~:..':~__ ':::; ,,,!IIill "i, ••
" ' :: '::'''..~~:~:.~ j
JANUARY 43 thru DPX:mm;;;R 45
, _I' ' :, C\J -, \. , ,'-,.' """ , , " --""";"':' ',' .~!. ':::
~, , < C' • " ", ..., " On,"".... ·~. ~~X ,',:" ". ',:::::., ' , "
-, ' , '.
.' '. ~
'>-.-~', , ...~ . TlIIS DOCUMENT JS ',THE PROBERftOF, AND saOJJLD 'BE, RE,TORitED"ro, I \ - .. ,...... ' , - -~ ./' .' '(;;J':,,' ~''','" THECLASSIFII1' DOCU},.'EN'J.' SECTION, 'ItmiLIGE~E ,DIVISJ:ON, ,B-2" :. . "'- .. .,.' , , ' " ", .. '. (., :BUILDING T-5, (T-17S2). .. ' .... ~, , ....-,..... , .
'.... /'
.:...., ...... , .. ;.1"-.'.".' ..... ,
..... ,....'..
", .'"- " ...... ,; ~,' ...... /0..... " .' .' , .';"""~
,..~. ) .. ' ...... '. ":..: , ' '" .:: " , .~ ~,.~ , if.EAD QUAI ~T:r:;RS • 781ST TA:: B.[I.,? 2\LION Car.1P Cal:qboll, K.::ntuclcy 12 February 1946
S~~J=CT= unit Histo~J.
II -)- '"',r TO Co:,:t.ilandinc c·ul1cral, oi."l..J... ~ J , Tenn. period Coverod: 1 Janua::'y 1916 - 19 Fobruar-y 1916.
PleT I
SUl''IT'I[U~Y
Ci:::.'ct:lar '!l65, Hqs., 2nd Al~!.lY, dated 31 Decenber 19,::5, author iZdd tIl,; L'Gd1lction of strength of a tank battalio:l by 0::10 medium ta~l;~ c Od:i&l1Y. This OhlJI' also s]0cifiec1 tha'~, this cOL::)any 'i'lOuld bo COl~:)a::w IIC;I. Tlith t:1.0 elhlinatiOll of co::a:oany IIC Il the personnel in the: CO~.lp:J.n~r viore: tr-aIlsferJd to tl:e other conpanios of the batta lion br-ill:.Ll;::; Ecarlquarturs, Ab=..o and. D07, CO!:lpanies up to T/O St::"O(;i:0t~1. COH1)a.cy !tEn; by order- of 2nd ~\.:''']jlY, nas designated to bo tho heav~T ta:'ll~ cO:.l~'c:.ny, co~x)ar,y itA" to be; tl1c ii:ediulll tank conpany, am'!. conpany "DII tiL; liC;)l"C tan;~ c O}_~lpe.ny 0 Hcadqua:'.:'tors and servicc COLl~' anies T{.3;:lalY'~.:J(--l. as usu<::.l.
TrainLl':::; C:~ uriir: Jci:H'.Gl'y OI,lphas iZGd tall~;: ([rivin:; (.me. uain~.Jenance, ascul~bl:.r a:lcl ::1O;,i211C2.o. tur" cf >.:,h(.' subl_~ac:1L'.8 2~1.m a:1d carbine, and .30 and .50 calib0:'.C ;~ac:l::":.O :,:un. ;;.tL12t~. cs and 0 ricnto.tion were also stressed.
'.:itl: t~L lO-\1e:...~i.:lg cf the -';..S .TI. :points to 45 in January addi tional s~Jccialist3 ~,!8rO ]_ost to til...- battalicn. Th0 loss of trained au·::,m.;_otivc a~1d ta~l~~ :'.lO,:;ll8.nics scriolwly lw.ndicap:pod the training ~ of tto ba-~talicn. EV017 cffo:;:t waG made te obtai:1 train(Jd 10_aintcm I anc(; ~,lQll as :cc-:-J 8.COdents but fo..,;; ',\Tore; socure(i. All available Cluotas ~ vmro fill('c~ for' _:.cm to attcm~ schools to bo tl"'ainocJ. as s?ocialists, :0 but th(; ilI!~G~~ia t 0 y~,:~od l"el :aLlUG. ullfi'110d. t'
Dur:i.r:~~~ Jr:.nu8TY 19'~I) sPQcial vocatlor~al trc.inine:: schools yvoro il1iti3'-i~06, cli.-:;ibL; to i:~ll,lOn v;hosc A.3.~:. scores ,:ore 5 points Ul1lLr tl1i_ l~isch2.rG0 scores. '1.'hos,:; ;.-~(;n vJCrc ,given the.; opportlmity to :par ~iCj)o. to in a"1 on th,~ job trainin(.,; proGl'an for the rOlilain DUl~ing J&l1uary tho batt!li ion lost 12 O:l'fi cers, :3 ':Jarrant officers anc~ 140 E.Mo thru (liscl1ar::;o and :rocuivod 23 officors, 2 "[arrant Officers, 2nd 87 S.~. as replaco@onts. ~- 4th ~0bruary 1946 the battalion received ordors for inactiv a-cion as of 19 :8';.; ~)l~t~ary 19,:1:6 per order from second Army. During the l~,eri(x: 4th F·,oruary 1946 &ncl 19 Fcbru&r y 19<16 tho 781st Tank Battalion turl1GCL i~1 all PI'OlJ''')l'ty; closod all records and transfcred all persorm:;:!.. T>e bull~ of O:'::-ficer Ijcrsonnel wore transfored to the 5th Inf antry Division and 656 TC.l:.k Destroyer Battalion of' camp campboll, / KO~ltucky and the E"I:. to 6::56th Tan:~ Destroyer B.:.:.ttalion and the 5th Ij·fantry Division of C,-~'J.] C8.::ilp'ocll, K~ntucl-.:y. on 19th F:,bruury 19<16 tho 781st TJ_:'1:~ :S.,ttalion was inactivated and officially put out of businoss 'oY Lt. col. HAffi:tY L. 2::nPTE, JRk ~r..6A -who ovor thI'oJc years ago had activated it.. _ /J '1 ts"'~< Ii". -?I cA~ ~~~, ~ H. L. KErNE, JR. = 12 February 1946 T'ART II A~'jARDS PliTC?LE HEAHTS T/5 .jOSCllh J. Huya, 33 297 603) for wourlds received in action 20 ~ra:t1..UaTy 1945 in Ger::,1811Y, per War Depart11ent order, The Adjutant GCLlo:;"o.l Office, Fil3 AGPJ)-}{ 201 Huya, Josoph J .. , daJced 4 January 1946. private First class Gonaro QUintana, 17 106 886, for wounds recoiv3d in action 5 Ja~uary 1945 i~ =uro~ean Area, per 'Jar Depart l:J18nt order, T.io ACijutant General office, F~le AGPD-TI 201 Q,uintana, Gena7o, dated 9 January 19~6. privateI:'i~'st class lIe.lory r=. ~Ta::viel1, 36 527 081, for wounds received i~ act:.on 13 ~~arch 19s,5 in Europoan Aroa, per 'Iar Depart Lerlt order, The Adjtt~ant General office, ::Ti18 A:J.PD-R 201 ~'a::;;:well, Har:;.'y 11., dated 31 JaI:.uary 19<16. Cpl. :·oYiisg:covm, Jr., 12107 187, (Deceased) per General order #147, 19<'~5, Hqs· 7th ArhlY, for action in Gorillany on 8. April 19,1:5. • ~ • t ... • HEADQ,UX(TEnS 781S'r TA~"L: BN1'TALIOl~ CffilP carnpboll J K,?lltucky 12 February 1946 I'ART II A~'lARDS P1rt:'?LE HEAETS T/5 ;Josoph J. Huya, 33 297 603, for wounds received in action 20 ~ral'.uary 1945 in Ger:C,lal1Y, per War Depart:ment order, The Adjutant GCL~o:':'~1.1 office, Fi13 AGPl)-H 201 Huya, Joseph J., da"ced 4 January 1946. private First class GOl1aro QUintana, 17 106 886, for wounds received in action 5 January 1945 in zuropean Area, per ~Jar Depart 11ent order, Tb.e Adjutant General Office, :!?"::'le AGT'D-TI 201 Quintana, Gena~o, dated g'January 19~6 .. private Fil'st class n2.rry 1=. ~T.a:~)dell, 36 52? 081, for wounds receivec1 in act:.on 13 rarch 19~5 in European Area, per'Jar Depart l~ent order, The Adjn'~ant General Office, Fi18 AJ.PD-R 201 ~TaJ;:1,\Tell, Har:;:'~T !l1., datod 31 January 19'16. cp::'. =~o:rl.is~roV'm, Jr., 12 167 187, (Decoased) per General order #147, 19(;;5, Hqs' 7th ArrJ.Y, for action in GorIl1any on 8. April 19,15 .. • • J , HEAD~UART:-snS • 781ST T.A.~-~= BATTALIOlT • caraIl CaIapbell, I(entucky 15 February 1946 7CJ1S~'----.~"_~T~ Ri=:'':::'L'ION ('OT u'~ ")T;"~r L - '11.. .,.. -C' J~- LT J __ ' J...... :1..--:l..:. .. .J.. • .1 ... _.l J, ~ l{. 0249865 cav. ~~ountain Lakes, J. J. (B8. ttaiion. COi.,]j}l3.~~d.ur) =-..AJ JEROEE F. S~ TI'E 0337376 Inf. r=innoapolis, Minn (BUttaJ_ion E::. 0) :AJ. JOHN 3:. sr~xn~s 03'77420 Inf. colULlbia, S. Co (Battalion s-3) CAPT. Er::m P. CURTTIT 0305553 Inf. BaltiLlore, leary-land Cgattal.ion S-2) CAT->T :~THIJEY J-Je ~ ...4.?,--::::~"'IT_:S :oav. Hazard, Kentucky (Battalion 3-4) Ck"'JT G::1:0HGE IT. EI~LIS 01287848 In! • T~ntGbello, calif. (Battalion COlJill. 0; lsc.;:' LT vVAR.ltE1T C. E1LSTII.AM: 01015109 Inf. Ale::::and ria, Virginia (Battalion S-l) 2ND Lri'. 70f:REST r. WOODS 01019'776 CUV. Floral pal"k, l~. Y. (Battalion Liason 0) HEADQUART3RS COJVfPM'T; 1ST L'1' JOS='~~'E C. B03CH 01017540 cav. p:;ta, rissouri (colilpany ca~JI.1andor) 1 ST LT liOB:I:RT L. Gtn:..LEY 05327:37 F.A. san Antonio, Texas (Assault platoon Leader) 21;;D LT STO:"3S TKPLZTm' 01018478 cav. union Grove, :F. C. (corJ.pan:T Offi cer) 21TD LT AR'Y'JJT, ~ -. RIL3Y, J:!1. 01185884 F.A.. Inglewood, colorado (con:P1;iuy officer) 2ND :r,rJ: AUTRY I!. ECL~ZR 02006705 cav. san Antonio, Texas (coEl)any Offi ce.r) 2ND LT FR3D T,T. TILL 02028898" cay. ~-ilford, Delaware (co~ ipan~' officer) 1ST LT J.LUSS ::=. HOBDTSOF 0101700G, cav.~ Le.xington, ~Tentucky (D. S. Genoral lrOs]ital) SERVICE COFPAJ'TY CAPT IC?B-~Hrl' HZ;TDERSOJ:'~" JR. 03 47743 cay,. pittsburg, pennsylvania (company COllJLlaIlder) ·CAPT Jl~:ES H. HAffi"EY 0101.0594 cav.. Bell, california (Battalion l':ainto) 1ST LT JOSEPH .F. LUBY 0347743 Inf. Troy, pew york (coLlpany officer) 1ST IT JOSJ:~"E BOBIC 0520242 Inf. Grand .Rapids, ~'fich. (cor,lpany officer) C.W.O. H1C~LEY I. TOLLEFSOlT TI\1-21'266'82 ,pierpont, S. D. (En. personnel 0) T'i.O.J.G. LO:.rD n. J;:ELLY W-2~794~ wayne, Fichigan (Asst. BIl. :caint. 0) ~1.0.J .,G. CIIA:-.I.ES II. C.h7AI:AGH W-2123281 clinton, Iowa (Asst. Bn~ supply 0) Cli.PT AUGU3T:;TE· '3. I,ITTT.,ETON 0416506 cava chattanooga, Tenn. (comDany co[~aan~er) 1ST LT J~ 'ES L. ~'cCARTHY 05332519 cav. !:il1is, l:::assachusetts (company Officor) 1ST LT AFC~IJ F. SII' "ISON 0338929 cav. IT.illedgeville, Georgia (co:lpany officer) - 1 s; art III (cont'd) "~ 1ST LT ROBERT B. 'TIl c~::r: ER 01015623 (CompanY.Officer) Cav. 1ST LT ED' JII- -r. COX 0169171·4 (COlU)any Off icer) :~nf • 1ST LT DO"UGll3 Vi. Sl'lr::;::;SOlT (comJJany Officer) C2.V. ',;ebster , 'S. D.' 2FD IJ T ';JAR.:::-cE:· H. j '.;\1)801 '02014373 .. (C91ilpany Off icer) Jersoyvi11e, Illinois Zl\TD LT "lILLIS D, PATTJ:HSOH 01019840 Tan:ler, Alaba.ma lST'! T ~-:..nI 'J. SEk:T:::r, 01015167 (company COLllJanJ e :.. ' ) ~:[a 'J.neta, Kansas ,1ST :' T TIALr'H -r .S:-IAi,J 01540778 Inf. Bisbee, Arizona (corJ.:JallY Of:c'icer) • 1ST 1,T E~r"-_ET-q ". H'ISEER 088762t1: Inf. JOh~lStO'WIl, pa" (co@party Officer) • 2j'TI) J,T CT'TT"~:J LmTO"~ 01016579 " (comp~nY'Ofi'ic~rj.l~ owe@:o, }'Tew york 2FD I'll r.l~~::L =1. - C:? 1ST 'I~T HERlIWT T. HlJ!T':J.1 026053 CliV. (company CO:1Illandor) Jackson, Tennessee 1ST =:.T ~DGAR ~~. BLA:-DFORD 01011675 Inf. (company Officer) chester, pa. 2I7D 1,T, s..'C' -l.'SI F .. -;~'1}m 01330694 Inf'. Lockport, FOW york (COlll)Ur({ Of:ficer) 2~-D..L I L- T 0IBsor,J •..1.. • '[•• u'\sn:~:r<'SLJ.lt ..l -'-.,<... 1...1'l, JR-.... .02C06G76 (company O:Li'icer) orlando, Florida 2rD LT ={miJt:.D -J~ GO,R~RT 0:'020428 cav. Teaneck, nevI Jersey (coilll)an:r Off'icer) 2ND JK 02010874 r.,::. -{''l.RI:Y ~. rr:::::rs Inf. l i ashvi11e, Tenn. ,_ (cc::l~Jany Officer) . :1 .' ...... lit til • , .. ••• r HEADl,UA:aII:RS • ?81ST TA .. ~ BATTALICN • camp car,lpbell, X:entucky SUBJECT:: unit History 11 Febrta:ty 1946 TO COl;:n:J.anding Gene!al: 2nd AJ:~:ry, :·e.:!.J'his 2..'1. Tenn .. ('ctr"}/':;c r) period covered: 1 rdYOil13er lS45 - 31 DeC9:ulOO',: l-h~ c PART I on. 1 o~tober 194.5 the 781st Tallie En. was stationed at its perinanent station, (;:'.r.lj,' (>,',~Dell~ IIY~ '"Tith tho I3JlnOUnc8ment of the -jar Dept. ?olic~r for -:'o:,~,Ccy t~,V8' d8.Y fu!'louglls f~:' 6.11 Z.Iv:" the train ing of the Bn. was Serl()l'EJ.~" l:urtail eel by t1:le;:-;e bllJ Ie absenceG. primarily only persc~1n81 es,')entiFl,:L ~:o -:; he aCiministr3.tive and house keeping functions of the lmit v"e~8 :;:et~j,r.ed in tne BIl. personnel who v!ere retained for tho 3.dr,:ini'J"crat i If; ~ 008 W'3r8 rotat ed so that all E.M. were' giv;Jn 'the OP)o:!:·tunlty tc ",ek2 advan.tage 0:1" the furlough. The lowering of the A< S.:1. 3(' )j.'C· t'0l;"llir<::::I:lOnts for discharge on 1 october 1945 to 75 for offi C3rs RJ1Ji. 70 i or :3>1.1 .. resnJ.ted in t the loss of 16 officers and 160 E~E. ~1.S 8. rasul t of these losses and tho 45 day furloughs the nU::J.'!:>e:r cf :...}en available for training dro::!ped to as low as 6, (6 octo"uer 194::,) The'training progran d.uring this jJc:;:iod laid greatest stress on athletics, orientation, naintenance of vohicles, weapons and equip:r.1ent. During october 1945 tho loss of specialized personnel creat ed considerable problem.s rar'ticularly in vehicular maintenance and in the minim~ essential administrative duties of the Bu. Transfer to tho BattaJ.ion froLl othor units of only 3 officers and 14 ::!:.M. durin3 octobor did little to alleviate the situation. During the month of r:-ovc:wber 1 ~4.5 the Bn. processec1 f or discharge 2 officers . and 267 :S.l',~' ('I,n.d receivca. as replacer;;'011ts 19 officers a..rld 85 E.H. -.'ith Ec~- .. returning frml the 45 day furloughs durinG EoveLl ber tho nuruoer of men available for training increased to one hun on oriontation, athletics, and r:la. intenance of 110tors J weapons and artillery. During November greater stress was laid on the Army wide recruiting prograLl, with very satisfying results being obtained .. In December 1945 the BIl. roceived Ll0re nersonnel than it lost thru discharge. TVJO Officers and 120 E.I"·. v.rere processed for discharge and 2 officers and 312 E.l:. were received froIn other units • . iith the increase in the personnel it was possible to intensify tho training prograLl vn. th a view of getting into full s\lTing on the trainins on 1 January 1945. An officers school e.i..lphasizing tanks and tanlc gunnery was scheduled for the entir~ 110nth. The instruction was conducted by officers vIho had been i!ith the lli"li t overseas 'vfith the purpose of orientating those who had been in other branches of the service ::!rior to transfer to tho tank battalion. At the end of the course an (;xa.r:~ination was held the resu!ts of which reflected the excellent caliber of the.: instruction. Duringi Deccf!..lber specialists schools ".roro held within the En. for the purpose of developing tan},\: anG. auto.ci.iotive llochanics to :replace the great J loss of those specialists through 0,ischarge. These nen were alSo subjected to final eXalJ.inations. Tanie driving and tank and wheel Z H )ft peintopepM WEe the obj Af sub jC\ct-s .' ~ on 22 Deco11bor 1945) service company of this Bn was presented the :Maritorious service plaque in a cereillony held. on the Bn parade Grounds. This awar"Cl vras ;:'l8.du on th;,; basis of the fine work service corupany had donG on TJlfl.intenance and suppl:r during combat. Throughout (j1;i".obcJ:': ~-'Jv0i.::.bC'·~. 8r:/. :;-)G C·::;r'J-:",c T A. vigorous re cruiting caIJ.pai'::;H wa,,; (C.ll'~·( tcJ. .l'i .':'~'...... :c. ~:'J:1':: :_~n1igtment of a considGrab1e llULl1.:'CT C:L ~":G:-:'; "(."t'j t3.t,·~·1·--,,:~ i.:.'·'-I ·.L " .:1::'0/b. rat""1le . in this respect as Tcc.,a.L(,S C~:1(,~" '.111i"r.8 ':J~ t:l':) '),~,,=,"i.: - .,..J • ....- 2 .' H~Q.~HTERS • 781ST TA.:;,. 3.ii.TTAIIOl: • canJ! ca1lpboll, ~ccl1tuclc:r. 11 February 1946 PA"tT II s·,;rvice CO::;lpC.Il\". ~)[)J::.; t-.I.'[.::-:.i<'" .o~c~ t t '.' ~;(\r ',' J~. ;:'.; ....1'1. ce d urL1g period 6 DGcofJ.ber 1944 tu C ':~,~'JJ,':;) j'-:.~,':r.']',>' c.:'. ~ C:····:.:.,(P,11:·~ (?eIsection II, G.O. ;/:627, Hcac.:{1)3~".'l~.r, ')-:~~l :t.':>J:r , ·c::-t.~"~11 :\i;.).+a.:ry District, A.P.O. 758, U.S. AYlll,'l, (~L:.t '3,i ;;-,.:j 'J',t:::,~·. ~. (.J,C) , ';' ?J:'uEon"uation of the aT:rard r.mcl.:.; to service (jer:l}:,}':,:- c'(, ,;'1(:'1' ,.':'·'.-T ':J ~ i >, ~=p,rlt'l:;lc:' on 22 Dec c:w.bcr 1945.· 2nd Lt. ARTEWH H. SLCJG;~TT, 0101 'J:'i"±r/, ::'or \:,)u~~cds recoi'led on 1 n·.:y 1945 in Auatl'ia, por G"O.-;tl32, l03rd Infantl'y Division dated 18 May 1945. Sgt. Russoll A. coyle, 31 173342.fol wounds rccoivud in action 24 January 1945 in France ," aw.ard is pur v;ar Dept, ordor1 Tho Adjutant Goneral Offico, Filo AGPD-R 201 coylo, Russ.oll A. datod 15 DOC. 1945. pfc. Jaku E. Dolashrnit, 37 58£' 866, for wounds recoived in action 8 Januar!{ 19<~:5' in France po:, ":ar nopartmurlt ardor, The Adjutant Goneral of1'ice, Filo AGPD~R 201 Dulashmit, Jake E. dat(Jd 29 DecOlTI ber 19 L15. ..~ ...... :1EAD'1lt\.:' .T:-~~ {S • 781ST TA -_. :3.\'Yi'AT.:IOj} C::"_i_iP C'.~.'.J.pbell, :~Gntucl;,:y• 11 February 1946 LT COL ::L_~··.hY L. ~~r -:;.'3 , ~ • \"'249865 cavA ; ~01,L."1. t a in L· .1\:es 1 1'~ • J. (:sattal ion COL1J.:l2.ndGr) : ~AT J C:-I:.T :~. ~ -iu~l~~ 01013167 Inf. co1unbia, pa. (Battalion EX 0) II.'::AJ JO~m s. S1: .:I=I~"S 0377420 Inf. colur!lb ia, S. ("lv. (Battalio~l S-3) CA:T)T LESTZR' f'j. BlfP.HES 0324380 cav•. Indianapolis, Ind. (Battalion S-5) lS::2 LT. ~ -..~LC:rS ~IE:r_:ZR 01018731 cav. Bedford, Virgii.1ia (Ba·~talion Adjutant) lSJ:1 LT. JOS3IT[ F. Ti1CB3TTA 01019094 In1' • Bronx, NCVI york (S.D. vlith CO. HAil) ISs:' LT. DAVID SC:~-"E:::B:6R 01015575 :;::nf. Brooklyn,. Few york (Battalion CO:Uil 0) IS? LT. JA:~S A. PI~'A 01821754 cav. (S.D. Gen. Hospital) 1ST l,T. :?REDRICK G. YAjiLOTT 01015568 cav. I:evvtonville, I=ass. (Battalion S-2) lsrr IJT. JA1\CES }~. ROBU:SOr:, JR.OI0176006 cav. Lexington, Kentuclcy (Asst. En. S-l) CAPT ~illATEI,'TI" L. :.1AHANYILLE 0450173 cav. Hazard, 1centucl{y (Battalion S-4) CWO AUB:t~='{ BROCX '.1-2119904 Leesville, La ... • ( ASst. BTl • CQ::Jlll. 0) HZADQUARTe:RG. CO~ 'J'ATY 1ST I,T. JOS~:"II C. BOSC:-! 01017540 cav.. ~\Teta, J,rissouri (company COl.na:1d e r) lS~C I:T. ~-lOB:2RT I-1. GUIJLEY, JR. 0532?~)7 F.A. S~~ Antonio, Texas .(Ta2.1k platoon Loader) 2lTD LT. AUTRY IT. HOLD~~R 02006703 cav. san Antonio, Texas ~ Ta.:nk pla:toon L'eac:.er) SERilICE Cor:rATY CAPT or.OJ! C. SOUD~:RS 01016547 Inf. Brookport, Illinois . (company COIJ.lillander) . CAPT VE:CEYT J. D01'rESE 01015661 cav. Dayton, Ohio (company EX. 0) 1ST lJT. JOSZPH BOPJ(07ISICI 0520242 :rnf. Grand Rapids, .Mi chigan (Battalion Trans 0) CVVO JOm: II. BOnDEN1~IRCHZR ~-2113460 Quincy, Illinois (Battal ion l~aint. 0) ~!OJG C?.JD~LE8 V. CAVAFAGH V?-2123281 clinton, Iowa (Asst. Battalion 8-4) '10JG G~OHG= ~. BRO~1!'r., JR. W-2125282 1,1B.disonville, xentucky (Battalion persOl~r..ol 0) CAPT AUGUS~n1E B. :LITTLE'fON OL~16506 cav • chattanooga, Tenn. (company COLTI":lander) 1ST J.!T. J.o\,r-ZS L. r"CCARTHY 0533319 cav. :r~i11is, Massachusetts .( Tank platoon L'eader) 1ST LT. AillTIE r:r. sr; TSON . 0338929 cav. ~~illGdgeville, Georgia .(Tank platoon Loader)' '. - 1 ~ -----..- - H~Q,1!ItTERS • 781ST Ta;~, :9ArTAIIOl: • camp ca1lpbcll, ~~Ul1tu.clC:T. 11 February 1946 l'.A?T II Survice co:.:n.pc.!!""i,', ~J>::):I:;t-, '/F.::~!.~ ,r'.~::tL'~~r1!1 ~'>::J~_ ~.)':'\·ice during period 6 DGcoIJ.bor 1944 tu c :>:' 'J:-;'> j":':"'),.'l'.>' c':-,~ G":':"J·;Ul.:- (?('T se~tion II, G. o. ):':,627, HoadQu3.:, -',e ,~> ':~~~l ..-l:,':.a:r ,'to';::' t::"~l,l ~f:i i.J.+ary District, A.P.O. 758, U.S. A-r:";:,lY, (~cit -:;.1 ?S ·j',t:·t.~ ~ ~ ~.J:;:).';. ~,:,:cuEentation of the i a~'Jard "lac.e to service ceLl];:.l!'.:- E t ,>20::'1' .':';"" __ ' ~ J .>, ;~8r.t'1~k:: on 22 Dec o:w.bor j,945.· 2nd Lt. AR'E-IDR H'. SLC<~G.L''''TT, OlOlJ:hr/, ~or lJ')u:::.ds received on 1 r,':y 1945 in Auatl'ia, per G.. o. }l32, l03rd Infantry :Jivision dated 18 May 1945. Sgt. Russoll A. coyle, 31 173' 342,fol ~'lOunds r8ceive.;d in action 24 January 1945 in Franco, -- award is por vrar Dept. order, Tho Adjutant General. Office, File AGPD-R 201 coyle, RUSs.ol1 A. dated 15 DOC. 1945. pfc. Jake.; E. Delaslllnit, 37 38£1 866, for vlouncls received in action 8 January 19·~5· in Franco pe:" -:ar Department order, The Adjutant Goneral office, pile AGPD~R 201 Dclasl1mit, Jake E. dat0d 29 DeceI:1 ber 19 L15 • • ...... =1EAD8JJ..L _T-:!;~{S • 781ST TA-.