Monday – 1st January 19451

          At 0001 all guns of 3rd Army fired a New Year’s greeting on the enemy for twenty minutes – heavy casualties inflicted.
      Germans have formed a definite pocket in woods SE of Bastogne from which they seriously threaten our line of supply and bring the principal road under machine gun and mortar fire.  It will be necessary to evict them.
     The 6th Armored Division continued to advance.  All other units made little to no progress.
     The VII Corps, First Army, will initiate an attack on Houffalize from the north in the morning.  This should take some pressure from the 3rd Army.
     17th Airborne Division ordered to attack through 11th Armored Division at 1200, January 3.

Monday – 1st January 19452

          On this day the enemy continued to resist stubbornly all along the northern front, launching several counterattacks and increased his artillery fire.  The Luftwaffe’s attempt to slow down Third U.S. Army’s drive reached its peak on this date, when 308 hostile aircraft were over the Army’s area during the twenty-four hour period.  In the largest single attack of the day, twenty-five planes swooped in on an airfield near Metz (U85) strafing the parked P-47’s at low level and from all directions, destroying twenty and damaging seventeen.  Sixteen of the enemy aircraft were shot down by antiaircraft artillery.  Supply installations, traffic and field artillery positions also were attacked, but the enemy paid heavily, losing sixty-three planes destroyed during the day.

     While there was no change in XIII Corps throughout the period, aggressive patrols were maintained.

     Sixty-nine divisional and corps artillery battalions, later increased to seventy-seven, were committed in support of the Third U.S. Army’s offensive in the Ardennes, beginning a week in which 401,393 rounds of artillery were expended, the highest volume in the operational history of the Army.

Monday – 1st January 19453

          At beginning of period the Battalion was engage in general support mission of the XII corps front firing counter-battery and harassing missions from its position area in the vicinity of Consdorf, Luxembourg (vP994321).

Monday – 1st January 19454

          1st January 1945 the Battalion was in position in the vicinity of Consdorf, (vP99403206) attached to XII corps Artillery with the mission of general support of the Corps front.

     One gun from Battery “A” was in position at (wL0154535766) with the special mission of harassing an enemy supply center in the town of Bitburg, Germany (wL1353) by long range fire.  This gun was replaced by a gun from Battery “C” on 10th January 1945 with the same mission.

Monday – 1st January 19455

     1000 – Brigadier General Lewis, XII Corps Artillery
               Commander, visited Battalion Commander.  Inspected Fire Direction Center and
               Radio Room.  Left Battalion CP at 1045.

     1400 – Battalion Executive left Battalion CP for XII Corps Artillery – Returning about 1700.

     0001 – 2400 – Air CP locate two enemy batteries.  “A” Battery adjusted and they were                                                                               neutralized.  Eleven other counter-Battery missions fired as TOT’s with
                         Corps Artillery.  H & I Fires on 18 targets firing 21 rounds per hour.
                         Counter-Battery Fire received from 0730 to 1030.  No damage to personnel
                         or material.

Monday – 1st January 19456

          Battery moved 1750 yards to another, still living at Consdorf (Luxembourg)

Monday – 1st January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report7

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Weintraub, Roland C.               34 792 819      Tec. 5
                              Trfd to and departed for 821 MP Co. APO
                              303, U.S. Army per par 2, SO #177, Hq
                              XII Corps, 28 Dec 44

Monday – 1st January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report8

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Connelly, Alfred E.                   33 658 529      Pfc.
                    Flick, Edward J.D.                    36 284 171      Pfc.
                              Above 2 EM promoted to Cpl. par 1, SO #1
                              Hq this Bn

Monday – 1st January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report9

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Gustavson, Harry W.                 37 714 170      Pfc.
                              Dy to sk LD in 5th Div Clearing Sta
                              “Non-Battle Casualty” (Burn of neck)
                              “Dy 641”

Monday – 1st January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report10

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                                        CORRECTION 31 Dec 44
                    Vincent, Marcel A.                    20 140 552      S/Sgt.
                              Dy to sk LD 4th collecting Co “Non-
                              battle” (Infected right hand” “Dy 539”
                                        SHOULD BE
                    Vincent, Marcel A.                    20 140 552      S/Sgt.                Code J4
                              Dy to lost to 104th Evac Hosp LD “Non-
                              battle loss” (Infected right hand)
                              “Dy 539”
                    Murphy, John M.                       12 146 171      Cpl.                  Code 1-4
                              Aptd S/Sgt from Cpl per par 1, SO #1, Hq
                              244th FA Bn dtd 1 jan 44. MOS changed
                              From Skilled 228 to Skilled 645
                    Halewicz, Anthony J.                  42 018 276      Pfc.                  Code 1-6
                              Aptd Cpl from Pfc per par 1, SO #1 Hq 244th
                              FA Bn dtd 1 Jan 44
                    Smith, Gerald B.                        32 556 556      Pfc.
                    Brown, Frank E.                         34 525 781      Pvt
                              Above 2 EM aptd Tec 5 per par 2, SO #1 Hq
                              244th FA Bn dtd 1 Jan 44

          Caption reads – Battery B Consdorf Luxembourg

          Caption reads – 4th from L. Pfc Wally A. Parsons Battery B Consdorf Luxembourg

          No caption – Pfc Wally A. Parsons with his gun sight.  

Tuesday – 2nd January 194511

          Enemy air activity continued to be heavy but did not equal the violence of the previous day’s attacks.  Fifty-five raids were made by eighty-six planes, with traffic and field artillery positions the principle targets.

     Situation in the XII Corps remained unchanged, with the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions maintaining their positions.

     The shortage of “K” rations was alleviated by the receipt of 439,200 rations at the Advance Section Communications Zone depot at Verdun (U26) and emergency shipments were sent to Army supply points.  Fresh meat and butter were in short supply.

Tuesday – 2nd January 194512

     1100 – Battalion Commander held meeting of Battery Commanders.

     1130 – Major Powell and party from Corp Artillery at Battalion CP for conference with
               Battalion Commander and Battalion Executive.

     1715 – Battery “B” displaced to alternative position (vp9863629830).

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired a TOT on enemy battery at 1704.  Battalion adjusted on
                         enemy batteries at 1050 and 1100.  Thirteen other counter-battery missions
                         fired, including ten TOT’s.  H & I fires at rate of 14 rounds per hour on 11
                         towns.

Battle of the Bulge Liaison Ops13
          Lt. Marriott wrote in the margin of this publication, “I flew him around the fort @ Metz” referring to Colonel Ford. Lt. Marriott also wrote about that flight in his 9th December 1944 letter home.

Tuesday – 2nd January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report14

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Gustavson, Harry W.                   37 714 170      Pfc.                  Code J45
                              Sk LD in 5th Div Clearing Sta to lost to
                              104th Evac Hosp. “Non-Battle Casualty”
                              (Burn of Neck) “Dy 641”

Tuesday – 2nd January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report15

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Pope, Alva L.                              20 422 495      Cpl.
                              Dy to sk LD 5th Clearing Co “Non-battle”
                              (Back pains) “Dy 505”
                    Yates, Albert                              34 421 415      Pfc.
                    Jenkins, Harold I.                        33 421 951      Pvt.
                              Above 2 EM dy to sk LD 5th Clearing Co.
                              “Non-battle” (Battle fatigue) “Dy 531”
                    Beaver, Leon H.                           34 359 223      Cpl.
                              Sk LD 4th Collecting Co to lost to 110th
                              Evac Hosp LD “Non-battle” (Battle fatigue)
                              “Dy 506“ as of 29 Dec 44

          A section from 1st Lt. Marriott’s Strassenkarte Luxembourg map showing roads traveled marked in blue ink and area he flew outlined in red hash marks in the early stages of the battle. The Air Section was stationed in Luxembourg City and would follow the road out of the city to the area to be observed.

Dear Folks,

     Got a darn cold in my head – this one is a good’en. Feel rotten – you know. Have been working very hard since Christmas. Today we flew 4½ hours – did a lot of shooting – there were Jerries in the air – all in all it has left me limp. Nice package from Jane yesterday -. Had three letters from you November 17 – 20 – 22 also one from Dad – my statement. Glad to know where I stand – should bank quite a bit, soon as my flying orders come in. Everyone here in pretty good shape – the men are getting pooped out – the guns are so hard to move around in this frozen country. It’s darn cold – about 6 degrees above zero. Love to all 

                                                                                 Tom.

Wednesday – 3rd January 194516

          87th Infantry Division gained on the left.  The 11th Armored repulsed a strong counterattack in the center but is badly disorganized and needs a few days out of the line.  Due to slippery conditions of the roads, the 17th Airborne Division was unable to attack through the 11th Armored Division as planned.

Wednesday – 3rd January 194517

          Enemy strength on Third U.S. Army’s front was estimated at this time at 93,000 combat effective in contact, the equivalent of twelve division, and 290 tanks or assault guns.  Of this total, 34,500 combat effective and ninety-five tanks or assault guns opposed III Corps, 16,500 troops and ten tanks or assault guns were lined against XII Corps, 27,000 troops and 170 tanks or assault guns faced VIII Corps, and 15,000 troops and fifteen tanks or assault guns opposed XX Corps.

     The 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions of XII Corps continued active patrolling, along the corps front with no appreciable change in the front line.

Wednesday – 3rd January 194518

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired eleven counter-battery missions, including five TOT’s.
                         Battalion fired usual H & I mission, excluding towns of Möhn and Meilbrück.
                         The later town out of range now that Battery “B” has moved to alternative                                                                           position.  At 2400 Battery “C” report three air bursts about 300 yards from
                         gun position.

Wednesday – 3rd January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report19

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Barvey, Donald C.                     42 024 365      Pvt.                  Code J45
                              Sk LD 4th Collecting Co to lost to 35th
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle” lost” (Eye injury)
                              LD “Dy 531” as of 25 Dec 44.
                    Pope, Alva L.                           20 244 295      Cpl.                  Code J4E
                              Sk LD 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle lost” (Back pains)
                              LD “Dy 505” as of 2 jan 45
                    Yates, Albert                            34 421 415      Pfc.                  Code J4E
                              Sk Ld 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle” (Battle fatigut
                              LD “Dy 531” as of 2 Jan 45

Dear Folks,
     Really was a good day today. It was foul out – fog everywhere, so we didn’t have to fly. Got up kind of early and packed all of our junk and moved back to Galway’s Service Battery. The food there is
quite good and we have a nicer place to stay. The air crew sleeps near the strip, Billy and Red are in Galway’s house while Max and I moved in with a family in the village. The house is quite nice and clean. The only thing about any house here or anywhere in France is that the family pride and wealth, the manure pile, is in the front yard.
     I’m now trying to heat some water to wash in – probably won’t be hot for an hour or so. I borrowed Duker’s cot so I have a bed again. I’m getting pretty good – I can sleep in anything anywhere.
Snow, floors, cots, springs, hay – all the same to me now. I can tell you I could easily learn to sleep on a Simmons mattress.
     I am enclosing a few pictures of Galway – Price Christening. Sally & Luis look as proud and happy as if it were their own.
     It’s so cold here that we found frost on the undersides of the wings –; the frost has covered all the trees and they look like giant feathers from above. The roads are all ice and many a GI has learned the hard way – not to be reckless.
     I had a real nice letter from Jane last night. She’s quite a gal – I’m so glad you all like her. I know I do. I hope to find a little time to write to Don soon. Hope he doesn’t mind – he’s my outlet. My cold is a little better – hope it clears up soon.
     We had a big day yesterday – 4½ hours in the air. We didn’t catch any flack, but Jerry planes kept us on the alert all the time. One went right past us – didn’t see us – maybe he was scared!!   Love to all.
Thanks for getting Jane’s present for me.
                                                          Yours
                                                               Tom.

          No caption – TEC/5 John R. Gaskin, Jr. third from left back row

Thursday – 4th January 194520

          The 17th Airborne Division attacked through 11th Armored Division and ran into violent resistance, suffering heavy losses due to inexperience.  The individual fighting of the men was excellent.
     If the 94th Infantry Division is released to the 3rd Army, it will replace the 90th Infantry Division in the XX Corps, and the 90th Division will be sent to the III Corps for the purpose of cleaning pocket SE of Bastogne.

Thursday – 4th January 194521

          XII Corps was ordered to clear the enemy west of the Moselle and Sauer River and defend the Moselle – Sauer River line in zone, attack north on Army order on the axis Diekirch (P84) – St. Vith (P88) and destroy the enemy on its front, protect the right (east) flank of Third U.S. Army.
     XII Corps situation remained unchanged during the period.  The 4th, 5th, and 80th Infantry Division continued to patrol vigorously, with no change in the front line.

Thursday – 4th January 194522

          Reconnaissance for new positions was made in the vicinity of Ermsdorf, (vP910377).  Survey of the new position and a complete wire net was complete on 5th January 1945.  On 6th January 1945 one gun was moved forward for registration and was registered finally when observation permitted on 10th January 1945 by Air Op.  On 11th January 1945 this R-gun was returned to the Battalion position at Consdorf and the wire net picked up upon change in plans for the Battalion by higher headquarters.

                  No caption – The M4 reads, 3A 244 and “B” for Baker Battery gun

          The House is here.
          Former Rail Road station, now the location of a WWII Memorial.
          Former Hotel du Mullerthal.

Thursday – 4th January 194523

     0700 – Battalion commander, S-3, S-2 and Battery Commanders with their parties left

               Battalion CP for Reconnaissance of new position area.

     1430 – Battalion Commander and party returned to Battalion CP from reconnaissance.

     1600 – Battery Commander, Headquarters Battery, left with party for new position area.

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired four counter-battery missions of which three were TOT’s.                                                                     Battalion fired usual H & I missions.

Thursday – 4th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report24

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Durrell, Lynnwood A.                  20 140 138      T/Sgt.                Code J4E
                              Sk in 4th collecting Co LD to lost to
                              103rd Evacuation Hosp 26 Dec 44. (Non-
                              battle loss). Duty 542
                    Zaharakos, Michael J.                  32 633 778      Pvt.                  Code J4E
                              Sk in 4th collecting co LD to lost to
                              104th Evacuation Hosp. (Non-battle injury)
                    Ward, Robby L.                          34 657 432      Tec. 5
                              Asgd and jd from 821st MP Co par 2, SO #
                              1, HQ. III corps. MOS 060 Race White

Thursday – 4th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report25

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                                        CORRECTION (3Jan 45)
                    Harvey, Donald C.                        42 024 365      Pvt.
                              Sk LD 4th Collecting Co to lost to 35th
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle Lost” (Eye injury)
                              LD “Dy 531” as of 25 Dec 44
                                        SHOULD BE
                    Harvey, Donald C.                        42 024 365      Pvt.
                              SK LD 4th Collecting Co to lost to 32nd
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle lost” (Eye injury)
                              LD Dy “531” as of 25 Dec 44

          1st Sgt. Raymond Cormiers postcard home.
     The contents of the postcard has passed censorship by 1st. Lt. W.U. Savage, Battery Executive Officer.

scana 9a + 10a Metz Catherdal Post Card
8f. 4 January 1944 Post Card B&W

1st Sgt. Raymond Cormier (20 140 183)
Btry A 244th F.A. Bn.
A.P.O 403 c/o P.M.
New York N.Y.
                              1 Jan 45
          Hello Rachel
     A few words to let you know that I am fine.  Hope you are the same.  Here a shot of the famous METZ Cathedral.  I attended mass there a number of times.
        Good Luck
                    Your Love Ray

          1st Sgt. Raymond Cormiers postcard home.
     The contents of the postcard has passed censorship by 1st. Lt. W.U. Savage, Battery Executive Officer.

