Friday – 1st September 19442
Four prisoners of War Cages were in operation along the line of advance during September:
| Location | Dates | Number of Prisoners |
| Nemours (X-27) | September 1 – 9 | 3,492 |
| Revigny (S-48) | September 3 – 21 | 10,758 |
| Fresnes (U-45) | September 10 – 27 | 2,192 |
| Toul (U-61) | September 21 – 30 | 3,192 |
| Total | 19,629 |
The practice of having two Prosier of war Enclosures, a “forward” and “rear”, was continued the same as in August until 27th September. On that date, Toul (U-61) became the only Prisoner of War Enclosure at Army level. This was due to the slowing up of operations and the diminishing prisoner intake at the front lines.
Friday – 1st September 19443
Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 5 at Courtalain (vW0964) was closed 1 September, 3,784 prisoners of war having been evacuated through this enclosure during the period 22nd August to 1st September.
Friday – 1st September 19444
No change
Friday – 1st September 19445
F.F.I. (French Forces of the Interior (French: Forces françaises de l’Intérieur)), shoot flares, Battery alerted
Friday – 1st September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report6
Mur de Bretegne France ½ mi E vX056695
Ryan 6 699 462 Pvt. Code 1-6
Aptd Cpl.
Patey 39 693 576 Pvt. Code 1-7
Champagne 20 140 207 Pvt. Code 1-7
Coy 33 749 525 Pvt. Code 1-7
Fellin 42 946 774 Pvt. Code 1-7
Girdvainis 31 424 636 Pvt. Code 1-7
Gorgus 33 700 458 Pvt. Code 1-7
Gregory 36 463 481 Pvt. Code 1-7
Nelson 33 292 634 Pvt. Code 1-7
Above 8 men aptd Pfc.
Friday – 1st September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report7
Friday – 1st September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report8
No caption – French women with Lt. Hightower
Dear Folks,
Just finished dinner a short time ago – so I thought I’d drop in for a second. From your pictures (almost worn them) you all look in the pink. I am too. I’m not gaining weight, I’m slowly losing it. All the food is rich in dextrose, vitamins ect, but one thing always bother me – I can’t get full – I’m busting with energy so I guess that’s all that counts. I’m still where I’m been for two weeks – doing the something I’ve done since arriving in France – yauh – don’t you wish you knew what, though? I might tell – someday. Haven’t received your letters for a week now – the dog sled must have broken a runner. Will write a Letter in a few days. My love to one and all. Your, son.
Saturday – 2nd September 194410
No change.
Saturday – 2nd September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report11
Mur de Bretegne, France ½ mi E vX056695
Rankin 34 248 768 Tec. 4
Woitowicz 37 324 577 Pfc.
Above 2 men dy to sk in 127th General
hosp LD
Sunday – 3rd September 194412
No change.
Sunday – 3rd September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report13
Sunday – 3rd September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report14
Mur de Bretegne, France ½ mi E vX056695
Rankin (Hosp) 34 248 768 Tec. 4 Code T-H
Wojtowics (Hosp) 37 324 577 Pvt.
Above 2 men sk in 127th Gen Hosp LD to
lost to Hosp
Holmes (Hosp) 34 339 637 Pvt.
Sk in 53rd Evac Hosp LD to lost to Hosp
Strength: EM present for duty 117, absent 1
Officers 4
Caption reads – Getting A Haircut. 1st Lt. Max L. Garland
No caption –
Dear Folks,
With this letter I am mailing a package to you at home. There are four (4) bottles of perfume and one pair of wooden shoes.
1 bottle is for Cpl. Tedrick’s wife at 511 W. Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Md. Mail it to her in a strong box and insure it. Drop me a line when you send it.
1 Bottle for Mom – one for Peg and one for Jane. Send Jane whichever one you think she would like the best. They are all the same to me. The shoes are for Pop – no ration stamp is needed here!!
Am going to look for some French pottery for your house on Monday or Tuesday. Will let you know how I make out.
Love to one and all
Your
Son.
Dear Folks,
Wow! Sunday again and for a change it’s a real nice day. If the days go by this fast always I won’t mind being away from home so much. I really have been having a whale of a good time. My letters should show this. Tomorrow I am going for your pottery. Hope I find something for the house – something nice -. Some are Christmas presents, some birthday others are things I see and think you’ll like. Saw a movie last night, went to church this morning – Donuts (Red Cross) tomorrow if we get back in time. My love to all.
