Story of G Company, 357th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division

[2RHPZ]

See You in Hell

The story of G Company, 357th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division

*** This account was given to me by Lt. Claude Lovett of G Company, 357th Regiment, of the 90th Infantry Division. The first three pages and part of the fourth page have been lost, and the company diary ends abruptly. Claude doesn?t remember the name of the author; he only recalls that it was an enlisted man who was asked to keep an account of the company?s actions. It is possible that the man became a casualty.
*** The diary begins on June 13, 1944. The company has been fighting in Normandy for almost a week, having landed on Utah Beach on June 7 or 8.
*** Regular visitors to the World War II Oral History site will recognize Claude Lovett as the officer who rescued Lt. Jim Flowers on Hill 122 on July 12, 1944.
**
** Somewhere in Normandy, June 13, 1944: We lined up for the attack with our 24 men to assist the First and Third Battalions, who were supposed to attack at the same time. Our artillery registered in with smoke shells, and prepared to lay in their barrage.
*** To our direct front was a wide open field, about 500 yards in width. It was zeroed in from every angle with enemy rifles, machine guns, mortars and deadly 88s.
*** Lt. Regn called Battalion headquarters on the phone, to inquire whether the attack would jump off at the proper time. The dreaded reply came over the phone, "The attack would proceed according to schedule."
*** Lt. Regn replied, "Okay, I?ll see you in hell."
*** Lt. Regn, raising himself from his foxhole, signaled his men to get ready, and climbed up on the hedgerow. Below the phone jangled impatiently. Lt. Regn returned to his foxhole and the telephone. The orders were now to wait, the attack was called off. Men sank back into their holes with a sigh of relief.
*** Lt. Lovett brought up the remainder of the company, which he had reorganized in the rear. We spent the remainder of the day digging and improving our positions. At night S/Sgt Jake Parton, our supply sergeant, with new replacements we had received, hauled up rations, water and ammunition. The ammunition was hauled all night, as we expected to fire all the next day.
*** The following day, June 14th, we attacked by fire only, firing continually until 1400 in the afternoon. We drew heavy mortar fire and 88mm upon us. This continued all day, and we suffered heavy casualties for a defensive position.
*** An orchard which was located in our positions was completely wiped out. Not a tree was left standing. Dead cattle littered the fields. The enemy barrage continued throughout the night. Sleep was impossible.
*** Before daylight the next morning, we drew back to a Battalion assembly area. It was here that we received some new replacements. Among the replacements was an officer, Lt. Hoffman, who took over the third platoon. Lt. Lovett took over the duties of executive officer.
*** The morning and part of the afternoon was spent in cleaning up and resting.
*** In the afternoon, we received orders to move to the right flank of the Division, to fill a gap between the 90th and the 4th Divisions. We moved by truck, and arrived in the vicinity of Le Ham.
*** Everything in general was quiet and normal here. We remained here a few days, and the men had a chance to get a good rest and a chance to catch up on their correspondence. We also received some more replacements.
*** We had one casualty, when a man was shot while returning from a patrol. He was shot by one of his own men.
*** On June 18th, we left Le Ham, moving out by truck. We rolled to the western end of the Peninsula to an area near Port Bail. We were to relieve a unit of the 9th Division, who had almost completed the cutting off of the Peninsula. It was now dark as we moved into their positions.
*** The following morning, June 19th, we moved forward to complete the cutting off of the Peninsula. In completing this, we ran into some enemy tanks. In one instance, Jose J. Ortivez knocked out an enemy halftrack with a BAR, killing all its crew members. The second platoon, which was far in advance of the rest of the Company, was withdrawn, and a defensive position was organized. We lacked three hedgerows of cutting off the last north-south road and escape route for the Heinies trapped in the Peninsula. With all-around security, we set up for the night.
*** During the morning of June 20th, we tried to improve our positions, to cut the last escape route of the Nazis. We were knocked back once again. Throughout the day we repulsed several counterattacks. Once again we secured our positions and set up for the night.
*** On June 21st, we patrolled vigorously in the area to locate the Heinies. They were very strongly emplaced to our front. We tried to contact F Company, which was practically wiped out, having only two platoons left.
*** From further information, we learned that an attack was planned for the next day.
*** We attacked on June 22nd, with the third platoon on the right and the second on the left, and the first following on the left flank. Under a very heavy preparation of mortars from H Company, the second platoon reached their objective, but took a terrific slugging, because of lack of support from the third platoon. The second platoon had to withdraw one hedgerow.
*** During this action, an enemy medium tank fired right down the middle of our sector, splitting the Company in two. Lt. Regn then moved the Company C.P. to a safer location, with Lt. Brotherton in charge. We maintained contact with the C.P. through the 536 radio. With the Company being split in two, Lt. Regn took control of the left half and Lt. Lovett took the right half. Again the same lone tank came down the narrow road in our sector. Lt. Lovett stood on the right of the road, receiving orders from Lt. Regn on the other side, while the enemy tank fired its 75mm and machine guns down the path between the two. Despite the heavy fire the two lieutenants were able to control the Company by yelling across the short space of road to one another. Shrapnel and machine gun fire were flying all around the 15-yard gap in the middle of the Company.
*** Lt. Regn called for artillery fire to our front. We soon heard the whining of shells which landed about 75 yards in front of us. Lt. Regn called back to shorten the range 50 yards, in order to drive off the tank which was inflicting many casualties and holding us up. Battalion, knowing our position, refused to shorten the range. Lt. Regn insisted upon it and finally convinced them of the necessity. Again the shells were heard whining overhead. The men hugged the ground as the missiles landed between us and the tank. The artillery did its job, the tank withdrawing. The crisis was over. The Company reorganized its positions and was able to control the road and the last escape route of the Krauts in the Cherbourg Peninsula.
*** We held that position all that night and the next day. We received several casualties from enemy shell fire, which they continually poured into us all day. Remaining in this position until the 25th of June, we were relieved by B Company, and returned to the vicinity of the Battalion C.P. Here we dug in, and spent a rather restful day and quiet night. We had received replacements this day, 65 in all, which we needed very badly. The Company was now reorganized with these replacements.
*** The following day we returned to a position near the area we had just left to relieve F Company. We organized and improved these positions, which we held for a few days. During this time we received a continuous shelling, and suffered a few casualties. During our stay here, we sent out several patrols, consisting of reconnaissance and "hell raising affairs." On one of these patrols, Sgt. Bob Levick was killed. He volunteered for this patrol with the statement "It?s too damn quiet around here, I think I?ll go around and stir up some excitement." Also Robert M. Long, who had only been with the Company a few days, was killed. A 150mm shell landed directly in his foxhole.
*** On the night of June 30th, we were relieved by a unit of the 79th Division, and returned to an area behind the front lines. Here we had a chance to clean up, get some good hot meals and plenty of rest. It was good to get away from the chatter of guns and the falling of shells. The only thing to shake us up a bit were the huge Long Toms stationed in an adjoining field. The men were able to attend church services on Sunday morning.
*** Our stay here was short lived, as we left the area on July 3rd. We moved forward about five miles toward the front lines, to an area where we were in Division reserve. Here we dug in and stayed for the night.
*** The next day we moved further toward the front to another area, still in Division reserve. Our positions were consolidated, and the Company C.P. group moved into some excellent German dugouts.
*** This day was July 4th, and to celebrate, all artillery guns in positions in France fired one round into the German lines. Sometime during the day we were scared by what we thought was an enemy attack from our rear, but it turned out to be the Division Headquarters and C.P. guard celebrating the Fourth by firing several bursts of small arms fire.
*** We remained all that day, and throughout the 5th of July. On the 6th, we were ordered to move up behind the First and Third Battalions, who had been committed and were attacking through St. Jores toward Beau Coudray. We moved into the required positions, and stayed there that night and part of the next day. A move was then initiated to protect the right flank of the Regiment. After a reconnaissance, Lt. Regn returned to move the Company into position.