8f. 4 January 1944 Post Card B&W

1st Sgt. Raymond Cormier (20 140 183)
Btry A 244th F.A. Bn.
A.P.O 403 c/o P.M. New York N.Y.
                              1 Jan 45
          Dear Rachel
   Here’s a card of Verdun France that I bought quite a while ago.  Remember the delicious meal I had in a restaurant.  I told you about it on one of my previous letters.  Well that was the town.
     Hope you like it.
                    Yours
                         Love Ray

Friday – 5th January 194526

          The 94th Infantry Division, less one Combat Team, was cleared to the 3rd Army at 1730.  Moves to Thionville at once.

Friday – 5th January 194527

          Annex No 1 to the Operational Directive of 4th January was sent to the various corps commanders on this date.  It provided that XII Corps artillery support the attack if III Corps by fire from positions within its zone, that VIII Corps artillery assist the attack of III Corps by counter-battery fire on known hostile artillery positions, and that coordination of the artillery fires be made directly by Corps Artillery Commanders concerned.

     The 5th Infantry Division relieved elements of the 80th Infantry Division east of the Alzeite River, while the 80th Infantry Division launched an attack to the north toward the end of the period and secure the bridgehead across the Sure River.  Otherwise the situation remained unchanged in XII Corps zone.

Friday – 5th January 194528

     1230 – Battalion Commander and Executive left for new position area to coordinate                                                                         positions with Corps Artillery.  Battery Commandeer to meet there at 1400.

     1830 – Battalion Commander and Executive returns from new position area to Battalion CP.

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fire 4 TOT counter Battery missions and 1 other counter-battery.
               H & I fires continued including fire form single gun on Bitburg.  Nebelwerfer fire                                                                   received from 0130 to 0230 – 2000 yards north of “A” Battery.

          No caption – 

Friday – 5th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report29

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                                        CORRECTION
                    Zaharakos, Michael J.                 32 633 778      Pvt.
                              Sk in 4th Collecting Co LD to lost to
                              104th Evacuation hosp, (Non-battle Injury)
                                        SHOULD BE
                    Zaharakos, Michael J.                  32 635 779      Pvt.
                              Sk in 4th Collection Co. LD to lost to
                              104th Evacuation Hosp. (Non-battle injury)
                              Duty 238.

Friday – 5th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report30

                             Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Smith, Harold W.                      35 420 471      Pfc.                  Code 11-8
                              Rd to Gr of Pvt par 1, SO #1, this Btry
                    Lasater, Leslie C.                      34 359 608      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Menandez, Felix Jr.                   34 249 205      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Perkins, Cecil R.                       34 390 295      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Poulas, Themios H.                    35 695 655      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Stearns, William F.                    39 127 196      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Yot, Lai J.                               32 632 331      Pvt.                  Code 7-11
                              Above 6 EM promoted to Pfc. par 2,  SO #1
                              this Btry

Friday – 5th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report31

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Brewer, Daniel E. (FA)                01 168 186      1st Lt.               Code 9-0
                              From principle dy Exec 0 (1193)
                              To principal dy Motor ) (0600)

                    Anderton, John C. (FA)                01 178 400      2nd Lt.              Code 9-1193
                              From principal dy Motor (0600)
                              to principal dy Exec O (1193) as of
                              3 Jan 45.

Friday – 5th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report32

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Robinson, Jessie C.                     6 930 042       Tec. 4
                              Dy to sk LD 5th Clearing Co “Non-battle”
                              (1st & 2nd degree burns left leg)
                              “Dy 060”
                    Corke, George R.                       36 546 681       Pfc.
                              Dy to LIA 5th Clearing Co “Battle injury”
                              (Far injury) dy “531”

Friday – 5th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report33

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Johnson, Virgil L.                       39 124 406      Tec. 5
                              Sk in 4th Collecting Co LD “Non-battle”
                              “Diseased” Dy 861 to dy

Saturday – 6th January 194534

          Final details for employment of 90th Infantry Division settled.  It will attack on January 9th through 26th Infantry Division in a northwesterly direction along ridge road, cutting base of salient.  The 26th Infantry Division, 6th Cavalry Group Task Force, the 35th Infantry Division and 6th Armored Division are attacking concentrically along the perimeter of the pocket.  One thousand guns are supporting the attack, some firing in prolongation and others at right angles to the main effort to insure dispersion both ways.
     A deception detachment was left in XX Corps to keep up 90th Infantry Division radio net.
     Enemy attacked three times today without success and in little force.  I fear he is withdrawing.  No flying due to bad weather.

Saturday – 6th January 194535

          Moderate resistance was met as the continued attack of the 80th Infantry Division in XII Corps zone progressed, Goesdorf (P74) and Dahl (P75) were captured an leading elements of the division neared Nocher (P75), the objective of the attack.  A tank destroyer battalion knocked out two enemy tanks in a night attack by first illuminating the tanks with 60mm mortar flares, then opening fire.

     Twelfth U.S. Army Group informed third U.S. Army that it was to receive approximately thirty-five percent of cold weather clothing available in the Theater and that delivery could be expected about 15th January.  These items included shoe pacs, socks, ponchos, mittens and mufflers.  The total tonnage unloaded by Third U.S. Army during the week 31st December – 6th January was 31,071 tons, with 4,749 tons of supplies moved by rail as inter-Army movements.

Saturday – 6th January 194536

     1030 – Battalion Commander and Battery commanders went to new position area.

     1045 – Assistant S-2 went to new position area to run survey for gun position area.

     1700 – Assistant S-2 returned to Battalion CP.

     1745 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired seven counter-battery missions; six of which were TOT’s.
                         Usual H & I fires on Bitburg, Wolsfeld, Meckel, Olk and Triar.

Saturday – 6th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report37

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Beckett, Elmer A., Jr.                  39 693 555      Pvt.
                    Chavez, Manuel C.                      39 693 439      Pvt.
                    Davis, Robert B.                         39 123 574      Pvt.
                    Eubanks, Robert B.                     34 248 903      Pvt.
                    Whetrom Harley C.                     16 150 381      Pvt.
                    Wierzyshi, Edward L.                   36 714 237      Pvt.
                              Above six EM aptd PFC par 1, Btry Order
                              #1, Hq Btry, 244th FA Bn

Saturday – 6th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report38

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Ammons, Frank M. Sr.                  34 644 922      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Carfors, Ralph S.                         35 742 897      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Causey, Charlie F.                        34 249 014      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Clark, Percy B.                            34 249 046      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Cornell, Wilber F.                         32 850 931      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Daughtry, George W.                    34 359 036      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Dodds, Floyd R.C.                        34 872 017      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Ellis, Robert E.                            34 249 808      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Gadomski, Henry                          35 059 146      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Grimsley, Frank L.                        34 248 670      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Hooper, Clyde W.                         34 359 500      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Kerlin, Ira B. Jr.                           34 107 165      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Losh, Robert K.                            39 409 599      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    O’Bradovich, Paul C.                      39 540 278      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                    Roenneburg, Robert C.                   36 283 788      Pvt.                  Code 11-7
                              Above 15 men promoted to Pfc.
                              par 1, SO #2 this Btry
                    Dodds, Floyd R. C.                        34 872 017      Pfc.                  Code
                              Dy to sk in 5th Clr Co Slightly injured
                              in action “Fracture left foot” “Battle
                              Casuality” LD “Dy 531”

Saturday – 6th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report39

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Robinson, Jessie C.                        6 930 042       Tec. 4                Code J4E
                              Sk LD 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp “Non-battle loss” (1st & 2nd
                              Degree burns left leg) “Dy 060” LD
                    Corke, George R.                          36 546 681       Pfc.                  Code M5
                              Sk LIA 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp “Battle loss” (Ear 1njury) “Dy
                              531” LIA

Saturday – 6th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report40

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Johnson, Virgil L.                         39 124 406      Tec. 5
                               Dy to sk in 5th collecting Co Ld
                              “Non-battle” Diseased Dy 861

Interview with Robert Bishop41

          And I remember another call that we received one night from headquarters that a tiger tank was headed for our gun position.  This kind of put us on edge.  Our crew was waiting for a fire mission, and so I took three men and a bazooka and a lot of extra ammo down — down the woods in front of our gun section for quite a distance.  We hid on the right side of the road in the snow and behind some trees.  Of course, the only way you can take out a tiger tank is from the rear, and there’s always infantry in the rear, also.  So we were kind of sweating it out, and I swear we could hear that tank coming and we shivered there for some time, and then I heard some extra heavy firing in front of us, and I think somebody came down from the gun section after a while and said that the tank had been knocked out.  Thank God again.

          Caption reads  – “January 1945, Fels Luxembourg.  A Panther Tank knocked out during Bulge.” This is a Panzer Jog. IV fur 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L /70) Sd. Kiz. 162

Sunday – 7th January 194542

          The 319th Regiment of the 80th Infantry Division in a night attack secured the town of Dahl with surprisingly small casualties.  This attack not only keeps the enemy off balance but also protects right flank of the 26th Infantry Division.
     Some rumors of an attack against the northern front of the XII Corps in direction of Diekirch.  Measures taken to establish roadblocks and minefields.

Sunday – 7th January 194543

          Gaining limited objectives east of Goesdorf (P74), the 80th Infantry Division consolidated its position in the vicinity of Dahl (P75) and repulsed an enemy counterattack near the town, aided by the tank destroyer battalion which knocked out seen enemy tanks.  Artillery of the 26th Infantry Division (III Corps) fired in support of the 80th Infantry Division.  Elsewhere in XII Corps zone, the 4th and 5th Infantry Divisions held their positions and patrolled vigorously.

     Because of the cold weather, V-80 gasoline, which had been used through the campaign instead of 73-octane aircraft fuel, became unsatisfactory for use in artillery liaison aircraft.

     The Rear Echelon of Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, began movement to Esch (P70).

Sunday – 7th January 194544

     1030 – Battalion Commander went to “A” Battery forward gun position.

     1150 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1400 – Battalion Commander and S-2 reconnoitered defensive position in Escohweiler                                                                       and Roodt; returned at 1545.

      0001 – 2400 – Fired usual H & I fires on Bitburg at the rate of three rounds per hour by                                                                            single gun; Triar at rate of 2 rounds per hour and at Olk, Meckel and
                          Wolsfeld.  Nine counter-battery missions fired of which six were TOT”s.
                          One gun from Battery “C” displaced too new positions for registering
                          as soon as observation permits.

Sunday – 7th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report45

                              29th Dec 44 – Jan 45 Consdorf, Luxembourg
          Usual organizational duties

         Caption reads – “Pfc. “Doc” Edwards”, Battery “B” cleaning out his dugout with a shovel. Note the prepollent canasters used to store M-1 .30 Cal. Carbines. Five carbines, four occupants.

Sunday – 7th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report46

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    McPherson, James D.                   53 301 171      Tec. 4                Code J4E
                              Sk in 4th Collecting Co. LD to lost to
                              104th Evac Hosp “Non battle loss” (Diseased
                              “Dy 174th as of 28 Dec 44
                    Dodds, Floyd R.C.                         34 872 17       Pfc.                   Code M5
                              Sk in 5th Clr Co. LD to lost to 35th Evac
                              Hosp “Battle Casualty” Slightly injured
                              In action. “Fractured left foot” “Dy 531”
                    Stearns, Williams F.                       39 127 196      Pfc.                  Code 41
                              Dy to temp dy 17th Reinforcement Command
                              Depot for return for further temp dy to
                              Reception Sta. Presidio of Monterey, Cal.,
                              USA, for 30 days rest & recuperation.
                              Departed
          29 Dec 44 – 7 Jan 45 Consdorf, Luxembourg
          Usual organizational duties

Sunday – 7th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report47

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Boutin, Arthru A.                     31 012 972     Pfc.
                              Dy to sk LD 5th Clearing Co “Non-battle”
                              (Battle fatigue) “Dy 531”
          29 Dec 44 – 7 Jan 45 Consdorf, Luxembourg
          Usual organizational duties

Sunday – 7th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report48

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Johnson, Virgil L.                    39 124 406      Tec. 5
                              Sk in 5th Collecting Co LD to lost to
                              104th Evac Hosp “Non-battle” (Diseased)
                              Dy 861

         Letter to Cpt. Joseph T. Lyons from his aunt Althea

Monday 8th January 194549

          I determined to renew attack on Houffalize on 9th by adding to the present stalled attack of the 87th Infantry and 17th Airborne Divisions, a new attack by the 101st Airborne and the 4th Armored Divisions.

     The attack in the morning will comprise eight divisions.  The VIII Corps from left to right – 87th Infantry, 17th and 101st Airborne Divisions, and 4th Armored Division. The III Corps – 6th Armored, 35th Infantry, 90th Infantry, and 26th Infantry Division.

     The 319th Regiment of the 80th Infantry Division repulsed a heavy counterattack of three battalions of Germans supported by tanks.  We lost 9 men killed and 50 wounded.  More than 300 Germans dead counted on the snow.

     Due to severe fighting heretofore sustained, the attack of the 87th Infantry Division and the 17th Airborne Division will be of limited intensity but will retain the initiative.

     Continued rumors of a German counter-offensive in the vicinity of Saarbrucken.

Monday – 8th January 194550

          The 80th Infantry Division (XII Crops) repulsed a German counterattack and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, knocking out nineteen tanks.

     The rail head at Audun-Le-Roman (U69) continued to be the principle ammunition supply source for Third U.S. Army.  Point Numer 38 at Mamer (P71) continued to serve both III and XII Corps.

Monday – 8th January 194551

          Reconnaissance was made for defensive positions in the vicinity of Eschweiler, (vP965324) and Roodt (vP955184).  Survey of these two positions was completed on 10th January 1945.

Monday – 8th January 194552

       0945 – Special Fire Schedule (Flak Preparation) from XII Corps Artillery Received
                 and delivered to G-3.

       0945 – Schedule of Counter-battery defensive fire with attached overlay forwarded
                 by S-3, XII Corps Artillery.

       0900 – Battery Commander left Battalion CP for 42nd F.A. Battalion CP.

       1050 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

       1100 – S-2 left Battalion CP for 12th Infantry.

       1135 – S-2 returned with situation overlay showing all front line infantry locations
                 in vicinity.

       1315 – Battalion Commander left Battalion CP to inspect firing Battery gun positions.

       1430 – Battalion Exec left Battalion CP to inspect firing batteries.

       1645 – Battalion Commander and Battalion Exec returned to Battalion CP.

       0001 – 2400 Battalion fire usual H & I missions.  Single gun resumed H & I fire on
                        Bitberg from new position.  Fired 3 TOT’s on towns of Faustweiler, Burgmon
                        and Corel.  Nine Counter-battery missions fired:  5 of which as TOT’s.

