History 1944 – September

Fort Sill Field Artillery Journal – September 1944

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 1st September 1944

Western Front, Friday – 1^st September 1944¹

September – 1944
          Intelligence Bulletin Volume III No. 1

September – 1944
          Military Intelligence – Identification of Foreign Armored Vehicles

Friday – 1^st 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 27^th 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 – 1^st 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 22^nd August to 1^st September.

Friday – 1^st September 1944⁴

                              No change

Friday – 1^st September 1944⁵

          F.F.I. (French Forces of the Interior (French: Forces françaises de l’Intérieur)), shoot flares, Battery alerted

Friday – 1^st 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 – 1^st September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report⁷

                              Nemours, France, 3 mi. S.E. vX313738
                    Dumas, William G.                             34 339 308     Sgt.                Code 1-8
                              Rd  to Pvt.

Friday – 1^st September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁸

                             Nemours, France 3 mi SE, vX313738
                    Humphries (Hosp)                             34 358 747     Cpl.
                              Sk in 104^th Evac Hosp LD to lost to
                              Hosp

          No caption – French women with Lt. Hightower

Friday – 1st September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 2nd September 1944

August – September 1944 – The Campaign for France, Operations Overlord,
                                                      Cobra, and Anvil⁹

Saturday – 2^nd September 1944¹⁰

          No change.

Saturday – 2^nd 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 127^th General
                              hosp LD

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 3rd September 1944

Sunday – 3^rd September 1944¹²

          No change.

Sunday – 3^rd September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report¹³

                    Nemours, France 3 mi S.E. vX313738
          No Change

Sunday – 3^rd 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 127^th Gen Hosp LD to
                              lost to Hosp
                    Holmes (Hosp)                              34 339 637     Pvt.
                              Sk in 53^rd 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 – 

Sunday – 3rd September 1944
1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

Sunday – 3rd September 1944
1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 4th September 1944

Monday – 4^th September 1944¹⁵

          Notification was received 4 September from Advance Section, Communication one, that all prisoners of war would be evacuated to Chartres (vR3802)

Monday – 4^th September 1944¹⁶

          No change.

Monday – 4^th 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 1^st Lt. Pres
                                                      1 1^st Lt. Abst
                                                      3 2^nd Lt. Pres
                                                      1 WO
                         Strength EM:
                                               88 EM Present For Duty
                                                 6 EM Abst
                                                94 EM Present

Monday – 4^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report¹⁸

                              Nemours, France, 3 mi. S.E. vX313738
                    Dean, Leslie                                           33 301 235     Tec. 5
                              Dy to sk in Hosp LD
          26 Aug 44 -4 Sep 44, Nemours, France
          Usual duties performed in operation of
          Prisoner of War enclosure, Third U.S.
          Army

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 5th September 1944

Western Front 5th September¹⁹

German Front In Northeastern France, Evening 5th September 1944²⁰

Third Army Disposition Evening 5 September 1944²¹

Tuesday – 5^th September 1944²²

          The German retreat of approximately fifteen miles per day during August continued for the first four days of the new month.  On 5^th 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 – 5^th 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 24^th 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 – 5^th 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 19^th August to 5^th September inclusive.  Battery B, 244^th Field Artillery Battalion, was withdrawn from this enclosure and rejoined the Battalion at Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 6, Nemours (vX2675).

Tuesday – 5^th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report²⁵

                              No change

Tuesday – 5^th 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 1^st Lt. Pres
                                                      1 1^st Lt. Abst
                                                      3 2^nd Lt. Pres
                                                      1 WO
                         Strength EM:
                                               89 EM Present For Duty
                                                 5 EM Abst
                                               94 EM Present

Thursday – 5^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report²⁷

                              Nemours, France 3 mi. S.W. vX313738
                    Perfetti, John P.                            01 175 031     1^st Lt.                  Code M
                              Dy to LWA 2 Sep 44 and lost to Hosp as of
                              3 Sep 44.
                    Dean, Leslie (Hosp)                        33 301 235     Tec/5                   Code T
                              Sk in Hosp LD to lost to Hosp.

          No Caption – Staff Sargent Harvey H. Dester, A Battery, practices his .45 Cal. pistol skills somewhere in France.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 6th September 1944

Wednesday – 6^th 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 – 6^th September 1944²⁹

          No change.