*** While we were moving into position, the orders were changed. We were now to move up behind and on the left flank of the First Battalion. This was to repel a very heavy Heinie counterattack, which had been going on for some time. A heavy enemy mortar barrage was laid down in our area while we were getting into position. Lt. Regn and S/Sgt Hayes were pinned down by the falling shells as they were returning to the C.P. They were out checking to see if contact had been made with the other units. The remainder of the night was spent digging and ducking, as interdictory mortar fire kept up all night.
*** The next day we received orders to return to the Battalion. We returned and had just closed into the area when the First Battalion received another heavy counterattack. Our whole Battalion was ordered to the aid of the First Battalion, and G Company moved back to the positions of that morning. Remaining in this area, we received heavy mortar fire during the day and early afternoon and evening. About 2000, the counterattack subsided, and the Battalion was ordered back to the position of Division reserve. The first platoon under Lt. Berndt moved to outpost the Battalion?s right flank. The remainder of the Company moved into Battalion reserve. This was July 8th. We remained in this fairly quiet area until July 12th, the first platoon catching all the hell.
*** The Battalion was then ordered around to the right flank of the Regiment. We were to try and outflank the enemy line that was holding up the First and Third Battalions. We moved around the foot of Hill 122 through the Foret de Mont Castre, up to the left rear of the 359th Infantry.
*** The orders were to follow the left rear of the 359th, until there was room to push up on line on their left. The 359th never jumped off. Lt. Regn managed to get one platoon and one squad in line with the 359th.
*** Lt. Lovett then contacted F Company of the 359th, and found that they knew nothing of an attack. The Lt. was assured by the acting Co. Commander of that Company that they were in no condition to attack as the morale of his men was very low, and the Company strength was far below par. This made very little or no impression upon Lt. Lovett, as we were in the same condition.
*** After Lt. Lovett returned to the Company, Lt. Regn and he decided that Lt. Lovett should go to Battalion to inquire whether anyone knew what the hell was going on. Upon arriving at the Battalion C.P., he found that the pressure being pushed on our Company was coming from Division, Regiment and Battalion. He explained the situation to them, which they obviously could not see by looking at a map. Upon receiving permission to attack through F Company, 359th Infantry, Lt. Lovett returned after receiving these parting words from Col. Barth, our Regimental Commander: "Lieutenant, the reputation of this Regiment, and even the Division, rests solely upon the success of your Company in this attack. Get hold of your platoon leaders and noncoms, tell them this, and that they must get hold of their men and drive them forward." Lt. Lovett replied, "They will go forward, Colonel, all they need is the chance."
*** Upon Lt. Lovett?s return, the information was given to Lt. Regn, who passed it down to platoon leaders and men. The platoons moved into position, and passed through F Company, 359th Infantry. While moving into position, Lt. Paige was mortally wounded, although we did not find out that he had died until a few months later.
*** The platoons continued their advance forward under withering enemy machine gun and mortar fire. S/Sgt Adolph Hudec was wounded here alongside of Lt. Paige of the third platoon. The third platoon continued forward on the right and the second platoon on the left. With the great loss of Lt. Paige and Sgt. Hudec to the company and the third platoon, T/Sgt Milton Munch assumed command of the third platoon. We advanced approximately six hedgerows past the 359th, and again we were pinned down by hedge clipping machine gun slugs, enemy rifle grenades and 50mm mortar fire. It was at this time that our First Sergeant Henry J. Felicetti was killed, and several casualties sustained. Lt. Regn, pinned down behind a hedgeropw, could contact no one on the 536. Leaving his cover behind the hedgerow, Lt. Regn crawled to the middle of the field to get better reception on the 536. Machine gun bullets clipped the aerial of the radio. He then called Lt. Brotherton on the radio, explaining the situation. Lt. Brotherton relayed the message to Battalion. Lt. Regn then called Lt. Lovett over to discuss the possibility of committing the support platoon. Bewildered and with a look of that go to hell expression upon his face, Lt. Lovett crawled out to the open and exposed field where Lt. Regn lay. They decided it was impossible to commit the support platoon, because of the fact that the enemy was on our right, and the left flank was a wide open swamp.
*** Lt. Brotherton then relayed the answer back from Battalion to our last message: "You cannot let machine gun fire hold you back, you must continue your advance." Looking at the machine gun fire clipping the hedgerows just two feet above the ground, Lt. Regn thought the situation impossible. But he sent word ahead to the second and third platoons to try and adjust mortar fire, and lay down heavy small arms fire and continue the advance.
*** Sgt. Munch, in command of the third platoon, ordered his men to fire two clips per man immediately after the mortars ceased. In a few minutes the mortar fire arrived. First came the smoke shells, landing directly in the Heinies? laps. The Krauts came out of their holes trying to subdue their burning clothes. Our shells were timed perfectly. Fifteen rounds of H.E. [high-explosive] followed directly behind the smoke shells, catching the Heinies out of their holes. We were rewarded with Teutonic yelps. Then came our barrage of small arms fire. It caught the Heinies with their pants down.
*** We continued forward, and picked up a cowering Heinie in the brush, who told us that we had killed most of his comrades, and those that were alive had fled.
*** We finally reached our assigned objective, the line where the Jerries were emplaced. Here we found scores of dead greenish-grey bodies. There were machine guns, mortars and rifles strewn all over the whole area. We captured a wounded Captain, whom Lt. Lovett wanted to shoot because of his arrogance. Lt. Regn curbed Lt. Lovett?s desires and sent the prisoner back through proper channels.
*** We closed into our area for the night, with Lt. Regn passing word down to each man of the wonderful job they had done. Everyone settled down to a well-deserved night?s rest with a renewed feeling of confidence.
*** Our ammunition was replenished during the night, and we jumped off the following morning, July 13th. Moving out cautiously, we advanced hedgerow after hedgerow without encountering any resistance. After advancing about four miles, we reached the day?s objective about 1440. The first platoon was ordered to move out at dark as a strong combat patrol. Their mission was to search out the area to the west and south of us and to knock out an enemy assault gun reported to be in the vicinity by G2. They were reinforced by bazookas, and very heavily armed. After thoroughly searching the area, they returned at 0200, reporting that they had found only friendly troops, and there was a great misunderstanding as to the correct password for the night.
*** During the night we received orders to jump off at 0800 the following morning, July 14th. Our Company was in Battalion reserve. We moved out slowly, with E Company getting heavy shell fire and scattered small arms. E and F Companies moved forward steadily that day. By the end of the day, they had pushed across a small stream, bounded on either side by a wide open space. There not being room for the whole reserve Company, we moved the third platoon across the stream to protect E Company?s right flank. These positions were consolidated, and a quiet night was spent, except for intermittent shell fire.
*** During the night, the Heinies must have pulled out, as the Battalion moved forward steadily, advancing several hedgerows, and closing in on an area in the vicinity of Motorville. On the night of July 14th, we relieved H Company of the 358th Infantry, who were in a defensive position near Ney. Being subject to shell fire, the men dug in, and we spent the night rather quietly.
*** During the morning and early part of the afternoon, July 15th, we spent sniping at Jerries which could be seen on an island across the stream from us. Late in the afternoon, we decided we would try to send a combat patrol across the stream to investigate the island. The patrol consisted of the first platoon under the leadership of Lt. Berndt.
*** The patrol proceeded cautiously across the wide open ground. The scouts crossed the open stream, and advanced up the slight incline of the other side, when all hell broke loose in the form of Heinie machine guns, pinning the first platoon to the ground. The fire was returned immediately by the H Company machine gunners and our riflemen. The H Company boys did an excellent job, knocking out two of the Heinie machine guns. Under the protection of our machine guns, and by order of Lt. Regn, Lt. Berndt started his withdrawal. During this withdrawal, we had one man killed and several casualties. Lt. Berndt did an excellent job executing the withdrawal of his men. After reaching his positions, the Lt. returned with a few men to bring back his casualties. Here Lt. Regn and Lt. Lovett arrived at the scene. Seeing that the litter bearers were hesitant to go out under the heavy machine gun fire, the two lieutenants grabbed a litter and went out into the field to pick up Pvt. Paul Cabiness, who was seriously wounded in the leg. All the wounded were evacuated and the first platoon returned to their original positions.
