergeant Marintzer's gun but no damage done. Company C moved 0800 hours Jan 14th from La Roche and arrived Villez, Belgium at 0815 hours Jan 14th---distance traveled 2 miles.

Battalion Received VII Corps (Secret) Troop assignment #3 (Administration) confirming that this Battalion under 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) for administration.

15th Group released from attachment to 84th US Infantry Division as of 1200 hours Jan 15th and reverted to Corps Control---Group reinforced in rest stage as of that time, except 2nd platoon Company B on duty with Corps Forward as Corps guard.

2 guns 3rd platoon and platoon Headquarters, Company B, moved from antitank positions vicinity Devantave, Belgium, to rest area Marcour, Belgium. 2 guns 1st platoon and platoon Headquarters moved from Beffe to rest area Marcour, Belgium. Battalion Commander assigned one platoon Company B the mission of river security in Marcour, Belgium.

2nd platoon Company B attached to Division Artillery, 3rd Armored Division and 3rd platoon, Company B attached to Division Artillery, 2nd Armored Division for the purpose of firing an illuminating mission. 2nd platoon released from assignment of guarding VII Corps Forward for this mission and reported to 3rd Armored Division Artillery and went into positions. 3rd platoon went into position and became attached to Battery C of the 78th Field Artillery Battalion of the 2nd Armored Division.

Following report received from Company A for Jan 14th 45: 1700 hours -2nd platoon moved to Samree, Belgium, in reserve position. 3rd platoon moved to Marcouret, Belgium in reserve position. 4th platoon moved into sheltered positions in identical location. All of Company A now under cover and commenced on maintenance of vehicles, ordnance and personal equipment.

Company C moved---left Villez, Belgium, at 1000 hours Jan 15th and arrived Marcour, Belgium 1200 hours Jan 15th---distance traveled 7 miles. In rest area.

Company A moved --left Marcouret, Belgium 1405 hours Jan 15th and arrived LaRoche 1445 hours Jan 15th--distance traveled 6 miles. Rest area.

16th Recommendations for battlefield promotions to 2nd Lieutenant of Staff Sergeant Woodrow Larson, Company A, and Staff Sergeant Harold Harrington, Company B, also promoted to Captain of 1st Lieutenant Charles E. Smith, Battalion S-2, instigated by the Battalion Commander.

17th Company B reported that 2nd platoon attached to 3rd Armored Division Artillery fired 5 star shells and 2 HE time shells on Jan 16th mission accomplished. Platoon area received enemy counter battery of approximately 200 rounds.

Company C alerted for movement Jan 18th with 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron on a holding mission.

18th Received Field Order #4 dated 172400A Jan 45 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized); Mission---To relieve elements of 3rd Armored Division and defend line Sommerlane-Vaux to prevent enemy movement to northwest. Company C attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move 180730A Jan 45 via Samree, Belgium to relieve 83rd Recon Battalion and elements to CC Howse ---will establish defense of area along line Sommerland-Vaux within zone---will maintain contacts on right and left---will patrol aggressively to the southeast. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion less Company C and 2 platoons of Company B will reconnoiter group zone and coordinate emplacement of tank destroyer guns. Will make recommendations for employment of reserves to provide defense in depth. Company A, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will remain present positions Marcour, Belgium, prepared to move on order Battalion Commander.

0840 hours: Battalion Commander left Marcour, Belgium, and 10 enlisted men left to establish Advance Forward CP at area 5 miles north of Houffalize, Belgium in conjunction with Company C's mission --was joined by Battalion S-3 and Battalion Ln C,---arrived 1000 hours --distance traveled 19 miles.

Company C moved--left Marcour 0900 hours Jan 18th 45 and arrived at area 5 miles north of Houffalize,Belgium,1330 hours Jan 18th -distance traveled 24 miles.

Company C reported---Pfc Clyde Liles and Private Lawrence D Carr Wounded In Action Jan 18th at Vaux, Belgium, and evacuated---both had mortar fragments in legs.

19th 3rd platoon, Company B, detached Jan 19th from 2nd Armored Division Artillery for illuminating missions fired 4 star shells Jan 17th---Mission accomplished. Platoon Commander reported the infantry killed 49 enemy troops discovered removing our mines in front of a 3rd Armored Division road block.
20th Received Operations Memo #4, Jan 19th 45, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized): Group reinforced will relieve elements 2nd Armored Division ---will extend zone to the east to include Cherain-Rettigney relieving elements of 3rd Armored Division now occupying positions in our zone. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move reserve platoon Company B from Marcour and reinforce 32nd Recon tank destroyer defenses within their zone---will reconnoiter eastward portion of group zone and coordinate and supplement antitank defenses as necessary.

2nd platoon Company B relieved as of 201200 Jan 45 from 2nd Armored Division and from guarding Corps Forward Headquarters and reverted to Battalion Control.

Company B moved---left Marcour at 1045 hours Jan 20th and arrived 1400 hours Jan 20th approximately 1000 meters southeast of Mont, Belgium--- distance traveled 22.3 miles. Company B reported their gun positions: 1st platoon, 2nd platoon, 3rd platoon all moved into new positions.

Company C reported their gun positions, all platoons in new positions. Company C reported at 2230 hours Jan 19th, Private McNaughton captured German prisoner.

22nd Company C reported: at 1030 hours Jan 20th 1st Lieutenant Joe K LaCroix, commanding Company C was Severely Wounded In Action by land mine badly lacerating his right side from legs through hip, neck, and face, evacuated. His 1/4 ton hit land mine and was demolished and reported as battle loss for exchange. Radio salvaged, Driver T/5 Slonaker uninjured. Company C CP and platoon positions shelled by enemy artillery Jan 19th no damage.

Company C reported---on 17 and 18th of January, 1st and 3rd platoons heavily shelled by enemy artillery and mortar fire.

Battalion Commander appointed 1st Lieutenant Archie A. Pritchard to command Company C vice 1st Lieutenant Joe K. LaCroix wounded ---evacuated.

2nd Lieutenant Atcherson Bercaw, 01824562, officer-reinforcement, reported for duty Jan 19th per authority par 52, SO 18, Headquarters 92nd Replacement Battalion, 3rd Replacement Depot, Jan 18th 45.

Company C moved---left Sommeraine for Vaux, Belgium Jan 20th.

23rd Battalion alerted for movement to rest area - the first day since committed to participate in the Battle of the Bulge this Battalion out of contact with the enemy.

24th S-3 left with billeting party vicinity Huy, Belgium, designated as rest area and Battalion Commander left for new area and to check our Companies march in route.

Battalion entered into rest, rehabilitation and refitting period following area governed.

Battalion CP left vicinity 5 miles north of Houffalize, Belgium, 0900 hours and arrived 3 miles east of Huy, Belgium, at 1310 hours ---distance traveled 52 miles. Balance Headquarters Forward CP joined Group and Company B column from Marcour, Belgium. Billeted in Chateau d'Alain.

Company A left LaRoche, Belgium, at 0900 hours and arrived vicinity Haillot, Belgium at 1230 hours--distance traveled 40 miles.

Company B left vicinity of Mont, Belgium, 0900 hours and arrived vicinity La Sarte, Belgium at 1430 hours--distance traveled 55 miles.

Company C left vicinity Vaux, Belgium at 0900 hours and arrived vicinity Stieniha, Belgium ---distance traveled 55 miles.

26th Captain Dan R. Owen, Battalion Adjutant was appointed Information-Education Officer in addition to his other duties.

27th 2nd Lieutenant Gordon, departed Battalion on detached service to 3rd Armored Division per Letter Orders #44,Headquarters VII Corps, Jan 27th 45.

Received 1st US Army TWX A40211 Jan 25th 45, appointing Staff Sergeant Woodrow Larson, Company A and Staff Sergeant Harold Harrington, Company B 2nd Lieutenants Army of the U.S.---both discharged as enlisted men this date.

Received memo from 4th Cavalry Group that 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion upon alert status for anti-airborne defense will establish check point in Ben-Ahin, Belgium, with the firing companies less 3" guns, alerted for immediate commitment on group order. S-3 assigned mission of coordinating alert system.

28th Battalion Adjutant swore in Harrington and Larson as 2nd Lieutenants, Army of the U.S. Battalion Commander assigned 2nd Lieutenant Harrington to Company A and 2nd Lieutenant Larson to Company B.

31st Received letter of Commendation to Group Reinforced from Commanding General, 84th US Infantry Division, with comparable endorsement from Commanding General, VII Corps and Commanding Officer, 4th Cavalry Group, for the part this Battalion played while attached to the 84th US Infantry Division from Jan 2nd to Jan 15th 1945 while Group Reinforced by this Battalion screening the line of the L'Ourthe River protecting the right flank of the VII Corps, and in addition, the Group attacked in a wide zone, through adverse terrain and weather, and seized the towns of Marcouret, LaRoche, Villez, Maboge, and Borzee, Belgium against stubborn resistance. Copy of letter commendation attached.

SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 1945

The Battle of the Bulge brought to an end, the Battalion was out of contact with the enemy for the lst time on Jan 23rd 1945 since its participation in this campaign and on the 24th of January the entire battalion moved into its 1st rest, rehabilitation and refitting period since D-Day. After a 72 hour all rest and no work period, road marches to keep the personnel fit were inaugurated. A high state maintenance of vehicles and ordnance was conducted and resulted in a superior rating from the inspection team of the 516th Ordnance Battalion. Weapons classes, classes on indirect firing and Fire Direction Control were conducted. All companies went to designated firing ranges and fired small arms, machine guns, bazookas; Reconnaissance platoons fired their 37mm guns. Personal equipment was checked and cleaned. Men were given the opportunity for showers at designated shower points and the Medical Detachment physically inspected all personnel as prescribed. Moving pictures and stage shows were arranged for, as well as passes to the "on Limits" towns of Huy and Andennes. In all, every advantage was made available to the personnel of this battalion during their rest period.

Headquarters Company rested at Huy, Belgium
Company A rested at Haillot, Belgium
Company B rested at LaSarte, Belgium
Company C rested at Huy, Belgium.

In the last half of December 1944 and the first half of January 1945, we saw the birth and the death of the German’s last offensive.

On January 2nd, Company A was re-organized into 4 tank destroyer platoons each with three 3" guns. This was to permit three platoons of 3 guns each to be on active duty and one platoon could be in reserve at all times. Companies B and C were re-organized at a later date.

The Germans were using the Nebelwerfer or "Screeming Meemies" more during this Battle of the Bulge. We had heard it a lot in Normandy but it was used less frequent during the massive push across France, Belgium and up to the German Boarder.

The "Battle of the Bulge" could be told in almost one word "WEATHER"

At the end of January the 1st and 3rd Armies started its final dash to the Siegfried Line, and on into the German Homeland.

Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action.

SILVER STARS:
1st Lieutenant John B. Thompson Company A
Corporal William F. Shows Company C
Sergeant Harold A. Roones Company A
Corporal Stanley W. Strong Company A
Pfc William E. Lang Company A
Private Verne Stomper Company A

BRONZE STAR
Private Ermon Phipps Headquarters Company
Private Howard B. Vogan Company A
Sergeant Joseph D. Crandall Company C
Sergeant Clarence E. Schuler Company A
T/5 Glen E. McClurg Company A

FEBRUARY 1945

1st and 2nd The Battalion was in a rest area.

3rd Alerted for movement from Rest Area back to Germany.

lst Lieutenant Charles B. Smith, 0273009, promoted to Captain; authority 1st US Army Special Order 32, Feb 1st 45 Paragraph 1.

4th Battalion Command Post left rest area located 3 miles west of Huy, Belgium, at 1115 hours and arrived in new assembly area in Aachen, Germany at 1620 hours---distance traveled 60 miles.

Company A left rest area Haillot, Belgium, at 1045 hours and arrived in new assembly area in Aachen, Germany at 1600 hours---distance traveled 63.3 miles.

Company B left rest area LaSarte, Belgium at 1045 hours and arrived in new assembly area in Aachen, Germany at 1615 hours---distance traveled 64 miles.

Company C left rest area Stieniha, Belgium at 1150 hours and arrived in new assembly area in Aachen, Germany at 1620 hours---distance traveled 61 miles.

9th 1 Officer and 8 Enlisted men this command decorated for gallantry in action by Commanding General,VII Corps, at Corps Forward, Eschweiler, Germany.

10th All Battalion personnel in assembly area attended showing of non-fraternization training film, "Our Job in Germany".

Received Field Order #7 dated 101500A Feb 45 Headquarters 4th Cavalry (Mechanized): VII Corps with 104th US Infantry Division on left and 8th US Infantry Division on right will attack D-Day at H-Hour to seize a bridgehead over the Roer River and continue advance to the northeast to the Erft River protecting the right flank of the 9th US Army. 3rd Armored Division will attack on a broad front after seizure of Corps bridgehead, using bridges in sectors of 104th US Infantry Division and 8th US Infantry Division to seize the 3rd Armored Division objective. XIX Corps with 30th US Infantry Division on its right, will operate on left flank of VII Corps. 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) will be prepared to cross the Roer River on Corps order in the sector of the l04th US Infantry Division upon establishment of Corps bridgehead ---will be prepared to operate on the left flank of the Corps to maintain contact with the right flank of the XIX Corps and to clear the wooded area in its zone occupation. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will be prepared to relieve elements 415th Infantry Regiment, 104 US Infantry Division in the portion of the Corps bridgehead in zone of operations on order. Will be prepared to clear the wooded area in the Group Zone of operations on order---will establish and maintain contact with elements XIX Corps on its left. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, reinforcing 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron, will be prepared to operate in any part of the Group zone of operations. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, less Company's A and C, with Company C less 2nd platoon 298th Combat Engineer Battalion will be prepared to move forward assembly area on order.

13th 255th Ordnance Inspection Team inspected 10% of our vehicles and Ordnance---all Companies ---were given superior rating.

All available personnel in assembly area attended lecture on "Counter-Sabotage".

14th 1st Lieutenant Francis A. Pommett, Headquarters Recon Officer, to 30th US Infantry Division as Liason Officer.

17th Received Operations Memorandum #5, Feb 17th 45, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized): Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will be prepared to move to new assembly area vicinity Eschweiler, Germany on group order. Company C 298th Combat Engineer Battalion (less 3 platoons) will be attached to 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion effective H-Hour D-Day.

19th Battalion Rear Echelon moved to Aachen, Germany from Huy, Belgium.

Received from Headquarters 1st US Army Organization Order No.2 dated Feb 15th 45 (Confidential) ordering the reorganization of 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion in accordance with Table of Organization and Equipment 18-35, of Sept 1st 1944 effective Feb 15th 1945.

24th Received Operations Memo #6 Feb 24th 1945 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion reinforcing 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron moves 242350A Feb 1945 from assembly area Aachen, Germany to Huchem-Stammelin Germany. Upon closing in Huchem-Stammelin, initiate Recon to Oberzier prepare to relieve elements of the 415th Infantry Regiment in Oberzier. Be prepared to extend to include Ellen and advance within zone on group order. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion reinforcing 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move from assembly area Aachen, Germany, at 250840A Feb 45 to close in assembly area vicinity Huchem-Stammeln. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion less A and C Companies continues in group reserve assembly area Aachen, Germany.

25th Received from Ordnance one 90mm towed gun and prime mover T-39; the first of the new equipment for the Battalion. Assigned to Company C.

Battlefield appointment to 2nd Lieutenant approved by Headquarters 1st US Army for Staff Sergeant Cleo H. McClellan, Company C. Battalion Commander swore the new officer in.

26th Company A reported--- Company A moved from assembly area in Aachen, Germany at 0050 hours Feb 25th 45 and arrived Huchem-Stammeln, Germany at 0430 hours Feb 25th---distance traveled 23 miles. Company A crossed Roer River at Hoven, Germany.

During the crossing of the Roer River between 0400 and 0430 hours enemy planes dropped anti-personnel bombs and strafed the column.

1st and 2nd platoons were in position in Oberzier by 0930hours. 3rd platoon remained in mobile reserve in vicinity of Company CP.

At approximately 1830 hours Feb 25th Privates Russell Broyles and Carl Munn in the 3rd platoon were Wounded In Action by shell fragment in buttocks and shoulder respectfully and evacuated through 24th Cavalry Recon Medics. Platoon was in position in Ellen, Germany, when enemy shelled their position heavily. Both Enlisted Men were in basement of CP house and fragments entered thru windows and entrance to basement wounding them. l half-track tire was punctured by shell fragments and l rammerstaff was completly demolished.

27th Battalion CP left assembly area Aachen and arrived and established new CP in Huchem-Stammeln, Germany---left 0805 hours and arrived 1005 hours---distance traveled 24 miles. Crossed the Roer River at Hoven, Germany.

Company B moved from assembly area Aachen, leaving 0805 hours and established new CP at 1005 hours Huchem-Stammeln, Germany distance traveled 24 miles.

Company C reported--- Company CP moved from assembly area Aachen at 0840 hours Feb 25th 45 and arrived at Huchem-Stammeln at 1230 hours---distance traveled 23 miles--crossed Roer River at Hoven, Germany.

Sergeant Fender's section, 1st platoon, at 2030 hours Feb 26th 45 on order fired 2 rounds of 3" HE and 1 round APC-T-105 at enemy CP in vicinity of Steinstross, Germany, destroying house---enemy personnel casualties unknown.

Company C CP moved from Huchem Stammeln at 1115 hours Feb 27th and arrived Steinstross, Germany at 1300 hours Feb 27th---distance traveled 8 miles.

Company A reported--- At 1415 hours Sergeant Carroll's gun section, 4th platoon, in position approximately 2800 yards southwest of Esch, Germany, fired at an enemy tank and CP house and observation point in Esch. Direct hits were observed on both tank and house obviously neutralizing the object as no additional fire was received from that point. Number of casualties unknown. (Upon arrival in Esch, Battalion Commander checked position and found that tank sustained direct hit in right bogie, immobilizing the tank which was definitely identified as a Tiger VI. Crew unable moved out, placed a charge of explosives inside tank, destroying it for further use. 4th platoon credited with a Tiger VI.

Company B, in reserve in Huchem-Stammeln, assigned mission of perimeter defense of that town. Personnel, 3" guns and armored vehicle were promptly put in position.

28th Company C reported---While 2nd platoon in route to Esch at 2100 hours Feb 27th 45, 1/4 ton vehicle driven by Pfc Magines, accompanied by Pfc Soto, hit a land mine and was completely demolished. Both men Severely Wounded In Action and evacuated through 4th Cavalry Recon. Magines-severe fracture compound right jaw, laceration wound right forehead, and head concussion. Soto-severe fracture upper and lower arm, laceration wound left cheek.

Ray Magines says----- Soto joined me when I left the squad in late Feb 1945. On Feb 27th at about 9:00PM we hit a Teller mine with our Jeep. The fragments got Soto but I was some protected by the motor and came out in fair shape in spite of finding myself under the remains of the Jeep. Leonard Soto died of wounds in a field hospital on March l, l945.

Company C reported---Company CP moved 1000 hours Feb 28th from vicinity Steinstross to Esch, Germany arriving at 1034 hours---distance traveled 3 1/2 miles.

Company A reported---Company CP moved from Huchem-Stammeln, Germany leaving 1015 hours Feb 28th and arriving 1040 hours. Distance traveled 1200 meters. Location about 1200 meters west of Steinstross, Germany.

Battalion Commander advised for record---Group reinforced by 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 3rd Armored Division for operations effective Feb 45.

SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 1945

The Battalion continued its first rest, rehabilitation and refitting period since D-Day until Feb 3rd 1945. On Feb 4th moved to a new assembly area in Aachen, Germany. Due to the flood stage of the Roer River, our line companies did not leave Aachen until Feb 26th,1945. During the 22 days in the assembly area, a high state of maintenance of vehicles and ordnance was continued. Personal equipment was once more cleaned and checked. Moving pictures and a stage show were attended by Battalion personnel. Paris, Brussels, and Verviers passes were continued and a quota of Enlisted Men for furlough to the United Kingdom was filled. In all during the waiting period, the Battalion was advantageously occupied. One Company B gun platoon dug in its guns and security machine gun nest for Air Corps personnel on an inspection tour of the ground forces, and the platoon was repaid for its muddy task by the praises received for their work. None of the visiting Air Corps Officers and Enlisted men could locate any of the gun positions and confidently stated the positions were well enough camouflaged to evade detection from the air. A number of our officer personnel spent 2 days with the Air Corps fighter-bomber group to familiarize themselves with their operations and to create a better understanding between air and ground forces. On Feb 25th elements of the Battalion crossed the Roer River and immediately went into action against the enemy. Our Company A was credited with knocking out a Tiger VI tank in Esch, Germany.

The Battalion Commander in his capacity of Provost Marshall of the 4th Cavalry Group and attached units sent a small group of officers and Enlisted Men to register the civilian population of Esch, Germany---to pick up all arms ---arranged for security personnel to screen the population, German and non-German, for former members of the Wehrmacht and Nazi Party members.

The 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion is on the way to the Rhine River---and to cross it!!!!