• 3A'Yl'AT:IOl,T C~_i.lp C.c.1pbcll, :=Gl1tuc::y• 11 February 1946 ___BATTALIO:. __ •. ___T 7US~ORY.__::..::....1. ___?D2.'~":.'_ TAl'-:K BATTALION LT COL :L~_~-... ~I.y L. ~~I~~.!·-:-:E, J?. L'249S65 (:sattal ion COL1J.J2.ndGr) 01013167 Inf. co1unbia, pa. (Battalion EX 0) I\'~!l.J J C~1F 3. S1:SliTS 037'7420 Inf. Colill~bia, S. C. (3attalio:Cl S-3) CAT)T LE;ST~R C;. BDltr~ES 0324380 cav. Indianapolis, Ind. (Battalion S-5) IS':2 LT. ~ 'ALC'JS ~I:2;:r.,=R 01018731 cav. Bedford, virginia (Ba·~talion ACLjutant) IS'J:' LT. JOS2:IH F. ';11{C B=~I:TA 010190£4 Inf. 3ronx, nCH york (S.D. y;ith CJ. H],!') 1ST IT. DAVID SC~i'~-"E~B3R 01015575 Inf. Brooklyn, l'ew york (Battalion CO~]r,l 0) IS? LT. TK'SS A. PIAl'A 01821784 cav. (S.D. Gen. Eospital) 1ST I,T. :?REDHICK G. YAHLOTT 01015568 cav. l';ewtonville, 1=ass. (Battalion S-2) lsrr IJT. JA1CES I~. ROEIFSOT:, J:rt.010176006 cav. Lexington, Kentucky (Asst. Bn. S-1) CAPT ~mATEI,3Y L. :~AIW~JILLE 0450173 cav. Hazard, 1centucl{y (Battalion S-4) CYIO AUBH~7{ ::lRCC:C U-2119904: ~cesville, La .. (Asst. Bn. CO:~lI'l. 0) HMDQUARTERS CO;:PAi''Y 1ST LT. JOSE'II C. BOSCH 01017540 cav. ?Teta, Missouri (company C01.1.J.a:ld e r) 1ST LT. ~·~OB=It'r I,. GUIJLEY, JR. 0532'7~)7 F.A. san Antonio, Texas lTa~k platoon LbadGr) 2ND LI'. AUTRY }-. IfOLD:'"!;R 02006703 cav. san Antonio, Texas :( Tank platoon Loader) CAPT OROjT C. S Otmsns 01016547 Inf. Brookport, Illinois , (COLllJ8.ny COLllilander) . CAPT VIJ.~CEYT J. DOF1SE 01015661 cav. Dayton, Ohio (company EX. 0) 1ST I,T. JOSEPH DORKO~1SIa 0520242 Inf. Grand Rapids, Michigan (Battalion Trans 0) CVVO J'OID! II. BOTmENl~IRCHZR g-2113460 Quincy, Illinois (Battal ion l~ain t. 0) '!OJG C?AELES 1~ • CAV~;.rAGH iiv-2123281 clinton, Iowa (Asst. Battalion S-4) '10JG G:GOBG:= 5. 3RO~.nT, JR. H-2125282 Eadisonville, Kentucky (Battalion personnal 0) CAPT AUGUSr::'Ti>TZ B. LITTLE'fON cav • chattanooga, Tenn. (company COl,:.rmnder) 1ST LT. JAr~S L. I"CCARTHY 0533319 cav. rillis , Massachuset ts .( Tunlc pIatoon L'oader) 1ST LT. Al1rIE IT. SI:?SON . 0338929 cav. ~'~illGdgeville, Georgia {Tank platoon Lbadort - 1 Battalion Histcr.r (cont 'd) .part III (conttu) . 1ST J}r. ~'AIJL -,. S=L!L :'l'EL 01015167 :::=hf' -,'llJ.nota, ==ansas , (company CoLIIila nc: or) 2lTD liT. CAI.'JDJ: ::::;. '!AIJ:::i'J? 02006579 cav. Liberty, Texas (Tam( platoon 1e~do~) CAPT DA7ID J. t:ELL:'.ri 01015465 Inf. 'rater1oo, Iowa (COl.J.pany 80.::.1l:.B1J.d;;r) 1ST VII. FHED Vi. IYO'TS' Ofb43391 cay. Grindstone, pa. (CO:"ll)ahy Ma int. 0) 2 -D :r. T. C:C:L E. E~~-:TL~£n~ 02016361 tnf. pratt, Kansas (Ta~1);: rIatoon L0adoT) 1ST ~}r. HOBERT Ii I,:cr-'TIl1E 0101:?483 1ni'. l:arsha~lto\'m, Iowa ( Co:'.lpany COIilDancJ. 0 r ) 1 S T j~ ,T. AnTElr: B. }3,:iS 1J.1 01016104 Inf. Indianapolis, Ind. (Tank platoon Loader) 1ST T,T. HE:':: NT T. h1:JlTT 026053 cav. Jackso~, Tennesse~ (Tanlc l)latoon Loader) II. BATTAIJIOF STREFG'rII: OFFICZR3 Err..IS TED ':EF . 1 cctobor 19<'~5 57 ; . 727 ~-)1 DOcG::iber 1945 32. 521 ,. I'I \ ~ • • • HEADQUARTERS 781ST TANK BATTALION Camp Campbell, Kentucl~ 9 October 1945 MEMORi\NDUM : SUBJECT DownGradinc 'of Classified Matter. Pursuant to .the )rovisions of AR 580-5, tho following Ba.ttalion -::>ub1icn.tL:m, c1a.ssifiod as secr()t, is horuby downgradod to uncb.ssifiod matter. Hq, 781st Tank Bn - Unit History for months January to Soptornbor 1945. By ordor of Lt. Col. KIN~.'E! JOSEPH J. KOLLAR, Cnpt, Infantry, OFFICIAL: Adjutant. (~~~~~:~.t)K~'it.~~~··~ Capt, Infantry, J'djutant. \ . zi"B::AJ) i"G.c-'F.'?leRS '7818'1' T.··.:·7I~ :.3A'l'T.<\LION Ga.m~' C3....":l:'=0ell" Kent'Ucky 'TO ~')n 1st Ju.n(-] 19~5 tl~e 78i..st '1'2.:11: :SE.t·t.c~11.on Has assembleC'. in t:1e vicinity 0: T,::lfs, .~ustri3., 8.vlaitj.ng l~edeplo::,-::ent ;;lOVam€i1t ::>rders to tr..-s L1:lt,Yl States. DO'ing '~.he pcriori 1st through 9t.~1 of' June, the, 'oe.t-c,,-,lion was 611gc,gy5. in tra.in ing::it:l 6i!lphdSis on tank maint:;m[}'l1cu, f:U!1:JoI7', !]Cl.L'.ria t~().ining .'l..!1d )T'g::mi zed :::Lc.hl,)tlCr;: • On 11 Ju.'"lO :94 E moveruen-'c orders '::.0 C&::p Luck~" Strike, Le~-{:1.Yre :\)f were recGiv(;;'i from ~::ea:lqu. ...rtf:.:rs 7th Ai"",Y. Fol1o",ing r~~c..:dpt of movement ordar3 ':11 full l:::qing track vehlcles were turned i.nto !)zor;....nancli; collect1.ng 'Join"c, :-,t Aubing" (,i-erml:!.i.'1Y, and lill half tr.lck ~;eh~cLJs a.t :.!Gtz" I"rJ-ncu. '.:.'h':.: ::·::tt.-::lion ComL1:~n1:1.n':; nffic(;;r, his com':.~'"l1 'r)!::rt;y, ::!.l1c:. ~,G.'l ..'.::1.C0 d<;)to.ils for .:11 comj<1.!lit)8 d~,:1){~rtvJ. ::;' motor for C:.m:p Ii,-,c;:·"- 2C'rj,b.:l on. J:::: .TunC! ID45. r)n 1::; J1.Ul,; i£!45 t.h,,; ';,;ul!~ 0: thu ·;nt't.":\lio~ dc:;rJ.rt\"~:·::,r C;,T1!1 Lucky 8trih:: 1::oy rr.oto:;,~ v.,;hich:.· '')21 ],/!: Ju.."l(" 1.9,:;'5 th·..; t'''''lr.~in,-:c.:r of th.,;; b~_tt."'.lion conslst~.l1g of Corn!;.~n:;· "DII ·...,11'~ on. f)} ,·'~:,)\.m or COiTID1..Yl;r ne tl d ?:roc,~ssjng ':L~S com;lldt;;t1 on ;:-;1 Ju..lI..;· J.9t:6 ::.nd :·1hi?ml.;llt ord.",:,s '~i..;:::"') rG c\..;·.~ Vt..:rl 0:'1 25 Jurld 1945. On ?8 .TUlld, E.c:tdT ()n 4: J111:- IJ4;t~) r:rds0nt.'ltion of :t1.'l'':..rds C,)l'Jco115 dS "701':"'Q ':-,·.::V:~'.:::J~.rd (;ac~: sLi ,; (..L~.l ;~ '!'.'.~rdG "i:lchV1i:i.1[': 3:i.lv,)r ·gt,~,rs, Tur[:J;,) ·'Idur"t;:3'J.:nd ~;r()?:!:.·.:~t;j,rs, 0.'.i.}~:G'8 0n :u J~i1:;' lY:5) th,~ SS ~:oor(:, docin:'d ~n No;' York TJ~~j,"hor ,=,ud. tho;; tro')ps movo-:J to Ca:~" -~j.l:r.l,r, 'j:~'<;.!,:: J0:;:3~.!:'''J for dhi·,.':,:-.:nt to ti1'.dr l~dBl~,ecti'J'u ~ecuption stat.tor~G or! l~~ lTu~:.:~" :..~\.:·G," ;;:: t~;,. f.U::. ,J r:.'},t", th,,; ~~S :::t J.Lfo~"l d.QcJ:ed'iJ,tHam!lton J~Ot}.ds, ·'V·i~l"'g·;niaJ ·l~.~~'. ~.::~.(! ·tl"\~}o·.::~ ,,:'~:y'~ ~:;;.r\"·" ..J to O.:~::~: j)'lt--:"lick ::::~r.l.r:t, Vir-gJ.niLi. J for ,~)roc'3~3 ing f..:.:!-). r1 ..;: .... "!.·~~:'!..11.. ·..:- f'-fr -:~.l:a-l:\"'· .:~·I.-·c ..~~,·t ~:.;)11 st -~t i crtlS 'r:T'dn~!.l~~ t~"IJ· to t:1:13 ~ 3;~' dft....T reCll~)rrrCi.t-~,v;_! ~.~":.·:"·"J-clS. '~i· '~~1~ .... (";. :,::·~...;c·..~rt"I.(}n st.~l+,i,)ns :;ri. 01)9"rJ.t;on nt t11~;.t, t]Ll~, .J.G.l"'.:.; t.?.t-~.. ~!.j"·;')ll :~·.i.(l ;J:ff"lC~:-':'B "'-:.1'~r3. I,.·!:nl:t·,:;·i.·.d r.~;n SI,!jT.. "'X)O. -t.:'") ')1 (If·tho ~~2 "1i1 c.. ll rJarts ('1' ·~~~l.; -::"11 it·.~'(l ·:~t:.ttl.J~~:. Un.i. t Hi8tvr~"~. 781st T:mk B~.. t,t~·li on (Contrl) \) On 11 /"W;us~: HV5 ';',::.. " "'~·.-'1':1Co;; (:(0"" '.c.;l·n'.·.n;~ cOl"sisting of ~ of.'·fj.Ct;YCS :"l:.d 7 DI'~int~(l mJI} ·!.l..r1.v...... ;d~:..l.t t:.r\J ". l:·-·t...·,:.·~.. Jr.l.::;; r\...~.~~ssc:l~~.';lj... st,·,:tion C·-.::'·:·:."'J C·~.~;?·)"'r;'..Jl:.L> K0ntucky, ,::U1C'. bJg:.m ly'·Gr..' ...... r'.,·~,' ,'.'.1. :,'.:r.t' :':'~"C,,j ·~·'l.'rg tho ;r. '.. :.n l;or!.~; .T.T:)on ··.rr:;.v".:_· of thu fL.'nt IDembv!'s of th"" ',''l·;~:·l.:t.';c:'l en 18 .\UE:UGt 1<::(,:5, si.xt,,-dght prj;: ';u".lifi-.;d rcpl~c..:mol1ts w'.;1'.... ruc,~ ivvc~ ::''Y c.~:~ : ..'~.t;'::~l·; on. "it.h th", ·1.xri 7:11 of 8':'·:;; :>f t~\; bntt21ion's ,[n 8tr0n6i~:'. on 2;::; ."1.1.gU,'::: :L~i.~S} i:!'·.ini:.1f '.'J,.~::; ofhci(".ll,y ::h.g,m !x.sud on (.d .i~!':(:- rddclr·].OYTi!,,jr.:t, rll r~~ctt\;.. us. 8tl"~...;8 8 ·~cF1.:::· 1'1'~ 0. ()n t :'.nJ.r: crd~7 gunrk.;"!."'J1 ~!"nd. br'ingi~1g tl'J.C: l'-::;,ir:.fOl"'C0i'l;c!ltS )00 ~ ~:j. gl.1 J. :..fi101 C f \,.:i~'.C~ Q i '.... :-lC~··. As aiructiv;...:;3 i\:or!! tl:3 .,,).:' ~~.i~~'··J;:lrtl~h..;::1t lJrogr~ss::'~rd~_7' J.. o'7~r~~ c:citj.cal SCOT~S f'o!~ dj_scl:.:~rg0 ·.:..nd v~_i?i.~:'11i·~·j~." :~'::)-2 C' .....rdr,St~:.. 3 shj F.-:'L:l:t, tIlE: i:.:7Jitii11g 1~r~~s l~~va:mpt-jd so !s to givtJ tl~!\-~ :''lOf\~ ~:l~JC~l~:·~~i.:rf-,.;; ·t.1:"'c~111i.11'7· ~o t~:~; ~~11 -::,i tb. lo1r'~·...::c yoint 'r·"t'" ".,,-" Y' / ..'. -. ,.;.,,:_« e"'-L-C1- 1_0-, '" -, f' :, c'r> $C0.,,'.·.:>-". ~ - tl'''''100e <:..1.." ...... ~').\~J. .:'.. :)\..•..•,l"...... '.• ,••...; .LO.,t;:_:...-~~n"... ,~ 0_ ·t'~.~.) C-··~t···.cJ. _.lC .•~ vJO.L'..! t.O A l1ov,..:l:·,nd l.:xG01lc;nt E::th"x:. of Y0i~) C~)TJii.'!Imic·;:~.~(ll1 tr~~ir.ing w,:;.s introducad to the. 'i:;i).tt::\l:ic;n in U1i:.' C07:1::)",,'.: yo1.c.; t::-.-':c-1·:;;S Ul1j t froT!: ~:"0rt '~n0x~ I\bi.1.tt-~·:!l:}'" ?~J.is tll1i't COl1.F'~. st".Jd of ':4. t.l~.~il~!', C<;!:8 '1 f_\-i,~ ';~'.~ ('~. 1'~ ~:Ddj tic·r.ts f OT StU(l~11t3 +,0 --l; :·:'i'T01.1 tX-Ci.illlnt~· :.11 il:t:Jrr·b.()n...~ .~_:1d ~T\~}J ';'.' ·-··~~~C,-;,·:'·-\..~~1~~ a Th.: 8 tr~\inirlg -v.:lit In'..:t ",j th ':,js.u ·'J1!!y·o-ro.l ~:'e offi.c.;rs,nrl ti ...m, :)~' '.: ~:.-C,·:,l~ em. ('11 ~o ~: ...:~.:-s·...::.~J-::-:"I· 1;)4.:: -L·t.. u ?..3J.~")t, Tz.,k ?'1t)~/.~1~.:>!l b·_!· '\11 nr ....;-r:',":':.~:·~t:.on:3 f'jT s(;:1(..1i~"lg :111 c;~I .. ~:::r:\-j~J. 111011 011 :·O~·~·~'~,.~·-~.i"'! •..; (:1C"t.:"'" ~~'u!:'lollt?:;1:,'~ ~:.~'~ ':-r:-:' C!~~:·,~;c::jV;.;3 .. / ". \ .. ' I c. Ii .~,- }y, ~.... "[J. ~'~~=~\~l\f.;<·, ~J?} 'St.. ~~:~·1 • .1 (>-....;·(.~11..,\:- j C}~r:.·~_.CJ.:~.: d.~.l':!e • ;'.. ~ r ~~."tir"~ 1 • Un!t Eistors~, PART II .~. f2CE'?C) I i'il~u ~l.n'! IJherm(dmitlg (D47p6:30) :' ... ,tnteni~.nc\;;, t':Ulk gunnery rulQ. oi"g.:miz.d , . ,,-: -, . '. :-.::-, l'_'rs ,L' -':":~ ",,,' f~t..ill 1'(;'.:.:"l:tx.rtt..:rs 7th ~m..V' fot' JDovecen.t to CqI:lP L/' T:' .;.:.~ }r.2Ul"3 f:)l r,U~)~~<-:lt to th<: rLS •.,1.11 full trtl.~ l;.ylng vehicles -:,'-:.r--L~; :.:::. ':;0 'lrrin"·.1ce .I.·;'.,~.ll.bini:" G.H'EJ.l1·. -----_.1.: Ju!") ~'94£ . ~ __ ", Pr'·'}j.lr0d fo::' E :17,",::;·:-r.t t.o C,).!11) Lucl:y Strikd, Fro.nCd. BOo t rtt.lion Comnnndor und ,'.dv,-.nc:.' dut'.l.i12 rl0;):...r'1,.,,~ :,"rOin T..::1i's, ::L1strb. for Ct:.m!J Lut'lr..y Strike. ------E .Tun.; 18/~5 ~ ::';:.t t .ii.)n ::~m'..~J ' j :;, - :. ~::,;. . r ij , ~.n~1 1 '.01 ·:~,,)·n )f 0:;:: :l:..!'r~' "p". '1.J; ~.rtw-!. ,,~~ r.lotor for Cam~) Luck';r str n:r~ 'I I'rlllilce. C,)~.~'-1.:"~~· "DI! ·:,':1'1 1 ~'l..:l.toon CO:T.pnr.;:,r 1:0" depa:·ted G~"'JDisch-P9.rtenkirohen, :}I;:rslj':.':'~"· '::~,- :~·.i J. for ('::.rJ~ rx.cJ.::7 S·':rike. ------_._-j/_ - l1) JUY'.l::: .~.:)f:·S: ----18 JUD0 19-15: 3att,t;Q!on P~QCi,;:SS'...ld. for shiprr.(;:nt to thci U~S. 28 .TUtlI~ 134..§..:. r"~.~~~,J,UO~l ·,;m'bJ.rk(lrl f01' the U. S. from thu port of' J,iiHnvru, Fro.nco. HElad ,r ...trtc·"3, ~urv:i c., '.'.ad IIF. II Co~.nJ.nj t:S s;;dlad ·::J,:'o.'lrd thu SS },If.red :70ore ; 11 ..\ ", rtr~ti.~n':~ II!)" C:.')l'::;!·,.:n.l..;A ,.,.bo.:J.l'd t.hl).-S3 Lv.Lt.nd St·~.nfcrd. "' ).,t 'I.:11i n!} ,,;:',\l',.:·,'.:;.·.j ",.) ~:.:~. ~"u\y:.:;;·d th.) 88 AtM ford ,:\nd the SS r~oorf;. f")n '1 .Tu~.:-- :L:.!'1G ·.··:·C:3 ..Jnt~d.:.:,.,un' '·'.'.;xrds c:.:,rfji::oni 36 "Hir.e h;;;lQ, :lboar1 both ships. 41...... T.. l..... ~ i.. ," ..__...... __ ...... _ ...4~ _. _ ••••• "';:J.'~' I!" ;:';;" tt.·rk Hfl.T'bor, ::.Y., .1nd n.;::-sonrc'.1. ItI)Veo1 to Of.l1!l'" 'j 1::.:: ."f,'. j' " I ," '.. 't~r.f.n·(~ d?ch~~ '1.t I~r:ll!ln'f:.,)n ;:'0,1.16, 'Tir/?:"inil),JI i.lnri"'orsonno1 : }()v ...,;(.~ ':';' '~"':.• I~.: "f\)!ll"Y, Vir'giIlit.t.. Uni t H:.stcrY:l 781 Tk Bn, (Contd) ?·.:rso~nu::" or·-b~tt.::.lbn dl:··'Cl.!,oij,;6 fr')~ C~p Kilmer, N.J., and Camp Patrick H~r.r.r, V::'rff~r':'::':1 {;-·r ~i.;:::!.r :", "" .-:. ·:i-·..) r"-lcbptbn sto.tions in prop~.a'ation for t!:c:-~r tr_iY'::~" r':':J.7' r~c\:.:,}or.:'...ti"~ .. , -_.';:';.• !:.;JI"~ :'2.).t b.l:<"or: tr.:1-~L~. ~'!i t:~_ i';::1nh.'lsj s en t:m.t crew gtL.":ner:r :Jld r:mge firing. On 8 :J(;;t·.:>rr;·:·.Jr E<,.:;.1 ':1:..1 ':-';tT .llion rrlS com:r.lt,.t ...;l;:~ r-:;:ls~i::;mblE::d.. '3i:lt-:.[.J.~.()n continuvd tr:..:5.:':'li.r-g f.')r all low point cun. .'.11 officors and ;';\;;In V::·~(;.·: ...:r;; ;;J:Li.g:~·01..; for 1:~~'::h~.1.::-gu ur~dur tha point S"Jstem WE::rc: processe1 1'0:1·' S:1~ ~-':.: ~r.:::. t::; ~-.,~:l; ~0P::;':-':':' t:i. "..)il C ~nt 0rs • .. :~·?:-;:~..~.:~.:.~.{t.':·.. ':":~~·;·:~:~··· ,,'~ " 1;:-' .,'!. ':. , . .'.:r ,.~...... ;:.~.~~ ,,~.:. ',', '.-,' : ' ,: . ·,;~\1Il.~,;'18l8t Tk Bn(Contd) ~~!/;.', " ,..•.\ ';>,l:", ;',"-':"::'.' . '. _lr., OFFICERS· ROSTER S.' BAT!ALION READqJAR~RS LT COL HARRY L. KINNE, JR 0249865 CAV P~ountain Lakes, N.J. (Hattalion Commander) MAJ GEORGE C. FARErS 0526005 Ui'F Ravenna, r.y. (Bat tall.on Ex f)) MAJ JOHN E. SIMKINS 0577420 INF C.o1umbi8., s. c. (Bat1:.8;lion S-5) CAPT JOSEPH J. KOLT...AR 0566418 INF NeVi York, N. Y. (Battalion S~) CAPT GEORGE G. BLAiJCHARD, JR. 01015292 INF . Port lJeches, Texas (Battalion 3-4) ---1ST LT 1i<"!LLIAI~SOl; ~'. Cr,EMENS 01010051 CAV Indi,ma~:olis , Ind. (Battalion 8-1) 1ST LeI' LAi'TtENCE R. FINCH 0594257 nrF Beloit, ,\,!is. (Battalion Liasison C 1ST LT DAVID Sa1FEIBER 01015575 D!F ,Brooklyn, N. Y. (Bn S 5 Air & Co~m 0) 1ST LT JAMES E. WALSH 01015384 INF Janesville, V:Tis. (Asst 8-1) 1ST LT J )J"mS H. ROB l"NSON JR. 01017006 CAV Le'dngton, Ky. (En .Athletic 0) HEADQU;.RTERS CO!JPA~TY CAPT WILLI}1! F,. RICH OlO15/h43 nIT Nemon, N. J. (CO &Hq Comdt) 1ST LT .m'l':-{lm J E YONKERS 01172343 F:, Cofrey~, j lIe, Kens~s (,;lsIt Cun 'PIt Ldr) , 1ST LTFREI.Y0:f-ICK ~. Y.iRtmT 01015568 C.lV H,_,\':t lnvj,llc, ~1as3 • (Ren PIt Vir) 1ST LT JOSEPH C. 3nDCH 01017540 C.LV rfotcl, r:lssouri ()jortar PIt Ldr) 1ST 1'r :~I..PER'l' G. TIL\CK.R,lH 01015486 INF ' ~hilad.el~)hju., ?s.. (Co Maint 0) 2D LT NICEOIJJ';'S OPLtNDO, JR 01019563 INF St. '~lb'msj N.1. (Tk Sec rJdr) SERVIC~ cm.Jl,~Jrr CAPT ORON C. SOUDERS 0101564'1 INF Brookport, III (Company Conmand~r) CAPT VINCJThTT J DOlJISE 01015661 CAV ~ton, Ohio (Bn Motor 0) 1ST LT JASON J COHEN 0101540ri UrF Chicago j III (Co Aaint C)) lSTLT CiIAELFB H BItO~!i~ 01015505 TNF Ne"f ~:nts'rprj,s(3, Pa (Bn Trans 0) ml)JG ,CHARLES ~\1 C1\VAN 4.GH 1~12~~)81 ,:iUS Clinton, 7:a (Asst. S 4) ~!)JG GEORGE Y' 3HOV11, JF. CAPT CMf(f,LE; .T ::FUJ<:nER ' OJ.Ol()~~7 5 TN;:;' :::Te"[ Yo!'~, H. Y. (Compan:7 Corn~,);SInr:~,er) 1ST LT iHLUJu) J ;':iISt..fL 01('157,\" INF Flushing Long Island, NY (Tl~ PIt J.dr) 1ST I,'l' D8NALD CKL\:P.:: (Tl~ 'Plt :Cd.r) 1ST LT !'AmCJ!;L T. RIDDLE 01016780 INF!)Julvil1e, ,Va' (Co :!aint 0) 1ST LT .".RT,;{UR H SLOe-GATT 01019547 INF (Tk l'lt IJdr) .. . . " .~~';,: "",~,~';,;;,!iil~~'i t ~ ....' Unit Histo~, 781st !kBn (Contd) Annex 1 (Contdl COM?Al'rI "13 " ·IST LT AUGUSTUS J SIT~N 0461047 n~F Anderson, SC (Company Commander) 1ST LT CLMlENCE v.r :i'IORCK, 01C1S407 ·m ./ Denver, Col.o (Co Maint 0) 2D LT ARNIE N SIMPSON 0558929 d..w Uilledgoville,Oa (Tk PIt Ldr) 2B LT ELMER C SHEPHARD 02011742 INF Everett, Mass (Tk PIt Ldr) " 2D LT £lLBERT J RAY 02011745 INF Now York, NY " . (Tk PIt Ldr) COMPANY "C" CAPT DAVID J KELLEY 01015465 INF Waterloo, Ie. (Company Commander) 1ST LT FRED WLYONS 0445391 CAV Grindstone, Pa. , (Co MaintO) 1ST LT ALVIN WLEBER 01015504 INF New ~gle, Pa. (Tk PIt Ldr) 1ST LT JOSEPH F TROMBETTA 01019094 INF Bronx, NY (Tk PIt Ldr) 2D LT CARL E HERTLEIN 02016561 INF Pratt, Kansas (Tk pit Ldr) COMP.'NI liD'· CAPT JOSEPH J GRAIUM 01015665 INJr Floral Park, NY (Compar:(Y' Comoonder) 1ST LT ROBERT H l\~cnlTlRE 01015485 INF' Harsha1l town, Ia (Tk PIt Ldr) 1ST LT ARThlJR B BEST 01016194 INF Indinna,olis, Ind. (00 Mnint 0) 1ST LT PAL~ ?AIS OlGl~~928 OAV '8lyrin, I)hio (Tk PIt Ldr) 1ST LT PAUL W SH.t\RTEL 01015167 INF ~r::>:uneb., Kansas (Tk ?It Ldr) 1ST LT THOMAS J PETERSON 01018635 INF Boston, MAss (Tk PIt Ldr) I~DIC~\L DETtlCHMENT 7 CAPT GEORGE J WILL 0365259 MC Kingst,on, NY (CO & Bn Surgeon) 1ST L'f ROBERT P WEEKS 02049865 MAC Detroit, Mich (MAC 0) - 2 - • Annex #2 The folloVlin~ office1'3 ~~1d. e!'l!.i.E:·te- d !118o..', in cor.;pani.es lfere d:~cora,ted withfo~owing awa,rds ayoa:ro. the US.s Stanford and Meore on 4 July J:;l45. 1st Lt. Donald Crane, c: O~.:)~<,92 -. Co A •• Entered service from Pittsburgh, PG''...:8yLv'B.n.~.a. GO # 44, Hq, 42d Infantry DiviSion, datE.d ;"i' April 194.5 1st Lt. arthur He Sloggatt, 01019547 - Co A - Entered' service from Richmond q'U.J. Xew Yox'ko GO # 166 ,Hq 103d Infantry Division, dated .2 J'ure 1945 Pfc. Robert R. Jonus. 110q1.046 - Service Co - Entered service from Sornrnervi11~ .• · Ma23['0husct.ts. GO # 166, Hq 103d Infantry Division, dc:ted 2 Jum 1945 Pfc. Robert L. ~Ja:rden> 31'51{1289 - Medics - Entered service from St. Paul, M.i.n!1csota o GO # 166, Hq 103d Infantry Division, dated .2 June 1q45 CWS]2RS TO mRONZE ST.illS T Sgt. Ropert R. Brov·in, 321q 9065 - Co J..: - En~e red service from Buffalo, New Yerke GO 182, Hq lOOth Infantry DivIsion dated 26 June 1945 . Tee 4 IJi11iar:1 E. Turner, .3S179652 - Co A - Entered service from Piggot, hrlmnsas. GO # 182., Hq lOOth Infantry Division, dated 26 June 1945 Tec 4 Ii:lrger I. JOLmson, 3l193559-Co A - Entered service from Norvdch, Conncticut, GO # 79 103d Infantry Division,' (]ated 8 Mar'ch 1945 Tec 5 John A4 Bradi.sh, 37311581 - Co it - Entered service from Eveleth, !,Iin:1esota. GO # 107, 100th Infantry Division, dated 13 May 1945 S Sgt Earl W. Brownell, 362.31158 - Co B _. Ente red service from Eau C1aire~ Hisconsin. GO # 171, 103d Infantry Division, dated 5 Januar'y 1945 BRON?:E STAR Tec 5 Lucien B. Carey, 31343935 - Co A - Entered service from Hartford, Cozmeticut. GO # 107 100th InfQ.ntry Division, dated 13 May 1945 Sgt Charles E. Chaffer, 31047494,- Co ~ - Entered service froll Hartford, Conneticut. GO 115 lOOth Infantry Division, dated 20 May 1945 Capt Cc.mille J. Pelletier, 01010275 - Co J.~ - Entered service from NeW' York, Now York. GO #153 103rd Inf3,lltry Divi sion, dated 29 ~ay 1945 Cp1 James F. .~rsenc!.',u1t, 31206533, - Co .... ~ EntEJred service from Chelsea, Massechusc.:tts, GO #138 7th iu'rrry dated 10 .~pril 1945 '. Cpl John J. Bla.ck, 13125875 - Co rl. - Entered service from Phi1c::.dli\lphia, Pennsylvania. GO #79 103rd Infantry Division, dated a March 1945 1st Lt Clar~nce W. Morek, 01015407 - Co B - Entered service from Donver, Colorado. GO #115 100th Infantry DiviSion, dated 20 lviAy 1945 . S/Sgt Russel F. Yolk, 32131052 - Co B - ·Entered service from . Hamburg, New York. GO #115 100th Infantry division, dated 20 May 1945 S/Sgt Roy T. Faulconer, 35260171 - Co B - Enterod service from Covington, Kentucky. GO #138 103rd Infantry Division, dated 22 May 1945 " . ~. ~. I i,~ t .. r.,\.