*** Things remained quiet until dark that night. Just at dark, as we were preparing to send out a reconnaissance patrol, consisting of two men from the intelligence and one from the engineers, an enemy patrol was discovered just across the hedgerow from our first platoon. An exchange of hand grenades and small arms took place. Pfc. Gula was the first to spot the patrol, and he immediately gave the warning to the remainder of the platoon by dropping a hand grenade in the midst of the Heinies. Like a flash the whole platoon was on the alert. The Jerries were throwing "potato mashers" and firing their Schmeizers. All of a sudden there was a lull in the battle. All of our boys were waiting tensely, with their weapon in one hand and a hand grenade in the other. As T/Sgt Lutgens and Pfc Bud Johnson stood side by side in a gap in the hedgerow, a Heinie loomed up only a few feet in front of the muzzles of their rifles. Johnson, armed with a BAR, let the Heinie have a full magazine from his weapon. The Kraut fell to the ground firing his Schmeizer and moaning that well-known word "comrade." With the reply "Comrade my ass, you son of a bitch," Johnson loaded a new magazine in his BAR, and firing the full magazine with one burst, he laid the Kraut to rest. Johnson later claimed that the Heinie?s moans got on his nerves.
*** The fire continued sporadically all night.
*** About 0400 on the morning of July 16th, digging was heard only a few yards away in front of the first platoon positions. This puzzled everyone. As dawn broke, each man was tense, wondering about the next move of the Germans. To their surprise, five Krauts rose from the holes they had dug, with their hands high in the air, callling "Comrade." The results of the battle were ten of the enemy killed and five captured, out of a patrol of 15 men. We suffered no casualties from the night?s battle, and the first platoon not only won a tactical battle, but a morale victory.
*** The day was spent putting out trip wires and flares, and other measures to prevent enemy patrolling. Our efforts were in vain, as no enemy patrols wished to venture near our positions during the night.

[2RHPZ]

On July 17th, we were relieved by I Company of the 3rd Battalion. Our Battalion moved to Regimental reserve near Gonfreville.
*** Here we had our first showers since arriving in France. During our stay here, which lasted until July 25th, we were able to get good hot meals, rest, recreation, and catch up on our correspondence. We also practiced some attacking problems, which consisted of attacking with tanks.
*** On the 25th of July, we moved up to an assembly area in the rear of the 1st Battalion, 329th Infantry, of the 83rd Division.
*** The next morning, July 26th, we moved into position at 0300, and prepared to attack at 0530.
*** The attack jumped off on time, and we advanced three hedgerows. We then received heavy machine gun fire from our left flank, pinning us down. We discovered that E Company had not been able to advance more than one hedgerow because of this fire. The machine guns being out of our company sector and even out of our Battalion sector, there was nothing we could do about it, as mortar fire did not seem to affect them. Here the attack bogged down, as E Company had to withdraw to the line of departure. We remained there that day, taking a terrific slugging from enemy mortar fire. We sustained a few casualties. The enemy machine gun fire that day killed S/Sgt Albert Rodacker. Sgt. Rodacker had just rejoined the Company after being injured back in England. Actually this was his first day of combat. That night we used foxholes that had been prepared by the the 83rd Division.
*** We settled down and made plans for the attack the following morning.
*** The next morning, July 27th, the attack began with a heavy artillery and mortar barrage. A few of our mortar rounds fell short, killing one of our Sgts and wounding three others. All were from the third platoon.
*** After the barrage, we moved forward meeting no resistance, except mines and ****y traps. One of these ****y trap teller mines seriously wounded Sgt. Julian Cabrera, communication sergeant, and tossed Capt. Regn about three feet in the air.
*** We advanced forward a few miles, meeting no resistance. Finally E Company moved on the left of the 3rd Battalion, who had met resistance from across a small stream. G Company was ordered up on the left of E Company, and moved into position. E Company was the base Company, and as they did not advance, we stayed in this position all night.
*** The following morning, July 28th, we were ordered to move at 0600. We moved forward cautiously, because of the ****y traps and mines we had encountered the night before. No resistance was met, and we advanced several miles that day through difficult hedgerow terrain. But someone from higher headquarters, apparently riding in a jeep, did not realize how difficult the terrain was, and insisted that we go faster. Sweat poured down the men?s faces in tired rivulets, tired and brown with the sun.
*** At last we reached our final objective, which was near Com****d. Here we learned that we had been pinched out by the 1st Division, and we had passed into Army reserve, from the 28th of July to the 2nd of August. This was sort of a rest area. We again received hot meals, showers, and plenty of rest. On the morning of Aug. 2nd, the Battalion moved by truck down the west side of the Cherbourg Peninsula by Coutances, through Avranches, and headed for all points south.
*** We moved into a defensive area in the vicinity of La Mancellerie, and stayed there that night.
*** In the morning we received orders to move to a new defensive position. About 1600 we moved out by foot, marching the remainder of the afternoon and early evening.
*** Thursday evening, Aug. 3rd, found ourselves in the tall woods and thick brush in the vicinity of St. Hilaire. Upon arrival, we set up our Company C.P. and Capt. Regn carefully placed the platoons in their defensive positions. The first and second platoons were defending to the right and left fronts along the blacktop. The third platoon was to our rear above a huge stone quarry. Darkness soon fell, and we prepared to spend the night. Off in the distance one could hear the heavy guns of our artillery blasting away at the enemy. Shortly we heard the sounds of airplane motors. It was Jerrie all right, but they did no harm, dropping a few flares here and there. An occasional stream of tracers could be seen streaking towards their targets. As usual, S/Sgt Jake Parton was on his supply jeep at the trigger of his .50-cal. machine gun, waiting to cut loose on anything that came in range. Soon the planes disappeared, to bother us no more for the remainder of the night.
*** Upon awakening on Friday morning, Aug. 4th, we found the morning sun peeping over the distant hills, and casting long shadows through the woods. We had our usual K rations for breakfast. Our platoons reported that everything was in order during the night. There were scattered remnants of the enemy in the surrounding hills, and we were kept on the alert at all times.
*** Lieutenants Lovett and Brotherton reported to Battalion to receive Silver Stars, awarded to them for their outstanding performance in previous engagements.
*** Our mission remained the same as the previous day, to defend the area we now held. At noon we had a hot dinner brought up to us. As the day continued undisturbed, we turned in our last order of names for the Combat Infantryman Badge. Capt. Regn felt that every member now in the company deserved the badge. The remainder of the day continued normally and in the evening "Bed Check Charlie" appeared. This is the name we had given to the scant Luftwaffe. As darkness fell, men were at their guard posts, checking in on our communication lines every hour. And so the night was spent quietly.
*** We were alerted to move the following morning at 0600. This was Saturday, Aug. 5th. The movement was to be made by trucks. The usual difficulties of obtaining trucks caused a delay, so we sat around resting, napping and discussing past experiences, the war situation, and as usual ? women. The trucks arrived and we left the area at 1200. We rode the better part of the afternoon, detrucking near the vicinity of the city of Mayenne. We continued forward by foot south of the city. We crossed the Mayenne River in rubber boats, a rather new experience for us. This was actually the first river we had ever crossed. Rivers had been mentioned to us before, but they turned out to be small streams.
*** We continued on, and shortly occupied the high ground overlooking the city of Mayenne. In one instance Pfc William T. (Killer) Kent of Company headquarters was waiting by a road junction to guide our vehicles to the Company. Shortly two Heinies appeared on motorcycles. He immediately ordered them to surrender, which they immediately did, when they saw the menacing carbine in the hands of Kent. There was lots of tank activity in the town, several enemy vehicles being knocked out. The Germans shelled the city, causing some damage. The rest of the night was spent undisturbed, except for the occasional report of an M1 and the bursts of our machine guns.
