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ART SRS 743 RD TANK BAT TAL U. S. ARMY

~30

1 Oct 44

SUBJECT:

Action Against Enemy, Reports After/After Action.

TO

Adjutant General, Wash1ngton, D. C. Consolidat10n of S-3 Journal-Histories

1 Sept 44 - The 743rd Tank Batta110n assembled at Les Touler1es, France, (968779) organizing to join with other units to form Task Force Harrison. The TasK Force consisted of tne 743rd Tank Batta110n, 3~ Batta110n, l19th Infantry Regiment riding on tne tanke, plua elements of l25th Cavalry, 230th F. A., 823rd T. D. Battalion, 105th Engineers, and other elements attached to tne 30th Infantry Divis10n. The Battalion left for the assembly area at Le Tillet at 1300 hours. The Task Force trains followed the lead1ng element of ~e Force by one and one half hours". The enemy was first contacted d. of Peronne From that point on the TasK Force pursued the enemy relentlessly and at times were onlY 8 minutes oenind tne rear enemy element. The re­ treating COlumn was rrequentlY enelled and tne hIghway '..,ras littered \ofi th Knocked out vehicles, and abandoned eqUipment. So tOast was tne advance made tnat only s11gnt resistance was encountered and tne enemy had no time to lay mines or dO more tnan construct tne slmplest roac blocks. At Feronne, the Task force met it's strongest resistance at a partially blown Dridge which was covered by machine guns. Several Infantrymen ridin~ on the tanks were wounded. After eliminating this resistance, the Force continued on toward Cambrai giving the enemy nc rest. 3y t~is time the supply of gasoline was low and no more than which was carried by tne trains was available. The tanks that ran out of gas were given only a limited amount so they could continue the march. No casualties were suffered by the Battalion, and by 2400 hours t~e Task Force had pushed ahead 88 miles, capturing the following towns as it went~ Neuilly, Mello, Cau Fery, Catenoy, Estrees, Cuvil1y, Conchy, Roye, Liancourt, Yillers, Peroime, Nurhu, Fins, Gou'zeanc,-,urt, Cambrai, lwuy, Douchy, Anz1n, St Amand, Chercq, Tournai. t 2 Sept 44 - rhe march continued toward 3el~ium. The second platoon of liD" ~ompany engae;ed t:J.e enemy at Cambrai, France. The platoon knockei out fcur H/tracks, 4-40 mm A..4. guns an:! carriers, 4 trucks and one motorcYCle. !hree prisuners were captured. Two enlisted men were woundad in action. Pvt. Golding was treated and remained on duty. ~/5 R. Sullivan was taken to t~e Hosp1tal. Snipers were encountered at several positions along the ma~h. They were taKen care of. South of Peronne, 1·1aj or 3enJam1n and Captain Adkins were asked for assistance from the F..;'I to cl€ar cut some 3ermans in and around an old Fort. T~ey took two tanks wnlch had ~alted t~ maintenance enroute and fired several rounds of 75 mm HE and 3() Cal. 1-:. G. into the pos1 tiC)n and accomplished mission. They did not remain lon~ enough to determine results, but were assured by tne FFI that it was satisfactory. Ser­ v1ce Company foun::1 t:1at t~e supply of gas was very difricult. TrUCks returned to area near Par1s for 3asoline. In sume places, civilians were not sure w~ether we were American, Russian or English. '0

After/After Action

~eport

Cont'd:

t~at had not dropped out be­ cause of gas srl.ortage, were in bivouac at Cheroq, 8elgium (946­ 29Y), Just South of Tournai. Rcn. platoon ot Headquarters Company returned back alons route bringin5 in stray vehIcles and tnose which had racei vedgas. Lt. Ondre, who had just ret.urned from hospital, was assigned to and joined -A" Company. The Battalion carrie~ out maintenance and training during tne day.

3 Sept 44 - All of the Battalion

4 Sept 44 - The Battalion is still in bivouac area as above. Maint­ enance was carried out, preparing for another long move. Captain Cowan returned from Company "A" to take command of Service Com­ pany'. Captain !vIcCoy returned. as Battalion Maintenance Otficer, Cpl. Steel sent to hospital as his hand was infected trom shrapnel wound. 5 Sept 44 - Maintenance and training are be1ng continued in the same area as above. T/5 Toftness transferred to Company "A" from Headquarters Company. Lt. Barglebaugh Joined Company "AM from Company "Elf. 1 enlisted man from Service Company returned to duty from hospital. 1 Warrant OfI'lcer and 5 enlisted men from Service Company returned to Battalion al'ter being with the 30th Intantry Division for duty. The men trave~ed l~2 miles to Bat­ talion bivouac area.

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After/After Action Report Cont'd:

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6 Sept 44 - Batta110n is same area as 5 Sept 44.

Orders were received tor the Battalion to be prepared to move at 0930 hours, 1 Sept 44. Ren. Platoon ot Headquarter. Compan7 left to choose area tor Batta110n. Lt. Wieser received commission trom Statt Sergeant. Lt. Macht JCined "C" Company as platoon leader ot the 2nd platoon.

7 Sept 44 - The Battalion left tor a new b1vouac area at 0930 hours. Traveled 68 milea arr1ving at new area at Lasne, Belgium, (700370), at 1800 hours. At 2330 hours, 2 men from tne stafr tank captured 3 German prisoners, who were turned over to Lt. Mitcnell and taken tc PW inclosure. The route the Battalion traveled was through the towns 01' Antoning, iiasmes, Tourpes, Chievres, Rebecq, Regnon, TUbize, Ittrc, and Braine l'Alleud. 8 Sept 44 - Until 1715, tne day was spent tor ma1ntenance., At 1715, the Battalion moved 3j ml1es to Herbals, Belgium, (017395). This area was reaChed at 2300 hours. The prinCipal towns along the way were R1xensart, Wavre, Grez-Dolceau, and Jodoigne. During the night, Sgt. Jacobson and Cpl. Barkus halted 3 Germans wno began to run. One officer was shot tnru tne lett lung, one NCO was captured and cne ofricer succeeded in escaping. 9 Sept 44 - The Sattalion is in- the same bivouac as above, dOlng maintenance and reorganizing. 10 Sept 44 - At 0800 hours, the batta~lon began a 32 mile march t~rou~h Putrain, Opheyllssem, Merhey1issine, Gusaenhaven, Halle-Boyenhoven, St. Trond, Looz, S. E. Tongres and tnen to bivouac area at 471400, 300 yards NW ot Slins, Belgium. Distanc'e traveled was 43 miles. itA" Company attached to l20th Intantry Regiment and supported in capture ot Fort Eben EJiJae1, Belgium. 11 Sept 44 - The Battallon remalned in the same bivouac dOing maint­ enance and cleaning up. The assault gun platoon fired two base piece reg1strations ot 13 rounds at 1 grounded enemy alrcrart at 1515 hours. 12 Sept 44 - The torward eChelon of tne 743rd Tank '3a.tta1ion moved to a new area across the Albert Canal and tne Y.euse River. Route ta~en was through Liege. Rcn. Platoon 'moved at 0330 hours w1th "C" Company, to lea~ tnem to their new area. The assault ~un platoon fired 12 rounds toward enemy art11~ery at 0943 hours. Fired battery 2 rounds at enemy Intantry twice durlng morn1ng Wlth good results reported, and also very et1'ect1ve tree bursts. At 1225 hours, A9sau1t gun platoon tired battery 2 rounds at chateau with effective reaults. Fired on enemy horse drawn artillery at 1425 hours, 36 rounds expended, with good efrects and one direct hit. The aseault platoon continued firing until after 2100 hourd at enemy concentratlons 1n woods and loading supplies. Enemy act1vity stopped. At 2200 hours, tiS" Company was at­ taChed to 117th Intantry Regiment. "C" Company J olned the 119th Int'­ antry Regiment at 0730 hours at Argentan (560390). From there tney

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After/Arter Act10n Report Contid: 12 Sept 44 Cont'd - moved North of Vise. 1st Platoon, "c" Company, joined tne 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, in tne vicinity of 618420, and at 1700 hours crossed the International boundary 1nto Holland. When the column began to move out ul' Mheer (630440), the lead tank was fired on b7 a bazooka gunner, who mlssed, and the Inf­ antry destroyed the bazooka gunner. The infantry moved out to its next objective wh11e the 1st platoon of "c" Company held the roads in the town, being unable to move forward due to shortage of gasoline and darkness. The 2nd platoon ItCH Company, was held in reserve and passed the day w1thout lncident. The 3rd platoon, "C" Company, pushed on the East ot the 1st platoon and gave flank protection. "c" Company b1vouaced in vicinity of 630420. Service Company carried on their usual duties. 13 Sept 44 - The Mortar platoon attached to "A", "g", -"C" Companies, moved from bivouao area at 0600 hours and arr1ved at new area in vicinity of Dalhea, Belgium at 0800 hours. The Assault gun platoon moved to position 632421, but did not fire. At 1745 hours, Mortar platoon moved again to 65504762. At 1600 hours, Assault gun platoon fired battery one round maximum elevation. These shells were supposed to fall in Germany, but m1ssed by a few hundred yards. "A II Company left bivouac area 565372 1 1/2 mile West of Dalhem, Belgium and pro­ oeeded at 1300 hours to 515~20, Maastr1cht, Holland with the l17th Infantry Regiment in an attempt to oapture the br1dge leading aoross tne Meuse River intaot, but tne enemy was able to blow tnem. After oapturing the West a1de of Maastrioht "AU Company remained tnere in a defensive poaition for tne night. "B" Company, attached to the l11th Infantry Regiment moved from Richelle, Belgium at 0520 hours and moved to Meaoh, Holland. Tne lat platoon, attached to 2nd Battalion of the ll'(th Infantry Regiment moved to Withius, HOlland. The 3rd platoon, plus reminanta of 2nd platoon plus tne 1/4 ton liaiaon veh1cle were attached to the 1st Battalion of the 117th Infantry Regiment. At 0800 noura, a coordina~ed attaok began, the Maastr1cht-Aachen High­ way being the obJeot1ve. The 2nd and 3rd platoons encountered neavy artillery and saall arma f1re enroute. A large number of the enemy were. killed, wounded, and captured and tne object1ve was reached at 1400 houra. At 1000 hours, the 2nd and 3rd platoons were relieved from tne lat Batta110n and were attached to the 3rd Battalion of the 1l7tn Infantry Reg1ment. The new objeot1ve was the high ground looated at 626532. The attaok started at 1630 hours and much small arms and artillery fi re was encountered. At 2l~O hours, tne ~d and 3rd platoons pulled back about 400 yard. and bivouaoed for tne night at TerbliJt, Holland, (6~~c4). The 1st platoon attached to tne 2nd Battal10n 01' the 117th Int'antry Regiment started tneir attack at O~OO hours and ahortly afterwards reached the1r Objective, tne Maas­ trioht-Aacnen HLgnway, no resistanoe encountered. At 1000 hours, the 1st platoon was relieved t'rom the 2nd Batta110n and was attaChed to the 3rd Batta110n of tne ll'ltn Infantry Regiment, their task being to oover the left flank. The objective was reached at 1800 hours, and a road block was set up tor tne night. Oompany IIC" moved at 1300 hours to an assembly area 1n tne vioin1ty of Re1merstook (66?465) at11l - 3 ­

Atter/Arter Action Report

Con~'d:

44 Con~'~ - working with ll~th. Tne 1st platoon was held in reserve and remalne~ nere until 150U nours, wnen tney JOined ~ne company in tne blvouac area in tne vicinity 01' Ingber (96764d3) at IdOU nours. The 2nd platoon worKing wlth Company itA II , ll~tn Inl'antry : Regiment, se1ze~ tne town of Sibbe, whioh was ~ne BattallonUbJeotive. During tnls operation, ~ne c d platoon knocked out two 20 mm A. A. guns and wlth·the Intantry, entrenched Northot Heerstraat, armed with small arms. The 3rd platoon worked w1th Company "0", 119th Infantr1 Reg1ment, and moved out trom Re1merstork where the intantry was pin­ ned down by small arms tlre. Arter blasting the enemy pos1tions out w1th 75 mm, the tanks and 1nfantry prooeeded to Ingber. At th1s point, "C" Company tanks blasted the enemy out ot trenohes that were nearly one m11e l~ng and 3 or 4 teet deep. The company then assembled at Ingber (676483) and b1vouaced tor the n1ght and received supplies. Ij ~p~

14 Sept 44 - The 743rd Tank Battalion Rear moved to a new area at Fouron Le Comte, Belgium (600425) arriv1ng at 1730 hours. Assault gun platoon 1n pos1tion at 65504762, but tired no mission after ad­ just1ng. "A" Company left position at 575520, and proceeded to help 117 th Infantry Reg1ment capture the port ot Maastr10ht on East side ot river. Company formed Battallon holding toroe, 1 platoon to each Intantry Company at 609499 and remained 1n center ot town, (15 tanks on 11ne). The 2nd and 3rd platoons, attached to the 117th Intantry Reglment, knocked out an artillery Observer's steeple at Berg, Holland. After that, they remained in alerted bivouac at Terb11Jt, Holland and at 1630 hours moved to Cad1er En Keer, Holland (611495) where they b1vouaced for the nlgnt. The first platoon rema1ned at Maastricht, Hol­ land most of the day acting as road blocks, and at 1630 hours they joined the balance of the company at Cadier En Keer, Holland and biv­ ouaced tor the night. "C" Company's 1st and 3rd platoons moved out with the 1st Bat tall on and prepare~ to assist in crossing the stream and to attack toward Heerlen on the follow1ng day. The 1st platoon moved to'the outsk1rts of Valkenberg without locating friendly troops. They hela the town for 15 minutes. Then, arter observ1ng and firing on 2 German infantrymen, withdrew when enemy artl11ery began ranging in on 1ts posltion. Friendly troops were suppo.ed 'to be in this town. The 1st platoon tnen moved to Valkenberg (662535) and contacted tne triendly troops ot the 1st Battalion, ll9th Inlantry Regiment and set up a defense. The 3rd platoon proceeded to Valxenberg and while en­ route C-18 was hit by an artillery shell seriously wounding T/4 Lukins and Pfc. 'Kei the Later in the n1ght, Ptc. Keith died. The 2nd platoon was in a defensive position with the 3rd Battalion and remalned tnere in the vlc1nity of KJzeren. The 1st and 3rd platoons bivouaced South 01' Val.l{enberg for tne night In the vicin1ty of 659530.