MARCH 1945

1st Received Field Order #8, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) dated 282200A 45: VII Corps continues the attack March 1st to secure Cologne, Germany. 3rd Armored Division with the 395th Infantry Regiment and the 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced attached attacks on Corps orders to seize assembly area on the other side of the Erft River generally opposite the town of Glesch, Germany. Preparatory to moving southeast on Cologne, 395th Infantry Regiment attacks 010300A March 45 to seize high ground vicinity F2265 near town of Bergheim. Elements 104th US Infantry Division and 8th US Infantry Division attack northeast in zone 010300 March 45 to secure crossing of the Erft River, turn right and continue the attack southeast. 99th Infantry Division will follow 3rd Armored Division over River and extend along east side of Erft Canal to junction with River Rhine to protect right flank of 9th US Army 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced attached to 3rd Armored Division effective 281800A Feb 45, will form the left flank protect the crossing of 3rd Armored Division.

Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move via Elsdorf-Paffendorf, Glesch, commencing 011200A March by echelon to secure high ground and protect the crossing of the 3rd Armored Division. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron remain in present assembly area in group reserve, prepared to cross Erft River on Group order. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion less Company's A and C will move to assembly area vicinity Esch-Angelsdorf. Headquarters Company to infiltrate in group of 5 units via Neiderzier-Steinstrass. Company B to infiltrate in group of 5 units via Duren-Gelzheim-Buir Elsdorf-- from new assembly area will be prepared to displace across Erft River on Group order.

Battalion CP moved---left Huchen Stammeln, Germany at 0745 hours March 1st and arrived at Esch, Germany 0830 hours March 1st---distance traveled 11 miles---crossed Roer River at Hoven, Germany.

Company B moved---left Huchem Stammeln, Germany at 0830 hours March 1st and arrived Esch, Germany 1030 hours March 1st ---distance traveled 19 miles---crossed Roer River at Hoven, Germany.

En route to assembly area Esch, 300 to 400 yards on road south of Buir, an enemy ME-109 was sighted strafing the town of Buir. T/4 Malcolm Watson, radio operator and machine gunner in Headquarters platoon M-20, opened fire on plane with .50 cal Machine gun. 76 rounds were expended and his tracers were seen hitting the plane which started smoking and crashed about 2 miles southeast of Buir. Witnesses certified that they followed Watson's tracers and that he definitely destroyed this enemy plane. ATO VII Corps bulletin credited T/4 Watson with this kill.

2nd Company C moved---left Esch, Germany at 1225 hours March 1st and arrived at Glesch, Germany 1330 hours March 1st---distance traveled 5 miles. 1st platoon crossed Erft Canal night of March 1st and took position on high ground in bridgehead area.

Company C reported---Pfc Clifford G Allstot, Severely Wounded In Action 1000 hours March 2nd in Glesch by enemy shell fragments in right leg and back and 2nd finger left hand cut off. Evacuated by 4th Cavalry Recon Medics.

Dick Chaney remembers------Clifford Allstot was in Company C with me and we had basic training together. Then we went overseas together and transferred to the 635th at the same time in June 1944. He was wounded March 2, l945 at Glesch, Germany. Company C had crossed the Erft Canal and at about 11:00 AM the Germans layed in mortar rounds. Allstot was hit in the right leg, back, and ring finger of the left hand. It cut the main artery of the lower leg and he had his leg removed at the knee. He was sent to England and Dick got a letter from him at a hospital there. He now lives in Klamath Falls, Ore.

At 1030 hours March 2nd Sergeant Fender's gun section took 5 German prisoners in Bedburg, Germany.

During road march from Esch, Germany to Glesch, Germany, Company C convoy heavily shelled by enemy artillery.

Received Operations Memo #7 Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized), March 2nd 3rd Armored Division attacks early March 2nd to seize Wiedenfeld and objectives as formerly planned. 99th US Infantry Division reinforced attacks March 2nd to seize Neurath and protect the right flank of 9th US Army. 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced with present attachments relieved from attachment to 3rd Armored Division and attached to 99th US Infantry Division effective 011800A March 45; attacks within zone at 020700 March 45 to seize Bedburg, continue to advance within zone, assist in the capture of Neurath and establish and maintain contact with elements of the 30th US Infantry Division. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will attack 020700A March to secure Bedburg and continue to advance within zone until passed through by 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron reinforced by Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion on group order. Upon being passed through, will mount in vehicles and follow 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron attack prepared for commitment on group order. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, supporting 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move following 393 RCT via Esch-Niederemb-Glesch-Bedburg to pass through 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron on group order, and continue attack to end of zone, will assist in attack on Neurath as directed by Group CO. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion with Company B will remain in Group reserve in present location.

Company A picked up enemy soldier in civilian clothes found in their area---turned in to Prisoner of War cage.

3rd Received Operations Memo #8 dated March 2, 1945, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized): 99th US Infantry Division with 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced attached continues attack in zone 030700A March 45, 394th Infantry Regiment on right, 393rd Infantry Regiment in center and Group on left. Group reinforced continues attack at 030700A March 45, to seize that part of objective "C" in zone (generally in area Wevelinghoven). Maintain contact with elements 30 US Infantry Division on left and 393rd Infantry Regiment on right. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will attack in zone at 030700A March 45 to seize and occupy that part of Objective "C" (generally in area Wevelinghoven) will maintain contact with elements of 30th US Infantry Division on left and 393 rd Infantry Regiment on right. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will be prepared to assist in capture of Grevenbroich. Will be prepared to pass through 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron and continue attack within group zone to secure Objective "X" on group order (generally in area Rochrath) establish and maintain contact with elements of 30th US Infantry Division on left and 393rd Infantry Regiment on right.

Battalion Commander appointed 1st Lieutenant Tremer, Recon officer and assigned him to Forward CP.

1st Lieutenant Zalmen A. Dunn, Battalion Dentist, transferred to 104th US Infantry Division per Par 4 SO 57, Headquarters 1st US Army.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved from Aachen to Eschereval Farm, Germany (1200 yards East of Steinstrass).

Company A reported---left Eschereval Farm 1200 yards East of Steinstrass 1345 hours March 2nd and arrived Bedburg 1630 hours March 2nd---distance traveled 11 miles.

Company C reported--on March 2nd Sergeant Cipra's gun section capture 3 enemy prisoners, and 3rd platoon 4 prisoners in Broich, Germany.

Sergeant Marintzer's gun section fired 3 rounds of HE March 2nd at fortified enemy dugout in coal mine in Broich 800 yards east of their position. Dugout was demolished and 3 prisoners taken---enemy personnel casualties unknown.

Corporal Carthel Richardson Lightly Wounded In Action March 2nd in Broich and evacuated by 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron Medics---Lightly Wounded In Action penetrating wound right leg CSW.

Pfc Robert E Sutherland, 3rd platoon Lightly Wounded In Action March 2nd laceration head glass and shell fragments forehead and right thumb---iodine and sulfa dressing our own Medics and remained duty status. 3rd platoon's CP in Bucholz was under direct fire from antitank gun. 3rd platoon positions in and around Bucholz, Germany heavily shelled by the enemy during March 2nd.

Company C moved---left Glesch, Germany 1145 hours March 3rd and arrived Bedburg 1330 hours March 3rd---distance traveled 3 miles.

2nd Lieutenant Silki, Headquarters Company replaced 1st Lieutenant Pommett, Recon officer as Group Liason Officer with 30th US Infantry Division.

4th Received Field Order #9, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) dated 040400A March: VII Corps attacks commencing March 5th to seize Cologne. TFY, 3rd Armored Division continues the attack March 4th to secure Roggendorf and Worringen. 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced attached to 3rd Armored Division effective 031600A March moves in one column from present locations 040700A March to forward assembly area vicinity Stommeln, from which it attacks to clear enemy from assigned zone, Stommeln assembly area generally northeast to River Rhine between Sturzelberg and Worringen and regroup and prepare for future operations to southeast. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move 040700A March via Bedberg, Bergheim, Niederaussen, Busdorf to Stommeln assembly area from which it attacks to clear enemy within zone; to clear woods south, to secure Dormagen, Hackenbroich and patrol within zone to Rhine River. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will move at 040915A March via Bedburg, Bergheim, Niederaussen, Busdorf to Stommeln assembly area to attack within zone to clear woods, to secure Delhoven, Straberg, Horrem, Sturzelburg, Zons and patrol within zone to Rhine River. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion less Company's A and C remain in group reserve and recon routes and forward assembly areas in group zone.

Company A reported--- on March 2nd 4th platoon position vicinity Neurath heavily shelled by enemy artillery. 4 shells hit wall protecting half-track, one shell banked into vehicle and damaged radio and considerable personal equipment. 4th platoon captured one prisoner Neurath and 3 prisoners at Winkelhoven.

Received report of death from 108th Evacuation Hospital of Pfc Leonard G. Soto 38559655, Company C Severely Wounded In Action Feb 27th 45 and Died Of Wounds 0915 hours March 1st.

S-3 captured enemy soldier in civilian clothes---turned in to Counter-Intelligence Corps detachment in Angelsdorf.---prisoner had Army Soldbuch.

Company A moved---left Bedburg at 1155 hours March 3rd and arrived at Grevenbroish, Germany 1530 hours March 3rd---distance traveled 10.3 miles.

Company A moved---left Grevenbroich at 0930 hours March 4th and arrived at Devhoven, Germany 2000 hours March 4th---distance traveled 20 miles.

Following message delivered 2215 hours March 4th to Battalion Commander by Captain Smith Liason Officer at Group Headquarters from Commanding Offocer 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized): Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 759th Light Tank Battalion effective 042400A March 45. 759th Light Tank Battalion reinforced with Company B will move beginning at 050600 to assembly area vicinity route Elsdorf-Bergheim Niederaussem-Busdorf-Stommeln 3307250. Headquarters 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move to vicinity Group CP by infiltration in groups of less than 5 vehicles commencing at 0800 hours (included in message was following from Group S-3 HE only direct fire)

5th Battalion CP moved--left Esch, Germany 0800 hours March 5th and arrived Niederhaussem, Germany---distance traveled 10 miles.

Company B moved---left Esch 0630 hours March 5th and arrived Hahnendorf, Germany 0830 hours March 5th---distance traveled 20 miles.
Company A reported---3rd platoon captured 1 prisoner in Delhoven on March 4th. On March 2nd at 1400 hours T/5 Floyd Fishli Wounded In Action but remained duty status---shell fragment in buttocks---care and dressing by 24th Cavalry Recon medics. 4 shells estimated at 75mm fell into the 4th platoon area.

Company A CP at Delhoven shelled by enemy artillery during night of March 4th. At 2115 hours 9 fast rounds, fired from tanks directed into area but no damage inflicted.

Company C reported---2nd platoon CP house in woods southwest of Hackenbroich hit 3 times by enemy artillery night of March 4th and twice morning of March 5th. House was demolished but personnel in cellar not injured. On March 4th Sergeant Goodspeed took prisoner in field directly in front of his gun position. At the same time the enemy started shelling the field. The prisoner started running and failed to heed the request for halt--it was necessary to kill him. At 1600 hours March 4th in Hackenbroich, Germany, a Company C 1/4 ton had it's radiator punctured by shell fragmentation---repaired by company maintenance.

Company B reported--Lieutenant Long's platoon captured an enemy Officer Candidate in Straberg--turned in to Battalion CP for Group questioning and evacuation.

6th Company A reported---Company CP at Delhoven mortared heavily by the enemy during March 5th. 4th platoon took 2 prisoners at CP southwest of Zons March 6th. 3rd platoon took 6 prisoners in Horrem; one started running and when he failed to heed the halt signal, it was necessary to shoot him.

On March 5th 2 guns of 3rd platoon, 3 guns of 2nd platoon and 2 guns of 4th platoon fired 39 rounds of 3" HE from 3 angles from vicinity Delhoven into woods to support an attack by B Troop of 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron to clear woods of enemy. Our fire destroyed many shelters and 60 of the enemy surrendered to B Troop.

lst platoon at 1500 hours on March 5th fired 3" from vicinity Straberg at factory from which position antitank guns and enemy were harassing our troops. Firing was in support of A Troop's attack on this position and 2 antitank guns were silenced enabling A Troop to take position successfully.

3rd and 4th platoon positions at Horrem were fired upon by enemy artillery intermittently throughout night of March 5th and 6th ---a German 1st Sergeant was taken prisoner.

Battalion CP moved--left Niederaussem at 1205 hours March 6th and arrived at Roggendorf, Germany 1300 hours March 6th --distance traveled 10.7 miles.

Company B reported---Elements of 3rd platoon in position in Worringen were shelled by direct artillery fire during night of March 5th and mortar fire during March 6th. 4th platoon took 1 prisoner in Hackenbroich night of March 5th. Company CP shelled at 0400 hours March 6th . 12 to 15 enemy artillery shells fell into area.

Company C reported---Left Bedburg at 0750 hours March 4th and arrived Hackenbroich 1200 hours March 4th---distance traveled 15 miles. On March 2nd at 1300 hours, Sergeant Hoffman's gun fired 3 rounds of HVAP at an enemy tank firing in defilade from vicinity Bucholz. Tank fire was holding up elements of 99th US Infantry Division from going forward. Enemy gun position silenced. On March 5th Sergeant Goodspeed killed l enemy soldier in the vicinity of his CP house. On March 5th T/5 Williams and Pfc Grim captured one enemy armed with pistol and machine gun. Prisoner started running and failed to heed call to halt--he was shot.

7th Company C reported---Corporal Grabish took one prisoner in Domagen at 2300 hours March 6th. On March 4th Lieutenants Pritchard and Standfield took 4 enemy prisoners in dugout at Stommelerbusch.

Captain Page supervised firing illuminating mission by 2 guns of Company B at Straberg for 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Armored Field Artillery Observer called for 2 rounds over Rhine River---mission accomplished.

Company A reported---At 1800 hours March 5th in Horrem Pfc Gyr, lst platoon Lightly Wounded In Action shell fragment cheek. Our own medic applied first aid and Gyr remained on duty. At 1530 hours March 6th Corporal Clair Brown Lightly Wounded In Action shell fragment right leg approximately 5" below knee. Iodine and dressing applied by our own medic---Brown remained duty status.

W/O Reilly took 4 enemy prisoners back to rear for Prisoner of War cage; Staff Sergeant Wineland captured 2 at Straberg and 2 were turned in to Lieutenant Sands by Burgermeister at Roggendorf.

Battalion CP moved---left Roggendorf, Germany 1415 hours March 7th and arrived Straberg, Germany 1800 hours March 7th---distance traveled 34 miles

8th Received Field Order #10, 072200A March, Headquarters 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) -3rd Armored Division regroups and continues defense of sector on our right flank. 83rd US Infantry Division continues defense of sector on our left west flank. 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) reinforced continues to guard Rhine River in present sector and assures responsibility for guarding river in sector now occupied by 99th US Infantry Division to prevent any crossings on Rhine. Relief to commence at 080630A March (Group Zone generally from Grimlinghaven on Rhine southwest to vicinity of Weckhoven along VII Corps boundary southeast to south eastern edge of Chorbusch wood and generally northeast to northern edge of Worringen on the Rhine River). Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion reinforcing 4th Cavalry Recon Group will relieve elements 99th US Infantry Division within assigned sector commencing 080630A March--will be observation and vigorous patrolling watch river front day and night, and from selected defensive positions prevent enemy crossings to west side of Rhine River. Will maintain contact with units on right and left. Company A reinforcing 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron will relieve elements 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron within assigned sector commencing 080630A March---will by observation vigorous patrolling, watch river front day and night and from selected defensive positions prevent any crossing to west side of Rhine River---will maintain contact with units on right and left. Company B less 2nd platoon reverts back to Battalion control. 2nd platoon, Company B attached operationally to 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion fires on group order. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalionless Company's A, C, and 2nd platoon Company B will coordinate antitank defenses within group sector and submit recommendations for emplacement of reserve company to provide antitank defenses in depth.

Battalion Commander approved the following promotions in Company C Corporal William F. Shows, 20759811 to Sergeant, duty 745---Section Sergeant. Pfc Joseph Seminario, 39683530 to Corporal, duty 610 gunner. Pfc Willis B. Jacobs, 20759279 to Corporal, duty 610 gunner.

Captain Page placed a 3" gun 2nd platoon and 1 gun 3rd platoon Company B in vicinity Uckenrath supporting indirect fire to 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion on Group Order.

Company A reported their CP area in Horrem shelled by enemy artillery at 0400 hours.

Company B reported---left Hahnenhof, Germany 0945 hours March 8th and arrived Straberg, Germany 1045 hours March 8th---distance traveled 7 miles

Company C reported---lst platoon captured 2 enemy prisoners in Dormagen. lst and 3rd platoons were heavily shelled by enemy artillery night of March 7th in Dormagen.

Company C moved---left Hackenbroich at 0645 hours March 8th and arrived at Norf, Germany at 1030 hours---distance traveled 11 miles.

9th Battalion Commander approved the following promotions in Company A Corporal Nicholas P. Thill 37005529 to Sergeant, duty 610 gun commander. Pfc Lloyd G. Michie 39092294 to Corporal, duty 610-Gunner. Private Merle A. Traxler, 39093345 to T/5, duty 734,driver.

2nd platoon Company A captured 4 civilians who crossed Rhine River in a small boat during early morning March 9th and turned them over to 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron for handling.

Enemy time fire reported over 1st platoon, Company C positions in Grimlinghausen---20 rounds burst overhead.

2nd platoon, Company B, under direction Captain Page fired 3 rounds of illuminating shells for 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion--mission accomplished.

10th Captain Page reported to the Battalion Commander---2nd platoon Company B fired 125 rounds of 3" HERC on March 9th in support of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Fired l0 rounds registration, 3 missions general support with 40 rounds and 75 rounds were expended on interdiction mission. 4 illuminating missions were fired over the Rhine River expending 11 rounds---mission accomplished.

Sergeant Fender, Company C, took 2 enemy prisoners in Grimlinghausen, Germany on March 9th.
Captain Smith, Battalion Liason Officer, to Group Headquarters delivered the following message (Copy) to the Battalion Commander: "Top Secret March 10th 45, To Commanding Officer, 4th Cavalry Group alert 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, for movement to 7th Army. Advance detachment will proceed without delay to Luneville, France, reporting to Commanding General 7th Army. Unit must close March 15th. Notify VII Corps Traffic of present locations and composition of march columns. Complete secrecy will be maintained to include radio silence until committed, removal of vehicles markings, no use of unit identification or customary code names for road signs. Maximum security will be observed in telephone conversation. (signed) O C Traxel, Jr, G-3 ---time signed 0930 hours". Battalion Commander assigned Captain Page, Captain Smith and 4 men to advance detail.

Battalion CP moved from Straberg, Germany 1500 hours March 10th and arrived in assembly area Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany 1545 hours March110th ---distance traveled 12 miles.

Company B moved---left Straberg 1445 hours March l0th and arrived Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany 1545 hours March 10th---distance traveled 12 miles.

Company A moved---left Horrem, Germany at 1015 hours March 10th and arrived Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany 1445 hours March 10th distance traveled 33 miles.

Company C moved---left Norf, Germany at 1300 hours March 10th and arrived Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany 1445 hours March 10th ---distance traveled 18 miles.

11th 20 Enlisted Men in charge of Captain L. H. Williams, Commanding Officer Company A to Cologne Germany to witness the raising of the American Flag in that city.

15 Enlisted Men and 7 ambulances on temporary duty from 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) to Medical Detachment this battalion, returned to duty parent organizations 491st and 492nd Collecting Companies per VOCO, 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized).

14th Battalion Commander advised that 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion detached from VII Corps and 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) as of 0600 hours March 15th per VOCG VII Corps.

Battalion CP, joined by Rear Echelon train, left assembly area Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany at 0641 hours March 14th and arrived in bivouac area Verdun, France 1855 hours March 14th---distance traveled 210 miles.

Company A left assembly area Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany at 0600 hours March 14th and arrived bivouac area Verdun, France 1800 hours March 14th---distance traveled 210 miles.

Company B left assembly area Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany at 0630 hours March 14th and arrived in bivouac area Verdun, France 1830 hours March 14th---distance traveled 210 miles.

Company C left assembly area Fortuna Mine, Oberaussem, Germany at 0615 hours March l4th and arrived bivouac area Verdun, France 1815 hours March 14th---distance traveled 210 miles.

15th 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion detached from 4th Cavalry Recon Squadron---1st Army and transferred and attached to the 71st Infantry Division---7th Army.

Battalion CP left bivouac area Verdun, France 0730 hours March 15th and arrived assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1435 hours March 15th---distance traveled 101 miles. Rear Echelon established in Kerviller, Lorraine, France.

As the convoy passed thru the Verdun area, we could see the remains of the trenches of World War I still very visible in the countryside.

Company C left bivouac area Verdun, France at 0715 hours March 15th and arrived assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1410 hours March 15th---distance traveled 101 miles.

Company A left bivouac area Verdun, France 0700 hours March 15th and arrived assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1400 hours March115th---distance traveled 101 miles.

Company B left bivouac area Verdun, France 0721 hours March 15th and arrived assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1420 hours March 15th---distance traveled 101 miles.