*** Sunday morning Aug. 6th we still defended the same area we now held. We had captured two prisoners that night. We learned today that we had a new Battalion Commander in the person of Lt. Col. Schwab. Major Domries was made Battalion Executive officer. About 1100 elements of the 1st Division were seen in our area. Shortly we learned that we had been relieved by the 1st Division and we were alerted to move at 1200. Leaving the area, we marched along the blacktop south of Mayenne. We received word that trucks would be along for us shortly, so we spread out along the road, resting near the brushes. Civilians soon gathered about us, vainly trying to converse with us. The children sat on our laps, looking with awe at the Americans before them. "Cigarettes pour papa" was heard everywhere. They all stared in amazement as we ate from our ration boxes.
*** The trucks soon arrived and we continued on our way. As darkness fell, we halted because one of our vehicles had been ambushed. It was also reported that the highway had been cut between us and the 1st Battalion, who had been leading the column. It was decided to detruck and bivouac for the night.
*** On Monday morning we were up bright and early, ready to continue on our way.
*** An advanced patrol was sent ahead to reconnoiter the route for the convoy. The Battalion halted temporarily until given word to continue. This patrol consisted of four jeeps with .50-cals., and five tanks following. On our jeep was Lt. Lovett, S/Sgt Jake Parton manning the .50-cal. and T/5 Nick Doland driving. As they neared the town of Ste. Suzanne they encountered an enemy physical roadblock consisting of 14 Jerries. The trio on the jeep made a quick cleanup of the Heinies, killing ten and capturing four. For this action the trio was recommended for awards.
*** A decision was made to bypass the town of St. Suzanne. We made this maneuver by going around the northeast of the town, and then cutting back on the blacktop. Very light enemy resistance was encountered. This consisted of a few rounds of 88mm shells, which whistled close over our heads. One round came too close for comfort. We heard the muzzle blast from the hill on our right. The missile seemed just to clear our heads, and explode about fifty yards to our left. Everyone dived for the floor of the truck. This seemed close enough for our driver, who was frightened out of his seat. There was a clash and grinding of gears, as the truck lurched forward, and we were off in a flash. We continued riding that afternoon until dusk, when we bivouacked for the night. The night was spent in a large potato patch.
*** We were alerted to move the following morning, Aug. 8th, at 0915. At this point we were started on our great high-speed offensive toward the good-sized city of Le Mans. With Capt. Regn leading the company, we moved out at the head of the Battalion column. We moved forward in advance guard formation. Previously the 1st Battalion was leading. They had routed an enemy column. It was then elected to send the 2nd Battalion forward, with our Company in the lead.
*** Our first platoon clambered aboard the five tanks, which were attached to us. With Lt. Berndt and his first platoon aboard the tanks, we started forward along the blacktop to Le Mans. We hadn?t moved about two or three hundred yards, when enemy machine guns and 75mm fire opened up on our columns. T/Sgt Lutjens aboard the leading tank was wounded in the face when an enemy shell struck the vehicles. The men all took cover along the shallow ditch which lined the highway. Things quieted for the moment, and the men boarded the tanks again. We started our advance once more. Suddenly, terrific flanking fire opened up on us from the right flank. We soon learned that this was friendly fire. Capt. Regn ordered all platoons to cease fire. It was reported to higher headquarters, and after several minutes the firing from our right ceased. Casualties from G Company suffered from this friendly engagement were one killed and two wounded. From enemy fire, one wounded. This experience had a sore effect on the morale of the men. They believed that a closer coordination of communication and whereabouts should be kept among Divisions.
*** Darkness was falling fast, but we were ordered to seize Le Mans. Control of the units was difficult because of darkness, which slowed our advance. As we moved forward, we received interdictory mortar fire from our left front which appeared friendly, but we were not sure. We halted momentarily because of a small light that suddenly appeared before us. Upon further examination, we discovered a German vehicle with windshield wiper still running, and its blackout lights on. We also encountered many abandoned enemy tanks loaded with ammunition. We started to move forward again, slowly but surely. What the darkness ahead held, no one knew. Everyone was tense. We were ready for anything. As we made our way forward, houses appeared, lining the highway. It seemed that everyone was perfectly in step, trying to make the least noise as possible. As we trudged through the outlying streets that led to the center of town, small beams of light could be seen through the drawn blinds in the windows. Everyone?s thoughts ran along the same channel, and asked themselves the same question. Who was behind those drawn blinds? Things didn?t seem right. It was too damn quiet. Capt. Regn halted the column at a certain point in the city and sized up the situation. Soon afterward the rest of the Battalion followed us into town. We set up a good guard and defense, and prepared to sleep on the sidewalks of Le Mans. The sidewalks were very hard, and the boys very tired. They had no trouble getting the few hours of sleep that were left.
*** We awoke the next morning, Aug. 9th, not knowing what to expect. Small fires were soon seen burning on the sidewalks. GIs were heating their coffee and K rations. Few civilians were seen on the street. It wasn?t long, though, before they showed their heads from behind doorways and windows. The blue, white and red flags soon appeared waving lazily over doorways and window ledges.
*** Preparations were made to place our platoons defensively around the town. Before this was completed, orders had been changed, and we were ready to leave Le Mans. Up to this time several prisoners were taken. These didn?t leave hastily enough, and were hiding throughout the town. The French soon fetched them out for us. Occasionally one heard the cheering, applauding and laughter of the crowds that now milled over the streets. When the source of the commotion was discovered, we saw among the crowd a bald headed woman. The French civilians sought these women out and shaved their heads for being "familiar" with the Germans. It was quite a sight.
*** As we moved forward through the streets the city improved in appearance. All sorts of shops lined the streets. One of the main points of interest was the huge Chateau, which the 357th Infantry Regiment was using for their headquarters. This same chateau was the former headquarters of General Pershing in World War I, and by Field Marshall Rommel, just a few hours before our arrival.
*** Continuing on our way, we received a joyous welcome. We were showered with kisses and flowers, and shook hands with everyone. The people lined the streets carrying buckets and bottles of cider, champagne and wine. Newspaper correspondents, newsreelmen and amateur photographers took shots throughout the whole procession.
*** We soon reached the opposite side of town, the northern outskirts. Our mission and objective had been completed. Le Mans had been seized from the hands of the enemy, liberated and soon again to continue normally. We reached our bivouac area about 1230. It was in the vicinity of Savigne, which was about a few miles from Le Mans. We set up our C.P. and placed our platoons into position. We rested the remainder of the afternoon. Things in general were normal throughout the day. Signs of darkness were approaching and we prepared to spend the night.
*** The following day, Aug. 10th, was quiet, and the weather was rather nice. We were alerted to move on a two-hour notice anytime after 1500. It never materialized, so we prepared to spend another day in the same area. We received a new Battalion commander in the person of Major Jack W. Ward.
*** Word was received that officers were permitted to visit the town of Le Mans, being back at 2200. One officer from each Company had to remain in the area. Coins were taken out of the pockets of Cept. Regn and Lts. Lovett, Berndt, Badgely and Brotherton. Odd man had to remain with the Company. The coins were flipped, and Lt. Berndt was elected to remain. The others went to town and returned at 2200, after a good time was had by all.
*** The guards were at their posts, while the others slept, paying no attention to the Jerry planes droning above.
*** We left the area at 0730 the following morning, Aug. 11th, moving out on foot. We walked until 1200, when we got a two-hour break. No resistance was encountered. We continued to walk again at 1400, marching until 1530, when we arrived at our bivouac area. We walked a total of 19 miles today. Our objective is the town of Sees. Once again we are alerted to move at 2000. We started out again and reached our bivouac area at 2130. We prepared here for the night. Adding six miles to the previous 19, we walked a total of 25 miles.
*** It was a quiet morning we spent on Aug. 12th. We took off again at 1215. Still no resistance was encountered. We marched until 1600, rested for two hours and continued on our way again. We passed through the city of Alencon, to a point two miles beyond. This was our bivouac area, and we settled for the night.