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15 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear remained in the same 01 vouac area as of tne 14 Sept 44. The Assault gun platoon fired no missions, but moved to a position at 688455 at mldn1ght. Service Company carrie~ on with usual supply, malntenance, and transportat10n duties. "An Company remained in the same area in a detenslve position. "B" Company was detaohed from tne l17tn Infantry Regiment and returned to Battalion bivouac area at O~30 hours at Fourons Le Comte, Belgium (600425) • The Company carried out a much needed mainten311ce check. "C" Com­ . pany was forced to remain in its position waiting construction of a . ~ bridge across tn. Gaul river. At 2000 hours, the 2nd Sect1on, S/Sgt. ~ Skaggs commanding, ~o:e~ to a . . - l o ng the main roa~ from Maa~ 'J,1 LI

After/After Act10n Report Cont'd: l~

Sept 44 Cont' d - str1cht where the enemy was reported to be mo'..r1ng forward. At thla polnt a defense was set up 1n the v1clnlty of 657533. The 2nd platoon forded the Geul river at Wijbre, 702498, and advanced w1tn tne 3rd Battallon, 119th Infantry Regiment to Elkenrad and then proceeded ln taking Kolmont" and Ubacksberg. "Some resistance was en­ countered near 723519. At tn1s pOint the tanks were f1red upon by small" arms fire, an anti-tank gun, and one tank. Tank C-ll was knocked out and Pvt. Robinson (BOb) was killed instantly and Sgt. Gilmer re­ celved m1nor wounds from pieces of the shell. C-12 was also hit on the turret, seriously wounding Sgt. Sechman ln the head. 16 Sept 44 - The 743rd Tank Battalion remalned in bivouac at Fouron Headquarters Company received "orders to m~v.,.tpe Rcn, "Mortar Platoon, and the Command group at 063U hours. Tlios, men moving with tnis group were pa1d at 0530 hours. Mortar plat­ oon was attached to Company "D", and bivuuaced for the n1ght at 744458. There were no miSSions fired. The assault gun platoon was in a pos­ • ition at 68d4~5 at 0200 hours. They tired several missions during the day. One target waa an enemy mach1ne gun nest and 12 men with reported very good effect. Another target was suspected German O. P. At l71t hours, the assault gun platoon moved to a positlon at 711483. Registered. piece and f1red miSSion at 100 enemy int'antry in the open with exce11ant results. Service Company carried on with usual maint­ enance and supply duties. "A" Company left defensive position at 609499, Maastricht, Hol~and at 0700 hours enroute to 160510, 1 mile N. ot Simpelveld, Holland in support ot 120th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion. There was very light opposition. At 0300 hours, one pla­ toon of liB" Oompany was alerted, and at Ot>30 hours, tnis platoon moved out attacned to Company "D" this Battallon, who was attached in sup­ p"ort 01' l20th InI"antry Regiment. Encountered small arms fire and inflicted many casualt1es upon tne enemy. Bivouaced t'or t.he nlght at Bovenaeide, Holland. Balance of the Company remained In"~ttallon bivouac area and carried out malntenance. This Gompany received no casUalties for the day. The tank dozer of .. c.. Company, made a furd at Ob3U hours over the Geulrlver under sporadic artl1lery tlre and the 1st and 3rd plat"oons 01" "C II Company, in support ot" the ll9th In­ fant.ry Reglment, moved to edge O:t" town where t.he InI"antry was pinned down by M. G. Fire. Tne 1st platoon leadlng, "c" Company moved :t'urward wnere enemy ln1'antry were Observed and taKen under fire at cJ.ose range. -During thl.S actl.on a camoul'laged enemy A. T. gun I"lred on Lt. ::>hana­

Ielt's tank: aDd h~t t.n. turret, penetrated it, killing tne gunner,

CpJ... Gat.iUn and 8J.lgnt.1.y wounc1:Lng tne Cannoner, Pvt. Whitcomb. The

A. T. gun fired a second shot and it ricocheted off the front slope plate slightly wounding Lt. Shanafelt. The tanks reorganized and had to clear the main road While the 2nd Armd. Div. passed thru and moved out on the 1st BattalIon's North flank. The Infantry knocked the A. T. gun out wlth Bazooka flre. The Infantry and tanks were then able to adva.nce about 750 yards past the town and the 1st and 3rd pla­ toons, "c" Comnany, blvol,laced. at 657533. The 2nd platoon remained at Ubackaberg in a defensive position for the day. liD" Oompan! receivec;'l no casualt1es for the day • La Conte, Belgium (600425).

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After/After Action Report Cont'd: •

17 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear left the bivoua.c area at J.30C 'leurs and arrived at Mingersberg, Belgium (141,15) at 150u, tra:ellTl? 20 miles. Mortar platoon, attached to 120th In1'antry Re~lmerlt, "i·:" Com­ pany, 3ra Battalion and went into fi rln~ posi tl on a t 75~481 a.t O':)Ou o.nd fired 34 rounds of H. E. llght at dug in posit1ons alonp; t
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After/After Action Report Cont'd: 18 Sept 44 Cont td - Our tanKS T,'len returned t.o t~e :--1 vouac 3.re3. for supply and maintenance, with orders tc move cut with 1st ~<,at':.a1icn, 119th Infantry Reg1ment at 140U hours in advance to ?imbur~, 837586. Lt. Shanafelt moved out with 4 tan}{s and dozer, leavln,,: Lt. Scott with 5 tanks to come forward as aoon as maintenance COUld be completed. The aesau1 t unit moved thru NievwenhaSen, where enemy in fan t r,v VlCi. S observed and taken under f1re, to Groenstaat and went 1nto bivouac in the vicinity of 822584. The 2nd platoon, "c" Company remained in its defensive position until 1700 hours, wnen it moved to I'laubach, 815590, with 3rd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment. No reoistance Kas en­ countered, but it was 2000 hours when we arrived and we were forced to bivouac in the streets ot' tne town for t:le night. 19 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear remained in the same area. Assault. gun platoon made Objective on pill bOX without efrect. Medium artillery was called to knock out the pill box. Fired on horse drawn vehicle and 12 infantry men. The resu1t.s Here very eflective. Fired 10 more rounds at enemy infantry and also counter-battery mission with very good results. Firea at enemy vehicle and C. P. Reported direct hit on veh1c1e. Fired again and reported another direct hit on a vehicle. The assault gun platoon moved to 772~13 at 1700 hours. Fired harassin~ fire until 2222. Rcn. platoon, attached to Company "A ", was used to guide trains from C. P. to COil:pani '" 8. Service Company carried on usual duties of supply and maintenance. "A" Company left area 822.596, 1/8 mile North of Gracht, ~Iolland and continued advance, meeting light opposition to 8d4609, Sche~·penseel. Germany. Supported 1st Battalion, ll7th Infantry Regiment. Arrived at 1700 hours. "B" Company moved Irom oivouac area 7425le to new area at 577~ll. 2nd and 3rd platoons, tIC" Company, movea. from their sectors and finally assembled as one unit again at 820583. The 2nd platoon was under heavy artillery fire cefore .oving, but no casualties re­ sulted. Captain CO\'1an transferred to nA" Company from Service Com­ pany.

20 Sept 44 - The Batt.alion rear remained in tne same area. The as­ sault {5un platoon fired onlY registration rire. Serv1ce Company carried on usual duties. "A" Company remained in readiness, doing necessary maintenance work at 8j4602, Scherpenseel, Germany. "s" Company area was under artillery f1re all morni!lg. There were no casualties. Plans were completed !'or tne attack thru tne 8e1g1'r1ed line, but waR p'0stponed for 24 nours due to poor visibility for tne a1r corps. IIC' Company cont1nued with maintenance work and made reconna1ssance for t.he next days attack. 21 Sept 44 - Tne Battalion rear remained in the same area. 'l'he As­ saUlt gun platoon !'1red at seven targets during tne day "'''1th good results. SerV1ce Company carried on with usual dut.1es. All tne compant8s remained 1n tne same area awa1t.lng orders to crack tne Se1gfr1ed 11ne. The carried out maintenance and c~ean1ng duties dur­ ing the day.

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Arter/AI·ter Action Report Cont' d: 22 Sept 44 - Tne Battalion rear rema1ned in tne same area. Tne as­ saul t gun platoon I'1red at an ~t1 mm during tne morn1ng. It was report­ ed tnat part 01- tne gun was seen fly1ng l.n tne air. At .lOl~ (.lOUr8, tne assault gun p.latoon was taken under I·l.re by an enemy battery ot Whl.ch une gun was 105 mm or larger, prObab.ly 1~0 mm or 1·(0 mm. The TanKS were ordered to mowd out· l.mmedlately to tne leI·tI".LaIlK. Sgt. Jennett's tank was nl.t during tne ear.ly part ol tne sne.L.ling. Bennett, Paul and Jonn8ton were lnJured by"snrapnel. 'rney abandoned tne1r tank and made tneir way to tne .locat1vn 01 the half-track, as did the rest of the crew. An ambulance was summoned through 230th F.A. C. P. area. A 1/4 ton vehicle was borrowed and the tanks went to a new posit1on at 758513. Lt. Dieser and Sgt. Bennett returned to the scene of the shelling to determine the amount of damage that was done to the tank. The pioneer tools were recovered and a truck from Baker Battery of ~30th F. A. picked up what gOOd ammunition was left in the. area. A truck from our supply returned to tne area at le30 hours and picked up what equipment was left. The platoon fired several missions in new position, with very good. efrects. The companies carried out maintenance·and Cleaning duties during the day. 24 Sept 44 - rhe Battalion rear moved from bivouac at 0900 hours to an a.rea at Versilienbosoh, Holland, 772595, a distance of 7 miles was traveled, lJpon arriving, it "\-las found tne area was not in our sector. Finally. arter looking for an area all afternoon, the battalion re­ ceived permission to stay here and at 1700 hours, the rear dug in. During the morning, Lt. Aronoff and Sgt. Bennett were wounded while trying to recover the assault gun plRtoon's tank. They were evacuated. One of the ~ttalion ¥~intenance 10-ton wreCker's, which ~ad gone out to retrieve the tank was disabled, and the tank and wrecker could not be -recovered at ~nis time. The assault ~un platoon remained in the same area at 758513. 11 missions were fired during the day. Good results were reported. The companies remained in the same position awaiting orders. Service Company carried on usual duties of supply and maint:enance. ~5 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear·remained in the same area dOing usual maintenance and cleaning up. The assault gun platoon's tank which had been knocked out, was recovered oy Battalion Maintenance and sent to Ordnance for repair. The assault gun platoon remained in the same Position (T58513) firing 2 missions during the day, expending 11 rounds. S3t. Lardy s tank was sent to ordnance for repair of cocking .lever at 1400 hours. Mortar and rcn. platoon remained in the same defensive POSition. All the companies remained in the same defensive position dOing maintenance and cleaning up.

26 Sept 44 - The Sattalion rear remained in the same area. The assault gun platoon moved to the Batta.Lion rear area for maintenance check. gortar platoon joined "A" Company at 83460~ at 1100 hours, where t"ley set up a defensive position. Sgt. Lon~heier accompanied an Infantry patrol up to the Siegfried line to find suitable tank crossing. The companies had some dry runs w1th the In~antry and Tank Destroyers against pil.l boxes. The Battalion WreCker, previously reported hit by enemy shelling and aoandoned, was recovered today. One EM from Service Company taken to hospital to have forei~n particles removed from left eye, N3C.

After/After Action

~eport

Cont'd:

27 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear and forward ec~elon remaine~ in the s?~me posltlcns. Showers and U. S. C. show were arran~ed for and enjoyed by e)ements of t~e Battalion. 20 Sent 44 - The 3attaJ.ion rear and forward echelon are in t~1.e same areas- as aoove. In the morning, "B" Com -:any was enga~ed in training o~ now to attack pill ooxes. Showers and pictures were enjoyed by elements of the Battalion during the day. One assault 5un tank re­ turned from Ordnance. One EN from Service Company, NBC, returned to duty from hosp1tal.

29 Sept 44 - The Battalion rear and forward echelon remained 1rJthe

same positions. during the day. the ,day. 30 Sept 44 - The same area. A G. day.

2nd Platoon, "B" Company, was en[jaged 1n tra1ning Showers and pictures were enjoyed by the men during Battalion rear and forward echelon remained in ~he I. Stage show was enjoyed by the Batta110n dur1ng t~e

?fd?~P~

WILLIAM D. DUNCAN Lt. Col., Infantry Command i ng •

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HEADQUARTERS 743RD TANK BATTALION APO 230

U.5. Army

1 Sept 44 SUBJEOT: TO

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Aotion Against Enemy, Reports Atter/Atter Aotion Adjutant General, Wash1ngton, D. C. Clbnal1dat1on

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&-3 Journal-H1stories.

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lAue; '" - The Battalion is in BiTouao Area 3/4 ::Ue Nor~he!l.st 0f Saint ?ranee (492556) oleaniI'-~ equipment and doin~ mt.intenpnce ';ierk,. A.ssault Gun Platoon remaina attached to 39th niv;~::'_'n A!"ti.llery~ Two tfl.nkc aDd one t~nk dozer, "C" Company, returned to rear ~rea for ,naintenance. Showers, en~ertatn.'Tl.ent and traini!'.::: bein;; plar..::.ed for r'3st :!,)e'"iod. Ser'Tice:: Compa!ly did usual transportation, supply and naintenanoe. ~om.phaire,

2 Aug « - Battalion in VII Corp reserve in sarne aree as 1 Alli:; (.4.. Aesault Gun Platoon returned from attaored to 38th Di,,rislcn Artillery. COlI'.,a!lY left the 119th !nfantry Regi-nent and :oved tC' 5attalicm hiv~":ac area. "C" Corapa.ny ft1so "l(')ved +0 rear "1rea. llnvinc :-'lctHred arran.:::"d f'n:­ in church at Saint Sa"lB-Jn Fon FOBse, France. Attendance verJ C~.::d. Ser'.ricc Com,any did UIImal duties of supply and trall8jortation.

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:5 Au~ 44 - The Battalion re:"!8.ined in sa;1'e area doin!,; ma.intenanoe and reoeiving tank training. Movies were arran[ed for the night. One man was transferred trom Headquarters Compa.ny to Company "A". Service Company did usual rluties. 4 Aur, 44 - The Bat+~lion still in same area doin3 ~A1ntena~ce and reoeivin!:; replacement train:i.ng. At 14-30 hO'.lr. the Battalion 1f1lS entert.alr... ;:l by a u. S. O. show which lasted for one hour. At 1610 hours, ~ajor C~neral Hob"s, 30th Division CO!k'anCer # spcke to the Batta! i.on for thirty min1 ltes. Uter the Cenerft1 fS speeoh, a red crOSR truck served hot ooft'ee and dou;:;hnuts. 5 Aug 44 - Still in same area, were al~r+ed to move to new area iu tty" oorp seo~r. Lt. Derby and ~on. platoon went to new are@\. in rc'utE) ren.