Advance party, Captains Page and Smith reported to the Battalion Commander visited Headquarters 7th Army and 71st US Infantry Division to whom this battalion attached, also Commanding Officer, 5th Tank Destroyer Group assigned to assist this battalion.

Received Field Order #3, Headquarters 71st US Infantry Division dated 140900 March: 71st Infantry Division reinforced by 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion ---upon arrival 1435 hours March 15th continues its present defensive mission, supporting the attack of the 100th Infantry Division on D Day H Hour to the limit of the range of all available weapons. On Corps order after D Day, Division will be prepared to relieve elements of 100th Infantry Division in an area to be designated in the vicinity of Bitche. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (1) upon arrival, complete maintenance in Division rear area and relieve front line Tank Destroyer guns (824th Tank Destroyer Battalion) now attached from 100th Infantry Division, and (2) be prepared to reinforce infantry elements on Division order.

Battalion Commander appointed Acting Division Antitank Officer 1st Lieutenant Pommett, Headquarters Recon Officer, appointed Liason Officer to Division Headquarters.

16th Battalion S-3, Major Burt A. Scott, to Division to represent Battalion Commander as Acting Division Antitank Officer.

Captain Dale H. Page appointed acting S-3 in the absence of Major Scott with Division.

Company B moved--left assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France at 1600 hours March 15th and arrived at Butten, Alsace, France 1930 hours March 15th---distance traveled 25 miles.
Company A reported---Company A moved---left assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1400 hours March 15th and arrived at St Louis le Bitche, Alsace, France 1600 hours March 15th --distance traveled 29.7 miles. 3rd and 4th platoon areas vicinity Lemburg sustained mortar fire estimated 81mm during night of March 15th.

Battalion CP moved---left assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace, France 1430 hours March 16th and arrived Waldhambach, Alsace, France 1540 hours March 16th---distance traveled 13 miles.

17th Rear Echelon moved from Kerviller, Lorraine, France to Waldhambach, Alsace, France.

Received Field Order #4 dated 161400A March 45, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division ---71st Infantry Division reinforced continues its present defensive mission prepared to relieve elements of the 100th Infantry Division in the vicinity of Bitche (Q7750). Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to the 5th Infantry Regiment continues present mission (Field Order #2) --established OPs to secure Lemburg (Q7345) Mouterhouse (Q7942) road within zone. Company A, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment continues present mission (Field Order #2)--establish OPs to secure Lemburg-Bitche road within zone. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 14th Infantry Regiment moves without delay to the vicinity of Reyersville and will occupy, organize the Main Line of Resistance. Will execute intensive patrols by day and night to north tip of lake.

Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment of 71st Infantry Division.
Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 5th Infantry Regiment of 71st Infantry Division.
Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 14th Infantry Regiment of 71st Infantry Division.

Company B moved---left Butten, Alsace, France 1700 hours March 16th and arrived at St Louis les Bitche, Alsace, France distance traveled 7 miles.

Company C reported--- Company C moved---left assembly area Hinsingen, Alsace France at 1305 hours March 16th and arrived new assembly position Siensthal, Alsace, France 2330 hours March 16th---distance traveled 35 miles. Company C left assembly position Siensthal, Alsace, France at 1045 hours March 17th and arrived at Bitche, Alsace, France at 1130 hours March 17th---distance traveled 4 miles. 3rd platoon positions in Bitche received intermittent enemy artillery fire during night of March 16th.

Received unnumbered attachment Order (Secret) Headquarters 7th Army dated March 15th "635th Tank Destroyer Battalion-T attached to XV Corps for operations".

18th On March 17th Commanding General, 71st Infantry Division, inspected 3rd platoon, Company C gun positions and commended Platoon Commander, 1st Lieutenant Walter E. Standfield, on his choice of positions, camouflage and field of fire. Particular mention was made of 2nd Lieutenant McClellan's 90mm towed gun.
Battalion CP moved---left Waldhambach at 1545 hours March 18th and arrived at St. Louis les Bitche, Alsace, France 1700 hours March l8th---distance traveled 11 miles.

Rear Echelon established in St Louis les Bitche, Alsace, France.

19th Company B moved---left St. Louis les Bitche, Alsace, France 1400 hours March 18th and arrived area 600 meters southeast of Liederscheid Alsace, France 1830 hours March 18th---distance traveled 15 miles.

Received Field Order #5, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 181045A March: Division with Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment, Company C attached to 14th Infantry Regiment, and Company A to 66th Infantry Regiment, continues defensive mission of protection of right or east flank of XV Corps within its zone.

Battalion CP moved---left St Louis les Bitche, Alsace, France 1450 hours March 19th and arrived Bitche, Alsace, France at 1515 hours March 19th---distance traveled 6.2 miles.

On order Commanding General, 71st Infantry Division, all Division Antitank officers inspected 3rd platoon, Company C gun position visited by him on March 17th.

20th Received Field Order #6, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 201430A March: 71st Infantry Division reinforced continues defensive position---protects right or east flank and rear of XV Corps within its zone. Company A attached to 66th Infantry Regiment moves with that unit vicinity Breidenbach to occupy, organize and defend area; to maintain contact with 3rd Infantry Division on left. Company C attached to 14th Infantry Regiment will occupy, organize and defend Main Line of Resistance (Dietrichengen-Klein-Steinhausen Bottenbach-Walschbronn) relieving elements of the 5th Infantry Regiment now occupying part of the assigned Main Line of Resistance. Will maintain contact with 42nd Infantry Division on right vicinity Eppenbrunn. Daylight March 21st will adjust Main Line of Resistance (Walschbronn to area west of Eppenbrunn) to include point of contact with 42nd Infantry Division. Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment upon being relieved by the 14th Infantry Regiment will assemble initially in Division Reserve in area northwest, south and southwest of Leiderschied.

21st Company A reported---left St. Louis les Bitche at 1715 hours March 20th and arrived Breidenbach, Alsace, France at 1815 hours March 20th ----distance traveled 16 miles. 1st and 2nd platoons established Antitank positions once again on German soil March 20th, with 1st platoon in Riedelberg, Germany and 2nd platoon between Gr and K1 Kleinhausen, Germany.

n Commander advised that 71st Infantry Division and this battalion attached to XXI Corps this date for operations.

Company B reported---left area 600 meters southeast of Liederscheid 1910 hours March 20th and arrived area 500 meters southwest of Waldhausen, Alsace, France 1930 hours March 20th ---distance traveled 4 miles. During shelling of 3rd platoon area on night of March 16th Private Roger Henry received a sliver of steel in his right eye. He was evacuated to the 112th Evacuation Hospital through 560 Medical Clearing station on March 17th when it was decided only surgical operation would remove steel from cornea---Henry awarded Purple Heart on 112 Evacuation Hospital GC 10 of March 20th.

Company C reported---left Bitche, Alsace, France at 0630 hours March 21st and arrived Roppweiler, Alsace, France 0730 hours ---distance traveled 7.5 miles.

2nd platoon in position Schweix heavily shelled by mortar night of March 20th and received heavy concentrations of enemy artillery estimated at l05mm at 0730 hours March 21st.

22nd Received Field Order #7, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 212000A March ---71st Infantry Division reinforced by 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to XXI Corps. XXI Corps attacks March 22nd divisions abreast, 71st Infantry Division on the right, 100th Infantry Division on the left---advance to the Rhine River---be prepared to assist VI Corps on right or south. 71st Infantry Division reinforced attacks at 220800A March, seizing Pirmasens and continues in its zone of action to the Rhine River. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will support that unit in its advance at 220800A March in the extreme left-northern part of the Division zone of action, seizing and capturing Pirmasens. Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment initially in Division reserve will support that unit and with them will be prepared to proceed to vicinity of Munchweiler as a first objective and further to the east along the main axis of advance on Division order. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to the 14th Infantry Regiment will continue to support that unit in its present defensive mission protecting the Division right flank---be prepared to assemble on Division order as Division reserve ---will support on order the initiation of vigorous patrolling on Division right flank.

Company A reported that their lst platoon in position vicinity of Gr. Kleinhausen heavily mortared by enemy during afternoon of March 21st.

Company C reported that their 2nd platoon in position in Schweix shelled by enemy during night of March 21st.

23rd Received Field Order #8, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 222330A March -XXI Corps continues its advance to Rhine River, Divisions abreast, 71st Infantry Division on right and 100th Infantry Division on left---prepared to assist VI Corps on the right (south). 71st Infantry Division reinforced advances by motor 230600A March seizing west bank of Rhine River in its zone. Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit 230600A March with the infantry motorized and will assist and support Regiment outposts west bank Rhine River in Division zone of action. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will move toward Rhine River when regimental move initiated. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 14th Infantry Regiment will move toward Rhine River when regimental move initiated. 66th Infantry Regiment moves when trucks moving 5th Infantry Regiment return and 14th Infantry Regiment moves when trucks return from moving 66th Infantry Regiment toward concentration area on way to Rhine west bank. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion advance CP will move with Division Forward Echelon.

Battalion Advance CP moved---left Bitche, Alsace, France 1030 hours March 23nd and arrived at Pirmasens, Germany---assembly area 1330 hours March 23rd ---crossed into Germany again at 1130 hours at 1 kilometer southeast of Hornbach---distance traveled 29.2 miles. Battalion Advance CP moved---left assembly area Pirmasens, Germany 1605 hours March 23rd and arrived Rinnthal, Germany at 1800 hours March 23rd---distance traveled 18.5 miles. In route with Battalion CP to Rinnthal, T/5 Spackman took 3 enemy prisoners---turned in to Prisoner of War cage in route.

Company A reported---On March 22nd at 1600 hours, 4th platoon captured 16 enemy and at 1800 hours 7 enemy---total for 4th platoon 23 prisoners. 1st platoon captured 4 enemy at 1145 hours and 2 enemy at 1500 hours near their position.---total for 1st platoon 6 prisoners. 3rd platoon captured 51 enemy and 1 Italian fighting with German Army---total for 3rd platoon 52 prisoners. Total bag for A Company for March 22nd---81 prisoners of war.

24th Battalion CP moved from Rinnthal, Germany at 0800 Hours March 24 and arrived at assembly area Landau, Germany 1000 hours March 24th ---distance traveled 8.9 miles.

Private Calcagno, Headquarters Company, took 3 Prisoners of War, Italians fighting with the German Army.

Battalion CP moved from assembly area Landau, Germany 1440 hours March 24th and arrived Edenkoben, Germany 1540 hours March 24th ---distance traveled 7.2 miles

Company A reported ---left Breidenbach, Alsace, France 0800 hours March 22nd and arrived Pirmasens, Germany 1500 hours March 22nd---distance traveled 27.2 miles.

Company A moved---left Pirmasens, Germany 1015 hours March 23rd and arrived Lachen, Germany 1600 hours March 23rd---distance traveled 45 miles. Lieutenants Proctor, Harrington and Thompson, searching for billets in Lachen for their platoons, captured 4 enemy---turned over to Prisoner of War Cage.

Company B reported---left area 500 meters southwest of Waldhausen, Alsace, France 0830 hours March 23rd and arrived Edenkoben, Germany 2100 hours March 23rd---distance traveled 60 miles.

Company B moved---left Edenkoben, Germany 0800 hours March 24th and arrived Schwegenheim, Germany 1300 hours March 24th---distance traveled 16 miles. In route to Edenkoben March 23rd on road south of Knoringen, the Column was subjected to enemy time fire; one gun placing air bursts down the entire length of column. 2nd Lieutenant Woodrow C. Larson was Lightly Wounded In Action, shell fragment flesh wound right arm---Evacuated through 81st Clearing Company. Company B picked up 15 enemy prisoners in route to Edenkoben. Prisoners of War were picked up south of Edesheim, Germany and turned over to Military Police---capture made at 1930 hours on March 23rd. 3rd platoon took 2 enemy prisoners at 0600 hours March 24th in field outside of Edenkoben.

Received Troop Assignment #68 (secret) March 19th, Headquarters 12th Army Group, Par 4 "VOCG of March 15th directing the following changes in status of troops, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion remains assigned 1st US Army and attached 6th Army Group".

25th Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment given change in mission according to change of plan given to 5th Infantry Regiment at 232330 March. Mission ordered 5th Infantry Regiment supported by Company B to move to Weingarten and to attack along axis Weingarten, Westheim---Germersheim, to seize bridges of the Rhine at Germersheim. This attack was launched at 240500 March in conjunction with Combat Command R of 12th Armored moving on Germersheim from direction of Speyer. Attack was to cease if enemy blew bridge prior to execution of mission (Authorization G-3 periodic Report Headquarters 71st Infantry Division March 24).

Received Secret Unit Assignment Order #52 of March 20th,Headquarters, 6th Army Group, Par 8 "635th Tank Destroyer Battalion assigned to 12th Army Group, having been attached to 6th Army Group on March 15th is attached to 7th Army". Par 9 "The above changed in assignment and/or attachment will become effective upon arrival at new station". (Paragraph #9 rescinded per Secret letter March 22nd, 6th Army Group, subject "Unit Assignment Order #52).

Company B reported--12 enemy prisoners taken on March 24th in Schwegenheim (2 by 4th platoon, 7 by 3rd platoon and 3 by 2nd platoon). 2 were SS Troopers. 5 taken by 3rd platoon were proceeding along railroad tracks when ordered to halt by Private Anderson. Enemy hit ground and when Anderson opened fire they surrendered.

Company B positions received light and intermittent enemy shelling throughout night 24-25th March.

Corporal Paul DiMaio Lightly Wounded In Action shrapnel wound left index finger during enemy shelling while Company on road south of Knoringen---1830 hours March 23rd---care and dressing by our own medics and returned to duty.

Captain Leland H. Williams, commanding Company A reported the following to the Battalion Commander--When Company A left Breidenbach, Alsace, France on March 22nd, the 1st platoon was attached to the 3rd Battalion of the 66th Infantry Regiment which was the lead Battalion in a Regimental plan to attack in a column of battalions and occupy the town of Pirmasens, Germany. The town was taken without resistance; however prior to entry, the regimental advance was stopped because of a large group of civilians sighted outside of the town. lst platoon Commander, 1st Lieutenant Proctor, with two 1/4 tons advanced to the head of the column and broke up the gathering and took 3 enemy prisoners and then selected hasty gun positions for his platoon. Then Captain Williams entered Pirmasens with the tanks assigned to the 66th Infantry Regiment and brought his other gun platoons into town and established a Company CP in Pirmasens. Our 3rd platoon sighted a group of enemy in woods and sent out a small patrol and a number of prisoners were taken. Another Company A patrol took 40 prisoners and the 4th platoon shook down buildings in their immediate area and took 10 more in all. Company A took 82 prisoners. On the next advance to Lachen, Germany on March 23rd at 1000 hours the tanks left with a company of infantry mounted. At 1030 hours Captain Williams left and had 90 infantry mounted on a number of Company A half-tracks and went forward until they were road blocked by vehicles of the 5th Infantry Regiment on the highway parked 2 or 3 vehicles abreast near Landau. Captain Williams then had his 1/4 ton go to the head of the column where he met a Lieutenant of the 66th Intelligence and Reconaissance platoon and proceeded to Edenkoben and with the Lieutenant of the Intelligence and Reconaissance platoon and all of Company A moved to Lachen via Neustadt. Company A took over Lachen as the infantry refused to move in still being under the impression the town had not yet been cleared. While looking for billets in Lachen, our officers took 4 prisoners who were turned into the Prisoner of War cage in Neustadt. Company A transported 60 infantry to Geinsheimer and found a number of 12th Armored vehicles there. The Regimental S-X (66th Infantry Regiment) learned from a Prisoner of War that the enemy planned a counter-attack and called on Captain Williams for assistance stating that the regiment was split with no control in effect also that he intended to set up a CP to pick up stragglers. Captain Williams organized the defense of Lachen utilizing the 4 gun platoons.

A Major Spencer of the 3rd Battalion 66th Infantry Regiment reported that he and a party of 30 Enlisted Men were ambushed in the woods east of Geisenheim and the regimental S-X requested Captain Williams to take action. A combat patrol was promptly organized by Captain Williams consisting of 3 half-tracks of his 3rd platoon and three 1/4 tons. The 3" guns were not taken. Lieutenant Proctor remained in Lachen and took charge of the defense of that town. At 2200 hours, Captain Williams led his patrol to Geisenheim. He went forward on foot with 1st Lieutenant Thompson, 3rd platoon commander, to see if the town was cleared of enemy and brought all vehicles in, less one 1/4 ton which was left on the road junction southeast of town as a road block. At the edge of town, the party met 21 men of Major Spencer's party who claimed that all but 5 men were accounted for and that they believe the 5 were either wounded or dead. The patrol proceeded and the half-tracks remained in a group of buildings approximately l kilometer from the edge of the woods while Captain Williams in a 1/4 ton went forward to the edge of woods to make a reconnaissance for positions for the vehicles to start the attack if necessary.

While he remained in the woods alone, his 1/4 ton returned to the troops and directed the vehicles into the positions chosen by Captain Williams, which were behind the dismounted troops. Flanking guards were posted. An infantry Lieutenant remained with the vehicles Captain Williams led the patrol and was closely followed by 1st Lieutenant Thompson. Major Spencer remained at the tail end of the patrol. The woods were thoroughly seared and the patrol failed to find any trace of the 5 missing men, nor of any enemy---in fact, no traces of any combat were noticed. At the east end of the woods, the patrol assembled and returned to the rear while 100 rounds of .45 cal were expended in an effort to draw fire and considerable noise was made as well, but desired results were not forthcoming. The patrol reached the east edge of woods at 0200 hours and returned to Lachen at 0400 hours.

Battalion Liason Officer with Division advised that 71st Infantry Division with this battalion attached relieved of attachment XXI Corps and attached to VI Corps effective 1200 hours March 25th per VOCG 71st Infantry Division.

Received Operations Instructions #4 Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 251200 March: Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit to concentration vicinity Neuhofen. Company A attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit to concentration area vicinity Ludwigshaven. Company C attached to 14th Infantry Regiment will close in vicinity Speyer and support regiment's vigorous patrolling activities across the Rhine River during hours of darkness. Assist in execution of demonstration vicinity Speyer R-5180 that feint there be made to look like real crossing.

Company C reported---left Roppweiler, Alsace, France 1930 hours March 22nd and arrived Trulben, Germany 2015 hours March 22nd---distance traveled 4 miles (crossed into Germany). Company C left Trulben, Germany 2015 hours March 23rd and arrived Harthausen, Germany 1830 hours March 24th---distance traveled 50 miles. 2nd platoon heavily shelled by enemy in Otterstadt during March 24th. On March 24th 3rd platoon captures 4 prisoners in Speyer, 2nd platoon 3 prisoners in Otterstadt and 4th platoon took 4 prisoners in Harthausen. Left Harthausen, Germany 1630 hours March 25th and arrived Speyer, Germany 1715 hours---distance traveled 5 miles.

26th Company A reported---left Lachen, Germany 2030 hours March 25th and arrived area 1 1/2 miles south of Schifferstadt, Germany 2115 hours March 25th---distance traveled 17.5 miles. 1st platoon took 5 prisoners at Lachen 1200 hours March 25 and 3 prisoners in Schifferstadt 2100 hours March 25th. 2nd platoon took 1 prisoner in Schifferstadt 2100 hours March 25th.

Battalion CP left Edenkoben, Germany 1330 hours March 26th and arrived Schifferstadt, Germany at 1435 hours March 26th---distance traveled 18.4 miles. Received Operations Instructions #5, 261400A March---Headquarters 71st Infantry Division---Company B supporting 5th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit to Neuhofen area to relieve elements 100th Infantry Division by 262400A March. Company A supporting 66th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit to area northwest of Ludwigshafen to relieve elements of 100th Infantry Division by 262400A March. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will continue present supporting mission, reconnoiter and select alternate positions for 90mm gun; employ gun against targets east of Rhine River in Division zone.

Company C reported---two 3" guns of Lieutenant McClellan's platoon moved to river bank to support patrol of 14th Infantry Regiment Rhine River crossing at 2300 hours March 25th and 0230 hours March 26th at Speyer. Crossing to east bank at 2300 hours uneventful; however, at 0230 hours the enemy fired considerable artillery at the buildings around our gun positions---no targets available for our guns. 2nd platoon in position at Otterstadt heavily shelled throughout nights of March 25-26th. Pfc Zieders, Medic attached to Company C, captured 2 enemy on March 25th at Speyer.

Company B reported---Left Schwegenheim, Germany at 1600 hours March 25th and arrived Hanhofen, Germany 1700 hours March 25th---distance traveled 3 miles. Left Hanhofen 1030 hours March 26th and arrived at Neuhofen, Germany---distance traveled 14 miles. Company B half track transported 5th Infantry Regiment forward on 25th and 26th of March. Six vehicles carried approximately 150 infantry and equipment in addition to our own crew and equipment. Corporal Headely, Security Corporal, 1st platoon, took 4 prisoners at Rheingonheim on March 26th.

27th Company A reported---Left area 1 1/2 miles south of Schifferstadt at 1400 hours March 26th and arrived Ogersheim, Germany 1450 hours March 26th---distance traveled 11.5 miles. 1st Lieutenant Proctor took 3 prisoners in Mandach at 1300 hours March 26th.