\ ;~'!'; :.,' ~. e&ih::;/.j f]R.ON~_~;'AR (Q9NT 'D) Sgt Thayer Fra.t:lcis.~ Jr, 11068239 - Co B - Entered se!,yice from Portlarid.~ Maine. GO N1l5 100th Infantry Division, dated 20 May 11/:.5 Cp1 . Ronald S. 0 j1)c''ltle~l, '34939936 - Co B - Entered service from Ashvill0.1 ;:lilbama~ GO #138 103rd Infantry Division, dated 22 1/.a.y 1'j,q5 Pfc John Corre-ia, 11113922 - Co C - Entered service from New Bedford,' Massechusetts. GO #174 103rd Infantry Division, dat.ed 7 June 1945 S/Sgt Harold F. DuBois, 15337372 - Co D - Entered service from Ricl'L':lond, InJinna.- - GO #163 103rd InfantI"'J Division, dated 2 June 1945 Cp1 Benny Naujokos, 35050005 - Co D - Entered service from Philadelphia.. Pennsylvania. GO #154 103rd Infantry Division, dated Z) Hay 1945 Cp1 Lawrence A. Trombetta, 33790316 - Co D - Entered service from PhiladeJ.phia., PeMsy1vania. GO #163 103rd Infantry DiviSion, dated 2 Juno 1945 . S/Sgt Clarence 0 Barber, 6994367 - Co D - Entered service from Richmond, Virginia~ GO #138 103rd Infantry DiVision, dated 22 May 45 Capt Joseph J Graham, 01015665 - Co D - Entered service from Floral. Park, New York. GO In53 103rd Infantry DiVision, dated 2ft. May 1945 1st Lt ~-\l"thur B Best, 01016194, - Co D - Enterod service from Indiannapo1is, Indiana. GO ItQ53 103rd Infantry DiviSion, dated 2ft May 1945 1st Lt Paul We Sharte1, 01015167 - Co D - Entered service from \'iauneta, Kansas. GO #162 103rd Infantry Division, dated 2 June 1945 1st Lt Paul Pais, 01012928- Co D - Entered service from Elyria, Ohio. GO #162 103rd Infantry DiviSion, dD.ted 2 June 1945 Lt Col Harry L. Kinne, Jr, 0249865 - Headquarters - Entered service from biount:}.ln Lakes, New Jersey. GO #107 100th Infantry DiViSion, Jated 13 ~~y 1945 Maj George C. Farris, 0326005 - Headquarters - Entered service from Ravenna, Kentucky. GO ~90 100th Infantry Division, dated 30 i-i.pril 1945 Capt George G. Blanchard, Jr, 01015292 - Headquarters - Entered service from Port Neches, Texas. GO #90 100th Infantry DiviSion, dated 30 April 19~-5 Capt Vincent J. Donise, 01015661 - Headquarters - Entered service from Dayton, Ohio. GO 1/90 100th Infantry DiviSion:. dated 30 iLpri1 1945 1st Lt Froderick G. Yar1ott, 01015568 - Headquarters Co - Entered service from Newtonvll;le, Massachusetts. GO 11140 103rd Infantry Division, dated 23 May 1945 1st Lt Williamson W. Clemens, 01010051 - Headquarters - Entered servioe from Indiannapolis, Indiana. GO #140 103rd Infantry DiVision, datud 23 1v!ay 1945, T/Sgt Wallis J. Thompson, 39611851 - Headquarters - Entered service from Columbus, Montana. GO I~O 100th Infantry DiviSion, dated 30 ..pri1 1945. Sgt ..J.bert P.' Hadley, 15131849 - Headquarters Co - Entered service from Cleveland, Ohio. GO #l15100th Infantry DivisiCln, da.:t,ed 20 May 1945 Sgt John R. Kniess, 33033499, - Headquarters Co - Entered service from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. GO #115 100th Inf.:n try DiviSion, dated 20 May 1945 . Tee 4 ~Jinston R. Suitor, 31254783 - Headquarters Co - Entered SQ1"Vice from Rutland" Vermont. GO #162 103rd Infantry ~vision, dated 2 June 1945 Toc 4 Paul G Jordan, 31351103, - Headquarters Co - Entered service from Brower, Maine. GO #115 lOOth Infantry , Di.~n, dated 20 II...- 1945 • ~;!:i'~;·~2'~~~~.2::.:~~•••~.:::::.. _:; ::~:~.:'_::.'.:-~~_ ., ~i:' ..;,_,,>.'.:., ---:.'~"~:·;..(;ii;.~:,;";-'i,,.;.,.. :"~.~'~.liflilltli.tiii.~~~~~ "'.' "''''", • ,>. ·01• .,', F.:l~Q~f.§. ST t.R~L(.Q9NT~) capt Oron C. Soudcrs,01015647 - Service Co -·Entered service ~... from Brockport, Illinois ~ GO #153 103rcl Infantry Division, dat.cd. Zj May 1')45 M/Sgt Calvin S. EL.:,JvL 20380906 - Service Go - Entered service fro:r. ~ ,j,r;Yllle, Virginia. GO htJ.P6 103rd Infantry Division, dat,E.\~ 2 June 1945 Toc 4 Warren i•• Even.:;, 37390426 - Service Co - Entered service from Davisville, Missouri. GO #137 10,3rd Infantry Division, dated' 22 May '1945 Pfc Aroodio GazzigJ.i .• 32334261, Service Co - Entered service from Port Chester, New York. GO #27 42nd ~ivision, dated 13 ~pri~ 1945 Pfc Grover H. Johnson, 3B370495 - Service ' . Division, dated 18 Hay 1945 . 1st Lt Donald Crane, 01015492 - Co ... - Entered service from Pittsburgh, Pvnnsylvania. GO #146 103rd Infantry .. Division, dated 26 lJay 1945 , . 1st Lt Hilliam K:li..sor, 0101572i - Co i.. - Enter.ed service from Flushing, Long Is1c.nd, New York. GO #102 5th General Hospital, dated 12 May 1945 Cpl Louis N. Lala., 38313338 - CO J~ -, Entered service from lJ..giers, Louisiana. GO #132: '103rd Infantry Division, dated 16 May 1945 Tee 5 Rudy Buban, 38167917 - CO J" - Entered service from Gibson, New Mexico. GO #79 100th Infantry Division, dated 10 april 1945 T/Sgt Robert R. Broi'm, 32479065 - Co ;. - Entered service from Grand Island, New York. GO /fl32 103rd Infmtry Division d1ltedl8' May 1945 ' S/Sgt Iiobc:rt Sexton, 6945679 - Co •• - Entered service from Pasa.dena, Mary1and~ GO /1117 103rd Infant~J Division, "l.~ i J If .;. if dattJd 3 WJ.ll~r 1945 \. , JI';' n' 'I j;9pt'hI.;. Robert F. Runyon, 15337292 - CO J1. - Entered service from . ' If ~ ,-. '\'.'.~". 'r) r,' Ceredo, West Virginia. GO #146 103rd Infantry Division, '{ :' u"':~'" ,! ,'~:, dated 26 Ma 1945 ~·~~~·S~·~· ~Ja:rOC;~""V0Ho~sley, 15323278 - Co l~ - Zntered' service from ,~...... ' Minerva, Ohio. GO #66 lOath llnfantry Division, dated 18 IvIarch 1945 ".~ .. F ... ,. Sgt Christopher .,0' Connell, 202fJ0764 - Co .:~ - Entered service 'frpm New York, N~w .Y.6rl{;"·'''OO #ll7 lO'ra Infantry pivision, dated' 3 l.fu.y 191+5' " Cpl John J. Bla.ck, 131.25B75 - Co A-' Enterod'sorvice from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. GO #117 103rd Infantry Division, dated 3 ~Jay 1945 Tec 4 ~J..fred J. l,[organ, 37388695 - Co h - Entered service from " • liest Plains, liis,souri •. GO ;'!ll7 103rq' Infantry DiviSion, dated 3 May 1945 .' Cpl Ray Barber, 3955B261 - Co 4' - Enterd service from Pa.sadena~ California. GO #1l7 103rd Infantry Division, dated ' .3 May 1945 Sgt Raymond B. ,Carter, (f:)90944 - Co •• ·'ltntered. service from Virginia. GO #94 50th General Hospital, dated 15 May 1945 '"" . J' 0· ...· ~.., ' .. I' .·w'r" i "I 'l.T;··.r\ :....: :~~-:~.J::.!~~:.-.:::.. .. ,~_ :.~~!I.I . Tee 4 Lest~r M. Bra'lc.e:1';.)1.:t..rg, j7.4·Y;22~. - Co B ~- Entered service f):'om elinton, IC'N'1.. (.J }1.32 103rd Inf.:lntry Division d:l.t.ed 18 E'O.y ~-;45 Cpl Lyle E. j\Ii:::::>:ev.ic.!_. 3.',~)1?~42 - Go B - Enterod service from ;.In.baIn. '. , C+O f.-9I~ 5ClU. G3r.eral Eospital, d.ateJ Cp)o B(:.r.,~.r. :Jd.:::', ,,' -Ii' 1[..' ','; - ,~) j .! ,1.:1'1 ".UC, "".j', ,J( T' ~': ~ (~ r:·::., .J~.', • ') . - "1 _. J.,_ •• "" if.. - •• ~" UJ.t.y' ?- J~1.lJ.:r;) ~'S+5 S/Sgt C:~0,:,gC C liU!".!'., 2J~80217 - ('0 C - EnteNo servico from '.) r :c '~ -. Pic :--...... J.a:..: ~3ct 14 i~f:\l ~ n l~: i,.5 fi. Pfc William l't::::'c~ ~,?~',.:.<;Sr: .~o C - Entered service from ',. Ranshaw" P';'lJU ,:;yL Pc.l. ..:.;) It>.4,6 l03rd Infantry Division, , C;":-:,,'. 26 M:::.y 194; Pfc .~:.~t.h...r T•. ::ulli"'~ , ··'i ,~',: J'~S' 5 Co C - Entere4 sQrvice fro'l1 Omaha: Nul. ':'1[ ~ '< (.,' i ':'j~6 103r d·Inf,antrj-'J)i.vision, d.atrJd 26 M:>y :'.S .. ~ F"'" ',')~j,s M. Se:-J!l r', .:,jl:ehc;m, Pe:!fl8: ' ".' M GO 1179 lOOth Infantr:' :v ,_vision, J,J.';:L~ 1Cl ApriJ 1: ,J .. C:~ Z. Fi3~he~a;~k; Y~~':l2601 - Co G - Entered se:;:vica from IJ(;'wcl.l'k; 1-:.1" .-,~,"" ',', y:.:: l)Oth ~'nfantry liivision, Qated 1f .'.!\c:...~ ... ~) • ;,11;:,; rt G. \Iundor ')' (,',214 - Co D _. E.ni;,t;rdd sen: eEl from J:r::l.Jllyr., New ~o:JL I}')' 1183 lOOth Infantry Division, Jated 18 .ltpriJ. ·J.Sh') ,,~, ... I Tee .-4 Thomas V. Lyolls; .:; ::;1 C;4C~ - Co D - Entered servi-ee ~"r 0'1. N,w York; ri; '-"'-';.. ,flO. #146 103rd Infantry .. , ., vi,sion" da:'ed. ~ f H<1>,,' 1.945 .i.(E'::1XlY Naujokos, ~ - '~ .."'05 ·-Co D - Entered servi, oS from ;1[',de1phia, Per.:..,. -L,ru.nia. GO #146 103rd Infa'1try Division, 'dated .<:6 'JJJfay 1945 Pvt James ·A. ~17,r-rlC:"~ 1 ~ '=.:33.356 Co 1 - Entt'H'ed service frora Vll-'~.: _~",1... t;,t,;k;"'. C'.) :;~:: :,,~Oth Infar).tryDivision, clatod 18 lOpr::'l '1.':J/J':, ;,._.,;,.:" ;:oyodon V. Whitnd~', ;~;:;1'0987 - Co' D - Entered serviC<3 from ,;' :3~',- ~:Jurg, Massee:';,l.t;'j~,ts. GO 11132 l03rd Inf2..1t ••CLu':'Ti')I.__.. 0 ____'...\ I --:-:-,~'fTRPLE , HE.:.F,T• Capt Camille J. Pell€ti6r .. 01Q10275, Co, k·· Entered h ..... ;;:J.""t ~:rol.l New York. Ne)1 York~, ,GO #l!ij J.03rC lnfCl'.t~r J:v~:'''lJr:,) da.ted 26 lfa.;v 1945 '.','.' ': . 'Pee C RO'::-f;l-'+ Ll~t,~TJ:'i., 1.(-'J.~1.);J1- ::!().G,,.. J'Jr.::'el~d .:l~:"iT'i(;,;; ."L 1 :... ~~.):,~-11'-l.Ih,;.i..El .... ' .' . GO #",...... ,~'7' J.., O~.. :1' j r"n:;,~{L f' +..l'Y Dirtson,i j.aJ,od :3 :,:a.y 1945 Unit History" 7S1st Tank i!'L • Annex #2 Contd. ,'. ~ I, f GL:i.cwing awards in T/Sgt. Rpberl R. Brown, 32L1.7906:;, Entered service:;: from Buffalo, N. Y. G. o. 182, Hq~ 1QrJth I:tfa...'1.try l)ivision dated ~6 .}'..l..'P'!.e 1945 Tee 4 ~li.lliam E. 'I';~_rner: 33179652, Entered service from Piggott, Kansas. G. o. 182, Hq,. 10C'th Inf'a!ltry i~ivisicn de:i:,bd 26 Tee 5 John A. Bradish, 37311581, Ent.er0d service from Eveleth, Minnesota. G. o. 182, Hq, lOath Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 Company B OAK LF~.~~~ TO BRONZE STAR ' Cpl. Morton S .. Hoch, 12155313, Entered service 'from New York" N.Y. G. O. 182, Hq, lOOth Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 ~ONZE! STAR T/Sgt. IJilliam H. Daley, 20157332, Entered Service from Boston, Mass. G. o. 182~ Irq, 100th Inf~try Division dated 26 June 1945 Sgt. Edmunu H. Duval, 28157386, Entered service from Dorchester, Mass. G. o. 182, Hq. 100th Infantry Division,datod 26 juno 1945 Tec4 Hilliam Audette, 31156727, Entbred service from Springfield, vt. G. O. 182, Hq .. 100th Infantry Division dated ~6~-wune 1945 Tee 4 Joseph H. EVE:r(.)tt, 3[';295228, Entered survice from Wills Point, Te~ G. o. 182, llq., 100th Infalltr-I Division dated, ~6nJune 1945 Tee 4 Willi_am B. Gehri!1g, 3.3721900, Entered service from Washington, D.C~ G. o. 182, Hq, lOOth Infantl1( Division JatGd 26 Juno, 1945 Tee 4 Archie A. Giaco1ini, 39131126~ Entered service from Eureka, Calif. .", .. " G. O. 182, Hq, 199th Infantry Divis::'on dated 26 June 1945 Tee 4 vVinston V. Tt:mple, 39~562.U, Entered service from Phoenix, Arizona G. O. 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 Company C 'S Sgt. William H. Riddle, 37390169, Entered service from Malden Miss. (',G. 0 0 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 Sgt. Iple L. Nelson, ~ 37436322, Entered service from Lenox, Ipwa G. O. 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dated 26.:June1945 Sgt. Char1(;s G. Robertson, 39045131~ Entered servicefr.om Portland, Ore ~ G,. O~ 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 I;) S Sgt. Edwin D. Luinvrebor, 36056922, Entered Service from San Jose, Ill. . G•. O. 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dat,e:;:d 26 June 1945 Cpl. Vincent J. Noratka, 6,889887, E.ltorod sorvice from Uniontown" Penn. G. O. 182, Hq, Looth Infantry Divisio~ datod 26 June 1945 capt. David .J. Kolluy, 01015465, Entered service from Waterloo, Iowa G. O. 182, Hq, lOOtil Il1f£l.ntry Division dated 26 June 1945 1st Lt. Alvin H. L..ber, 01015504, Entort:d service from New ,Eagle, Penn. G. O. 182, Hq~ l00th Infa.'1try Division dated 26 June 1945 1st Lt. Josoph F. 'l'rombutta, 01019094, Entered service' from Bronx, N. Y. ..~: G. 0. 182, Hq, l00th Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 S Sgt. GD');';'ge C.' Dunn, 20380217, Enterod servico from Danville, Va. G. o. 182, Hq, 100t:l Infantry Division Jated 26 June 1945 Sgt. Thomas A. Eck, 33010794, Entered serv~ce from Dalla.stown" Penn. G. O. 182, Hq, 100th Inf'antry Division da.tod 26 June 1945 Company D Sgt•. Sloan K. Harger, 20156940, Entered service from Hartford Conn. G. O. 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 Headquarters Camp~ S Sgt. George F. Dohert,y, 32094953 1 Emtel'od Go. O. 182, Hq, lOOth Intan1;q.,~.·"~;!J.IO\I!M';; Unit History, Annex //2 Contd. . -. "'\ ." :' - Sgt. Vd1liam C. Abney, 3B2.34120, Entered sorvice at Little Rock, Ark. Go" o..182,. Hq, -l()Oth Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 Servico' Company .. 1st Lt. Jason.J. Cohen, 01015405, Ente.red Service. from Chicago, Iile .·G. O. 182, Hq, lOOth Infantry Division dated 26 June 1945 . T/Sgt. Hugo ]lodonj 20200794, .li:ntered servicefrol.lBronx, N. Yd .G •. O. 182, Rq, 100th Infantry Division dat",d' 26 June '1945 Tec 5 Joseph G. Perry; 33353289, "1ltered sl;rvico from Dunsmore,~nn. G. O. 182, Hq, 100th Infantry Division datod26 June 1945 . !be toUQWing oilleen and. GIlldated men 'We~ 1'>reaeni#ed the toll?w1ng ••Pis in ceremonies held 2J Sept(;Jmber 1)45 at Cam~, Cam' bell, Ky.' Com ')8.n1' A Silver Dtd.r S Sgt. PlJbert !)e'lCton, €·~15e,7' .. fnt.,reri S Y'vioe from Balt'r.ore, ~~. Cr •. 0 .. 106" ~-iq." 42,", UVHli:'m dated 30 June 1~)4:5' ~:. ',""~ j ) ~.: r S:'8.1" s&t. .Tames V. HO::-I'::ley} ~\.:::3?~2'7:); Ent~rcd service trom f'.1nerva .. Ohio r. v. 187 r Hc...:- lU:,~h 1.:11:.:~;:~'r~rv Division da.ted 29 .Tune 145 C0!lla!lY R Oak Lc~f CJ1~" ",,'-:'- 't\~ Bronze Star ------.-- - -_._------.__.- Sgt. 0eorge R. r;hlf'.ldi, 121CZ::;,)2, E:1tcrl1d service from 11"est Field" N• .1 G. 0.187;, Rqe- lC":'th r.ijfdnt.:..",,:~ Idvisi::m dat.od 29 June 1945 Tao 4: Luster M. Brnndonb-ll"g ~ 37435224, Enterl3d s·~rvioe from Clinton IO'fB G. O. 181, Hq. 1,)iS:~ Ljf::t~t:r:r :,):'vision datell 15th .Tunl3 1945 Tue 4: Edwin A~ I\.imm~l;l 3TS'JQlt:}).~ 7..nt",,:::,,-,Q sl:lrvict: from St. J...ouis, Mo. G. /). :'5)i( ~.~~., l(,f"~h lrL.:::trr ;)ivi~jon ~htJ1 29 .Tune 19·~5 Sgt. .\lb~rt b~·n;;l. f,dJ~4~~3,. ::n':~ c~,;;,,~,~ e Sil·· Cpl. Ga.rret,t F .. Walen:, ~7:~~_!~t;~!' Entered survice from Taunton, lf1nD .. G... 0 .. 187 ~ Hq •. , 108':L ::'.'1::'t,21"t!'Y Division datt.:d 29 June 1945 Cpl.. Joe Szerolanan, 551:;H25 .• Enterod survice from ward, West Virginia G. r:!~ 1St'. !it!_, 100t~1 1..:l:::-..nt.1'Y Division dat~d 29 June 1945 Sgt. Louis !.. Bcucr" 3'l::Co:~4-'~" ~Yrtllt'ed ee~i.ce from Venus.,. .Neb.raska G. o. :'..87) Hq., :tOOth I!I;i.';:.ntry Di7ision dat.ed 29 .Tune 1945 --"_. Sgt. Densmc:-e w. Cr..:."1.plnJ} ,~7J7C":L.!, Er.tl:lred seJ"'rice froY!! Stanlas, Minn. G. 0. :~e7, Hq." }')Ot.l1 T1'l.!.:mc.:;l 12i'liekn «:bt€;d r9 .Tune _1945 , . . Sgt. , Th.om.:1s J. S:mner, lS:304b3:?2, E'4'ltorec. s\;;rrica frClm ~~a.dison Heights .. G. o. 187, HCJ.~ I lOOt:l I,lfl',\,lltry Division dllted 29 Ju."lO 1945 ~ Tee 4 Thomas V. IQrons, 52515409, Entorud s\Jrvice trom New York, N. Y. G. (). 187, Hq •• l00t:l Illf.'antI'1 Dl''1'ision f~~~:'l;t:£~~z Tee .. • V!unri.t:ll .\. Fl.OWl'll';',;, ~li~;:~r;6~, l!.'nturtt .~;.' ..... "' :San"'; C·.~ C<:':1 rm.ny l.-t<~;.~·'~ ':;~i~ .,~;. ",~.~-:~~ "iI.':'''::....•.. II.... ~."."".oWiIp T-"""n ~·~"Il~~,.,r~ ~ _.a ...~ioe· Tuc 5 E -.'Y\.. .L 1~ m.;...... , ...... t;.'t::- .. :. ,'.;1' to. d . "", ...... J'T: _ ~f~.1 'Ow~ y from St • 1.0""8,...... , lY1V. OO '., '1 -'. ,.: '.', ,'., ··.,'&'1""1 .,., .... G t.:'.-.. ~I _\,.:-1".,'.;:: ....0'"'4.4.: . .:....\..:..' ..~ _:-'_ • . "...:.~:,J .. ~' _ ....~ \[ j -~ " ...... ~ "r. ~11 . c.'a.t e d June 29 1945 It 1.''',·,(.: ...).,.- .~•.. i..";","'.,.'" ~. ',.';'i -,:- I .;:,...;. ," ~.:; ~ ...... "1· ....1'- f'r"''';' =\.&. ·"'s' Mo T,}c v. ._...... ";" ...:._ \." ...... ~I_ .. -...... '.- .... v._ :-. '. ~rc..J..'!J.'...... __ , • '" ~ .., )~;" _"~' :1.:~O:~·t~t'.t,ry ?t'7":·ar .n -:.~!::..~.~ :'~:; .:'"une 1945 '1"',*'-. f: r·~ .. ). t i~"..".,; :.. .!" . ~ ,::", ~~ ..'.. j'.?·:.!..c·, .L:.:ri":J~.r\~<' ;·1·.--,~·l~~\.; ~:E~'crr i);.rrt.:C'!:.\iO., r.tinn. ~.,.", (. 1.{·:- .. r ;.~(,..I. ·j'.!~:""\~..:.::··!:l·,/ L~l. .... ~!.~i..l.;.!'! I.Lr,+,e(~ f:;~' J\.':"1c 1 1j45 ~:f,," " i..~~'.:'~ ~ -;.i.).: .~ 7·. :·i }I~~,>.::: ~(t "r:--i::~;; 1"':"l)4i P.:;~~T;.S ...;~~), .UllbOJDD. {~ .. (~.~ ".:~. I~(.:.r •.l\)j-·~;: ~~.~·,·l~~ry n\\-is.i.~'n dUt,f.1~ ?S t"·:"'~~ 19·~5 .,. ., .: I .... :0.=:" : h,,!.•cj 'I.~ .. .l::'t.,.::'~;, Cc,nT')~y O~~ l.Q:.L~J::'-;:.:'::~'L1.L't~f.';j]·£n'Z0 St~r , ~bjor JO::-.11 L. ;:; i; 'n.'.l .. r:,·:i77· .';:', ~ ~,Jl·;ard. f: Tvc 5 Philin "C ••ls-::hc;. 51~32612·~, Fut·)rvd s"rvic~ fr')m SUnman, Ind. G. fJ. 18~, E''!07 ]\)"ii.'b }:..~.!:;.::~",:';,q" Di~Tision d~tue 29 Jun~ 19-15 Pfc. Rob~)!'t L. f'-::C'dt~>:;, :,~f.1~·1(;r.: E'n~;.H\j{l. 3.:.'rvic0 fr,)1!: Gr.md Forks, N. D. G. C. :87.~ t-~:.t..: J. 0: <'. L}f"~~l~~! 7 D.1yis:bi1 d,'),twJ. 29 Juno 19·15 .. f'-' ~l-..~:.' . , '. :~-:~~.~,iti,: ....~ ". ,I.;. • , :. . tl...... Il'JUAR.'l'1,~ 7'<- _ ·r~ .. ,i'l. 3.H.T'l'.tiLI0N -,,- ) 71 ':' 58, U. S. Army INDEX pART I SU~~~ ••• ~ ••• ; ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Pages 1 &2 PART II DAILY ~CJhD OF ~Vcl~TS ••••••••••••••••••••••••Page 5 KRUN1~ - liALLGaU •••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••Page 1 ANl~EX 2 OlIoIChnS 1\USTE;R· ••• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••po.ges 1 &2 CaSUA1TIL~ a.\lD Av~Ahi)S •••••••••••••••••••••••••"Dages 1 to 5 Aul'iEX 4 MAY TAl.~K STATU& RJ.:..fOltT· •• • ••••••••••••••••••••?age 1 ..' , , '" •• J HE~~nQUART1!tS 7815T TaNK J;lATTALION .APO # 758, U.S. Army 1 June 1945 SUBJ~CT: Unit Histcl~ TO eG., SEV.;:..i.,Td aRl:iiY, APO # 758, US Army. MAPs: Fuseen - Irnst Scale-l:lOO,OOO (Y-5) .( Z-5 ) PERIOD COV.L:,mm: 1 r.