Monday – 6^th September 1944³⁰

          Full field inspection, Issue of cognac, Bed check 9 PM

Wednesday – 6^th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report³¹

                              Nemours, France 3 mi S.E. vX313738
                    Menendez,                                    34 249 205     Cpl.                Code 1-8
                              Rd to Pvt. as of 4 Sept 44

Wednesday – 6^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report³²

                              Nemours, France 3 mi SE, vX313738
                                        No Change

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 7th September 1944

Thursday – 7^th September 1944³³

          No change.

September 1944 – Officer of the Chief of Ordinance
          Terminal Ballistics Data – Volume III Bombs, Artillery & Mortar Fire & Rockets

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 8th September 1944

Friday – 8^th September 1944³⁴

          On 8 September the 1306^th Engineer General Service Regiment was given a work order to construct a standard prisoner of war enclosure in the vicinity of Fresnes (vU4657).  Reconnaissance was made on 9 September, construction started the following day, and work was completed 11 September.

Friday – 8^th September 1944³⁵

          A site for new Prisoner of War Enclosures Number 8 was selected 8^th September in the vicinity of Fresnes-en-Woëvre (vU4657).

Friday – 8^th September 1944³⁶

           No Change

Friday – 8^th September 1944³⁷

          Classes, Calisthenic

Friday 8^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report³⁸

                              Nemours, France 3 mi. S.W. vX313738
                    Dean, Leslie (Hosp)                          22 301 235     Tec/5               Code A-FA
                              Hosp to dy. Reasgd and rejoined.

Friday – 8th September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

Friday – 8th September 1944
           Perfume Shipping Labels From

Packing List 

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 9th September 1944

Saturday – 9^th September 1944³⁹

          No chagne

Saturday – 9^th September 1944⁴⁰

          Prisoner of War Enclosure Number 6 at Nemours (vX2675) closed 9 September, 11,135 prisoners of war having been evacuated from this enclosure during the period from 25^th August to 9^th September.

Saturday – 9^th 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 – 

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 10th September 1944

Sunday – 10^th September 1944⁴²

          Departed Nemours France at 0730 via motor convoy.  Arrive present station Fresnes, France at 1530.  Distance marched 176 miles.  Morale:  Excellent:  Weather:  Fair.

Sunday – 10^th September 1944⁴³

          Our longest jump of 176 miles was made on the 10^th 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 – 10^th September 1944⁴⁴

          The Battalion departed Nemours France.

Sunday – 10^th 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 – 10^th 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 – 10^th 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 – 10^th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report⁴⁸

                              Fresnes, France 1/3 mi N vU496627
                                        NO CHANGE
          Departed Nemours, France 3 mi SE
          vX313738 0730 via Moror Convoy. Biv-
         ouacked present Sta 1530. Distance
          Marched 176 miles

Sunday – 10^th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report⁴⁹

                              Frasnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
          Departed Nemours, France 3 mi SE vX313738
          via motor convoy at 0830. Bivouacked
          present station 1630. Distance marched
          approximately 175 mi.

Sunday – 10^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report⁵⁰

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi E. vU528507
          Departed Nemours, France, 3 mi. S.E.
          vX315738, via motor convoy, at 0830.
          Bivouacked present station 1600.
          Distance marched approximately 175 miles.

Sunday – 10^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁵¹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N vU498627
          Departed Nemours, France 3 mi SE
          vX315738, via Motor Convoy 0830
          Bivouacked present station 1630.
          Distance marched approximately 176 mi.

        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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 11th September 1944

Pursuit To The German Border⁵²

Monday – 11^th September 1944⁵³

          The 244^th 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), 472^nd Military Police Escort Guard Company; 467^th Quartermaster Truck Company; 498^th Medical Collecting Company; 305^th Military Police Escort Guard Company; 2^nd Platoon, 443^rd Prisoner of War Processing Company and Counterintelligence Corps.  Escape and Evade, Interrogation of Prisoners of War and Publicity and Psychological Warfare Detachment.

Monday – 11^th September 1944⁵⁴

                               No change

Monday – 11^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁵⁵

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N vU498627
                                        No Change

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 12th September 1944

Tuesday – 12^th September 1944⁵⁶

         A Guard Detail was furnished by the 244^th Field Artillery Battalion for the Civil Affairs (G5) Displaced Persons Center at Verdun (vU2865).