Monday – 8th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report53

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Walter, John H.                     35 587 412      Pfc.
                              Dy to sk in 5th Clr Co LD “Non-battle”
                              “Diseased” “Dy 704”

                    Lott, Jeptha E.                       34 421 467     Pvt.
                              Dy to sk in 5th Clr Co LD “Self-inflicted
                              Wound with carbine on left foot” “Non-
                              Battle loss” “Dy 776”

          Caption reads – January 1945, Consdorf Luxembourg, 1st. Sgt. Cormier in front of C.P.
Tuesday – 9th January 194554

          Limited flying weather.  The attack of the VIII and III Corps jumped off as planned.  The 90th Infantry Division, making the main effort, received heavy casualties from artillery and rocket fire just after the jump-off, but advanced 2 1//2 kilometers.  The 101st Airborne and 4th Armored Divisions moved forward, the former securing the woods west of Noville. The remaining units in the two corps made very limited progress.

    The rumors about the German counter-offensive from the vicinity of Saarbrucken continue.

Tuesday – 9th January 194555

          There was no change in the XII Corps, units patrolled continuously rotating their front line troops while maintaining positions.

     Twelfth U.S. Army Group informed the Third U.S. Army that a directive from Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force indicated Third U.S. Army might have to hold its attack on Bastogne (P55) area and divert divisions to the Moselle area, southeast of Luxembourg (P81) to meet a possible attack by the Germans there.  Higher headquarters directed the withdrawal of the 4th Armored Division from the Bastogne (P55) area to be moved southeast of Luxembourg (P82), prepared to meet this threat.  Plans were also made for the use of antiaircraft artillery units in an anti-tank or in a field artillery role to meet the threat.  The 16th Antiaircraft Artillery Group, which controlled the defenses of Luxembourg (P81), coordinated its anti-tank and field artillery plan with XII Corps.  In Metz (U85) the 38th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade planned the use of antiaircraft artillery for similar missions coordinating with XX Corps.

     Seven hundred tons of special winter cloths awaited shipment to the Army at Le Havre (L42).  Communications Zone requested that the Army dispatch vehicles to bring forward the clothing, but the tactical situation precluded the use of Army trucks for this purpose.

Various Postal Cards from Luxembourg. Believed to showing Luxembourg City

Caption Reads in French
     A hello and to your health. LONG LIVE GOOD BEER from Luxembourg

 

No Caption

No Caption

No Caption

Caption Reads in German
Luxembnrg Over View

Caption Reads in German
     Luxembnrg Over View

Tuesday – 9th January 194556

0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired usual H & I fire on the towns of Welschbillig and Idesheim. Two                                                                      TOT’s fired as counter-batteries.

Tuesday – 9th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report57

                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928
                   Newton, Vestal M.                     38 425 026      Pvt.
                              Aptd Pfc from Pvt per par 1c, SO #1
                              Serv Btry, 244th FA Bn.

Dear Folks,

     Rather quiet day today. We flew for the first time in four days. It was good to be active again.  It’s getting hard to observe now – we rely on roads and trails as landmarks on ground and map. Since the roads are all snowed under – it’s very hard to locate enemy activity – using roads as reference points.  Do you know who is sending me the Pony edition of Time? My first issue came – but it didn’t say who from – if you know who it is thank them for me. It’s a real good gift cause it gives all the dope and has a lot of good info. Haven’t mailed Curtis’ & Jimmy’s box yet. I still need duplicates on a couple of items.  Will try to get another letter off to you soon. Love to all,
                                           Tom.

Dear Folks,
     Boxes & Boxes. Two today, one yesterday and a box from Aunt Polley the day before that!! Where I’m going to put all the things if we have to move, I don’t know. If I eat it all I’ll surely die. Letters no.
74, 65 and one unnumbered came in the last couple of day. Peg’s Dec 21 letter came too. I sure bet the kids had a whale of a time with Santa. Dad must have been in his prime to keep five or six of us busy.
     It has snowed constantly for five days. The ground is covered about 6”. It’s cold and windy – with a blizzard in the offing. I’m real snug here in my room – the stove is hot – and all’s well.
     Doc. is getting married the 18th of Jan.
     We are so busy that we don’t often get around to see our friends. Wink is fine – we’re still best of pals. We all celebrated Xmas eve together. Coyne is usually busy – so I only see him once in a while.  Duker is ass’t S-3 and a busy man helping to shoot the guns. Galway – I see him every day – he’s the same. Capt. Torres has been working hard, but is still the best.
     Mail only goes out every two days – so my letters will be a little more spread out.
     Best love to all at home.
     Did you get my wire?
                                       Tom.

          L to R. Captain Victor M. Torres, Captain James R. (Wink) Winkworth, 1st Lt. Frank J. Mauger

Wednesday – 10th January 194558

          Higher authority decided that an armored division should be with­drawn from the line as a precautionary measure against the possible German attack from Saarbrucken.

     The attack of the 101st Airborne and 4th Armored Divisions was therefore called off at noon, and the 4th Armored will withdraw during darkness.  At the same time the 101st Airborne Division and the 6th Armored Division will link up.  The entire VIII Corps will limit offensive operations to vigorous patrolling. III corps continues attack.  All the arrangements for this change were made by personal contact between the Army Commander and Corps and Divisions involved.

     All elements of the III Corps, particularly the 90th Infantry Division, made fair progress.  A column of German guns and armor, attempting to withdraw in front of the 90th Infantry Division, was brought under artillery fire and also attacked by fighter-bombers from the XIX Tactical Air command with good results.

     General Bradley secured authority to advance the 9th Armored and 8th Armored Divisions, now on the Meuse, to the Moselle between Pont-A-Mousson and Thionville.  This, with the presence of the 4th Armored Division south of Luxembourg, makes the situation, so far as a German attack from Saarbrucken is concerned, very satisfactory.

Wednesday – 10th January 194559

          Maintaining their positions in the XII Corps zone, the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions patrolled vigorously.  A limited objective attack was launched by the 2nd Cavalry Group which captured Machtum (L01).

     All but thirteen of forty-four rail cars loaded with ammunition for Supply Point Number 39 at Mellier (P43) were destroyed in a train wreck at Messange (P61), most of the ammunition either exploding or burning.  A provisional collecting squad, an ammunition company and a platoon of a truck company worked for forty-eight hours to salvage the maximum amount of ammunition.

     Because of critical shortage of blankets and litters for medical use, conservatory measures were undertaken, and supply discipline was emphasized.  An increase to four blankets per ambulatory patient on hospital trains was authorized.  Plans for increased production and supply of camouflage snow suits were completed.  Manufacturing facilities had been located with an estimated capacity of 10,000 suits per week and complete suits for use of Third U.S. Army units were expected from the Communication Zone.

Wednesday – 10th January 194560

     1230 – Battalion Executive left for XII corps.

     1440 – Battalion Commander left for “C” Battery position.

     1630 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1715 – Battalion Executive returned to Battalion CP.

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired 1 TOT on enemy battery; 1 TOT on town; 2 Zones on         
                         enemy batteries; JR 941504 fired on four times observer reported vehicle                  
                         burning.  Fried Flak Schedule (134037) at 1404; H & I fires cut to seven
                         rounds per hour.

Wednesday – 10th January 194561

          Pelchat’s (S/Sgt. Arthur J. Pelchat) gun takes Dog Battery assignment 2000 yards from Echternach, (Luxembourg) fires 712 rounds at Bitburg.  Uses Flash hider

Wednesday – 10th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report62

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Walter, John H.                       35 587 412      Pfc.                  Code J4E
                              SK in 5gth Clr Co Ld to lost to 104th Evac
                              Hosp “non-battle loss” “Disease” “Dy 704”
                              as of 9 Jan 45
                    Lott, Jeptha E.                        34 421 467      Pvt.                  Code J4E
                              Sk in 5th Clr Co LD to lost to 104th Evac
                              Hosp “Non-battle loss” “Self-inflicted

Wednesday – 10th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report63

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Goodman, Robert L.                    33 805 607      Pvt.                 Code 11
                              Promoted Tec 5 Par 4 SO #2 Hq this Bn
                    Breazeale, Laymon W.                 34 421 578      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Chandler, Dudley J.                    34 359 951      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Delorey, Joseph D.                     32 945 918      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Edwards, Eugene                       13 109 318      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    McQuinn, William A.                   14 148 341      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Morle, Righard P.                       39 059 314      Pvt.                  Code 11
                              Above 6 men promoted Pfc. par 1 SO #2
                              this Btry
                    Courtright, Allen B.                     33 612 533      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Cylkowski, Daniel J.                    37 575 662      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Falk, Leonard G.                         31 446 190      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Fink, Sam H.                              42 049 263      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Fredericks, Rodman P.                 42 017 791      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Gairo, Ernest                             33 803 780      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Grantham, William L.                   34 249 063      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Meador, Forrest                          35 898 275      Pvt.                  Code 11
                    Westcott, Kenneth M.                  16 171 781      Pvt.                  Code 11
                              Above 9 men promoted Pfc par 2 SO #2
                              this Btry

Wednesday – 10th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report64

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Barnett, Joseph I.                    33 196 245      Sgt.                  Code 11
                              Rd to Pvt. at own request per par 1 and
                              Promoted to Tec 5 per par 4, SO #2 Hq
                              244th FA Bn
                    Evans, James E.                        6 592 517      Sgt.                  Pvt. – 8
                    McDonald, William G.                33 361 915      Sgt.                  Pvt. – 8
                              Above 2 EM rd to Pvt per par 2, SO #2 Hq
                              244th FA Bn
                    Carpenter, William A.                 34 349 928      Cpl.                  Sgt. – 5
                    Relewicz, Anthony J.                  42 019276       Cpl.                  Sgt. – 5
                    Slinski, John F.                         32 603 092      Cpt.                  Sgt. – 5
                              Above 3 EM promoted to SGT per par 3, SO
                              #2 Hq 244th FA Bn
                    Del Torre, Edward L.                  39 039 292      Pfc.                  Cpl. – 6
                    Hensen, Rolf T.                         33 704 360      Pfc.                  Cpl. – 6
                    Howard, John J.                        39 039 245      Pfc.                  Cpl. – 6
                    Hoyle, Kilby H.                          34 391 119      Pvt.                  Cpl. – 6
                              Above 4 EM promoted to Cpl. per par 3, SO
                              #2 Hq 244th FA Bn
                              19 EM promoted to Pfc. per par 1 and 2, SO #1
                              Btry C 244th FA Bn copy atchd
                    Jenkins, Harold I.                       33 764 951      Pvt.                 Code J4-8
                              Sk LD 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104
                              Evac Hosp LD “Non-battle Loss” (Battle
                              fatique) “Dy 531” as of 4 Jan 45

Interview with Robert Bishop65

          Well, this part takes place back at the Battle of the Bulge and our gun crews had been firing some very heavy missions and for quite a while, and this was during the night firing and we had one order to fire when ready and not to quit until they got a cease fire.  This was for the whole battery and I think maybe for the whole battalion and because there was an awful lot of booming, and of course, our gun crews are getting pretty well strained and — but the loader slipped and dropped a 95-pound shell and it hit the trail and bent the fuse. And we all froze. END OF SIDE ONE, TAPE ONE; BEGIN SIDE TWO, TAPE ONE Waiting to be blown to bits, and Private Edwards picked up this 95-pound shell and took it in his arms and moved as fast as he could down to this hill and down over a little hill and put it in a gully or in a hole down there and he ran back through the snow and we kept right on firing.

Thursday – 11th January 194566

          III Corps making fair progress and securing a large number of prisoners.

     Visited XX Corps to arrange plans for attacking Germans should they initiate offensive near Saarbrucken.  The key to this situation is St. Avold.  As long as we hold there and attack from there, the Germans cannot move effectively in any direction.

Thursday – 11th January 194567

          The 4th Armored Divisions moved to an assembly area southeast of Luxembourg (P81) in XII Corps reserve.

     Advances were made in XII Corps zone by the 2nd Cavalry Group which mopped up in the vicinity of Machtum(L01) east of Grevenmacher (L02), and by the 80th Infantry Division whose 318th Infantry occupied the high ground between Wark and Sauer Rivers in the vicinity of Burden (P84) while the 319th Infantry took position on the north bank of the Sure River.  The 4th and 5th Infantry Division continued to maintain their position and patrol vigorously.

     Approximately 500,000 troops were being supplied with rations by the Army, including 367,770 Third U.S. Army troops who were informed that the supply of “K” rations on the Continent was critical and that this type of ration should be supplied only to combat troops.

Thursday – 11th January 194568

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired TOT on enemy battery.  Fired lone gun on sound plot             
                         of suspected railroad gun firing on Luxembourg.  Fire H & I missions at
                         rate of 7 rounds per hour till 1830 then at rate of 7½ rounds at rate
                         of 7 rounds per hour on 19 different points.

Thursday -11th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report69

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Hoyle, Robert E.                      36 730 995      Tec. 5
                              Dy to sk in 5th Clearing Co LD, (Non-
                              battle injury).

Thursday – 11th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report70

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Harvel, Paul W.                       34 339 701      Tec. 5
                              MOS 345 changed to 014

Thursday – 11th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report71

                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928
                    Kaminski, Ignatius R.                 36 278 118      Pvt.
                              Promoted from Pvt to Pfc per par 1c,
                              SO #2, Serv Btry., 244th FA Bn

Caption Reads – M4 Tractors tow captured 88mm Nazi gun into place to be fired against German pockets in the “Bulge” between the 1st and 3rd Armies. 90th Infantry Division Luxembourg72

Dear Folks,
     The infantry demands guts and leadership! Nuff said. Glad to hear Pet’s a Capt. Sorry to hear he slipped down into the Finance Office.
     We went into the large city near us and had a shower and change of clothes – I sure felt good – it’s been a week since the last one. We parked the car in town and then looked the town over. We had some Pie a La ’mode Schnapps, beer – heard on American Juke box play some new records. It sure sounded good. We are kind of starved for that sort of thing. The city is in fine shape and it has a lot of fine shops. I saw some things that you would love. I hope to go back with some dough and see what I can find.
     Took a couple hours off – Max offered the family we live with a drink of our GI Bourbon (4 oz. per mission) we all talked and laughed. Between my French & German I got on swell. Each male in the group brought out a bottle. – one brandy made from apples, one from pears another from grapes (Cognac). My German might come along very well if I can talk to them more often. I miss a few words, but I can make sense out of sentences, so I do know the gist of it. I’m better at this than French.
     We can’t mention where we are, or the weather. Sometime soon I’ll be able to pass on the info. If all is ok – we will fly tomorrow. Bill and Red go up early – we after dinner.
     We are all ok – here – feeling fine and dandy. You don’t have to remind me to take care of myself. I do. I’ve a lot to come home to – don’t you think? Will write you again soon.
                                                My love to all,
                                                          Tom.

Friday – 12th January 194573

          There was no change in XII Corps, with the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions maintaining their positions.  The 4th Armored Division remained in its assembly area southeast of Luxembourg (P81).

     An enemy rocket projectile of an unidentified type landed in the area of the semi-mobile laundry located with the 104th Evacuation Hospital in the City of Luxembourg (P81), injuring seven men, three of them seriously, and causing damage to two vans and one tractor.  Although several projectiles struck in the city, only one landed in the hospital area.

     Fifty truckloads of clothing from Advance Section Communication Zone were unloaded at the Army depot at Longwy (France) (P50).  The shipment included 51,666 field and combat jackets of various types,  which alleviated a shortage that had existed for several months.  Prospects were that the Army would have from 5,000 to 6,000 camouflage snow suits per division within three weeks.