Company C reported---2nd platoon at Otterstadt received intermittent shelling through night March 26-27th. 1st platoon in position Rinkenberghof woods received intermittent shelling through night March 26-27th.

Company B reported--- 1st platoon took 2 prisoners at Reingonheim March 27th. 3rd platoon took 1 prisoner March 26th at Waldsee.

Received Secret Letter dated March 24th, 45, AG 370.5-C, Headquarters 7th Army, subject: "Assignment and Attachment Order"-par 3 (d) "635th Tank Destroyer Battalion assigned to 12th Army Group is attached to 7th Army effective March 15th,1945.

28th Company C reported---Sergeant Marintzer's gun, on regimental order, went into position at 2100 hours March 27th to fire illuminating mission over Rhine River on call---no firing--gun withdrawn at daylight.

Battalion Commander approved the following promotion in Company A: Sergeant James A. Nelson, 19079097, to Staff Sergeant, duty 821, supply Sergeant.

Battalion CP moved---left Schifferstadt, Germany at 1050 hours March 28th and arrived Oggersheim, Germany at 1120 hours March 28th---distance traveled 9.4 miles.

Battalion Commander advised that pending Field Order from Division Headquarters now in preparation 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion with 71st Infantry Division relieved attachment 7th Army and further attached to 3rd Army---that 103rd Division relieves 71st Infantry Division this date and complete relief by noon March 29th.Company B attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will assemble in vicinity Schifferstadt, Company C attached to 14th Infantry Regiment will assemble vicinity Speyer and Company A attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will assemble vicinity Ludwigshafen, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (-) will assemble present location Oggersheim and prepare for departure by noon March 29th Battalion CO made arrangements for Rear Echelon to depart present location Landau and assemble vicinity Oggersheim by morning March 29th (Confirmed by Field Order #9,Headquarters 71st Infantry Division 281345A March excepting last sentence concerning movement of Rear Echelon).

635th Tank Destroyer Battalion transferred from 7th Army to 3rd Army, March 29th with the 71st Infantry Division.

2nd platoon, Recon section, Headquarters Company, joined Battalion CP for new mission.

Received Secret letter, Headquarters lst US Army, March 21st 45, subject: Troops Assignment #29, par 3 "VOCG 15 March 45---635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved attachment VII Corps, attached 6th Army Group but remains assigned 1st US Army.

Received Secret letter, Headquarters 7th Army March 24th 45 subject: Attachment Order. "Effective 1200 hours March 25th 45, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from present attachment to XXI Corps and are attached to VI Corps for operations.

29th Company B reported---left Neuhofen 1730 hours March 28th and arrived Schifferstadt, Germany at 1830 hours March 28th---distance traveled 6 miles

Captain Williams, Company A, reported recovery of abandoned 1/4 ton W2077050-S, Motor 148509-237635 in vicinity Studernheim by 3rd platoon. Report submitted to Commanding general, 71st Infantry Division.

Received revised Field Order #10, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 291000A March---71st Infantry Division with attachments, moves at 291430A March 45 to assembly area vicinity Rockenhausen by motor prepared for further action---Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 14th Infantry Regiment will depart their present location Speyer and arrive at IP #1 at Mutterstadt 1409 hours March 29th. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will depart their present location Oggersheim and arrive at IP #1 Mutterstadt 1926 hours March 29th. Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will depart their present location Schifferstadt and arrive at IP #1 Mutterstadt at 2256 hours March 29th. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (-) will depart their present location Oggersheim (with Rear Echelon from Landau and arrive IP #1 Mutterstadt by 0026 hours March 30th.

Battalion Commander advised by asst Division Commander, Brig Gen Rolfe, that Division and this Battalion attached to XX Corps upon arrival new area.

Received Secret movement order dated March 28th, Headquarters 7th Army, instructions to Commanding general, VI Corps to move 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion to Rockenhausen, effective upon departure 7th Army area, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attachment to VI Corps and control to 7th Army and pass to control of 12th Army Group.

30th Battalion CP left Oggersheim, Germany at 0415 hours March 30th and arrived at assembly area Dornbach, Germany 1035 hours March 30th---distance traveled 56.5 miles (Rear Echelon joined column at Neustadt from Landau).

Battalion CP (including Rear Echelon) left assembly area Dornbach, Germany 1830 hours March 30th and arrived Neusenstamm, Germany 0220 hours March 31st ---distance traveled 80 miles (Battalion CP crossed Rhine River at 2320 hours March 30th at Nierstein. Rear Echelon in same column---last vehicle crossed 2340 hours).

31st Battalion Liason Officer 1st Lieutenant Pommett advised that 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 71st Infantry Division further attached to XII Corps.

Company C reported--Left Speyer 1435 hours March 29th and arrived Dielkirchen, Germany 2100 hours March 29th---distance traveled 64 miles. Left Dielkirchen 0950 hours March 30th and arrived Oberthausen, Germany 1600 hours March 30th---distance traveled 72 miles. Crossed Rhine River at Nierstein at 1300 hours March 30th.

Company B reported---Left Schifferstadt at 0100 hours March 30th and arrived Niedermoschel, Germany at 0630 hours March 30th---distance traveled 67 miles. Left Niedermoschel at 2330 hours March 30th and arrived Neu Isenberg, Germany 0645 hours March 31st---distance traveled 62 miles---crossed Rhine River at 0315 hours March 30th at Nierstein.

Received Field Order #12 Headquarters 71st Infantry Division 311800A March--XII Corps continues attack in its zone. 11th Armored Division on right followed by 26th Infantry Division, 4th Armored Division on left followed by 90 Infantry Division. 71st Infantry Division continues mission protecting right (south) flank XII Corps. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit 10700 April to area vicinity Gelnhausen. Will support the CT 66 in occupying, organizing and defending along line Hailer-Gelnhausen and protect XII Corps right flank.

Company B, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will move with that unit April 1st to assembly area generally between Hanau and Rinkingen. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 14th Infantry Regiment continues present mission.

SUMMARY FOR MARCH 1945

The Battalion continued to reinforce the 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) in its contested advance to Cologne with the VII Corps until Group Reinforced was pinched out at the western bank of the Rhine River north of Cologne. Battalion continued to guard the Rhine River in the sector we occupied until March 10th when we were advised the Battalion was relieved of attachment to VII Corps and 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) to which organization we were attached since Sept 1st, 1944, through France, Belgium and Germany and back to Belgium for the Battle of the Bulge; and further attached to 7th Army upon arrival their area.

Prior to departure for France and the 7th Army, the Battalion Commander in his capacity as Provost Marshal of 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) and attached units sent small groups of officers and enlisted personnel to register the civilian population of the towns in group zone---to pick up arms, etc, arranged for screening by Counter-Intelligence Corps of population and transported displaced persons to authorized CP camps.

Our attachment to the 71st Infantry Division became effective with our arrival, and attachment to 7th Army. Our line companies are under the control of the Division's Regimental anti-tank officers and generally are being used to reinforce organic regimental anti-tank defenses. Because of the nature of the operations, and the apparent disappearance of enemy armor, we have not fired at any enemy tanks since our arrival for campaign Southern France. We have employed our troops as infantry in patrolling activities and have captured 152 prisoners between March 15th and 31st. We were responsible for the regiments capturing many more.

The 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion crossed the Rhine River on March 30th and 31st, 1945.

Company A crossed the Rhine River at Nierstein, Germany at 1500 hours on March 30th.
Company B crossed the Rhine River at Nierstein, Germany at 0315 hours on March 30th.
Company C crossed the Rhine River at Nierstein, Germany at 1300 hours on March 30th.
Battalion Headquarters crossed the Rhine River at Nierstein, Germany at 2320 hours on March 30th.

BRONZE STAR:
Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith Battalion Headquarters
Corporal Paul DiMaio Company B

CROIX de GUERRE with SILVER STAR (French)
1st Lieutenant Joe K. LaCroix Company C

CROIX de GUERRE with BRONZE STAR (French)
1st Sergeant Benjamin O. Coleman Company A
1st Sergeant Michael P. Sarras Battalion Headquarters
Private Miles Robinson, Jr. Medical Deachment


APRIL 1945

1st The Battalion Commander approved the promotion of Pfc John Corpa, Company C, to Security Corporal.

Battalion CP moved---left Heusenstamm, Germany 1345 hours Apr 1st and arrived Langenselbold, Germany at 1615 hours Apr 1st---distance traveled 28.6 miles---crossed River Main at 1425 hours at Grossaubein, Germany.

Company A reported---Left Dietzenbach, Germany at 0820 hours Apr 1st and arrived at Lieblos, Germany at 1220 hours Apr 1st---distance traveled 30 miles. Pfc Louis P. Zarri killed in action by hand grenade in area approximately 1200 yards southeast of Dietzenbach in wooded area. Pfc Eugene W. Nadeau Wounded In Action by hand grenade in area approximately 1200 yards southeast of Dietzenbach in wooded area. Fragmentation buttocks and lower right leg---evacuated by 71st Clearing Company.

Francis Jeneral remembers when Zarri was killed and Nadeau was very badly wounded and evacuated. Jeneral says, I must tell you that my recollections of events that long ago are very hazy, but that particular event where Louis Zarri was killed however, did etch itself into my memory bank. The late John Yusta was our gun Sergeant. He told Louis and myself to tidy up the half-track to make room for our sleeping bags as we were about to move out. On our way to the nearby half-track, Nadeau joined us and offered to help. Both men were inside the vehicle and I was left to collect the sleeping bags and hand them into the half-track when they were ready, At about that time the explosion occurred. I was knocked to the ground by the concussion not knowing at the time what had caused it. By the time I came to my senses, other men were on the scene. There was no doubt that Louis was gone. Nadeau was injured and evacuated. The war was about over (Apr 1st) and I never knew if Nadeau had survived his injury or not.

At the Kansas City reunion Francis Jeneral and I (Carl Condon) talked about this incident and what may have caused the hand grenades to explode. They were cleaning out one of the inside storage compartments of their half-track to store the sleeping bags. The crew’s hand grenades were stored in the bottom of this compartment. If you'll remember, hand grenades were packaged in black tubular containers made of cardboard. Maybe during the rain and snow of the winter and spring, one of these containers had come apart. While lifting out the grenades, the ring attached to the safety pin may have become lodged on something, pulling the cotter pin. This one hand grenade may have detonated the other grenade causing the massive explosion.

Upon arrival Langenselbold, Germany on Apr 1st with billeting party, Major Scott and Lieutenant Tremer placed enemy hospital with 76 wounded enemy soldiers under guard and in care of a German Officer Surgeon. Our guards remained on duty until relieved by 71st Division Military Police.

2nd Company B moved---left Neu-Isenburg, Germany 1315 hours Apr 1st and arrived Niederrodenbach, Germany 1445 hours Apr 1st---distance traveled 21 miles.

Company C moved---left Oberthausen 1840 hours Apr 1st and arrived Langendiebach at 2010 hours Apr 1st---distance traveled 12.6 miles

At Langensbold the Battalion Commander noted a civilian carrying a basket toward woods and being suspicious that the basket contained food and civilian clothing for some enemy soldiers in hiding, ordered Captain Page and Lieutenant Tremer with a Recon Section patrol to make a search of the woods located vicinity east of the CP building. Sergeant Carnes, Recon Section, captured l enemy who was hiding in a covered foxhole.

3rd Company C moved---left Langendiebach and arrived Akenstadt---left 1420 hours Apr 2nd and arrived 1520 hours Apr 2nd---distance traveled 12.2 miles.

At 0545 hours Apr 2nd, 2nd platoon in position at Dudelsheim fired direct fire mission in support of 14th Regimental attack to clear woods of enemy. At 0545 hours one round3" illuminating shell fired with mission accomplished. At 0830 hours Gun Sergeant Goodspeed sighted 4 enemy digging in. He fired 2 rounds of 3" HE wounding or killing all 4. Sergeant Linquist at edge of woods saw medics carry all 4 enemy out on stretchers. Sergeant Goodspeed's gun also fired 3 rounds of HE at horse-drawn utility vehicle at 2000 yards---results 4 horses killed and vehicle destroyed. Sergeant Cipra's gun fired 2 rounds of HET-105 at fortified house in woods; house destroyed and occupants killed. In support of infantry endeavoring to march through the woods, the 2nd platoon fired 20 rounds of HE direct. Results to enemy personnel unknown, but enemy cleared from woods.

Two half-tracks towing 3" guns of the 3rd platoon led by platoon commander 1st Lieutenant Standfield, together with two tanks attached, attacked the enemy in the woods north of Rodenbach with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment Drawing small arms fire, Lieutenant Standfield had his men dismount from their half-tracks and personally led his men, with the tanks following, foward. Lieutenant Standfield killed one German officer and one enlisted man and Sergeant Shows captured one SS trooper. The woods were cleared and the Commanding Officer of the 2 Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment personally commended Lieutenant Standfield to Captain Pellegrino, Commanding Company C.

Company A reported---2nd platoon took 3 Prisoners of War south of Hailer at 1300 hours Apr 1st. Turned in to Battalion CP 2 British paratroopers who were liberated from the Prisoner of War camp at Bad Ord---Sergeant Robert Hornigold 8008243, 3rd Parachute Battalion captured at Arnhem Sept 19th, l944 and Private Sidney Carter 4343283, 3rd Parachute Battalion captured at Arnhem Sept 23, 1944.

Company B reported---left Niederrodenbach 1430 hours Apr 3rd and arrived Orleshausen 1930 hours Apr 2nd---distance traveled 16 miles. 2nd platoon took 3 prisoners in Orleshausen on Apr 2nd. 1st platoon took 5 prisoners in Orleshausen on Apr 3rd.

The Battalion Commander approved the promotion of Pfc Warren E. Grubb, Company A, to Gunner Corporal and Pfc Herman H. Luevano, Headquarters Company, to T/5---Company Mail Clerk.

Battalion CP moved Langenselbold at 1310 hours Apr 3rd and arrived at Budingen at 1430 hours---distance traveled 11.8 miles.

Company B moved---left Orleshausen at 1030 hours Apr 3rd and arrived Budingen 1100 hours Apr 3rd---distance traveled 2 miles.

Battalion Commander assigned 2 Recon platoon M-8s in charge of Sergeants Cantrell and Jones as protection escort to Division Billeting officer to Ulmback, Germany.

4th Company C moved---left Akenstadt, Germany, 1255 hours Apr 3rd and arrived Bleichenbach, Germany 1420 hours Apr 3rd---distance traveled 8.3 miles. 3rd platoon captured 1 Prisoner of War in Bergheim on Apr 3rd. 1st platoon captured 4 Prisoners of War including one SS trooper on Apr 3rd in Bleichenbach, Germany.

Company A reported---left Lieblos, Germany 1630 hours Apr 3rd and arrived Birstein, Germany 1900 hours Apr 3rd---distance traveled 21.1 miles.

Received Operations Instructions #7, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 32000 Apr 45: All units will complete present mission. On Division order move in organic transportation to new areas--- Conduct systematic, house to house, room to room search in towns in zones leading to new assembly areas, in towns in assembly areas. All males ages 18-45 will be placed under arrest and confined in Prisoner of War enclosures unless each can prove his right to be in area----Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with 66th Infantry Regiment to area surrounding Birstein, Germany, Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with 5th Infantry Regiment to area surrounding Kerbersdorf, Germany, and Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with the 14th Infantry Regiment to area surrounding Kressenbach, Germany. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (-) will move to Ulmbach, Germany with Division Headquarters.

Received General Order #11, Headquarters VII Corps, March 19th, 45---Par 3 : Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith, 0123028, awarded the Bronze Star Metal for meritorious service in support of active combat operations from Sept 14th to Nov 10th in Germany.

Battalion CP moved---left Budingen 1440 hours Apr 4th and arrived Ulmbach 1700 hours Apr 4th ---distance traveled 29.3 miles. At 1530 hours during the CP's march to Ulmbach, Captain Page, leading the column, noticed 5 armed enemy crossing a field. Captain Page opened fire and killed 1 and the remaining 4 fired 2 or 3 rounds from their rifles at the convoy and took cover. The Battalion Commander directed machine gun fire at the enemy and the convoy proceeded to destination. En route to Ulmbach, Private Calcagno, Headquarters Company, took 1 Prisoner of War ---turned into Prisoner of War cage.

Captain Harold L. Pellegrino, 0416867, returned to duty from Wounded In Action per authority SO 70, Par 2, Headquarters 191st (US) General Hospital.

5th Received Operations Instructions #8, 42200 Apr 45, Headquarters 71 Infantry Division: Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with 5th Infantry Regiment to area generally 2 kilometer southeast of Fulda and will relieve 104th Infantry Division in position. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with 66th Infantry Regiment to area generally around Oberimbach; will mop up enemy in woods and towns in zone. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move with 14th Infantry Regiment on order from Division only to new assembly area generally 2 to 3 kilometer southwest of Fulda; mop up enemy in woods and towns in zone. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (-) will move to Fulda on Division order.

By order of the Battalion Commander, Captain Pellegrino assumed command of Company C replacing 1st Lieutenant Pritchard temporarily in command of the Company.

Company B reported---left Bleichenbach 1105 hours Apr 4th and arrived Kressenbach 1420 hours Apr 4th---distance traveled 23.6 miles. 2nd platoon took 4 Prisoners of War Apr 4th at Michelan, Germany. Corporal Cockrell took 1 Prisoner of War on road between Bergheim and Gelnhaar.

Battalion CP moved---left Ulmbach 1445 hours Apr 5th and arrived Fulda 1735 hours Apr 5th ---distance traveled 33.3 miles.

Company B reported---left Budingen 1645 hours Apr 4th and arrived Bad Sodden 1900 hours Apr 4th---distance traveled 32 miles. Company B moved ---left Bad Sodden 1130 hours Apr 5th and arrived Fulda 1515 hours Apr 5th---distance traveled 29 miles. Company B gun platoon assigned to 2nd Battalion 5th Infantry Regiment and given mission of coordinating anti tank defense of north and east Fulda---platoon placed in position.

6th Sergeant Cunningham, Recon Platoon in charge of ration truck escort vehicle captured SS trooper of the 6th Mountain Artillery-Ord in Leisenfeld.

Company A reported---left Birstein 1640 hours Apr 5th and arrived Reichlos 1950 hours Apr 5th ---distance traveled 13.5 miles. 1st platoon took 1 Prisoner of War 0900 hours Apr 5th. Company A moved---left Reichlos 1400 hours Apr 6th and arrived Grossenluder 1630 hours Apr 6th---distance traveled 15.6 miles. Company A vehicles, primarily half-tracks, transported 66th Infantry foot troops throughout Apr 5th.

Company C reported--- left Kressenbach 1315 hours Apr 6th and arrived Fulda 1700 hours Apr 6th---distance traveled 31.3 miles. At 1700 hours Apr 5th 2n platoon captured 4 Prisoners of War in Breitenbach. At 1130 hours Apr 5th Sergeant Hoffman's section (3rd platoon) engaged in a fire fight with a patrol of 5 enemy at east edge of Kressenbach. Killed 1, wounded 1 and taken prisoner with the remainder of the enemy patrol. Sergeant Hoffman's gun was in position as road block when infantry reported the patrol to him instead of engaging it. Within 300 yards of this position Corporals Cenimo and Dickson engaged 4 more enemy, wounding 1 and taking the other 3 prisoner---total 8 prisoners, 2 wounded. On Apr 6th at 1500 hours, Lieutenant Stewart and his driver, Pfc Jaeger, took 4 Prisoners of War in the woods at Geisel, Germany.

Battalion Adjutant reported the following from the Rear Echelon "One twin-engine German plane came over our area low on morning of Apr 6th at approximately 0635 hours and dropped 5 parachutes containing food, small arms ammunition and bazooka ammunition. 3 parachutes were recovered and the 2 others are in the process of being recovered, and it is believed these final 2 did not open. Vehicular patrols were sent though the woods of SW of Rear Echelon area".

Battalion adjutant reported the following from the Rear Echelon, "While our water detail was attempting to get water afternoon of Apr 6th, they took 2 prisoners in the town of Wolferborn".

Received SO #41 of March 20th 45, Headquarters VII Corps---"VOCG March 14th 45 directing that Private Richard J. Kahnweiler, 39093841, Headquarters Company, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, be placed on DS Headquarters VII Corps for duty with G-5 Section are hereby confirmed and made of record".

Field Order #13 dated 0619300 Apr 45, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division received: 106th Cavalry Group on our right maintains liason between 71st Infantry Division and 7th Army units on our right (south). 26th Infantry Division advances on our left (north). 71st Infantry Division reinforced continues present mission of protecting right (South) flank of XII Corps. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to CT #41 motorized will move with that unit 070700B Apr 45 to area Unterweld---establish positions and prepare for further action to south and east. Company A 635 Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to CT #66 motorized will move with that unit on Division Order Apr 7th 45 to area Hofbieber----protect right (S) flank of XII Corps from positions in designated area. Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to CT #5 motorized will move with that unit to vicinity Meiningen and prepare for further action to the southeast within Division zone.