Your Son.
Monday – 4th September 194415
Monday – 4th September 194416
No change.
Monday – 4th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report17
Nemours, France 3 mi SE vX313738
NO CHANGE
26 Aug 44 – 4 Sep 44, Nemours, France.
Usual duties performed in operation of
Prisoner of War Enclosure Third U.S.
Army.
Strength Officers:
5 FLD O & Capt.
1 1st Lt. Pres
1 1st Lt. Abst
3 2nd Lt. Pres
1 WO
Strength EM:
88 EM Present For Duty
6 EM Abst
94 EM Present
Monday – 4th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report18
Tuesday – 5th September 194422
The German retreat of approximately fifteen miles per day during August continued for the first four days of the new month. On 5th September the rapid moving tactical situation settled astride the Moselle River in the vicinity of Metz (U-85) and Nancy (U-81) and remained there, comparatively static, during the remainder of September.
Tuesday – 5th September 194423
On 5 October, 280mm guns fired into XX US Corps rear areas. Intelligence from ground sources indicated that a railway gun was hidden in a shed at Metz (U85). As result of this information, request for an Artillery Adjustment mission was submitted at 1515. A plane, over the target at 1845, successfully directed 140 rounds of eight-inch shells which destroyed the gun and killed twenty-two of its crew.
Similar appearance of railway guns occurred at Pont-A-Mousson (U73) during the course of a week when forty-two rounds fell on the town causing casualties and damage to property.
In the early morning of 24th October, sixteen shells from railway guns fell on the city of Nancy (U81) and in the vicinity of Third US Army Headquarters. Information regarding the whereabouts of these guns was at first entirely lacking and G-2 agents began a diligent search to determine their location. First step was the plotting of the information on a situation map and recording the time, place and person making the report. This information appeared in the next day’s G-2 Periodic Report
Tuesday – 5th September 194424
Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 5, located vicinity of Mûr-de-Bretagne (vX0569), was closed 5 September, 1,572 prisoners of war having been evacuated through this enclosure during the period from 19th August to 5th September inclusive. Battery B, 244th Field Artillery Battalion, was withdrawn from this enclosure and rejoined the Battalion at Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 6, Nemours (vX2675).
Tuesday – 5th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report25
No change
Tuesday – 5th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report26
Nemours, France 3 mi SE vX313738
Cook, George W., Jr. (AWOL) 33 292 574 Pvt. Code 7
Remark in M/R of 3 Sep 44 as shows ASN
“33 393 574” corrected to show ASN as
“33 292 574”. Above EM AWOL to dy as of
0800 this date.
Strength Officers:
5 FLD O & Capt.
1 1st Lt. Pres
1 1st Lt. Abst
3 2nd Lt. Pres
1 WO
Strength EM:
89 EM Present For Duty
5 EM Abst
94 EM Present
Thursday – 5th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report27
No Caption – Staff Sargent Harvey H. Dester, A Battery, practices his .45 Cal. pistol skills somewhere in France.
Wednesday – 6th September 194428
Artillery ammunition shortages became increasingly critical. The XX Corps had a fair supply but the XII Corps was very short of all types of artillery ammunition and fuzzes.
Monday – 6th September 194429
No change.
Monday – 6th September 194430
Full field inspection, Issue of cognac, Bed check 9 PM
Wednesday – 6th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report31
Wednesday – 6th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report32
Thursday – 7th September 194433
No change.
Friday – 8th September 194434
Friday – 8th September 194435
A site for new Prisoner of War Enclosures Number 8 was selected 8th September in the vicinity of Fresnes-en-Woëvre (vU4657).
Friday – 8th September 194436
No Change
Friday – 8th September 194437
Classes, Calisthenic
Friday 8th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report38
Dear Family,
This is the first morning in a long time that I have been warm enough or dry enough to sit down and write to you. Four of us went down to _____, the pottery center of this area, to see what we could get. Saw something that you would give anything for. It was a china coffee pot, creamer & sugar and eight coffee and saucers. One in a pale peach with gold trim – the cups had a hand painted figure – each different on the side. It cost about $200. So much for me to handle and I didn’t think I could get it into the states “duty free”. I got some Chanel #5 and one other – called “It’s You” for Jane. I was broke then so had to quit. When I get rich again I’ll try to get something else besides perfume. One kid got a package two days ago – mailed April 9 – kind of slow – Love to all
Your Son.