~ay 1945 51 May 1945. During the month. of May 1945 the 78lst Tank Battalion supported the adva~ce of the l03d Infantry Division in its occupation of German Redoubt area up until the final ~urrender of the German Army Group "Gil on 6 May 45. Supporting the rapid advance of the 10M Infantry Division thru southern Germany and upon roaching the Austria-German border town of Garmis~-Partenkirchen (D520820), the 78lst Tank Battalion(-Companies A,B,C &Service)was on 1 May 45, given the mission of clearing the tm-ms of Krunn (D67€)81=7) and Fallgau(D670665) and establishing road blocks at tIle )aSS8S N of these tovms to protect the Division N flank (See annex 1/1). From 1st to 4th May 'i5 the medium tank comT.,anies, attached to the Regi mental CT's of the l03d Infantry Division, continued to support their advances thru th'3 hazardous tdnk te~cY'ain of the Austrian Alp::;. On the 4th May 45 all companies of the battalion had ar1YEmced to the Austrian T:Tol tovm of Innsbruck. Upon arrival in Innshruck on:,'~h Hay "5, elements of the 411th Infantry RegimerUit with 1st & 2d platoons of COlr.:)any "CII ~ttached advanced S thru the Brenner(Dl05265) Pass Hith t!le r:Jis::liml of c:mtacting Alliod Foroes of the rIFTH 1l.RMY in Italy. At 041000 Mu..y ·15 contac twas .nC),d<.: just S of Br(lnner with elements of the 88th Houn tain Division of the l' IFTH ~~Rillf.. On 6 Hay 45) in antioiT-'s:Gion of the surrender of the German Army Group "G", the 78lst Tank Battalio~c-), ~er OI #91, Headquarters l03d Infantry Division moved to Telfs(D525620) to act as occupation troops with mission of policing and estab lishing Amsrican i'1ilitary Gov~rnment control in the area Obar Maiming(D435614), Vrild,orrr.eiming(D47;->c30), Obstalg(DtlIt610), felfs and vicinity. To accoil'plish t,his, blocks Vlere sut up on all roads within the area to s~6D the movcm0nt cf all displaced personnel and to pick up all German Army person n:.L In addition to occu)ation duties, battaliun performed all necessary re bar~.l.it,l~ jo~ C'.nd !:Jaint..:nance to achuive maJ~imum t.:ificiancy of organization and C~l 17 Hay 4S in compli. :;-~'t .:'repc'1::·ntion f:->r -Chis ov'.::rs<.,as movumcnt, the training of the battalion fc': L J8 '"a· "h::';~..!. Hay 45 i:'1c1uded subj0cts such as HalariaControl, Redeployment )~: ;:"'~ "'~'~",ln::i 3:;>ot ch;cks of men emd materiel. ] !'1l..::':~U<;?,l. :.l::~ during this period l'Gre show down inspections of T/O & E r3: ,1 i.,ln"3:lt; -=' CCG!IJl):ashmert of Jlh'csicalprof1lae. of all members gf unit,.~and poihts ~t__., ...______~ , J.~ Unit History, 78lst Tk Bn (Cont! d', for discharge were com)iJ:;d on :111 ir:d.i,,:,;':.r';.l::J.ls. F::l.Idli:lrization firing was conduct· ed of individual nrms. In ~.dl .. iti..r;:r.. C0!YlP~:::Y nD" which W:1S recently equip,Jed with 75mm M24 Light Tanks, COmi)!.ct '(··'.c'-~licl.:;:iz[,:tiIJn firing and r~ceivGd nominal orien tation in I"direct Fire proc::..·.~:·:..;, On 31 May 45 the 7:..'..21. '':::::nk 0:J.tt:::.lion n,m'-lined in an as:;;embly area in the vicinity of Twlfs, A~18uri ..,...'.-:i.'2. 7.~.r"g mO'!Offi0;-l~; ord'.;;i.'s. , '. • 7 • ·. Unit History,781st Tk En (Con:"d) • -----fAh'i'.. - --.II 1 May 1945 Companies A)B &. Cco~tinued to support advance of the re1""' spective RCT's to whom attac>ed 78lst 'I's.nk B!:.tt.alion(-) witl:l one platoon cf the lO7th Cavalry SCluadron ii".ld one squad from 328"th Engj,neer Battalion attached was given the mission I)f bkin.g Yrurm(D3784) and Fallgau(D6786) and establishing road blocks Nand E of tcvm ~,j pre-.rent encrn~r pe'~etration of Division left flank. Enemy resistance was eliminc red and both t"rns ,,;ere cleared. The Task Force was relieved on pcsitlon by demF;r:tc Gf the 107th Cavalry Squadron. l'·'ithdrew to Krunn prepared to support lU7th Ca~Talry Squadron on cRoll. 2 May 1945 - Battalion continued to su!)port the advance of infantry in their resPbctive ZQnes. Due to strong and heavily armed strong points in the 409th Infantry Regiment zono one rocket tank from headquarters company was attach· ed to them per VOCG 103d Infantry Div:i.sion. 3 May 1945 Corr-panies A,B &. C continued to support regiments to whom attached. Company "D"(_) and elements of !I8adqu.arters Company moved back to V'lallgau and established road blocks for the second time.. Relieved when contact was made with element:::; of 36th Infantry".cDivision. 4 May 1945 ;.:. Battalion CP moved into InnsbruQ}:(D769590). Com,any "D"(-) was attached to 410th Infantry Regiment. 1st })latoon marched with battalion CP to furnish roarch security. 2d & 3d platoons of Company "D" fUrnished armored patrols that assisted in ~icking up high ranking German Officers and Political prisoners. Com;Jan~es A,B &C moved into Innsbruck with the regiments to whom attached. 5 May 1945 - Battalion remained in Innstruck 1'ith one exception. Company "C" moved \'lith elem8nt.s of 411th Infantry Regiment to Brenner with mission of contacting forces of l'Hm JU\.lilY. Gontact 'vas made at 0'.1:1000 I'lay with elements of 88th InfantI"'J D::'vision in Ital;? Company "D" was r01ieved from attachment to 4l0th Infantry Hegiment c~nd r;)verted to battalion control. 6 May 1945 - All companies v:ere roliev,=d of attachmonts to regiments of 105d Infantry Division and revl:rted to battali.on control. The battalion was given an area to secure rmd police as per or #91, HG~1,dqu8.rters 10ed Infantry Bivisicn. The area included the following: from Vicinity (D560620) S along Inn River to (D400.570), N to (D398670) (v.r bound,J.ry). E to (D5306G5) (N boundary). SE to (D560620) (E bound,:t:ry). Battalion Ir.oved at 1300 to secure area, and battal ion CP opened in Telfs(D525620). Company "A" movud to Dbsteig(D4l56l0), C0lJllll8.ny "B" moved to Unter Moiming(D455652), Company "C" mOVed to 'I'elfs(D510617), Company "D" moved to Wildermeiming(D473630), and Sf)rvice Company mov0d to Ob(;;r ~"eiming (D4556l5). 7 - 16 May 1945 Battalion maintained security of occupied towms, rail continuous s0curity ~atrols, manned road blocks and unforced control regulations within aSSigned sone. In conjunction with this mission training 1"8.8 carried on throughout the unit Hith emphasis on maintenance of vehicles and weapons. 17 May 1945 -, Batt:::.lion was relieVl:d of its area by elements of 614th Tank DestroY0r Battnlion by order of CG, VI Corps. Assembled viCinity Telfs(D525620?, Ob<.:r Heiming(D435615), o.nd t,rildt:rmeiming(D475630) propared for movement on division or,ler. 18 - 31 May 1945 Battr.~lion remo.ined o.ssumbled, prepnred for movoment on diviSion order. Training vms conducted throughout the period with empPasis ·on m~intenance and preparation for overseas movement. J{ 1:.. ~.\l'. H. L. KINNE, JR., .~ - 3 - Lt. Col., Cavalr,y, ' Commandipg. 4(-. '":. ...'~''''. . ,. Unit History,781st Tank Battalion (Cont'd) Annex#! Kl:,:ui.m - WALLGAU At 010850 M~' 45 por "lOCG, l05d I;'"lfantry Division the 78lst Tank Battalion(-) with one (1) platoon of 107th Cav~lry Squ~dron and one{l) sq~~d of S28~h Engineer Battalion EttD.ched, '''r:LS assignt:;d .the mission of t ',king the towns of Krunn (D670847) and ~'r[J,llgn.u (D670865) and 0stabli~hing rO.J.d blocks Nand E of Wo.llgau and E of Krunn to prevl3nt enemy' penetrations of the Division N flank. Krunn v!ns entGred vri th' a minimum of opposltion, but on the rond approaching 'Pa11gau smnll arms fire vms encountered from th~ village and the hills enclosing it. 'l'he e.namy esto.blisheti fl strong delaying ;>osition o.t the northern edge uf ~,'Tallgau which W:lS reducEd by the combinod fires of the mort.'lr-nnti t::mk platoon, the assault p1utoon, Ilnd light tanks. Pc.nzorfausts narrowly nlissed the leading t~nks. . Aft0r the 011miIlD.tion of en~rny resistance, road blocks rr",re <,'stllb 1ished on approaches to 'the Division N fb.nk. COMpany "D" (-) tistab1ished a CP in Wal1g!l.u and 78lst 'rank Batt<.l.lion (-) L:stcblished t. CP in K!'UIln with mutuo.lly supporting elements. At 011800 Mo.y 45 the 7Blct Tank Bo..tt:llion (-) anti Ilttachments W0re relieved on J.,Jositiun by e:1ei"c:nts of the 107th Cllvalry Squarl.ron. The elements in Wa11g;tu wore wi.thdr.:v."m to Krunn and prepert..d to SUPi)Ort the l07th Cf'.vJ.lry Squadron on call. Tho op81'ation rosu:!.ted in the capture: of approxim;ltely 200 enemy, including S8 troops 'lnd s(;vl,ral high ranking iJfficE::cs including the Commando.nt of the German:--_Inf. _. ·~;,o·'··t Sl!;CR1.T - - _.... -.~.-.. • t Unit History, 78lst Tk En (Cont •• Annex # £ New Jersey LT COL HARtlY L KINNE, JR ()24~:e65 CAV Mountain Lakes, '(Battalion Commander) MAJ G~01tGE C. .F'Ab,hIS 0326C05 Il~F Ravenna, Kentucky (Battalion Ex 0) CAPT JOHN 1 SIMKI~S 0577420 INF Columbia, South Carolina (Batt~lion S - 5) N.l:..\~ YORK CAPT JOS!<.:.t'H J' KOLLAR 0366418 INF l~d~ YO,riK, (B~tt~lion S - 2) CArT G~OgG~ G BLA1~ChARD,JH 01015292 Ii\lF Port Neches, Texas (B_3. ~+}i~ .:'1., ._on S' - 'i') let :U1' i:,i.j"L:!:ANSON H C1B1\~l\lS 010).0051 CAV Indianapolis, Indiana (br.t:11.ion S - 1) 1st L'L' L'\yihENCE R FINCH 0594~57 INF' Beloit, 1';:iscansin (B::'":.talion Liaison) 1st LT DAVID SCHh£IBtR 01015575 INF Brooklyn, New York (Bn S - 5 & Corom 0) 1st LT J.Aiw;.S 1:; \/ALSH 010lS584 INF .Janesvil1e, Wisconsin L..E.ADI,iUli.RTLLlS CO!.lr'AJY CA.?T vHLLIAlVi R RICH 01015445 Il~F Newton, New Jersey (CO & Hq Camut) 1st LT ARJ:t~UR J E I01'il~l<,RS 011:%549 F.a CoffeY"Tille, Kansas (Aslt Gun PIt Ldr) 1st 1T ltHl:JJ.c.hICK G YAKLOTT l,.,1015568 C.i.1V New-c.omTil1e, Has sachusetts (Rcn PIt Ldr) 1st 1'1' JOS.t:.PH C 10SCirl 01017540 CAV ;,1eta, !Ussouri (Mortar P1t Ldr) 1st LT ALDbR'l' G TrlACKililh Ol()J.5-486 INF Philadelphia, Pelmsylvania (Co Maint 0) 2d LT I.dCtlOLAS l.lELAl.',DU, JFt C1019365 IjJF' St. Albe,ns, i.'Jew York CAPT ORON C JuU~.t:.hS 010156~: 7 INF nrook)ort, Illinois (Company Commander) CAPT VINC~~T J DONISB 01015661 C,HV Dayton, Ohio (Bn Motor 0) 1st LTJASON J COHE~ 01Jl54:05 Ii~F Chicago, Illinois ( COr ;Maint 0) 1st LT CtL-.RLLS B jjIi.mh~ 01015505 H!F Few Enterprise, Pennsylvania (Bn Trans 0) WOJG CtlAl'..LL3 ill CJ:"VAI.'~AGH V,12125281 AUS Clinton, Iowa , (Asst S - 4) WOJG GJ;:;UitGE 1" BROiJl'l, JR W2125282 ADS i~l8.disonville, KerJtucky (UPO) COx.~PANY "A" CAlJT C~~ILLE J rb1L~TI1R 01OlO~75 Ii.~F New York, New York (Company Commander) 1st LT VlIJ.LIAM J KAIS;.:;R 01015722 ImF Flushing Long I~land, New York (Tk PIt Ldr) 1st LT DOLlALD ChAJ:~E 01015492 I!~JI' Pittsburg, Pennsylvania (Tk Plt Ldr) 1st LT ~ASKEL T RIDDLE 01016780 Il~F Danville, Virginia (Co Maint 0) 1st 1T ARTHUR H SLOGUARTT 01019547 I£4F Richmond Hill, Hew York ('rk PIt Ldr) - 1 .,'_ '.'_~"f,~ ,,.. "':;:4,i{:6 -ttE'!f' Unit History, 781st Annex # ~ (Cont'd) • 1st LT AUGUSTUS J SITTQil : 046106,7 Jl~F Imderson, South Carolina (Company Commander) 1st LT CLAf..l!;dCE W MOHCK D,envt'~' Colorado (Co Maint 0) 2d' LT ARl~IE U SIMPS01J CAV (Tk Plt Ldr) 2d L'1 .c;Cvj.H~H C Sf.Kt'H!i.RD : I "1 ~ ":'"I,J.. T r] ~ ) . J..\. r ... \... J.J • .I 2d ~T J\J..~~:·,i~.~ t"; }:.P..i Nev! YGr': NE:;., :ork CAP':C :~ ,I ~i) J KELLK; OlO151~65 INF W'"'te""~.co Inwa : C . r,\J:.ny Comma ':6 3:~ ) 1st L1 l"rti~D \~ L~(()J\;:": 0~43391 C. CAiT JOS.I1.Pl-i J G!:041:hl~i 01015635 n~E' FJ orJ.J, P".r1c ' :t'J,'}w ;o:c!c (Com1)uny CC:;ill;'~!. .1d er) 1st LT RI.;:J:::..crc if. lli.::!/l'IbE 01Ci1G48;S 11{F' !~/Irlr~).rl.'?~: .~~o~:':".. ! 1(":;0.. lr ',>~ r Yr",-j (T...... '. ~ ,L•... I 1st L1 J;j<,',.'nlh: 1-) r:.c.i:iT 01C16l94 11.~-F Indb,JT':',;'J:; l:i, r- , I~dj.d.!la (Co ;.lc:int ,)) 1st LT PAU:::' PAIS elOl?S,?8 CAV Elyrie., Ohio (Tk PIt Ldr) 1st LT PAL-L '\: 8:iARTl!L 010::'5167 LJF l:~auneta) Kansas (Tk Plt I,dr) 2d LT 'l'El1k.!l.:::l J' J.'T~::: 1~:s.SON 01018G35 Il~F :Fk'3ton, Macsachusetts (TJr elt -c,J~~'1 CAPT Gl"C':iXJ-L S"{CLL Kingstor" New York ',__ ''', ',' .. T' \.. :.'; 'I'O'e< " ..... ) \ "'_ {.:.. _). "';-1, t.) J .. J ] st i.,'.l F)~ L(.~l'~ ~) 'y~'l~~~:S 02(./,9883 lillie Detroit, Michigan (;,': ~ r; U) - 2 '8:rC""R~4~";;f . ", • •,~;P; Unit"~History, 761st Tk Rn \ C:.,~~ :., ' :;', Annex #:2 Cpl Donald De;vri$s,;5'J9qc;r55~ - Co "A" - '4 Hay 191±5 - Germany (Entered serv-:'ce from Boise, Idaho'} , ' BhUl'iZ,.E. uAK Li!;.J'·' CWSTi:.R TO 'I'HJ::.' SILV.uh STAR -~ --,.----- 1st Lt~ Donald Crane, OlOl1?492" 7 , Go ."A",-:- 27 April 1945 (Entered servicefromPittsbu.1'g, Pennsylvania) ~ LbJ! cLlJsrriR T'J, BR01~JZ.t.. ST""R !".c,D.~L Lt. Col. Harry L. Kinne,Jr,0249865, Hq Co - 28 Hay 1945 (Entered ,service from Mountain Lakes, N0W Jersey) Sgt Earl f'. Brovmell,362:31158 - Co tlB" - 25' r.~ay 1945 (Entered service from Eau Claire, V'isconsin) , . Brl,:h~~l~ ST•.R !\J:;lkb. Pvt Clarence E. Kel1y,19123559 - Co "B" -20 May 1945 (Entered service' from Camas, '1J1ashington) .. 1st Lt. Cla.rence F. Morck ,01015107 - Co "B" - 20 1·,1a.y 1945 (Ent0red service from Denver, Colorado) Sgt .8ar1 V'. Brovmo11,36?31l58 - Co "B" - 20 May 1945 (Entered service from Eau Claire, r'isco::1sin) Sgt;Charles E. Chaffor"Tr. ,310.;1:7494 - Co "A" - 20 rAay 1945 (Entered service from Hartford, Conn.:;cticut) Sgt Thayer Francis, ,Jr. ,110C8239 - Co "B" - 20 May: 19::1:5 (Entered service from Portland, rtaine} Sgt Albert P. Hadley,151;j1849 - HqCo - 20 Hay 1945 (Entered service from Cl3ve1and, Ohio) Sgt l"'arr8n ;~. laein,32555433 - trq Co - 20 !.'fay 19-45 Centered sr:rvj CG from Newark, lkw Jersey) Sgt John R, Kni(;ss,3.503:5499 - Hq Co - 20 !"lay 1945 (Ent6red se:rvide from Pittspurg, Ponr.sylvania) Sgt Russell F. Volk,32131052 - Co "B"- 20 Pay 1945 (EnterGd service from Hamburg, New York) T/~ Paul G. ,Tordan,51551103 - Hq Co - 20 l\o1ay 1945 (Fntf'lred service from Brewer, ~1aine) T/4 Lyle E. r~ickevich,54592342- Co "BI! . -' 20 May 1945 (Entered. sorvice from Birlilingham, .'Alabama) T/5 Charles E. Temple ,15150986 - Co liB" -' ·?O May 1945 (Entered service from BridgewatLlr, Pennsylva.nia) Cpl Grover H. Johnson,Jr.,58:370495·- CO',IIB" 20 ~~Q.y 1945 (Rnt('~red service .from Wi chitaFalls, T.exas) pvt Churles E. Newhouse,J.3098750 ~ Co)IIB" 20 ~~ilY 1945 (l~nt0red service from Blairsvilll1, Pcnns~r:.l.vanl.a) pvt Rone.ld S. f) tDonnell, 54949956 - Co "D" 22 May 1945 (Entered service from :lshvHle,' Alabama) Sgt Roy T. F'aulconer, 35260171 - Co n·D" - 22 May 19'J:5 (Enterori service fron Covington, Kentucky) Pfc Fr,i.Ilk W. P,u~ks J 16144045 Co "D" - 22 May 1945 (Entc:red service from Chicago, Illinois) Sgt Clarence n. Barb~r,Jr.,6994367 - Co "D" 22 May 19L1:5 (fnt~red service from Richmond, Virginia) Cpl Roy Se:'d.schlaw,59517375 - Co "Bn - 22 May 1945 (Er. teX'od service fro1':1 Corv::1.1li S J oregon) T/4 Farren A. F.vo..l.ns, 57590426 -' Sor Co - ?2 Ill,.y 1945 (EntJrod service from Davisville, j,loississippd:) Annex # .£ (CC)nt1d) 1st Lt. Frederick G. Yarlott,01015568 - Hq Co - 25 ~ay 1945 (Entered service from "Tt;;vJtunvil1e ,Massachusetts) 1st Lt. ~>lilliamson 1'1. CIGlI'l!Js,ulOJC051 -' Hq Co - 25 May 1945 (Entered servico fr',)l:n lnriic.napolis, Indiana) Pfe Benny Nuujokos, 3SC sor)05, - Co It;;} 11 29 Ha.y 1945 (Entured servicG frum Pciladel~)hia, Penns:rlva~ia.) Capt Camillo J. Pelletier,OlOl0275 - Co',It.llt - 29 j>!ay 1945 (F.nt~red service from Nt:w York, New York) Capt Joseph J. KoJ.la".',0366 ,18 - Hq Co 29 !~ay 1945 (rntured survic9 frnm Nerl York, Ner1 2:o:rk) Capt Joseph J. GrahaI'l;O.:'01SS65 .- Co ItDIt 2';3 May 1945 (Bntt::red s(;!rvice i'TOil1 FloreT Pc.:::-k, ~:ew YOl'l{) Capt Oron C. Soudt::rs,0101b"47 - Ser Co -- 29 :iay 1945 . (Entered service fro!.: Brookpoi"t, Illinois) Lt. Col. HC1.rry L. Kinne,Jr. ,G?43865 - Hq Co - 13 !',Tay 1945 (Ent·, red S8rvice from HO'll...'1t lin Ln.k08, Ne,y J ""rscy) T/5 Lucien E. Cn.rey,51545935 - Co "A" - 15 ii,~~y 1945 (Entt;red st:rvice from i-Io.rtfoL'd, Conn8ctic1.'.t) T/5 John A. Bridish,57311581 - Co itA" - 13 Hc.y 1945 (Enterdd service from Evel(;th, Minnesota) T/4 "~iliia.m E. Turner, 38179652 - Co ":"" 15 M'lY 1945 (Entered service from ~iggott., j.rk:ms:ts) TISgt Robert R. Br()vm, 324 7~)065 Co It.l" - : . 13 I~i:.J.y 1945 CEntered sc:rvice fraID Buffn.l0, He'.v York) Sgt LnVvTGnCe F. Scith, 39389020 -- Co "C" - 16 L,y 1945 (Entered sorvice from Bovey, r~innt:sot(~) CalJt Camille J. Pel1(;th,r,G1010275 - Co "All 26 Fny 1945 '(Ent8rt.;d. servico frol!l HO''.'r York, 1'Tew York) 2linPLE tiLiRT J. - Cp1 Joseph 1.'. Tlo1ston,57588703 Co flEfI 2 6 :hy 1945 (Entered service f~'om . VCLrrentO'1 , ~:1830uri) T/4 Thomas v. Ly,)ns,32515.:09 - Co "DII - ;~f iTny 1945 (F.ntGrod .seryiC0 from Ne':l York, How York) Cpl ll.ob-.;rt F, Punyon)15:;57?92 - CO II"~ II 26 i\II''oY 1945 (Fntcr0ct sorvice from C.;redo, 'i"!ust Virginia) Cpl Louis l\.. G:l.zz.:.nigo,12155864 Co "C" 26 fIay 1945 . (Imt<:;red service from Brooklyn, Naw"Y9rk) PvtAtthur T. Su1liv.:m~ 57~778695 Co "C" 26 fhy 1945 (Ent8red JQrvice from Omnha, N~br:l.skll) Pfc V:il1iam .l. Pupo, 52111,4:95 - Co "C" - 26 Pay 1945 (Ent.... rud st:;rvicu from Ranshav,', Pe;nnsy.+vnnia.) 1st Lt. Dona1dr Cr[,nf;;,01015492- Co "A" - 26 ray 1945 (Ent.rod Survice from Pittsburg, Punn~y1vnnio.) Pfc Bt:nny ~~auj okos, 53050005 Co "Du -:- 26 r;ay 1945 (Ent-.:rwd servic\;I from Philll(1t.J1phia, Pennsy1v'lnia) Pvt Eug\.:lne G. Schmaltz,35238805, - Co liB" - 1.6 r'IlY 1945 (Entwr~d s~rvic\.:l fro~ Ohio) Sgt Raymond E. Cllrtclr, €,9969'~4 - Co "1~ II - 15 "May 1945 (Entered service from Dllnvi11u, Virginia.) Pvt Lyle E. r\~icklJvich,M3~2342 - Co ilB" - 15 Uay 1945 (Enturud seryice from Birmingham; Alaba.ma.) 2d Lt. Arthur H. Sloggntt,01019547 -Co ";~,, - 18 r:!a.y 1945 (Ent~rod s~rv1cefrom Richmon1 Bill, New York) T/4 Lester M. BrJ.na(;nburg~5N55224, - 00 liB" - 18 Pay 1945 (Entured servicE:: from ClintonI !OWo.) T/4 Lyle L. lTelson,57456322 - Co 'Id" ... 1S fo!ay 1945 (Ent~rod service from Lenox, IOWEL) ',-,' l' Annex #~ (Cont'd) pre Gordon V. 11li"cn"y." ;3:3~ 1:::::";8::' (';0 IIDI' 18 g,~ 1945 (Ent,-,rod 3,,:;:-vi· ;-: f'r' ,0 :>.~ L;: l:'lr~T • r'~.5:3 S::'.C:1Uf'lettS) pre Louis N. LD.l(l.>ST~~.~)_; ;~ ,I" ~.8 !'~l',',r Bs:5 (Ent"r0d E't.:T;} ', .. , ..~"y!~ /J ".;lc::'~('j, L:-'1.',5.;;.LD.:~::'.) T/Sgt Rob,-,rt t;. J".) ."~ ,:.' .::: OJ 'j;.)::: C\; :i:1 -: 3 l'~'lJ' 1945 (Ent, rod Sl.:r\"~' ~:,'; ;i:':'(';i: i.~:r '.nd. ~.:::.l.n;.. 1:1 .1.·.iCr'~:) pvt Ezra H. !,'~yri(,~(, ~j··1_:±(-,~I_~~'=r:.. Gc rtTj·: .', T':~'-r ~~,1~'~5 (Ent\.!rt3Q St~J'"'it-: (!;:=a ~.""'(.~T1 fJ[tC~~S(ll.\., !ij 3'J1 Sf-:'~1.:P:~';. ~ 1st Lt. r iL!.ia:n J. i\~..j 8,-,1' ,l10J.S'7<2 ':::(: !"\'I!,.;: ~:~;y 1945 (Ent-.;red 8L7.r i (':~ ':::':'::1 rL~f1:',.:.r~1S I.cCE J:sl,l:"!'i, N."",· York) S/Sgt Georgu C. ])r.1r.-(l~ 20:')'Y';:,:,.i' l.:, I, -;; :;.4 ;'>y 13~5 (Entvred Sel vic.;; [,:"<") T'Jo'':"',·:'...ll\:i.. -,'-irg:"Cl:~a J ... . , )~~~·L~'~;~~~:~;" f~~'~~~-~~;~' ':fi~ >t&i.~.;~~:"~'\~,,,,...... __ • - ~,~~. ~:~~ -.;.~ '~" .