Friday – 12th January 194574

          In anticipating a possible enemy attack from his bridgehead over the Saar River in the vicinity of Wasserbillig, Luxembourg (wL1125), the Battalion’s guns were shifted to cover that area and Battery “A”, 736th Field Artillery Battalion (8” Howitzers) was attached in general support of the Corps front.  On 15th January 1945, the threat of hostile attack having diminished, this Battery was relieved of attachment and moved out.

Friday – 12th January 194575

          Battery “A” of the 736th Field Artillery Battalion (8” Howitzers) was attached to the Battalion for fire direction only.  On 15th January 1945 this Battery was relieved of attachment and moved out.

Friday – 12th January 194576

   0001 – 2400 – Moved Battery “B” center piece from CA 625 to CA 1200; moved Battery “C”
                       center piece from CA 1610 to CA 2250.  Battery “A”, 736th FA Battalion
                       attached to occupy position at 0086826307 with center of traverse at CA
                       1700.  Fired 120 rounds on Trier in retaliation for rocket fires in
                       Luxembourg.  At 1500.  Double rate of all other H & I fires was 14 rounds
                       per hour effective at 2000.  Registration of 736th FA Battalion, Battery
                       “A” unsatisfactory – too much noise.

     1400 – Colonel Day, 410th FA group; Lt. Colonel Gott, Corps Artillery Executive had
               conference with Battery Commander.

     1500 – Colonel Day and Colonel Gott left Battalion CP.

     1530 – Battery Commander left to inspect “D” Battery.

     1615 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

          Zittig Luxembourg – in the background is the Chapelle Saint-Nicolas of Zittig and the building to the left of the chapel with the 3 windows is still there.

          Luxembourg Air Section. L to R Pfc. William J. Roesler, Tec5 John R. Gaskin jr, Pfc. Robert B. Eubanks, Tec3 Gordon W. Lockridge. Zittig Luxembourg

Friday – 12th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report77

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Hoyle, Robert E.                      36 730 995      Tec. 5
                              Sk in 5th Clearing Co LD to dy.

Friday  – 12th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report78

                                        CORRECTION (31 Dec 44 through 11 Jan 45 incl)
                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928
                                        SHOULD BE
                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928

Friday – 12th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report79

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Garcia, Manuel U.                     39 693 437      Pvt.                  Code 11
                              Promoted to Pfc per par 1, SO #1, Medical
                              Det 244th FA Bn.
                    Peracciny, Raymond  32 831 935 Pvt.
                              Promoted to Pfc per par 2, SO #1, Medical
                              Det 244th FA Bm.

Dear folks,
     Had a bad day today – as for us winning the war. Tried to adjust B & C but had a hard time seeing what I was doing. The adjustment was made, but it isn’t good enough to do precision shooting. Tomorrow morning I’ll try again, your other package of gloves came this noon. Now I have the best looking gloves and the warmest hands in the E.T.O. Many thanks for the gloves, they were keen. When you send my next box – please put in some laundry soap. My undies done with “Woodburry’s Facial” is ok, but I also have to keep my hands and face clean. Send a couple of Pepsodent Tooth brushes (4) also.
                                                             Love to all. Your Son.

Saturday – 13th January 194580

          Attitude of troops completely changed.  They now have full confidence that they are pursuing a defeated enemy.  This in spite of the fact that the Germans north and northeast of Bastogne are resisting vigorously in order to protect their escape routes.

     Plan to withdraw one RCT of the 87th Infantry Division from VIII Corps and assign it to XII Corps preparatory to attacking with XII Corps preparatory to attacking with XII Corps north from Diekirch.

Saturday – 13th January 194581

          There was no change in XII Corps, the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Division continuing to maintain their fronts and patrol aggressively and the 4th Armored Division remaining southeast of Luxembourg (P81) in assembly area.

Saturday – 13th January 194582

          Plan to withdraw one RCT of the 87th Infantry Division from VIII Corp and assign it to XII Corps preparatory to attacking with III Corps north from Diekirch.

Saturday – 13th January 194583

   0001 – 2400 – Moved Battery “B” center line from CA 625 to CA 1200.  Move Battery “C”
                       center line from CA 1610 to CA 2250.  Battery “A”, 736th FA Battalion
                       attached to occupy position at 00868-26307 with center of traverse on CA
                       1700.  Fired 120 rounds on Trier in retaliation for rocket fires on
                       Luxembourg.  Cease  H & I fire at 1500 at Bittenger.  Doubled rate on all
                       other H & I fires except on Bitburg.  Total was 14 rounds per hour effective
                       at 2000 hours.

          Bitburg overlay onto Google
          Bitburg after bombing and 244th shelling
Saturday – 13th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report84

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Drake, Duane C.                       33 254 511      Cpl.                 Code 11
                              Promoted to Sgt fr Cpl par 1, SO #3, Hq
                               this Bn MOS 802 changed to 539
                    Dinkens, Arnold V.                    36 441 055      Tec 5                Code 11
                              Promoted to Tec 4 fr Tec 5 par 2, SO #3
                              Hq this Bn
                    Roenneburg Robert C.                36 283 788      PFC.                 Code 11
                              Promoted to Tec 5 fr Pfc par 2, SO #3. Hq
                              this Bn MOS 245 changed to 244

Saturday – 13th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report85

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                   Carpenter, William A.                  34 349 928      Sgt.                  Code 9
                              MOS changed from 506 to 539
                    Halewicz, Anthony J.                  42 018 276      Sgt.                  Code 9
                              MOS changed from 531 to 539
                    Slinski, John F.                         32 603 092      Sgt.                   Code 9
                              MOS changed from 603 to 539
                    O’Grady, Matthew E.                  33 373 769      Tec. 4                Code 9
                              MOS changed from 014 to 660
                    Del Torre, Edward L.                  39 039 292      Cpl.                   Code 9
                    Hansen, Rolf T.                         33 709 360      Cpl.                   Code 9
                              Above 2 EM MOS changed from 531 to 603
                    Howard, John J.                       39 039 245       Cpl.                   Code 9
                              MOS changed from 531 to 505
                    Dean, Leslie                            33 301 235       Tec. 5                Code 9
                    Ermlick, Eugene W.                   33 301 356      Tec. 5                 Code 9
                    Grace, Albert L.                        31 230 763      Tec. 5                Code 9
                    Watkins, Edward L.                   34 420 282       Tec. 5                Code 9
                              Above 4 EM MOS changed from 245 to 244
                    Smith, Gerald B.                      32 556 558       Tec 5                 Code 9
                              MOS changed from 566 to 835
                    Moran, William F.                     31 446 225       Pfc.                   Code 9
                              MOS changed from 531 to 641
                    Moreland, Robert R.                  34 359 482       Pfc.                   Code 9
                              MOS changed from 345 to 345

Saturday – 13th January 1945
          Private Santo Repage –
          Fort Sill Artillery Mechanics Course
Sunday – 14th January 194586

          The VIII Corps attacked with great effectiveness and is very close to contact with First Army in the vicinity of Houffalize.

Sunday – 14th January 194587

        Front line units in XII Corps were rotated while patrolling continued.  The 346th (87th Infantry Division) closed in an area southeast of Luxembourg (P81) and began preparing to assume a position on the front, while the 4th Armored Division remained in an assembly area in corps zone.

     As the critical shortage of coal persisted, supply points were notified to cut the coal ration from four to two pounds per man per day.  Army and corps headquarters were requested to reduce coal consumption by fifty percent, although the supply for hospitals remained unchanged.  A total of 104½ tons of medical supplies arrived by train from Communication Zone, including may items that had been in critical short supply.

Sunday – 14th January 194588

     0001 – 2400 – Long Gun (wL015358) fired after dark without flash reducer and drew
                         counter-battery fire 28 rounds landed in vicinity of gun position – all air
                         bursts – no damage.  Gun resumed fire with flash reducer and no further
                         counter-battery fire received.  H & I fires on Bitburg increase to four
                         rounds per hour at 0900. All other H & I fire suspended from 0900 to 1845.
                         H & I fires checked by AOP and found satisfactory.  32 rounds fired on
                         Trier in retaliation for fire on Luxembourg.  Air OP located enemy gun
                         firing at (wL154366); fired TOT – AOP reported effect excellent for
                         coverage.  Three other counter-battery missions fired.  Battery “A”,
                         736 FA Battalion fired one TOT with Battery “C” on enemy battery at
                         (wL13882805) and followed with Pozit Fuse concentration on same target.

          No caption – Left is Pfc. Wally A. Parsons, Battery B

Sunday – 14th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report89

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Berry, Grandy T.                      34 249 327      Sgt.                  Code A-A
                              Reasgd & rejd from 38th Repl Bn., APO 312
                              US Army MOS 539 MCO 010 Race W per par
                              16 SO #10 Hq 38th Repl Bn
                    Berton, Pasquale A.                   33 765 535      Pfc.                  Code A-A
                              Ressgd & rejd from 38th Repl Bn., APO 312
                              US Army MOS 228 MCO 321 Race W per par
                              16 SO #11, Hq 38th Rep Bn

Sunday – 14th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report90

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Davis, Archie P.                        36 546 558      Pvt.                  Code A-A
                              Reasgd & rejd from 38th Repl Bn., AO 312
                              US Army MOS 345 MCO 245 Race W per par 7
                              SO #9 Hq. 38th Repl Bn.

Sunday – 14th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report91

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Vincent, Marcel A.                     20 140 552     S/Sgt.               Code AA
                              Reasgd & rejd from 38th Repl Bn APO 312 US
                              Army MOS 539 MCO 245 Race W. per par 17, SO
                              #13 Hq 38th Repl Bn
                    Hurley, John G.                        20 140 018      Sgt.                  Code AA
                              Resgd & rejd  from 38th Repl Bn APO 312 US
                              Army MOS 764 MCO 590 Race W per par 3, SO
                              #6 hq 38th Repl Bn.
                    Miller, Buster L.                       39 123 997      Cpl.                  Code AA
                              MOS603 MCO 590
                    Harvey, Donald C.                    42 024 365      Pvt.                  Code AA
                              MOS 531 MCO 010
                              Above 2 EM reasgd & rejc from 38th Repl Bn
                              APO 312 US Army Race W per par 12, SO #12
                              Hq 38th Repl Bn
                    Jenkins, Harold I.                     33 748 951      Pvt.                  Code AA
                              Reasgd & rejd from 38th Repl Bn APO 312
                              US Army MOS 531 MCO 590 Race W per par 15,
                              SO #14 Hq 38th Repl Bn

Monday – 15th January 194592

          Moving remainder of the 87th Infantry Division and assigning both 87th Infantry and 4th Armored Divisions to XII corps.  This Corps will attack north from Diekirch on St. Vith on the 18th.

Monday – 15th January 194593

          Front line positions of the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Division remained unchanged.  The 4th Armored Division was relieved from Army control and was assigned to XII Corps.  Elements of the 87th Infantry Division remained in assembly area in corps one.

     A German trigger adapter which fitted into the trigger housing of rifles, machine guns and other small arms, making it possible to operate the trigger without removing gloves or mittens, was captured.  The idea was adopted by the ordnance maintenance section, a similar device was designed and local contracts were placed for the manufacture of 90,000 pieces.  Delivery at the rate of 5,000 per day was promised.

Monday – 15th January 194594

          Forty rounds enemy counter-battery received in Battalion Area from 2020-2115 from Az595 – estimate Cal. 88.  15 rounds enemy counter-battery landed 500 yards east of Battery “C” between 2315 and 2350.  Long Gun firing H & I in Bitburg checked with SP smoke by AOP.  Base OP’s for high burst adjustment established.  Battery “A”, 736th FA Battalion relieved from attachment for fire direction at 1830 and closed station.  Fired one counter-battery missions as TOT.  Suspended H & I fires from 0700 to 1800 except long gun on Bitburg which continue at rate of 4 rounds per hour.  H & I fires resumed at 0800 at rate of 14 rounds per hour.

     1255 – Battalion Executive left to inspect firing batteries.

     1340 – S-2 left for Battery “C”.  Assistant S-2 left for Corps Artillery to pick up
               situation overlay.

     1600 – Assistant S-2 returned to Battalion CP.

     1600 – Battalion exec returned to Battalion CP.

     1600 – Overlay of enemy front lines receive from Corps Artillery S-2.

     1700 – S-2 returned to Battalion CP.

Monday – 15th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report95

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Janiszewski, Theodore J.              32 184 407      Sgt.                  Code A-3
                              Dy to sk in 5th Clearing Co NO EPTI
                              (Disease) “Dy 539”
                    11 EM asgd & jd from atchd unasgd Det 38
                    GFRC 38th Repl Bn., per par 1 SO #4 Hq
                    244th FA Bn (Copy Attached)

Monday – 15th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report96

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    12 EM adgd & jf from atchd unasgd Det 38th                                  Code A-3
                    GFRC 38th Repl Bn per par 1, SO #4, Hq 244th
                    FA Bn (Copy atchd)

Monday – 15th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report97

                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928
                    Maldan, Robert M.                        37 495 182       Cpl.
                              Promoted to Tec 4 from Cpl per par
                              2, SO #3, Hq 244th FA Bn.
                    Vigliotti, Alphonse J.                     32 633 198       Pfc.
                              Promoted to Cpl from Psc per par
                              1, SO #3, Hq 244th FA Bn

Tuesday – 16th January 194598

          At 0905, 41st Cavalry of the 11th Armored Division made contact with 41st Infantry of the 2nd Armored Division in Houffalie, thus terminating the Bastogne operation so far as the 3rd Army is concerned.

     During the period of this operation, the 3rd Army utilized a total of 17 divisions and lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 24,598 men.  In the same period the Germans utilized 20 divisions and lost a total of 18,051 in prisoners of war and enemy buried by us.  Their estimated casualties, excluding non-battle, for this period amount to 103,900 as follows: 16,400 prisoners of war; 24,200 killed; 63,200 wounded.  We believe that these figures are low.

     On 18 December 1944 Army Engineer troops and supplies were massed behind the XII Corps prepared to support the main effort of the Third Army to breach the Siegfried Line in the Sarreguemines area.  By 22

     December 1944 these same Engineer troops were redisposed in an area extending from Luxembourg on the east to Virton on the west, operating in close support of two Corps on offensive assignments and one Corps on defensive assignments, and thousands of tons of bridging and demolitions were moving north and west to new supply dumps in the ESCH – ARLON area.  From 22 December 1944 to 16 January 1945 more than 2800 miles of roads were reconnoitered and maintained.  Continuous dense traffic, combined with drifting snows, made this task a gigantic one.  During this same period, the installation and dismantling of roadblocks and tactical demolitions expended over 100,000 A.T. mines and 200,000 lbs of TNT.  Bridging presented no problems in the initial phase of action, but toward the middle of January had again become a major function.

        As of the 18th of December 1944, the major preponderance of 3rd Army ordnance troops, ammunition, and supplies, were concentrated on the Toul-Nancy-Sarreguemines axis to support the projected attack of the XII Corps.

    With the change of direction of the attack to the north, all incoming ammunition was diverted to existing ASP’s in the LONGWY – ESCH area and new ASP’s established.   By rail and truck companies an average of 4,500 tons of ammunition was moved per day, truck companies traveling in one week 462,000 miles in the hauling of ammunition alone.  During this period – December 22nd to January 16th – the average consumption of ammunition per day in the Army area averaged 3,500 tons.