Packing List
Saturday – 9th September 194439
No chagne
Saturday – 9th September 194440
Saturday – 9th September 194441
The artillery ammunition supply situation improved on all calibers with the notable exception of 105mm howitzer ammunition, which was critically short. Air shipment was requested in the priority 105mm howitzer, 155mm howitzer, and 155mm gun. XX Corps artillery did perhaps its most active firing to date, over 20,000 rounds being expended in two days.
No Caption –
Sunday – 10th September 194442
Sunday – 10th September 194443
Our longest jump of 176 miles was made on the 10th of September to Fresnes (Fresnes-en-Woëvre) which was to be our longest stop. We were located about 20 miles from Metz which was being strongly defended. Despite the ever-present French mud, the patch of woods became our Fall home with trips to Verdun, Red ross Club-mobiles and movies in the barn. To show we really were “Jack of all Trades” we built a bridge and made some roads in the area.
Caption reads – Here are some Germans building a road in France. They came in handy for us.
Sunday – 10th September 194444
The Battalion departed Nemours France.
Sunday – 10th September 194445
The Battalion arrived Fresnes France. Lots of Mud
Caption reads – “Coffee and donuts in Verdun at the Red Cross Club mobile. Lt. Anderton just right of center.”
During WWI the Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies fried fresh donuts and brewed fresh coffee for the U.S. Troops, the Doughboys.
During WWII the American Red Cross Donut Dollies used GMC Club mobiles to fry fresh donuts, brew fresh coffee. They were staffed by three Donut Dollies, American Red Cross female volunteers. The Club mobiles were equipped with bunks for the Donut Dollies to sleep in, a kitchen for donuts and coffee making as well as a small lounge with a record player for the troops to relax in. These Club mobiles traveled the fighting fronts bringing a little bit of home to the troops.
Sunday – 10th September 194446
Ammunition supply continued to be critically short especially in the XII Corps. The weekly ammunition ration received from Twelfth U.S. Army Group allocated to Third U.S. Army approximately one-third of a unit of fire per day in all calibers of artillery weapons. All artillery stressed observed fires and held unobserved fires to a minimum in order to conserve ammunition. Air observation post patrols proved effective in minimizing enemy artillery fire, it being found that enemy artillery, to avoid disclosing their positions, would not fire so long as spotter planes were in the air.
Sunday – 10th September 194447
Byron G. Rogers, A Battery
Our longest jump was 176 miles made on September 10, 1944. We were located about 20 miles from Metz, France, which was being strongly defended by the Germans. In spite of all the mud and woods, it became our home. We built bridges and roads in the area,
No caption – Lt. Marriott told me this photo is of a bridge being rebuilt by the 244th. The location is believed to be the Boulevard Robert Schuman N1153 bridge over the Canal des Écluses, Thionville, France. This photo appears to have been taken form the north side of the bridge on the east bank looking west. The bridge crosses this canal and continues on a short distance to a second span across the Moselle River. This would have been a key bridge used to bring troops and equipment across the Moselle River to attack Metz from the north. Tentative location identification courtesy Fabrice Avoie
Sunday – 10th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report48
Sunday – 10th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report49
Sunday – 10th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report50
Sunday – 10th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report51
Caption reads – Lt. Tom Marriott enjoying coffee and donuts.
During WWI the Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies fried fresh donuts and brewed fresh coffee for the U.S. Troops, the Doughboys.
During WWII the American Red Cross Donut Dollies used GMC Club mobiles to fry fresh donuts, brew fresh coffee. They were staffed by three Donut Dollies, American Red Cross female volunteers. The Club mobiles were equipped with bunks for the Donut Dollies to sleep in, a kitchen for donuts and coffee making as well as a small lounge with a record player for the troops to relax in. These Club mobiles traveled the fighting fronts bringing a little bit of home to the troops.