7th Company A reported---Between 1300 and 1600 hours Apr 6th the 4th platoon expended 15 rounds of .45 cal and 9 rounds of .30 cal---taking 2 prisoners and followed by 3 more prisoners.

Private Callwell, 2nd platoon, took 2 prisoners at 0600 hours Apr 7th vicinity gun position southeast edge of Grossluder, Germany.
Company C moved---left Fulda at 0830 hours Apr 7th and arrived Kaltensundheim at 1300 hours Apr 7th---distance traveled 34 miles.

8th Battalion CP moved---left Fulda at 0800 hours Apr 8th and arrived Meininggen 1250 hours Apr 8th---distance traveled 49.5 miles.

Company A reported---left Grossenluder 1820 hours Apr 7th and arrived Meiningen at 0620 hours Apr 8th---distance traveled 63.3 miles. At 1700 hours Apr 7th 2nd platoon took 2 prisoners at Grossenluder. 3rd platoon attached to 3rd Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division.

Company B moved---left Fulda at 1045 hours Apr 8th and arrived at Untermassfeld at 1515 hours Apr 8th---distance traveled 52 miles.

Company C reported---Corporal Cockrell took 3 prisoners and Sergeant Corbett took 2 prisoners on road between Fulda and Kaltensundheim, Germany.

10th The Battalion Commander approved the following promotions in Headquarters Company: Pfc Irving C. Pauley to T/5, duty 014; Pfc Elton R. Sebaugh to T/5, duty 060; T/4 Johnny C. Peterson to Staff Sergeant, duty 824; T/5 Cecil J. Meine to T/4, duty 060. T/5 Alma F. Spackman to T/4, duty 060 and Pfc Milton C. Bates to T/5, duty 060.

Company C moved---left Kaltensundheim at 1415 hours Apr 9th and arrived Meiningen 1650 hours Apr 9th---distance traveled 16 miles.

Received Secret letter Headquarters VII Corps dated March 45, file 370.5, subject, "Troops Assignment #18 (Administrative), par 2 - 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attachment 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) and VII Corps effective March 15th, 1945.

Received Field Order #14, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division 101000 Apr 45---106th Cavalry Group and 45th Infantry Division on our right (S) continue their advance. 26th Infantry Division on our left (N) continue its advance. 11th Armored Division continues its advance to our front. 71st Infantry Division reinforced attacks on Division order in its zone of action, regiments abreast, 5th Infantry Regiment on right and 66th Infantry Regiment on left. Destroys enemy in zone. (Division zone generally from Welkerhausen in north and Untermassfeld in south continuing southeast toward Coburg and finishing in Delhau in north and Marenhausen in south -zone split in half with 66th Infantry Regiment in northern portion of zone and 5th Infantry Regiment in southern portion). Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 5th Infantry Regiment will advance with that unit and support them in destroying enemy in that zone. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 66th Infantry Regiment will advance with that unit and support them in destroying the enemy in zone.

Battalion CP moved---left Meiningen at 1420 hours Apr 10th and arrived Themar at 1510 hours Apr 10th---distance traveled 14 miles.

Company A moved---left Meiningen 0930 hours Apr 10th and arrived Hildburghausen at 1400 hours Apr 10th---distance traveled 25.9 miles.

Rear Echelon moved into Meiningen, Germany.

11th Company A reported Sergeant Arthur Hanson Killed In Action Apr 10th in town of Klosterveilsdorf, Germany.

Late in the war, we were moving very rapidly across Germany and Austria. Our mission was to move into the small town, gather the military, collect all weapons and destroy them, direct the Germans back to Prisoner Of War collecting stations. The weapons were usually placed in a pile, covered with gasoline and set on fire.

Lloyd (Ole) Olsen says, when Sergeant Hanson was killed, 3 or 4 jeeps went into the German Village of Klosterveildorf to collect and destroy weapons. Sergeant Hanson picked up this old shotgun by the barrel and struck it over a stone wall. Unknown to Hanson, the gun had a shell in the chamber. The gun discharged into his stomach. I think he died right away but I went back to Headquarters for help anyway. I drove so fast that I rolled the jeep and had to walk. I got injured in the accident but made it anyhow. (Olsen was Hanson's driver)

Battalion CP moved---left Themar at 1055 hours Apr 11th and arrived at Hildburghausen at 1210 hours Apr 11th---distance traveled 8 miles.

Company C moved---left Meiningen 1430 hours Apr 10th and arrived Obermassfeld at 1500 hours Apr 10th---distance traveled 2.6 miles.

Company B reported---4th platoon took 10 prisoners on Apr 10th at Keilfeld. 2nd platoon took 2 prisoners the same day in the same town. 1st platoon took 8 prisoners Apr 10th at Eishausen. Company B moved---left Untermassfeld at 0910 hours Apr 10th and arrived Zeilfeld 1130 hours Apr 10th---distance traveled 6 miles. Company B moved---left Zeifeld 0745 hours Apr 11th and arrived in area 300 meters north of Herbartsdorf at 1015 hours Apr 11th---distance traveled 18 miles.

12th Company A reported---left Hildburghausen 1500 hours Apr 11th and arrived Rottenbach 1630 hours Apr 11th---distance traveled 10.7 miles. At 1015 hours Apr 11th 2nd platoon engaged in fire fight with an undetermined number of enemy foot troops in vicinity Hill 496, approximately 1 Kilometer south of Hildburghausen. After about 10 minutes of concentrated small arms firing by the enemy and our platoon and 50 minutes of scattered intermittent fire during which time the following ammunition was expended: 250 rounds of machine gun .30 cal, 125 rounds of .45 cal, 100 rounds of .50 cal machine gun, 92 rounds of M-1, 30 rounds of carbine and 6 hand grenades. The platoon searched the woods and took 6 prisoners. Investigation revealed an enemy OP intact with BC scope and field phone installation. 6 enemy dead were also found and by 1300 hours the platoon completely searched the woods.

Company C reported---On Apr 11th the 3rd platoon captured 2 enemy; l officer and 1 enlisted man, in woods south of Stanfeld. On Apr 10th in Kaltennordheim, the 3rd platoon captured 3 enemy 150mm towed guns.

Received Secret letter Apr 8th 45, Headquarters 12th Army Group, file 322 (AG-0), subject: Troop Assignment No 88, Paragraph 6, VOCG of 2nd Apr 45, directing the following changes in status of troops, are confirmed and made of record effective that date: 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion released assignment 1st US Army; assigned 3rd US Army.

635th is now transferred from the 1st Army to 3rd Army.

Battalion CP moved---left Hildburghausen 1515 hours Apr 12th and arrived Colburg at 1210 hours Apr 12th---distance traveled 5 1/2 miles.

Received Secret letter Headquarters XII Corps dated Apr 10th, file AG-322 (GMMLC) subject "Troop Assignment A-40, 71st Infantry Division is assigned to XII Corps per 3rd US Army Troop Assignment A-132 effective March 29th---635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to XII Corps per 3rd US Army Troop Assignment A-132 are further attached to 71st Infantry Division.

13th Company A moved---left Rottenbach 1500 hours Apr 12th and arrived Neustadt at 1630 hours Apr 12th---distance traveled 15 miles.

Received Operations Instruction #9, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division, 122030B Apr 45; 5th Infantry Regiment with Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion advance in column of battalions in zone to phase line generally from Weisman to Mainroth at 130700B Apr 45, 14th Infantry Regiment with Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion advance in column in zone to phase line Mainroth to 1 Kilometer south of Kirchleus at 130700B Apr 45. 66th Infantry Regiment with Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion advance in column of battalions in zone to phase line 1 Kilometer south of Kirchleus to 1 Kilometer north of Grossersdorf. All towns and woods will be swept of enemy.

Company C moved---left Eishausen at 1430 hours Apr 12th and arrived Oselau 1710 hours Apr 12th---distance traveled 17 miles.

Company B reported--During night of Apr 12th, Sergeant Stubbs noticed a German officer near Ummerstadt in vicinity of his gun position. He challenged him and called for him to halt. The German, not heeding Sergeant Stubbs call to halt, it was necessary for Sergeant Stubbs to kill him. The 4th platoon captured 3 enemy; 2 officers and 1 Enlisted Man, in Waltamsdorf on Apr 13th.

Received Secret letter Apr 11th, Headquarters 3rd US Army, subject: "Troop Assignment A-132", par 2---635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to XII Corps effective Apr 2, 45.

14th Company A moved---left Neustadt at 1700 hours Apr 13th and arrived Schmolz 1845 hours Apr 13th---distance traveled 17.3 miles.

Company C moved--- left Oselau 1730 hours Apr 13th and arrived Marktgaitz at 1950 hours Apr 13th---distance traveled 16.3 miles. On Apr 13th the 3rd platoon took 15 prisoners at Bieberbach and Unterlangenstadt. After the infantry cleared Bieberbach, Sergeant Shows took 6 prisoners and Sergeant MacKay's Security Section took 9 prisoners at Unterlangenstadt, Germany.

1st Lieutenant Thomas V Games, Headquarters Company transferred to Company B.

15th Battalion CP moved---left Coburg at 0745 hours Apr 15th and arrived Kulmbach at 1010 hours Apr 15th---distance traveled 40.1 miles.

Received Operations Instructions #12, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division, 142000B Apr 45, 5th Infantry Regiment supported by Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will move one battalion to vicinity Dornhof to sweep woods to northeast and east of Dornhof. Upon completion assignment, assemble vicinity Myemberg, 0-7255. One battalion will sweep woods extending southeast to Oberwalz and Weikennreuth and assemble vicinity Weickennreuth---protect right (S) flank of Corps. 14th Infantry Regiment with Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will continue on present mission; secure and clear Beyreuth. 66th Infantry Regiment supported by Company A, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion will advance in column of battalions to south along super highway to vicinity Bindbach---clear towns along route of advance ---maintain contact with 26th Infantry Regiment on left.

Company B moved---left Coburg 1445 hours Apr 13th and arrived Schwurvitz at 1730 hours Apr 13th---distance traveled 17 miles. Company B moved ---left Schwurvitz 1230 hours Apr 14th and arrived Limmersdorf 1700 hours Apr 14th---distance traveled 26 miles.

Battalion S-3 and Pfc Bradbury captured 2 Germans in vicinity CP at Kulmbach, Germany.

Company C moved---left Marktgraitz at 0900 hours Apr 14th and arrived Altenplatz at 2000 hours Apr 14th ---distance traveled 25 miles.

Company A moved---left Schmolz 1600 hours Apr 14th and arrived Langenroth 1800 hours Apr 14th---traveled 25.4 miles. Between 1000 and 1030 hours Apr 14th 1st platoon took 4 prisoners, Dornbach and 81 prisoners at Metzdorf. At approximately 1800 hours the same day the entire 4th platoon engaged in a fire fight at Gossenreuth. A group of enemy estimated at platoon strength were sighted and the platoon commenced firing. Sporadic firing continued up to 1930 hours. Investigation revealed the enemy had a machine gun nest set up to fire southwest down the super-highway covering a road block. 22 prisoners were taken and 2 enemy soldiers were killed. An undetermined number of Organization Todt workers were also rounded up. Total number of prisoners taken for day - 107.

Received Secret letter G-360, Headquarters 1st US Army Apr 10th,45 "Troop Assignment No 36", par 6--- VOCG of Apr 2nd, 45 directing following changes in status of troops, are confirmed and made of record effective that date; 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion released assignment 1st US Army, released attachment 6th Army Group, assigned 3rd US Army.

Captain Page, Lieutenant Tremer and Recon platoon swept woods area Kulmbach on order of Battalion Commander.
1st Sergeant Clarence J. Moore, Company B, reported to Battalion Commander to be advised his recommendation for battlefield appointment to 2nd Lieutenant approved per authority Headquarters 7th Army letter Apr 8th, 45,file AG 201-P. Sergeant Moore returned to Rear Echelon to be discharged as an enlisted man and sworn in as an officer approved per authority Headquarters 7th Army letter Apr 8th, 45, file AG 201-P.
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Company B reported that the 1st platoon took 10 prisoners in Altstadt on Apr 15th.

Two members Counter-Intelligence Corps searched CP house Kulmbach for subversive literature the former tenant believed to have had in his possession.

16th The Battalion Commander approved the following promotions: Company B---Staff Sergeant William M. Brumbaugh to 1st Sergeant replacing Sergeant Moore promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Private Lewis Hooper to Corporal duty 745. T/4 Peter A. Masser to Staff Sergeant duty 804. T/5 Lester M. Dow to T/4 duty 060. Private Glenn A. Smith to Corporal duty 610.

Company A moved---left Langenroth 1300 hours Apr 15th and arrived Harsdorf 1400 hours Apr 15th---distance traveled 10.6 miles. At 1020 hours Apr 15th, Captain Williams, commanding Company A with the company gas and ration truck ran into 5 rounds of enemy mortar fire on road toward Benk, Germany. 1st round exploded 400 yards away and each succeeding round came closer. When it was seen that there was a strong possibility the enemy could zero in on the vehicles, the truck withdrew. At 1030 hours Captain Williams picked up 4 prisoners near vicinity of Benk. At 1100 hours Headquarters platoon picked up 1 Prisoner of War near Langenroth. At 1345 hours Headquarters platoon took 3 prisoners near Hedersreuth. The 4th platoon took 13 Prisoners of War vicinity airport south of Benk between 1330 and 1400 hours. These were all German Air Force pilots. The 2nd platoon took 2 prisoners near Deps, Germany.

Battalion Rear Echelon left Coburg and established Headquarters in Kulmbach.

Company C moved---left Altenplatz at 1315 hours Apr 15th and arrived Beyreuth at 1405 hours Apr 15th---distance traveled 4.5 miles. On Apr 15th, Lieutenant McClellan with 5 Company C men and 5 Company B men captured 18 Germans north side Beyreuth. Sergeant Linquist, 2nd platoon, captured 4 enemy in Beyreuth on Apr 15th. Captain Pellegrino, commanding Company C took 2 prisoners Apr 15th in Beyreuth.

Lieutenant Tremer, Recon platoon officer, reported to CO 71st Cavalry Recon Troop to secure outline of use of our Recon platoon and to discuss Rear Area Security Plan with use of our platoon on Main Supply Route. Platoon committed for afternoon on Apr 16th---6 civilians of military age turned in to 71st Division Prisoner of War Cage for interrogation.

Company B moved---left Limmersdorf 1400 hours Apr 15th and arrived Altstadt 1600 hours Apr 15th---distance traveled 13 miles.

17th Company A moved---left Harsdorf at 1400 hours Apr 16th and arrived Schwurzhof at 1500 hours Apr 16th---distance traveled 8.4 miles. Headquarters platoon took German Colonel prisoner at Schwurzof on Apr 16th. 3rd platoon took 1 prisoner at Nemmsdorf on Apr 16th.

Received Secret letter Apr 13th,Headquarters 6th Army Group, file AG-370.5 UC-0 "Effective March 29th, 45 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion assigned to 12 Army Group and having been relieved from attachment to this Headquarters, is relieved from attachment to 7th Army.

Company B reported---Sergeant Stubb's section captured a truck load of German medics escorting a group of wounded Germans---in all 27 prisoners---on edge of Ober Konnersreuth, Germany. 3rd platoon captured enemy ammunition dump south east of Ober Konnersreuth with 150 500-pound aerial bomb and several tons of small arms ammunition.

lst Lieutenant Carlson, Recon platoon officer on temporary duty with 71st Cavalry Recon Troop for purpose of taking charge of group of Troops personnel assigned the mission of guarding Division Headquarters. Pfc Varlas as driver for Lieutenant Carlson..

18th Battalion Cp moved---left Kulmbach at 1225 hours Apr 18th and arrived Pittersdorff at 1540 hours Apr 18th ---distance traveled 26.3 miles.

Company B moved---left Altstadt at 0730 hours Apr 18th and arrived Haag 0815 hours Apr 18th---distance traveled 7 miles. Corporal Hooper, 2nd platoon, took 2 prisoners on Apr 17th at Ober Konnersreuth. 2nd platoon took 1 prisoner on Apr 18th on highway south of their CP at Lankenreuth.

Company C moved---left Seyreuth at 0700 hours Apr 18th and arrived Lindenhardt 1030 hours Apr 18th- --distance traveled 13 miles. 2nd platoon took 1 prisoner on Apr 17th at Dressendorf and took 1 prisoner at Donndorf.

Company A moved--- left Schwurtzhof at 0800 hours Apr 18th and arrived Hohenmirsberg at 1420 hours Apr 18th---distance traveled 37.7 miles. 3rd platoon took 3 prisoners at Drissendorg at 0815 hours Apr 17th.

Captain Page and Lieutenant Rehrig, Battalion CP, took 3 prisoners (1 officer) in Krzendorf, Germany on Apr 18th.

19th Company B reported that Sergeant Stubbs, 2nd platoon, took 3 prisoners on Apr 18th 100 yards in front of his gun position vicinity Lankenreuth, Germany.

Battalion Commander approved the following promotions: Company B---Corporal Richard C. Schmitt to Sergeant duty 610; Corporal Bennett M. Smith to Sergeant duty 745. Company A---Corporal John W. Reiner to Sergeant duty 745; Corporal Earl Satterfield to Sergeant duty 610; T/5 Eugene E. Burnett to Corporal duty 745; Pfc Arlo R. Stahl to Corporal duty 610.

lst Lieutenant Pommett, Battalion Liason Officer to 71st Division, advised the Battalion Commander that the 71st Infantry Division and the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to XX Corps.
Company A moved---left Hohenmirsberg at 1330 hours Apr 19th and arrived Bronn at 1500 hours Apr 19th---distance traveled 16 miles.

Company B moved---left Haag at 1400hours Apr 19th and arrived Pegnitz at 1501 hours Apr 19th---distance traveled 16 miles.

20th Company A reported---1st platoon took 2 prisoners 2300 hours Apr 19th at Hull, Germany.

Private Raymond Martin Killed In Action at Pittersdorf, Germany on April 20th. Art Morris says----- Raymond Martin was his driver. He and Dene Wineland's driver were taking their Jeeps down to a wooded area along a creek to wash them. Unknown to Wineland's driver the Lieutenant had left the .30 cal machine gun on full cock ready to fire. As they drove thru the trees a branch hit the trigger of Wineland's machine gun to start the machine gun firing. Ray Martin who was ahead of Dene's Jeep was hit and killed.

lst Sergeant Brumbaugh, Company B, in route to CP at Pittersdorf captured 1 German, fully equipped, running across autobahn from woods south of Eichenreuth.

Corporal Beisel captured 3 enemy at Mandleu Apr 19th.

Battalion CP moved ---left Pittersdorf at 1505 hours Apr 20th and arrived at Pegnitz 1615 hours Apr 20th ---distance traveled 17.7 miles

21st Battalion Rear Echelon moved into Pegnitz from Kulmbach, Germany.

Battalion Commander took Captain Charles B. Smith, Battalion S-2, to Division Headquarters to represent him as Acting Anti-Tank Officer for Division in place of Major Burt A. Scott evacuated sick.

Company C moved---left Lindenhardt 1600 hours Apr 20th and arrived Kirchenthumbach 1700 hours Apr 20th---distance traveled 14 miles. 3rd platoon took 9 prisoners in Unkas on Apr 20th. T/Sgt Milligan took 3 prisoners in Schnablewaid on Apr 20th. 1st platoon took 2 prisoners in Kirchenthumbach on Apr 20th. Private Hoke, 4th platoon, took 1 prisoner in Kirchenthumbach on Apr 20th

Company B moved---left Pegnitz 1500 hours Apr 20th and arrived Bernreuth 1630 hours Apr 20th ---distance traveled 10 miles. 4th platoon took 9 prisoners Apr 20th south edge of Bernreuth.

Company A moved---left Bronn 0915 hours Apr 21st and arrived Velden1130 hours Apr 21st---distance traveled 15.1 miles. At 0900 hours Apr 20th 1st platoon took 1 prisoner near vicinity Plech. At 0100 hours 3 more. At 1930 hours Pfc Garrett, of Headquarters Platoon, took 1 Prisoner near Hofen, Germany.

At 1830 hours Apr 20th the 2nd platoon fired 12 rounds of 3" HE, 5 rounds of 3" APC and 500 rounds of .30 cal Machine gun at Hermann Goering Castle and surrounded buildings in Neuhaus, Germany from which enemy small arms fire was coming---firing neutralized.

At 1600 hours Apr 20th the 3rd platoon fired 6 rounds of 3" HE, l00 rounds of .30 cal machine gun, and l00 rounds of .50 cal machine gun into town of Krottensee to neutralize enemy small arms fire encountered by advancing infantry---mission accomplished. At 1800hours Apr 20th 1st platoon fired 6 rounds of 3" HE, 250 rounds of .30 cal machine gun at enemy dugout and position south of Hofen---positions neutralized. All operations were on call from the 66th Infantry Regiment and Company A fired at targets prior to infantry making assault---all objectives taken before darkness on Apr 20th.

Received Secret letter Headquarters 7th Army, Apr 17th 45, file 370.5 C, subject, "Assignment and Attachment Order"---effective March 29th 45 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion assigned to 12th Army Group is relieved from attachment to 7th Army.