The Fattalion moved out at 1020 hours:. After gettin~ almost to Teasy Sur

Vire, wori was received to return to old area and await f'lrther orders.

The Battalion was payed in the afternoon. This was the first pay si!'~ce

. before D-Day. Mr. Russell stayed in the Battalion area arraneing for t~e men to send money order. home. Remained in same area for the niCht. Alerted about 2~SO hours to be pre~ared to move out at 0600 hours the next morning.

6 Aug "' - Reveille tormations held at 06-4:6 hours in the same area. Battalion moved out about 0915 hours for new area about 40 mUes at (49812b) about miles Southwe.t Ue.nil Rain1'ray. Eight enemy airoraft attaoked the rear ot our oolumn, using rookets. There was' no casualtieos. "E":;0'1!!?&ny lett the bivouao at 0600 hours ~nd joined the l20th !nfantr~r ~eL.iment, making an eieht mile road maroh thrott~h enem: r territory to Earenton, whioh was sUI?posed to be in friendly hands, however it was st.ill ooou!?;~d by the Germans. "B" Company _nt into bivouao about one ~le on this side ot the tAYfm. "e" Company was alerted to move out at Of00 he-HI''!! 7 Aug 44. Service Company arrived '5/e mUe SNlth1rest Le ~~esnn. (499126) at 1700 hours.

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7 Aug 44 - At. 0820 hour., Xortar, ......ult. and Ran. platoons moved to area at 492119, 2/3 ail•• Northeast Chassegue" and went into positioD:riveriDg all road Junction. within a radius ot 2500 yard. to t ut.h. Ba_ pieo. registered at 1116 hour., then tire 22-ai ••1on8 until 2325 hour..., The ettect. ot the 1I1• • 0n. v.-re- very good. Rece1ved 200 rounds ot amaun1t.ion plus .uppli.a at. 1930 hour... All ot the rear echelon was put on the alert tor an .UIQ' oounter­ attack.. Road blocks and detens•• were setup. Bazooka. were made ready tor u... .cr.w ao~ proceed.d with the 3rd Battalion, 1l9th Intantll Regiment toward Le . . 81111 Trave (526168). l.t Platoon with I" Oompany, l19th Intantry to .et up road block at 503164. 8 Aug "~. !he rear ech.lon i • •til1 in the .... area.

"A" Company remained in ..... area aa: ot 7 Aug 44 and re.i.ted

enemy counter attack. ca..ualtie., 2 D, IVA. "B· CollP&D7

encountered enelD1 opposition in afternoon when German Ran.

cars entered the town, but l.tt betore they could be engaged.

No oasualtie.. 1st Platoon ot "a" COIlP&D7 reJoined Comp&JQ".

Re_ined in area at 528158 as Infantry support. JlDved to

ios1tion at 532159 tor remainder ot the n1ght. At 0800 houra,

D" O'ompany Joined the 1st Battalion, 119th Int'antry Regiment, in deten.e ot the 30th Division ~.. P. Arrived at position (506091) at 1000 hours. The plana vere changed aDd "D" OoJlpaD1 was supposed to attack with two companies ot the lat. Battalion toward ROlD&ngDJ. Ket little resiateDance until the cOIlp&DY came within 600 yards ot the town. The OOJDP&IQ" then calle und.r dlrect tire trom the .nemy. Came baok tor supplies at 1000 hours. Artillery, mortar tire was very heavy. Assault and Mortar platoon. tired missions on enemy oounter-attack. during the clay. Service Oompany carried out usual dutie s ot transportation, supply, and maintenance.- Two Tanka ooclted out. 1 Mn- KIA, 1 man VIA,- evaouated. 1st platoon bo.bed by triendly aircraft. Two tanka ••t on tire. One tire put out, tank able to ti~t. 1st platoon took up positlon East ot Juvigny ter night. a/Sst Petersen died ot wound. in hespital. , "B" OompaDJ moved into Barenton at 0600 houra. - The tracks were blown trom one tank when lt hit 3 II1nes. Ho casualtiea. Road· blocks were set up by the tanks and Intantry. The Enemy attemited two oounter-attaclts. Servic. ComlBrQ" did usual dutie.. "A Company lett bivouac area &t 0600 hour. to 563110, - 3/4 mle East ot Le Kent-Bourg. Coapa.D1 divided into tvo sections. 1st Sectlon cOap8sed ot Lt. Follte.tad.2D.d platoon went to Romagny to intercept enemy tank columna. ~ section went to Kortain. Both seotions .ncountered enemy 8.11 arms t1re and artillery tire, pluB nine e_~&nks.

The Compazq returned to 563110 tor the night. 1 otticer KIA.

12 EM SWA. Lost 1 tank by bombing trom allied plane••

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9 Aug 44 - "A" Clbmpany remained in area at 563110. resiated heavy attack by enemy Infantry. At 0100 hours. a~ o. called tor Infantry support and received none. Casualties. 2 EM KIA., 4 EM SWA. ·B" Oompany lett Barenton and travelled to Fontenay,. where they J 01ned -tlUt l19th Int:antry Regiment in ita assault upon Romagny. The attack was called tor 1600 hours. There waa heavy enemy oppos1tion. Mach1ne guns. artillery. bazookas and sn1per tire. The Infantry bogged down and the attack was called ott. No casualties. "0" Oom­ pany area was shelled in the morning. 1 EM KIA •. 1 Ell VIA, evacuated •. 4 "wanks with Lt. Hansen moved back to 529146 to act as reserve. 5 tanks under Lt. Shanatelt remained at 532159 moved ~ck to 529146 in the even1ng. "D" Oompany helped the Infantry 1n Jo1n1ng the line with l17th Intantl'1 Regiment .. There were two attacks upon RolI&ngny. Iii. both attacks we • were unable to take the town. 2 D 8WJ... 3 EM KIA, when t * r tank was hit and caught on tire. Gr1ggs, Bryant, and "ella were 1nJ urad by aniper tire. An enemy tank which vaa in the town, waa re~rted to be aet on tire by the dGzer which waa attached to D" o-ompany. Another tank was set on tix-., 2 men got out, 3 .en wertP listed aa KIA. Dlrectlr1re knocked the right traclt ott the dozer. All the men got out ot the tank. Sgt. . Boland received a backlnJury atter gett1ng out ot the tank. Assault gun tired miasion on enemy tanks at 0010 houra. ~ported tank act1vity stopped in area. Fired two Ilore missions on tanka at 0020 aDd 0120 hour. 1n sa.e area. Fired on SO enemy vehicles at 1030 hour., ettect vaa very good. F1red miaalona at 1100 and 1125 hours, center piece a only. Iaptain .Allen received shrapnel wounds 1n lett leg while cleaning out a knocked out tank that was retrieved. Oaptain HcOGY assUIled command. Usual dut1ea ot supply. transportation and maintenance were carried on. 10 Aug 44 - "A"Oompany lett bivouac area at 563110 to area at 55n12. Koved into detensive poaition at 1000 houra;. 5 EM non-battl'e casualties, 3 EM SWA, 1 D~ioer wounded, re­ uined on duty. 2 EM wounded. rell&1ned'0 uty. "B"Ooapa.DY ' met stir! reaiatance. t1red 215 rounda ot 5 H.E. - Eat1mated 60 Germans k1lled. bocked out two ArtUlerJ Obaervation poat •• Lt. neming and one German speaking Int.r7 aoldier went into town and asked the Germana to surrender. but bad to w1thdraw because ot Machine gun tire. Lt. naming aDel the Infantry soldier received amall cuts trom splash1ng bullets. Betore they lett the town they located 2 machine guns, 1 ant1-tank gun, and a m1ne t1eld. The mortar p1&O.OI1 was notit1ed and tired on theae with ettect. "0" Oompany aoved to detenaive poaition at 526162. Relieved troll ·this poaition at 1200. moved baok to 469142 to await ordera. Moved to 5l5l~ to a c t , l17th Intantry Regiment Reserve. •. . Oompany was relieve y "B· Company, and "D" Oompany moved back to rear area to 1I&1nteDance • Notitied that the dozer that waa knocked out 9 Aug 44, had burned. The assault gun platoon tired se?eral a1a.iona with ettect. At 2010 hours tired 6 smoke shella X-84 tilled with Medical

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10 Aug 44 Oont'd - wpplie. to an encircled Battalion

Intantry recovered majority ot 8upp1ies.. Mortar

platoon remained with COJllll&D1 in rear area. Service Company

carried out usual dutie. .

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11 Aug 44 - Obmpany "A" remained in area at 557112 in reaerve, lesa 1st platoon with C•.O. in command. l.t platoon moved torward in vicinity ot Mortain on support miasion tor Intantr,r Battalion. 2 Tank. troll 2nd platoon lett to ass1st 35th Div1s1on with supp1, mi.s1on tor Intantr,y Battalion cut ott. OompaQ)' "B- in support ot 119th Intant~met very little re.istance North ot Morta1n. Proceeded thro mine t1e1d, and an Anti-tank gun knooked out our last dozer. The lntantry wi thdrew ,1/2 Ilile, leaving ua with 2 tanka bogge¥n0Wlh We tinally' a~cceeded in reooveri~ one tau and ret ed behind the lines. Bo ca.ualties. "a Company remained n reserve. Lt. Han.en JIOved his tau to 117th Regimental Headquarter. at 5701110. Assault gun tired .everal llissioDS with .ttect report very good. Fired ahe11s w1th medical supplies to an Intantry Battal10n wh1ch waa cut ott. The mortar Platoon did not expend allY' ammunition, although they were called tor 2 Iliaaiona. They were given ordera not to 5.~re becau•• ot triendly troops. Service Company carried 04f"sual dutie.. One EM aSSigned and JOined trom CompanJ "B". 12 Aug 44 - The main body ot Company "A" remained 1n bivouac area 557112 in reserve aupport ot 2nd Bn, 120th Infantry Regimtnt. lat Platoon and 2 tanka o~se~rate mission returned to Company area. "B" Company entere ortain with only oppoai tion aniper tire. Atter taking Mortain, II Oompany lett l19th Intantr,y Regiment and returned to Battalion rear area. No Casualties. "C" Company atil1 in reserve, remained in a~a. !he ASl&ult gun platoon tired two missions at Enemy vehicles with ettect very good. The mortar platoon tired on Romagny, ezpeDded 88 round.. COIlP8.D1' "B" ob.erved and corrected tire. Returned t~ar echelon area at 2020 hours. Service Company dropped 1 EM trom rolls and entered hospital, NBC, returned to duty, uaual supply duties were carried out.

lJ Aug 44 - The Battalion moved to a new area at Romagny (550098), traveled 5 .ilea. A8aault gun platoon moved to new

po.Ition at n1013, no mi8siona tired. No miasions were tired by the mortar platoon. "B" Oompany went into reseT'Ve supp,0rt ot the 119th Infantry Regimenl' No tighting. 4 tanks ot 'C" Company vere sent t.o "Aft and Bft Company. 14 Aug 44 - Lt. Folkstad marched to pos1tion 3 miles trom Do.tront meeting little resiatenance and bivouaced at 082050. l8t Platoon with Captain Cowan in command supported 3rd Battalion 120th Intantry. Set up bivouac at position 2 miles Southeast ot Domtront. "B" COJll.P&DY attached to l17th lnt.try Regiment. Encountered light resistance, bivouaced at 150054, 1/8 mile South of La Martinaire, No casualties. ,·~C" Company remained in area awaiting new vehicles. The assault gun platoon remained

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14 Aug 44 Cont'd - with Artillery, no missions fired.

Service Company did usual duties •.

15 A\.I.g 44 -- "A" Company bad a man wounded by a shell burst. Sbarpnel in right leg. "B" Company sUfPorted 117th Infantry Regiment, bivouaced for the night at 787104), 1/4 mile N. W. 1& Bernardiere. The assault gun platoon fired one mission. Service Company carried on usual transportation supply and maintenance duties. 16 Aug 44 - The Aasault Gun platoon fired at retreating enelllY' intantry: and armor throughout the day. Effects reported very good. Ti'Sst Hyland was inj ured when hi s 1/4 ton vehicle hit a aine as he was checking the r&di.s of f a r d oompiUlies. St. Bornes­ "B" Company bivouaced at 813079, 3/4 mile Sou Les-Forges in reaerve of 30th I~ntry Divis~ 2nd Lt's Fleming and Henderson received their orders ap inting them to rank of firat Lt. aa ot 15 Aug 44. \. 17 Aug 44 - The BattAlton in reserve ot the 3~h Intantry Divis6on. The companies carried out maintenance and reorganized. (3J-+-tJI,o.",

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18 Aug 44 - Same as 17 Aug 44. ";a" g8.,a~wa.s presented with Presidential Citation Ribbon. bythe Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Duncan in a briet but impressive cermony. 19 Aug 44 - The Battalion prepared tor ~rip ot 123~ile •• Col. Duncan and Oapt. Adkins and the Rcn. platon went ahead to pick out a new area. The rest ot the Battalion began the march at 2045. The oonvoy moved all night. There was no enemy activity. 20 Aug 44 - The Battalion arrived in Bivouac area at 1430 hours, atter traveli~ all night. The area was l/sJnile East 1& Rue (087247). "A" Company received orders to attack at 0800 hours. "A" Company orossed the river at 1930 hours West 01' La Morniare with 3rd :sa ttalion, l20th Infantry. "B" Company ~aohed objeotive Droisy (166442) at1700 hour. and set up an all around d.ten••• 21 Aug 44 - Coapany "A." received order. at 0600 hours. lat Platoon with 2nd Battalion of l20th Intantry Regiment and remainder 01' Company (7 tanks) with 3rd Battalion, 1st platoon Ie.. down main highwar .oward obj eoti...e, St. Andre Levre. 3rei Battalion tollowered 2 miles and cut out to right to Pinaon a. 1st objective and Oamar as 2nd objeotiv.. Movement waa the biggeat march made in one day. Infantry and tanks worked well ..ei together and eaoh praiaed the other. "B" Company lett bivouao area (Droi.y) at 0800, attached to 1st Battalion 01' 119th Intantry Regiment. Encountered small German patrol at· 175466 and killed and oaptured members ot it. C. O. ot "B" Company, Lt. Fleming was .eriously wounded in act10n at 216511 - 5 ­