*** Along at midnight, enemy bombers appeared overhead, dropping flares and a few bombs a short distance away. There were no casualties.
*** After eating our breakfast of K rations, we rested a few hours the following morning, Aug. 13th. We started out again by foot, traveling north. Our objective was the high ground south of Longuence. We encountered no resistance and continued forward until 1700. We had advanced seven miles. Our objective was reached at 1930. Our C.P. was soon set up, and the platoons placed in defensive positions. While Lt. Badgely was putting his second platoon into position, they captured six prisoners and knocked out a German halftrack.
*** Things were rather normal when we awakened on the morning of Aug. 14th. Suddenly about 0800 the bursts of small arms fire echoed throughout the woods. It came from the direction of the second platoon. We soon learned the following information. S/Sgt. V.D. Ross went to examine the enemy halftrack that was crippled the previous night. As he inspected the vehicle, two Germans opened fire on him and fled through a gate into an adjoining hedgerow. Sgt. Ross returned to his squad and soon a small arms fight developed. It was estimated that there was a six-man enemy patrol that first opened up upon Ross?s squad, with approximately a company very closely behind. The Germans had a large assortment of automatic weapons and small knee mortars. Sgt. Ross sent Pfc. Patterson back to the company C.P. for additional help. Lt. Selig of the Anti-Tank Company accompanied him. Upon hearing Patterson?s story, Capt. Regn sent the first platoon up to reinforce Sgt. Ross?s squad. In the meantime an anti-tank crew attached to the second platoon opened fire with their 57mm firing three rounds. This seemed to have frightened and surprised the Germans, who turned and fled. By the time the first platoon reached Sgt. Ross?s squad, things quieted down.
*** From this engagement, we had one casualty, Pvt. Woods, a rifleman, who had suffered grenade fragment wounds in the back. The second platoon was reinforced with a section of machine guns and two squads from F Company. The first platoon returned to its original position. Among the prisoners taken, one of them believed that we were paratroopers, because we had arrived so quickly in the area.
*** Throughout the day, G Company took about 150 prisoners, of which the second platoon took 100.
*** The well-known trio of 1st Lt. Lovett, S/Sgt Parton and T/5 Nick Doland, with S/Sgt Ortivez added, were the principle characters in one of the most exciting and adventurous experiences thus far. This foursome started from our center outpost to investigate the previous firing. On the way, they ran into several Jerries on the road with bicycles. The doughboys immediately opened fire on the Heinies, who scattered through the woods. The foursome set out in pursuit and patrolled the area continuously, killing the Krauts and capturing them here and there. By 1530 that day, they had captured the bulk of the Jerries in the area, killing 25 and capturing 29 prisoners. Captured Heinies continued to pour in all day. It seemed that the Krauts infested these heights.
*** Later in the day, Sgt. Ortivez was killed, when the foursome returned to the scene of their previous episode.
*** Nightfall was arriving, and the men prepared to "hit the hay." We had no more trouble with the Heinies, and so the night was quiet.
*** We received orders the following morning, Aug. 15th, to move our company generally to the right. Our third platoon was placed along road junctions on the blacktop. While moving our C.P. and the first platoon, we came across and captured 17 Germans hiding in the woods. Among them were a Colonel and seven officers. It was a really grand haul. Presently German pistols hanging from the hips of the men in the company was a common sight. These Jerries were well-equipped.
*** Our mission was still the same as the previous day. Prisoners still poured in throughout the whole day. The remainder of the afternoon and evening was quiet and normal. We sent out motorized patrols in the surrounding hillsides, capturing several more prisoners. Orders came down to be alerted to move at 1800 by foot. We arrived at our new area about 2000 in the vicinity of Cussaie, which was five miles from Alencon.
*** On Aug. 17th, we again moved, this time by truck to a new assembly area near Sees. We didn?t stay very long at this spot, as we moved out shortly afterward by truck, traveling about five miles, and arriving in the town of Exmes. Our mission where was to guard all road junctions surrounding the city. Our platoons were placed defensively about the city, and the Company C.P. was set up in a building in the center of town. Darkness fell as we finally got ourselves settled, and we spent a quiet night. A hot breakfast was enjoyed by everyone the following morning, Aug. 18th. Quite a few civilians were roaming about the streets, curiously eyeing our movements. The cafes were quite popular. All through the day the men and vehicles of the Fighting French rumbled through the streets. The people were wild with joy. An O.P. was set up on a hill on the outer fringe of the city. From this hill, one could observe far to the northwest. The Germans were trapped in a valley, several thousands of them. Their escape route was shut off from all sides by the combined efforts of the Americans, Canadians, English and French. Only a small gap remained open for the Germans to flee. It was through this gap the Jerries were trying to make their getaway, but our air force and artillery support had different ideas. The bombardment and shelling continued all day, leaving a long column of fires and smoke, which was once a very much alive German Army trying to escape. Nothing could live through such a barrage. Wrecked tanks and trucks and bodies of men were strewn all over the fields in the valley. If any of the enemy did get away, it was by foot, as scores of bicycles were found afterward in the area.
*** The Fighting French relieved us on the morning of Aug. 19th. We then moved out by foot to the Battalion C.P. area, to await further orders. We were now in Division reserve. After our C.P. was set up, and our platoons placed in their respective areas, the men settled down to some rest and letter writing. Everything was normal during the night. We moved by truck the following day, Aug. 20th, shuttling to an area in the rear of the 359th Infantry in the vicinity of St. Leonard. From the blacktop one could see and get another view of "Death Valley," the trap in which the Germans were caught. It was completely closed now, and our artillery continued to pour shell after shell into their midst.
*** At 1900 we moved back to an assembly area west of St. Leonard. There was nothing to do but settle down and wait for further orders.
*** Aug. 21st found us in the same area. We were alerted to move at 1700 that afternoon. Moving by truck, we arrived at our new area about 1830 in the vicinity of Nonant Le Pin. The weather was cloudy and soon it started to rain. We immediately set up our C.P. and platoons in the area, and prepared for the night.
*** It was a clear morning, Aug. 22nd. There was really nothing exciting to talk about. Our area was on a huge farm owned by some wealthy French who raised race horses. Several fine looking horses were always about the area grazing in the fields. We had a pleasant surprise in the form of the American Red Cross. They served delicious hot coffee and doughnuts to the men. Seeing some good American women was also a treat. It rained that night as we prepared for bed. After raining all night, the weather cleared on the morning of Aug. 23rd. It was a quiet day. The kitchens were with us, and we had three hot meals, with steak being the feature for dinner. Word was received that 15 percent of the enlisted men were permitted to visit the town of Sees. Another 15 percent could attend a movie at Battalion.
*** Again it rained in the evening. The weather remained cloudy on Aug. 24th. We were alerted to move at 1300. We moved out of the area at 1430. Our mission was to observe and guard the road junctions in our area. Today we learned of Lt. Brotherton?s promotion to 1st Lt. The men attended a show at 1830. We kept a constant two hour contact with the 359th Inf. Everything was normal and quiet the remainder of the day and night.
*** Aug. 25th was a beautiful morning. We had a good hot breakfast. New clothes were issued to the men. We moved from the area by foot at 1530 to the Battalion C.P. area to await further orders.
*** At 1700 the enlisted men attended a GI stage show, which was excellent. Also there was a motion picture at 1900 entitled "Shine On Harvest Moon." Everyone enjoyed the picture. They returned to our area at 2200, and were soon fast asleep in their pup tents.
*** We were alerted to move again at 1100 by truck. We entrucked about 1130, and moved from the area. This was Aug. 26th. As we rolled along the blacktop and through the small towns, fruits and vegetables of a large variety were tossed into the trucks. The men ducked as hard apples and soft tomatoes flew by. We finally reached a wooded area near the city of Fountainebleau. We set up for the night here.