22nd Company B moved---left Bernreuth 1545 hours Apr 21st and arrived Edelsfeld at 1930 hours Apr 21st----distance traveled 11 miles. Captain Page, S-3, and quartering party to Sulzbach, Roseenberg, Germany. At the western edge of town the party was halted by a number of men in a ditch. They were Medics and a number of 71st Division wire crewmen. Our group did not receive any enemy fire but on proceeding forward with a wire truck were fired on by enemy machine guns from the town. Sergeant Hood went back to elements of the 5th Infantry Regiment not yet arrived for the purpose of taking the town and directed them toward the enemy machine gun positions and the quartering party returned to Pegnitz, Germany.

Company A moved---left Lungsdorf assembly area, 1545 hours Apr 21st and arrived Hartenstein at 1600 hours Apr 21st---distance traveled 2.3 miles. At 0530 hours Apr 21st the 4th platoon relieved the 1st platoon attached to the 1st Battalion 66th Infantry Regiment. At 0745 hours, Private McCartney spotted an enemy tank camouflaged about 700 yards from Sergeant Carroll's gun position. Platoon Sergeant S/Sgt Dan Foord went forward to investigate, returned and moved Sergeant Carroll's 3" gun about 25 yards from its original position to obtain better results. Gunner Corporal Warren Grubb fired 1 round 3" HVAP which struck the tank in the rear. He quickly followed with 1 round APC striking the tank in the same place. Going forward to investigate the results of the firing, the gun crew took 7 prisoners and found 2 enemy dead in the tank. Both rounds fired by Corporal Grubb entered the tanks engine side by side. The tank was a Czech Medium mounting a 75mm Assault Gun. 30 rounds of .45 cal were expended rounding up the prisoners. Entire action took place south of Hartensetin, Germany. At 1400 hours Apr 21st the 4th platoon took 3 prisoners in vicinity of Hirschbach, Germany. At 0830 hours Apr21st the 2nd platoon moved out of Neuhaus, Germany with the 3rd Battalion 66th Infantry Regiment to support their attack and occupation of the town of Achtel, Germany. The infantry was halted by enemy small arms fire at 1000 hours. Sergeant's McClurg and Thill put their 3" guns into position outside of Achel and fired 30 rounds of 3" HE, 600 rounds of .50 cal machine gun, 1250 rounds of .30 cal machine gun, setting the town on fire and completely neutralizing enemy fire. A Mark IV tank sustained a direct hit and burned. Destroyed tank credited to Company A by 761st Tank Battalion who entered town after action.

Company C moved---left Kirchenthumbach 2040 hours Apr 21st and arrived Schlich at 2150 hours Apr 21st---distanced traveled 9.3 miles. 2 rounds of enemy artillery fell in Company CP area at midnight Apr 21st.

Received Secret letter, Headquarters 1st US Army, Apr 17th 45, file H-65,322 (C), subject: "Troop Assignment 38", par 8 ---So much of par 6, letter this Headquarters file 322 (C), subject: "Troop Assignment 36,"Apr l0th 45 as relieves 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion from assignment to 1st US Army and assigns it to 3rd US Army is amended to read "Effective March 29th 45".

Rear Echelon ration truck crew took 1 prisoner outside woods north east of Edelsfeld, Germany Apr 22nd.

T/5s March, DeMent and Hampton took 5 prisoners in front of Battalion CP in Pegnitz at 2300 hours Apr 22nd.

23rd Battalion CP left Pegnitz at 0910 hours Apr 23rd and arrived Sulzbach Rosenberg at 1055 hours Apr 23rd---distance traveled 25.7 miles.

Company B moved---left Edelsfeld 1300 hours Apr 22nd and arrived Aichazandt at 1800 hours Apr 22nd---distance traveled 14 miles. On Apr 21st 1st platoon took 5 prisoners in vicinity of Krottensee. On Apr 21st 2nd platoon took 4 prisoners vicinity Angfeld. On Apr 21st lst platoon supported Company 1st Battalion 5th Infantry Regiment in their attack to clear the enemy from woods southeast of Krontensee. On nearing woods, the infantry were pinned down by enemy fire from the woods. 1st platoon backed off and fired 9 rounds of 3" HE and 700 rounds of .50 cal machine gun, clearing woods and permitting the infantry to go through the woods without opposition. On Apr 22nd the 4th platoon, on high ground southwest of Sternstein in support of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, spotted an enemy Mark IV tank approximately 3100 yards distant along the edge of the woods south of their position. Sergeant Shaw's gun opened fire, firing 7 rounds of 3" APC and 2 rounds of 3" HE. The 2nd round fired knocked the tank's turret from the tank and the last round of HE exploded the tank's ammunition, burning the tank. Personnel casualties unknown.

Captain Wikoff, commanding Company B, took 12 prisoners on Apr 22nd in woods northwest of Prohof, Germany.

Company A moved---left Hartenstein at 1430 hours Apr 22nd and arrived at Hartmanshof 1630 hours Apr 22nd ---distance traveled 17.1 miles. At11600 hours Apr 22nd, 3rd platoon took 2 prisoners vicinity Hartmanshof. At 1500 hours Apr 22nd 4th platoon took 6 prisoners vicinity Dichatshof.

Company C moved---left Schlich 1420 hours Apr 22nd and arrived Hahnbach at 1520 hours Apr 22nd---distance traveled 6.8 miles.

1st Sergeant Spangler reported the battle loss of a Company 1/4 ton vehicle and submitted the following story by 1st Lieutenant Lawrence J. Stewart, platoon leader, 2nd platoon--- "I am platoon leader of the 2nd platoon, Company C, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and my platoon is attached to the 3rd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment , 71st Infantry Division. I was serving in that capacity and was so attached on Apr 22nd 45. On that date we approached Amberg, Germany, from the north to attack and I was ordered by the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Guthrie, to go through town, contact K and L Companies and set up my 3" guns in suitable places, At about 2300 hours my platoon and I arrived in about the center of town and, leaving the platoon there, I went forward on reconnaissance in my 1/4 ton vehicle. About 600 yards from where I had left the platoon, I met Captain Jones, S-3 of 3rd Battalion, and stopped him inquire about K and L Companies. At the same time a German armored car approached. We tried to halt it but it speeded up and shots were exchanged. The enemy vehicle quickly turned around and returned and ran down our 2 vehicles and backed off and fired a number of rounds into them. When the enemy vehicle had turned around, we went into a nearby cellar and defend it from the windows. About 3 hours later, we escaped and made our way back to the center of town and located the 3rd Battalion CP and I was told that the plans had been changed and that K and L Companies had never gotten past the center of town that night. The next morning I returned to the vehicle and found that it had been looted. There was no SOI in the vehicle."

On Apr 22nd the 4th platoon took 8 prisoners at Hambach, Germany. At 2330 hours Apr 22nd, T/4 Bengston took 3 fully armed Germans who were trying to enter Company CP. At 0630 hours Apr 23rd Sergeant Spangler and Private Schultz, his interpreter, took 4 prisoners including 1 Major, in hotel in Amberg, Germany on Apr 23rd.

Sergeant Hood, Recon Platoon, took 3 prisoners east edge of Sulzbach-Roseberg, Germany, Apr 23rd

24th Received Secret letter, Headquarters 3rd US Army, Apr 20th 45, subject, "Troop Assignment A-135" 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attachment XII Corps and is attached to XX Corps effective Apr 17, 45

Battalion CP moved---left Sulzbach-Rosenberg,-Germany 0940 hours Apr 24th and arrived assembly area Amberg, Germany 1005 hours Apr 24th--- distance traveled 7 miles.

Company B moved---left Aichazandt, Germany 1430 hours Apr 23rd and arrived Schwandorf at 2315 hours Apr 23rd---distance traveled 30 miles. 2nd platoon took 10 prisoners in Krieth, Germany on Apr 23rd. Lieutenant Long took 6 and Sergeant Stubbs 4. 4th platoon took 4 prisoners at Schwandorf and 4 prisoners at Lenganlohon, Germany on Apr 23rd.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved into Amberg from Pegnitz, Germany.

Battalion CP moved---left assembly area at Amberg 1335 hours Apr 24th and arrived Burglengenfeld, Germany 1650 hours Apr 24th---distance traveled 24.4 miles.

Company B moved---left Schwandorf, Germany 1615 hours Apr 24th and arrived Teublitz, Germany 1715 hours Apr 24th---distance traveled 11 miles. Crossed Naab River at Schwandorf, Germany.

25th Company A moved---left Hartmanshof, Germany 1630 hours Apr 23 and arrived Schmidmuhlen, Germany 2100 hours Apr 23rd---distance traveled 57.3 miles---left Schmidmuhlen, Germany 1600 hours Apr 24th and arrived Schwetzendorf, Germany 2000 hours Apr 24th---distance traveled 34.3 miles.

At 0830 hours Apr 23rd the 4th platoon supporting the 1st Battalion cleared a number of road blocks in vicinity Hausen, Germany with half track winches. At 0900 hours the 1st Battalion's advance was held up by a number of Germans manning a machine gun in a house. 1st Glen Horman, Platoon Commander, armed himself with a Thompson submachine gun, had his 1/4 ton driver (Perry) cover him with a .50 cal machine gun and without aid entered the house. The enemy fire was extremely heavy and Lieutenant Horman ran out of ammunition; returned to his 1/4 ton for an additional supply of .45 cal ammunition and again returned to the house firing his weapon steadily. He mortally wounded 2 enemy and took 17 prisoners at the same time knocking out the enemy machine gun nest, enabling the battalion of infantry to advance. Ammunition expended 100 rounds of .45 cal and 110 rounds of .50 cal machine gun. Lieutenant Horman recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross by the 66th Infantry Regiment. 4th platoon captured 61 enemy in the vicinity of Schidmuhlen, Germany at 1700 hours Apr 23.

At 1900 hours Apr 22nd the 2nd platoon took 7 enemy prisoners in vicinity Winkl, Germany. At 1000 hours on Apr 23rd the 2nd platoon took 10 prisoners in vicinity Thonhausen, Germany and at 1400 hours took 21 more prisoners in vicinity Eigentshofen, Germany, 1 of these was a Captain. At 0900 hours Apr 24th, 2nd Lieutenant Silki, Company A Liason Officer to 66th Regimental Headquarters, his driver Private Derr, and rifleman, Kulish, took 9 enemy prisoners south of Ninbuch,(?) Germany.

On Apr 22nd, the Commanding Officer 66th Infantry Regiment requested that Captain Leland H Williams, Commanding Company A, to organize Task Force Williams, attack and secure the town of Hartmanshof, Germany for Regimental Headquarters occupation. Captain Williams with the 3rd platoon of Company A 3 tanks of 761st Tank Battalion, and 1 platoon Rangers, moved into the town on the left flank, swept it clear of enemy and accomplished mission assigned him.

At 1125 hours Apr 24 the 2nd platoon took 340 prisoners at Buckheim, Germany. 300 of these were Hungarians fully armed and fighting with the German Army and 40 were Germans.

. On Apr 24th Staff Sergeant James A. Nelson, lst platoon, went on reconnaissance for gun positions in vicinity Grid square 0584 and woods all around Schmidmuller, Germany, he sighted a party of 40 armed enemy in woods and advancing behind him. Realizing his inability to handle the situation alone, he made his way back to his position and reported the situation to his Company and Platoon Commander. Captain Williams organized a small task force consisting of Lieutenant Proctor and 1st platoon and the Regimental Intelligence and Reconaissance platoon and personally accompanied the force. Lieutenant Proctor led the force on to the high ground and engaged the enemy in a small arms fight. Our 1st platoon killed 2 Germans and took 23 prisoners and the Intelligence and Reconaissance platoon accounted for the remainder of the 40 enemy. Lieutenant Proctor also captured 3 enemy heavy machine guns placement on the high ground where the fire fight took place. The guns were overlooking the only bridge crossing of the Vils River just northeast of Schmidmuhlen, Germany. The enemy was ready to destroy the bridge and defend the crossing point. Staff Sergeant Foord and driver Pfc Black took 12 prisoners in vicinity Holzheim, Germany at 1500 hours Apr 24th.

Company C Moved---left Amberg at 0720 hours Apr 24th and arrived Fronau, Germany 1930 hours Apr 24th---distance traveled 29 miles.

2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, supported by our 3rd platoon were receiving enemy mortar and artillery fire which was holding up the battalion's advance through Regenstauf, Germany. Colonel Brandt, commanding the 2nd Battalion, assigned lst Lieutenant Standfield, platoon Commander 3rd platoon, the mission of cleaning out any OPs and strong points in that town. Lieutenant Standfield put his four 3" guns and the 90mm gun of the 4th platoon into position and fired 42 rounds of 3" HE, 8 rounds of HET-105, 7 rounds of 3" HVAP, l8 rounds of 90mm HE and 4 rounds of 90mm APO. All but 2 of the total rounds fired hit their chosen targets. An OP in a tower was demolished; infantry found one dead German and a complete radio set up in the tower when they went through the town. Corporal Dickson sighted machine gun fire from one house. The 5 guns fired on it and destroyed the house neutralizing the machine gun nest. Corporal Cenimo sighted a small group of enemy entering another strong point and leveled the house to the ground. The 90mm fired at vehicle and dug in position at 3500 yards---definite results unknown, but the smoke cleared their targets had been completely knocked out and not in sight. Lieutenant Standfield's platoon accomplished the mission assigned to them. All known and suspected OPs and strong points were either destroyed or neutralized and the 2nd Battalion went through the town without further opposition.

During the firing, they received 40 rounds of artillery and mortar counter-battery; however, our men continued firing their 3" guns and the 90mm during the barrage. 4th platoon took 3 prisoners in Regenstaul, Germany on Apr 24th.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved into Burglengenfeld, Germany from Amberg,
Germany.

Received SO 48, Apr 21st, 45, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division; par 6---Captain Charles B. Smith, 0273009, FA 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, is placed on temporary duty with Headquarters 71st Infantry Division (G-3 Sec) as Division Antitank Officer. Upon completion of Temporary duty officer will return to proper organization. Par 11---1st Lieutenant Robert E. Carlson, 01822102 (TD) 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion, is placed on temporary duty with Headquarters Company 71st Infantry Division. Upon completion of temporary duty officer will return to proper organization.

Received Secret letter Headquarters XII Corps Apr 18th, 45; subject "Troop Assignment A-43", 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attachment to XII Corps effective Apr 17th, 45 per 3rd US Army Troop Assignment A-135.

Received letter of appreciation addressed to T/4 Paul A. Stromberg, battalion Motor Maintenance Section, from AC of S, G-3, 71st Infantry Division, dated Apr 23rd, 45 for the fine work Sergeant Stromberg did in building an operations Van for Division G-3 Section. The commendation read "The Van has increased the efficiency of the Section in its operations many fold".

26th Company B moved--- left Teublitz, Germany 1045 hours Apr 25th and arrived Altenthann, Germany 2030 hours Apr 25th---distance traveled 24 miles.

Battalion Adjutant captured 5 enemy in Burglengenfeld, Germany at 0730 hours Apr 26th.

Sergeant Miller, Recon Platoon, took 4 prisoners at Schwaighouse Forest on Apr 25th.

Battalion CP moved---left Burglengenfeld, Germany 0755 hours Apr 26th and arrived area northeast edge of Wutzlhofen, Germany 0950 hours Apr 26th ---distance traveled 15.8 miles.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved into area 1 Kilometer southwest of Gonnersdorf, Germany from Burglengenfeld, Germany on Apr 26th.

Company A reported---3rd platoon took 1 prisoner in Burglengenfeld, Germany on Apr 25th. Staff Sergeant Wofford, Headquarters platoon, took 1 Hungarian Captain with the German Army prisoner in Schmezendorf, Germany 1000 hours Apr 25th. 2nd platoon, in position fired 30 rounds of 3" APC, 630 rounds of .50 cal machine gun and 1500 rounds of .30 cal machine gun into the city of Regensburg, Germany at 1300 hours Apr 26th as a diversionary action while foot troops crossed Danube River farther to their left---mission accomplished.

Company B reported---Private Anderson, 3rd platoon, took 9 prisoners near Pettenreuth, Germany and Lieutenant Klein, platoon Commander, took 4 prisoners at Sulzbach, Germany on Apr 25th. On Apr 25th 2nd platoon captured 6 enemy at Sulzbach, Germany.

Company C moved---left Fronau, Germany 1715 hours Apr 25th and arrived Grunthal, Germany 1930 hours Apr 25---distance traveled 8 miles. Captain Pellegrino, commanding Company C, Lieutenant Standfield and an infantry Lieutenant and his driver took 50 Hungarians prisoners in Tegernheim, Germany Apr 25th. The Hungarians were armed with rifles and bazookas and were fighting with the German Army. 3rd platoon was in position in Tegernheim, Germany on Apr 25th--- at 1930 hours. Corporal Dickson and Sergeant Shows fired 1 round 3" HVAP and 2 rounds of 3" HVAP respectively at an enemy half-track towing gun. Corporal Dickson's first shot knocked the vehicle and gun out. During the morning of Apr 26th an enemy personnel carrier was spotted at 2700 yards leaving Regansdorf, Germany . The platoon fired 2 rounds of 3" HE knocking the carrier out--- results to personnel unknown. During night of Apr 25th and early morning of Apr 26th, Sergeant Show's gun fired 9 rounds of HE and Sergeant Phillip's gun 18 rounds of HE at enemy personnel moving east of Regensburg, Germany. Definite casualties to personnel unknown, but many dead and wounded observed through binoculars. During night of Apr 25th, 1st platoon in position at Kuberg, Germany received 24 rounds of artillery in their area. Sergeant Corbett's 1/4 ton vehicle had radiator pierced by fragmentations and 2 front tires blown---repaired by company maintenance. During morning of Apr 26th, the 2nd platoon in position in Donaustauf, Germany and 3rd platoon in Tegernheim, Germany sustained exceptionally heavy artillery fire estimated at 150mm.

Received Secret letter Headquarters 3rd US Army, Apr 22nd, "Troop Assignment A-136", par 10---So much of par 2, Troop Assignment A-132 indicating attachment of 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion to XII Corps as of Apr 2nd is amended to read "effective date March 29th, 45".

27th Battalion CP moved---left area northeast edge of Wutzlhofen, Germany 0805 hours Apr 27th and arrived at Rosenhof, Germany 1630 hours Apr 27th---distance traveled 16.9 miles. En route while outside Wutzlhofen, Sergeant Hood captured 2 enemy. Battalion CP crossed the Danube River at 1130 hours Apr 27 at Sulzbach, Germany.

Company A reported---moved---left Schwetendorf, Germany 1000 hours Apr 26th and arrived Shottenheim, Germany 1150 hours Apr 26th ---distance traveled 20.3 miles. Company A moved---left Shottenheim, Germany 0330 hours Apr 27th and arrived Mintraching, Germany 1030 hours Apr 27th ---distance traveled 24.7 miles. (Company A crossed the Danube River at Sulzbach) At 1400 hours Apr 26th lst Sergeant Senne and driver Pfc Frey took 6 prisoners in Schottenheim, Germany. At 1500 hours Apr 26th the 4th platoon took 7 Prisoners of War and killed l German soldier in vicinity of Fortsmuhle, Germany. At 0600 hours on Apr 27th, the 1st platoon with Headquarters platoon following crossed the Danube River and inadvertently took the wrong road. In the process of turning around, one half-track become stuck in the mud, which was heavy and thick in the entire area. While the column was halted, a German panel truck comparable in size to our 1 1/2 ton truck, passed the column at approximately 60 miles per hour. 1 of the enlisted men in the column yelled "Krauts" and Sergeant Reiner in front of the column fired 3 quick shots from his M-1 rifle into the back of the truck, the truck never slowed down nor stopped. Sergeant Reiner promptly gave chase with his 1/4 ton vehicle with Private Olsen driving. 1st Lieutenant Proctor in a 1/4 ton vehicle and Captain Williams in another 1/4 ton followed Sergeant Reiner. Sergeant Reiner fired his .30 cal machine gun while on the move after the enemy, drawing small arms fire from the Germans in the back of the panel truck. About 1 mile down the road, Sergeant Reiner hit the panel truck's rear tires and the truck overturned. Both Lieutenant Proctor and Sergeant Reiner kept firing their machine guns into the truck and at the Germans coming out of it. Two wounded enemy were taken prisoner. Five Germans were killed and an undetermined number were burned in the vehicle when Panzerfaust ammunition exploded and blew the truck up. The entire action took place on the main road near Wolfshofen, Germany where the enemy vehicle was knocked out. 500 rounds of .30 cal machine gun, 45 rounds of .30 cal carbine and .30 cal M-1 were expended in the action.

Company B moved---left Altenthann, Germany 1000 hours Apr 26th and arrived Frengkofen, Germany 1530 hours Apr 26th---distance traveled 9 miles. Company B moved---left Frengkofen, Germany 0030 hours Apr 27th and arrived Augberg, Germany 0140 hours Apr 27th---distance traveled 10 miles ---crossed Danube River at Sulzbach, Germany. 4th platoon took 6 prisoners at Geisling, Germany on Apr 26th. 1st platoon took 5 prisoners at Geisling, Germany on Apr 26th.