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21 Aug 44 Oont'd - b7 a sniper who had waved a white tlag ot surrender, and when the Lt. exposed hilla.lf troll the top ot hi a tank turrent, allot hill. Heav7 reaist.nano. waa encountered at this pOint. There was about & 2 hour battle. (25 priaoner. were taken). Knocked out German Hacbbe gun and riflelleDJf proteoting an airfield at 231515. Progres..d in a Northern direction and repulsed a German Oounter-attaok at 225525. Encountered 2 MIt V t&Dlts in thia action. ·The, withdrew when tired Ul'on •. Encountered EneIQ' atrong point at Lea Anthlemt (25954l) • Knocked out Maohin. ~ n••t. and took a grea1Inuaber ot prisoners. 3rd Platoon of "B" Oo~ supported 2nd BattalioK. 119th Intantry Regiment.. Reaohed obJeotive at 1500. JUIlelle•• (223557) only light reaiatanoe. c , 22 Aug 44 - The Battalion rear lIoved to ~new bivouao area at 1300'. Arrived at 1700. atter traTeli~3l ml••• Bew area at Bin.son-Croaaon, 263583. The taDlts in the Battalion are in Tery bad need of _inteDance. !he firat platoon "A" COIIJ&D1' knooked out 3 german trucka and toak 40 Pri.oners. Enoountered Enemy mortar and Machine gun tire. Lt. Folkstad got fingers hurt very bad. Sgt. Jen1t1ns took oharg.. ][nocked out a small german vehicle. "B" OompaD1' detached froll 119th ~ntry Regiment and attached to l17th Infantry Regillent at 0800 ours. 1st platoon supported 3rd Battalion of l17th 'Infantry Re ent and advanced tro. Oornenie1 (171525) to ThoJll8r IAI. Sogn. 1 555) Heavy reaiatenance met at Thoaer La Sogne.. 2nd an4 31'd platoons SUPporting the 3rd Battalion of 117th Infantry Regiment. Co.­ pany "B n enoountered heavy re.iatenance an4 reached objective (195605) at 2200 houra. 2 dual purpo.e 88_ guns were knooked out at (190587). Bivouaced for the night at (195605). Servioe Company carried out usual duties. ~ 23 Aug " - "A" OOJlPlLDY' remained in rear area. "B" aoJlP8.D7· advanced with 117th Infantry Regiment to objective (193664) at 0700 hours. 110 resistenance enoountered anroute. Withdrew to (195642) aa lIobile reaerve at 1800 hour... Lt.· James O. Flelling promoted to ls1;. Lt. as ot 1 Aug 44. The aasault ~Platoon fired 4 mssiona and it vas reported the ettect wa ry good on a Battalion ot en. .y infantry. Hort;..a;;d Ren. p toon with Company 1D bioolac. 2nd Lt. K1dde~t XU at 2200 houra~ He vas killed by • ahot in the back fro. a_ll al'll.. lfOJG . Westman aa8uaed duties aa Tranaportation Offioer to replaoe Lt. K1ddendorf. Trains went forward a. usual. 24 Aug 44 - !he Battalion was bivouaced at 195642 for badly needed maintenanoe .At 1930 hours "B" Oompany' was attached to l17th Infantry Regiment, alllaiting orders. Headquarters and Service Company did usual dutie•• 25 Aug 44 - "B" Company attached to l17th Infantr-" Regilliltnt Advanced fro. Evereux to Verdlln. Bivouaced tor the night at Verdun (197793). Bo tiring by As_ult or mortar platoon., Service Oompany did their usual duties. r'-'.6 ~.) - 6 - .... .. .1 .•'" : in aupport ot 3rei Battalion.

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26 Aug 44 - The Batta1lon rear aoved to a new area at 1000: houra. Arr1ved at 1400 hour•• traveled 11 IUle. t. area at Le. -Hernie (284716) The day vas used for malntenance and cleaning equipment.

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27 Aug 44 - MB" ·OompaJl1 left blvouac area (234716) attached to 119th Infantry Reg1ment. Marched 36 miles. en­ countered fortlfled pos1tlons enrout.. Blvouaced to~h. n1ght 2 m1les Northeast Porchivl11.. At 1600 hour•• "0" COIDp&nf moved out crosaing the Selne River At Mantes G1a.slcaart (605612) and baIted at Ll111&Y. then attached to 2nd Batta1lon. 117th Infant.ry. The flrst and 2nd platoon reached poslt.ton 660630 wlthout maklng contact vi th lntantl'1. because tba".al1ed to . reach agreed posltion. At thls polnt. 1eadlng tank. drew lire ~ trom hl1l 193 and right flank. Due te darknea. "c" OoapalJ7 moved back t.o lUi te..ncourt (641629) for the night. Servlce Company dld uaual dut.lea of malntenance. aupply aDd transportat1on. The Assault platoon tlred , aiasiona. 28 Aug 4If. - liB" OomP&D1 supported 2nd Battallon of l19th Infantry Regiment &l14 _t w1th heav1 resl.t.Dance. Knocked out 5 ene., A. T. guns. 1 f ••ld plece • •evera1 Machine guna. aDd repulsed one counter-at.tack. Xilled,wounded. aDd captured about 200 German. about 1 1I11e Borth of Ga1llon. & EX VIA. 1 EM·XIA •. 4 "B" .Ooml&ny tanks knocked out by enell1 f1re. Bivouaced tor the n1ght at (725615) 1 1/2 mile .ort~z1. "C". Company 1n their mi.sion fotithe day encountered 1· tiger tank and 6 A. 'l. Guns. Sgt. Oak1 de.troyed the ene~ taDk w1th 75 JIll flre. aDd our tanks destroyed the A. T. Guna. Dur1ng the m1s810n. a half-track was al.o .et on t1re. Sgt. Skaggs destroyed a German HIT at 685675 and I.lao a 20 . . A ..... gun. 3. of our tanks were torced to drop out for _intenance at 692683. -.

29 Aug 44 - !he Battalion rear aOTed to a new locat1on at 1/5 mile East 1& Cbartrea. (686636) j arrlved at 1a600 houra. ~veled 14 mlles. Sgt. Oatenaon'a tank knocked ou~y A. !. fire. Lt. Aas taten .ick. Lt. H1.te iact. aa lla1son officer with the l20th Intantl'1- Regillent. "B OoapaD1 supported 2nd Battallon. l19th Infantry Regiment. advanced about 1 tile. repulsed an enemy counter-at.tack. a.ce1ved. aortar and Art1l1err t1re. also hem d1rect fire.. One- tank was knocked out br enear fire. ftC Ooapan,y de atroyed &D O. P. 1n & church Steeple. a Machine Gun nest. aDd an Aamun1t1on dWlp. The COIDP&DJ' bivouaced in the town ot Gadancourt at n5119, settlng up an all around detense.

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30 Aug 44 - "Aft OOJlpaJl1 continue. thru lalllncort ln .uppert. of 1st Battallon. l20th Infantl'1. Ra1n the n1ght before, which delayed the march. The tank. n.ed maintenance very badly. '!'he Frenoh Patriots gave ass1stance ie repairlng bridge.. "A" Companr Blvouaced near Porrlua 1~a.p weather. "B" OompaDl

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30 Aug 44 Oont'd - advanoed trom Gai110n to Froub111e 'With l19th Intantry a.g1••nt. Took about 30 pri soners. Went into Division a.a.rve and blvouaced at Proubllle tor the n1ght. Lt. Shanatelt's platoon knocked out 1 H/T, 1 57 mm A.T. gun, 1 Ammunitlon truck and destroyed gun crew ot 1 75 11m gun torclng Germans to leave the1r po.1tions. Sgt. Skaggs probably de.troyed a.n enemy hea'9J' tank at 888750. Sgt. Tie1and, dozer oommander. tilltd 1n a place to cro•• at 820694 where a br1dge had been blown. The 2nd and 3rd platoons progreesedfvery well, but there were .oae brldge s blown out. Lt. Fruworth va s 1nJured by a turret hatch talllll8 on his hand. He was evacuated. The 2nd and 3r4 platooDs deatroyed about 150 enemy toot troops at 865705. The assault, gun platoon tlred 3 msslona, no etfect report. Serv1ce Company carr1ed out 1 t' a u8ual dutiQ8.

31 Aug 44 - The Battalion rear moved to a new location at Les ftIler1e.' (968779). Ooap&Dy continued their march Oro8s­ countr7. One tank telllout.lat.Platoon plus C. O. crossed r1ver at La Oolornb1er, drove:··~Ip'.~2 1I11e. and set up a blvouac po.itlon North ot Nontotata1n~114B869). Traina found diff1culty in aervicing .eperate platoons. "B" Companf in D1vision reserve, advanced trom Troubille wlth 3r4 Batta110n, l19th Infantry Reg1ment to 1/2 m11e NorthvestEroui. (049853), met no reaistance. Enemyartl11ery was la1d on 2nd and 3rd platoons of "C" Company at La Tillet (069873). Northeast ot Le T1llet, a road block was cleared by the F. F. I. Blvouaced on the outskirts ot Les Melle where a bridge was blown and no vehicles were able to croas •

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1 JUl7 1944 Battalion bivouaced at coordinates i:l.:2~.20 near care!1tan

and carried But !lIatii'tenance and ra..air. DOzer's from ".1-, "B", and "C n com­

panies returned tran detached SErvice with the Third Armored Di'\-ision. Berg ot QomparJ;y lIB" wounded in action but remained for dut:·.

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Sgt.

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1944 _sault C. platoon, Bq. CO., participated in d6l110n­ "JIll, 2d 81., ll7th tntantry, in approaching and passing hedgerows. 3d platoon "C" CompalV', plus the dozer and crew and 1st and 2d platoons ot "I)" COJllPazw participated in problems w:: th the 3d BIl., 120th :rntan­ 'tz7. CCIIp8D1ea ".1", "C" (Leu 3d f~~·tooD) with 3d platoon, "1>" Compmv, plus do... aDd cra, lett bivouac area 4h2P?r· in tl'e vj.ci~rl.ty of carentan, convc:led 11 JDiles to Dew bivouac' at :,3nf:13. one T!2 with crew also l(;it bivo,ac and joined compaDies ".1" and lie". BeariquarteI's, service and "B" companies remained ha bivouac area 4L2820. Cpl. Barkus reported to duty as of 1 ~ 19L4.

at.ratim wi'tIl

COiIIPa,

:3 ~ 19J,4 COIIP8IJl' "B" joined companies "A" ~Jld "e" at ~'JCCl3" mainten.ence fu'i
in bivouac at < 42~~20. ASsault GUn platoon receivec~ 5::':X 1.'-4 lC5 I:ClfHZel' tl!.l1l-~s.

The follOt~int. Jjlell (1£ i.l e Eettclj.cn Yc';;:e ,1j;21·ll.C(1 tt.( Si.lver st;-r fcrt,. auRnt~·

in actionl 8/Sgt. DuQl1e1n, S/Sgt. Lipps, ptc. 8Ii th, pred G., pvt. paterson,

pvt. Wells, pvt. lteddi.sh, pte. lell"", aDd s!Sgt. JIOre.r. tech. Sgt. Barker

.m !/4 paulhamua were awarded the Bronze star for ne~itorio, s sm'vice.

"

. .. ~ 19" companies rElilained :n their respect~;_ ve "uivouacs oompletin

a1ntenanolf8Pa:tr. 2d platoon of "B" Compmy w~·rked with 2d 117th

])atantry in maneuver OD Tank-Infantry tactics. The followinf.; plans were drawn

~ tor the coming attack. JEt;rr'ct para. U, po, No.2, 743rd Tank Btl., dated

Ii JDl¥ 191&4. . '

. U. 'J,tle 743d Tank Battalion attacks on D-D8¥, H-Hour with till U 7th _ lalth ])1tmtr;y Regiments, to assist the 30th Division in ero.sing the Vire 8:lVel' ~ canal De Vire at Talte aDd seizing the division objective along

Bn.,

P*el1ne

.

s8V_~

• a. The U 7th ~antry, attached 14Jd Tank Battalion, less the .l8t . . at platoons ot 11))" C~81\Y and the 3rd platoon of "C" Company will , ..c• • oroaBing ot the Vir- . . . . at H-hour, eetablisb bridgehead to secure OI"O~ .81se'1nital objective, advanee to PI. 2 and be prepared to contint~e the attilk to PL 7 OD d1v1sion order. b. '!'he l.2Otb ])Itantry, attached 1st and 2d platoon, lID" J!aIPP~ ~ 34 platoon ·c· CCllpIlZQ", 7l3rd Tank Battalion will 1'o,::'oe a crossin{; tit the .:can&L De V"lre Kti T&Ute on division order am seize final objective

t.a

.

its~.one.

m.

A. usault guns will move to chosen positiona on bill in 515765 to arrive 0624 0 and be prepc.red to deliver fire as indiG ..,ted GIl O'V. .lq. J'i,re rill be placed on both located and area targets from a-Ilinus 1$ \aIdd]J l1.t'ted b.Y Battal.1on

"f'1cW't41

or

ord...

,

-1-

i"\ "

~sj?

_

Action against

"\ HtSlHIG'iEu

") enqr, ,;."ep
,'. b. Mortar plat~on lVi1l take up position at 517743 to arrive

at 062~OO and Le prepared to :r~re area fire trom H-Dlinua 15 unt~ lifted by

Battalion order or· untill infantry no langeI' permits fire :in the area.

c. Medium tank companies will move from present posi tiona at 024.5 in arder liB", "C", "A" to arrive in their respective desienated }-'ositiona at H-Hour, see,·over1ay. d. "D" comp~ attached to 120th :tnf'antr,y will have one platoon supporting each battalion atter crossing the ~ at 4b9779.

1st platoan attached 1st Bn. to Lar~e.

2nd Platoon attached to 2d Bn to L8:l'.v••

3rd platoon attached to 3d Bn, to 41,3.8°9.

x. '7,4.3d Tank Battalion less COmpan JtD" will cross River at pont De at Fromnd on ~tt~i?n ord~ and ra.llyal~lle PI. 11 with Com~)azlJ' "C" on -:'he right. COIrr.::>apies will JOl.Il tLeJr ~'espective 0 ttaJions after ralJ.ying. "A" company attached to 1st Bn. ttE" CompaI\Y attached to 2nd Bn. ·cn Comp~ attached to 3d En.

'. i

5 JUly 194.4 planned operations canceled indet'inacely. Companies

remained in 'E!:efr respective bivouacs. captain.aler and Artillery observer

left for liason with 120th Infantry. Lt. Dieser prepared site for. assault

guns at 51~765. Lt. WUliams, with 3d platoon moved to new position at 450­ 803. s/Sgt. jJnburger l 5 tank fired on ,by eneDtY mortar fire, approx1matelJr 2;

rounds fell in "'vhe area. Tank hit on the rear, no cawa:lties.

