|
|
Patrol To The Sauer
27 February 1945
Troop B, 2d Squadron
It was the 27th of February, the Troop was outposting three small towns on the west bank of the Sauer river, when the order came down to send a four man patrol as far as the Sauer, with the mission to reconnoiter the area and find a suitable route for transporting a boat to the river.
Lt. Goulet, Sgt. Hubenet and two other men from B Troop left at 1900 from the Troop CP. They moved to a forward position near the river. At this point the bank over looking the river is approximately 30 feet high, and so steep it is impossible to get a boat down. There is also a roadblock on the road at this point, that is mined with anti-personnel mines. They by-passed the roadblock on the south side of the road and neutralized a German stock mine. They continued east on the road a hundred yards or so, and came to another roadblock. They did not think this roadblock was mined. After proceeding east another fifty yards the point man, Cpl. Cutright, saw some movement in a gulley north of the road and followed by Sgt. Hubenet, moved forward to investigate. Cutright noticed a hole in the ground and stepped around it. Just what happened next is in doubt, but the patrol members believe that Sgt. Hubenet stepped in the hole and that the hole contained a mine, for suddenly there was an explosion which knocked Cpl. Cutright and Lt. Goulet, who was about 10 feet behind the Sergeant, to the ground. The Lieutenant and T/5 Morgan moved up to Sgt. Hubenet, and seeing that he was severly wounded, tied a tourniquet on his leg. They attempted to carry him out, but by the time they reached the first roadblock he was complaining of pains in his chest and stomach. Realizing that they could not carry him over such rough terrain on their shoulders, two men stayed with him while the Lieutenant went to the forward OP to call for the medics and guide them to the wounded man.
As the Lieutenant was preparing to return to the Troop CP to make a full report, two explosions, which he believes were our own booby traps, and a trip flare were set off. When the flare went up one of our outposts noticed two enemy in a nearby gulley. His MG jammed, so he threw a few hand grenades into the gulley and reported the incident by telephone. The entire platoon was alerted and moved to the area. They threw two offensive grenades into the gulley where the enemy had been seen. Just after these grenades exploded, the enemy in the area opened fire on the outpost position. They fired about a hundred rounds and then were silent for nearly ten minutes. During this period the platoon threw many grenades to cover the area of enemy action. The Germans then opened fire on the town of Girst (34), and our platoon threw more grenades into the new point of attack. The enemy replied heavily with small arms, burp guns, and light machine guns. This fire fight lasted for about half an hour. A counter-patrol was sent through the town to reinforce one of our nearby outposts. Artillery was called for and plastered the enemy area. The platoon remained on the alert through out the night.
Patrol To Hinkel
27 Feb - 1 March, 1945
A patrol of 12 men and one officer from B Troop departed from Girsterklaus (34) at 1930 and proceeded along the road to Hinkel (34). Lt. Sliger, in charge, set up ambush parties along both sides of a road triangle just west of the RR. As the last two men were moving into position just off the northern side of the triangle, one of them stepped on a small object which exploded just as he stepped away from it.
Concussion was sufficient to knock three of them off their feet, but fragmentation was slight. Two men, including the one who stepped on the object, received tiny fragments and were returned to duty after treatment. A third received a fragment about half the size of a dime in his back and was evacuated though the wound was not, apparently, serious.
Following the explosion and resultant commotion, the patrol withdrew to a clump of woods near a road fork where it set up again. Shortly after withdrawal, mortar fire landed in that vicinity. The patrol remained at the road fork until 1130, during which time motorboats were heard going back and forth from Wintersdorf (34) and Hinkel, sounds of personnel moving around on the far shore, and sounds of a wagon in Wintersdorf. Voices were heard in the same area. A sound of a man coughing some distance northeast of the patrol’s position was also heard. Considerable mortar fire fell between the patrol’s first and second positions and one attempt to move closer to their first position, about midnight, was met by machine gun fire.
Patrol returned to Girsterklaus at 0150.
CT Easton was warned, on the 28th, to ready themselves for possible action across the Sauer river on the right flank of the 76th Division as they attacked southeast toward Trier (IV)(V)(34).