Pursuit To The German Border52
Monday – 11th September 194453
The 244th Field Artillery Battalion located at Prisoner of war Enclosure Number 6, at Nemours (X2675), moved 11 September to Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 8, at Fresnes-en-Woëvre (vU4657). The following units also moved to the new enclosure at Fresnes-en-Woëvre (vU4657), 472nd Military Police Escort Guard Company; 467th Quartermaster Truck Company; 498th Medical Collecting Company; 305th Military Police Escort Guard Company; 2nd Platoon, 443rd Prisoner of War Processing Company and Counterintelligence Corps. Escape and Evade, Interrogation of Prisoners of War and Publicity and Psychological Warfare Detachment.
Monday – 11th September 194454
No change
Monday – 11th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report55
Tuesday – 12th September 194456
Tuesday – 12th September 194457
During this period the Battalion furnished security guard detachments for the Civic Affairs Displace Persons Camps at Verdun and Briey and furnished a detail for the 13th Postal Regulating Station at Verdun (U26). During this period the Battalion also furnished several truck convoys for transportation of gasoline and supplies.
While engaged in Prisoner of War activities the Battalion handled approximately 70,000 German prisoners of war; 300 Allied escapes and evaders and 2,000 displaced persons, exclusive of the Displace Persons Civil Affairs Camps.
Tuesday – 12th September 194458
The firing batteries took over guns in position from the 733rd Field Artillery Battalion and helped kill Krauts and knock out a Railroad Gun.
Tuesday – 12th September 194459
No chnage
Tuesday – 12th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report60
Caption reads – “I didn’t think he would have taken it. But he did and this is the results. In back of the 13th Postal Regulatia at Verdun.”
Wednesday – 13th September 194461
No change.
Wednesday – 13th September 194462
Left Pete Kilgore (39 409 640), Bishop (Pvt. Robert H. Bishop) hurt
Battle West of Metz
8 – 13 September 1944
Wednesday – 13th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report63
Road sign directing travelers to Fresens-en-Woever and Commerece on N408 between Verdun and Metz France. Today this is the intersection of D903 and D908.
Thursday – 14th September 194464
Battery “B” departed Mûr-de-Bretagne, France via motor convoy at 0850. Arrive at Arrou, France at 2900. Distance marched approximately 224 mi.
Thursday – 14th September 194465
Left Mûr-de-Bretagne (France), enroute Rennes (France), Vitré, (France), Laval (France), La Mans (France), end of PW corrals
Thursday – 14th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report66
Arrue, France ½ mi S
Departed Mûr-de-Bretagne, France ½ mi E
vX056695, via motor convoy at 0850.
Bivouacked present station 1900. Distance
marched approximately 224 mi
14th September 1944
Battle of Northern France Ends
Battle of The Rhineland Begins
September 15, 1944 to March 21, 1945
Friday – 15th September 194468
Friday – 15th September 194469
The XII Corps fought its way forward to the Moselle River. A special task force composed of elements of the 134th Infantry (35th Infantry Division) and elements of the 319th Infantry (80th Infantry Division) advanced through thick mine fields and road blocks and cleared the Fort de la Grande-Haye (070), three miles west of Nancy (U81). The large French border city of Nancy (U81) was occupied by the 134th Infantry. The 35th Infantry Division continued to enlarge its bridgeheads across the Moselle River with the 137th Infantry crossing the river in the vicinity of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port (090).
In the XV Corps zone the 313th and 315th Infantry Regiments (79th Infantry Division) cleared out pockets of resistance in their zone and closed into an area west of Charmes (Z79).
XX Corps continued its attack to secure bridgeheads across the MOSELLE River toward the city of Metz (U85). The 5th Infantry Division attacked across the river south and southwest of Metz (085) and captured Marieulles (084), eight miles southwest of Metz (085), in addition to the high ground in the vicinity of Arry (074), nine miles southwest of Metz (085).
The important border city of Nancy (U81) was captured by the Third U.S. Army while the advance to the east continued.
End of PW Career – 214 mile Continued journey to meet Battalion, Orléans (France), Sens (France), Troyes (France), Saint-Dizier (France). (reported German patrol of 200 men) came out of bivouac area and made the journey to Fresnes (France), Rifle flares
Caption reads – “Verdun France, Captain Savage digging in” with pick and shovel.
Friday – 15th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report71
Friday – 15th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report72
Seized on a train near Verdun a 10-cm K 18 is fired toward Metz by the 344 FA Bn of the 90th Division. This photo is also the cover photo on the December 1945 – Fort Sill Field Artillery Journal.