,

6 July 1944 . companies remail1edintheirrespectivebi-macs.Lt. and ID!i1.1'Ia"eoon took up position with 120th Infantry. LSt Platoon, ' "B" COmpany conducted maneuvers with the 117th Dlfantry. Tank dozeE" and cr_ assigned to "C" Company.

Mitcl~ell

7 JUly: 194.4 COmpanies attached to ll'{th and ~ Oth Regin ents as

shown in extl'tict Of to (12. Compan,y "A" clL- ared bric4,e across Vire River and

Taute canal at 14,~5 hours. Bivouaced at 4997$u for the night. company ....

moved out for the at~ack on Hill 30 at 0400 hours. captured objective at 1530

hours. Sgt. Nichols and pvt. Kigiolionico ';ounded. sgt. GOrdon took sixteen

prisoners. Bi"couaced for the night near pickle Factory. Company .B. knocked

out two enE!lll\/ AT ()Uns, 88mm. Tank dozer was disabled. coapany withdre.- to

Bl. reserve at the, end of tile dq. c~mpany lID" crossed the can&1 fire It

Taute. Five men wounded three returned to action. Heavy artiller'1', JIOTtar,

machine gun and sniper fire encountered bj> all elements. SU"Vice comp8D3'

enc)untered enemy small arms fire while servicing the companies. ASsault

guns fired missions from 515768 a..ll1 he mo~tar platoon fired. from 514742.

L

. 8 JUlY 1944 company "A" left bivouac area at 0530 'hours and -.gaged the enav iil--r.Jii VicJ:nity 486736. Dozer and one tank knocked out. One officer and. one enl:> ;,€d man killed. Five enlisted men serictSly T'roundoom and evacated 8ivouaced at 481735. Comp~ "Bit held in reserve nth the 2nd BIl., 117th In­ faDl:.,ry in the vicini~J of 'pont st F'J:'0r.8Xd. SUirel' and art:llJ.f'r.r fire ',ery hro. Comp~ "C" le:·t !)ivouac at o8(X) hours and took up p03ition supportint'; the 117th Infantry at 4717>6. Attacked at 1615 . ours and took objective at 1900. Ole AT t,'Wl, one arF.iared '..:ar, and sevm:aJ. 1Il;,chine [;.LlD nests mocked out~ Ma­ chine &\lll and sniper;.' ire vCr'J heavy. TIfO enlis t.ed men killed am. seven wounded. Bivouaced near st Jean De DCJ¥e. Coll1P~ "])- attaAbed to 120th Dlf.JlltrY, moved out of 'uivouac area i~65757, encountered en~ machine gun • d small ar;;.s fire. At 2100 hours the 2nd platoon relieved the 1st plat.oon aDd Hq. section at 466763. (J1e enlisted man wounded, returned to duty. )(Ortar platoon moved at 16)0 to a new ~ osition ne
l

.RESTRiCTED

, " I

."',

'V.

Action

u[;ai:13

'-.

, '......,

\

RESTRiCTED

t. enElJtl, re:orts after/after action, 1 AgUst 1944, contd.

8 JUly l)i41~, Cc:-.td P18-;~ocn remaned in Lis loc.::.tion for the ni;~ht. '

APsault pla'toonTooK up ;:osition and ~"ired in support of "c" Company. D1

the a:,:'~ernoon In?ved ,t~ (.12 {3 ',' in SUf;'ort of "A" Con~,an;y. Rcn. platoon actlng

as g'Ll~nes sU:?l~lied

•'

for ,lie var .tOUS \.llU ts and su~;p~ trains. service COIllpmv trti. ns

the compaxL..es. Five 11-10 trailers received by service company •

9 July 19Li.;.

",It

COmpal\Y held in reserve in vicinity of 467737. repulsed violent enElll\Y counter attack. l!)lElllV armorenco'.mtelted in strength. C<>mp~ "B" moved to attack in support of the 2d 12Gth Infantry l200 yds S'luthe~ of La Deser't with the first and second platoons in the assault and the thtid in reserve. stiff opposition encountered h'J enElllt' AT EWlS and tanks. s/se t • Benton's tank received 3. direct hit ldll:iJlg Sgt. Benton, Cpl. RiIfle, T/l:. Ro ers, pvt. Pie:'ce and Pfc. Robinson. TWo oth~r tank? were hit,the crews with the e.xceptio!l of prc. Ch8Stnut eacaped. Atter all infantry support had withdrawn, orders were received to ab •...ndon \DaD......' •• tanq. on 1eavin,. tlleir vehicles, pvt. A)..'x"lnder, T/4 Homme and pvt ICirk were wounded. Cpl. Ferish mash(-d his foot while traver-sine and lfr>.S nulled from the tank by s/5gt. JIO eye COmpany ·C" left bivouac and were joined by Lt. Williams and ':.he 3d platoon, 110"00 to 463'138, tor reorranization of the company. HeaV'J artillery, machine gun and sniper fi:'e duri.!1[; the afternoon, did not engage the enemy. one man ',rounded by shrapnel. "D" company, 2d and 3d platoons who had been oper<.,ting ..-lith "0" Company, joined the compan;y. At 1300 hours, compan;y moved up to repulse enentY counter attack. Ad.anced to 462727 and remained th~'e un~i1l 2 00 hours. Bivouaced in the vicinity of 468.7S6. )IOrtar platoon w:i,th two st,a£f tanJIs took up a new position at 496748 in support of "D" company, 120th Infantr.r. position under en~ art1lle~, machine gun' andsniper fire durin!,; enenw cOlmter attack. Assault f;:.Jl8 f' red on Hill 32 from position 46773;;. Service COmp~ trains had difficUty in reachine the forNaX'd elements due to intense en~ artillery fire.

called. up 'to-g5.Ve

su~ort and

Bn.,

10 JUly 1944 OomPaPiY ".A" moved out to engage the ene~ at 0910. ·Dozer out or acnon ane to engine trouOle. Flame tlll'tfer used &gail st the hedges. E)lemy counter attack repulsed. Artillery fire and bazooka fire encountered. Lt. Jones, compSlV' Commander, wounded and evacuated. Lt. Oliver took over command. Compan;,y relieved at 2030 hours, and pl.aced in regimental reserve. Lt. Williams took over cODlll1&1d of Comp~ "B". Bivouaced near st JE;an De Dqe. Com.~any "C" left bivouac to eneage the ensv at 461723. Little resistance, only stna.11 arms fire encoun;,ered. Continued to advance to ;,67411. E)lgaged enqr' untlll 2130, remained all nigh1;at 461hll. "D" Company moved up with the 2d Bn., 120tll l)'ltantry to 463129. .At 2100 hours, moved up and joined 1st Bno, 120th ])lfan"ry at 4.56712. zn,r~ heavy 8D8II\Y art- . illery-' fil'e w~"s encountered at 'this !JOint. yortar platoon in SUppOE't at "C" ConnallY fired seven missions from h67Lll. The .ASsault GUn platoon J1 SUPPOE't . of com . Illf¥ ".1", fir,~d from batter position at 1!6673f. service Companies T/2 whUe looking for knock~l out tanks, hit a mine, dau"',ge repaired. SUpp~ trains went forward as usual.

11 JUly 1944 Compan;y "A" remained in bivouac for ma.~ nenance and rep;;jr. C'aptaI'illliJ.:TIr took ov~ command. ()'le officer wounded wilea shell fell in area. ()1c cnli.sted man NBC, seven enlisted men list.ed as m iss1~ in action. Company "B" in reserve. Lt. W'il.1.iams reorg2.izinl the comp~. Lt. Macht rr;placed Lt. },tlttencior.f. Co. "c" left bivo'uac at ;;740 engaGed the enenv t rouchout the raorning, fierce r(;sistance. Knocked ou·t. en8l1\Y .AT gun and tank (Mary: IV), also (3 vera."i. macbineun nests. Captain Elder killed in action. Lt. Hansen took over C IllIaand. Lt. Fi tzeibons and Lt. HUnter woumed. Seven enlisted men ,'i')unded, one returned 'to duty. Bivouaced at 2])0 hours at /16.3710. "D" copalV moved to joined :;l1e other forward e1euents at 463709 .:md bivOl... acud tbere ror t."e ni..,l1t. Hq. co. one enlisted l!!atl from hospital. to 1Uty.' Oaptain ).filler assi;~ned t1~" e W~~"~-o

.:0.3

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. .. . , .1.i
.....

r

,

.......

')

..

"

':.J' . RESTR~CTEO

ACtion against e:1entr, rel.art after/after action, 1 AlBUst 1941!, contd. 12 JUly 1944 company "A" engaGed the e:1eIlV at L~50 ~~ 3 at a'G'~ u t OSOO hours. ReIIlilneC11h 'C is ':icinity ~1 dC\;' repuls1:1t; several enen{/ cOl:.nteratt.acy.Se Returned to L5067C for the 11.: 'oht at 21CJO hours. 2 E2J . .I unded. T/5 :MClJ!ic::c..cl and ptc. z,arson. FOur DI J([J.. COmpany IIBII att.ached !.OL.lle 3d 117th In­ fantry. Heavy mortar and artillery fire fell all r..lc\y. 1 Dl killed in ac?-on. 4 1M SI.l. )loved to a po~dtion in bivo"ac at ; ')371 f I .or reorGQn.ization and maintenance. 11])" COmpany w th 2nd BIl., 117th l)lf. moved to 456712. At;:,ac~:ed at 2045, little opposition oly small a.rr.lS fire, ad, anced to ~.52T-,0. l)re¥i back for the niGht La 456712 at 2300 LcnlrS. Mortar and Assault pia oons ~. t<..aC;,ed to 11])11 CO.:;;> l\Y fired n1n'~ missions cluring the dCV. service CO'_1=ar~;~rain3 as wrual, drivers reported il'lCrea:;ein art1:ilery fil e from scremin: memies.

En.,

1.3 JUly 1944 "A. COmpany rernBined in. area 1150678 in defensi e position. SUbJected t ea\y en~ artilic·I"'.r alu -:ar',.:x fi;';, al::' d~. Co • • B. remained in alerted defe:siv~ p(,5iti~ns So th of HTS VENT" Hea.y artillery fire, no casualties, but r:,;e infan:'r.r s::E;rE:d Lea 11y. "C" COf."-:::8.It{ in defensi'.e position So. t. of }ITS vanS. Cpl. Reyno]: s and Cpl. ~sec::J serio
t/4

rotmds on La Vi4Osrie. ,lSSault :-latoon l' red on road net SOt..ti. 01' he Bn CP at :.:.67722. BIl rear Cp moved II miles from L3081.3 to nar area 3/4 miles NO: th of st Jean De Dlw'e. Slpply trains went fonorard to ser·;5.ce ~L·~ :'~'r.L ccn en:f S, and returned sa ely.

15 JUly 19LL. "A" COnIP&\Y, ~ tain ltiller transi'erl'ed to Hq. CO. as 1-3A otITc'er; ~.-Aas took over COl'lland 0':' A Co: r-artr. Lt. Tichnor ass1._,"oo and joinf;d. Remained in :1ivo-..:uc to :'eo:- can. ze. Co!'! arv" "B" co~t i:1l:Ci i) o~rau of trainint: and reorLanizatio'l. C:';-:pany "C" :·e."1ai':ed in 'ositio: 5C,65!O acti:l~ as a road ~lock. captain Bulkan took OVer cor:ra.'1d of "c" COr.l; arq. Company lID" received h avy artillery fire, t-.iO men seri~u3i.y ·.7~·.....cted, pv:.s. C '!~ei1 and Wandaala. Lt.lorrison took oyer com-.and and.be CCl.1if a!\y .ie.t l'orwa: d to . relieve COJnp~ "C" at ~56690. Hq. Co. Assault and Jln "'a...~ platoons re,.!a.i.·.ed, in Uivouac area l;5C71~·. sel'vi e C:··~···any usu:-:l tr;::.i.3 and. ac:'iities. 16 JUly 194L Coup~ "A" re.~ai~...eu. in de 'e:1si' e ;:osi tic:. in ":)i-;o'ac 46172l for"1!liiiftehanc-eand re?a1r. "B" C(I' :;artr remai .ed in rese:";e aI1d co :ti.."1ued traininG Pl'ogram. IIC" CO~CUV was alerted ,>.ni ;',0, ed c;.:':::1 ::-.:i;;:ion 'i ti, 3d Bn., 1CDth Infantry. Rcn. 1"i3.:: :r.a.de on foot t.: eon:act <..:-.e i:'L'cntr:: 00. _:andEU