March 1, 1945, XII Corps was clearing the bridgehead between the Sauer, Kyll and Moselle rivers, with the 76th Division, to which the Second Cavalry Group was attached, on the right flank. A Corps operational directive was received directing Second Cavalry Group reinforced to protect Corps right flank and maintain contact with XX Corps. Also to assist the advance of the 76th Division and be prepared to cross the Sauer river and screen the north bank of the Moselle river. When pinched out by the 76th Division it was to move to the rear in Corps reserve, prepared to move to either flank.
Wasserbillig Again
T/Sgt. Branaman, Troop C, 42d Squadron
1 March 1945
We were proud of Sgt. Hummer in C Troop of the 42d, and the day he returned to the platoon C.P. just outside of Wasserbillig (34) with his new gold bars we were all glad to congratulate him. It seemed just a few minutes later when the report came in that one of our attached Engineer’s had been badly injured by an exploding mine while sweeping the approaches to Wasserbillig.
2nd Lt. Hummer organized a patrol, as the area was still unhealthy, and pushed down into town to get the man back for medical attention.
The Krauts, from their dominating positions on the high ground across the Sure river from Wasserbillig, took the patrol under fire on that long naked stretch south of the town. One shot clipped “Shorty” Walsh’s helmet off (Walsh used to drive for Major Pitman before coming to C Troop), which led that young man to remark later, “Finally I’m really glad that I’m a runt!”
When the patrol reached the wounded man, Lt. Hummer, moving forward to aid him, exploded another mine and was sorely injured. The Lieutenant was turning blue when Patterson, the C Troop Medic, reached him, and it is likely that the aid man’s prompt action in opening Hummer’s nostrils (he was smothering in his own blood) saved his life. In fact, the presence of Patterson on all the dangerous patrols across the Moselle and behind enemy lines did much to boost the morale of the C Troopers who made them.
Later, Capt. Harris‘ driver “Moon” Mullins, was driving down the hill to the platoon C.P. there in front of Wasserbillig when he came under fire. One round came particularly close and “Moon” instantly evacuated the vehicle in full career. Mullins got a face full of gravel, while the jeep wound up against a picket fence. “Just a case of immediate action”, said “Moon”.
Maggie’s Drawers
1 - 6 March, 1945
The 76th Infantry Division and the 2d Squadron were fighting their way across the Sauer river to the north, while Troop B of the 42d, supported by Sgt. Ange’s section of Troop E near Mompach (34), were trying to flush the Krauts out of Mertert (34) across the Sauer river.
One pillbox in particular, situated on the high ground about 500 yards east of Mertert, always gave B Troop patrols a hot time whenever they attempted to cross the river. As there were generally a few Krauts in the vicinity, Troop E was called on to burn them out, and started hammering away. The Jerries all scattered as the first shells zoomed in, disappearing into various holes and bunkers.
All that is, except one, who was evidently a guard or lookout. He dropped into a foxhole outside the pillbox, but remained visible all during the shelling. After about a half hour of this pounding, with the foxhole blotted out occasionally by the smoke of the HE burst, it began to seem like the guy must be wearing armor. Finally when the smoke cleared away from a shot that looked particularly close, the Kraut had disappeared.
“Got him!” the observer shouted jubilantly, and a little prematurely, for in the next instant, the little guy across the river popped out of his hole and with several sweeping waves of a little red flag, gave E Troop a Maggie’s Drawers for the day.
On the 2nd the Group was relieved of all attachments and attached to the 76th Division. The 2d Squadron crossed the Sauer river in the vicinity of Steinheim (34), and pushed south in the western half of the 76th Infantry zone between the Kyll and Sauer rivers, clearing enemy from south of Newel (34). Enemy resistance was light, consisting mostly of road craters and lightly defended road blocks. The 42d sent A Troop across the river at Moersdorf to establish a bridgehead. One platoon reconnoitered Grewenich (34), Mesenich (34), and Langsur (34). They received machine gun and small arms fire from one pillbox. Another platoon took the high ground of Langsur and sent back four prisoners.
The next day the 2d Squadron continued to push into it’s assigned zone along the Kyll and Moselle rivers. Troop A and B, each reinforced with a platoon of assault guns and a platoon of tanks, were in line. In the Troop A zone, one underground fort continued to resist even though isolated. Troop C cleared Eupen (34) against light resistance.