     Maintenance requirements were met by moving ordnance units in coordination with the movement of combat units they had previously serviced.  Replacement, new issue, and other ordnance supply issues were handled generally in the same manor as the ammunition supply, necessitating the movement of 45,000 tons of replacement equipment and spare parts, with the issue to troops during this period of 1,940 general purpose vehicles, 814 combat vehicles and 152 artillery weapons as replacements.

     The fighting quality of American troops never reached a higher level than in this operation.  Neither intolerable weather or the best troops in the possession of the Germans were able to stop them or prevent their supply.

G. S. PATTON, JR.,
Lieut. General, U. S. Army,
Commanding

Tuesday – 16th January 194599

          The situation on XII Corps front remained stable, the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Division patrolling steadily and reinforcing their position.

     When all track-line vehicles were virtually immobilized because of ice and snow, the problem of obtaining traction on slippery terrain was solved by welding manganese steel lugs on every fifth block of steel-type track and by replacing every fifth block of rubber-type track with a steel block equipped with a lug.  This increased the effectiveness of the Army’s armor.  A chemical maintenance company worked on attaching the whit phosphorous hand grenade for use as rifle grenade, the modification to consist of attaching an adapter on the bottom of the grenade body.

Tuesday – 16th January 1945100

     0001 – 2400 – Emplacement adjusted on at (wL080380) reported by AOP – 6 rounds
                         fired for effect – effect not observed due to airplane engine trouble.
                         10 rounds fired later for effect – rounds landed all around target but no
                         direct hits.  Two counter-battery missions fired.  H & I fires suspended on
                         everything except Bitburg from 0700 to 1830.  H & I fires resumed at 1830
                         at rate of 13 rounds per hour.

Tuesday – 16th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report101

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Janiszewski, Theodore J.              32 184 407      Sgt.                  Code J4E
                              Sk No EPTI in 5th Clearing Co to lost
                              to 204th Evac Hosp. “Non-Gattle Casualty”
                              (Disease) “Dy 539”

Tuesday – 16th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report102

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Harvey, Donald C.                       42 024 365      Pvt.
                    Jenkins, Harold I.                        33 748 951      Pvt.
                              Above 2 EM dy to sk LD 5th Clearing Co
                              “Non-battle” (Battle fatigue) “Dy 531”

Wednesday – 17th January 1945103

          By this date the Bastogne (P55) campaign was closed, for the enemy’s Ardennes penetration was no longer a salient but a defensive bulge.  A new champagne was begun in which enemy continued to retire under pressure but was still considered capable of attacking at any point in the bulge in an effort to contain Allied pressure designed to drive him back into Germany.

     A heavy harassing and interdiction artillery program was conducted on this date and subsequently upon all escape routes available to the enemy form the Ardennes area.  This program was fired by all available artillery of the III, VIII and XII Corps and in addition the artillery of First U.S. Army participated heavily within its zone.

     The 89th Infantry Division took up frontal position in XII Corps zone.  Major elements of the corps at this time were the 4th, 5th, 80th, 87th Infantry Divisions and 2nd Cavalry Group.  During the first half of the period the 87th Infantry Division sent out strong patrols to Born (L13), Report (L13), Steinheim (L03) and Wasserbillig (L12).  At 180300 the 4th and 5th Infantry Division jumped off on a coordinated attack across the Sure River and made good progress against moderate resistance, with the 2nd Infantry (5th Infantry Division) clearing Erpeldange (F84).  The 80th Infantry Division joined in the attack at 180700 and captured Nocher (7), while other elements of the division secured the high ground in the vicinity of Masseler (P74).  To preserve the supervise element of the attack, no artillery preparation was fired.  However all artillery with the corps participated in an intensive four-hour schedule of prearranged fires commencing promptly at H-hour.  In addition to enemy artillery locations the schedule embraced fourteen enemy command posts, two observation posts, six supply dumps, twenty-four defiles, twenty-one towns and nine heavy weapons locations.  Artillery supporting 87th Infantry Division on the east flank of XII Corps participated heavily throughout the full schedule of prearranged fires so as to screen the direction of the main effort of the corps attack.  Initial enemy artillery reaction to the attack was light but intensified on the succeeding day, particularly against the bridgehead of the 4th and 5th Infantry Division across the Sauer River.

     Operations began at the coal mines at St. Avold (Q25) to produce coal for the Army.  Production was estimated at fifty tons per day, with an additional fifty to seventy-five tons daily within two weeks.

     So much of Section V, GO No. 5, this Hq., c.s., dated 17 January 1945 awarding the Air Medal to William D. Hightower, 0119797, 1st Lt., Field Artillery as reads Artillery Air Observer is amended to read Artillery Liaison Pilot.  Headquarters XII Corps Office of the Commanding General, General Orders No. 6, APO 312, 22 January 1945, Section X Amendments of General Orders, Page 16

     So much of Section V, GO No. 5, this Hq., c.s., dated 17 January 1945 awarding the Air Medal to Thomas B. Marriott, 01168355, 1st Lt., Field Artillery as reads Artillery Liaison Pilot is amended to read Artillery Air Observer.  Headquarters XII Corps Office of the Commanding General, General Orders No. 6, APO 312, 22 January 1945, Section X Amendments of General Orders, Page 16.

Wednesday – 17th January 1945104

     0001 – 2400 – H & I fires suspended from 0700 to 1830 except on Bitburg.  Fired one
                         counter-battery as TOT mission.  Sound registration attempted with
                         286th F.A. Observation Battalion at two different points but could not get plot
                         for single gun and CI for Battery “B” was unreasonable out for deflection.
                         Either registration used.
     0800 – Private Laymon W. Breazeale, Battery “B” injured when premature burst
               occurred while starting to screw in primer.
     0845 – Battalion Commander and S-1 left on reconnaissance for alternate positions in
               case of counter-battery.
     2135 – Preparation of fire coordinates. Zone of 87th Infantry Division, received from
               Corps Artillery.  Given to Fire Direction Center.

Wednesday – 17th January 1945105
          Byron G. Rogers, A Battery

          The Ardennes Campaign started January 17, 1945, and lasted thru February 7, 1945. The Allies had liberated France and Belgium by this time, and we were headed closer to the German border. We dug in, still cold, hungry, and exhausted, but victorious so far. Records indicated that this was the coldest winter ever, and far colder than anything I was used to. The First and Third Armies were put into one of the most Godawful offenses of this war. The battle was among the worst of the war, and if possible, even more miserable than the Hurtgen Forest, or Metz, France. The conditions were so terrible, that only those of us who where there can really know how bad it was. Don’t ever ask if there is a God. He was there or we would not have made it thru.

          Pfc. William R. Roseler, Zittig Luxembourg

Wednesday – 17th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report106

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
          6 – 17 jan 45 incl Consdorf, Luxemburg
          Usual organizational duties

Wednesday – 17th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report107

                              Zittig, Luxembourg vP9928
                    Bennett, Ollie C.                        34 530 172      Tec. 4 
                    Newsom, Allen D.                       34 249 085      Tec. 4
                              Above e men MOS 014 changed to 660
                    Walden, Robert M.                      37 495 182      Tec. 4
                              MOS 821 changed to 776
                    Vigliotti, Alphonse J.                   32 633 198      Cpl.
                              MOS 603 hanged to 776
                    Bartholomew, Edward D.              37 232 653      Tec. 5
                              MOS 605 changed to 660
          8 – 17 Jan 45 incl. Zittig, Luxembourg
          Usual Organizational Duties

Interview with Robert Bishop108

          Well, another incident worth mentioning — of course, we did an awful lot of heavy firing during the Bulge and other times, too, but Private Bozelly (ph) from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, either slipped or tripped when we were doing some night firing.  He was on the second gun crew, and just as the gun was being fired, and of course, these — these troops recoil about 65 inches on a maximum charge, and you can imagine what a belt it could give someone and could have knocked him out, and he had a pretty serious head injury, and Private Eugene Heffner on the same gun crew from Newark, P.A., covered him up with his overcoat and attempted to stop the bleeding and they yelled for the medics and they came and they were kind of doubtful about his recovery and so we all thought he was a casualty.  Well, four years after Heffner had returned home, there came a knock at his front door and it was Bozelly, and of course, this was told to us at the reunion, and Heffner’s wife Doris said, when he opened the door and saw Bozelly, he turned white and he almost fainted.  Well, Bozelly came to thank him for what he had done for him, and there was a great write-up in the Newark paper about this and a picture of the two of them together.  I did have a picture and I can’t seem to locate it.  Of course, I have moved several times, and a lot of my stuff has been lost.

Note for this event above – I am unable to find any record of this event but that is not to say it didn’t occur, just that there is “so far” no mention of it anywhere.  There was a PFC Laymon W. Breazeale from Ovett, Mississippi.  Ovett is about thirty miles east north east of Hattiesburg Mississippi.  On 17th January1945 at 0800 – “Pvt. Lymon W. Breazeale, Battery B injured when premature burst occurred while starting to screw in primer”.  This is from the 244th F.A.B. Journal Report at 0800 17th January 1945.

Thursday – 18th January 1945109

     0001 – 2400 – Four-hours preparation fire starting at 0330.  Preparation completed at
                         0730.  Lack of visibility prevented registration.  New schedule of H & I
                         fire starting at 0730 (32 rounds per hour) reduced to 9 rounds per hour
                         at 1000.  H&I fires changed again at 1900 to schedule now in effect.
                         Starting at 1525 fired 8 concentrations repeating preparation fire.  24
                         rounds fired on Trier and one sound on sound adjustment.  Eleven
                         counter-battery missions – all TOT’s fired.

     1100 – Four enlisted men (TEC/5 Arvil E. Boggs, PFC J. G. Manakea, PFC G. G. Foster,
               PFC Robert J. Gorman from Battery “A” received 1st degree burns about face while
               cleaning material with gasoline.

     1300 – Battalion Exec left to inspection firing batteries

     1530 – Battalion Exec returned to Battalion CP.

Thursday – 18th January 1945110

          Continuing to fight at Bettendorf (P94), the 8th Infantry (4th Infantry Division) cleared the town.  The 87th Infantry Division attacked Wasserbillio (L12) at the juncture of the Sauer and Moselle Rivers, while the 2nd Cavalry Group maintained its positions.  Advancing two and one half miles north  of the Sauer River, the 2nd Infantry (5th Infantry Division) captured Diekirch (P84) and cleared Erpeldange (P84), while the 10th Infantry made a one and one half mile advance north of the Sauer River in an area north and east of Diekirch  (P84) from the west.  A slight advance north of Nocher (P75) was made by the 89th Infantry Division.

     Seven hundred tons of special winter clothing for Third U.S. Army had been delivered by Communication Zone trucks and train to the Army depot at Longwy (P50) by this date.  The shipment included shoe pacs, socks, ponchos, mittens and mufflers.  Arrangements were made with Communication Zone for the direct exchange of artillery recoil mechanisms, tubes, equilibrators, traversing mechanisms and other major artillery parts of which the Army was critically short.  This procedure did much to alleviate the shortage.

Thursday – 18th January 1945111

          The Battalion fired a preparation for the attack of the 87th Infantry Division, expending 987 rounds.

Thursday – 18th January 1945112

          Shelled Biesdorf Germany, Cruchten Nommern Luxembourg, Vianden Germany

Thursday – 18th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report113

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Carver, Robert H.                     34 421 760      Tec. 4
                              Reduced to grade of Pvt par 1, SO 5, Hq
                              244th FA Bn

Thursday – 18th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report114

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Savage, William U.                    01 168 453      1st Lt
                              Dy to Lv 4 days
                    Kaylor Bernard B. Jr.                 01 172 948      1st Lt
                               Assumes command in addition to other duties
                    Pippin, Farl L.                          34 837 976      Pvt.
                              Dy to dk in 312 Co LD (disease) “Non
                              Battle” “Dy 531”
                    Foster, Gene G.                        39 123 492      Pfc 
                    Gorman, Robert J.                     39 132 288      Pfc
                    Manakea James G.                     39 123 589      Pfc
                    Boggs, Charles R.                      34 359 672      Pvt.
                              Above 4 EM dy to sk in 312 Col Co LD
                              (Burns) “Non battle injury” “Dy 531”

Thursday – 18th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report115

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Breazeale, Laymon W.                 34 421 578      Pfc.                  Code 0
                               Dy to sk LD in 312 Collecting Co SIA
                               Luxembourg ”Battle casualty” Dy 531”

Dear Family,
     Work, work, work – I’ve been working at the Battery ever since we busted the cub. We were taking off – and didn’t fly. The landing gear washed out – broke the prop – and busted a wing tip. Seeing that the Capt. got six days off in Nancy (a rest) I’m staying here in the Battery. Out of four days I’ve managed about 9 hours of sleep. We are doing a lot of shooting and it very often keeps us up all night.
     The Battalion mail has been rather slim the last few days. Hope to get some mail soon. We are in Luxembourg – and have been to the City of Lux. (Ice cream). We hope to be flying again soon – don’t worry about us too much – we are taking good care of ourselves. I will try to be better on the letter writing. Hay! I’m getting thin!! Love to all.
                                                                               Tom.

Friday – 19th January 1945116

          An operational directive sent to the Commanding Generals of the Third U.S. Army Corp Commanders on this date gave the following information:  First U.S. Army on the north will continue to attack toward St. Vitch (P88), while seventh U.S. Army will continue to defend in its sector.  Third U.S. Army will continue to attack in the direction of St. Vich and clear the area between the Moselle and Saar Rivers southwest of Kionzkartmaus (L12).  The directive ordered III Corps to resume the attack early on 21st January, seize the high ground southeast of St. Vith (P88) and be prepared to continue the attack to the northeast.  VII Corps was ordered to assume command of the 76th Infantry Division, resume the attack early on 21st January within its zone and assist III Corps, and maintain contact with First U.S. Arm on the left (north).  XII Corps was ordered to continue its mission of attacking to the north on the axis Diekirch (P84) – St. Vith (P88), destroying the enemy on its front, clearing the enemy west of Moselle and Sauer River, (east) flank of Third U.S. Army.  XX Corps was ordered to attack aggressively and clear the area between the Moselle and Saar Rivers north of the present line of contact, continuing to hold the balance of the sector including the Saarlautern (Q28) bridgehead, with minimum forces.

     Maintaining position, the 87th Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Group patrolled aggressively.  Repulsing a strong counterattack at Bastendorf  (P84), the 5th Infantry Division then captured the town.

     After fighting heavily in Diexirch (P84) and Bettendorf (P94) the 4th Infantry Division began to extend its zone to take over part of the zone of the 5th Infantry Division.  Meanwhile positions of the 80th Infantry Division were held and strengthened.  Longsdorf (P94) was taken by the 12th Infantry (4th infantry Division) while the 8th Infantry cleared out pockets of resistance in the rear of the advancing elements.

Friday – 19th January 1945117

          Reconnaissance for new position in the vicinity of Ferme Folkendange (vP896392) was made, survey and wired communication initiated, and occupation of the new position accomplished by echelon on the 21 – 22 January 1945, Batteries “B” and “C” occupying position on the 21 January 1945; Battery “A” on the 22 January 1945.

     In the Ferme Folkendange position, the Battalion was attached to the 410th Field Artillery Group (which was functioning as a second XII Corps Artillery Fire Direction Center) and continued in its mission of general support of the Corps.