*** Again we were alerted to move the following morning at 0800, Aug. 27th. We left the area at 0900 by truck, passing through the city of Fountainebleau. We stopped for about an hour. The men had a chance to see the beautiful city from the parked trucks and sidewalks.
*** We soon continued on our way, and arrived in the town of Jours Le Chatel at 1630. We had traveled about 40 miles. Our platoons were placed about the city, and we set up the Company C.P. in a pretty two-story house in the center of town. The house was loaned to us by a very pretty girl, who later told us a very interesting story. She now lived with her mother. The father was forced to comply to the wishes of the Germans who occupied the town about two years ago. The father soon saw things the way the Germans thought. He left with them shortly afterward. In the meantime, the girl?s husband was now a prisoner of the Germans. He served with the French in the African campaign. Just the night before we arrived, three Jerries had hidden in their back yard when our forces came through the town.
*** We also learned of an American aviator, who had been shot down in the vicinity and had lived in the town for two months, until he rejoined his unit.
*** Our mission here is to outpost and defend the town against any possible counterattack.
*** We had no disturbances, and the night was very quiet.
*** We left Jour Le Chatel about 1100 the following morning, Aug. 28th. We moved by truck and arrived at our bivouac area in the vicinity of Viffort. The drive was very interesting and historic. Today we had crossed the Seine River. One noticed a great change in the landscape of this part of the country. It lacked the hedgerows that we had previously seen. The country was wide open and flat.
*** Our Company was set up in the area, and we made preparations to spend the night. At 0730 the following morning, we left the area, and moved out by foot. It was a very rainy day. This turned out to be a very historic day for us. We passed through the vicinity of Chateau Thierry, a famous battleground of the last war. We also stopped to eat our K ratioon dinner along the banks of the River Marne.
*** We crossed the Marne, and continued on our way. After walking 22 miles, we stopped at an assembly area to await the arrival of trucks to take us to our final destination, which was the town of Cormicy. We arrived in this town at 0100 the following morning, after traveling through rain and darkness.
*** The weather was still cloudy and wet the next morning, Aug. 30th. We had a very pleasant surprise in the form of a huge crate of oranges for the company. They were really delicious.
*** The day continued normally, and in the evening, our kitchen trucks arrived. There was a party and dance in town for the enlisted men.
*** After raining all morning, Aug. 31st, the weather cleared in the afternoon. Sgt. Parton arrived with new clothes and equipment for the boys. We were informed that we should expect to leave the following morning. We did leave at 0900, Sept. 1st, moving out by foot. After walking about a mile, we passed by a historic cemetery in which were buried French soldiers of the last war. We also came across a Memorial dedicated to the famous 69th Inf., better known as the "Fighting 69th," also of the last war.
*** Presently we reached the city of Reims. Here we received a joyous welcome. Civilians lined the streets four and five deep, cheering and applauding. Some of the girls threw their arms around the men in the column, showering them with embraces and kisses. Lt. Brotherton received the brunt of the attack.
*** Our route took us right through and to the door of the steps of the famed Reims Cathedral. It was a beautiful and thrilling sight. As if in grim remindance that this was war, the walls of the cathedral were completely sandbagged.
*** Enemy anti-aircraft and artillery guns were found wrecked and others in perfect condition throughout the city. The city itself is beautiful. A large variety of shops, cafes, hotels, cinemas and historic buildings line the streets. The city is famous for its very fine champagne.
*** It took us nearly the whole of two hours to reach the opposite side of town. We continued on our way along the blacktop, soon arriving at our new area in the vicinity of Berru, which was about five miles from Reims.
*** The kitchens were already there waiting for us, and we immediately had a very good hot meal. We had walked a total of 17 miles. Everyone was rather tired. Pup tents were soon sprawled throughout the area. Darkness was falling fast, and the men were soon in their tents getting well-deserved sleep and rest.
*** It was rain that greeted us the following morning, Sept. 2nd. We had a hot breakfast. Men were permitted to the nearby towns. As the day continued normally, the weather cleared. We had a hot meal for dinner and supper. Church services were held in the small church in the town of Berru. This was Sept. 3rd. In the evening there was a movie in town for the boys. The picture was "Show Business" with Eddie Cantor. Before going to bed, some of the fellas had champagne which was brought in from Reims.
*** We were alerted to move at 0900 the next morning, but it was called off. We remained in the area for the day, which was very beautiful. The day was highlighted by a stage show in town and champagne in the evening.
*** After a very early breakfast the next morning at 0530, we left the area at 0700. A feature of interest during the march was the shell-pocked battlefield of the last war. It seemed as if one could see each fighting day that went on here. It must hold many a story. Also we saw the wreckage of four Jerry planes, three fighters and a two-motor bomber. At this point, we were picked up by trucks, and were soon rolling on our way. After traveling several miles, we halted temporarily, while our advanced patrols investigated a huge enemy ammo dump up ahead. They returned shortly, and we continued on our way.
*** We stopped in a huge forest ? the Argonne Forest. Our mission here was to guard this ammunition dump against any possible enemy entrance. It was estimated that a few hundred huge shacks were in this area, heavily loaded with ammunition ranging from small arms and fuses for ****y traps to very large artillery shells. A good guard was set up, and we spent the night here.

[2RHPZ]

After a restful day, hot meals, and much rain, we left the area about 2000, moving out by trucks. We made very good time, passing through the historic city of Verdun, and continuing on until we reached our bivouac area in the vicinity of Rouves, which was a few miles past Verdun. Our C.P. was set up, and the platoons placed into position. It was a very dark night, and soon the men were fast asleep under their shelter-halves.
*** On the morning of Sept. 7th it rained. As many of the men as possible were paid. After being alerted to move, we left the area on foot at 0945. We were heading for an area where the Division was to assemble and wait for further orders. Our Company was at the rear of the column in Battalion reserve. It was by far the coolest weather we had experienced since our arrival in France. The wind was furious, and the men took cover behind trees and in ditches at every break.
*** After several hours of walking, we halted on a sloping field in the vicinity of Lantefontaine. We soon learned that E and F companies, who were at the head of the column, were held up by unexpected intense machine gun fire and mortars while trying to enter the city of Briey.
*** Our company moved up to assist F and E Companies in taking the town of Briey. Cannon Company laid an extremely heavy barrage in the town, which was afterward thought to be cleared of all enemy. Our mission was now to follow F Company into town and outpost all roads leading into it. F and E Companies were to clear the town of all snipers. F Company proceeded for a short distance, and then met heavy machine gun fire. G Company was then used to attack the town by a different route, supported by fire from H Company?s mortars and F Company?s small arms.
*** We attacked at 2115, not knowing what lay ahead in the darkness. Because of the darkness, we got into the outskirts without meeting resistance. Suddenly we were fired upon by a large variety of automatic weapons. Tracer bullets actually bounced and ricocheted against the walls and through the streets. Our men dived for the surrounding ditches. Captain Regn halted us, and then he and Lt. Lovett went forward to investigate the situation. They met Lt. Berndt blazing away with his large assortment of souvenir weapons. Lt. Berndt told Capt. Regn that his platoon was receiving fire from across his front and down the column. The first platoon bazooka team had difficulty firing their weapon. Lt. Berndt took the weapon and fired a round into the house where the fire was coming from. The shell must have found its mark, because the firing ceased immediately. We then proceeded into town, and sent the platoons on their original mission. The second platoon reached their objective okay, but due to darkness, and poor maps, the first platoon was unable to reach their outpost correctly.
*** Throughout the night, each of the platoons had an individual battle with the Heinies. The remainder of the Heinies retreated to another part of town. During the action, one of our jeep drivers, T/5 Joe Leininger, was wounded in the back by a sniper from across the street from our C.P. Capt. Regn removed Leininger to the aid station, while Lt. Lovett and Sgt. Jake Parton continued to search for the snipers. They soon found their prey in a chateau across the street. The bursts from their tommy guns echoed through the streets. The pair then went into the building to find the badly riddled body of the dead Jerry. Leaving their bloody victim where he lay, the pair continued down the street a short distance, tossing hand grenades into open windows, transoms and doorways.