The 2d Squadron completed it’s screen on the 4th, with the Troops on the line Igel (34), Liersburg (34), Kordel (34), and Hofweiler. One enemy fort continued to resist in A Troop’s area. The next day we reached Orenhofen (35). The one fort that was still resisting surrendered after the Group Commander entered the fortification (Capt. Cunningham was standing on the fort dropping grenades down the ventilating shaft, to no effect. Our 90mm TD’s punched holes in the heavy steel turrets, but hurt no one) and assured the enemy commander that further resistance was useless and that he was completely cut off. The fort yielded two officers and 46 men.
By the 6th, Troop A, 42d Squadron, with two platoons of tanks and one platoon of assault guns, was concentrated in the vicinity of Orenhofen for an attack on Zemmer (35), which was being reconnoitered.
Flat Tires
Carter N. Catlett, Troop A, 42d Squadron
6 - 10 March, 1945
Remember Orenhofen (35)? The night before we hit Zemmer (35), TF Cherry of 10th Armored rolled into town (it was about midnight), and broke out in a rash of Nebelwerfers. Sweet sounding little thing that wailed like a banshee and went off like a volcano burping. They just couldn’t seem to run out of them, and kept us warmed up for the attack all night.
It was a good thing we were making the attack dismounted, for there wasn’t a wheeled vehicle in A Troop that would run, come morning. 57 flat tires, and one armored car setting smack on top of a jeep.
Then too, there was one of those ugly 8 inch babies sticking into the ridge of our house (one of those still standing) waiting for one of us to cough. We went out of that place on our tiptoes. Yes, I remember it pretty well.
The remainder of the Squadron began crossing the Kyll river by the Speicher (35) bridge on the night of 6 - 7 March, moving to Priest (35).
Zemmer was attacked the morning of the 7th and overrun by 1030. 10 Germans were killed, one officer and 60 men taken prisoner during the street fighting. Three AT guns were destroyed. Troop C attacked and enveloped Scheidweiler (35) at 1400 and captured the town and 16 prisoners by 1830. Buck Harris, S/Sgt. Garo and Pfc. Jake Klegar entered the town of Schleidweiler under a flag of truce, to convince the enemy that they were greatly outnumbered and to continue the fighting was hopeless. The enemy, though well armed and seemingly in a fighting mood, permitted the approach of the three men, and so fearlessly did they advance and so convincingly did they present an overwhelming tactical picture, that the defenders were convinced that resistance was hopeless and surrendered the town.
Some fighting continued for a while around Zemmer the next morning. 15 more prisoners were taken during the mopping up. B Troop attacked east at 0600. Heavily wooded and muddy terrain, road blocks and mines slowed the advance. Greverath (35) was finally captured at 1820 after an advance of 6 kilometers. 11 prisoners were taken, and an attack immediately launched on Gladbach (35), which fell at 2200.
The attack progressed rapidly to the east, town after town falling to the Second Cavalry, and by the 10th the 42d Squadron made contact with the 10th Armored at Wittlich (V)(35).
Cover From Artillery Fire
10 - 13 March, 1945
After Wittlich (V)(35) fell we pushed east, chasing a few Krauts out of Dorf (35) and the town beyond, when we ran into a mess of them laying mines in front of a woods. Many of them were standing around with their rifles leaning against the trees, so we quickly set up a mortar and a couple of MG’s, and began to lay it into them. Boy, did they scatter!
Their displeasure was registered about five minutes later when a battery of 105’s opened up and pumped a few salvos into our town.
Lt. Bradley was using our best OP, a manure pile outside the best house in town, with his binoculars set on the woods, when the first incoming round whined it’s approach. Feeling it was close, he dropped face down into the juice at the foot of the pile. It was close, for we heard a muffled blast from our hallway across the street, and glancing out saw the manure pile settling back to earth all over the town.
Our fears were presently allayed when “Muscles” arose from the prone position, shook the matter from his hair and clothes as he quickly joined us in the building, just before the next batch arrived.
“Gee whiz”, moaned “Muscles”, “that baby provided it’s own cover!”
The 2d Squadron moved to the Mosel between Schweich (V) and Piesport (35) on the 11th, and the 42d launched an attack on Bausendorf (35) at 0300 and drove the enemy back across the Alf river by 0600. Troop C seized Hasborn (35) and a bridge to the northeast.