Friday – 19TH January 1945118

          Enemy shells landed in vicinity of Battery “A” – team shell report sent in and fragments sent with this report.  Battalion fired regular schedule of H & I fires on Bitburg and other towns.  Battalion fired 53 missions, the majority of which were TOT’s.  Targets include enemy batteries, ammunition dump, rail-head, towns and roads.  Battalion OP observe considerable activity of troops and horse drawn vehicles in vicinity of Enzen (wL0449) – adjusted 945th FA Battalion with good effect.

     1400 – Battalion Commander, S-3 and Battery Commanders left on reconnaissance for
               new position in vicinity of Ermsdorf.

     2100 – Battalion Commander and S-3 returned to Battalion CP.

     1900 – S-2 left for 410th FA Group to meet Battalion Commander.

          Caption reads – “I wanted you to see the sweater”  Lt. Hightower, Zittig Luxembourg

          No caption –  Lt. Hightower, Zittig Luxembourg

Friday – 19th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report119

                             Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    DeCapite, Benjamin D.                 33 292 512      Sgt.                    Code J4E
                              Dy to lost 104th Evac Hosp LD
                              (disease) “Non battle” “Dy 539”
                    Foster, Gene G.                           39 123 492      Pfc.                    Code J4E
                    Gorman, Robert J.                        39 132 288      Pfc.                    Code 531
                    Manaken, James G.                       39 123 589      Pfc.                    Code 531
                    Boggs, Charles R.                         34 359 672      Pvt.                    Code 531
                              Above 4 EM sk in 312 Col Co LD to lost
                              to 104th Evac Hosp (Burns) (Non Battle)
                              “Dy 531”
                    Pippin, Earl L.                               34 837 976      Pvt.                   Code J4E
                              Sk in 312 Col Co LD to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp (disease) (Non battle) “Dy 531”

Friday – 19th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report120

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Breazeale, Laymon W.                      34 421 587      Pfc.                  Code M5
                              Sk LD in 312 Collecting Co to lost to
                              104th Evac Hosp SIA Luxembourg “Battle
                              Casualty” “Dy 531”

Friday – 19th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report121

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg wL0030
                    Redman, Robert L.                          31 299 778      Pfc.                  Code J4E
                              Dy to lost to 104th Evac Hosp sk LD
                              “Non-battle loss” (Disease) “Dy 531”

Friday – 19th January 1945
     Headquarters XII Corps Office of the Commanding General
          Citation To Accompany General Orders
Saturday – 20th January 1945122

          The 87th infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Group patrolled aggressively and maintained their position in the XII Corps zone.  The 2nd Calvary Group assisted the 94th Infantry Division (XX Corps), with which it maintained contact.  Positions north and east of Bettendorf  (P94) were improved by the 4th Infantry Division, with its 12th Infantry advancing north on mile and capturing Longsdorf LP94), while other elements reached the outskirts of Fouhren (P84).  Elements of the 5th infantry Division were relieved in zone by the 12th Infantry (4th Infantry Division).  A two mile advance to Landscheid (P84) was made by the 10th Infantry (5th Infantry Division), while the 2nd Infantry advanced in a zone to the northwest, both regiments reaching points roughly three miles north of the Sauer River.  In the 80th Infantry Division the 318th Infantry advanced through Burden (P84) to Bourchelid  (P84) and Welscheide (P84), clearing all three towns, while the 317th Infantry advanced through the woods north of Kehman (74).

Saturday – 20th January 1945123

           Battalion fired H & I fires on Bitburg and other towns.  Fired 30 missions, 28 of which were TOT’s.  Targets include ammunition dumps, enemy batteries and town.  Air OP observe men entering dugout – fired Highside and neutralize target.  Single gun attached to 945th FA Battalion at 0600.

     0830 – Battalion Commander left for new position area at Ermsdorf (8969-3916) to remain
               there until Battalion moves.

     1100 – S-2 returned to Battalion CP.

     1700 – Pvt. Lai J. Yot, Battery “A” injured on gun.

Saturday – 20th January 1945124

          Brazile (Pfc. Laymon W. Breazeale) hurt. Entire Battery moves to Ermsdorf (Luxemburg)

Saturday – 20th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report125

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Garland, Max L. (FA)                  01 165 292      1st Lt.
                              Dy to lost to 104th Evacuation Hosp LD.
                              Diseased. Duty 1981-7

Saturday – 20th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report126

                              Consdorf, Luxembourg vP9931
                    Yot, Lai J.                                32 632 331      Pfc.
                              Dy to lost 104th Evac Hosp LD LIA Battle
                              Casuality dy 531 Luxembourg

Saturday – 20th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report127

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9038
          Departed Consdorf, Luxembourg 1100
          Via Motor Convoy. Arr present sta 1400
          Distance marched 21 miles

          Caption reads – “January1945, Ermsdorf Luxembourg” 1st Sgt. Cormier

Sunday – 21st January 1945128

          Maintaining their positions, the 87th Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Group patrolled along the south flank of XII Corps.  The 4th Infantry Division continued to clear the enemy in its zone, capturing Fouhern (P84), three miles north of Bettendorf (P94).  Meanwhile, the 2nd and 10th Infantry Regiments (5th Infantry Division) each advanced two miles to points five and one half miles northwest of Diekirch (P84), while Lipperscheid (P84) being captured.  Attacking along the Sauer River from Burden (p84), the 318th Infantry (80th Infantry Division) made a three mile advance, capturing Boufscheid  (P84) while the 317th Infantry reached the Sure River north of Boufscheid (P84)

Sunday – 21st January 1945129

          The Battalion moved to Ermsdorf and supported the crossing of the Saur River by the 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions.  Here we also received considerable counter-battery fire.

Sunday – 21st January 1945130

          Long gun firing on Bitburg from (wL015358) attached to 945th FA Battalion at 0600.  Battery “A” in old position firing.  Batteries “B” and “C” in new positions and ready to register at 1600 hours.  Visibility too poor for AOP registration.  High burst registration with 14 FA Obsr Battalion but visibility too poor – “B” Battery obtained sound registration at 2400.  Battery “B” fired 6 rounds on H & I targets until Close Station, March Order, was given at 0815.  Battery “A” fired a preparation at 0800 and the usual H & I fires during rest of period.

     0800 – Rear Echelon, less Personnel Section, move to new position at Ermsdorf.

     1100 – HQ Battery, less rear CP, “B” and “C” Batteries left for new position at Ermsdorf
               Coordinates: (8969-3916)  “B” Battery (90292-38893); “C” Battery
               (89278-37752).  Distance marched 12 miles; Weather: Clear and Cold; 
               Morale:  Excellent.

     1800 – Communication established with “B” and “C” Batteries.

     1500 – Airstrip (vP8810-3215) established

     0001 – Battalion relieved from attachment to XII Corps Artillery and attached to 410th
               Field Artillery Group.  Primary mission – support of 4th, 5th, and 60th Infantry
               Division.

Sunday – 21st January 1945131

          The Battalion departed Consdorf Luxembourg.

Sunday – 21 January 1945132

          The Battalion, less Battery “A”, rear Fire Direction Center and one gun section from Battery “C”, move to new position in the vicinity of Ferme Folkendange, (vP89633916), and was attached to the 410th field Artillery Group which was acting as the second XII Corps Fire Direction Center.  The Battalion’s mission was G/S XII Corps front.  Battery “C”’s one gun remained in position at (wL015358) and was attached to the 945th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzers) with no change in mission.

Sunday – 21st January 1945133

          The Battalion arrived Ferme Folkendange, Luxembourg.  Picked up “Jody” in Fels

          Caption reads – S/SGT A. G. Luckasevic, Battery “A” and Jody who was found and picked up in Fels.

Note on Fels Luxembourg – While it’s no longer shown on Google Maps, it is located on Lt. Marriott’s Strassenkarte Luxembourg Map.  Today it is Larochette, Bleech, Fels, Luxembourg.

          No caption – A dog and a deer, Charley Battery pets

Sunday – 21st January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report134

                              Ferme Folkendand, Luxembourg vP8939
          Departed Consdorf, Luxembourg 1000 via
          Motor Convoy. Arrived present sta 1045.
          Distance marched approximately 14 miles.

Sunday – 21st January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report135

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9138
          Departed Zittig, Luxembourg via motor
          convoy 1315. Arr at present sta 1530
          Distance marched approximately 15 mi.

Sunday – 21st January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report136

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8937
                    Boutin, Argher A.                     31 012 972      Pfc.                  Code J4E
                              Dk LD 5th Clearing Co to lost to 104th
                              Evac Hosp sk LD “Non-battle Loss”
                              (Battle fatigue) “Dy 531” as of 12 Jan 45
          Departed Consdorf, Luxembourg bia motor
          convoy 1130 hr Arr present Sta 1400 hrs
          Distance marched 8 mi approximately

Sunday – 21st January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report137

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9138
          Departed Consdorf, Luxembourg via
          Motor Convoy 1400. Arrived present
          Sta 1530. Distance marched approx.-
          imately 11 miles.

Dear Folks,
     First chance I’ve had to write for several days. It looks as if I won’t be flying for several days or weeks. Max has gone to the hospital – his ear is infected and it affects his balance. We may lose him so – I’m back working with the Battery. It’s still as cold as ever – a lot of ice covers everything. Guess you people at home are having your share of winter weather too. The mail is again very slow, only a few bags of it for the Battalion. Soon it may clear up – so we’re doing without again. Jane said she liked her Christmas present very very much. Thanks loads for doing my job. Will writ when I can. Love to all,
                                            Tom.

Monday – 22nd January 1945138

          Patrolling aggressively, the 2nd Calvary Group and the 87th Infantry Division protected the right (north) flank of XII Corps, while the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions attacked to the north and east.  The 12th Infantry (4th Infantry Division) pushed past Fuhren  (P84) to an area west of Vianden (P97).  In the 5th Infantry Division the 10th Infantry advanced to an area northwest of Vianden (P97), while the 11th infantry, after attacking through positions of the 2nd Infantry, reached an area five miles west of Vianden (P97).  The 80th Infantry Division attacked and occupied Masseler (P74) at the junction of the Wiltz and Sure Rivers.

Monday – 22nd January 1945139

          The balance of the Battalion (less Battery “C” single gun) joined the Battalion at Ferme Folkendange.

Monday – 22nd January 1945140

          Fired H & I fires on 3 towns including Obersgegen, Korpuch and Lohr at rate of 5 rounds per hour on each, starting at 1945.  Fires schedule TOT missions (4 concentrations) on enemy concentrations of assembly area 2400 to 0500.  Fired 3 other missions including fire on enemy batteries and repeated each.  Battery “A” move from old position to new (vP89961-38726) reported ready to fire 2230.

     1330 – Rear CP and Battery “A” left Consdorf for new position at Ernsdorf.  Distance
               marched 12 miles.  Weather:  Cold and Clear.  Morale:  Excellent.

     1700 – Battery “A” arrived in new position area.

        Caption reads – “Sgt. Valley” 
The building in the background is the former Hotel du Mullerthal located just south of Consdorf Luxembourg.  Sgt. Valley was killed in action 19th February at 1600 hours here in Biesdorf on the way to  Crauchten (Kruchten) Germany.

           Postcard of the former Hotel du Mullerthal located just south of Consdorf Luxembourg.  The postcard is prior to WWII and the hotel would have looked this way when the 244th visited.

Monday – 22ndJanuary 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report141

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8938
                    Savage, William U.                    01 168 453      1st Lt.
                              Lv 4 days to dy
                    Kaylor, Bernard B. Jr.                01 172 948      1st Lt.
                              Reld of command
          Departed Consdorf, Luxembourg 1430 via
          Motor Convoy arrived present Sta 1830
          Distance marched 11 miles

Tuesday – 23rd January 1945142

          In accordance with Amendment Number 2 to Operational Directive of 19th January, sent on this date to the various corps commanders, revisions of boundaries between III and VIII Corps and between III and XII Corps were begun as well as readjustment of divisions.  The 87th and 4th Infantry Divisions were relieved from assignment to XII Corps and assigned to VIII Corps, 76th Infantry Division relieved from assignment to VIII Corps assigned to XII Corps, 95th Infantry Division relieved from assignment to XX Corps and assigned to VIII Corps, 17th Airborne Division relieved from assignment to VIII Corps and assigned to III Corps, 26th Infantry Division relieved from assignment to III Corps and assigned to XX Corps and 90th Infantry Division relieved from assignment to III Corps and assigned to VIII Corps.  The net results of this change was to strengthen VIII Corps on the left flank of the Army with five divisions, leaving XII Corps on the right flank with four divisions and III and XX Corps with two divisions each.

     The right (south) flank of XII Corps was protected by the 87th infantry Division and 2nd Cavalry Group, while the 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions continued their attack.  A small advance was made by the 4th Infantry Division after a counterattack on Fuhren (P94) and been repelled.  Against strong resistance, the 5th infantry Division made gains of up to one mile, with leading elements on a line generally six miles north  of Diexirch  (P84).  Advancing further along the Clerf River, the 80th Infantry Division took Wilwerwiltz (P75).

     Artillery with the Army was reorganized in accordance with the operational directive of 19th January.  One medium and one heavy artillery battalion were detached from III Corps and two medium and one heavy artillery battalions were detached from XII Corps, all being attached to VIII Corps.

Tuesday – 23rd January 1945143

     0001 – 2400 – Fired 12 missions on enemy vehicle concentrations, enemy batteries and
                         enemy soldiers reported on by our liaison observer.  The concentration on
                         foot soldiers was adjusted by Air OP and after one round which was
                         reported right on the target he gave fire for effect.  Results: troops disperse
                         but casualties could not be observed.

     0740 – 0755 – Fired schedule preparation fires.  6 Missions on towns and enemy batteries.

     1000 – Battery Commander and Battery Commanders left on reconnaissance for
               alternate positions.

     1205 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1230 – Captain Renfrow, 4th Division brought overlay of situation to S-2, which gave front
               line infantry.

     1315 – Battery Commander left for Battery “C”.

     1520 – Battery Commander returned after inspection of Battery “C”.

Wednesday – 24th January 1945144

          The 4th, 5th and 80th Infantry Division continued their advance, while the 87th Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry group patrolled and protected the right(south) flank of XII Corps zone.  Making slight gains, the 4th Infantry Division consolidated its position west of the Sauer River.  Advancing against strong resistance the 5th Infantry Division gained 1,000 yards to a line six and one-half miles north of Diekirch (P84) and took Putscheid (P85).  Meanwhile the 80th Infantry Division cleared the zone between the Wiltz and Clerf Rivers, capturing Alscheid  (P75) and pulled up to the Clxry River at Wilwerwitz (P75).

Wednesday – 24th January 1945145

     0001 – 2400 – Fired H & I schedule on three towns.  Fired three TOT missions on
                         enemy batteries.  Air OP adjusted on several suspected position of tank use
                         as artillery.  Effect observe on position – neutralization.

          Caption reads – Consdorf Luxembourg.  Note – Front row second from right proudly hold a P-38 trophy.