Saturday – 16th September 194473
The XX Corps continued its advance toward Metz (U85) against stubborn enemy resistance. The 90th Infantry Division advanced with the 357th Infantry closing in the vicinity of Amanvillers (U76), seven miles northwest of Metz (U85) and the 359th Infantry closing in the vicinity of Rezonville (U75), eight miles west of Metz (U85). Reserve Combat Command of the 7th Armored Division advanced southeast of Metz (U85).
Saturday – 16th September 194474
No change
Saturday – 16th September 194475
Arrived Fresnes (France) at 1:30 AM 40 km from Metz
Sunday – 16th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report76
Sunday – 16th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report77
USO, Jack Benny, Ingrid Bergmann, Frances Langford. Believed to be taken in Fontainebleau, France
USO, Jack Benny, Ingrid Bergmann, Frances Langford. Believed to be taken in Fontainebleau, France
September Operations78
Third U.S. Army Special Service policy in regard to United Service Organization shows was to send “big name” stars directly to combat divisions, including Combat Engineers and Field Artillery. Rear area troops were given shows at the completion of the tour only if time permitted.
Sunday – 17th September 194479
XX Corps launched a coordinated attack against stubborn resistance to capture Metz (U85), the 90th Infantry Division attacking from the west and the 5th Infantry Division from the south. The 7th Armored Division had as its objective the seizing of the high ground northeast of Metz (U85) in conjunction with the attack. Enemy artillery in the sector remained silent for long periods at a time but the forts around Metz (U85) had proven virtually impregnable to artillery fires and were still capable of heavy and effective fire. Much of the enemy artillery was em-placed so that a direct hit upon a relatively small opening was necessary for effective neutralization. In an effort to neutralize the Verdun Group of Forts, the corps allotted a 155mm gun battalion with the sole mission of maintaining continued fire upon this group. In addition, one 155mm gun was moved into position for direct fire upon the forts.
Sunday – 17th September 194480
The Battalion departed Fresnes (Fresnes-en-Woëvre), France.
Sunday – 17th September 194481
The Battalion arrived Toul, France. This was a 42 mile move and the Battalion billeted in the Adolf Hitler Kaserne. The PWE duties tapered off and some of the men visited Nancy while MP’s kept others in line.
Note: The Adolf Hitler Kaserne was located at 516ème Régiment du Train, near Avenue du Maréchal Joffre, Écrouves, France, AKA Marshal Ney Barracks
Adolf Hitler Kaserne Toul France
The sign reads Open Under New Management
Sunday – 17th September 194482
No change
Sunday – 17th September 194483
The Battalion arrived Toul France. Hitler’s Barracks
Colonel Davis Papers84
We had excellent mechanics, and our motor officer himself was a very fine technician. So, we managed very well, and of course, to get ammunition for the battalion we had go back — that was with trucks — to the ammunition points and bring the ammunition forward. As I said, things were so fluid that many times you’d run into Germans all over the place. We had a great time doing that.
Sunday 17th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report85
Monday – 18th September 194486
No change.
Battle For Brest
25 August To 18 September 1944
Monday -18th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report88
Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
Lyons, Joseph T. 01 172 972 Capt.
Mauger, Frank J. 01 169 634 1st Lt.
Myer, Milton S. 01 177 090 2nd Lt.
Durrell, Lynnwood A. 20 140 138 T/Sgt.
Rogers, Paul W., Jr. 34 359 772 S/Sgt.
Wolcott, Roland J. 20 139 831 S/Sgt.
Above 3 Officers and 3 EM dy to Temporary
dy XX Corps
McLaughlin, Thomas J. 01 177 083 2nd Lt.
Assumes command in addition to other duties
Strength Officers:
4 FLD O & Capt.
1 FLD O & Capt. Abst.
0 1st Lt. Pres.
2 1st Lt. Abst.
2 2nd Lt. Pres.
1 2nd Lt. Abst.