The next two days the 2d Squadron maintained the screen along the Mosel while the 42d concentrated at Gladbach (35) in Group reserve.
Hande Hoch (Hands High)
14 March 1945
On the 14th of March, C Troop was given the mission of putting an OP to the right of Piesport (35), on the west bank of the Mosel. The 76th Division had reported this area cleared of all enemy. The 3rd platoon drew the job and Lt. Capewell and 20 men climbed down to the right of the town, set up the OP by 2100, placed their guards, and retired for the night.
At 2300 the men were aroused by a very excited German soldier who commanded them to raise their hands and surrender. He and four more with him had our men cold. The German was shouting to the men, trying to arouse the sleeping ones so he could accept their surrender, take a head count and put in his application for the iron cross, first class. Pfc. Crawford popped open both eyes as big as the holes in a doughnut, made a quick estimate of the situation, thought of Jerry prison camp rations, grabbed his carbine and suddenly opened fire. This discouraged the Jerries no end, and a great deal of confusion ensued. Bodies scrambled around the room, shots were fired in the dark, and then several men crashed through the windows, the Germans first, leaving in a hurry, and the aroused Americans second, in pursuit. The racket alerted the Heinies across the river and they joined the party with a shower of mortars and 88s. The OP, of course, was now useless, so the men were withdrawn under heavy artillery fire to their platoon CP. Thanks to the bravery and quick reactions of Pfc. Crawford, all the men returned safely.
The 42d Squadron made contact with the 90th Division Recon Troop in the vicinity of Moselsurch (36). The entire Squadron was across the Mosel and had begun relief of the 357th Infantry when the 6th SS Mountain Division counter-attacked. Troop C with one platoon of Troop F moved to the support of the 2d Battalion, 357th Infantry, and with their help the attack was repulsed.
Indirect Fire
Lt. Bob McCaleb, Troop C, 42d Squadron
15 - 19 March, 1945
Our bridgehead over the Mosel was a precarious one. Charlie Troop moved up to relieve the doughs on that high sharp ridge above Alken (36), and the river seemed 100 yards from our backs - straight down. Just as we got up there the Kraut 6th SS Mountain Division threw an attack at the doughs to get Hill 367 (36), which dominated the entire 90th Division bridgehead, and would have cut off the whole Squadron in Alken. However, Yates’ tanks came up and helped smash the attempt.
We pushed north along the ridge east of Alken, throwing a lot of small arms at the Krauts, and securing a pretty good position just south of an old medieval castle sitting right on the crag above Alken.
Bancroft’s eyes lighted up when he saw it and he suggested to Lt. Verry, the S-2, that it should make an excellent O.P. Off they went to check it.
We had our hands full right then, and it wasn’t about an hour later that I went up to check their findings.
They were all right, high in a tower room on the southeast corner. “Fearless Freddy” was kneeling at the window with his pistol out, while Verry was sitting back comfortably with a case of Champagne on either side of him, observing some Krauts on a ridge about 800 yards away.
“Quadrant 72, deflection 350; fire one”, sang out Verry, and Fred canted his pistol up on the window edge and pulled the trigger.
“Number one, on the way”, Fred growled, then noticing me he started to snicker, “those damn Krauts are too far away - we have to use indirect fire.”
This was on the 15th of March.
The 16th of March the 2d Squadron was relieved of it’s screening mission and moved to Kollig (33). The 42d completed the relief of the 357th Infantry. Group was ordered to protect the Corps left flank and keep contact with the VIII Corps and the 90th Division.
(Major Lambert took a section of Fowler’s tanks through the road block to enter Waldesh (36) from the rear - just as VIII Corps Artillery dropped a T.O.T. of white phosphorous in to soften up the town for assault. The tankers promptly withdrew, and halfway back to the 42d positions ran into a U.S. Infantry Battalion that hadn’t eaten since the river crossing, so the cases of C rations carried by the tanks were warmly received.)
The entire Group moved forward to the line of the Rhine river the next day in the vicinity of Boppard (V)(36), St. Goar (V) and Oberwesel. Corps directed that the 90th Infantry and the Second Cavalry seize the Rhine river line from Boppard to Bingen (V)(37). The next two days were spent in rapidly extending our open flank further and further south and by the 19th our Troops reached the Nahe river opposite Bingen. Plans were made for the attack, which was to take place the next day | |