~~-",:~~~ ~~' Unit History, 78lnt Tk B-:. '-C:-,:.t1d) Annex #1;. N~Y TJll~K ~TATUS hLP0RT COMfANi "A" Lost in comhat: 0 Number of re'_,1r~cG:n()nts ~ 0 Returned to ordnance: 5 Repaired and ruturnud to duty: 5 CQrv1?A1~Y liB II Lost in combat: 0 Number of rvplacements: 1 Returnod to ordnance: 4 Repaired and retul~~d to duty: 6 COM.fA1~Y "C" Lost in combat: 0 Number of rep1acem~nts: 0 Returned to c~dnance: 2 R~paired and ruturned to duty: 2 Lost in combat: 0 Numbur of rup1acemunts: 0 Returned to ordnanc~: 5 Repairod and roturn0d to duty: 2 Lost in combat: 0 Numb0r of r('rJ1acemonts: 0 R~turn0d to orQnance~ 0 Repaired and ruturn0d to duty: 0 ~OTE: Five(5} M5Al(37mm) tanks turnl:.ld in to ordnance are to be f;;xchanged for H24 (75mm) tanks·. Above muntioned mviium tanks turnvd in to ordnance, aft:;:r bdng condl;)mmed by Ordnance Inspuction TLlam. (Not servicoable for further action) TOTJU. T.tu~KfJ AfJ OF' 1 !lIAY 1945: TOT' - 1 §. ~If E""1 I ,.1 ., ::~;i&:;> .:'1' - H:Ci~D QULRTEEi.S 781ST T'I.NK FLTTi.LION APO 758, U.S. Army ---_.,---UNIT H1STORY.. FOP. INDEX ~--- PJl.RT I .,.. SU1>;I:~;~3,V. '.. > •••••••••••• , ••••• ,. •• • •• v •• • ••Pages 1 & 2 DAILY Rt:CO~D CF BVj~NTS ••••••• y'. r ••••• , • • .:Pages 1 to 4 l?l~RT II TILTj"GE OF H}ULb51)Nl!' ••• ,.••••••• 0 ••••• •••• .Page 1 iiliNEX 1 - ANNEX 2 - OFFI,)Er.S •••••.••••••••••• •••••••• .Pages 1 & 2 ANNEX 3 . :::c()5~'BB CASUAL1'IEP JI1:r· ;::''l1:..RL3., •••••••••• ••••••• .:Pages 1 to 4· ANNEX 4 ,ANNEX 5 .. , ' , •- ht,,;\ :.:' ~ O,~: ~.~~ ;; . :, HEADQUARTERS 781ST TANK BAT'.rALION APO 758, U.s. Army 14 April 1945 SUBJECT: Unit History TO CG, SEVENTH Army, APO 758, US Army. W~PS: Kaiserlautern-Mannheim-Karlsruhe-Ulm-Weilheim-Fussen (U-2) (u-i) (V"'3) (W-4) (X-5) (Y-5) Imst-(Z-5) Scale-l:100,000. Period Covered: 1 April 1945 - 3D April 1945. PART I ,?UMliIARY During the month of April, the 78lst Tank Battalion suppe~ted the adv~ces of two infantry divisions, the 100th Infantry Division from 1 - 23 Arpil and the 103d Infantry Division from the 24 - 30 Aprila On She 1st of April 1945 the 781st Tank Battalion had crossed the Rline River and was in vicinity of Bruh1(R5888), Schwetzingen(R8l0870) end Weislach(R700770). On the 4th of April 1945 the 100th Infantry Division had advanced rapidly to the west bank of the Neckar River along the line Bad ~impfen(S0357l0), Neck . argartach(S065643), and that part of Heilbronn(S080510) on the west side of the Neckar River. Eere enemy resistance increased consider ably and the Infantry-Tank elements were held on this line until .', . the 13th of April. (Battle of Eeilbronn 3-13 April see Annex 1) ~: Due to accuracy of enemy artillery fire engineers were unable te construct a brid'ge across the Heckar. On VI Corps order ten(lO) DD (Floating) tanks were issueJ. to Company ;'A" who after :-.: one day ef training in their use attempted to effect a crossing of , . .0 j the river. Due to steepmess of the under water banks repeated efforts to make the crossing failed at various spots and three (3) ~D tanks were temporarily lost by sinking. After this unsuccesful attempt one platoon of Company lIAII was moved te vicinity of Mosbach lS0214rer f~~r days of intensive training in the use of DD tanks. 1:this training was under VI Corps supervision. '. On the 14th of April the entire battalion was acr.ss the Neckar River and the medium. cO:ql.panies continued to support the ROT to which they were attached. '!-t,ier croseing the Neckar Ri~er the advance of the locth ~fantr;r; DiVision, with companie,s of the 7elst Tank Battalion supp,orting, moved rapidly to the south meeting only light scattered resistance. 'On the ,21st of April the Infantry-~ank advance had brought the battalion to the vicinitJ of Hertmanswei~er .(5240337), Korb(S193283), Wi~enden(S220320) and Geradstetten (8253251). .On the 22d of April Oompany "B" was relieved from' at tachment to, 398th Infantry I-{xgiment,' lOOth Infantry Division and moved to the vicinity of Gu·i;tenberg(S3l3942) and was attached to the 410th Infantry Regiment of the l03d Infantry Division. On crossing the Neckar River the 100th Infantry Division fanned out to attack in zone on a front approximately forty-five (4') kilometers wide. O.I. 62, lOOth Infantry Division created a '.Pr.·,j:~ieilRl. Reconnaissance Squadron under command of Battalion Commander, 781st Tank Battalion, whose mission. was to hold a tw. battalion line between the Neckar and the 399th Infantry Regiment, wnile the latter executed a flanking attack to pin the enemy be tween the Ueckar River and the holding torce to the north. ~he '> Uni t History, 781 Tank, Bn (Cont I d) . .£;t ...... '., squadron was subseq~ently relieved by the_l17th_Cavalry Squadron afte~ thorougb pat~olling and probing of its assigned zone. (See Anne~ 2) Qh 23d of ~pril -the 78lst Tank Battalion was relieved . from the lOOth I fantry Division and. att8.ched to the l03d Infantry Division per VOC~, VI Corps. Battalion then bloved to l03d Divisi.on area~ Upo~'arrtval companies A and C were both attached to the 411 th Infantry Regiment. Each company supporting advance Qf one infantry battalion. On the 25th of April company "A" was attached to thQ 40,tn Infantry Regiment which gave each regimental combat team of t~e l03d Infantry Division a medium tank company in su~p.rt. A .! . . I . On 25th of AprIl 'company "D" was ·attached to the 409th Infantry Regiment and given mission with company "K" of clearing towns along banks of the Danube River and seizing bridges intact in division ,one. Aa the tanks approached,the bridges were blown b~ prepaI'ed Charges necessitating .. construction of pontoon bridges by . engineers. This operatiCim of company "D" with the infantry secured the regiments zone on the north of the Danube River and assisted in the taking of over two hUndred prisoners of war. On the 26th of April elements of the 409th and 410th . Infantry Regimente with tanks, sIP ~ank Destroyers and towed' Tank Destrolers were completely motorized and continued attack to the south. This rapid motorized armor-infantry attack brough leading elemen"ts of the l03d Infantry Division across the Danube,River and as far south as Schongau(Y265774). From there leading elements of the l03d Infantry Division with tanks of the 1Jlst TRnk Battalion in support continued their rapid advance against neg'_igible enemy resistance and on the 30th of' April the 78lst Tank BattaQion had compl€ted its advance through Germany and to th~ Austrian Border town of Garmisch-Parten-Klrchen (D520820) • Ii .1 .. -----___...... t ....;,;'~.....".i...' _it·.... ·_; ...... • .....'1 ...... ' i.,i ___----:~_~~~ __ ....:....: '._____ .__._...... :..·.r ___.:.~., ~.:::.J..i. "';'_:_ ..".: ~~.~.,.:.:~ .. DAILY Rl.!.CJHD uF .L:..VE~S 1 April - Company "A", first and third platoons supporting attack of First and Second Battalions 3\)0th Infantr;..T 1 attacked soutt:. from Bruhl at 0800A meeting no resistance. First !Jlatoon r'2t:J.c!led Reilingen (:t616712), Third platoon at Ketsch. Second ulatoon attached T:1ird Buttalion remained in res~rve at Bruhl. Cornnany B (-) mov~d from Friedrichsfe,ld to Schvretizingen P..t 1500A. First platoon moved to 'Plankstudt. Second 1)lat0011 moved to Oftersheim. Com:)any "C", first platoon supporting First Battu..llon 587th Infantr:;r attacJ.:ed south to Walldorf I encoUhter tng no opposition. Second and th1rd ~)latoons supporting Seconi Battalion, attack ed south from Eppelhei!:l. Platoons encountered consid0rable S/As and HE fire. Cleared en0my from niesloch, killing an und~termin·,d number of enemy. Each platoon firod upproximat<::ly onll hUlldrcld (100) rounds 75mr.l HE. Three taru<$ lost during ;loriod, one truc1-~ blo~7n by mi.nt: - two stuck in mud. Company "D" (-) Division resorve. First r)lutoon attached to Company "A" !,rotecting right flank of Division. Given mission of contacting Fronch elements on right flank. Mission accomnlishod Cot 1000:\ i7hun l)latoon md. o.ili)ments of the Third DU. Second olatoon attach<}d to CO!:l')any '"C" sU:)~Jorto1 attack of 397th Infantry. :~,ssistod in clearing IT'ic:sloch of" 0nomy aft~r I:;ncountoring ho.i.2VY S It~S :.md W, fj ru. Untje tel-mined nurnbor of onlJ~r kj 110'1. Thr~{) bonks lost during ~rj od - stuclr off road. Third nlutoon moved wi th COD;l:J.ny "B" from Friudrj chsflJld to Schwc:tzingen. 2 April - Com~)any "~'\", first ~)lato0n su:)portua. advanco of First Battalion to -l'hllldorf (R660785). S... cond platoon rdiuved from Third B[~ttalion, ruvurtud to cam':>any control. FIrE!t s..:ction, socond }latoon enge-god in t~k-plane coordin ution tust with Division Artil10IY T,i:lson ~)l:me. COIO)-lny "B", one tunk: third 9lato0l1 ,mgagoc. ir. t~lnlc-TJlane coordination t.:.:st with Division Artillery Lia.son l)lane. Company "C", first pb.toon su[)portGd First Battalion 5D7th Infantry in advance toward r.~ichdfdd. One tank lmocked out. Sec.ond platoon supported advance of Second Battalion. tov/ard Sir~sheim. Third plo.toon ram::dnud in VTies1och, prepared to sup~)ort Third Battalion. Two tan1{s retriev",' :3 April - Batto.llon (-) mov<::d from vicinity (R5'J~9l2) at 0900B to Sandhausen (RS70850). C? o;")\J!lud at l050B. At l730B Battalion moved from So.ndhausen to Waibstadt (R860785). C'!:'I O!)ened at Hl45B. Compnny "A" atto.ched to 59Clth Inflmt;rY movud after 051500B to res"rvo lJosition viCinity- Sinsheim (R8373). Company liB" attached to 398th Infantry moved to ~icinity Bad Wirnpfen (S0571). Company "C" attached to 597th Infantry continued to support ::,.ttn.ck east and southeast to vic inity Heilbronn (S0861). Ond tan1= Imocln.>d out by bazooka fire 2 A:jril 1945. Com ~any liD" (-) moved from viclnity (R50£)91.2) to Sandh.'l.US0n (R670850). First })latoon attached to COIJ:'lany "A", moved with company. Second ?latoon attach~d to Com::oany "C" moveo. vlith com~'any. Thj rd ?latoon attached to COUl!1any fiB" moved with corn~any. 4~Jl!)ril - Battalion moved from Flljbstadt (R860781) to Bonteld. cn o."ened at 1500. Compa.ny "A" sUn!)orting Fj rst Battalion 599th Infantry movt.-d fron Stdnsfurt (R855716) )to Gimr.ljj ng~n (P91C620). Cleared HOOOS mOI-th and northeast of Gj mm-; ngen (R910626) and the town of Schuchtarn (R997620). 1\dvancetj towards torm of Gross gartach. Com~Jll.ny "B" SU')t),)rt,} 5 April - Company "A" j ,,\Il'platoons iilaintained previous positions, propared to stl-.Jport further advc$ce of 5';;'nth Infantry. Com}Jan.Y liB", first platoon in ' 'position vieinity Obdr Eiseshuim giving First Battalion 598th Infantry direct fire su)port across Necl{arRi~ar. Second platoon movad at 1650B in support of. Second Battalion 598th Infant~· to assembiy area Vicinity Gundelsheim (S055771). Third platoon remained in Necke.rga.rtuch (S065645). Co C (-) moved from Sirisheim _ (R830750) to Kirchardt (R915684). First !)i3,tooll supporting First Battalion 397th Infantry attacked Bockingon (5060610). Second platoon supporting Second Battalion 307th InfantrJ brought direct fire across Ne~ar River from vicinity , - 1 ....~..; .. .. "'!"'''~·;;;;;i~i;;*~,'1''''l''''~l'1' ~~·"""·"""·;'-"~"!z~"*¥f·~t 7? ",','\ Neckargartach. ThiN platoon !'em:;..in'J(~ in ;:>08ition vicinity Frunkenbach (::;043t 5·)) • Compan;r "D" (-) moved from Heck::Jrtis.:::bofshE:im (R897778) to Rappcnau (R9S5720). First platoon, second l)l.:ltoon and '!:rllrd l)l::..toon reverted to comp=my COll:trol and moyed independently to RA:):)en:,u 1 c1080d 1100B~ At 170013, third platoon nttuched to COllll~ "B" movod to vicinity Gu.'1.ridsheim (S03~773) in SU~)!JOrt of COrJ?a.ny "Blf. HO::Ldquarters Company tlovud fl'OI:l Necb.r·bi~chofshvim (R890730) to Biber.:lchfS025670). Two tanks equi.?lJed viith rocb::t lJ.1mcl-.8r'3 m·.)ved tQ h; 11 defil:lde ~)osition 'ricinity (S0'70632) fired nin~~J-s:i.Y. (96) r 6 April - Com:;.>ony II ,l" n:>verl t·) r,T0c~::l:(;:'i SC1:()r8h(~iT1 (~:39077()) lJl..?'ll1 intensive training for use .)f nin", (9) DJ) tanks r'lcl.·iYod fr:)m vI uc::.~,~ l)r;:;na:ro.tory t·) crossing Ndcl~ar P.ivur. !:ov0d to ?Xo~"':l~l: (S025Ei5) ::,t 180CR. COlI:)any IIBII J first :)lutoon fir0d ·:me hundruri thirty-fi",-d (155) r)1.1.L'1Q8 75Ji]:l ~mri 76mm into town of Kock.;nd')rf (S078705). S;.:conri ~htoon su:):ort..:d a.ttack)f S..:cqn1 . Batto.lion 598th Infuntz)' in s)uth.;c.st diructLm fr.:>w 0dht,li::J. Fired a.);JrslClll1ately twunty-fivu (25) rJUl1ds .)f 75ail. :lnd 76m:J J Lm.: tank kn.:>cked out by ":lJUmy S'P gun ;)f unlmvvm culibrl.;;. C.:>n~jany "C" mov0d froLl !{irch~rdt (R9l4633) to r~l.rch auson (S005660). First )lut,Dn supp.)rt0d rivur crossing )f First Batta.lion 597th Infantry by firu. C.)ntinudd to fir~ on targets dusignated by Infantry. &tccmd ;,>l.atoon o.ttumptdd Rivor crossing VIi th. tanks. ;lttem,t givdn u:) wht#n first tank sunk. Third plato)n noved frO!') Fr~kdnbach (S0476?2) to Nackargar tach (S065645). Co D( -) rdoo.int')d 1:1 l).)siti:>n prupo.rud to e1C;,Jloit riv0r cross ing. Third plato..m attached to CJtl?a.ny "B" SUPI)ortad attaclc vf Secvnd Ba.tto.li~ SOUth134St from Odheir.1. Huadquo.rters Conpa~', tW) t:mks c;)quiy)ed with rocl:ot launchers moved to position vicinity (S070632) o.nd firud Jne hundred and five (l05) I'Jckets into Heilbronn (S080620). ,7 .\:;ril - COIll:XUlY "A" (-) moved fron Neckarbisch·.)fsheim (R890770) to Bibtlro.ch ··(S025675). First and third ,lat;.>ons moved one! o.tt,']tl;,)ted river orossing with ten. (10) DD taru{S to su,?ort ~sso.u1t of Second and Third Battalions 597th Infuntry. Attetl1)t failed due to ste.:) rivdr banks. Ond tank lost in river. At 1750B .:mother :l.ttetlpt was st:lrt<;d in c·.)njunctidn· wi th..Jnginl3.Jrs who were to blast bunks. Second ~jl.:lt.)Jl1 rennil1ud in Biberach. Cou;:!any B(-) moved from Trvsch~ klingen (R960701) to B:ld Vlin:Jfen (S055710). First :)lo.toon supported D.tto.cl~ of First B,'lttulion in soUt!ltl:lst dir'dction fr.)l1J I)ber Grioshuirn (SOe.5755). Second )l.atoon lilovvd to vicinity Duttenberg(SO€0755) su:)~)ortodatt~ck 01 .Second· Bltta.lion in cle~rjng out t.:>'I!n )f J.:l.gsful (S06tl713).,' Third ~)lllto")n r~b.~ned in vicinity Necl~:lrgJ.rta.ch (S065045) fired :Jno hundrl;';d (100) rounds ;loross ,river :Jot targ.::ts des) grl:lt0d by inf.::mtry. Sec'mri and th:i rd ·)latoan.s remo.ined j n ',08-: ition read, to oXlloit rivor crossing. Clli)·:.Jny rJ(·-) rur.:~11l1drl in slnDa ~osjtion) first and socond )lat)ons lJovod to Unt-EisbSh\JiiJl (S0€JE0(l) a.nri '1ber Fis')shei ra (S065675) furnishing :l.t'med out:l)sts for tw,.) tmins, ')re·)~1.r~d t·) renulse any onemy jutr.:>l. Hc:.tdqw.rters C.)w:,I.my, two t ...-.nkc equi)ped with rocYat L'..unchors .. tl.:1Ved to );)sition vicinity- (S06CJ6M) and firvd fifty-three (55) rounds of rockets into Hejlbronn. 8 ~'\!Jril - Company "r~II det~ched from 597th Infantry. First ;)latoon su:)porting First Battalion moved from Biberach to Bocldngen (S060610). Third !)In.toon .s\llJllOrted Second Battalion mov~d from Biberach to vicinity Bockingen at 081300B and supported in c+ouning up o.rea west of Heilbronn. Company B; first platoon supported attack of First Battalion southeast from Unter Griesheim (S080755):_ ' and fired fifty (50) rounds HE al!lllIUIlition. Second r}latoon sU!lported attack' of Second Battalion on Jagsfel (S060715). Third platoon moved to Bockingen, prepared tp cross bridge. Com:):lny "C", first; second :md third platoons su:)port iug first Ba.ttulion, 5~17th Infantry, crossed Neokar River at 080650B into Heil bronn. One tank Imocl~ed out .by bazooka. fire. COtll)llnY' P, first and second 'Ilat oons llatrolled areas along riverl observed enemy activity in Neckarsulm (S080670) and vicinit,y•.Third 21atoon ~rotected left flank of First Battalion, 598th Inf.1ntI'Y and SUlJl)Orted attack of First Battalion, firing'two hundred (200) rounds HE and five thousand (5000) rounds, calibre .50 ammunition. Lost one tank by bazooka fire and one trull{ by SP gun fire. Headquarters Com?8nY - ~ssault Gun section moved from Bibora.ch to Ober BJ.sosheim (S065675). Flame and rocket 'section moved fr'')Jl: Biber~ch to Unter, FiseshobJL (S068690) to eu)port ,utrolling of river betweon tOim. 1tocl~et sectton in su',:)ort of 598th Infmtry fired fifty- four (54) rounds 75mo HF ammunition from vicinHy (S0626'n) at enemy SP gun vicinity (S075709). Fired sjxty (60) rounds rockets from (S058~:>4) at enemy sn gun vicinity (S096717)1 results of fjro unknOv.~. - 2 - " ~. . ).~. ~ , ", ~ IJ..', • ,'~~ " ,..J: '~" '''' , 9 ll:>ril - COD)any ",\" !Jaintained )\)sition J )re:iarcd to SU~jl'X)rt 599th Infantry in crossing Neckar River. COf:JPany "Bn maintained ~losi tion, on both sides of Neckar River, i)re~)ared to su:>~)ort further uction of 598th Infantry. Com:)any "C" First and second IJlato,Jns} and second section of third platoon sUP!Jorted action of First Battalion, 597th Infantry in 9!lerutions in Heilbt-onn. Company "D" company reinforced by third ~latoon of 10uth Reconnuissance Troop set u~ check ?oint in Unter Eiseshein to Llcvt j)atrol of 598th Infuntry which checks in each hour. "Uso iJatrols Unter EistJsheim to (S068658) to make hourly contact of elements of Reconnaissance COD:'Jany, 824th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Second platoon fired at targets in Kochon~orf (S080705), fir~ four hundred and fifty (450) rounds 57run aIi1IJunition. Headquarters Company - Flaoe section fired uAJ roximately one hundred (100) rounds 75mm HE aomunition and Assault gun section fired a)~)roxirnately one hundred and fifty rounds 105nm howitzer HE and ten (10) rounds stloke amnuntion ut targets vicinity (S076?09)~ all ho.rassing fire. 10 April - Battalion continued to SU)port Division in clearing out Heilbrdmn. Maintained out:)osts along river betwe~n Ba.d V!irn;>fen and Bockingen. Fired on enemy troop concentr~tions in woods north of Kochendorf ~nd in Kochendorf. 11 .April - B::.tt=-.lion continued to support Division in o:)er:ttions vicinity Heilbronn. Fnga.ged throe eneny tmks in woods vlcinity (00959). Two enatlY tlIlks were driven off "'lIld one w~s taken under fire l.nd burned. First :)btoon COl!llXl.ny "D" fired on enemy :,atrol :..t 110150 southeast of Unter F,iseshein :J.nd received no. counter fire. Hare ene!:JY crossed river s')uthe~st I)f f"lbor Eiseshuim but wurl,) drlvvn back by Second )latoon l Com ,,:1.Oy "D". Second 'lb.toon Com~)~my "A" on detachi;ld st"Jrvice with VI C::>r:!s, ~ng~ged in :lffi)hibious training. 