Tuesday – 12^th 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 – 12^th September 1944⁵⁸

          The firing batteries took over guns in position from the 733^rd Field Artillery Battalion and helped kill Krauts and knock out a Railroad Gun. 

Tuesday – 12^th September 1944⁵⁹

                              No chnage

Tuesday – 12^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁶⁰

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N vU498627
                    Kaminski, Ignatius R.                        36 278 118     Pfc.                Code 1-7
                              Rd to Pvt.
                    Jones                                             39 039 246     Pvt.
                              Aptd Pfc.

          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.”

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 13th September 1944.

Wednesday – 13th September 1944 – Army Talks European Theater Operations
          Volume II No. 37 – Combat Medicine

Wednesday – 13^th September 1944⁶¹

          No change.

Wednesday – 13^th September 1944⁶²

          Left Pete Kilgore (39 409 640), Bishop (Pvt. Robert H. Bishop) hurt

          Battle West of Metz
               8 – 13 September 1944

Wednesday – 13^th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report⁶³

                              Fresnes, France, ½ mi. E. vU528507
                    Hendry                                       01 176 997     2^nd Lt.
                              Dy to arrest in qrs as of 8 Sep 44.

          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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 14th September 1944

Thursday – 14^th 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 – 14^th September 1944⁶⁵

          Left Mûr-de-Bretagne (France), enroute Rennes (France), Vitré, (France), Laval (France), La Mans (France), end of PW corrals

Thursday – 14^th 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

          Caption reads – “Verdun forest between Verdun & Metz where we camped while in Verdun”

14^th September 1944
Battle of Northern France Ends

Battle of The Rhineland Begins
September 15, 1944 to March 21, 1945

 

The U.S. Army Campaigns of World War II – Rhineland⁶⁷

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 15th September 1944.

          WWII Verdun-sur-Meuse overlaid onto Google Maps

Friday – 15^th September 1944⁶⁸

          Battery “B” departed Arrou, France via motor convoy at 0812.  Arrived and rejoined Battalion at Fresnes, France at 1150.  Distance marched 286 miles.

Friday – 15^th September 1944⁶⁹

          The XII Corps fought its way forward to the Moselle River.  A special task force composed of elements of the 134^th Infantry (35^th Infantry Division) and elements of the 319^th Infantry (80^th 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 134^th Infantry.  The 35^th Infantry Division continued to enlarge its bridgeheads across the Moselle River with the 137^th Infantry crossing the river in the vicinity of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port (090).

     In the XV Corps zone the 313^th and 315^th Infantry Regiments (79^th 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 5^th 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.

Friday – 15^th September 1944⁷⁰

          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 – 15^th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report⁷¹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Humphrey, Robert G.                    0 254 639     Capt.    MOS 0194     Code 1-D
                              Appointed Major                                             MOS 0109

Friday – 15^th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report⁷²

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
          Departed Arrue, France ½ mi S. via motor
          convoy at 081. Bivouacked present station
          1150. Distance marched approximately 285 mi.

          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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 16th September 1944

Saturday – 16^th September 1944⁷³

          The XX Corps continued its advance toward Metz (U85) against stubborn enemy resistance.  The 90^th Infantry Division advanced with the 357^th Infantry closing in the vicinity of Amanvillers (U76), seven miles northwest of Metz (U85) and the 359^th 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 – 16^th September 1944⁷⁴

                              No change

Saturday – 16^th September 1944⁷⁵

          Arrived Fresnes (France) at 1:30 AM 40 km from Metz

Sunday – 16^th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report⁷⁶

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Cable                                  34 580 597     Pvt.
                              Conf to dy. Tried & convicted of violation
                              AW 61^st
                        Strength: 118 EM, 4 Officers

Sunday – 16^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁷⁷

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Sirois, Arthur G.                     20 139 824      S/Sgt.                Code S
                              Dy to accidental killed by gunshot
                              In Line of Duty
                         Strength Officers                          Strength EM
                         1 Fld O & Capt Pres                      28 Pres for Duty
                         1 1^st Lt. Pres
                         1 WO Pres

        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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 17th September 1944

Sunday – 17^th September 1944⁷⁹

          XX Corps launched a coordinated attack against stubborn resistance to capture Metz (U85), the 90^th Infantry Division attacking from the west and the 5^th Infantry Division from the south.  The 7^th 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 – 17^th September 1944⁸⁰

          The Battalion departed Fresnes (Fresnes-en-Woëvre), France. 