, ,

•

r I 1

t

16 JUly 1944 (Contrl) Fovro to LS7678 C!. d a:,tc:::~ted to.::- e ~.',~ 'U!'d at ~:l.30, ',;1fi:cfi' WfW l.ilpos3ib1e 0:1 account of darknE:;ss. Ret rn:,ci a.1d ':,c~ k u_ del.'ensive positio:1 .. or t;ie n·.... ~ t. ''D" COr:1Fan;,' re;;:::i. :ecl <..t ~. 7:~ :':'orr~.1:'e:l;';':'1C'e and l"epair. Hq. Co. AS!jaul t platoDll _' red 10 cis:;i::::;:, i'ro... ,.::: 711- ~x.. C!1{~:".~ 277 rounds 0.: 8m'i~uni :ion. J.{Ortar platoon fired 100 ro~s fro:.. 1.~35 7. Mortars are in bed shape and.1ecd repair. service Co:." rv·tr:-:ins we:1t . C',rw:i.l'd:.o SCl'­ Yice the comcat units as usual. 17 July 1944 "cn COIDp8.ll¥ at:-ached to COi:!'any "G",2d En., :k:O:.,: IniatlGry, ntacRed to" 1'.c Sou ~:. oi' 4$2674. ]!'Jlco' niJc_ ed l':'bht ;~ .. ,::-o:;':".:.im,

achie;ed ou~ective at 447665 at lLG~ hours. pvt. Adams, (T<'Jl~ COn::i.ander) knocked out enED\Y HIT and bonrn AT GUn. All OOmt-1a.:lit:S mo·.ed ~;ack (' ::,~ rear eci:elon L1727: 0 for ,;:aintenance ond needed l'est. 13 JUly 1944 Remained in bivouac for main .enance and :,.'e~)t. All mEl} had :,hcmeei. "C" Co~anies T/2 l'e trieved tank t.: at . ad blown a track [.i.e ~'·I)efo~'e. Work was started on sand bag, in: ~he tanks. 19 ~ 194 Rest and maia, enance duri:1g t:.e dCV. E."1e;~ p1a."1cS dropped 1'J.dis lhdo6ifbs in the vicinity d.urin,~ t,he n4;ht. NO casuc-clties or vehicles d~:ed. 20 JUly 1944 3d pja toon "A" Co !::an.v moved a t and :,ook w-' a de'ensive position at 4626CO aga~.:1st possible eleli\V co nter attack. .&.11 compan~_es .i1..erted for mission l;he following mol'ning, .l. eavy rain :e11 during the ni r.t. 21 JUly 194L~ At 0400 i:ours, ',:ard Vla3 received tiiat the at:,ack had been postpon a tor 74' ·hours. Compani s "Art, '"B", "C", & "D", movedut to rallying aJ:'ea 4606~ Bad weather
24 JulY 1944 Weather bOOd, Battalion schedula1 to mo'.e at '1200., At 1140, oiD" leMAI SUpport consistinG 01.' lighter bomb~1I's, 14)lt and l:ea,-y bombers i)egan he assault. some Cif the bombs dropped short ~ the. r objective causing lna.n.y casualties among ': Le in:[ 8.'1. try. one aan was wounded :I.b this Battalion, but was not evacuated and re:"lained for ;:t;. Bat· alion ,':a3 no1i :lied the op ration 1'fould oe postponed for twenty four hOl.TS. ' 25 July 1944 The Battalion moved out at 1100 hours. The attack was preceei1M oy aerial bombardment and like the previous d~r bombs fell short of their mark causinG casualties to the infantry. casualties in t.his Battalion WciS one officer and four enlisted JUen wo.nded. The battalioa moved :.:\.1l'Ward .tn two columns enco n erinLenell\Y armor. TIro Mark r! tanks were lalockl:."Cl out b;y "A" CoJro.XI~. Three of our tanks were knocked out. The attack cO:1.tinue to Hebecrevan vhich was attacked at 2200 hours and talam after dark. TOtal oasualties for the d~:2 Officer '00 12 enlisted men. com~lnn.Y "B" rem3.in,d in reserve. 26 JUlY 1944 Compan;( "Atl took u: clel'ensive position ,ith -the 1st BIl•• 120th :tnraiifliY at tI l'icardierie; Knocked out one enenv tank. Moved forward ' and joined 117th Infnntry knoc1d.nc ·ut one i:omrn At GUn. casualties, two mOll ld.lled., seven w unded and one N1!c. Comp3l\Y liB" still in res~rve" Co. "C" with the i'lrst ;an., 119th Infantry. moved forward to t~e objective at grid-square 46-62 at 2000 hoUl's. c~ta:1n BUlkan, IOmpal\Y Commander was woUl'¥ied andI,t. HaIlS­

.

. ..., . .' . . . .'!~' f:~. C'aTnH"l"f," "

'.'"

"

-

~

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•

i'

.:,~

:.j " I.. I~

; f

2,7 J\LQr 19lW Real" element. of the b a ttal10n lett old bi.,.ouac area ,at 470709 n 1900 houts and travelled five llUes to uw area at !&4,3662f ar­

rived <:t 2000 hoarse At 0200 en.., 'bollberab gIIbed the area renltSDa in c _

ualties ot nine me' wounded anc1 loss ~ ~. 2t ~n truck aDd 011. 1 ton ~a1ler.

Bombs als damaged one ten ton wrecker, tbree 2t toll t..'r11cka and one . .3 11/'1,

all in tL e servic~ OO~ ar-. QclapaIJ7 . . was relieved by Comp., "B- whtWI.

had bee held in reserve. !he attack ccatinued 1D the nc1D1v of S09SS9, toward· the Vire River. ~rtar Platoon advaDc1Dg with the BIl. recC.ved enell\V mortar and artUler.r .tire, 'W01md:J n g Lt. "'-by aDd ptc. Q&rtar. ....lD1t. gun platoon held. as mobile artillery in reserve.

or,

, 28 JUl:y1944 Rear el~nts left bivouac area 1a4)662 and travelled. 10.5 mile'S"to new-vea at 492556. j,rea was shelled b¥ mortar aDd artilleri fire at 2230. COmpani,-,s "A" ~ 11])" attacked wi til the 1nf'aut17 tonrcl a grOilp of houses in the ncinity of 54355?, reached objective, the t.ka Ht.'b'e4 while the infantry d g in. Com:PaD1' DB" attacld.ng towarda the r1.,..., 8DComltere4 'enezv infantry with rifle grenades. Lt. 1I1lli_ and Sgt. Leonard were 1IOUIIIIed by shrapnel whilt disaounteci fran their tanks. Pltlllll1ng took ov.. c~ of the c llr.0any. ASsault aIli»'rtar platoons took up defensive poa:J.t1ons 111 . the vicinity of 502588.

,

,t.

29 JUly 1944 compaIV' "Aft .. th 119tll. Int. was held 1A r...-...e. went to ~.j. Ve ~s ppdft to- 3d Bn., at 496530 at 1600hou.rs. "B- ~t.acl south of Le )(ensil apac. TIro tanks were knocked out br direct hi. '&'l"'t,­ illery (l5Omm or larger). Three men wrumed and one olf1c.. and fo,.r eali8te4 men listed as missing. compan;y "C· with the 3d BR., 117th tnt. encountered ene!ItY tanks and AT guns dug in and tile adv~e was del~ecl. Lt. Buttii'lgton was killed when making a foot rcn. Lt. Hansen took wer cClJlD81ld. pta. warn woun::.ed when tank was hit by bazooka. p-tar platoon tired '192 rounds in' support of the advance at assigned tar~ets. .usault gun platoon :t1red. madona on eIl8Il\Y infantry and ene.II\Y 0P'S from 478568. service c~ trains _eDt fo w"ard under heavy artillery .tire. TWo men 'sent to hospital su.ffar1ng trom shock. F)l~'&:p or HE dud .ell in the area piercing the side ot gasoline truck andpaSsint; through nine gas cans. 110 casualties.

went

30 July 194h COmp8lV" WAD into aet10n in the vicin1tT of ztour-­ mere abaihst stlfit enav armor, J.'1 guns and Ill. Lt. sale Jd.lJ.ed 1a tir8't action. S/Sgt polkatad took aver comand ot t1rst platoon. 2cl plateao11lll4.. comm nd of Lt. Oliver, a.;;sisted by Lt. JlCL.",cken. Six tanks were disabled. Cld the COIIlPaIl¥ was relieved by "1)" COllIptUV' at 1800. CO~ "B" to\lght in the same area as the preceed1.ng ciq, I,e Mensil Opac, one IIa,rk IV ~ 11'&8 ~ooJDed out. OOmpany -c.w continued against, eneuv at strong point 492$19. r1aht continued all ~. peter80n took over co~d wlit n Lt. • __ 108t· contact"w th t:.he company 1Ibile
-'Sgt.

I

31 JtiJJ 19~ ".1" COmp~ held in reserve at moved in a.S~ ag1Dl1st ellellJff on hill near Tr01sgota. IV tank, several. ~ nests and took seven prisoners.

543398. oonp.t\Y_ -B­

JtI10Cked out one ~k_ ~ , ;

244 .

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Act on against enentr, report aftgr/after action, Contd..

~ RESTRICTED

31 JUl. 19444 Contd COlDpBDiY nCb continued. the attack with the lltth rntantry•. TWo tanD hit bY' IT fire. The crew of one evacuated safely, the ocber exploded andthe.entirecrew was believed to baie been killed. oompany "D" resumed t.he attack near Etourniere a1Ii e ncoWltered e llenv tanksa nd Itt guns due in, which were pinni:lf; dorm the ~. Finding nmray to flank the strong.')oint the infantry dUb in and the tanks returned. to receive suppli~s and amJomd:tion at 498533. Hq. co. MOrtar platoon remainedat 478568. The &ssaul.t gun ~latoon fired missions in suppart of the infantry and tanks. Fire reported very effective byt be -observer. 211 rounda of amnuntion war expended. L1:. Hansen, COmpany nc", ledt,wo inf;.ontry Bazooka men into village under iritenae. artillery, small ~s fire and knocked' out two IV tanks and located and directed .A;rt:Ul.ery fire on lOS SP weapon to destroy it. .

*

n. In.

Tanks lost in combat during pex1-od, 1 JUly to ,31 ~'----38

Tanks replaced - - - -

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IV.

!)1esv

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-----------,15

tanks reported lmocked o u i ; - - - , - .

, a. jecurate count of enqr vehicles knocked out has been almost impossible to obtain with the necessary suPPorting evidence from the fighting units.

v.

oas'lalties.

a.

Killed in action, 2 or.ri(~ era,

b.

Kissing in action, 2 offic.. s,

14 :suisted men.

11

»U,isted

Ilell.

c.' Wounded in action, 9 ortio..., 89 .u,iated

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RESTRICTED

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ope

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HEADQUARTERS 71(,D TANK BATTALION

A. P. O. 2,0

U. s. ARMY

RESTRICTED Aotion Aga1nst Enemy,

Repo~ts

Reports.

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TO

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20 July 1944 After/After Action

Commandiru; General, 30th Infantry Divis10n, AFO 30, U. S. Army.

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1. 15 June 1944 - "A" & "B" Companies went into attack with 120th Intantry Regiment at 0800 while "C" Company was held 1n reserTe. The assault was made on Montmartin En Graingnes and pro~re.s was slow. ·0" Company in reserve was ca~led into actie at 1150 and took up attack northwest ot Yontmartin (450805). ObjectiYe was reached at 2000 and "A","B", "C" Companies bivouaced in the vic1n1ty ot 455800. "A" Company had two tanks disablej by aines and one tank .disabled by a hit trom a 155lJ!M. gun. Tne 1,wo tanks d1sabled by mlnes were evacuated and returned to the Battalion b1vouac area west ot ISi,3ny. The tank hit by the 155MM was repa1red on the spot. liB" Company had three tanks d1sabled by art11lery fire. 2. 16 June 1944 ~ Q~t and "C" Compan1es moved back to Montmart1n En Gra1ngnes and b1vouaced at (467810) and devoted the day to maintenance. "A" Company attached to 1st Batta11on, 120th Inf~ntry Reg1ment, moved out at 0600, t1red one t1re mIs­ . s10n 1n support ot 1nfantry and La Ray was taken. "A. Company then reJ01ned "B" and "C" Compan1es 1n blvc>uac area. I.

,

3. 17 June 1944 - "A", "B", "c" Comp9.n1es rema1ned In b1vouac, carr1ed on ma1nte·nance work. "9" Company reoei ved three veh1cles that bad been repa1red. •• 18 June 19" - "A", "'13", "C" Companfes moved to a new b1vouac aea 1n the evening (431844). Dur1ng the day carried on ma1ntenance work. Res1due arr1ved 1n France.

5. 19 June 1944 - "A", "Bft, ~C" Companies remained in b1vouac and c~rried on ma1ntenance work. Res11ue cons1sti~ of Headquart.ers, Serv1ce, "n", and e.Lement.s of "A", "B", "C" Oompan1es and J.ted1ca, Jo1ned rear elements ot" 3attalion. Bl­ Youaced 1/2 m11e west ot Is1gny. 6. 20 June 1944 - Rear e~ements cons1sting of Headquarters, Serv1oe, "nn Compan1es rema1ned 1n b1vouac 1/2 mile west of IalE5Di (483847). "A", "B", "c" Companies remained 1n b1vouac at (~'1844) carr1ed out ma1ntenance work. .

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..nil.

7.

,~\) grrJune

~

8.

21 June 1944 to 24 Jupe 1;t44 (Incluslve) - ':'ame as 1944.

25 June 1944 - Same as 20 June 1944.

(Mortar Platoon

. tIred at bulldlnS8 at 415'790, comp.Leted mis10n at 1815.

RESTHICltil

.6\ ' I '

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--A-~

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--~---­

U RESTRICTED

Action against Enemy, Reports atter/after action rerorts Contd. 9.

26 June 1944 - Same as 20 June 1944.

10. gr June 1944 - SaT.e as 20 June 1944. Cne tank aSEi3ned

to "B" Company. Tank Dozer, "B" Company sent to 31. Armored Div­

ision for use in their assault.

11. 28 June 1944 - Same as 20 June 1944. One platoon

"C" Company employed at 436818 in maneuver wi th "E" Company,

120tn Infantry Regiment to work out tank and infantry attack

plan. 12. 29 June 1944 - Same as 20 June 1944. Tank Dozer "A" Company attacned to 3d Armored Division. 3d F1atoon "c" Company part1c1pated with l20th Infantry to wo~k out tank and infantry attack plan to provide improved coordinat10n in later actions. (this was ma.neuver on.1.y-not 1"igat1ng)

i

I

13. 30 June 1944 - "A", "B", "C" Companies remained in

b1vouac at (431844)- carried out maintenance work. One platoon

of "C" Company partic1pated 1n training coordinaniorr of tanks

and infantry with Company "D", 120th Intantry Regiment. Head­ . quarter8 andServlce Companies moved to new bivouac area south ot Isigny (442820). 14.

Herew1th 18s'Bbm1tted Journals tor per10d 0:1" report.

~ .. A1.~ WILLIAM D. DUNCAN,

Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, Command1ng •

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RESTRICT,ED

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J0UHNAL - HI f)TORY HEADQUART5R,) ,)b;CTION ,.

6 June 1944 0400 brS. abofU'd La!' No. 29 COl'llT'landed by Lt. (jg) Wright. The n:en a .)oard t:ll s L ..' TNer e T/'3"t. Hyla~d, T/'3gt. Da-/id, T/'>gt. La/inton, '1'/4 HarJ.i!l.g, '1'/5 Ca3ey, and pfc. Qldvs.jer. Officers we...· s Uajor William D. Dunc8..'1., Cllptain F.'d. ... ard )liller,· C8~tai n Ro .)ert C. S'paers. Men flere awakened aad equipment a"ld vehicles prepareJ. for l·\:1d1ng. 0430 Hot COfiee anti K .Lations i88Ued to all men. 0500 Lt. (J e ) Wrig:Jt informed the PC guide t)o'\t that tney were leading tne LTO .:)olumn to the wrong rallin.g point in the tranaport area. Tile guide boat deni'4 the aacueation and oonti!'Ded to go the earne direction. 0513, the guide boat admita ita arror and turned us a~out to go in the correct direction of t the r~Ung ROint. This error prevent.ed the L~ trom going into abore at H-30 eo tbat 2 W-7 aboard could fire on the "'oe"oh. 0621 LO'l' U'r1 '1.4 at oorraat ralling po1nt aDd r ema1nad ant il t1ma for 1ta rtlU into the beaoh to'unload Y!&b1olaa. 0680 ma., LOT 10.29 daR-tad trom Traneport Araa to Btaaoh. 074&. S. dro.Pl>ed ita ramp 7:.dl frOID Dog Whita seat01' of amal:la Beaoh. Tha raml' cablas broke ail4 the ramp tolded under tha DQAt. Tha .'boat went to tbe beaoh ~t(DOke the r8ll1p of the bOat !'Ill . . . unable to unload. ia~y t~l'e wae very h88VY and Al't111c7 ahells wC'e falling among the tat. 0800 LeT 10. 29 retracted trOll the l)af\,h aad withdrew to abOut lQQO yda. out and attempted to aet a.1d. lO30 LeT . OIl ..uw 4eo1.d to vy t.o lflQd ~t b1gb watU' and started for .~'" be...a!l when balted b1 the lavy. ,fbi wavy .sa p~ep&l'ing to .' ,-,l\be beaob." 13!O LeT anobozed durillg tha afternoon ~nd

. . r.-.4 b7. Moo "er1'1 -Mob out. the amlvlr, oable and l'uno!led

a bole in tell. The LCT then tied to an LfJ'l tor the night.