12 A~Jril - B~tta.lion continui;ld mission of su)}orting inf:lOtry, l1.trolling Necl<:l.r River between Bo.d T"im:..ft:n and Bocldngen, o.nd ~ssisted in riefoilnse of areo.. Second :;latoon, COD):my "ri" engaged in :lm~Jhib:i.ous tro..ining with VI Corrls at' Mosbach. "" . 15 "l:)ril - Battalion CP mov..:d to Frtml.{.Jnbach (S0456q5) and opened at l5l650B. Continuous SUi).)ort W!.lS giv0n to infantI"lJ during thoilir advance. Two enemy pill bOXeS and nUl:ll;;rOUS road blocks Wer~ destroyvd. Second :)latoon, Company ".\11 cOI!l:Jlctcd o.r:llJhibious training at I'ios't)ach (S025845). ( 14 A:)ril - Battalion CP Dovod to Sonth13im (S062585), 0i>t:lned at 1 15 - 19 A~);ril - S00 .\nnex /12 for ProvisioniLl Reconnaissance Squadron Activation. 20 - 21 ll:)ril - COI:l:,any "A" (-) moved to Korb (8192285). First )latoon sU:1:Jorted attacl: of l'"'irst Battalion south towards town of Hertl!lansweiler (8240557). Second ·:ll.utoon sU~I:)orted advance of Third Battalion in attack south in zono.Third :,latoon su:\)'orted Second Battalion in advance south in zon6. Onl3 tanl~ 1mock(;ld out by .\IT firu. Com)arlY B (-) }';loved to VTinnt)nden (S2~03(.~0). First, Second and Third :llatoons advllncod with 598th Jnfantry. In assembly area vicinity V.'innl3nden. In Division reserve with 598th Inflll1try Regiment. Com:·,u.ny "C" (-) moved to G0radstetten (S255251). First ;datoon su:,:)orting First Battalion a.dva.nced to vicinity Hohengehre (S265195). Second >latoon sU"::>orting Second Battalion a.dvanced to vicinity r,ionalzvreiler (S258522). Third ~lla.toon . ' sU:J:,ortillg Third Batta.lion advanced to vicinity Schnail, Knocked out one enemy BBr.1I!l .\IT gun in days o~)ero.Uons. On~ tank disablod due to mechanical trouble. Com:Jany liD" followed closoly tho advance of 117th Cavalzy Reconnaissance Troo:J, ~)re:lared to give.. sU:1:.loI't if needed. • ":,. I 22 A~ril - Com)anies.\,B and C sU)~lOrtt:ld the ra;.lid advance of the RCT to whom a-t.tachcd•. Very 11 ttle resistance was met. The main difficulty was due to blovl!l bridges and o!'c).si.:mal I::line fields. COmi)any "D" closelty followed the a~\rll.nce of the l17th Reconnaissance Troop in their zone, prellared to support nd.'rance if needed. - :3 ~.(i~~':<".". : i' ~i:1~!j~ 23 AprU - Battalion was relit·~:"a(~, f-::-om attacbment to lOoth Infantry Division and attached to the l03rd Infarrtry Dh"ision ~~r VDCG VI Corps. Hoved to l03rd Division area. 24 A;>ril - Com~any "B" VI:J.S Q.ttached to, 410th Infontry Regiment. COIJ:,o.nies.\:md o were attached to 411th Infantry Regj,m0nt. Com:Juny "D" was o.tt~ched to 400th Infantry Regimont. .\idcd in c:J.~·,turing a:):)roximately two hundred (200) l)risoners. 25 ..1tJril - Batblion C1> l!loved trOD, K:i.rch.l-J.ejUl (S2607) to Bernstadt (€,90917). CP o~Jened at 251600 .\>ril 1945. CO:l.':.:..ny "_\" Vlas detached from 410th Inf=mtry Regiment and attach0d to 10nth Infant:;? B.(i)g~mept. Continued t.o sU::·1ort adva.nce of Regiments•. 26 .ij,Jril - The RCT had adva.nc~d to west bari}~ of Danubti· pj,Vdr vicinity Ulr.1. The coobllt teams V/ure huld u:.; during the :)eriod wo.i ting for a bridge to be con structed across river. Com:)anles all utilized the free time by .'erfoming 'badly needed maintainanc6 on v~hicles. 27 .\:Jril - Thtl RCTs were all motorized and crossed the' Danube Riv:er in a ra.;'tid I· :Jush to the south. VtJry little resistance was met. Bridges were a.ll found intact. 28 - 30 Al)rU - The ra~)id advancu contInued and on the ~Oth of ~\:)ril, 105rd Infantry Division and all attacbments including tho 78lst Tonk Battalion were in the vicinity of Garnisch (520820) and Partunldrchen (540830). Thousand~ of ~risoners were taken during the advanc~ including a Regiment of HUngarians ~.~ to.l~en by the 411th ReT. r ! I. i,. ;¥Hc:\.~l~~~~)/. ··t . Lt. Col., Cavalry, COJ!lr.land1ng~ ., •• ,"!, - 4 ., Uni t History, 78lst ~:k B:"l ~ C'Citlt ; r3.) • Annex 1 After crossing the Rhine River against light resistance, the 78lst Tank Battalion sup~orted tee rapid aclv2....YJ.co of the lOOth Infantry Division and on the )d. cf April 1~45 rsached the west bank of the N:eckar River on a ..i..j rJe ; B-3cl -jl:il'".pfen (S035710) south te 'Heilbronn(S080610). On reaching the rJv·:;r -Lhe advance wa~ stopped by stubborn enemy resistance, who from G-2 reports was comm~ded by a German General who was given orders to sto~ the allied advance at all costs. On the 4th of April 1945 infantry elements who had crossed the river in assault boats were holding a small bridge head aeross from Neckargartach(S065043). The plan for armor to fellow this .rossing and support the infantry in expanding its bridge head initially failed because of accurate enemy artillery which knocked out all attempts of engineers to span the river with a bridge suitable for holding armor. During this period in which tanks could not give the infantry close support, the tanks were used to bring direct fire ~n known enemy conc.entrations on the east bank (If the Neckar River. I Higher headquarters mruring every attempt to get armor to the infantry across the Neckar River equi:pped Company IIA" on the 6th of April with ten(lO) DD (floating tanks) and company persollllel . received intensive training in the use of these tanks for one day prior to use. On the 7th of April two platoons of Comapny ;'A" attempted to cross the Neckar River vicinity ef Heilbronn(S080610). Although river b8nks at site chosen were not steep above water level the river had be-:m d.redged for barge traffic and banks were perpendcular below water level and as tank traction was 9'1/2 feet below surfa~e tanks that were launched could not effect a landing. Banks were blown by dynamite but soft soil blown into river formed a muck that ,afforded little traction. Facilities were not readily available fer construction of a oable system to assist tank landings and as bridges had allowed passage of tanks further. upstream the project was abandoned. On the 8th .f Apri), 1945, two platoons of Company nc" crose-ed the Neckar River on bridce which was blown shortly by enemy artill ery, and supperted the elements ~f the First Batt~lion, 397th In:fantry Regiment againe'~ stiff resistance in Heilbron11. During the period 3-13 April 1945~Company I'D" minus one -nlatoon with the Assault gun platoon, Rocket platoon and Nortar plat.~n was! given mission of bolding west bank of the Neckar.River between Ober Eisesheim(S06567~) and Unter ~isesheim(S080753) to prevent any enemy :;;>enetration. Dv.ring this period Company ltD" with attachments held the line with stl'ong putposts and armored patrols. ',LIhe Assault, Rockets and Mortar pl8toons were used in pringing heavy artillerJ concentrations on lmov,n enemy emplacements. 011 the 12th of Ap.til the bridge head at Heilbronn was widened 1n dep+,h to prevent ,::·nemy arti2.1ery fire from zeroing in on bridge s1te. ()ompanies :IA It anrl \ Bl' crossecl the river and continued to suppor-~ the advanl~c of t:lt: ReT to whtch they were attached. On the 13th of. Lpril adva.nces '~f the 100th Infantry Division with attachments ea~t and southeast from Heilbronn completely eliminated all enemy resistance. On the 14th of April the Head quarters of both lOOth Infantry Division and 781st Tank Battal~ crt'Jssed the Neckar River ana move'd to vicinity Heil.bronn. i~ I j,::., <, Unit History,• 78lst • Annex - 2 PROVISIONAL :aECmL,}l.ISSANCE SQUADRON Per OaI. 62 Headquarters 100th Ifl-fantry Division, a Pro visional Reconnaissance Squadron was designated under command of the Battalion Commander of the 781st Tru~k Battalion conSisting of the following: elements: 78lst Tank Battalion(less companies A,B,C and Serivee). Reconnaissance 50mpany, 824th Tank Destroyer Battalion Reconnaissance ~roop 100th Infantry Division Company JIB" 399th Infantry Regiment One platoon, AT Company 399th Infantry Regiment. < This squadron was further att8.ched. to the 399th Infantry Regiment. 0.1. 71 Headquarters, 399th Infantry Regiment assigned squadron mission of holding ~ line from Talheim(S063550) to vic (S125558). The purpose of the holding mission was to enable the 399t.h Infantry to launch a flank attack oonsiderably south of the squcdron left flank and then to move west and then north pinning the enemy against the squardon Ellld' the Ned A mobile reserve was maintainea in Flein consisting of ~ne plat00n light tanks, one platoon of Infantry, the Headquarters company Flame section, and the Assault gun platoon. Squadron head quarters was established in'Flein. Each combat group maintained constant liaison with head- quarters, and flank combat grou'_)s. Their mission included establish ing of outposts and night patrolling to Getarmine enemy strength and despositions in their zone. T~e Reconnaissance Troop of the 100th Infill1try Division provided mounteQ patrolling of the lateral roads between the combat §roup strong points. Ho contact was made with the enemy by the ground troops although his presence was determined by employment of 2n air OPe This ViaS accom}lished In the following man:1er: Combat Group Smith with the mission of probing to Schozach, was assigned a division artillery plane channeled with the tanks in the patrol. The plane observing the road the patrol, which included a section of light tanks, was to take in the direction of Schozach, Sighted an A7T gun emplaced to cover the road. The observer called the ~osition to the patrol leader, holding him in place, then called the fire Dission t. the Assault gun platoon which was in firing position vicinitj: Flein. The A/T gun was d(tstroyed and the tanks were not jeopardized. Con tinuing with it's obs,-,rvation of the area, the DIane further spotted vehicular activity vicinity Schozach and brought both the fire" of the: ~8s~ult glill Rlatoon and the C~l~n.Co~pany of the 399th IRfantry Reglment, vihlCh was emplaced v1.c1nJ. ty Flein. The latter received }; its mission by radio delay - from the plane to,the CP of Combat Group Smith alid then to the guns by SCR 300. ." The successful emplo~ent of the air OP in this instanc$, made the movement of the ground )atrol unnecessary 'by disolosing that presence ~f the enemy brought i~11ediate indirect fire to bear in a manner not previously employee. The Provisional Reconnaissance Squadron',was relieved bJ th4 :, \, 1l7th Cavalry Squadron per 0.1. 70, lOOth Infa.ntrlD1rt,tJj,~~~:'· 1Iii______-Li-'.."'--~,__ <"'~" ;.:~;;d'c;~·'r'''i(~Oii~,&;·,: 'co' ' '; .. ,~:'-2' " . • Unit Histor.7t~::..3~; ',:]. .,3,': ':,. :,', '.. - .' Annex 3 • LT COL HARRY L KINHE, oIl? O::(:S't~·rjS 0l\'J '~')1.1-·J.:..n Lakes, NJ (Battalion Commo.,udcr) MAJ GEORGE C FA.J.FU:::: (;)2·-:,~C'5 IN? (Battalion Ex 0; CAPT JOHN E SIMKINS (',;''/'':1120 INF (Battalion S 3) CAPT JOSEPH J K(\II=~AF; r:)~"C)!j< J 3 ~:~p (Battalion S 2:: CAPT GEORGE (} BI..:l.jliCIlARTI. <.T5. O~(),i'-)29~ INi' (Battalion S A) . ~ST L1' WIIJJ-_d:.MJSC)~'~ F CLt~~\\~NS OlO1.0Y)1 CJS (Be.tta1iuIl S }:\ 1ST L1 LAWRENCE H P::FC~! 0:59 t 23'1 IN~ : (Battalion Lis:, ':'C)I), i:) 1ST LT DAVID SCH:::i':::}?':::-' 01C15375 HL" (Bn S 3 Air & (>L.n 0) E~;AD:'YJA~~rEP8 CO: 'F"j ~ - .-~..-~ ...~.-.-, ..... ---.-- "' .... _. -'" CAPT WILLIAM R RICH OlO.i..5-14-3 1:, _' ~'2-Nt~.n, NJ (CO & Hq Comdt) 1ST LT ARTHUR J E YONKE}lS 0117234'3 FA 8offeyv:ll1G 9 Kansas (Aslt Gun PIt l,dr) ],ST LT FREDERICK G YARLC'TT 01015568 CAY ;r~wto(].vi :-:l.c 9 Mass . (Rcn PIt Ldr) 1ST LT JOSEI'H C BOSCH 01017540 CAV M.:t2.9 va s:.: c"<-:r~, (Mortar PIt Ldl') lST LT ALBERT G 1:'HACXP..A.H 01015.186 INF P;'),ilade1phia, Pa , ( Co Mainto) i2D LT NICHOl,A') 0EI,;,:::ifJ)0 9 .JR 01019363 INF St. Albans, NY (Tk SG c :rd.') SBRVICE: COMPANY CAPT ORON C SOUDERS 01015647 un' ~er;)okport, III (Com~any c'.'mmander) CAPT YINCI5T J nONISE 01015661 CAV :40azr ton, Ohio (Bn \'".'.:.O-';,J):, 0'.' 1ST I~ JASJ~ J COHEN 01015~·05 INF .Jhicago, III (Co Y;ai_I~'~ J) 1ST IU: CEA}~~~ES B BROWN 01015505 INF lJcw Enterprise, Fa ....1'1 ."1-, ",,,,.~ 0' ( .J .... ./,._ J j -.i.J.. 1...-2 ,J CWO '11l:<: i~;~ 1~·An.2:LBY W2123066 AUS ~ydney, Texas ( ...... '~" .:.'_ .f- v .":,.J !-').. '), WOJG C~~RLES M C~VAN~}H 'iV'2J.?,281 . AUS CJlinton, Ia ,. • '. ," J. :' A \ \ t:1.~· ':. \' •. ) '-j') WOJC'r ('::,'}~)'"T: I!' BRO'vV:rJ, cJR Vi2~_23222 AUS M~disonvil1e, Ky. (lJ~~'!-.~ ~~ CO.lIP A~r:' 11 AIi .. _- .. ..-...... _- : i 1;,: 811 11[i'!" Pa .. '~ ".. ., .' fS' . t~2 !: ~~; .'~~. " .~ . lhl"c ," , Unit History, 781st Tk Bn (Cont/d) Annex 3 (Cont!d) 1ST LT AUGUSTUS J SITTON 0461047 INF Anderson, SC (Company Commander) 1ST LT CLARENCE W MORCK 01015407 INF Denver, Colo (Co Maint 0) 2D LT ARNIE N SI1~SON 0538929) CAV Milledgeville, Ga (Tk Plt Ldr) 2D LT ELMER C SHEPHARD 02011742 INF Everett, Mass (Tk Plt Ldr) 2D LT ALBERT J RAY 02011743 INF . New York, NY (Tk PIt Ldr) COMPANY "C'II CAPT DAVID J KELLEY 01015465 INF Waterloo, Ia (Company Commander) 1ST LT FRED W LYONS 0443391 CAV Grindstone, Pa (Co Maint 0) 1ST LT JAMES H ROBINSON, JR 01017006 CAV Lexington, Ky <~.lc- Il1t Ldr) 1ST LT ALVIN W LEBER 01015504 INF New Eagle, Pa (Tlt P1t Ldr) 1ST LT JAMES E WALcH 01015384 IllF Janesville, Wis (Tk P1t Ldr) COlVIT ANY "D II CAPT JOSEPH J GRAHAM 01015665 INF Floral Park, NY (Comp,any Commander) 1ST LT ROBERT H McIMTIRE 01015483 INF Marshalltown, Ia (Tk PIt Ldr) 1ST LT ARTHUR B BEST 01016194 INF Indianapolis, Ind (Co Maint 0) 1ST LT PAUL PAIS 01012928 CAY Elyria, Ohio (Tk PIt Ldr) 1ST LT PAUL W SHARTEL 01015167 IN:9' Wauneta, Kansas (Tk P1t Ldr) 2D LT THOMAS J PETERSON 01018635 INF Boston, Mass (Tk PIt Ldr) NLEDICAL DETACIDIIENT'; CAPT GEORGE J WILL 0363259 MO Kingston, NY (CO & Bn Surgeon) 1ST LT ROBERT P WEEKS 02049863 MAC Detroit, Mich (MAC 0) ( 2 ) __ . .. "~T~.· ". . ,,"- ',-' • .. (,' •.. '. ',,- }~~, ....,: '. "'. / • ""- ~!, 4,~'@C ;'XM+AM.f;;;~~:~'~ ~:'"' .., Unit nato>'''"It Tk En (Cont' d: • T/4 Jo_m·. ,n~ors:.m, :S82~~:)S;':i:; - Co "i"" - ·:W l\':)I'i1 19!~5 Gt-orr:k.ny fnture'" service fror:; ~hr:-:on, T8:~;lS. Sgt StanL;:/ J. Gori:-;€:{, ;:C:.:71 'i';::,~~ - Co "C" - 10 J_~)ril 19::,5 - Heilbronn ';::ntercd s.rvioe frow 'jglesby, Illinois. 'vt John B. Jennings, ;':'(1,1'171 - Co "DII - 8 ~:.?ril 19~5 - HegGnbc.c:: lntered scrvies frOfl; S;;art,.~'lhu:-!'g, South Curolina. "fe Hc:;.rry ~. eBr'ide, BI8COS0 - Co I'i. It - ,.:.J ; ;ri.L n/~5 - GcrrUL..n}7 ?nterect serviee fro) 'I S~,n Ii:C1.~ncj sc~, CG..llforni: .• C_,l :<:;,'X C. Rl.l)le, D€101(O~. -, C,,: II.:; - L. ;;1'i1 1.';;5 - Ger2::.:ny .:.ntered s ,:.rvi co from De cu,-cure; , .i chig<..:.n. )fc ·steven J. 8t:c-utynsld, 55;·~~68n7 - Co liD" - a; yr-il IG'~5 - H£.gc;l11)L~c1: Cpl norris H. Brol:n,Jr, 1;~16?l,,7 - Co 11",:.. " - 9 .'·pril 19_5 Intcr~rl ,service !:tom Le.llcastcr, l"e-.' Yor1:. Sgt~atrick T • Jerry, Elc.!:l35_ - Co "D" - 1;2 :')ril 19 .. 5 Entered; s,':rvioe From Chicago, Illinois. S/Sgt Arnddc .!'.o Burrell, ~:U157577 - Co If;'," - 14 j )ril 1J' 5 - G,;r::ld.1Y T'ntcI'ed sUl'vice frOLi ':)vston, ; 'i.~Gf,L_chuGet,t8 CiJl .:~rI'i~; H. ::Jro'n,.Tr, 1:-~161L;1 - Co ":~" ~ 8 ,'"yti1 ID:::f:' - ?.;·x~n'.)~:ck r,j1·~crCe z(;rvic,,; fl"'O.2 L~~nc~.. dt;;;l", Ne"" Yor·k. Sgt T'a crick. 'I'. )(,rry, E1t.:l;)SD - Co 1I)1! - 8 A?.r-il l\LS - E.:lGel!·r.~'ek rn-(.;:;recl service r-r'o:;~ Chicago, Il~i inois. Dvt ficllUrc. L. Roc)::e, '67~ ~.J8;:75 - Co liB" - 1·· .~.)ri1 19"_5 - G,.:.r:;;<:;,llY :ntered s0rvic6 fro..; Cl2.: ton, I,)'..t'•• :>vt Louis C. ~a..Yltoro"Tl:', 05~:;)01J7 - Co "CII -~: j-:l:f.'illJ'15 Gel'Inc:.ny Ento.L'ea. usrvice fror:1 Cinci:"lllG;.'i:.i, Ohio. ~vt Fll6811;) G. Scc.:n;dtz, ;.J5~;588J3 - Co "!." - 1,1 il)ril 19'~5 Gcrmc.ny L1t:_:rod servi C0 f:!'oi] Humi1ton, Obio. ':"lfc :;';d\Jar(~ ,-,. ~1~"ge;'1 (':38165C; - Co "D" - 8 "}Yil :;'~:l_5 - Hfc.gGnbcLc)( rntt~red tii:rvi 00 from New York, New York. Cpl Horton S. Hock, 12155513 - Co "Btl - 6 April 1945 - Hagenbe.ck Entered service from New York, Ney; York. 1st Lt V'illiam J. Kaiser} 01015722 - 00 "A" - 20 April 1945 Germany Entered service from Flushing Long Island, New York. pvt LyleT:. !Iickevich, 34392342 -:,.Co "B"'-:' 6 April1945 - Hagenback Entered service from Birmingham, A1abam~ .• Pvt Ezra H. ;!Jyrick,. 34421591 - Co "B" - 14 April 19:],5 - Germany Entered service from Dl l0, Mississippi. pfc Millard I.. Schlimme, 57388653 - Co "C" - 2 April 1945 - Eichelfeld Entered service from Jackson, Missouri. Sgt,Lawrence V. Smith, 39389020 - Co "C" - 17 April 1945 - Bi11ensback Entered,service from Bovey, Ninnesota. 1st Lt Joseph F. Trombetta, 01019094 - Co "C" - 17 April 1945 - Liichelfeld . Entered serVice from New York, NeVi York. . S/Sgt Elwood C~ 'rate, 20380244 - Co "C" - 17 April 1945 - Kuknv;eiler Entered seryice from Dal'lville,·Virginia. '1'/4 Winston V. Tem~le; 39856211 - Co liB" - 20 April 1945 - Altkutte Entered service from Phoenix, Arizona. Cpl Garrett F. V.'a1sh, 37311358 - Co "C" - 2 April 1945 - Michelfeld Entered service from Taunton, r~innesota. ' C:Jl Raynonri L. :'.1::'11s, ~,G2e')5G:i. - Co "3" - 20 jl,pril 1045, Entered sarvi ce fr _,~. ;j'.Ei:ilng, ;,1jC~15 gan. "pfc Talbert J. T>8.0 10." :1.::'15::' :08<' - Hed Det .. ~~9 AIJril 10/J5 ~~:ntered serrice fro;:, Nrc,'! lorL, New Y01'l<. Pvt Hobert Earriso:il.1-:-'158C70 - Co IIC" - (~? "\}'-rH i~)45 :C:ncered servj ce LC'on', L~Gm~~hi.'3, Tennesc"e. S{3t La,n'enee V. f;l'!li th, 30;890?O - Co "C" - ?~; ~~~1r~n 1~1t!5 Entered servicf3 from "Bovey, I~in:,esota.. Pfe Edward L. Hager, 6'3816E6 - Co "D" .- 17 April 1S"~5 Entered service from ~arnht:"-'3t, Lone Island, Fevi York. S/Sgt .Ubert G. ',f1.A.ader, 60(,1254 - Co ":::" - 18'~))ril 1;)':15 Entered servtc8 from Rroold:rn, Ne1"[ York. '1'/4 James ':\. Sizemore, 153;:)3656 - Co "D" - 18 A'~rH 1:V5 Entered servtco from Vi r)Gr, Yentud:y. Pvt Ja-el, 7.. »ucl{Cn~ck) 3~01~GC'l - Co "C" - .1.8 \""I,E F145 Entered seI"'ri C,] from Ne-.rark, :'Tev, ,Torsey. Cpl Garrett F. "d13h, :37:511358 - Co l1e ll - 11 ":',l'ril U':~5 Fntered servjce frolil ',f.aU71t(>rl) >Unnesot.a. ',)fc Fudy'. ~~uban, 38.LG7'JJ_I -. Co ".," .