Company C reported---moved---left Grunthal, Germany 1245 hours Apr 26th and arrived Donnaustauf, Germany at 1400 hours Apr 26th---distance traveled 4.2 miles. Company C moved---left Donnaustauf, Germany at 0205 hours Apr 27th and arrived Sarching, Germany at 0300 hours Apr 27th ---distance traveled 2.5 miles---crossed Danube River at Sulzbach, Germany. At 1500 hours Apr 26th Sergeant Phillip's gun (3rd Platoon) in position in Tegernheim, Germany fired 1 round 3" HVAP and 2 rounds of HE at an enemy cargo truck sighted at 2500 yards moving out of Regensburg, Germany to the east---truck knocked out and burned, enemy personnel casualties unknown. During afternoon of Apr 26th, 3rd platoon in position in Tegernheim, Germany were ordered by 14th Infantry Regiment to fire on a group of buildings in Tegernheim, Germany, where Prisoners of War reported more than l00 enemy soldiers quartered. Sergeant Phillip's gun fired 19 rounds of 3" HE and Sergeant Fogarty's gun fired 8 rounds of 3" HE. Sergeant Phillip's section fired 210 rounds of .50 cal machine gun and Sergeant Fogarty's section fired 500 rounds of .30 cal machine gun at the personnel running out of the house, but casualties to personnel unknown. Building demolished. At 1830 hours Apr 26th 1st platoon in position in Gegernheim, Germany fired 1 round 3" HVAP and 1 round 3" HE at a 20mm Anti-aircraft gun placement in an airfield 3000 yards southeast of their position across the Danube River, destroying it. Also fired 2 rounds of 3" HE at a small patch of woods east of airfield supposed to contain enemy personnel. Results unknown.

28th Battalion Commander approved the following promotions: Company C Pfc Alvie E. Clark to T/5 duty 734; Private Ross J. Manley Jr. to T/5 duty 734 and in Company B---Pfc Joseph Stedronsky to Sergeant duty 610.

Company A reported---At 1600 hours Apr 27th 2nd platoon took 3 prisoners (1 Lieutenant) in vicinity Traubling, Germany. 4th platoon took 169 prisoners in town of Mooseham, Germany between hours 1700 and 1800 Apr 27th.

Company C reported---On Apr 27th Captain Pellegrino, 1st Lieutenant Standfield and Pfc Goldstein took 3 prisoners in Krontsee, Germany. Captain Pellegrino, 1st Lieutenant Standfield and Sergeant Fogarty's 3" guns were in position in Regensburg, Germany with the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Infantry Regiment when the Commandant of Regensburg, Germany Garrison arranged the terms of surrender for the city with Colonel Lundquist, commanding the 14th Infantry Regiment.

Company B reported--- 4th platoon took 2 prisoners at Phatterron, Germany Apr 27th. 3rd platoon took 3 prisoners on Apr 27th (1 Major) in woods near St Gila, Germany.

Battalion CP group took 2 Volkssturm prisoners Apr 27th ---were guards at Prisoner of War cage for Russians.

Received Field Order #45, Headquarters 71st Infantry Division dated 280600B Apr 45---XX Corps continues its attack to southeast. 13 Armored Division continues attack in Corps zone to make contact with Russians to the southeast. 71st Infantry Division reinforced continues attack to southeast. Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 5th Infantry Regiment will attack with that unit on Division order to Hausmetting area----be prepared to seize Strabing U-5543. Company A 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 66th Infantry Regiment will attack with that unit on Division order to Hausmetting area. Company C 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion supporting 14th Infantry Regiment with that unit will revert to Division reserve and be prepared to follow 66th Infantry Regiment and Company B 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion in zone on Division order.

29th Company A Reported---moved---Left Mintraching, Germany 1515 hours Apr 28th and arrived Perkham, Germany 1811 hours Apr 28th---distance traveled 15.5 miles. 4th platoon in position in Hirschling, Germany were ordered not to fire their 3" guns due to our armor approaching the town of Geiselhoring, Germany from the north and northwest. At 1400 hours Apr 28th, part of the 4th platoon on combat patrol in area Gris Square 420 to 440 and 330 to 360 taking in the towns of Geiselhoring, Handling, and Hainsbach, spotted and gave chase to a party of 10 enemy down a railroad track. After they had progressed a short distance the patrol ran into considerable small arms fire. A brisk fire fight ensued and lasted until approximately 1800 hours. Our patrol expended all its machine gun and small arms ammunition when 60 enemy surrendered to the patrol consisting of 2 Sergeants and 2 Privates. Two enemy were killed. At 1600 hours Captain Williams and Staff Sergeant Nelson in separate 1/4 ton vehicles, proceeded forward from Mintraching to Perkham to contact the infantry battalion of the 66th Infantry Regiment and to locate billets for a new Company CP in that town. As Sergeant Nelson approached Perkam, a civilian stopped him and advised him that 10 enemy with a machine gun were covering the highway to the north. Sergeant Nelson turned off the highway, went cross country and proceeded to come on to the machine gun nest from the rear. In the meantime Captain Williams drove up, dismounted and proceeded to walk up the highway toward Perkam, unaware of the machine gun nest in his path. Noticing a movement in the ditch on the side of the road, he cried out "kommen sie here". Two enemy by the machine gun held up their hands and at that time Sergeant Nelson's 1/4 ton drove up behind them and a total of 18 prisoners were taken and the machine gun nest neutralized. At 1800 hours Apr 28th 2nd platoon took 2 prisoners in Perkam, Germany.

Battalion CP moved---left Rosenhof, Germany 1040 hours Apr 29th and arrived Straubing, Germany 1205 hours Apr 29th ---distance traveled 23 miles.

Company C reported---At 0900 hours Apr 29th 1st Sergeant Spangler, Sergeant Miller and Private Clemer took 19 prisoners in woods north of Riekofen, Germany. Company C moved---left Sarching, Germany 1810 hours Apr 28th and arrived Riekofen, Germany 1915 hours Apr 28th---distance traveled 11 miles.

Company B reported---moved---left Augberg, Germany 1915 hours Apr 28th and arrived Straubing, Germany 2025 hours Apr 28th ---distance traveled 21 miles. 3rd platoon took 7 prisoners in Straubing, Germany on Apr 28th. 1st platoon took 2 prisoners at Pfatter, Germany and 1 at Nied, Germany on Apr 28th.

Battalion Commander on reconnaissance of Straubing, Germany area took 1 German (2nd Lieutenant) prisoner at a loaded 20mm anti-aircraft gun and 7 German rifles around the anti-aircraft gun; position destroyed.

On Division order, Battalion CP stationed two-man check point throughout night of Apr 29th until 1100 hours Apr 30th northeast edge of Straubing, Germany, with Staff Sergeant Stradal in charge.

Enemy small arms ammunition dump about 75 yards from Battalion CP building in Straubing exploded approximately 0015 hours Apr 30th ---our guard alerted for fire guard for possible wholesale spreading of fire our area. Origin of fire undetermined.

30th Company A reported---moved---left Perkam, Germany 1245 hours Apr 29th and arrived Salching, Germany 1420 hours Apr 29th---distance traveled 9.2 miles. At 1445 hours Apr 29th, Captain Williams took 9 prisoners (1 Lieutenant) in woods south of Salching, Germany. Approaching an airfield outside of Ganacker, Germany, vicinity grid square 6425, the 4th platoon had a small arms fight with the enemy and took 43 prisoners after expending 100 rounds of .30 cal Machine gun. Action took place between 1700 and 1800 hours Apr 29th. At 1400 hours Apr 30th the 1st platoon in position and 4th platoon in position; both positions just west of Kleegarten, Germany, fired 59 rounds of 3" APC, 43 rounds of 3" HE and 5 rounds of 3" HVAP at suspected observation points in the town of Zeholfing, Germany. High buildings, Church steeples and other suspected strong points were blasted and demolished eliminating all opposition for infantry upon entry. After completing their position of the mission assigned the platoon, the 4th platoon displaced farther west and the 1st platoon remaining in position received 40 to 50 rounds of counter battery estimated at 75mm artillery with approximately 20% mortar. Although a number of rounds exploded 25 to 30 yards from the platoon's gun positions, no damage was sustained. 2nd platoon took 2 prisoners on Apr 30th in town of Kleegarten, Germany.

Company C moved---left Niekofen, Germany 1900 hours Apr 29th and arrived Nieoffing, Germany 2130 hours Apr 29th ---distance traveled 24.5 miles.

Sergeant Stephenson, Headquarters Company, took 1 prisoner at check point in Straubing, Germany 1000 hours Apr 30th.

Company B reported--moved--left Straubing, Germany 1845 hours Apr 29th and arrived Strasskirchen, Germany at 2000 hours Apr 29th--distance traveled 11 miles. At 1100 hours the 4th platoon proceeded to enter the town of Schonbach, Germany for purpose of going into position after being advised by the infantry that the town was cleared of enemy. Upon entry, into was noted that the town was still occupied by the enemy. The 4th platoon dismounted, entered the town and rounded up 75 prisoners. One civilian tried to escape when accosted by Corporal Santarossa and he was shot--he proved to have been a German Army Major in civilian clothes. On Apr 29th the 3rd platoon took 35 prisoners in Straubing, Germany.

Battalion CP moved--left Staubing, Germasny 1220 hours Apr 30th and arrived Wallersdorf, Germany 1445 hours Apr 30th--distance traveled 18.2 miles.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved into Straubing, Germany from area 1 Kilometer southwest of Gonnersdorf, Germany.

Company A moved---left Salching, Germany 1215 hours Apr 30th and arrived Wallersdorf, Germany 1417 hours Apr 30th---distance traveled 17.2 miles.

Company B moved---left Strasskirchen, Germany 1805 hours Apr 30th and arrived Wallersdorf, Germany 1835 hours Apr 30th---distance traveled 8 miles.

Company C reported--moved---left Lieoffing, Germany 1815 hours Apr 30th and arrived Pilsting, Germany 1930 hours Apr 30th---distance traveled 12 miles. 3rd platoon captured 122 enemy; including 7 officers; at 0530 hours Apr 30 in woods southwest of Lichtsting, Germany. 3rd platoon in position in Laudau, Germany on Apr 30th fired 9 rounds of 3" HE into woods in direction southwest of Usterling, Germany. Enemy infantry were sighted running into woods. Personnel casualties unknown. On Apr 30th Sergeant Show's gun fired 5 rounds of 3" HVAP from Landau across Isar River at an OP tower while infantry was crossing river. OP destroyed and infantry captured 5 enemy running from tower. Sergeant Miller, Headquarters Company ration truck escort took 2 enemy prisoners on highway northwest of Strasskirchen, Germany on Apr 30th.

SUMMARY FOR APRIL 1945

The Battalion continued to closely support the 71st Infantry Division in its successful progress across Germany. The Battalion Command Post and the Command Post of the 3 gun Companies completed 92 marches during April 1945.

Although the gun companies were to be used to reinforce organic regimental anti-tank defense, they not only accomplished their primary mission by destroying three enemy tanks in April but supported the advance of the infantry with direct fire missions eliminating enemy opposition during the swift advances. Our gun platoons sent out combat patrols, neutralizing enemy strong points, had many small arms fire fights, took over 1500 prisoners of war and assisted the infantry in taking many thousands more; however, no official credit was taken unless prisoners were actually taken unassisted. A sole bridge crossing of the Vils River was secured by our Company A by capturing an enemy strong point with 3 heavy machine guns and its personnel after a brisk fire fight and l of our officers, without aid attacked an enemy machine gun nest holding up an infantry advance, neutralizing it, killing 2 enemy and taking the remaining of the enemy gun crew prisoners.

Prior to crossing the Danube River, elements of our Company C were responsible for knocking out many enemy vehicles attempting to escape the city of Regensburg to the east, firing from well chosen positions in the vicinity of Tegernheim with 3" guns. The Commanding Officer of Company C was in Regensburg with the Commanding Officer of the 14th Infantry Regiment when arrangements were made with the Commandant of the Regensburg Garrison for the surrender of that city. One 3" gun section, 3rd platoon, Company C were in position in Regensburg at that time.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS:
1st Lieutenant Glen W. Horman for Combat action on April 23,1945


MAY 1945

1st Battalion Commander approved the following promotions in Company A; Sergeant Harold A. Roones, 37096288 to Staff Sergeant, duty 610, and Corporal Lawrence H. Oetting, 37016455, to Sergeant, duty 610.

2nd Battalion CP moved--- left Wallersdorf, Germany at 0230 hours May 2nd and arrived Assembly Area vicinity Landau, Germany 0420 hours May 2nd --- distance traveled 5 miles. Crossed Isar River at Landau, Germany at 0415 hours. Battalion CP moved---left Assembly area vicinity Landau, Germany 0945 hours May 2nd and arrived Simbach, Germany 1140 hours May 2nd ---distance traveled 8.5 miles. Battalion S-X and Pfcs Hoyt and Arata took 7 Prisoners of War on highway near CP building Simbach, Germany on May 2nd.

Company B moved---left Wallersdorf, Germany at 1845 hours May 1st and arrived Reichersdorf, Germany 2200 hours May 1st ---distance traveled 12 miles.

3rd Battalion CP moved---left Simbach, Germany at 0730 hours May 3rd and arrived assembly area Pfarrkirchen, Germany at 0835 hours May 3rd --- distance traveled 17.5 miles.

Company A reported---moved--left Wallersdorf, Germany 1600 hours May 1st and arrived Lappersdorf, Germany 1830 hours May 1st---distance traveled 12.8 miles. Company A moved--- left Lappersdorf, Germany 1330 hours May 2nd and arrived 1945 hours May 2nd Rotthalmunster, Germany---distance traveled 41.7 miles. On May 2nd the 1st platoon captured 600 Hungarians, including a Brigadier General, in the woods north of Mariakirchen, Germany. The platoon lined the prisoners up, organized them, checked them for weapons, marched them down the road and turned them over.

On May 2nd the 4th platoon attached to the 1st Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment received the mission of securing the dam at Egglfing. 1st Lieutenant Horman, platoon leader, and his Security Sergeant, Sergeant Otto, accompanied by a Major and Sergeant from the infantry, started across the dam while Private Peatfield of the 4th platoon covered their crossing with a .50 cal machine gun on his 1/4 ton by firing on the high ground to their front. Although the small force drew enemy fire from dug-in positions, they continued on. Sergeant Otto, on his own volition, located the tunnel under the dam, entered it, explored it, found the demolition charges and cut the wires. Lieutenant Horman then placed his 3" guns in position and fired 14 rounds of HE and 1 round APC at the dug-in position. He cleared the area destroyed a control tower, took 40 Prisoners of War and held the position until the infantry crossed the dam.

At 1900 hours May 2nd 1st platoon took 2 Prisoners of War at Trifern, Germany. Between 1100 and 1500 hours, 2nd platoon took 43 Prisoners of War in area Pfarrkirchen, Germany.

Battalion CP moved---left assembly area Pfarrkirchen, Germany 1225 hours May 3rd and arrived Malching, Germany 1405 hours May 3rd---distance traveled 19.5 miles.

Company B moved--- left Reichersdorf, Germany 1145 hours May 2nd and arrived Triftern, Germany 1600 hours May 2nd ---distance traveled 31 miles. 4th platoon took 14 Prisoners of War near Ering, Germany on May 2nd.

Battalion Rear Echelon moved into Pfarrkirchen, Germany from Straubing, Germany 1245 hours May 3rd.

Sergeant Hood and Corporal Marsh, Headquarters Company, took 1 Prisoner of War at Pfarrkirchen, Germany on May 2nd. Sergeant Hood and vehicle crew took 3 Prisoners of War at Malching, Germany May 3rd.

Battalion Commander took 2 Prisoners of War on road from Pfarrkirchen, Germany to Malching, Germany on May 3rd.

Company C moved---left Pilsting, Germany 1930 hours May 1st and arrived Niedhooken, Germany at 2015 hours May 1st---distance traveled 5.8 miles. Company C moved---left Niedhooken, Germany 1130 hours May 2nd and arrived Walburgskehn, Germany 0130 hours May 2nd ---distance traveled 31 miles.

1st Lieutenant Steward took 2 Prisoners of War (Officers) at Walburgskehn, Germany on May 2nd. 4th platoon took 4 Prisoners of War on May 2nd at Walburgskehn, Germany.

4th Pfc Mattwaoshshe Headquarters Company, took 3 Prisoners of War in Malching, Germany on May 4th.

Battalion CP moved---left Malching, Germany 0810 hours May 4th and arrived at Wurthing, Austria at 1915 hours. CP established in Castle Wurthing used by Nazis as S.A. Gruppenschule. Crossed Inn River at Ering, Germany at 0820 hours and landed on Austrian soil at Frauenstein.

635th Tank Destroyer Battalion moves into Austria.

Battalion CP group took 1 Prisoner of War in route to Wurthing, Austria.

Battalion Commander with a small group of enlisted men from the Recon platoon on reconnaissance of area were in a column in vicinity of Affnag which drew small arms fire. Enemy were sighted through binoculars on the column's right flank and to eliminate the possibility of a surprise attack on our troops, the Battalion Commander sent a five man patrol to act as a flank protection patrol--- patrol took 3 Prisoners of War.

At 1855 hours May 4th at Pffafendorf, while in route to Wurthing, while leading the Battalion CP column the Battalion Commander sighted movement in wooded area to right of road and directed .50 cal machine gun fire from Sergeant Jones’ M-8 directly behind his vehicle. Pfc Hoyt at the machine gun sighted a small group of enemy and fired into them. 7 enemy Luftwaffe pilots surrendered---one had two .50 cal slugs though his brief case.

Rear Echelon reported 8 Prisoners of War taken in town of Reid, 4 were Wehrmacht and 4 of the Luftwaffe.

At 0800 hours May 4th the Battalion Commander sent Captain Page and quartering party consisting of three 1/4 tons and one M-8 to locate and secure billets for forward and rear echelon CP in Austria. The party discovered at Affnag that they were well ahead of the infantry. They attached themselves to and followed a platoon of 71st Recon troops forward which stopped at Affnag to clean out a pocket of the cavalry. Our party sighted a train consisting of 4 cars and engine traveling at high speed. Our M-8 gave chase and forced the engineer to stop. It proved to be a mail and passenger train. The enemy soldiers were taken prisoner and the mail in the baggage car confiscated. (Later delivered to 71st Division G-2 by the Battalion Commander) Our party then caught up with the Recon platoon and continued on with them. The head of the column drew machine gun fire from dug in positions. Before our advance party could displace forward, the Recon platoon had the situation cleared and the column once again proceeded.

At Hornbach the column drew heavy small arms fire from about 200 enemy. A task force from the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, advanced to take the situation in hand. At the same time, Captain Page sent the M-8 and one 1/4 ton in charge of Sergeant Hood to cover the infantry's right flank. Sergeant Hood sighted 5 enemy general purpose vehicles with soldiers trying to start the vehicles. Sergeant Hood's patrol knocked out the 5 vehicles, wounded 3 enemy and took 22 Prisoners of War including one Captain. Horbach cleared by the infantry, our party left the Recon platoon and proceeded to Bachmanning. Adequate billets could not be located. On the outskirts of Hundhagar, our group met 4 friendly infantrymen who were outposting Bachmanning for their company. They advised Captain Page that they sighted enemy in Hundhagar but did not know their disposition. Captain Page in his 1/4 ton and the M-8, and including the 4 infantrymen, entered the town and immediately drew enemy small arms fire. The remaining two 1/4 tons then entered town and a sharp fire fight ensued. Our party killed 2 enemy, took 120 Prisoners of War including 20 officers, and knocked out 6 general purpose vehicles and immobilized 9 more. Sergeant Cunningham fired his .30 cal machine gun at enemy in woods with unknown results. The party proceeded to Wurthing and took over Schloss Wurting occupied by the Nazi Party as an S.A. Gruppenschule. The school's administrator was taken prisoner.

5th Battalion Commander, en route to Division Headquarters, took 22 members of the German Luftwaffe prisoner. 2nd Lieutenant Moore delivered the prisoners to the Divisional Prisoner of War Enclosure at Lambach, Austria.

Company A moved---left Rotthalmunster, Germany 1600 hours May 3rd and arrived Obernberg, Germany May 4th---distance traveled 24.4 miles.

Battalion Rear Echelon group took 7 Prisoners of War in Reid on May 5th.

Company C moved---left Waldburgskehn, Germany at 1700 hours May 3rd and arrived Mooseham, Germany 2100 hours May 3rd---distance traveled 21 miles. Company C moved---left Mooseham, Germany 1630 hours May 4th and arrived Lambach, Austria 2140 hours May 4th---distance traveled 41 miles.

Company B reported--moved---left Triftern, Germany 0750 hours May 3rd and arrived Polling, Germany 1645 hours May 3rd---distance traveled 24 miles. Company B moved---left Polling, Germany 1205 hours May 4th and arrived Lambach, Austria 2030 hours May 4th---distance traveled 34 miles. On May 4th 2nd platoon took 231 Hungarians, including 62 officers, prisoners near Grolzham. All weapons were collected and destroyed and prisoners turned over to the Regimental Prisoner of War Enclosure.