*** Enemy ineffective mortar fire continued throughout the whole attack and through the remainder of the night.
*** On the morning of Sept. 8th, we awoke to discover that the bulk of the enemy had taken cover in the hills and houses on the other side of town. We were under the impression that we had taken the better part of the town.
*** The first platoon continued to receive heavy enemy small arms fire. It was during this action that Lt. Berndt was wounded in the arm and hip, and lost to the Company. Lt. Brotherton assumed command of the platoon until the arrival of a replacing officer from F Company.
*** We called for cannon fire and artillery fire on the other side of town, which was just across a steep ravine which separated the town into two sections. The shells whined overhead all morning. In the meantime E Company moved around to our left.
*** After continuous pounding by our artillery, a large white flag was seen waving from the enemy?s lines. A German officer, an enlisted man, and one of our GIs, who was captured previously by the Heinies, arrived shortly at our C.P. They told us that their commanding officer wished to speak terms of surrender with us. In the absence of Major Ward, Capt. Regn took over. It was decided the Heinie enlisted man should remain with us, and we would send one of our enlisted men back with the German officer. Pfc. Joe Lindmeyer accompanied the Heinie officer back to his linees. He carried with him a message from Capt. Regn stating that their commanding officer should come to our C.P. to talk terms. Being obstinate like all Germans, the Heinie CO refused to come down to our C.P. It was then agreed that the two COs should meet upon a bridge which our first platoon held.
*** Capt. Regn, accompanied by Lt. Kocour, started for the bridge leaving their weapons behind. Upon arriving, they found the German officers armed with their weapons. This wasn?t "cricket," as far as war regulations go. The Heinies asked for terms. Capt. Regn informed them that there were no terms, only a complete unconditional surrender. The German officer then asked for an hour to get his men together and bring them forward. Once again Capt. Regn insisted ? "a half-hour should be sufficient." The Heinies were also informed that our artillery was given orders to fire upon their positions immediately when the half-hour was up.
*** Twenty minutes later, the damn Krauts appeared in long columns of two. They came from all directions. Civilians and GIs lined the streets gazing at the spectacle. The German officers marched smartly, and carried their personal belongings in large suitcases. Their clothes were neat and well pressed. The enlisted men slouched as they walked. They were unshaven and haggard looking. They carried their belongings in sacks made of camouflaged shelter halves and old cloth.
*** When they had all filed past our C.P., we had counted 486 prisoners. Adding the eight we had captured the previous night, it came to a grand total of 494 ? a good day?s work.
*** As quiet and order was restored in the town, civilians soon appeared from their shelters in the cellars.
*** The men were tired, and everything was under control, so we prepared for a restful night.
*** We left the town of Briey the following morning, Sept. 9th. Walking several miles, we finally reached the town of Rangueveaux. After locating a C.P., we were ordered to move our Company in the vicinity of the Battalion C.P. When we finally settled down in the area, which was a large woods, it was very late.
*** We remained in the area throughout the day. Lt. MacDonald, who took over the first platoon when Lt. Berndt was wounded, took out his platoon on a combat patrol to find out if there were any Heinies in the surrounding area and towns. He and his platoon returned after several hours without finding any Krauts.
*** Gas masks were reissued to the officers and men.
*** After being alerted, we moved from the area at 1900, shuttling to the town of Geremange. Our mission here was to guard the town and provide security for the 282nd Field Artillery.
*** Our platoons were outposted, and our company C.P. was set up in a large hotel building, which was formerly a school for the Hitler Youth Movement.
*** On the following morning, we awoke to realize how large the building was that we were housed in. There were at least 100 rooms, with four bunks in each room. We found shower rooms, a recreation room, electrical and photographic laboratories. Scattered remnants of young Heinies? belongings were found in all the rooms. Pictures of "Adolph" himself were hung on the walls throughout the whole building.
*** We found a group of Russian girls, who probably were forced to take care of the Heinies, and take care of this building.
*** Throughout the day, several civilians suspected of being in cahoots with the Germans were taken prisoner. Pistols, knives, swastika flags and banners, uniforms and records were found in their homes and belongings.
*** A small camp, where the forced labor Russian girls lived, was found about a mile from our C.P.
*** We remained in this town for two more days. During this time, men were issued fatigues, and several hot meals. Things were rather normal and quiet.
*** On Sept. 13, the 282nd Field Artillery moved out, which gave us cause to believe that we would move shortly.
*** On this evening, we invited some of the civilians into our C.P. for a little party and dance. There was dancing, singing and drinking. The people were so overjoyed with happiness. The French National Anthem, La Marsellaise, was played. The French musicians hesitated playing it at first. There was a bit of tear and fear in their eyes. The song hadn?t been played in four years.
*** After a good time was had by all, the little affair was broken up about 2230.
*** It rained very heavily throughout the night and morning.
*** On the following morning, Sept. 14th, we left the city by truck at 0830. We passed through the city of Briey, a previous scene of one of our battles. We stopped temporarily in an assembly area at 1100, and continued on our way again at 1515. We rolled along for quite a ways, and then detrucked. We continued by foot, and reached our objective about 1900. It was located on a huge hill, surrounded by dense woods. Our mission was a holding one, setting up a defense against strong German fortified positions.
*** Friday Sept. 15th was a foggy morning. It was unusually quiet.
*** On the morning of Sept. 16th, we were awakened abruptly by loud explosions in our area. Upon further examination, we found it to be friendly tank destroyer guns firing upon our troops who were thought to be the enemy. We suffered one casualty, and H Company two from this incident.
*** Hot dinner and supper was brought up from the kitchen. We received seven new replacements late in the afternoon. Our shells whined overhead all day. There was nothing to do but to lie in our holes and tents trying to keep dry and warm.
*** We awakened the next morning to find the weather cleared up a bit. We were alerted, and prepared to move sometime around noon. We left the area about 1615, being relieved by a company from the 1st Battalion. Presently we arrived in an area in the vicinity of the Battalion C.P. at 1730. Soon everyone was set up for the night.
*** The weather cleared very nicely the next morning. Our hot dinner was called off, and we were alerted to move. The Heinies attempted a counterattack, but it was repulsed as quickly as it had started, our very accurate artillery turning the tables.
*** We read in "The Sniper" that our Battalion Commander, Major Jack Ward, and our well-known duo of S/Sgt. Jake Parton and T/5 Nick Doland were the recipients of the Bronze Star.
*** Leaving the area about 1500, we set out on foot, and arrived in the town of Amneville. It was about 1900 when we arrived in this town. The Company C.P. and platoons were set up, and we were ready to spend the night.
*** After a good night?s rest, we awoke the following morning, Sept. 26th, to find the weather very nice. Throughout the day it was quiet and normal.
*** Sept. 21st and 22nd were swell days. We got plenty of rest and good hot chow. We picked up a motorcycle and a convertible coupe on the 21st, and had it running and painted GI on the 22nd.
*** We learned that Capt. Regn received the Bronze Star for some previous action.
*** We left the town of Amneville at 0800 on the morning of Sept. 23rd, relieving E Company in the town of Richmont. Our C.P. and platoons were set up in houses scattered throughout the town. The weather was nice and the rest of the day quiet.
*** The following morning, Sept. 24th, we were awakened noisily by German shells landing right in our midst. This was at 0500. There were no casualties.
*** Capt. Regn had all civilians removed from town, because of suspicious lights going off and on during the night. We thought that these lights might have something to do with the shells landing in our area.
*** We sent out three reconnaissance patrols that night with missions of determining whether the canal could be crossed, and to locate any possible targets, such as convoys on the east side of the Moselle River. They gained very little information. We also sent out one combat patrol to Pepinville to ambush an enemy patrol, which was reported the night before to be using that route. There were no results.
