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 1945
Erasing The Bulge, 26th December-44 to 25-1-45
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
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
Monday – 1st January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report8
Monday – 1st January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report9
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
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.
Tuesday – 2nd January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report14
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday – 5th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report29
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
Friday – 5th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report32
Friday – 5th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report33
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
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
Sunday – 7th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report48
Sunday – 7th January 1945
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
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
Caption Reads in German
Luxemburg Over View
Caption Reads in German
Luxemburg 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
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
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
Thursday – 11th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report70
Thursday – 11th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report71
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
The VIII Corps resumes attack on Houffalize as follows from west to east: 87th Infantry, 17th Airborne, 11th Armored, and 101st Airborne Divisions.
The III Corps continues attack for the final mopping up of the salient, SE of Bastogne.
Friday – 12th January 194574
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 194575
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 194576
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 194577
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.
Caption reads – “Luxembourg Air Section. L to R Pfc. William J. Roesler, Tec/5 John R. Gaskin jr, Pfc. Robert B. Eubanks, Tec/3 Gordon W. Lockridge, Zittig Luxembourg 30 December 1944″. The church steeple above Pfc. Eubanks helmet is Eglise Saint-Brice Catholic Church. The photo is taken east of the church in the field looking uphill at the church.
The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas steeple above and the building showing to its left above between Pfc. Gaskin and Pfc. Eubanks heads are still there today. That Chapelle and that building shown here today below.
Friday – 12th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report78
Friday – 12th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report79
Friday – 12th January 1945 MD Detachment Morning Report80
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 194581
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 194582
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 194583
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 194584
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 Report85
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 Report86
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 194587
The VIII Corps attacked with great effectiveness and is very close to contact with First Army in the vicinity of Houffalize.
Sunday – 14th January 194588
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 194589
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 Report90
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 Report91
Sunday – 14th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report92
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 194593
Monday – 15th January 194594
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 194595
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 Report96
Monday – 15th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report97
Monday – 15th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report98
Tuesday – 16th January 194599
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 1945100
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 1945101
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 Report102
Tuesday – 16th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report103
Wednesday – 17th January 1945104
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 1945105
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 1945106
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.
The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas steeple above and the building showing to its left are still there today.
Wednesday – 17th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report107
Wednesday – 17th January 1945 Service Battery Morning Report108
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 Bishop109
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 1945110
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 1945111
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 1945112
The Battalion fired a preparation for the attack of the 87th Infantry Division, expending 987 rounds.
Thursday – 18th January 1945113
Thursday – 18th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report114
Thursday – 18th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report115
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 Report116
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 1945117
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 Kionz–kartmaus (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 1945118
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 1945119
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
Lt. Hightower, Zittig Luxembourg
Friday – 19th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report120
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 Report121
Friday – 19th January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report122
Friday – 19th January 1945
Headquarters XII Corps Office of the Commanding General
Citation To Accompany General Orders
Saturday – 20th January 1945123
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 1945124
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.
Brazile (Pfc. Laymon W. Breazeale) hurt. Entire Battery moves to Ermsdorf (Luxemburg)
Saturday – 20th January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report126
Saturday – 20th January 1945 Battery “A” Morning Report127
Saturday – 20th January 1945 Battery “B” Morning Report128
Caption reads – “January1945, Ermsdorf Luxembourg” 1st Sgt. Cormier
Sunday – 21st January 1945129
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 1945130
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 1945131
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 1945132
The Battalion departed Consdorf Luxembourg.
Sunday – 21 January 1945133
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 1945134
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:
While Fels is no longer shown on Google Maps, it is located on Lt. Marriott’s Strassenkarte Luxembourg Map. Today it is Larochette, Bleech, Fels, Luxembourg.
A dog and a deer, Charley Battery pets
Sunday – 21st January 1945 HQ & Hq Battery Morning Report135
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 Report136
Sunday – 21st January 1945 Battery “C” Morning Report137
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 Report138
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 1945139
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 1945140
The balance of the Battalion (less Battery “C” single gun) joined the Battalion at Ferme Folkendange.
Monday – 22nd January 1945141
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 Report142
Tuesday – 23rd January 1945143
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 1945144
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 1945145
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 1945146
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 1945147
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 t