- 1(,' il.>ri 1 1;<15 Fntered 80rvlco fr,)fl1 Gib::;on} 1'1':;\" :~e::j.co. ';)vt Fr!l.ncis r:. C\chnuble, :;;;'):5 l;,oluf -- Co "0" - 10 j.~)r:il 1:)1;)) r cnt.0red se:r'I:LCC:: from Br:tll1uhu;;L, ~~en."1sy1vc.l1i[•• ""'fc John ;.~. ''yn;::oo;), :S?..i4-±lCJO - CO P;)!! .- E.\;·rU LA·S fn·ccr(;d 3ervjc,~ fl'Oln Uniontown, ?8lli1SY1'T,'.:.Cl i~,. 1st Lt .TOi:.k'ph F. Trc:-Hi)(>tta, Cd.ul\:1CO i 1 -- Co "Cl· .. 1.' j;.Jci1 1945 FntGl'ed scrvj Cli from HGV! YOl'k, Ne,': York. '1'/4 DhiLb J. ilc'\enI1J,} 11(..:8::)669 - Co I!Dll - :"D .~rril 19~5 Entvrua servic" f'~om B'o,·::-iin, !Jev! Hampshir3. T/cl ':.·:inston V. '!:'omj.Jle J :::'f:J53::.L1 - Co lIB!l - ;:8 ;\lJril H;,15 EntGr,jd. 80rvic(; fl'om;Jhi)Cn':";~, i:r..i.zona. 'J:iuTTG11, (~OlS'7;S'17 - CU I!b!' - 11 1045 B08t0l1, ~:as 3aC~lUS,jtt3. r',lajol' Geargo C. F':lrr-ls, 03?'~C.05 - Icq - ;-; 9 lTov 1():~( to J.3 ;'!c;.r ,~5. 1~i1tr:;.cFjd sGI'vice from Ea70nna, KeCltucLy. G-()'\:(., I~1, luCth Tnfant:r,r Divisjon, dGte~ 58 )~ril 1J15. C-,,~)t [!c')ru, C. F.lunch:",rtJ. 1 Jr, Ol[i15?S;:', - ~;q - ':q Nov!'.., +.0 ., ,\'.r- ·;5 :=ntej~vd 83Y.'Vi cz; fro:.J"oT"t. N(:chcs, Te~:as. G0, .'~'O) F~~, Y'l,th Ti1f:'cntr:-{ Di v:i'3ion d:.ter:J. :5'1 ;\;')rJ 1 Lht.:. C;;"lt ~Tln..:un~ ,T. Dt)niS(;;, ('LJ5GBl - H(~·:) IJO~T i':;, to ' .' T:l;. vnt';l'ed se:CVLce i'rolTJ ]j'::WtOl'l)'Ihj,-,. Gi ·:0,1 r.Tq, .J('-tL Tr;f,~mtr,r :')Jv.isLm ,:l;.(t:~d ,~(i "·~!,riL l,!.:S. L,t L,t Du.vir:t Schreiber, C,lt.).L5:,i?5 -. iLl ,- ,I I,TOV '1:", to 1 r'."r Jlv-:1.sj,nn j ci'::l.t~d :5C "·'.iTiJ i~\!:5. l + T'" '1' T ,...·1 "~lJ()-'· ... .,. 'T 'I TI :)g" ':':'.1. l.S u. Llo]Jtl;,On, .),,:J_•.v~.L - r;r.i - :,,;) i.~Ov 'u" to :) ;':'Y' ,15. ::::nt:.;rod s.:;rvlc(; from Co1u.mbu3 ,'iO!:-:'o.na. '}) J!',;('.) Eq J 10{'ltil Infantry Dj'viduc:, dated :3C .~I)r~.l l;JL~/). Pi'c; c:\r::8u:i 0 Cuz:dZli, ::'23b,:;';:61 - Go ",. II - 17 JanU1:l.17 lJ - (~ • ..• • • ' " ""1:,~? Unit Eistory, 781st Tk Bn (ContIG) T/5 Donald J. ]arr) 3'/: l'7L - Co ll,~:; - 17 Januar;;- 1'1'~5. Entered scrvic(;: fl'Jr!! ,TJ.l!'0StO·,:11, !Jortll r;al~o·i:.a. G0 :/1;·'7 J :'lq I .:':?d J:nfantry Division, da"LG,:l F; :',1111 191:5. T/4. .John Z. :IartonJhi:: J ;(12,)07 ~8 - C,J ""' Ii - 1 7 Januocr:,· :L 0'~5 . Enter<.:d servic", from NC',r ::ork J ?~i,)1:! Yorl::. Gr) 1",:7 J Eq)~'~c~ Ini..mtr; DivisIon, r:lcl.t,j'l F) L)ri1 IJc~5. C)l JamGs r.'rs(;n<.l.ult, 6L~uS5:J;'; - Co ""':" - ;~cJ, Capt Camil1u J. Pi.l11<.:tj,er, ()lGIC;::7':, - Co n;\.11 - 7 Januar,r 1945. Ent(.;rud SGrvic,.; frcill NoVl YO::'lc) N(;u Yor1<. GO 1;~14, Hq, 79th Infa.ntry Divis:.i.on, dat'3r:l ~~7 ;,~,J.rch 19,~5. B~l.T':::'.L"':' 1iOJUh::'; tI-":""bI1ld.. 'l'Ll.L CI1'.iJ.TIl"i.J OF 1.;l~IT Th0 f01107iing no.I!!,A officlj:cs ..l.nd ..;;nlistea ml::n '\7ur", attc.c:aod to th0 398th Infi:A.ntry F,'Jeimunt iihi3!l t:l/;1t unit Has cit",'i for outsta.nding purforu<.4nciJ in COiT.:Xl.t during th", ~h~rior::: 17 to (;J. D... c"rnbu!' 19-:::~, l1~ar J:itch..: F'r.:mcv. GO ;"91, Hq, 7th :,rmy, dD.t.:C: 1/. !Ie:rc:1 1945. ?d Lt JU:Jli3S H. Hobir'.son,Jr} 0101700[, C'.) ";l ". :"nt:';:~\J T/5 £.,loGrt B • .'.. :i:'1101,'.) :~,(j.':i53,~e8 - Co 113". :J(;nmi71v;.!.rd J.. T/~ ,,:l.lvin I,. ,'cSlc'.:lCl~n~, 37·,i,:jf .•1'7 - Co ;:;"'. Do'l~(,)} Io,;.J.. Sgt Jo:m }? £:ri:illw/, '~~)G::'5~:-,0 -. C:,) 1:::< I: • Ut'J.h. ?vt P,.mrdv C Clil D,J.viri ~~. I'..li:cJ.-y, 1::518518(, - Cu 11:8". -~nt...;r0~~ 8.,rvic~ ir->,,: TCH'SOl1, !lurrl.l!l'J. • . . - . .,' ~ ,:.~ ...~iij*#cm1;i§ift~¥4ti;j~·t'Stf·~~;i~~!.:,~·· )J Me 4-' tu ,Ji .) ;; '" .' ~.;';~ :l\. ~'T .~.~ ...... -- Unit History, 781st Tl{ Bn (Cont1d)-' Annc'x (4 (Cont I d) pfc Eli B.RaTIlins, 3'1;G82~.J - Co I1BII (D\..:cuD.scd.). Entul"cd 8"rvico from ~ins, His80u:ri. Sgt Hinfrod IT. P.u.y!":onr~, ~ll!/i·1J;; - Co "B II. Ent.crud s~rvico from Eonson, !.!1a.sso.chusv-:,ts. T/5 Francis J. SChJ.ll:rj"rc, ~t/.~3b.2?9 - Co liB". Suturod ::;orvicu from Clinton, Iovm.. Sgt ~tnVlood F. Sp,;nc0r, 5:::S2LVjl - Co "B" (DecClas"d). Ent.)r",d. 8-.;rvic(; froiII F..l.lls Chlll"ch, Vlrginio.. Sgt K..mn\.lt.h I.. st,:mto;1, ::';62:711':36 - Co liB!!. Fnter.;d s0rvicu fro,:1 [au Cl::!iro V!isconsin. Cpl Joseph F. ~'fucfinsl-~~ J 5r,260;~97 - Co "B" (DUCI,;:lS0.J.). Entl;r0d s(.;rvicu from Pit.tsburgh, h.mrsylv:lnia. T/1 Emor;J D. V~isc:ma.n,:,7388')'~7 - Co liE". El1tU:i.~ud survicu fron D''Jlt:l, Liissom':i. Tis Frank lr:itoV/8ki; .LF14",2~8 - Co "B". Ente:r.;Q. survice fron· Chico-go, Illinois. Tis Joseph 'N. .\lld0:"SO'!.. 38035555 - Hq. Enter·)d s(.)rvice from Sc.lt L::11.e City, Utah. Cpl Goorge Cot..}, lle; .'588 - Co 11.\". I:ntored eurvice from Full River, ::las8nchus.)tts. Pfc Alvie Cu."'lmings; ·',n.i33~6:) - Hq Co. Enteru'i servico irom Bloomfield, Missouri. Ffc Robert E. K[.I.in, 3555:2800 Co ''It''. Enter..;'} sl.;;rvic-.; from Kokomo, Ir.diun'l. Pfc J.'l1Iles J. V~ils!)n 121;:,::;:·a2 - Co 11,". Enterl d servic,;; from Brooklyn, NeVI York. - 4 ~:·E ·n~:trT· ~'- ",- ." ' ..... " • • , ;,,:t,:'-;f;,'·-;" ~~ i:"~. ~:, S E""(f}R';~E.iT • Unit History, 781st Tk Bn (Cont'd) Annex 5 APRIL T./0TK ST f~'.2US REPORT COMPANY "All Lost in combat: 0 Number of l'..:~:.ace!1cnts : 1 Returned to Ordna.Ylc8 : 1 Repaired 8.."ld returned to duty: 7 COMP.ANY liB;' Lost in combat: 2 Number 'of replacements: 2 Returned to Ordnanc6! 0 Repaired and returned to duty: S COfilPANY "C" Lost in combat: 2 Number of replacements: 3 Returned to Ordnance: 1 Repaired and returried to duty: 7 COlilP MTY liD" Lost in combat: 1 Number ofreplacemcnts: 5 Returned to Ordnance: 4 Repaired and returned to duty: 8 Compan;y "D" turn8d in one(l) M5Al, Battle loss, and four (4) M5Al; total of five(5) M5Al - Dr8W five (5) M24, 75IIL.'T.. tks from ordnonc'~. HEADQUAR'rERS COMPANY Lost in combat~ 0 Number of replacements: 0 Heturncd to Ordnance: 0 Repaired and returned t~ duty: 2 To'rAL TANKS AS OF 1 A,PTIIL 1945: TOTAL TANKS AS OF 30 AEril l~~: M4~3 (76mm) 27 M4A3 (76mm) 28 M4A3 (75mm) 27 M4A3 26 M4A3 (lOSmm) 6 M4A3 ~75!1llll)105mm) 6 MSAl (37mm) 18 M5Al 37mm) 13 M24 75rmn) 5 (1 ) '-;···S··'4,.!'~-r1I~."... ;;;':!!"~ rh...i~i){.l(J.hh'iLR& • 78lS~' Til.'.dl. ::3i.'l"l'.ili..IOl~ i;?O ;" 758, U.S. Army • SUBJ1CT: Unit History TO CG , 6bVbJ.f,-H .~.~...." " """'~r .PO 758, US Army. ~Japs: Wissembourg VII - tIannheim VIII,;.. Scale, 1; 100,000 Period Covered: 1 March lU45 - 51 Uarch U')/':'5. ?AhT I SUi.JiiARY 781st Tank Battalion activities for the month of March 'ilere carried on in conjunction with t.l::le lOoth Infantry Division to which the Battalion was attached for operations. The first fourteen days of March were comparatively quiet building up to the climax of the successful assault and occu?ation of Bitche (Q775505), Fra.nce, and the battalion's participation in the Seventh Army's great advance to the Rhine River. The first to the fourteenth of March the battalion was division reserve and ex cept for the Reinforced .Assault Gun Platoon and line platoons from·each of the medium line companies firing indirect fire missions in sup!JOrt of the 574th Field ~\l'tillery Battalion, no generl'.l offensive action l'laS instigated. However three direct fire harassing missions by Headquarters Company tank section and one tank. of Confpany "C" produced excellent results. fl.ll c.vail able time flas used in )re:paring counterQattack )lans t:ith division and regiment infantry communders and in intensive field tI'uining in an attack of fortified arec.. This training included preDaration for a battalion demonstration of an attack of a defended town to shon recommended methods of Tank-Infantry employment ineluding torm zone firing to be used in future combined operations with Infantry regiments. On receiving warning orders of VI Corpst coming attack, looth Inf'a.ntl"'lJ Divis ion attached the three medium line tank companies to the three regimental combat teams of Division and ODe platoon of the light company was attached to the Division Artillery to provide security for a section of attached l55mm sIP guns. A ttack plans were iSsued, coordina tion completed aDd at 0500 15 March 1948, the attack on Bltche and wr round1Dg forts VIas launched. The c1ty of Bltche was oocupied on the six teenth of March and the Battalion OP moved with the lOOth Intant17 Dl'V18ioll Headquarters to the city of B1talle, 111300 March 45•. The looth Infantry DiTisionwas relieved OD position by the 7lst Infantry Division on 21 March 45 and taDk company commaiJders under reg iment control made road reconnaissance to the N and NE. Plans ",ere COJIl pleted for the transporting of In£nntr,y on tanks in the event of rapid pursuit. one plato"Jn of the light tank compe.~ was attached to each medium tank compan.Y for reconnaissance and flank protection. On 22 ~!arch 45, lOOth Infantry Division passed to the control of the XXI Oorps and at 210900 the divis ion crossed the LD in its race to the Rhine. At the close of the day the 399th Infantry Combc.t Team rlith Company "AU attached M.d rea~hed tho division initial objective of Neustadt. At 2200 25 :.:e.rch 15 all Regimental Combat Teams had reached the Rhine River and ,',ere rna~dng :?reparations for seizing I.' bank S of Ludviigshafen. Battalion suffered a considerable number of tanks lost through blo\'.'Jl boggie Tiheels due to rate of march. Division vdth Battalion attached reverted to VI Corps control on 26 nar~h 45 • Division ~)assed to Corps res,erve prepared to move on 24 POU1"S not.7.. ce. This Vias the first break in contact in 110 consecutive days d' acti0'O, After 4 days "officially" out of contact (enemy shelling con t:illllE'd) ,.'Blst '.rank Ba~·taJ.ion crossed the Rhine River with the lOOth. Irf.:>.l't;;~~ D~.vic-ion on 31 t:rarch 45 and oovcd into VI Corps assembly area ":-J hr.li.".,y r-? Bruhl.-Ep91ebeim-Friedrichsfeld. ~~ .:Jo/tiii ""'~< ~ ...... ""'~:~ , ~'~'. ",.. " t '•• DQ.ily R.ecorCi. of Events 11Ia.rch - lOOth Intantr.1 Divitiion \las dei'onding along a. line Petit Rederching (Q685510) - Goetzenbruc~{ (\141418), with 781st Tank Battalion in Division Res~;rve vicinity I:iontbronn (Q,685440), Company "A" tllcheDberg (Q71046ot, Compa.n;y IIBI! Soucht (C,715400) iI Company tiC" Petit Redcrch1ng ((685510), Compan;y- liD II Liontbronn (Q685440). 3rd 9latoon Com~ nA" , a platoon Company 'm" I 1st ~Jlatoon Company "C", and the Assault Gun ?le,t oon firod indirect fire illissions in SU)~)o;x,t of the 514th Field .Artillery Bat0hlion. Two (2) tu.nks of He~dqu8.rtel's Com9f.,ny 'l'-d.r.k Section fireO 80 rounds dil'ect hi:l.r~assing. fi:ce into P,.ayersvilloy' ((:775490). 2 .:larcn - Plato·me 01' ;~,R, a.nCi C co.m;.>cnieli e.nc~ the assault gun !)latoon continued indirect fire mis·~;ions ~~nd Headquarters COll1:P4JlY Tank Section continued harras5ing ;:1j,S<:i0!lS by c.irect fire into peyersviller. remc.... inder of Jattulion "ersom'el conducted trc;_ining ,:11th 0sdlc"tsis on r,l.cUo ;)rOCCdUl'e and venicule.r mJ.5.ntenancc. 5 (;,: I~ ,:l:i.rch - 3;;;,ttalior. c\mr~'_'ti.ct~c, t,,!,ru~ g..m.l'':'.i:'/ G~nd cre\,ldrl11 t.r"d111ng. ISi:Jlo.toon of Com~G_n:r "Cit fired l::j r'ounQ~ indireet fire. 5 'Iarch - Cor,n:)any t.raining continu~)d. one (1) tenk 3d ,~latoon of' Com~j~ny ".:," fil'ed dil'ect fire misGion at ~.r::';:.uW dug in ~)o6i tions killi..""l.g c::.n unkno\"JD. nUf!lbcr of enemy ,)ers::>u'·t;.:l. L~ - Buttal:L:n~. continuot. tl"cl.ining. l::Jt )lato)n of COlllPall3' "e" <>.nd the tls"uult gun )lutoon fired indirect fire mis~Sor3 in sup ort of the ::'7,;ltb field :":.rtil1s!7 'But'.alion. HeudclUi:::rtc-:r';;' COJ:rf)dry conductE:d dC!lon st!'~tioll 'it.i:1 ne',;! t.ank fle:.l6 thl'o,/cr mechaLli?,vc~ £4-5. 7,8 i{c So ::o.TC[.. .:.. Comp~my !!3 1f mac16-i'€leorifiif:i.:tsc.:.l'lC0 '.,·ith 3~~5th i1lgine,';T Bat.talbn for cQoKL:lation of cuunter-e.ttack ?lans. l;;t ')latoen of Com}aD1 lIe" a.l1':~ tbe Lssuult g'.lIl}l~txH':, continud inl'irect :'ir3 missions. nat'~lion conti:-l1lCci tr~inil1g ::{rogram. 10 :.iarc~: - !1El.t·i;i.lion cOnt 1M >:~'C_l. - C0:.1P8:::7 Hill!; 1st )lc..toon <-,t,jt~oh~}d to 1st 13.:lttaliort, :j90th tnfUll t:v-:,- l(·f.~~.':'\G·'Ti:. o.l1d give:.! l.i1SiOll o:L' cnpttU-ing Hilfrli. 'l'r'oo:)~; rJ.i·~ not succ':l€d i:1 c..'::v"',lci::.:;: ·r.t"Ll_:t fer' for;.m:i'I. ;:~d olv.tovn at-Lac5.:3d t.o (lC. Ilattali(ln ~t 1710CO - .- .- -~1- . 1 fLl;(: > c' J '~,)"'ine i.i.~)l'oe.cl to }3O'".lS ::iGvIU,:;x' (2900508) but .:ere blockea l::q b o~':n or:ld:;t ..:.t \08..;8589). 3d~)latoon in rcgi3ental roserve &t Bitche. Co.mpt:..n:y !l'-j I; at.'Lu;~lEd to 538t.h Info;;.ntry Hegim~nt. Com-pan;; liB II el' moved from Siers· th!J.l to FTf)UdellDp.:cg Dar.ra.cks (fWt>8G06). Com:.Jt~ "Gil; 1st ~)latoon ~up:)Qrted l;-,tJ8_'::'-::k.l·,o~1J :5)1'i:h I:u....e..ntrf Ro:;i1ll8nt tn c.ttack N. 2c1 &n~: 5d ."jlatoons .s: ,'l';-l't.Jt, :':r.; )~ .(;. _2_l:~:)r~ em_'1 dro"a iJ to Dorst. Com..[J<.lll:7 IID" j ~':d }latoon re- L.':::~i ..,;(l .:'j,'J" 'J':r-t:.l F:Lc.l_.~ 1\,:,':~:1.;_L3:"7 :3ati:.t:.llon and reverted to Battalion con e., TI • 'I r ., t t~,:·,:, "t.. ~~~- ~ )i.~ '.1. r ::1(>'.:'; :,'. f.c~ ;~! F::Jl'rtbl~on~l ~L·~) J'roud~n()erg !.:>CJ..l"r<1. ~i>~.:j {/.n:.~ (~.lOH3C: i.: • • .. • 18. March - Com~lSllY "All j }.$t :)~'>"'L1 :('·"mldl,.~d j n Boussevillol'. 9d )lat.;;.. . oon su)ported ~d Batt.::di~1.1, b9:>~::-: ·;··,:,f':.L,~~"'Y Ilegiment ad'vallce to Ronpcvil1cr at 0150 but made no el~~el':1~1' :.!I;~tL.:-:-'., ;i~!~} 1,~ t"),::l mQ~7ed from Bitche to Bcusse viller, closine; at 16()0. ~.)qFl:~~~ ;'T·F j ·1.:::/.... ,,'1?':i~o(m m()ved tie g,A~erit't>l.y erea. . vicinity Nousse-Tiller. ~~c1:) ~<1 ;.: .•y:; ,;(o";e.:]. b"l' 1:l3~lem1JJJ" a.rea ';'j,~1.nity Lengel sheim. 3d ;>le.toiJn l!ICi~'3d '.:"~J :. ·? 1-~"':'la toon(-) '9'1.cinity Dorst, in r~ady !,osltion.to support 2d Battalion, 597th Infantry Regiment. 2d section 2d platoon also in su!>port of 2d FJattalion in firine p:>sltions vicinity (Q8106?O). 3d nlatoon in support 3d Battalion, moved to Riedelberg' (Q790645), nO....1 out:)()stina the tovm. Company liD" in Division reserve, established liaison with 'lPoth IDtantl'7 Di'Vision Recon::-:uissance troops•. 20 iTarch - Battalion continued orientation on situation confronting lOOth Infantry Division, VI Corps, Seventh Army-, 1"'estern Front. Compa~ "P' made recon~laissance of routes to 3d Inf'C;j,ntry Division Sector. Compa~ liB" made recoMaissc..nce of routes to Bd Infantry Division area in co ordination uith Infantry Dattalio~. Com~ "C"; 2d platoon moved from vicinity Dorst to Bottenbach (Q825650). 3d p1atovn moved from Riedelberg to G:!"·')E:s-Steinhauscn (Q795657)" Company "D", Division reserve, main tair;.;!j 1 i.aison \'lith COJllJllflnding otfic,?r, 100th Infantry Div1~ion Recon r£uj.::;:;;...,,:?c~ T:!"ool'. E;t r-i~:rh - Company "A";. 2d plutoon moved .from Rep/erviller (Q834559) to B!)uss~~...:tlle:!" (t)802580)" Compan,y' ItC"jlst platoon moved from Waldbauaen (QJ050N:) to Breidenbach (Q775597). 3d platoon moved from Gross-steln ha.u.~,3n ((:\79565'1). Company "D" j 1st section 1st p1ato:>n attached to . CO;"fjtlny ".A n ~ 1st section 3d platoott ~:t·taQ}led to Company "n". 2d sec tlCll ::(~ c:oJ.a:~oo:'l. attached to Company "C". The::;e cectione moved to r~::~>p';Lt~"·e ;J.tt:lCh3men~s at 0800. Remainder' ot company, division reserve. R.C'.~l··.Cf ~....o·h'd,tl"QiD B1ninc (Q647487) to Brenchelba.ch (Q7076l5), closing 8 ·t~· J ~::(JC, m'L5':l{< Service Compal\Y' the' first battalion COJDptllQl" size \U'l1t wiil .; (;p' in PerlOE.~. 22 :,l·J.I'C:l - ~;at.talion fOl"\'!B.rd CP established first Headquarters in Ge~ ;:C i';:;Ie~;s~};'l:'e::lc:r' (088S735) as th~ looth Infantry Division contiaucd 1'.<>.:.:id pT':SU::.t ::'!'I' uirection ot Rhine River. Medium line companies uith c;'.'!."': ;)~L.:J·~;~~.':' ,:.;~ ('·.:!.ipany "D" attached suo::Jorted ro.pid ad'9'ance ot Division C. B.l' . ~0~i:ll j~ c:;.:i.·"i3ion· initial objective at Neustad't (R3084). lOoth I~'~l'di''':/ rL'.·(:i~l~.Cl1 v:ith 701st Tank Battalion attached changed to XXI CorOB ';>Ni; l!r: ;~ t,f.-~O~CiJ \d:"'ch 45. ~:; :..:.,:; >L - Ei+.;,al~(:l f·)l"ward C? moved.;.·to Meokenheim (R56589?) as Jlegi ;;',:!3.:i~.:···:;(".'!!'b ..:.{. 'l";;!\!1f':,f·~:,:t':I9 looth 'Infant~p Divisi.on conti.rlued !their .rapid c· ...:~n:'!!; (;f'cn"\my r'c:'ce:; to~:ard the R~line P.1ver. Pursuit tillS l1ghtly.re:" :.:..'<~';"\"J '? .. ,' C ::.:& -. J """:, 24 ~.iarch - Divisi(.'~ Gt,t.c.('~c;r: ::";, :!"'J~' 'b ~eizc test !)&:1..1{ c:~' rrl~.np. r:i.re':'"' 0.11':; encountered no (''}';:,:;,- I ~oi'; ~ailI.!C. '.~21'1pilny "A II j 1st I'1a:~oo,;t. 1'10'\'8d O!". LudvJigsha£en (R5(;(/}GIJ in sup .lor't of 1st Battalion, 5~;.Jth :::n:i.'I:.nfi:.:Y :!l.e,qj, mente 2d plat.(;cn !!loved from f.'h!tterstadt (R45C940) to Fheingonh.;i:il (R505950). 5d platoon su.ol')orting 3d Bat';,alion advanced on SchiffC'l':"'i:.. ,;"(::-' (R460870), clearing v!oods t!ithi:} their ~one and pro.ce0ded to vicinity ~"aldsec (R512886). COlllpan;;" w~"; 1st platoon, moved from 'Jggersheim (R465995) to S~hif:erstadt (R4t0870). ~~d ,)lctoJn moved from Og,:~ersheim (R/~65995) to :CollY'sta.dt. 3d !?latoon moved from f1axdorf (R~109985) to Hochdorf (R590910) Coru)';;;,:;' "C" supported movement of 597th Infantry Regiment in its ~one. Com),.r:: ifDI! j 1st section, 1st platoon made recon..aiSsunce to Fhine•. At 110u l\,)l1j:any liD" '71:l.S attached to 500th Infe.ntry Reeiment. 1st platoon move,.. to ·.:-"lttcrsta.dt (R4509!]'O). ~d end 3d :)lutoons attached :·'d Be.ttalion 5DC1'~~:' 'I!'.fan-try RegL'llent at 1500. 2d platoon held c.t Neuhofen (rSOOJ15). lr.i ,;:.:' , t.:'Jn, 3d i>latoon attached to Com,an,y "r" moved to Htri:n (RS55D30). ~,d. ~:( "'den, 3d platoon attached to Com)O,llY "G" at \"oldsee. i:isdon of th€:'F. :c;cctions is to sup!):>rt uatrols along Fhine. f.t close of period di.;, ~sion )osted the frcst bank of Flline River along entire division sector. 25 i,larch - ComlJ8lJY "P."j . 1st platoon moved from Maudach (R4709SB) to Ludrdgsha£on (RS15985), SUP)orting 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regi ment. 2d platoon moved from IiheingoDheim to rlc1n1:ty' L\ldT/igshaten in support of 5d Battalion. 