Sunday – 17^th 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 – 17^th September 1944⁸²

                              No change

Sunday – 17^th 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 17^th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report⁸⁵

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Blizzard, Leuis C.                    34 339 436      Tec. 4
                    Weintraub, Roldand C.             34 792 819       Pvt.
                              Above 2 EM dy to temporary dy Hq, TUSA
                         Strength Officers:
                                                       5 FLD O & Capt.
                                                       1 1^st Lt. Pres
                                                       1 1^st Lt. Abst
                                                       3 2^nd Lt. Pres
                                                       1 WO
                          Strength EM:
                                                87 EM Present For Duty
                                                  7 EM Abst
                                                94 EM Present

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 18th September 1944.

Monday – 18th September 1944⁸⁶

          No change.

Battle For Brest
25 August To 18 September 1944

          Breakout And Pursuit – Battle For Brest⁸⁷

Monday -18^th 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      1^st Lt.
                    Myer, Milton S.                        01 177 090      2^nd 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      2^nd Lt.
                              Assumes command in addition to other duties
                          Strength Officers:
                                                        4 FLD O & Capt.
                                                        1 FLD O & Capt. Abst.
                                                        0 1^st Lt. Pres.
                                                        2 1^st Lt. Abst.
                                                        2 2^nd Lt. Pres.
                                                        1 2^nd Lt. Abst.
                                                        1 WO
                          Strength EM:
                                                 84 EM Present For Duty
                                                 10 EM Abst.
                                                 94 EM Present

Monday – 18^th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report⁸⁹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi. E. vU528507
                    Lindsay, john C.                      34 339 596      Cpl.                  Code A-FA
                              Reassigned and rejoined

          No caption – Tec/5 John R. Gaskin

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 19th September 1944

Tuesday – 19^th 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 1003^rd 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 – 19^th September 1944⁹¹

          No change.

          Caption reads – “Survey detail Verdun woods.”  Bottom Row middle, Staff Sergeant Harvey A. Dexter and  Alpha Battery men

Tuesday – 19th September 1944
1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home From The ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 20th September 1944

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944⁹²

          Battalion reorganized under T/O & E 6-355 dated 31 July 1944 with changes thereto.  (155mm Gun – Tractor-Drawn).

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944⁹³

        Verdun (France), Refugee camp 32 parties

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report⁹⁴

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                                        20 Sep 44 Fresnes, France.
                                        Unit reorganized under T/O & E 6-355 dtd
                                        31 Jul 44 (155mm Gun Tr Drawn).

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report⁹⁵

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                                        20 Sep 44 Fresnes, France
                                        Unit reorganized under T/O & E 6-355
                                        Dtd 31 July 44 (155mm Gun Tr. Drawn)
                    Shinaberry                              01 172 654      2^nd Lt.
                    Myers                                    33 239 431      Cpl.
                    Harvel                                   34 339 701      Tec. 5
                             Above Officer & 2 EM dy to temporary
                             dy XX Corps.

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report⁹⁶

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                                        20 Sep 44 Fresnes , France
                                        Unit reorganized under T/O & E 6-355 dtd
                                        31 jul 44 (155mm Gun Tr Drawn)

Wednesday – 20^th 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      1^st 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 – 20^th September 1944 Service Battery Morning Report⁹⁸

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                                       No Change
                              20 Sep 44, Fresnes, France
                              Unit reorganized under T/O & E 6-355
                              Dtd 31 July 44 (155mm Gun Tr Drawn)

Wednesday – 20^th September 1944 MD Detachment Morning Report⁹⁹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                                        No Change
                              20 Sep 44 Fresnes, France
                              Unit reorganized under T/O & E
                              6-355 dated 31 July 43 (155mm Gun
                              Tr drawn)

          No caption – Lt. Hightower

Wednesday – 20th September 1944
          Coat of Arms for the 244th Field Artillery Battalion – Approved

Wednesday – 20th September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 21st September 1944

Thursday – 21^st September 1944¹⁰⁰

          No change.