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,~"19-4,4 Mambere ot the tal' r8P1o v ed all their person"l . ,ot...fiorn the LCT to the L~. AP.l soldiers were transferred

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to the

o

L~.

The sinking LOT tftL8 tqen bS8ched at high tide b1 the The L01' whioh was to transport the na{al crew of the

\

(;,

l!%rr~tRaot~'Gr:utTi\emt~ 1l~nl~aa8P8iSw~\lii~ean8n~18SM"8

and milch! ~e guna.

1500 All Army personnel with the Lar unloaded

~.

trorn L~ into Duwlt and st~ted for shore. The Duw)[ waa unable to nee~ landed by the ehore Brigade frem Lat 10. 29. pto. Oldvflder'a 1/4 ton . _ l14aa1ng.A!l Hq. ~eotion peraonnel 10sdeC1 in the H/T and pro­ oeeded out exit D-3 to Tranait Area 10. 1, n'9Sr '3t Laurent-~r-Ver. Majo~Dunoan 'flaw Col. MaoLaughl1n and contacted Captain PhiliI'8 on - the rlldio. Philip- adviaed aga.inst joining t he tanka at Vi ervill

'ur liar bee.au"e of en~ resistance. Bivouaced in trsnai~ Area

~ Bo. 1. ..

"",,,'

*h&; 8 June 1944

'r·

Moved from Transit Area No. 1 at 1000 to 1)1 voua.c -.st" Of, Vicrvil1e '3ur War where met "B" COMl'any in . ~'W!ii""'" ~111%, ~ moved with the 3n. COrmtM,i HIT and staff t~ at '! ~",oJ01il "A" and "c" Companies on the assault on PP1lite Du''''.. OOntaotedll6,th tnt", ud Oon.taoted 116th Int. Col. caai6 vr1. tl1 ,tanks ol1e m11e 3aat of 'Jraoo.o...... Leal 3aina. Joined 2nd Bn.

ot

II.

l~th. Biked .. th i nfl\ntr1 pOiJLt to ...alll t ay vi& O1'i­ oquevll1e Be.s1n and Vucoville. Headquarters ~eotion attAohed to It A." Conr.p I\Il1' • .

.11

\ ~

......,....L __ .

\--1 JOURNAL

HI 'TORY

COMPAft "A'­

o June 1944

•

CompBny" A" lBnded off Lar. on ()rlaha Beaoh, Normandy, Franoe ail were met with ..at appe8l'ed to be 11S5an, 8&\"" ).fOrtar, lIaobine gun, and individua.l weapon fire. Two Lara were hit prior to 10Bdi ag tha o.\1"go. One waa.ule to lBUn.oh only one ot three tanka, the otheTS launched in water 01'- too great a de~tll for tanka to wade and both tanka were knooked out. 1"l&~1t~ng oontiaued all day and the oeaoh. WBa zeroed in with mortara aa4 otAer guna, the tanks moved Ul' to tne bellO 11. An at tempt -_ made to get out axi t'D-!, but it ~l'pea.red that 811 fittempt waaoeing made to ol!&r' it so the tanks moved with the remainder ot the Battalion to '0-1 exit, whare t!1ey made their 1I8S otf the beaoh at about 2200. The Company _a attached to the 2nd Battalion, 116th Intantry tor the Ba.Bult fUld went into bivouao in the let Bn. area about 200 ytU'ds Weat ot Vierville-rsur-ller abuut a400. Waohine gun and individual fire oonti.nu.ad to the oonoluaion of the day. 4t' tha oonolusion ot the 1st daya fighting, CO. ItA-, under , . oommand of Capt. Vodra Philipa .bad eight taaka of ita initial 16 taalts and S dozers. Tha 'following caaualti.s . .e clennate17 known. flgt. GoocSric1ge, tat. l'asan, pvt. BOrn, '/5 nebum, aM Cpl. E"tra "ere woundad IIZld waouated. Lt. wams. ., Lt. ~urbitl, and 8 t~nlta Bnd 6 dozera and their orewe w,re miaaina. ,trength: 78 lii1I, 6 0 (InoludiJl8 attaohmenta) 7 June 1944 Oom..,~ "4- placed in 'Oi '{iaion lte• •ve tILd· -wloyed to help olean out Vl_v11l... ~...... Two tanks were __ to t . bef\oh to help avaouat. Da.*e. two mora tanka . . e reaovC"~ from the beaoh and o:ro~ .to the area oocupied the previoua night for mainte!lance. At 1500 theoofll)aot moved to a poa1tion w.at ot ~. taurent-43ur-ller ,(640895) to join "0" oompaD3 ia. the a..ault of tbl\t sector. Moved back at 'MOO atter "viag a long naht with an1:pcs to the bivouac '"_ ••• ot Vlcvl1le-!3Ur-)f. (64()915). No 10" in tanka or pereonnel. Gained one tank and t~ dozer from the beaoh nth O1'e"s. '3tr8D8th: '18 i.lI., 6 0 (Inoluding at tac hment a) 8 JUDe 1944

Moved tOWUQ "eet in aasault on POinte Du Ble at OtOO. were not fired on until in vioinity of pointe 1)1 Hoe where Mortar fir e start ad dropping. W.-e in support ot 3rd Battalion 11Sth Infantry in .. sault. Took objeotive lit 1200. Lt. O!ldre injurad by )IOrt81' fire and evaouated. Moved: on toward. Matay and beoauae of minee on orid8e reveraed oolumn and mov~d to Grand camp Le. Bain. (559~) moved to Mai~ via C1'ioqueville En Bessin. ' 'Enter ed *i.,. under rifle and maoh1 ne gun fire, ;paaae~ 80ut h out of 11&183' on I sigll7 1'0 ad. inerl'l3' at' ty. and )tort ar fir e "''1a falli ag 0 n the town Bnll only one platooa. waa taken through. Two ene"!lY pill :x>xes in strong point at (';32915) were knooked out. Com,pany returned to (562924) to bivou~o. \fere f\ttt\ched to 115th Infantry during this ~\eriod. ~rength 78 l!;.iI., 5 01

~J UgJ?

lftur

1944

ea 4il

it ayed in oi vou"o a.r ea 'lll d"U' for mai!lt en ano e. pr i so !1~S that eveo1 ng near strong point near vaisy (';3291:;

June 1944 1Io'l8d out at O:3~ hora. att~olted &outh towards BaYnes :95744) with U')tll Infantry. 29th nil. att~alted from th6 .,lcln1ty of Co1unbiarea (:;1i8828) towards Bwaea. Moved oross oountry in attack and inoou.ntered little 0llPoaition. Terrain !''1tll.r diffioult dJe to nur.1arous h1d,ges. 3ivouaoed f\t LB OOr!lliW1ett9 (5It7~) arrived at 1800. Lt •. ,buff'ington evacuatad to Hoe;;>i tal. wounded on 'R3aoh S June 44. Lt. COL Uphf\YI\ wounled anu evacll'lted on lH!fiCh 6 June 1941. captain Vodra P1l11ips took over cOM'nan:i of the troops on the ')e"~h. ~

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pany RA"

'1-3 Journal History

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(~at'4)

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rl June 1944 Woved out 13~ tow'~d st paul DLl Verla? ('741?01) ittie resistance. Bivouaced at Vauolldon (599725) ':itre~gt'1: 78 i.U., 4 O. 12 June 1944 Moved out Ilt 0330 to join 26t . I"l1antr,f of 1:3t Diviaio'C after being relieved from 29th Divisio:1. ..~er3 att.ached to 3rt'!, b'1.., for att.aclr. tONard caumont (705592). Bi'louaced near Wi1A'ecaen (72960';), at 2300 a~d Dlana made for taking CaUMont at dawn the next mor~ing. qtr ength~ 78 i.lI., 4 O. 13 June 1944 ~tart.d for obj 03cti Ie at 0530. Qorn'3 r'lortfU' and ",!R0h1 '113 fir t3 inaountued enroute. Individual WellpO:1, Machi 113 ?un, 88"'!"'! and howitzers enoountaed in Caumont. '3e-"er81 azomo.red CIU'S and. gU'1.S knocked out, m8!l3' got away to the south. After co :lsi Jerabl~ fir 13 co~a~ mo'led east to La aapas (725538) and took up defensive position. That evening three tanks remained in this position to support infantry in defense. ttemBi nder of CO!!ll>any moved to viei ni ty of ~allen (690620) for oi vouac. '3gt. Wayo Nt th hi s t'a!1k Md cr ew rer-ort ~d to Compatl3' after hav:ing been with 745th Tank :.qat'alion sinc'~ 6 .Tune 1944 bf\dlyin need of maintenance. British seen on J..eft flank. '3trengtb: 78 ~.U •• 40. g'Jl'l

14 June 1944 Information recelved attaJhing Battalion to XIX

"CO'rPa and were ordered to move back to vicinity of !signy. Moved

Borth through Foret De Ceriey, Balleroy on to location o~e mile

.eat of laigny. Plan made that day for combat following Mor'li "Jg

wtf1h 120th I :rl'antry of 30tb Di>v1a10n, a nt3. organi zation thf\t hl\d

not .een 'JOmbflt. ~rength1 7..3 E.M., 4 O.

15 June 1944 Aloved "est at 0500, then sout_'l to ~egueville

(437838) when contact was made with 3rd B:1., 120th Infantry for

&8sault on lIontra&l:tin ingraign.s a!ld toen on to c~al of Taute.

Crosaed line of dei>8l'tlll'e at 0000 and mo'l3d q,;uth. Proeress Wfl3 slow

even though resistance wa3 light. Reoeived. r.lortfU', howitzer,

1"1aohiog gun, ana rifle fire 'It (546,;.Q8). AdvMce was h31d u~

and fU'tillery tire 1mS dirscted. by t~s o~ sU2po3ed strong' :points.

Fir e from enemy continued a!ld tf\n\ts ad'lanced. Two hit !"li'na f1 ~lds and lost tracks and suspension system on one si de. pvt. "Dllvidso'l was injured in tank and e'lacuated. Tank of COm.pany COr.lMaader hi t by 155 mm and lost t rack. one platoon wad then sent t.o the l~ft flank -.ni one to the flnn.lt 01' the road to !Ilke tbe town. C'")l. WilliM1S on e'lflcuating tank hit and anti-personnel mine in ditch­ and was injured :'\~ eVf1cunted. After the tOW!:l fell, mi1.es were removed frol!l the road f\nd that e-.,ening as soon as sniper 'fire rer­ ml t ted tne d.i saJled tanks were r sao 'Ier ed. Two :)13 i up retul' ~,~d to Bat ~lI.lion 3i VOUf\C west of Isig!ly a.:1..1. til!3 ':;o~pa:lY COmMfl'1der s tank to Bqtt,alion bi/ouao "est of I dibny R:1dthe COTnpR1Y Corn',\f\nders tank bei ng rSJ.'fJ.r ed on t lIe sllot. COMpany bi ~ouf\cad i'1 'Ii ~ i nity of (455000).
i

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16 J una 1944 Word recei \fed at 0100' at t 'l~hi '1g COMpany to 18t Bn., 120th Infantry for mission to ivou~c. '3trength: 70 b.!!., 4 0 17 .Iuna 1944

HeMR.il'l'9d 1::1

Ji/LlUf\J

duri.lt:; ,illy.

'3everal

9'19:'"ly

gU'1S

riaked up th~t hIld been a )rni01.'3Ll rrevious JIV,. Alao Id ~ke,1 ur two eor"t.rlete 81 rnt'l 1'10rtars, a 60 '11' Mortar Rnll lefwy 30 cal. M. G. A. IT'1do'l'3d :)y ,)ur torces. b"'lsr-:y 1!.~13 j l,tro.J"i, oN'1'lqteri~l tlJr~~,t in to 01"i:111,'1ce. '3trenet:.1: '7~ E.i.1., 4 0.

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-. ~-3 Journal

It +,ory .... mpany "A"' (Cant 'd)

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18 Jll:1e 1944

'1

COmpany remsl. aed in bi vouao duri:'lg the dllY 8nd f"IOved to naN looation at (431844) that eveni ag, due to enemy probable

lOC1~tion of previ)oua "Ji VOU80 by aerial pboto. Flares and 8 oou:>le of :JQMb.) .bad .been dropped. Lt. Joaes took over CoMpany. captain Phili_"s relieved to ~6com3 ':I-~ of Batbalion. ':3tr~'18th: 76 B.'4., 4 O.

19 J .me 1944

organization.

uaintenancs and £est in sam~ bivouao. Residue joined

Lt. '3utrbitz and 12 A.lI., '3trength: 138 i.U., 1 O.

20 Juns 1944

Mainten8:10S and rest in same bi vouao.

qtrength:

21 June 1944 1:Jt E.lI., 6 o.

~alnt9nanoe

and rest in sante bivouac.

qtrength:

22 June 1944

Uaintenenao<:l an.drest in the eame bi VOU8C.

139 i.AI., 4 o.

1~

qtr enit h:

i.M., 4 O.

J

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~3

JOUR_AL-HI

~OHY

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OOWPANY "B" Co~a~ "B" landed on Dog Gr~en beach, NorMandy,

6 June 1944 Franoe, at 0630, 6 June 1944. water was very rough, DD tanka

"er e not 1 rmded. Heavy e ~eP1Y fir e was e acount er ed, 88mY"l, heA.vy

and light JIG. Losses were quite heavy, 7 tanks lost, 3 officers

and six enlisted .Men killed, a~d one officer wounded. Killed

in aotion Cartain inmka', Lt. Turner, Lt. Allia, ~gt. Kendle,

'3gt. Lento, T/4 Ulrich, C1'1. Wig8'l.Rnd, pto. H11debr.and, ~od P'It

Annunzio • .wounded and evacuated Lt. Hodgson. Lt. Beavers took

over cOl7\!'ll(md. RamBi ned on the o.eBch fighting until 2130 t.hl\t

evening. Moved off the beach to Viervi11e-!3ur-Wer (645!l12).