1 WO
Strength EM:
84 EM Present For Duty
10 EM Abst.
94 EM Present
Monday – 18th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report89
No caption – Tec/5 John R. Gaskin
Tuesday – 19th September 194490
Because of the approach of inclement weather and the availability of quarters, the next prisoner of war enclosure was located in French artillery barracks in Toul (vU6410). Buildings were encircled with wire of the triple concertina, with some exceptions, where four-stran wire was constructed. Box-type latrines were constructed over holes twenty-four inches in diameter by twelve feet deep. Two water tank platforms and four guard towers were constructed. This work was performed by the 1003rd Engineer General service Regiment. The work order was issued on 18 September, reconnaissance was made on 19 September and work completed on 21 September.
Tuesday – 19th September 194491
No change.
Caption reads – “Survey detail Verdun woods.” Bottom Row middle, Staff Sergeant Harvey A. Dexter and Alpha Battery men
Dear Folks,
Here I am again, all well and happy with the prospect of coffee and doughnuts as the Red Cross just drove in. Thursday they are coming down here to give us a movie. My prolonged absence from writing was due to a change in location. A few days ago I returned to the Battery and then we drove over and joined the Battalion. It was a long trip but we all made it in good shape. It sure was good to see Jim and John again. The whole Battalion is feeling fine. I received Dad’s first letter yesterday written the 2nd August. Your # 28, 27, 31, 36, 35, 34, 33 came at the same time. Don wrote Jacks Robinson also. Mrs. Carlton too. All were appreciated at this end. Thanks cards it was a long wait. Jane’s package (July 28) came too. Peg’s letter came thru fine. Dads are slow.
Love
Tom.
Wednesday – 20th September 194492
Battalion reorganized under T/O & E 6-355 dated 31 July 1944 with changes thereto. (155mm Gun – Tractor-Drawn).
Wednesday – 20th September 194493
Verdun (France), Refugee camp 32 parties
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report94
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report95
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report96
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report97
Fresnes, France, ½ mi. E. vU528507
Winkworth 01 168 527 Capt.
Lusi 20 140 525 S/Sgt.
Vincent 20 140 552 S/Sgt.
Above Officer and 2 Em dy to Temporary
dy XX Corps
Malm 01 168 353 1st Lt.
Assumes command in addition to other
duties
20 Sep 44 Fresnes, France
Unit reorganized under T/O & E 6-355 dtd
31 jul 44 (155mm Gun Tr Drawn)
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report98
Wednesday – 20th September 1944 MD Detachment Morning Report99
No caption – Lt. Hightower
Wednesday – 20th September 1944
Coat of Arms for the 244th Field Artillery Battalion – Approved
Dear Folks,
My first check for $165 should arrive at the end of September. Let me know if you don’t receive it then. The $94 check (cable) should be along – perhaps in a couple of weeks. I gave the $ to Joe Hamelton who gave it to “finance” as a P.T.A – they V-mail names, ants and person to be sent to the Finance in Washington who in turn mail the check. I have no need for money here now – my chances of buying anything for you all is very slim. Here at the Battalion we are kept under close supervision. Just wrote Uncle Art & Don yesterday. Will keep you advised, got another letter from Dad guess they will trickle in now. Much love
Tom.
Thursday – 21st September 1944100
No change.
Thursday – 21st September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report101
Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
Mauger (Temp dy) 01 169 634 1st Lt.
Meyer (Temp dy) 01 177 090 2nd Lt.
Durrell (Temp dy) 20 140 138 T/Sgt.
Rodgers (Temp dy) 34 359 772 S/Sgt.
Wolcott (Temp dy) 20 139 831 S/Sgt.
Above 2 Officers and 3 EM Temporary dy XX
Corps to dy
Blizzard (Temp dy) 34 339 436 Tec. 4
Weintraub (Temp dy) 34 792 819 Pvt.
Above 2 men temporary dy Hq. TUSA to dy as
of 19 Sep 44
Thursday – 21st September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report102
Caption reads – Service Battery
No caption – Baker Battery heavy equipment
Friday – 22nd September 1944103
No change.
Friday – 22nd September 1944104
Refugees of thirty nationalities were under civil affairs care and control with 2,200 at Verdun (U26).
Saturday – 23rd September 1944105
No change.