*** It was a quiet morning Sept. 25th. Right after noon we had a barrage of about eight or nine rounds of enemy shells, and then later in the afternoon, we received another barrage of 75s, several landing on the roofs and in the field near our men. The highlight of this barrage was a dud, which landed in the street in front of our C.P., hit the opposite wall and bounced back to hit our C.P. building.
*** Again we sent out patrols. There was one reconnaissance and one combat patrol. Their mission was the same as the previous night, and these patrols returned with information that the enemy had guards stationed at points along the canal where it could be crossed by foot troops.
*** We had no disturbances during the night.
*** Sept. 26th was a rainy morning, and a rather quiet one. The weather cleared in the afternoon. Lt. Badgely received orders to move his second platoon to Boussange, where his platoon, plus one platoon of medium tanks, would consist of Battalion reserve.
*** We remained in the town of Richmont until Oct. 2nd. During this time our patrols were very active. They gained valuable information, killed several Heinies, and destroyed a huge supply boat that was anchored in the canal.
*** On Oct. 2nd, we moved from the area by truck, and arrived in the vicinity of Hagondange. After getting temporarily set up, we spent the remainder of the day and night.
*** On Oct. 3rd, we moved out and forward in an attack on enemy positions surrounding a huge slag pile, overlooking the town of Maizieres les Metz.
*** During the night, the third platoon outposted the factory area on the north side of the slag pile.
*** At 0430, the second platoon crossed the line of demarcation in the preparation for the attack, in conjunction with C Company of the 1st Battalion. Nearing their objective, the second platoon learned that C Company failed to complete their mission. Due to the lack of leadership, C Company had difficulty starting toward their objective. Our Battalion Commander, Col. Ward, arrived upon the scene, igniting the spark, and led them off. The attack then progressed very well. Without too much difficulty the slag pile was taken. Our Battalion Commander left and put our Lt. Badgely in charge of the two remaining platoons of C Company and one of the platoons from our Company.
*** We organized a secure defensive position, although the morale of C Company was very low. Late in the afternoon, Capt. Regn received orders to relieve the two platoons of C Company on top of the hill. The relief took place at 2000. The first and second platoons organized the top of the hill, while the third platoon was in reserve. The relief had just taken place, when we underwent one of the worst shellings of our career. The Heinies threw everything from mortars, 88s, 75s, 105s and 150s into a concentrated area. Immediately upon the heels of this shelling, the Heinies threw a counterattack up the south side of the hill.
*** The first platoon, which was just moving into position, became disorganized, and started to withdraw rapidly. The platoon leader, whose name for obvious reasons is omitted, was the first one to take off. As the counterattack started, Capt. Regn and Lt. Lovett started for our front. There they encountered Lt. - - - - of the first platoon, shouting frantically "We need reserves!" Capt. Regn ordered the Lt. back to his platoon with the sharp reply "There are no reserves." Capt. Regn then took one half of the first platoon, and led them to the right sector of our positions, while Lt. Lovett took the other half, and led them to the left sector of our positions. With this reorganization, we regained a portion of the ground that had been lost by the withdrawing platoon.
*** The machine gun platoon from H Company that was attached to us was caught in the shelling, and did not arrive until the first wave of the counterattack had subsided. Sgt. Bob Morris of the H Company machine guns had previously made a reconnaissance of the area and moved his men into position.
*** Our third platoon was called to the top of the slag pile to fill in a large gap. More ammunition and hand grenades were ordered, and upon arrival, they were immediately distributed to the men.
*** The Germans again attacked at 2030, jumping off from the foothold they had already gotten. This time we were better prepared, and held our ground.
*** The fighting continued all night till about 0230 the following morning. Machine gun and rifle ammunition, hand grenades and mortar ammunition was expended like water ? for a good purpose. On both the Heinie counterattacks, the Heinies charged, yelling like the fanatical madmen they are supposed to be.
*** Things remained quiet until about 0430, when again the Krauts threw everything they had in a last desperate attempt to dislodge us from the top of the slag pile. Coming from the C.P., Capt. Regn and Lt. Lovett discovered that the enemy was attacking from our front and left flank simultaneously. Capt. Regn sent Lt. Lovett to the front to organize the situation there, while he gathered the C.P. group, runners, mortar and 4.2 observers together, and organized them on the left flank. This provisional group stopped the threat on our left, but the Heinies? main effort was on our front. Here they attacked fiercely, yelling and screaming like Indians.
*** One of the machine guns from H Company jammed and would not fire, causing us to give ground in that sector and lose the gun. But in another sector we captured an enemy machine gun, which was not a very good exchange. In the sector where our machine gun was lost, Sgt. Morris and Sgt. Trileson organized their men as riflemen and helped stem the German attack.
*** The firing continued until daybreak. The enemy now held about one-fifth of the southern end of the slag pile.
*** At daylight, Capt. Regn made plans to attack on both sides of the hill at the same time. But first an enemy machine gun nest had to be removed. Capt. Regn adjusted mortar fire on the nest, and after getting on the target, he ordered five rounds for effect. Lt. Lovett, who was at the guns at the time, reported back that there were only three rounds left. Capt. Regn ordered the three rounds for effect. The investment was paid back with interest. The enemy machine gun and its crew were blown to bits.
*** The Captain then ordered one section of the second platoon to attack up the left side of the hill, and continue forward to push the Germans from that sector. The remainder of the first platoon minus two men were led by Capt. Regn up the right side of the sector to take the high ground on that portion of the hill. The two remaining men were to stay as right flank protection, and they sniped at the withdrawing Heinies on the right side of the hill. The Germans fought fiercely for possession of the slag pile, but our fire power and the accurate heaving of hand grenades was too much for them. Our objective had been reached, and the Germans were pushed off the slag pile.
*** Capt. Regn now ordered a reorganization of the Company, and some good foxholes dug. We knew we were in for a good shelling.
*** The shelling did come, and together with the previous night?s actions, we suffered very heavy casualties. There were five killed and 32 wounded.
*** After being relieved by F Company, we left the area and arrived at Hagondange. Here we outposted all the roads leading into town. Being very late, we set up as quickly as possible, and tried to get some well-earned rest and sleep.
*** We remained here all day, getting some good hot meals. An occasional enemy shell would drop harmlessly into our area.
*** On Oct. 6th, we were alerted and moved from Hagondange about 1400. Presently we arrived in a Battalion assembly area. At night we planned for an attack on Maizieres les Metz, to take place the following morning.
*** At 0500 on the morning of Oct. 7th, we moved out behind E Company. Our objective was the town of Maizieres les Metz. Slowly we made our way along the road leading to the town. As we neared the huge slag pile where we had fought a fierce battle just a few days before, we left the road and cut to our left. Rounding the southwest tip of the slag pile, we safely made our way across an enemy mine field. We had no casualties crossing this mine field because orders were carried out perfectly, every man following directly behind one another.
*** The company objective was to secure the entrance to the factory area, on E Company?s right flank. E Company held up temporarily, and we halted in the rear and waited patiently. Capt. Regn thought the situation too damn quiet, figuring we were going to be shelled at any moment. He moved the platoons forward and to the right of E Company. The shelling did come, but we were not there.
*** We proceeded forward in a column of platoons, in the order of second, third, and first. The second platoon charged forward aggressively, wiping out three enemy machine gun nests, capturing several prisoners and their equipment. They soon reached their objective. The third platoon reached their objective without meeting any resistance.
*** In one of the more exciting instances, Capt. Regn and Lt. Lovett had a pretty close call. The two officers were standing on their objective, when Lt. Lovett went forward to look at a wounded Heinie. Suddenly the Kraut raised himself on his haunches and leveled his burp gun at Lt. Lovett. One burst left his gun, and Lt. Lovett flung himself to the nearby bank yelling, "Somebody get that son of a bitch!" The Heinie?s bullets whistled by Lt. Lovett and narrowly missed Capt. Regn, who was standing in the draw. The Kraut decided it was high time to leave, and leaped over the railroad bank into the open field that lay ahead.

*** This is where the daily log ends. Claude Lovett lives in San Antonio, Texas.