Dear Family,
     Your first letter in over a week came tonight along with some Valentines. You sure are early birds. We are going right along here. Everything is smooth. Haven’t heard from Max. We are again in houses – not a bad place at all. My bed is the floor – if one is tired enough – that’s plenty good. Mail is all tied up because of Jerry – one more thing against him. The Russians sure are doing the job. Perhaps it will be all over when you get this. My money is down on 31 April 45. Spring of 45!! Then where no one knows. Say – my Val Pack had been lost for a month – when I got it back – my film was gone. Is there any chance of you sending me a roll? The camera is ok – and you should have a few pictures taken last fall.
My love to all of you. Take care of your cold!! Your
                                                                Son.

Thursday – 25th January 1945146

          Patrolling the sough flank of XII Corps was the 2nd Cavalry Group, with the 76th Infantry Division holding a quiet part of the front due west of Trier  (L22).  In line were the 4th, 5th and 80th infantry Divisions, all of which advanced slowly against stubborn resistance.  The 76th infantry Division completed relief of the 87th Infantry Division, which began movement to VIII Corps.  Slight gains were made by the 4th Infantry Division in the period.  The 10th Infantry (5th Infantry Division) advancing one mile along the eastern portion of the ridge between the Our and Clerf Rivers, reached Putscheid, Vianden, Diekirch, (P85), three and one-half miles northwest of Vianden (P85), while the 11th Infantry advanced one and one-half miles to Hoscheiderickt (P85) and cleared Hoscheid  (P85) and Merscheid (P85).  On the corps left (north) flank, the 317th Infantry 980th Infantry Division) crossed the Clerf River, clearing Dellingen (P75) and Pintsch  P75).

An Operational Directive was sent to the various corps commanders which stated:

   “1.  a. The enemy is withdrawing from the Ardennes salient.  See current G-2 Periodic
             Report.

         b. Seventh U.S. Army will continue present mission of assisting in reduction of the
              Colmar pocket defending in the remainder of its zone.

         c. First U.S. Army will attack without delay on the axis St. Vith
              (vP8388) – Bonn  (wF5336) with its main effort on the right (south) flank;
              breach the Siegfried Line and seize the high ground in the vicinity Blankenheim
              (wF2305) – Marmagen  (wF1809) prepared to continue the
              advance in zone on Euskirchen (wF3329) and Bonn (wF5336).

    “2. Third U.S. Army will attack without delay with its main effort on the left (north) flank in
         conjunction with First U.S. Army, penetrate the Siegfried Line and protected the right
         flank of the attack along the Prum (wL0679) – Hillesheim 
         (wL2488).  It will assume an aggressive defense  in zone south of Dasburg 
         (vP8562); be prepared to continue the attack to the Rhine River or, by flanking the
         Siegfried Line from the north, to advance to the Kyll River.

    “3.  a. III Corps (17th Airborne Division, 6th Armored Division and attached troops) will:
             (1) Assume control of the 17th Airborne Division and attached troops.
             (2) Continue present mission of clearing enemy to the Our River in zone.
             (3) On completion of (2) above, maintain aggressive defense in zone with the
                  object of containing the maximum number of enemy troops.
             (4) Be prepared to attack northeast or east to advance to the Kyll River.
             (5) Maintain contact with VIII Corps on the left (north).
                  b. VIII Corps (4th Infantry Division, 87th Infantry Division, 90th Infantry Division
                      and 11th Armored Division and attached troops) will:
                      (1) Assume control of the 4th Infantry Division, 87th Infantry Division, 90th
                          Infantry Division and 95th Infantry Division and attached troops.
                      (2) Attack northeast without delay with main effort on the left (north).
                      (3) Penetrate the Siegfried Line in zone and continue attack northeast.
                      (4) Secure the line Prum (wL0679) – Hillesheim (wL2488).
                      (5) Be prepared to continue the attack northeast, east or southeast.
                      (6) Maintain contact with First U.S. Army on the left (north).
                   c. XII Corps (5th infantry Division, 76th infantry Division, 80th Infantry Division
                      and 4th Armored Division attached troops) will:
                      (1) Assume control of the 76th Infantry Division and attached troops.
                      (2) Continue present mission of clearing enemy to the Our River in zone.
                      (3) On Completion of (2) above. Assume aggressive defense in zone with the
                          object of containing the maximum number of enemy troops.

Thursday – 25th January 1945147

     0920 – Battalion Commander left for 410th Field Artillery Group.

     1100 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1345 – Battalion Executive left to inspect firing batteries.

     1550 – Battalion Executive returned to Battalion CP.

     0001 – 2400 – Fire missions of preparation fire from 0730 to 0759. H & I fires on three
                         towns.  Fired three missions – two of them TOT.  One was adjusted on men
                         and vehicles assembled in group of buildings.  Five landed among the
                         buildings but damage could not be observed.

Thursday – 25th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report148

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8937
                    Harvey, Donald C.                      42 024 365      Pvt.                  Code J4E
                    Jenkins, Harold I.                      33 748 951      Pvt.                  Code J4E
                              Above 2 EM sk LD 5th Clearing Co to lost
                              to 12th Evac Hosp sk LD “Non-battle loss”
                              (Battle Fatigue) “Dy 531” as of 16 Jan 45

          Caption reads – “January 1945 Ermsdorf Luxembourg” 1st. Sgt. Cormier

25th January 1945
Battle of the Ardennnes-Alsace
Battle of the Bulge
Ends

Friday – 26th January 1945149

          Patrol duties in the XII Corps zone were performed by the 2nd Cavalry Group along the south flank and by the 76th Infantry Division in the zone formerly occupied by the 87th Infantry Division.  The 4th Infantry Division patrolled aggressively while its 8th and 12th Infantry Regiments were replaced in zone by elements of the 5th and 80th infantry Divisions.  Following relief, these two regiment went to VIII Corps zone.  An attack of the 5th Infantry Division progressed one and one-half miles to the vicinity of Hosingen (P85).  On the corps north flank the 317th Infantry (90th Infantry Division) gained two and one-half miles to the vicinity of Hosingen  (P85) and captured Dorscheid (P86), and Niedhausen (P86).

Friday – 26th January 1945150

     0745 – Schedule of fire received for support of XII Corps for 26 January 1945 from XII
               Corps Artillery.

     0900 – Battalion commander left for 410th Field Artillery Group Headquarters.

     1130 – Battery commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1400 – Battalion commander and S-2 left Battalion CP for OP – No. 2 position.

     1510 – Colonel Day, Commander of 410th Field Artillery Group visited FDC.

     1555 – Colonel Day, held conference with Battalion Commander.

     1610 – Colonel Day left Battalion FDC.

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion Fired TOT concentration on enemy battery.  Battery “A” registered
                         and “B” Battery checked on Check Point No. 1.  Fired concentration on
                         pillbox.  H & I fires cut from three rounds per hour to one round per hour
                         until further notice.

Friday – 26th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report151

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg VP9138
                    Milis, Charles J.                         36 991 150       Pvt.
                                Dy to sk in 4rth Col Co LD disease “Non
                                battle” “Dy 531”

Friday – 26th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report152

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9138
                    Walden, Robert M.                      37 495 182      Tec. 4                Code J4E
                              Dy tol lost in 12th Evac Hosp. Non-
                              battle loss – Mashed finger – Dy 776
                              as of 24 jan 45

Dear Family,
     I’m going to get the day off tomorrow so I’m going into the ice cream town for a shower, some shopping and a little relaxation. There were some nice shops in town – perhaps I can find something you would like. Your two letters written the 31st & 1st came this evening. Glad to hear you have cold weather there. Hope Dad can take advantage of it. Be sure and take good care of him – if he works too long and too late – he may get sick. Sure bet the two boys are cute. I’d love to see them. All of us are well here. Just now called Jim – to see if he could get away to go slip town with me. Hope he can – we haven’t done anything together for ages. Love to you all at home. Your Son.

Saturday – 27th January 1945153

          Maintaining their position, the 2nd Calvary Group and the 76th Infantry Division patrolled along the southern part of XII Corps front.  Farther north the 4th Infantry Division was relieved as the 80th and 5th Infantry Division extended their fronts to take over its zone.  Mopping up in zone, the 5th Infantry Division turned the direction of its attack to the east, with elements of the division taking Wahlhausen (P85).  One mile west of the Our River, and other elements capturing Consthum (P75) and Holzthum (P85).  The 80th Infantry Division extended its zone and patrolled aggressively, then advanced late in the period and captured Bockholz (P75) while establishing contact with the 5th Infantry Division.

Saturday – 27th January 1945154

          The Battalion was attached to the 404th Field Artillery Group with no change in mission.

Saturday – 27th January 1945155

          The Battalion was attached to the 404th field Artillery Group and its zone of fire shifted 250 miles to the East.

Saturday – 27th January 1945156

     1100 – Colonel Wyeth, 404th Field Artillery group Commander visited Battalion Commander.

     1300 – Colonel Wyeth left Battalion CP.

     1500 – Lt Colonel Hunt and Lt. Colonel Johnson, XXIII Corps, visited Battalion Commander.

     1900 – Lt Colonel Hunt and Lt. Colonel Johnson, XXIII Corps, left Battalion CP.

     1900 – Battalion relieved from attachment to 410th Field Artillery Group and attached to
               404th Field Artillery Group.

     0001 – 2400 – Firing batteries registered on Check Point No. 1 by AOP.  Cease H & I fires at

     0700 – Fired two TOT’s on enemy batteries.

Saturday – 27th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report157

                              Ferme Folkendand, Luxembourg
                    Priewert, Frederick A. (FA)           01 185 195      2nd Lt.
                              Asgd and jd from atchd unasgd 38th Repl Bn
                              MOS 1183-9, MCO 13.900 Race W. Comp AUS,
                              Princ dy Ass’t motor O – par 5, SO #19, Bn
                              38th Repl Bn, APO 312, U. S. Army, dtd 19
                              Jan 45. Date of rank 9 Sep 43.

Saturday – 27th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report158

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8938
                    Della Rossa, Frank T.                 32 958 579       Pvt.                 Code AA
                              MOS 531 MCO 010 Race W
                              Reasgd & rejd from atchd unasgd
                              Det  GFRC 38 Repl Bn per par 6,
                              SO #6, Hq 244thFA Bn
                    Blanchard, Samuel A.                  31 471 649      Pvt.
                              MOS 531 MCO 481 Race W
                              Asgd & jd from atchd unasgd Det
                              38 GFRC 38 Rep Bn per par 4, SO 6, Hq
                              244th FA Bn

Saturday – 27th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report159

                                        Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8937
                    Hodge, Howard O.                      34 339 516      Sgt.                  Code A3
                                MOS 539 Race W MCO 499
                    Yates, Albert Jr.                         34 421 415      Pfc.                  Code A3
                              MOS 531 Race W MCO 244
                              Above 2 EM from atchd unasgd Det 38th
                              GFRC 38th Repl Bn to asgd & jd per par 5,
                              SO #6 Hq 244th FA Bn
                    Boutin, Arther A.                         31 421 972      Pfc.                  Code A
                              From atchd unasgd Det 38th GFRC 38th Repl
                              Bn to asgd & jd per par 7, SO #6 Hq 244th
                              FA Bn MOS 060 MCO 590 Race W
          No Limited Assignment Personnel

          Caption reads – “January 1945, Consdorf Luxembourg, Trench Latrine” 1st. Sgt. Cormier. The only orchard in the area of Alpha battery is here and there is a fence surrounding it. Location found by Guy Eisen living in Consdorf.

Sunday – 28th January 1945160

          The “Battle of the Bulge” ended officially on this date, all ground lost by the enemy’s breakthrough having been regained.

     Positions in the southern part of XII Corps zone were maintained and consolidated by the 76th Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Group.  The 80th Infantry Division held a line along the west bank of the Our River in zone.  Attacking to the east, the 5th Infantry Division cleared Putscheid (P85), and  Fennberg (P85) and secured a line one mile west of the Our River, while relief of 60th Infantry Division elements in the northern part of zone was completed.

Sunday – 28th January 1945161

     1140 – Overlay (Including 1 to FM 126, 80th Division Artillery) received.  Map Reference:
               France & Belgium 1;50,000 showed rout to new position.  March Table (Include
               2 to PM 126, 80th Division Artillery) received giving organization and commander:
               rout taken, arrival at IP, time cleared IP.

     1400 – Battalion Commander meeting called.  Flwg changes in assignments made:
               Captain Torres assigned to Asst. S-3 and relieved of command of “B” Battery.
               Captain Lyons assigned as Battery Commander, “B” Battery, and relieved of
               command of HQ Battery.  1st Lieutenant Malm transferred from “C” to “A” Battery.
               2nd Lieutenant McLaughlin transferred from HQ Battalion to “A” Battery.  2nd
               Lieutenant Shinaberry transferred from “A” Battery to “C” Battery.

     0001 – 2400 – Concentration fired on enemy battery and equipment – 12 rounds
                         expended.

Sunday – 28th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report162

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9038
                    Davis, Archie P.                        36 546 558      Pvt.                 Code 11-7
                    Graff, William S.                       33 707 438      Pvt                  Code 11-7
                    Smack, Curtis H. Jr.                  33 581 654      Pvt.                 Code 11-7
                    Sobisek, Arthur E.                     32 828 600      Pvt.                 Code 11-7
                    Ransom, Lloyd L.                      35 533 182      Pvt.                 Code 11-7
                    Heath, Charles L.                      34 816 559      Pvt.                 Code 11-7
                              Above 6 men promoted PFC per 1 SO #3 this
                              Btry.

Sunday – 28th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report163

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9138
                    Walden, Robert M.                   37 495 182        Tec. 4              Code AA
                              From 12th Evac Hosp to dy Reasgd and
                              Rejd MOS 776

Monday – 29th January 1945164

          There was little change in XII Corps zone.  The 4th Armored Division began relief of tile 80th Infantry Division.  Task Force “OBOE” (composed of the armored infantry elements of the 4th Armored Division) was created, relieving the 319th Infantry (80th Infantry Division).

     Twelfth U.S. Army Group was requested to obtain dog teams to assist in evacuation of patients through deep snow being encountered at this time by Third U.S. Army divisions.  As the result of experiments made in XII Corps, plans were made to provide litters with snow runners.

Monday – 29th January 1945165

          The single gun of Battery “C” was relieved of attachment to the 945th Field Artillery Battalion and joined the Battalion at Ferme Folkendange.

Monday – 29th January 1945166

     0930 – Battalion Commander left for Group Headquarters.

     1100 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1120 – GP Exec. Came to Battalion CP for conference with Battery Commander.

     1230 – CP Exec left Battalion CP.

     1300 – Battalion Commander left to visit firing batteries, Service Battery and Medics.

     1400 – GP. S-1, Captain McClellan, held conference with Battalion Exec.

     1515 – GP. S-1 left CP.

     1415 – Battalion Commander returned to CP.

     0001 – 2400 – Fire high burst with 14th FA Observation Battalion 7 rounds expended.
                         Supercharge registration with 14th FA Observation Battalion 2 rounds
                         expended.  Registered Battery “A” by AOP on Check Point No. 5 – checked
                         “C” on same.  13 rounds HE; 1   round smoke expended.  Fire usual H & I
                         missions.  Two TOT’s on enemy batteries fired.