Saturday – 23rd September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report106
Saturday – 23rd September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report107
Caption reads – Maintenance Crew
Dear Folks,
As yet your package hasn’t arrived yet – each day I expect it and if never comes. Went flying with Bill Hightower – it was fun – flew over ____ and saw all the old W.W.#1 cemeteries and part of the fort and battlefields it was something I’ve read about long ago – now I’ve seen it. Doc & I went to town the other night had 3 qts. of 1937 Piper Heidsieck Champagne. The stuff is cheap! About $2.50 per. We had fun – got in bed about 1230. All of us are usually in bed at 0800 ‘cause it’s cold and dark as heck – nothing else to do -. Will write more in a day or so I need Cigs and Pepsodent. Love to all
Tom.
Sunday – 24th September 1944108
No change.
Sunday – 24th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report109
Sunday – 24th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report110
Caption reads – Instrument and radio Crew
Monday – 25th September 1944111
Army artillery maintained neutralizing fire on Forts Driant and Jeanne D’Arc at Metz (U85) on a 24-hour basis. One hundred fifty-five rounds of 155mm gun, 100 rounds of 8-inch howitzer and twenty-five rounds of 240mm howitzer ammunition were fired upon Fort Jeanne D’Arc. A number of direct hits were obtained on the casements, two being destroyed, and an ammunition dump was exploded. A total of 107 rounds of 155mm howitzer was fired upon the concrete shelters and casements of Fort Kellermann (Ouvrage Kellermann, Amanvillers, France), but chipped concrete was the sole result.
Monday – 25th September 1944112
No change
Monday – 25th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report113
Dear Folks,
General “Ike” says we can tell the folksies where we’ve been with the exception of cities and towns within a certain Sistine. All of this goes back to my first letters, the whole of France is divided into nine provinces, we’ve been in Normandy – same as others, then Brittenay (Bretagne). The towns in Normandy as the papers stated were quite blasted. The assault of some towns was quite fierce and therefore quite destroyed. As one left the beach you could see the fierce signs of battle the farther in one went it was different only the certain strong points got it. I have been in Foreknenville, St. Jores, La Haye de Puits, Avranches, St. Divy, Rennes, Redon, (get out your geog. books this is a cook’s tour) Dinais, Cape Frehal, Morlaix, Lauderneau, Quimper – the pottery center, Brest with my small crew of men, Mur de Bretagne, Huelgvat, Sens, and Joan of Arcs birth place. All these are the main towns; of course there were hundreds of little towns in between and many side roads and trips. I got your shoes at Cape Frehol, the perfume in Merlaix and Quimper. I tried to get Tommy & Bobby some hats at Landerneau & St. Thegonnec.
Got a letter from you yesterday all about Red Cross no letter from Peg or Dad for several days. The mail has been slow again – so we all just sit on pins and needles waiting for the mailman. It is miserable here – rain and cold – my feet have been sopping for three days. We drink Champagne like water here – (not enough to worry about) it’s cheap & better than Cognac. Oh! Me! The rigors of war. Hope for a letter soon. Send some cigarettes if you can. Love to all
Tom.
Tuesday – 26th September 1944114
No change.
Tuesday – 26th September 1944
Coat of Arms for the 244th Field Artillery Battalion
Wednesday – 27th September 1944115
No change.
Wednesday – 27th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report116
No caption – 1st Lt. Wm. D. Hightower
Thursday – 28th September 1944117
No change.
Dear Folks,
There is only one thing I’d like to have for Christmas – millions of others want it too – it’s VICTORY. It’s cold here and a stove in our tent makes all very cozy. It’s about coffee time now (2000) then we’re off to bed. You can well be proud of the Red Cross – you people at home and your chosen representations over here are doing a job all of us appreciate. The doughnuts & coffee, the movies and all the good done in the hospitals is all due to a group of individuals at home who are working for our comfort and well-being. The war isn’t over yet – we’ve a long hard journey ahead of us. Some will take the tough way home others will sit & “sweat it out”. Anyone who lets us down whether with work or money deserves a well aimed kick in the pants. Your letters are coming thru fine. Still only two from Dad. Know he’s busy as is everyone. Love to all
Your Son.
Friday – 29th September 1944118
No change.