6th 1st Lieutenant Sands, Rear Echelon, took 2 Prisoners of War vicinity Reid, Germany on May 5th.

Company A reported---moved--- left Obernberg, Germany 0530 hours May 6th and arrived Wels, Austria at 0900 hours May 6th---distance traveled 49 miles.

At 0600 hours May 3rd the 1st platoon was in position in vicinity Obernberg. At airfield vicinity east of Obernberg, a German pilot landed his plane apparently believing the airfield still in the hands of the Germans. Staff Sergeant Workman ran forward as the plane tried to take off and fired his personal weapon at the occupants. 3 members of the German Luftwaffe surrendered themselves and their plane. At 0730 hours 9 additional prisoners were taken at the airfield. At 0700 hours May 4th, Staff Sergeant Workman and Pfc Schmid took 22 prisoners. At 1200 hours the 1st platoon took 24 SS prisoners with 2 towed guns and trucks, and at 1400 hours Sergeant Reiner and Private Burnett knocked out a Czech light tank with a hand grenade personnel casualties unknown. On May 5th, Lieutenant Silki, Company A Liason Officerfficer, his driver, Private Derr and gunner, Private Kulish, captured 2 enemy gas tank trucks containing 800 gallons gasoline, also 27 Prisoners of War at Lehen. At 1400 hours May 5th the 1st platoon captured an enemy artillery battery intact with 81 enemy personnel and their Commanding Officer, a Captain. One horse drawn 88mm gun was still undestroyed and was captured.. The platoon also captured an armored vehicle mounting a 47mm gun and 11 Prisoners of War in the same area. On May 4th the 2nd platoon took 170 prisoners at Reid.

Company C reported---moved---left Lambach, Austria at 1500 hours May 5th and arrived Droissendt, Austria 1930 hours May 5th---distance traveled 31.6 miles.

On May 4th the 3rd platoon attached to the 2nd Battalion, of the 14th Infantry Regiment supported that unit in its attack to secure Lambach, Austria. Enroute to the objective, the platoon seized the high ground to the approaches to Lambach. The platoon first went into position on the high road northwest of Lambach to protect the Battalion's flank and fired their 3" guns in woods directly east of that position. Looking for further targets, they displaced their guns southeast and sighted a locomotive racing to the east. One round 3" APC hit the locomotive and knocked it off the tracks. 1st Lieutenant Leo D. Kinnard, 608th Field Artillery Battalion, was with the platoon directing artillery fire on a German convoy when a German sniper fired at his OP with an automatic weapon believed to be a machine gun. Corporal Paul Grabish stood up in full view of the sniper and with his M-1 rifle brought fire on the sniper. A few seconds later, Sergeant Hoffman stood up, also in full view, and with a .50 cal machine gun neutralized the sniper's position. To further secure the platoon's right flank, Corporal Grabish led a half-track over to that position and found 70 Germans fully armed directly facing the flank. It was later learned that a battalion of infantry was to pass through the platoon area. Sergeant Hoffman with a half-track proceeded down the route the main column was to follow, clearing it of enemy and entered the town of Lambach itself. Lieutenant Standfield, platoon Commander, sent out small combat patrols and took 200 prisoners. 75 enemy dead were counted as a result of the 3" firing. 21 horse-drawn vehicles and 10 general purpose motor vehicles were destroyed. Ammunition expended 36 rounds of 3"APC, 10 rounds of 3" HVAP, 1120 rounds of .50 cal machine gun, 840 rounds of .30 cal M-1, 1670 rounds of .30 cal machine gun and 150 rounds of carbine.

On May 4th the 2nd platoon took 38 prisoners in vicinity Holzing. On May 4th the 1st platoon took 40 prisoners vicinity Mooseham. On May 4th 1st Sergeant Spangler took 5 prisoners in Lambach.

At 1240 hours May 6th, 1st Lieutenant Tremer, Headquarters Company, with a small Recon patrol, took 3 Prisoners of War in a farmhouse 1 mile northeast of the Battalion CP. A complete radio receiving and sending set was found hidden in a haystack in the barn.

Company B reported---moved---left Lambach, Austria 1600 hours May 5th and arrived Steyr, Austria 2000 hours May 5th---distance traveled 35 miles.

On May 5th 1st platoon in position northern edge of Steyr drew fire from two 88mm dual purpose guns. Sergeant Mueller's section returned the fire and knocked the guns out, firing 15 rounds of HE, 2 rounds of APC and 1 round HVAP. On May 5th the 4th platoon in position northern edge Steyr fired on enemy personnel in woods generally northwest of Steyr who were holding up the infantry advance. Position neutralized by fire from our 3" guns---mission accomplished as infantry proceeded through woods without opposition. Ammunition expended 14 rounds of 3" HE, 1 round of 3" HVAP and 1 round of 3" HET-105. On May 5th on northern edge of Steyr, a group of our infantry captured a number of enemy personnel in vehicles. Two of the vehicles loaded with enemy soldiers attempted to escape. Private Logue fired 100 rounds of .50 cal from his machine gun killing 1 and wounding 1, and stopped the trucks which were promptly retaken by the infantry. On May 5th the 4th platoon took 100 prisoners in a German camp on northern edge of Steyr.

Battalion CP group took 6 Prisoners of War (2 Captains) in our CP area Wurthing and 4 prisoners at Offenhausen (1 Officer).

Following radio message received from 71st Division CP "We moved out of Lambach, you may occupy town now". Battalion Commander sent Lieutenant Moore and party out to secure an adequate CP location in Lambach.

7th At 0030 hours May 7th the Battalion Commander, with a small group from Recon Platoons, left Wurthing for Lambach, Austria to take charge of the 71st Infantry Division Prisoner of War Enclosure on order from the Commanding General, 71st Division.

Battalion CP moved---left Wurthing, Austria at 0808 hours May 7th and arrived Lambach, Austria 0922 hours May 7th---distance traveled 8.7 miles.

Company C reported---On May 5th the 1st platoon took 650 Prisoners of War at Sipbach, Austria. The platoon supported the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment by unhooking their 3" guns and advancing as armored infantry in half-tracks and rounded up the 650 Prisoners of War without assistance. Ammunition expended 240 rounds of .50 cal machine gun, 250 rounds of .30 cal machine gun and 85 rounds of M-1 rifle.

Company A moved---left Wels, Austria 1345 hours May 6th and arrived Aschnach, Austria 1743 hours May 6th ---distance traveled 32.6 miles.

Rear Echelon took 1 prisoner in their area Wurthing, Austria.

Company B reported---The 3rd platoon was given mission of defending the dam and bridge at Bledlgut, Austria and proceeded up road north of Steyr toward Kronstorf. While still in an assembly position near road the platoon was taken under intense direct enemy fire from a battery of 88s from woods on high ground across Enns River and from Ernstohofen. One of the platoons 3" guns was put out of action by a direct hit by an enemy artillery shell. Corporal Gabriel Olarte, joined by Pfc Jack Sumpter, who was not in his gun crew, moved from cover and started an artillery duel with the enemy battery. Corporal Olarte kept firing at the visible flashes from the enemy guns while under intense artillery fire himself and succeeded in knocking out two 88s. He later knocked out 3 enemy general purpose vehicles and one 20mm gun which was firing on our troops. Gunner Corporal Sherman Collins was then able to put his gun in position and he succeeded in knocking out one 88mm gun and stilling the fire of the remaining 88mm gun in the enemy battery, and knocking out 2 general purpose vehicles. The platoon then fired into Ernsthofen on Battalion order at enemy personnel with no known results. The range varied from 1500 to 2500 yards. Platoon also credited with a possible on one self-propelled 88mm gun. While the platoon was under heavy fire, Pfc Ewers moved from cover and drove his 1/4 ton to a protected position. Ammunition expended 40 rounds of 3" APC, 25 rounds of 3" HE and 15 rounds of 3" HVAP. Following men were wounded in the action but remained in a duty status after treatment. Sergeant Melvin J. Dall, shell fragment neck and right shoulder. Pfc Kenneth L. Eickenburg, shell fragment right lower leg. Private Claude E. Roach, shell fragment left thigh and back. Private Arthur V. Poor, Medic, shell fragment left hand.

On May 6th moving into Kronstorf, Austria, the 3rd platoon sighted 2 Mark IV tanks in that town with engines running and crews outside of tanks. The Platoon Commander sent 2 combat patrols into Kronstorf, took 12 tank men prisoners and burned tanks with Thermite grenades---total number of prisoners taken in Kronstorf was 60.

Battalion Rear Echelon group took 15 Prisoners of War including 1 officer in Wurthing, Austria on May 7th. The Battalion Commander reported for record: At 0030 hours May 7th the Commanding General, 71st Infantry Division, ordered the Battalion Commander to proceed to Lambach, Austria with a detail of men to take over the Prisoner of War Enclosure there for the purpose of guarding, feeding and administering all prisoners of war and to hold them for eventual discharge or evacuation; to relieve a platoon of infantry from E Company, 5th Infantry Regiment currently on duty at the Prisoner of War Enclosure. It was found that the camp was too congested, without proper sanitation and water and a more suitable place was immediately found. All senior German officers were collected and a Colonel was placed in charge of the camp insofar as relations with the prisoners were concerned. Through interpreters, the German Colonel was ordered to organize his men into companies consisting of 2 officers and 210 men. They were marched to the new area adjacent to the River Ager, ordered to bathe and adequately clean up, dig latrines and remain in that area. Guards were posted around the entire area, good use being made of available M-8s and M-20s. Food was located in a warehouse containing German food and is being used.

8th Received Secret letter, file AG 320.2 - GMMCC, Headquarters 3rd US Army, dated May 3rd 45, subject "Reorganization of 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion" effective May 2nd 1945, 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion previously organized in accordance with Table of Organization and Equipment 18-35, September 1st 1944, is reorganized (to self-propelled) in accordance with Table of Organization and Equipment 18-25, March 15th 1944 with changes with an authorized strength of 35 officers, 2 warrant officers and 607 Enlisted Men. Existing authorizations for over strength not affected. No enlisted personnel will be reduced in grade.

Company C moved---left Droissendt, Austria 0930 hours May 8th and arrived Stichelby, Austria 0945 hours May 8th---distance traveled 1 1/2 miles.

Company A reported---moved--- left Aschnach, Austria 1000 hours May 8th and arrived Garston, Austria 1200 hours May 8th---distance traveled 7.2 miles. At 0830 hours May 7th the 4th platoon moved into Ternberg, Austria. At 0900 hours, Lieutenant Horman platoon Commander, sent a combat patrol to check the area. 60 Germans guarding Russian Prisoners of War were taken prisoner.

Captain Charles B. Smith, Battalion S-2 on temporary duty with G-3 Section 71st Infantry Division, returned to duty with the battalion.

Company B reported that 2nd Lieutenant Klein, with Colonel Wooten, Commanding the 5th Infantry Regiment, when the Colonel made contact with the Russian patrol on the east side of Steyr, Austria. At this point at Steyr, Austria on May 7th, 1945 the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. along with the 71st. Infantry Division was the FARTHEST EAST of any American troops on the western front.

May 8th 1945 was declared V-E day and it found the 635th along the west side of the Enns River with Russians on the east side. The Germans were trying to swim the river to our side, and it was necessary at times to lay a blanket of .30 cal machine gun fire on the water to prevent this action.

9th Battalion Commander appointed Acting Burgermeister for the following towns: Lambach, Pennewang, Bachmanning, Neukirchen, Edt, and Stadl-Paura, all in Austria.

lst Lieutenant Rehrig and Private Senne assigned to Burgermeister's office in Lambach in the absence of Military Government detail.

11th Companies A, B, and C attached to the 66th, 5th, and 14th, Infantry Regiments respectively, relieved of attachment and reverted to battalion control as of 0600 hours May 11th.

Company A moved---left Garsten, Austria 0800 hours May 11th and arrived Enemy Ammunition Dump 3 Kilometer southwest of Lambach, Austria at 0930 hours May 11th---distance traveled 34.1 miles.

Company B moved---left Steyr, Austria 0700 hours May 11th and arrived Enemy Ammunition Dump 3 Kilometer southwest of Lambach, Austria at 0930 hours May 11th---distance traveled 34 miles.

Company C moved---left Stichelby, Austria 1500 hours May 10th and arrived bivouac area 1 mile southwest of Stichelby, Austria 1515 hours May l0th ---distance traveled 1 mile. Company C moved --- left bivouac area 1 mile southwest of Stichelby, Austria 0700 hours May 11th and arrived Enemy Ammunition Dump 3 Kilometer southwest of Lambach, Austria at 0845 hours May 11th---distance traveled 31 miles.

12th Letter of commendation from CO, 1st Battalion,66th Infantry Regiment to 1st Lieutenant Earl L. Proctor, platoon Commander, 1st platoon Company A received 1 certified copy attached as Inclosure 4.

14th War Department film "Two Down and One to Go" shown to all officers and men of this battalion present for duty.

15th Commanding General, 71st Infantry Division presented the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star Metal to the Battalion Commander for meritorious service in support of active combat operations from March 15th 1945 to May 15th 1945 in Germany and Austria. Presentation made in the public square in Lambach, Austria.

Received Secret letter, file AG 200.6 OpGa, Headquarters European Theater of Operations, United States Army, subject: "Individual Service Award of the Bronze Service Arrowhead" ---- Awarding members of this battalion the right to wear the Bronze Service Arrowhead for participating in the assault which secured the initial Normandy Beachhead as part of Forces "O" and "B".

Received letter of commendation dated May 15th 1945 from Commanding general, 71st Infantry Division, certified true copy attached as Inclosure 2.

17th Received letter of commendation from CO, 66th Infantry Regiment for our Company A, dated May 14th 45, with a comparable endorsement from the Commanding general, 71st Infantry Division, certified true copy attached as Inclosure 3.

22nd Company C moved---left Enemy Ammunition Dump 3 Kilometer southwest of Lambach, Austria 1200 hours May 22nd and arrived enemy food warehouse 1 1/2 Kilometer northeast of Lambach, Austria---distance traveled 7 miles.

Received commendation for Company C with accompanying remarks from Battalion Commanders of the 14th Infantry Regiment to whom Company C platoons attached with comparable endorsement from Commanding general, 71st Infantry Division dated May 19th 45, certified true copies attached as Inclosure 5.
23rd Company B moved---left enemy ammunition dump 3 kilometers southwest of Lambach, Austria 1325 hours May 22nd and arrived Stadl-Paura, Austria 1335 hours May 22nd---distance traveled 2 miles.

Company A moved---left Enemy Ammunition Dump 3 Kilometer southwest of Lambach, Austria 0850 hours May 23rd and arrived area 2 kilometers southeast of Lambach, Austria 0915 hours---distance traveled 5 miles.

29th 3 Self propelled M-18 Tank Destroyers received, first new equipment since reorganization to self-propelled Tank Destroyer Battalion.

30th 6 Self propelled M-18 Tank Destroyers received.

31st 2 Self propelled M-18 Tank Destroyers received.

SUMMARY FOR MAY l945

V-E Day found the Battalion in Lambach, Austria. After 11 months in the line in action against the enemy, with only one 10 day rest period immediately after active participation in the Ardennes Campaign, we took over our assigned duty of guarding feeding and administering the Prisoners of War Cage at Lambach. When the Battalion Commander took over the supervision of the cage on May 7th 19,160 prisoners were in it. After discharging 10,483 enlisted men and 575 officers, 792 Volkssturm and 67 Wacs through May 31st, on that day we still had in the cage 785 officers, 20,392 enlisted men and 92 political prisoners, and in the hospitals under our supervision 82 officers, 1,132 enlisted men and 418 Displaced Persons. In a segregated cage under special guard were 65 SS officers and 2,540 SS Troops. The Displaced Persons we organized under officers supervision processed 2,341 persons for shipment to their homes and on May 31st we still had 3,905 Displaced Persons on hand. Prisoners were screened by Counter-Intelligence Corps personnel before discharge and those within walking distance from Lambach were rapidly released. All means of transportation was utilized within prescribed regulations to send prisoners and Displaced Persons to their own homes.

The Battalion was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead Award for participating in the initial assault for the Normandy Beachhead, and throughout the entire campaign on the continent maintained the highest combat efficiency. Battle casualties were 1 officer and 27 enlisted men killed in action and 1 officer and 8 enlisted men dead of wounds received in action, or a total of 2 officers and 35 enlisted men. 5 officers and 115 enlisted men were wounded in action and evacuated and 3 officers and 79 enlisted men were wounded in action but not evacuated.

The Battalion participated actively in the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. We took 4,639 prisoners of war and knocked out eleven tanks. We fought as infantry and supported all action of the organizations we were attached to. Generally the firing Companies have been under Divisional control and used in support of organic anti-tank defense. While attached to the 4th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) the firing companies were utilized for screening missions, road patrols, against enemy patrol activity, combat patrols, outpost, road blocks and dismounted as infantry in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest. Our current attachments to the 71st Infantry Division resulted in a series of swift marches with considerable 3" firing to assist the infantry to advance through wooded areas and towns. We have taken towns, bridges and dams, knocked out tanks and generally supported every action the infantry regiments participated in. Commendations from the Division and it's Regiments are attached hereto.

On order we have been converted to a Self-propelled Tank Destroyer Battalion and have activated a Reconnaissance Company. Thus far we have received eleven M-18 Self-propelled Tank Destroyers.

SILVER STAR
Captain Leland H. Williams Company A

BRONZE STAR (OAK LEAF CLUSTER)
Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith Headquarters Company.

On May 10th,1945 the War Dept disclosed its point system for discharge; men with 85 points or more to be the first discharged. Here's how points will be awarded:
1 point for each month of service since Sept 6th,1940.
1 point for each month overseas since that date.
5 points for each metal and battle participation stars.
12 points for each child under 18 up to limit of 3 children.

JUNE 1945

13th-17th Moved from Lambach, Austria to Neu Ulm, Germany.

18th 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion took control of the Neu Ulm, Germany Kaserne Prisoner of War Enclosure (PWE) guarding approximately 70,000 German Prisoners. The 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion was to guard, feed, administer and prepare the POWs for screening and eventual discharge or evacuation. Among the German prisoners, many were professional and craftsmen of many trades. They were very pleased to set up craft shops for needs in carpentry, radio repair, watch repair, photography, tailoring and many other such crafts. We needed furniture for our rooms and many of the men needed wooden boxes to send things home. The Germans were very willing workers and very happy to provide this service.

We were housed in an old German Military Garrison on the south edge of the Danube River. Each Company had a large 3 story brick barracks with 2 men per room. We had a large mess hall, meeting rooms, recreation rooms, and craft shops. After 11 months in the foxholes we thought we were in heaven.

Our men were used as guards around the Prisoner of War Enclosure and manning a screening procedure to prepare the Germans for discharge and return to their homes. We were careful to screen out the SS and Political prisoners that may have been involved in War Crimes. The Germans were very cooperative and gave us very little trouble. They were as glad as we were to have the fighting over.

JULY 1945

Classes were set up for continued education in many fields. The Army Department of Education provided our unit with paper back books to be used as guides for the Sciences, Mathematics in preparation for college. They also offered classes in electrical, electronics, mechanics and other crafts. Our instructors were officers and enlisted men from our ranks that had such positions in civilian life.

AUGUST 1945

On the 1st of August, 1945, the outfits in Europe were shifting men around to get the men with 85 points and above into outfits to be sent home. These men would be exchanged for men with less than 85 points. In the 1st week of August, all men in the 635th with 85 points and above, were transferred to the 702nd Tank Battalion. In turn men from the 702nd Tank Battalion with less than 85 points were transferred to our outfit. During August the 702nd Tank Battalion was shipped home with many of our men. Most of the men now in the 635th were between 80 and 85 points and would return home when the points system was lowered below the 85 points.

6th American B-29 drops lst Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

9th Americans dropped the 2nd Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

10th Japan starts talks on peace.

14th V-J Day, President Truman announces Japan’s Unconditional Surrender.

23rd The 2nd group of 635th men with less than 85 points were exchanged with the 48th Tank Battalion. By this time, only about 30% of the men still in the 635th were original men.

SEPTEMBER 1945

2nd A little after 0800 hours on board the Battleship Missouri at anchor in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese signed the Instrument of Capitulation.

OCTOBER 1945

In about the 1st week in October, the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion with its new men and the about 30% of the original men moved to a Cigarette Camp at Le Havre, France. At Camp Herbert Tareyton, we were processed to ship home. We sailed on the USS Marshall Liberty Ship on Oct 18th,1945. We arrived in Boston Harbor U.S.A on Oct 26th, 1945. From the ship we were moved to Camp Myles Standish near Boston. Here we were processed again for movement by train to our Separation Centers for discharges.

On October 27th, 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Wint Smith gathered his few remaining men into our last formation and said a TEARFUL GOOD-BY.

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Four men of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. received a Battlefield Commission------

Harrington, Harold W. 2nd Lieutenant January 28, 1945
Larson, Woodrow C. 2nd Lieutenant January 28, 1945
McClellan, Cleo H. 2nd Lieutenant February 25, 1945
Moore, Clarence J. 2nd Lieutenant April 8, 1945