'3niper fire was vsry heavy. No casualties sustedned, contact

!'Mde with 116t h Inf. in preparation for suprort of t ~at unit

the n~xt day. .Air 8UIll'Ort on tl'le beach was missing. The beAch in

Dog Green had not been bombed. Strength: 86 i.U., 1 o.

7 June 1944 MOved out at 0500 in support Of 116th I nf • .towards. . Malsy•. lIachine gun and sniper tire was very heavy. At 0900 enoountered heavy artillery fire (155mm probable). Two tanks hit but nO inju.cies sustained. One 57mm ·AT gun destroyed, 4· prl­ soners taken, several MG neitts destroyed. Withdrew due to added

eneR\Y heavy fire, returned to bivouac Viervi11e '3ur lIer tor tuel

and al!ll1Uni tlon. Returned to biv'ouac with 116th Inf. 2 1/2 miles

west of Vierville ~ Mer. '3treogth: 8.6 i.Y•• 1 o.

,

8 June 1944 Bi vouaced in noin1 ty of Vierville Sur Ver (645912)

tor maintenanoe and rcspair. Relieved from assignment with

116th Int. aOO aSsigned to 115th Inf. togi'le su!,port. '3trength:

86 1.11., 1 o.

9 June 1944 Moved to Maiay (537923) where reoeived orders to

move South of uais.y. incountered seve~al pill ooxes south of.

lIf.\1sy whioh were destroyed. .::;th Rangers asked for 8upport on

these 1'111 boxes, 125 pri sonera taken. No casual ties n8tain~d

by'our unit. Ordered back to UBi sy to .oi vouac at 1800. The

following XU were listed as missing tn action since the sixth: '3/'3gt.

Heinen, ~gt. Walker, T/4 Lockey, T/4 ':Jhay, Cpl. Giverso'1, CIl1.

Grimm, T/5 Dulak, T/5 Kaufman, Pfe. Adki !lS, Pfc. Cr.-wford, Pf:1.

Lund, pvt. Huxman. ~trength~ 74 &W, 1 o.

10 June 1944 Relieved from assignment with ll5th In!. and assigned

to the 26th Inf. to gi Ife support. )loved to vicini ty of vandabon I

where we were held in reserve. Mainte'1nnce an.l repair Gonti'llled

while awaiting fl:rther orders. Lt. Hale transferred from "Crt CO.

to "E" Co. ')trength: 74 EM, 2 O.

11 June 1944 Moved to vicinity of ':it paul Du BO~ (736709).

')niper fire to a [!'l~derate degree. Lt. Hale 'Rounded 6 June evacullted

to hosp. with "C" Co. ~trength: 74 E.M., 1 o.

12 June 1944: Held in reserve until 1900, moved to qallen (6~062~) and ordered to attack cauMont at 2030. Woved on CauMont at 2100.

IJea'lY artillery and Machias Gun fire encou'1tered. Two pil1)0-::es

(MG) Ilnd one AT (8dl1ll'n) destroyed enrou.:te. 3ivoullc~d O"l the edg3

of t"le town. 26th Infantry coordination "/ery good. ')trength:

74 E.bl., 1 o.

13 June 1944 '3tllyad in )i/ouac und-er e:ldMy fi..::',; at caul"1oC1.t u'1til

1600. Ordered )F\ck to RaE- t • Heserve at 1630. UO'/'3d to viGinity

of '3nlle':1 ~t 1700. ~Jni.ler modernte 3~1e,v nrtill.3ry fire. ')t!':,~,t'l: 74 E.M., 1 O.

14 Ju~e 19i4 fielis'/ed from. assig'1n1ent with t:12 26th Llf. aC1.1

assigC1.ei to the l.GOt~l IlL Mewed to li'1ility of Isigny •..~1I"1in­

istrati,,,, mnrCcl li'lOllaCed in vi Jint.y of Isigay for the





...

'3-3 .Jour'1./U Histury,

Corn.i.'ar~

"~,,

~ont

'.d:

14 In 1e 194·l Ccnt'd: ass1gned to 120th Inf. Move,l to v1.Ji'1Lty 01' lsi,elY. Admi.1i8t.r9.ti~'3 l"lnrch ~iJOUI\Jed i'l v1ci'lity or IsiplY for tile ni (:It • Str el!l(~t :1: 7,1 E.,"., 1 I).

1'1

,h,'le

lCH4

Mo'/sJ out for nttnok on UQntMa.rtin 'En Gra.ingnes.

H98JY

MG 8'vi a.rty 1'i:::'e encount ared. 'I';U'ee tanks d1sa...>1'3dtly artillery fire. Cr 1. Hit 191 wouthisJ and !3VaCllnt ed to nos,P. Advance co ~tinue:i with r~"1lli!1i1.t~Jehicles

nnd OJjscUlfe reached at 2000. B1/ouaced in obj­ ective for t.he night. Div6)Om:Jinc; attack on un1t nt 0:30~) in I'lorning, no ,~asualti'3s SL~stati~eJ. Lt. Middendorf aaaigneli anli joined Co. UP". Strength: 73 1.M., 2 O.

16 June 191..4 ),10" ed back to res s.r 'I e in I/l:::i ~i ty of UontMnrt 1 n in Grl\inges and l1'8intenance of vehi:::les consW!lated. ~t!'ength: 74 i.M.,

2 O. 17 June 1944 Remai nel in Ii ci '].i ty of' MontrnfU't1n in Gro.inges. Three d1sabled vehicles reIJa1red a:ld r ,tur ned to uui t. Aw&1ting further orders. Strength: 74 i.M., 2 U 18 June 1944 Remained 1n blvoua.:l at order~. str engt h:, 74 i.M., 2 O.

.onma~tal!.l

await1ng furtha:r

19 June 1944 Rernai ned in ;)i "ouac utlt11 1600 ordered to Move to vicinity of 431844. )loved to new'bivouac area, 2 Officers and 18. lW assigned to un1t, arr1ved at new oi"J'ouac for duty. (Lt. »iMom and Lt. POOVf3Y) ~trengt h: 92 i.v., 4 O. Res1due joi ned. 20 June 1944 B1,.,ouac~d in v1cin1ty of 431844 fot. mai!1tenance. Two new tanks asgnd to Co. arrived. Re~l.cement c£ews aagnd to vehicle. and ma1ntenance of vehicles continued. R'3s1du.e arrived. Kitchen truck c~me up to bi'"ou~~ area nnd the first meal tl'om it W1\S served at 1300. Remain~d in b1vouac area awaiting furt~er orders. ~t!'ength: 92 i. M., 4 o. 22 i.M. added to Ell total. ' 21 June 1944 B1 Jouaced 1n I/lo1n1ty of 431844 for m~ ntenanca and Aeri pU bom!JaI'dr.1e:lt and heavy art111ery in nearby sectors ilY'ISneF11.Y. T/4 '3owel1 of ')ervioe Co. aegnd to "B'! Co. in cu,paclty of Corn"'1. ~gt. Awaltl!lg flll'th9r ordEll's. strength: 124 i.M. I 4 D.

re~alr.

22 Jl1'1e 1944 Remained in v1:::1n1ty of 4311344. Mai ltena'1.C!'3 and repair

conti'1ued.::--Awaitlng furt;ler orders. ~r~ngtL1: 124 Ell, 4 O.

t.

f

'­

I $-:3 JOUR N'AL - HI ')TOBY CON})ANY "0." (u~e 1944 CoMPrulJ ~rctt landed on Dog White and Easy Green bea~llas at IT-S. Alth0 1,lgh water 'Na:i unusrUl.1 rough there ware no 10SS6S 0'1 11\'1.di'1g. 1:)0:1 fl'p~roll~h1ng ':>sach we W'3re met ·...i .th f1.1'3 f't'o!n i:11iv­ idulll W9l\pOni, 1 55!'!'l'l'!, 88m'll, anll machine gun fire. HOW3Ve.r, '10 t.a'1ks were lost
6

li.U., ') O.

7 June 1944 tAo'/ed out -nth l16th Inf. towards ForMigny (64786(;). ~nocl{e(1 out W.nest. AdvB1.Ce guard k:l.ocked out Mark IV and. crew. Wer'3 met and ,fired on by friend1-y troo,Ps (ll'1th Inf.) who failed to recogni ze '0'0' 83 as ~hermt"ns. Bii/ouo.o"d neBI' 607903. ')S!lt out tanks by 'sections IlnJ. pl:ltoonll t·o support 115th luf. agl\inst VG and sniper fire. Artillery fir e thoClgn, to ,)19 fri e~'ldly fall1 ng Poll arounrl us. lIoved (on orders) at 2400 to pr-;.,rloua nights OiVOUBC areB in rreparat10n for adl/snce on Pointe Du Has with ll6th Inf. '3tre'18'.th: 86 ill.l., 5 o. ~ne

1944 VOl/ed out 0600 hI's., Co. "An in lead. Att'lcked towflrns poi nt ~ Du Hoe (58G9:37) at 1015 hr s. F1 ve tanks dropped out her e. 3 tanks hit mines and devel0.ped engine trnu:)le. Four tll:lks .were l' e~alrable. Ad'lanced on Grnl{i CIlM,P Les H'l ~lS (5459:31) at 1230 hra. li.,e more tr\Ilk disSJl"d due to mi.1.es. Po.~ition w!'\s taken at leon hrs. and 116th I:1.f. Made crossing. Com,.:,fHlY wa~ unnal" to ~O'lt1'11le on accou'lt of mi!lee. B1 vouaced Ilt (567931) until 1130 f\)llowl ng day, reorganized. l(nockeci out pill oox: n~s:c road. '3t1'f::lngth: S6 E.~1., 4 O. 9 JU:1.f3 1944 {'1~29la}.

Uoved out 1130 hrs. for naw J.ivouac area near Mflisy C)tayed inbl'/oullc to cOMr'let~ mai.'lt"!'la'1c1e. C)tre~gth:

8e ~

5 O.

10 June 1944 Muv9 ri out at 03:30 hl:s. attflck:sd 'jo:Jth to.var·l!::J o.).j"!~+'i"e Ilt HI'lYl'lsS (59574'1) with 115th Info 29th Di J. Att'4!K.3J. f'rOmJ1C:i1ity of Co1uM'Jieres (58d8828) towards Baynes.• Little oi".rof3itio·~. T'3rr".\]'1. rough for tfltl.kS. !livou'l;~sd at L'1 Co·-r;''lUnett3 ()d873~), arri'fel I1t 1600. Lt. Hale trllnsferred to "B" COMptl!'l,:{. Lt. I!f\"l~m~ fl3Sif~'le.l 'l.~; joined. Lt. Hnle transferred to ,,~,.', :.; }F1'l..l'fl,W. I:c. ':"al0'u~y ./OU:1 Ie: ~'1. S ,Jl1'1e I1.n,i evac:uats,l 0:1 loth 01 JU:1a. '3t.C8:1gt,l: 8f~ E.l,.,., 4: O. 11 J ,'le 1941 MOlel Ol1t ~lt 13:3u to:il1..i.··.:.s t3t. pflill D:J ~~~t little r3si!Jt f 'l.:1'J'3. l:i/o,.lllce,i ~t ;ilUJado:l. ·3gt. a~;l ':'1Va~llnte·:. ':itr'3'13th: 8:3 ~.M., 4

u,

iflU:)'~do'1 ,1a.~k3() ~


(7-U7 1 '1) .-O:11::~:

12

'/I,~

.:a+

. . . . . . Lo

• 1

'3-3 Jour'1al History "C" CO., (Cont'd): 13 JU'1e 1944 At 060L', we attacked aurl 8tltered. o).je~ti/e. l,t. f/i11i~s ,Lntroyed :me'ly s:}out car. ca_'t. El.ier j~3tr 'ye 1 AT;:'J~l of 'lr'ILco,'{. 47""y'. Orga:1ize~ a :iei''3'1se ;,ositiol i'1 11 J]id ')outh of to.'n. (701),)92) No 'Jasua1tles. R9 ,te,i until 2000., InO/,3d ~aok to (6(')0620), ',iI0iJ"lC,; for tl'3 night. ')trength: 85 E.M., 4 O. 14 JUH3 lq44 Moved out at 1300 in direotion of I "igny (50284'3) via ,alleroy and Colombi eres. Blvoullced. at 1900, 2 Miles /i'3st of IsilS'1Y. '3tr'3ngth: 85 '!S.M., 4 O. 1")

Jl)l'3

1944

"C" CoMI'aV in re"er/e, callell into action 11'30.

.~

'''()'led

~-6~-C8.r·3'1tlln road, took up attlJ\ck Northwest of MO:1tMartin (41)080t;) Thir(: P1'1toon plus one section of the S'3CO:1<1 under Lt. Willilll'1'ls atta(~ke(j. Ln Co~e (460801). Knoqkad out 8Jmr'l, armd car and several HG '1dStS. 1st l-'latoon ...~lus the redt of t:le com,.?any attar::ked and reaoil'3d. n }CJi'1t East of 1f~'Jorlte. };'lcountered heail'J' resista1ce. T/4 PfU'80ns "ounde(i 1l.ad ·3vacuated. Aent LltO Ji'louao at 2400. Inf­ antry 11ft u;~ Idthout :protection flnd under tire of e1.'3!11y in darkness. ~tr 8~th: 84 E. 4 0

':I.,

.

16 June 1944 At 0430, moved back to Mont'1lartin (Engarigues) went i(lto fiel11 ea.st of church at coordi:1fltl3 (46?<310). balanae of' day dellout'3d to ~~Hli'lte.:1a:1ce. (jtrength: 8'1 E.JJJ., 4 u.

o.

1? JU:1.'3 1941

;( ested.

')tr srigt 1:

84 G.:Jl. , 4.

18 J U

1944 -_._-­

l:Ost~d.

'3 t.r engt h:

d4 h.M. , 4 0

19 ,J U

'18

est ed.

'3tl' engt h:

119tM., 4

o. ,

20 Ju .16 1944

1:1 e,:~t ed.

'::itr ,"'lgt h:

119 h. ,;11.

4

o.

21 ,J U

1944

Rested:

'3tr e ngtll:

119 '1.1..1. , 4

o.

22 J U'16 1944

Rest e,i:

'3tr eagt h:

119 E.M.,

'1'3

'16

1944

~~

,

'Residue joined

4 O.

lJ

'1i t •