Monday – 29th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report167

                              Ferme Folkendand, Luxembourg vP8939
                    Lyons, Joseph T. (FA)                 01 172 972      Capt.
                              Reld of Princ dy Comm O 0200 and trfd to
                              and departed for Batry “S” this Bn par 1.
                              SO #7, Hq, 244th FA Bn
                    Duker, John E., Jr. (FA)               0 313 275       Capt.                 Code 9-1200
                              Reld of Princ dy Ass’t S-3 0162 and ressnd
                              Princ dy Comm O 0200 par 1, SO #7, Hq,
                              244th FA Bn. Assumed command.
                    Torres, Victor M. (FA)                  0 293 872       Capt.                 Code A
                              Asgd and jd from Btry “B” this Bn Princ Dy
                              Ass’t S-3 2162 par 1, SO #7, Hq. 244th FA
                              Bn.
                    McLaughlin, Thomas J. (FA)           01 177 082     2nd Lt.
                              Reld of Princ dy Motor O 0600 trfd to
                              and departed for Btry “A” this Bn par 1,
                              SO #7, Hq. 244th FA Bn
                    Olheter, Louis T. (FA)                   01 183 586     1st Lt.                Code A
                              Asgd and jd from 182nd FA GP VOCG, 182nd FA
                              Gp. MOS Ln Pilot 1981, MCO 04.970, Comp
                              AUS, Date of Rank 14 Aug 44, Race White.
                              Princ dy Bn Pilot 1981

Monday – 29th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report168

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8938
                    Shinaberry, Jacob W. (FA)             01 172 654      2nd Lt.               Code J1
                              Reld from asgmt & asgd Batry “C” this Bn
                              departed per par 1, SO #7, Hq 244th FA Bn
                    Malm, Robert L. (FA)                  01 168 353        1st Lt.                Code A1
                              Asgd & jd from Btry “C” this Bn per
                              par 1, SO #7, Hq 244th FA Bn Princ dy
                              unchanged
                    McLaughlin, Thomas J. (FA)            01 177 083      2nd Lt.               Code A1
                             Asgd & jd from Hq Btry this Bn per par 1.
                             SO #7, Hq 244th FA Bn Princ dy 0600 MO

Monday – 29th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report169

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP9038
                    Lyons, Joseph T. (FA)                    01 172 972      Capt.                 Code A1
                              Asgd & jd from Hq. Hq Btry this Bn per
                              par 1 SO 37 Hq 244th FA Bn. Princ dy
                              CO 1193

Monday – 29th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report170

                              Ermsdorf Luxembourg vP8937
                    Malm, Robert L. (FA)                     01 168 353      1st Lt.               Code J1
                              Reld from asgmt and asgd Batrt A this Bn
                              departed per par 1, SO # 7 hq 244th FA Bn
                    Shinaberry. Jacob W. (FA)              01 172 654      2nd Lt.               Code A1
                              Asgd & jd from A Btry this Bn per par 1,
                              SO #7, Hq 244th FA Bn Princ Dy unchanged

Dear Family,
     We had a change of duties in the Battalion. To our great loss Capt. Torres has been moved up to Ass’t G-3 – and Joe Lyons is now running “B” Battery. This new pilot came into our fold this afternoon so I guess I will start flying in a day or so. Didn’t find a thing in town the other day. Jim and I looked everywhere with no luck at all. We had ice cream an cookies for breakfast and cabbage soup potatoes & cabbage for dinner in a public restaurant. I’d never get fat over here if I had to eat that sort of stuff every day. I got two letters from you last night – Dec – 13 -14 and a letter from my Dad. Made me feel real good. Will write again soon.
                                                        Your Son.

Dear Dad,
     One of your first letters came in last night and I sure was glad to hear from you. From what mother has said – you are working yourself to the bone. It’s a tough thing to work hard and realize so little. It’s kind of like what we’re up against. First we make a lot – then loos it. We are all having it a little rough, but – that’s how it goes. It can’t be long till we’ll be back together again – we’ll have a lot of fun eh? A lot of time has gone by but we’ll be able to make it up someday. Work hard – but take real good care of your self – health means so much to all of us. I’ll write you again soon. Write again – I love to hear from you. Your Son.

Tuesday – 30th January 1945171

          There was no heavy fighting in XII Corps zone, the 5th, 76th and 80th Infantry Division maintaining their positions and patrolling aggressively.

Tuesday – 30th January 1945172

          Reconnaissance was made for secondary defensive positions in the vicinity of Michelbuch, Erpeldange, Diekirch, (vP766369) and Saeul (vP739268), both areas being in Luxembourg.  Survey of both positions was initiated but inclement weather prevented its completion by the end of the period.

Tuesday – 30th January 1945173

     0905 – Battalion Commander went to Group HQ at Fels.

     1010 – Battalion Commander returned to Battalion CP.

     1015 – Overlay giving location of mines by coordinates forwarded from S-2 of 404th FA
               Group to be posted on situation map.  Listed as Annex No. 1 Minefields and Barriers,
               made by 305th Engineer Combat Battalion. Map Reference: 1;25,000 date 29th
               January 1945.

     1015 – FO 29, from 80th Infantry Division dated 292000A January 1945 received
               giving overlay lines of Division Reserve Battle positions, Corps reserve battle
               position and switch position.  Map Reference:  Germany, 1:50,000.

     1051 – Overlay of Corps Survey Control received from 404th FA Group.  Survey
               completed by 14th FA Obsn. Battalion.

     1300 – Battalion Commander held meeting of BC’s.  Briefed on defensive positions to
               be occupied in case of enemy breakthrough.

     1330 – Battalion Commander and Battery Commanders left on a reconnaissance of defensive
               positions.

     1410 – XII Corps Counter battery Preparation Schedule received with accompanying overlay
               of XII corps Defensive Fire Plan.  Map Reference:  1:50,000 GSGS Luxembourg.

     1410 – XII corps Defensive Fire Plan received with accompanying overlay.  Map Reference:
               1:50,000 GSGS Luxembourg.

     1410 – Field Asg. #128 – Overlay of concentration for reporting locations.  Overprinted
               maps will be issued later.  Maps:  Luxembourg 1:25,000.

Tuesday – 30th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report174

                              Ferme Folkendand, Luxembourg vP8939
                    Priewert, Frederick A. (FA)                     01 195 195      2nd Lt.
                              Reld of assignment Princ dy Ass’t Motor O
                              0600 and asgd Princ dy Motor O 0600 par 1,
                              Btry Order #3, Hq Btry, 244th FA Bn.

Tuesday – 30th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report175

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8938
                    Milis, Charles J.                      36 991 150      Pvt.                  Code J4E
                              Sk in 4th Col Co LD disease to lost to
                              12th Evac Hosp “Non battle” dy 531

Tuesday – 30th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report176

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8937
                    Kearse, Robert L., Jr.                34 649 881      Pfc.                 Code J4E
                              Dy to lsot to 12th Evac Hosp sk LD “Non-
                              battle loss” (Disease) “Dy 531” as of 26
                              Jan 45

Strassenkarte Luxembourg
          This is a small portion of the Luxembourg map showing five 244th gun positions. When Lt. Marriott noted his map with these positions it is belied these are B Battery position.  Also, the one position across the Ore River just in Germany is a position prior unknown.
     There are a few coordinates for Battery locations in the Luxembourg area and just across the Ore River in Germany that have not been located. Those few locations incorrectly noted in Battalion reports show positions that the unit could not been in at this time.
     This prior unknown location on this map is correct, just do not know which wrong coordinate it is showing.

Wednesday – 31st January 1945177

          Defensive positions were maintained in XII Corps zone.  The 5th, 76th and 80th Infantry Divisions with the attached Task Force “Oboe” (4th Armored Division), and the 2nd Cavalry Group patrolled aggressively in zone, while preparing for advance.

     During the month engineer troops constructed a total of 157 bridges of various kinds totaling 9,303 feet in length.  The bulk of tactical bridging of larger sizes was accomplished by XII Corps units in their sector of the Ardennes salient, being constructed principally over the Sauer and Suer Rivers and their tributaries in the vicinits of Diekirch (84) and Ettelbruck (P84) to support the assault crossings of these rivers.  Every bridge in Etterlbruck (P84) was destroyed by the retreating enemy, necessitating the construction of four Bailey bridges.

Wednesday 31st January 1945178

     0730 – Receive overlay of known mine locations from 80th Infantry Division Arty
               dated 302200A January. 1945.  Map Ref:  Luxembourg, 1/25,000.

     0730 – Received FO 18 from 80th Division Artillery dated 301600A Jan. 1945,
               accompanied by overlay of defensive position areas and routes to these areas.
               Map Reference:  France and Belgium 1:50,000.

     0730 – Counter-preparation fire plan accompanied Battalion overlay.  Plan of counter-
               preparation fires.  Map Reference:  Luxembourg 1/25,000.

     1130 – Colonel Day, 404th FA Group Commander, Visited Battalion Commander and
               Battalion Exec.

     1205 – Colonel Day left Battalion.

     1330 – Battalion Commander, Battalion Exec, accompanied by Captain McCroye left
               Battalion CP to inspect firing batteries.

     1515 – Battalion Commander and Battalion Exec.      Censored

     1655 – Alternate positions for 273rd FA Battalion Keispelt, Luxembourg Area Map
               Scale 1/12,000 Sheet No. 6302 and alternate position for 273rd AA Battalion – Mersh
               Area – Map Scale 1/25,000 Sheet 6202)

     0001 – 2400 – Battalion fired usual H & I missions.

Wednesday – 31st January 1945179

          The Battalion fired a total of 11,714 rounds of 155mm Gun ammunition during the month of January.  The lion’s share was unobserved do to the extremely limited visibility the weather in this section provided.  Eleven hostile batteries were adjusted on by Air OP and neutralized – one suspected CP in a building was adjusted on by Ground OP and destroyed.  Two vehicles were destroyed, and several troop concentrations adjusted on by Air Op with undetermined results.

     The bulk of the fire consisted of harassing and interdiction missions, counter-battery and preparation fire.

     The Battalion area at Consdorf, Luxembourg was often subjected to rather heavy hostile artillery fire but there were no casualties and the only damage was one gun temporarily out of action when a shell, bursting nearby, fused the panoramic sight to the sight mount.

Wednesday – 31st January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report180

                              Ferme Folkendand, Luxembourg vP8939
                                        CORRECTION (29 Jan 45)
                    Olheter, Louis T. (FA)                01 183 586      1st Lt.
                              Asgd and jd from 182nd FA Gp VOCG, 182nd FA
                              Gp. MOS Ln Pilot 1981. MCO 04.970. Comp
                              AUS,Date of Rank 14 Aug 44, Race White.
                              Princ dy Ln Pilot 1981.
                                        SHOULD BE
                    Olheter, Louis T. (FA)                01 183 586      1st Lt.
                              Asgn and jd from 183rd GA Gp. APO 403 par
                              1, SO #9, Hq. XII Corps, APO 312, U. S.
                              Army. MOS 1961, MCO 04.970, Comp AUS
                              Date of Rank 14 Aug 44. Race White,
                              dy Ln Pilot 1981.
                              22 – 31 Jan 45 incl. Ferme Folkendand,
                              Luxembourg.
          Usual organizational duties.

Wednesday – 31stJanuary 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report181

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg vP8938
                    Henry, Louis B.                       34 045 986      Pvt.
                              Dy to sk in 305 Med Bn LD disease “Non
                              battle” dy 531
          23-31 jan 1945 Usual Organizational Duties

Wednesday – 31st January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report182

                              Ermsdorf, Luxembourg VP9138
          No Change
          22 – 31 Jan 45 incl Ermsdorf Luxembourg
          Usual organizational duties

January 1945183

          A high level of performance was reached in Artillery Adjustment missions in January.  Of thirty-four missions flown, twenty-one, or sixty per cent were successful.  Failure of thirteen missions was due to weather, none failed through lack of communications.

January 1945184

          Every effort was made by enemy commanders to keep news of the disasters that were overtaking the enemy from the troops, and it is probable that for most of them, knowledge of the true state of affairs was conveyed only by Psychological Warfare Branch leaflets.  Most of the prisoners were found to have leaflets in their possession and there can be little doubt that they were most effective through this period.

     Leaflet dissemination in the Third U.S. Army area by artillery:  250,000 “Feldpost” (leaflet-size German news bulletin); 1,290,000 leaflets.

  1. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  2. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 203, 204
  3. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  4. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  5. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  6. PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
  7. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  8. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  9. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  10. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  11. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 206
  12. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  13. Fly Past Magazine, February
  14. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  15. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  16. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  17. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 207
  18. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  19. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  20. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  21. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations Page 208
  22. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  23. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  24. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  25. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  26. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  27. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 209
  28. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  29. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  30. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  31. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  32. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  33. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
  34. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  35. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 209, 210
  36. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  37. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report[
  38. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  39. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  40. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
  41. Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Veterans History Project
  42. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  43. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - Operations, Page 210, 211
  44. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  45. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  46. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  47. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  48. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
  49. Third U.S. Army, Notes on Bastogne Operation, G.S. Patton, Jr.
  50. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 212, 213
  51. 244th Field Artillery After Action Report, 1 January 20 31 January
  52. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  53. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  54. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  55. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 213
  56. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  57. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  58. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  59. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 214
  60. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  61. PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
  62. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  63. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  64. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  65. Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Veterans History Project
  66. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  67. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 215
  68. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  69. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  70. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  71. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  72. U.S. Armies Signal Corps Photo, Tec/5 W. J. Rothenberger
  73. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 216
  74. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  75. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  76. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  77. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  78. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  79. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
  80. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  81. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 217
  82. Third U.S. Army, Notes on Bastogne Operation, G.S. Patton, Jr. Page 11
  83. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  84. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  85. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  86. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 218
  87. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 218
  88. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  89. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  90. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  91. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  92. Volume I, 3rd Army After Action Report, The Army commander’s Notes on Bastogne Operation, 12 December 1944 to 18 January 1945
  93. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 219, 220
  94. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  95. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  96. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  97. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  98. Notes on Bastogne Operation, 3rd U.S. Army, 16th January 1945, Combined Arms Research Library
  99. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 220
  100. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  101. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  102. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  103. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 221, 222
  104. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  105. Serving In Harm's Way, A Record of My Service In The U.S. Army and WWII, Byron G. Rogers jr., January 2006
  106. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  107. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  108. Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Veterans History Project
  109. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  110. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 222, 223
  111. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  112. A Battery, Frederick (Fred) Priewert, 2nd Lt., Journal
  113. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  114. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  115. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  116. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 223
  117. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  118. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  119. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  120. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  121. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  122. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume 1, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 224, 225
  123. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  124. PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
  125. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  126. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  127. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  128. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 227
  129. Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
  130. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  131. W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
  132. 244th Field Artillery Battalion After Action Report January 1945
  133. W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
  134. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  135. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  136. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  137. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
  138. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 227, 228
  139. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  140. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  141. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  142. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 228, 229
  143. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  144. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 230
  145. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  146. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 231, 232
  147. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  148. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  149. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Operations, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 233
  150. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  151. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  152. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  153. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 233
  154. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  155. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  156. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  157. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  158. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  159. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  160. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 234
  161. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  162. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  163. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  164. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 234, 236
  165. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  166. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  167. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  168. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  169. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
  170. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  171. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 236
  172. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  173. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  174. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  175. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  176. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
  177. Third U. S. Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 8 - January Operations, Page 236, 237
  178. 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
  179. 244th Field Artillery Battalion after Action Report, 1 January to 31 January
  180. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
  181. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
  182. 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
  183. Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 3 G-2 Section, Page 31
  184. Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 3 G-2 Section, Page 33