Thursday – 21^st September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report¹⁰¹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Mauger (Temp dy)                       01 169 634      1^st Lt.
                    Meyer (Temp dy)                         01 177 090      2^nd 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 – 21^st September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report¹⁰²

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Kaylor                                  01 172 946     1^st Lt.
                    Luckasevic                            33 301 273      S/Sgt.
                    Klingovsky                            33 301 250      Sgt.
                              Above Officer & 2 EM dy to temporary
                              dy XX Corps.

          Caption reads – Service Battery

          No caption – Baker Battery heavy equipment

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 22nd September 1944

Friday – 22^nd September 1944¹⁰³

          No change.

Friday – 22^nd September 1944¹⁰⁴

          Refugees of thirty nationalities were under civil affairs care and control with 2,200 at Verdun (U26).

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 23rd September 1944

Saturday – 23^rd September 1944¹⁰⁵

          No change.

Saturday – 23^rd September 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report¹⁰⁶

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Lyons (Temp dy)                       01 172 972      Capt.
                              Temporary dy XX corps to dy
                    McLaughlin                              01 177 083      2^nd Lt.
                              Reld of command

Saturday – 23^rd September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report¹⁰⁷

                              Fresnes, France, ½ mi. E. vU528507
                    Winkworth (Temp Dy)                 01 168 527      Capt.
                    Luis (Temp Dy)                         20 140 525      1^st Sgt.
                    Vincent (Temp Dy)                     20 140 552      S/Sgt.
                              Above Officer and 2 Em Temp Dy XX Corps
                             to dy.
                    Malm                                       01 168 353
                              Reld of command in addition to other
                              duties.

          Caption reads – Maintenance Crew

Saturday – 23rd September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 24th September 1944

Sunday – 24^th September 1944¹⁰⁸

          No change.

Sunday – 24^th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report¹⁰⁹

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Shinaberry (Temp dy)                     01 172 654     2^nd Lt.
                    Kaylor (Temp dy)                           01 172 948     1^st Lt.
                    Luckasevic (Temp dy)                     33 301 275      S/Sgt.
                    Klingovsky (Temp dy)                     33 301 250      Sgt.
                    Myers  (Temp dy)                           33 239 431     Cpl.
                    Harvel (Temp dy)                           34 339 701     Tec 5
                             Above 2 Officers & 4 EM Temp dy XX
                             Corps ta dy

Sunday – 24^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report¹¹⁰

                              Fresnes, France, ½ mi. E. vU528507
                    Flowers                                       34 359 271       Pvt.
                               Dy to sk in hosp LD second degree burn
                               lower extremity

          Caption reads – Instrument and radio Crew

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 25th September 1944

Monday – 25^th 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 – 25^th September 1944¹¹²

                              No change

Monday – 25^th September 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report¹¹³

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi. E. vU528507
                    Flowers (Hosp)                              34 352 271      Pvt.                  Code T
                              Sk Hosp LD to Lost to Hosp

Monday – 25th September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – Letter Home, From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 26th September 1944

Tuesday – 26^th September 1944¹¹⁴

           No change.

Tuesday – 26th September 1944
          Coat of Arms for the 244th Field Artillery Battalion

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 27th September 1944

Wednesday – 27th September 1944
          Table Of Organization Field Artillery Battalion

          Table Of Organization Field Artillery Battalion

          Table Of Organization HQ & HQ Battery

          Table Of Organization Service Battery

          Table Of Organization Medical Detachment

Wednesday – 27^th September 1944¹¹⁵

          No change.

Wednesday – 27^th September 1944 Battery “A” Morning Report¹¹⁶

                              Fresnes, France ½ mi N. vU498627
                    Leonard, John J.                            33 301 242      Sgt.                  Code E-FA
                    Boyd, Bartow A.                             34 359 961     Tec. 4                Code E-FA
                              Above 2 EM reasdg & rejd from
                              38^th Replacement Depot.

          No caption – 1st Lt. Wm. D. Hightower

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 28th September 1944

Thursday – 28^th September 1944¹¹⁷

          No change.

Thursday – 28th September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From the ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 29th September 1944

Friday – 29^th September 1944¹¹⁸

          No change.

          Caption reads – September 1944, Valleroy France – German P. W. Loading Trash Truck

Friday – 29th September 1944
          1st Lt. Marriott – V-Mail (Photo Mail) Home, From The ETO

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.

HQ Twelfth Army Group Situational Map – 30th September 1944

Saturday – 30^th 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 – 30^th 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

Battalion Journal Reports
1 September to 30 September 1944

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