Caption reads – September 1944, Valleroy France – German P. W. Loading Trash Truck
Dear Folks,
Two nice days in a row is almost too much for us to absorb. It’s still cool. Cool enough for a swatter, jacket & gloves. I’ll bet you all wish you had this kind of climate. Just got back on duty after seeing the “Hairey Ape”. It’s a good movie – perhaps you would like it. The “Time & Life” reviews of it were quite good. Have you gotten the two boxes that I sent to you? As yet yours hasn’t come yet who knows? Perhaps tomorrow. I have a road map of France that I’m keeping my travels recorded on – wish I could send it home. If you connect the towns I’ve mentioned – you will just about have it. Can’t see how Tad can tell so much -. It is forbidden to tell Armies, generals & towns where action takes place. Anyway he and I are together although I haven’t seen him yet. Jack Robinson wrote to me – will drop him a line later on. My love to one and all – your Son.
Saturday – 30th September 1944119
By the end of September the Third U. S. Army’s tank-infantry-aircraft assaults, aided by the most intensive use of artillery thus far in the campaign, had pushed the enemy successively across the Moselle, Meurthe and Vezouse Rivers in the southern portion of the Army’s zone and to the Foret De Parrot (VI9), where the enemy was resisting stubbornly.
Third U. S. Army’s swift advances and the enemy’s headlong retreat were slowed down and finally brought to a halt early in September because of a shortage of gasoline. By 3 September, the enemy had turned his fleeing troops around at the German border and had occupied the Moselle River line.
Nearly 30,000 prisoners were captured during September, with an estimated 607 enemy tanks, 663 artillery pieces and 1,735 vehicles reported captured or destroyed.
The Third U.S. Army’s artillery came into its own in the attacks on the Metz (U85) defenses. The enemy’s use of the many forts, both old and modernized, presented a most difficult artillery problem. Even the heaviest artillery proved incapable of destroying these fortifications, but excellent neutralizing effect was achieved. The fullest exploitation of artillery was prevented by the prolonged scarcity of ammunition. The enemy’s artillery was capably employed, but a high proportion of duds were noted in his fire.
Saturday – 30th September 1944120
No change
September121
During September several interesting maintenance problems arose. In one instance, much trouble was experienced with the over-riding clutch on the Tractor, High Speed M4. As replacement assemblies were not available at this time, several methods of field repair were tried. One successful method was finally developed and information regarding it was disseminated to all other Ordnance troops. A considerable number of the captured German bearings were used in this repair, as well some materials that had been locally prepared.
September 1944
- United States Army In World War II, The European Theater of Operations. The Supreme Command, Forrest C. Pogue, Center Of Military History United States Army, The Green Book
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 3, G-2 Section – Page 18
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume Il, Part 19 – Provost Marshal, Page 8
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- XII Corps Spearhead of Patton's Third Army, Lt. Co. George Dyer, Map No 15 (Modified from World War II, Shugg & DeWeerd; Infantry Journal 1946)
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- Third Army After Action Report - Volume II, Part 19 – Provost Marshal, Page 8
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- United States Army In World War II, The European Theater of Operations. The Supreme Command, Forrest C. Pogue, Center Of Military History United States Army, The Green Book
- United States Army In World War II, The European Theater of Operations. The Supreme Command, Forrest C. Pogue, Center Of Military History United States Army, The Green Book
- United States Army In World War II, The European Theater of Operations. The Supreme Command, Forrest C. Pogue, Center Of Military History United States Army, The Green Book
- Third Army After Action Report - Volume II, Part 3, G-2
- Third Army After Action Report Volume II - Part 3 G-2, Page 19
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19 – Provost Marshal, page 8
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 66
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II Part 12 Engineer, Page 7
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19 Provost Marshal, Page 8
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19 n- Provost Marshal, Page 8
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 69
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 3, September 1944, Page 70
- Serving In Harm's Way, A Record of My Service In The U.S. Army and WWII, Byron G. Rogers jr., January 2006
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operation In World War II, Gene Thorp Map- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19, Provost Marshal, Section III – Prisoner Of War Sub-Section, 6th July 1944
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19 – Provost Marshal, page 12
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion After Action Report, 1 December to 31 December
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- The U.S. Army Center of Military History, William M. Hammond
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 73, 76
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 76
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II Part 23 – Special Service, Page 2
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 77
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- USAMHI Archives, Colonel J. Davis Interview
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- United States Army In World War II, The European Theater of Operations, The Supreme Command, Forrest C. Pogue, Page 785
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II Part 12 Engineer, Page 7
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 82
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 3, September 1944, Page 85
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 4 – September Operations, Page 90
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal September 1944
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II Part 18 Ordnance, Page 12