5d platoon m09eci from Walci.ee (RSl28a6) to Neuhafen (R5039l5) in sup,'Jort of 2d Battalion. Activity consisted ot patrols, meeting slight resistance. Company 1'13"; previ~ at~achements and loca tions of platoons remained the same. PlatOons eqagad in patrol.liDc. Company "C"; 1st platoon moved from Assenheim (1l!999l9) to Op,au (R485025) 2d platoon moved from AsseDheim (R3999l9) to Oggera!leim (ll462996) ill regimental reserve. 3d platoon JIIOYing trom Asseuheill to Ludt1lgsbaten (nsl5986), ongaged in running o.n armored patrol 24 hours dail:r whi_ re ceived considerablo sniper tiro. Ono (1) tank daa.dl1ltcd with brokoh s,;>rocket. Com~ ":!)" moved from T:,1eckenhijim (R366891) to Neuho1'on (R5l5915) with lot r>h!.toon in regimental. resvr'V9 at Uutterstadt (R448943), and 2d lllatoon in Battalion roservo at Neuhofen. 1st section, :sd platoon. moved fi-om Altri:?p (R555927) to Ncuhofen a.nd patro]J.l.'Ci town. 2d section, 3d platoon romained v/ith Company "G" at 'fraldseo (P.51.2888), maintaining l~trols thrv~hout period. Captured four (4) prisoners vicinity (R487875). Division passed to control of VI Corps at 251200 Maroh 45. 26 March - Headquarters Company patrol comprised of two (2) light tanks, three halfQtracks and one 1/4 ton truck were sent to Ruppertsberg to clean out enemy snipers reported in town. Town was searched and four (4) pris oners and considerable weapons taken. Company "A" j al1locations and attachell1ents remained the same except 3d platoon Jloved from Neuhoten (R51591S) to Mutterstadt (R448943) with 2d Battalion, 599th Infantry flegiment. Company "B"; platoons active in patrolling and cleaning out enemy snipers. 3d platoon moved from Hochd'orf (R390909) to Hafsloch : R370840). Company "C"; attachements and location of platoons remained o;ne. Continued patrolling for enemy snipers. Company liD"; attachements E '~:l location of platoons remained same. Continued patrolling tor el1emy [.,,:.:rars. Division with attachements reYerted to VI Corps reserve and F: ':,'ll::"on made plans to move on 24 hours notice. 2.l . 50 March - looth InfantrY Division with 78lst Tank Battalion passed i;-=(, :~·-·corps reserve. Un1ts of Battalion conducted vehicular maintenance, t. L' '1 '.ng and recreation. ;:i fotarch - 781st Tank Battalion crossed the Rhine River over Ludwigshafen :.; --'~ileim pontoon bridge to VI Corps assembly area and with loath Infantry I:. J.s~on prepared to relieve elements of 65rd Infantry Division• r • _ .. _- ;;0 ~ ___ _ - __ Q2 .= L La;; '. • .. Un!t Hist.~)~, 78.L~t T&nJ.c Ba. ~:c;~li:)(I Al1.nox JL~ .i1J~.'.!. .:.LJ.. O~ s;Il'Ci~.ti.. !i-li .~~ 14 Uarch - lOOth Infantry Divi(lio:i stt:.rteci initil;.,l phases of uttaclc on Bitche by attaching CO!JI~)~ny ".:~" to :309t:il In£al:t:r-:.' R~gir:.:!lt, Cor.tPfj':lj· "nit to 398th I ni'antr,, I!cgi;l!~nt undCol:))i~Jl,.7 "e" to tl10 :lS7th Infantr-:: R6gim-.-,r!t at 1<'08COC) Harch 191,5. Rcinforc(j( !\o; 15 .lurch - Divl"i~n car:n&ncdd v.ttcl.ck on Bitch.: (,)77505) "".nd sur1"oun 16 ::·iurcl::. - Com,),,·.!'}.:r !!II:: .t .'.6:-::'1::':'':: 1st pltltoo!'. httaek,-:d no:c-th8l1.st l~,to Bitc:nG ~'~~o[~ :d';;r.;e Vi cinity (:.7555:,i."), enter ci Bitche fifter min;d rot.ds h~d bo:::n elef.I':J( by in;'~l.nt"t'.Y". 1 '3t f~uctlo!l, 1st )latoJl1, ,; tt<:.C!L~', '. 'it·.: Cor.1:)EtnY "~If I 1st Dnti"".H:m, :..j',ltl2 1nfcC!lti'l F(t:giln:=:nt, [(long Eitche - On!!).' rk Bitcha :c-o:;.d. ;2d ~;dct.i.")l~ :;t:~·.c~,'!~:ith Comt)~::~Y liB", ;):;);~tb.·Infe.nt:r:' ~egimGnt, on'r'oa1 :n.lll'·~O:: ~,0lr::.h::;i;~·t 'Jut Qf.' D.i.tche,?luto;)l'l credited ith e<;.")ture of 70~',·'s. ,'t J.0.~/.:/!;) r~11 ,o;"ction join·_d 1st ~..::ction on un uS:ot-..ult on Cam;> d;; Bit:::he r')~':"Cl, ?5 ;J.i?t,.l:)~'l d.)t::ch d i'ro!:1:id B~~ttL'lion i.no at:.D.cJl,-~d to 1st "t:!tu..lio!l, t··),t.~: T~1:f':':';1-!:..r7 f.;g".i'l,ollt) !J10v<:ld to vicinity (-'~7a5507). M 91.:-..t·:nn, l"agi 'H;)<1t.11J.·:;:~';:(:V":: ,.,t f,1'.11·sth.}.'. (C720(95). Com.<"rry fiB"; 2d .:,Jl;:.to:il1 r,ttaci:l.c-:'i to :.:-:-. ·t3 ...>..+,'~,::.:U.:)2' t'.1 :r0gi::nc:nta.l roe~rvr.; at Ditche. Sd plato'ln aSHi:.;tbcl E.tte.ck of ;;~ -P,'l··;"j.::.·c. along CmlJ) de BitCi0 road. Compel",.;,y "C"; lRt a.n:..~ 2d platoons :~:-:","t ::'.;(.., .:.\t.i.. L.cil'~":(';"'Jts j let plato,m n;)~: :;..ttv.ch.,.Q to 1st Battalion, 697th Inf£;.ntry ..3'~~; I.",T... :~cJ. ~)lato.m utvacb/: to :.·:d R~·t,-i;a.lion,5~7th Infant:q F.eguh2nt. l.t ~l': ,c: ;;L~tO')!.~5 in r.:;auy 90:;1tio))s vieinitl Schor0ilr:h (Q762533), 26 pI=. t) .•• :.:Cl,.. ":' T·'-' !'o...~d junction vicinity C:~tI7536), pl'opar,·,d to r:osist a-ay at'L.ck 0: .. . n :IV "r"uor r6,)oT\iuu no:cthQc~t>t of Ca'rllp d,.... 3itcb.o. Company' tlD"(_) ;:l'L::.1 r~!-.;~:rVG. :2d ~)lu.toon mov0d tovicinlty BitcbG (Q7'13495) in suPt>Ort ,),' ~c:L .. : :"1""1 "DJ! I 925th Fit;l 1 I,. j' • . ''; ...... ~ .. .. ~..(' .. ·'l: ~' .... -.....,. ,. Unit History, Annex /12 2d Lt. John D. Sandroni,010lL':oOl - Co "B" - 17 Harch 1945 - Bitche 1st Lt. FrC',J'lcis A. Cncl:LcR.n,O:: 014500: - Co "Bif - 15 ~·!arch 1945 - Bitche Sgt Joseph L. Poliz?'ann.~3UT:..:)2.0 - Co "B" - 15 Harch 1945 - Bitehe Sgt Kenneth L. Stanton,36231168 - Co "B" - 17 March 1945 - Bitche "'.. prc Clarence F. King,11113820 - Co liB" - 17 March 1945 - Bitcha Cp1 Leo11 E. Lov~: ,18167416 - Co "C" - 19 March 1945 - B1 tche SLIGHTLY INJUI-U£~ IN ACTION Sgt James V. Horsley,15525278 - Co "A" - 15 ffarch 1945 - Enchenberg.· PURl'LE dEAltT Pvt Bernard Ke11ner,42129947 - Hq Co - 1 March 1945 T/5 John W. Rosengren,l6l44420 - Co "C" - 1 March 1945 Pvt Leonard F. Schulte,57596767 - Co "C" - 6 March 1945 Pvt Sidney L. Ehr1ich,20200745 - Co "A" - 12 March 1945 Pvt Harold I. Hanson,51206654 - Co "B" - 17 March 1945 prc Clarence F. King,11115820 - Co "B" - 17 March 1945 pre William H. O'Brien,55162589 - Co "C" - 17 March 1945 Cp1 Robert E. Krontz)16085614 - Co "A" - 15 Harch BhUlJt.l!; STJ-.R Cp1 John J. B1ack,15125875 - Co "A" - 8 March 1945 FIRST BH01~2E OAIC LEAF CLUSThlt TO BhOd2E B'EaR l\iED.~ TIs Berger Ie Johnson,51195S59 - Co "A" - 8 Uarch 1945 - 1 r I • '. ," • Unit History, '781.~" J':' '-1,1 " LT COL Hj~RRY L KJ~:t,:: ;, <. ~' :'~ MAJ G~~(l[{c;.:s C l' :;" r:-; ILj;-.CCOi In, CAPT GH}'\ !..'ere ~: I '~--:- ; :~ ~ ~) I ~ i,."" ) 1'; CliPT ...Tl).-{r • .~ ,3::l. I.~. ;;:-. ;.I;~l{ .,,.-; 'J :C:JF CAP':' : JOE~i...F.H :'';'-,-,~.!,I;: INF CaPT CiLd:~.:..."l!; .J f.ri :,.T ,_:;:r:,~:.: IN'F :-\.'''1 T CIiFI' i "I L~I :i. P..': ,:~ j~:F CUT C~£JEG::',: G m,i,\":~r1L::=;9 .:.1 ,·l~. ,J-tC.. f:Cj,,! WF C.'u:'J.' V r'JCb','" .~ 1::1<:::1 l II~j~.~ f; '~~ Cii.V Cl~.f7 II~ .Tj"j) ,: :{ELi..'~:~" C' i.Uti ~ r, 5 IHF Chf~ :,~'S:r~.::H ..or; C :\tii~.I} .. ~f~ (~~.C.""'5,::':·~5 I!:,IF C1U>T GHJt: C 1"-,1.1, f·.eLi.;) (:}.O :.E':3~7 I1'JF ISTe'::.' :rJIV.J~J:.M';I::I\'- r! C.;.,~~,j''',l:',~ ~~rjiCC'::J. C1W 1ST L~' Li'''I!!:<.i...,'\G,·'~ n. Fr,.G'i (.)::S(~~· 3'7 Il~F 1ST L'1' AlJGUSTf:S ...T ;:~'.,.'~C .. (Y~:3JC.4 7 Il~F 1ST LT lRANC:r::3 .tl. cc Y I.i~}: ll' nJ.O·A5~4 INF 1ST LT F'L!~D \:' l.,YOj\:~~ (;':::4"';~' 'J J.. CAV 1ST LT ARTIiTJR J El\)J:!K.t<;Y'~' OJ.L·.Z)~9 FA 1ST LT \~IL1.JIA:v; J Kf\.LJl:c'1. CIJ~/,_t 7;"2 INF 1ST LT DOi~·.'u.D CfLl.i'IE C)J(L6~~'2 IhF 1ST LT ROBLF.T H McDTj'IBL OJ O:~5 iFJ5 Il~F, 1ST LT ALV l.l'I~, i.iB.b.n C~_ cr: Esn4 I1~F 1ST LT }'}tLD~FUCK G fA'R:~,OI'T ('! ! ).. '~:S8 CA.V 1ST 1T ARTdUR B BEST O.~.~-' f:~94 INF 1ST LT ...TOSK2H C B00(,}! C.O.- 7;jt"O CAV If!T LT DAVID 8(;rli-cl,Ll.R C:O:.S'1?5 INF 1ST J..T R03LRTI? ~{l';}'ES C2(Y=Sd'~;,3 MaC 1ST 1T Nl.(3~~L T h~::'L1!; 01'J2 f,7P.J INF IS7 1T '::ti.~;l'~\f : CCEj~d 010:'::405 Il~F 1ST LT CL~U:.ErJCE h .10:iCl\ 010J5,1O'7 INF 1ST LT JOSEFH 1< 1RGJ.L3i;TTil. Ol010U94 INF 1ST LT l)AUL fAIS 01012928 CAV 1ST LT PAUL Vv SHARTE.L 01015167 INF 1ST LT JAMLS l£; hALSH 0101538·1 INF 1ST LT ALBl£R.T G 'IHACKIW! 010~.S4:86 INF 1ST LT CHA.RLES B BROWN 01015505 ItlF 2D LT .AfuHE N SI.tUP::;ON 05:58929 CAV 2D LT ARTrlUR H SLO:JGATT 01019547 IdF 2D LT l.HCHOLAS 0P..L.n.J.mO JR 01019565 Il~F CWO TROY E 'I'&\PLEY W 2123066 V'iOJG CHARLJ!;S M C.AV&'>4AGH V~ 2123281 \iOJG G.c.ORGE F BROU~ JR \, 2123282 - 1 ...... ~, " . .., • • Unit :astOI"j", 'l81st Trtnl~ Battalion I::'nncx .-"A.( ... CJi.It..l.••Y ".h" ;i '~1 'il Lost in combat: 0 Returned to 'Ordnance: 1 Number of rep1acelU~nts: 1 Rop8,lred cmd returned to duty: 3 Com:)Cm~T ':~\H turned one (1) tarJc To,t4A3 (75mm), 5081457, into Ordnanc<: in ~":r·::.v~nge for on,~ (1) tank U1.A5, E8 (76mm), 3052111. Lost i~'1 combat: 0 R<:ltu:l"r.cd 'to Ordn<.:.nc~: 2 !fumoer of re'Jlac<;;[ c;nts: 2 Repair:;d an(~ returnee to duty: 2 Com}.>c.ny rr!3" turned onG (1) tank U4A5 (75;;"!Ill), 3081t.l:55, into Ordnance in exchange for one (1) tank M~3 (76mm), 50101699. 'Jne (1) tank !.f4A3 (76mm), 3010161f, VIas drO?:1ed on Ordnance certificate due .to action in Ft:bruary. One (1) tank H~A5 (76mm), 30101659, v:as dravm e.s a replacement. COMPAiNY "C" . Loet in combat: 0 ~eturned to Ordnance: 1 Number of Re?laccments: 1 Repaired and returnGd to duty: Company "C" turned one (1) tank M4A5 (75mio), 30814f7, into OrdnaDce in ax change for one (1) tank M4!5,. E8 (7Gr:m), 505:?~32 Lost in combat: 0 Returned to Ordnance: 0 Humber of replacements: 0 Re)ltU.red and returned to duty: 1 &;iJ)lMUtu .1'; ,li.& C01.~4,+-JY Lost in combat: 0 Returned to OrdnAnce: 0 Fe.::>airac1 lind returned to r.:utq: 0 ._--TOO'JJ, rr.hl'J.~S .ti.8 OF 1 lJARCiH 19,;,5 s TO~jJ~L Tiu\!K~ 1.8 OF' 31 1.;J~h 1945: ..;..-~-----..;.:.,----- M4:A5 (76mm) ;?,5 f,!'lM') (76mm) 27 ~.!~J~ 5 (75mm) 20 M4!:3 (75mm) 27 :.:.:~i' 5 (105mm) 6 H4!\5 (lOSmm) 6 ".:5:'.1 (~7mm) 18 MSJ\1 (57mm) 18 1 S .... 0 " Y;;:ril;;' , 1:1 n .".lit" ... l i L ,.".... ,~....~-. 1;'?,~~'~'~:'~ ~ h;: dEADllUARTKIS •'" 781&T' TAl~K BATTALION • API) //= 758,' U.S. Army , 14 Harch 1945 SULJ ~CT: Un!t Histol'""j' TO . CG, ~EVl!J.~Tn Arm/, APO 758~ US Army. Maps~ Bitche - Bouxwiller - Saverne - Haguenau - Brumath (lJDrTII-15) (XXXVII-14) (XXXVII-1S) (XXXVIII-14) (XXXVIII-IS) Period Covered: 1 February '19'1t5--,·2E} February 1945. . '.~ " P,ART I SUNJMRY The l03d Infantry Division and the 100th Infantry Division, to which the 78lst Tank B&.ttalion ',7as attached during the month of February 1945, were both holding defensive positions in quiet sectors of the SEVENTH Army front. 781st Tank battalion was in division reserve in b~th divisions and' upon com!)letion of reconnaissance of division arclas and coordination'. of tank plans with infantry co\'intcr-ltttack pIons, there wa.s -- with exception of the missions of supporting three major infuntry raids -- little activity. Battalion utilized available time to institute an intensivo training program with th~ double miSSion of b~ttle indoctrinizntion of reinforcements recuivud during the month of January and passing down battlo lessons l~arned to alllma personnel. Err.phasis in training wa.s ~)laced on radio transmission and security, tank €,"Umlary, cmd porfoction of tactical methods to be om:?loyed . in infantry-tank opt:rations. Several new infantry-tank techniques were devolop~d and actw.lly tril;d in the fit:ld "!ith troops. Battalion was attachud from th~ 1 - 25 Fob~~ry to VI Corps ,xnd furth'Jr attachoo to the 1C5d Infantry Division. On thu 25d FiJbruary, battnlion mov·..ld from vicinity nmSHEIM(Q793227) to BUTTEN(Q624'U5) and "las attached on arrival to the XV Corps ·).nd ti:&"tn.u!,·:~tuch\)d to tho lOOth Inf;J.ntry Division for operations. '. .' . 5d platoon of company liD" {light tank comp.'U'ly) was att.:l.chea to the 502d Infantry Rugimont of tho 101st Air-Borne Division from 1 - 7 F~bru~ry 1945 Sufficient tank ~nd ~rsonnol ruinforcemonts woro received during tho month of Fobruary to bring the battalion to' Tlo & E' strength. PART II RECORD OF EVEloiTS On the &1 of FobI'11.:lry 19·15, tho 2d platoon of company' "BIJ supportdd tha 2d battalion of thl;) 410th Inf:::ntry R~gim,mt in .:l SUCCQssful raiA on the town of Bischholtz(Q865526) with the mission of taking onamy prisonors. Platoo: fir~~ on on~ concontrations N of Biechholtz. On the 4th of Fubrun.ry 1945, 5d plutoon of comp-lny "C" moved to r~ady positions at Ingwillur(Q81550':J:) pruparvd to support m infantry battalion strungth raid of thu 1st batt..l.lion of thu 4llth Infmtry Rugimont on thu town of Rothbach(Q84954l). T.:lnks to bo commitwd in C:1So infc..ntry should fail to effect surprise and should nlJf::d additional. firo iJovTur dl.1xing withdr,::w;al from th' to~r.n. Platoon was not committ~~ and withdrow to RO~lillur on the 7th February ].945. The 5d ,Platoon, comp.:my UBI! movod into position to give dirt:ct over... ~'1.:m,d fire support to a r1.id of tho '1st ba.tt:..:.li011', ,aoth" Inf.Jiltry ,Rug1tnont on ~-,:l·ll~hloltz. ~\11' raids W,,1'e vary s'tl.ccessful. :,·:J"·"l. , ; .. ~~{~ .-'"...... &~;~!.,\\~ T3.Dks d:Ld not :JoccompaDY infJ.!',tr,y p.:l.trols on ~ orgmlizod r:.1.i0.s y' the 103d Inf3Dtry Division as missions of these raids were not to hold ground aIId a.I\v. smo.l.l mech=mical f:l j':t-rc' in t.mks or bogging do?tn due to soft tarrnin Vlould haV\;) n~cessit:l.ted d\1struction =md a.b:mdonment of v:1lunble mochanized equipment. ..' .- . Roinforced Ass~ult Gun pl~toon support~ the fire of the 584th Field Artillary Batt'llion of the hod Infmtry Division from the 1 - 23 Fob~U'Y 1945•. From 8 - 16 Februa.:j 1945, ?ne pl~toon of company "c" outpostcd town of Ingwill~r(Q81B504). On 12 Febnury 1915, two (2) t:J.DJ::s. of company ItC" mov,,>d, to crunouf'lagaq positions on division ULR to firu l.t targets of opportunity. T:mks '\'1ithdrawn' . 13 F'Jbruary 19'.1:5. Company ltD" furnish...'Ci on-.l ph,t.oon to :lct a.s division C.P. sucurity for tho town of Imbshuim from ·thu 1 - 25 F\.Ibruary 19·15. , Battalion rulh:v-.;d on position by units of the 756th T'lnk BJ.tt·:~lion uffuctivd 231200 :February 1915, pur ord~r 00, 10M Infantry Division. Battalion march~~ from vicinity of Imbshoim(Q793227) to vicinity Montbronn (Q668540) pur ordtlr CG, VI Corps.. Rvliuv...1i from att:Lchmt;)nt 10M Infollltry Division on arriv·u in XV Corps ~vctor.· Atta.chod to n· Corps £or opurations, .JJld furth~r attached to thu lOOth Il1fo.ntry Division. B:l.tt,:1.lion passod I.P. :Jot Ingwiller at :230750 Pebruar,y 1946; closud in 100th Infantr,y Division arua at 231100 Fdbruary 1945. B:Jottalion pl~ced 111 division r~serve an arrivil, with mission of coordino.ting t~ support with cO'U..""lt-.;r-o.tt}.ck pl.:ms of. threo (5) inf'lntry regim~nts J.m division plaJ,1Ii for cOlmt·..r-ntt'l.ck ~g'linst enemy bruak through in dopth. Ass~ult G1U'l pl:ltoon lI\11)portdif]'iru of thtJ 5l4th Field Artillery Battaliao from the 25 - 28 F~br~ry 1945. From 25 - 28 Februru:y 19.::5 .. 3d platoon of comp:my "A", 1st pl1.toon of company "e" reinforced aJfd fir;;;t platoon cf' COIn!18ny liD" were moved to poSitions for indirect fire missions iu SUP90~t 01 division artillery. On 28 Febl'Ual"f 1945, Battalion Headquarters 'itlllk Section consisting of three(5) 75mm tanks, moved to vicinity (Q722495) and fired direct harassing fire into town of Reyersviller(Q755~90) • . PART III TRAINING I. Due to large battle losses, sustained by company "A" during the month of January 1945, both in personnel and tanks, the company was moved to town of Steinbourg(Q9629l0) in division rear area for rehabilitation and training on 50 January 1945. Tank replacements and personnel reiDtorcements were received in sufficient quantities to bring the company up to T/O &E 'strength and during the period 1 - 25 February 1945, the com~ under battalion control conducted intensive training in tan.'- gunner,r, radio security and transmission, destruction of ordDance materiel, tank driving and many tactical field problems as a reconstitution pr?gr8m to bring company up to prescribed combat~,efficiency. From 13 - 23 F\~bru.1l'Y 1945, battalion due to quiet tactical sit uation, instituted an intensive trainir.g program for ,111 ~Jersonnel. with emphasis on radio am tele~_.uourity·, destruction of ordnance materiel, ~-.:I t~_l. ~ ~ fC 17' T w\,uu. ~UA gunn~Jry. .. I., .".'. II. Exper1m(;l1lts were conducted with other arms of the division as follows: 1. Experiments were c~lrrted on with the unti-t;.:.nk comp.ll\Y of the 410th Inf:Llltry Regiment and 614th T.:mk Destroyer Batt~t1ion a.s to pr.J.cticability c~towing 57mm anti-tank guns and/or 3" gun U6 towed of the Tank Destroyer ..3c.t~,'11ion into close indiruct fire !)ositiona with either medl'wlI or light tanks. . J,_~ ~~lt, t['..'1.ks wure fo~ more practicable due to thCirfutness and maneuver ... -'l.t.:. L -I',:, and a tuna" taWD was arriv.Jd at composed ne 5 tank light platoon .. .:>1' 'J.)!!i':?·l.I'J" liD" to tWone 2 gun section of towod gun AmIInmiti01l to be hauled i=l ':,''''\: c.'""Dlorod trailer. to·tbt; ~'f*.. ~tt..1l1oD.Gun c~. to;rJ.4e in bow ~ .• " .. 'I-'-;"'~''''''':'.~ r",!··.;).·~"... f"", .:_ .':'...:.... >4 ..... :;_. -Ar.=,,· -'S"., ...... ~i.... ~___ ....;... :.: ...... ::,~~ ~,,~~- ...... ;.....:..~~.~,,;.*i; 1 "tN ..~\'.. ~,..,...... " ...:_~..-.i-....;..: ...__ --'-.-.:.~ . .~.~ .....,' .. '. :~; -", 2. On the 9th Fubr~, uxporimants woro conduct~d with division ungineurs as to bust systs~ for pr~paring dug in positions for txnk ulthor by digging thum in wit..'l-J. a. c-.;.;11 co~\)r 0r blowing th.:m in ''lith TNT. Tho fastvst and most Ilfflcivnt Illvt.·hod wos found to blJ a combination of the two. Cr:ltcr first buing blo,;'.T. ..lr.d th..m SI1!OithiJd of~ by duzer in ordur to losson 11:cellltoad of dug in positiona bloJcvming t ..mk tr-'lps. 3. Follov:ing up t~:chniquiJ 'J!' actu.::U. bo.tth~ iJxperim~ts c..>m!1Ol1Y' "A" conduct~d train:iJ.'lg in Vlhtlt ba.tt,_Lli:>n titliJS "Zone firingll in thu lssault ,Jf :l dofunded tJwn. This mdthod is as f.)ll..)Vls: 4. T.:mk:l:ltlon to ,.;Istnblish b:.J.Su 'of fire m"V\;lS into llvsiti-ln appro'Xirn~tely i~5° 10 l.Jng :;.xis of t..)wn. b. Pl.:J,to:m l:J.id reciprocally !'.lld b:l.se piece l:.l.id vn somo prominent building in town such as 0. church st~eple utc. '6. Usinp tho;! mll fo.:rmul.a, ba.sc--piece is~ d~flect\:.>d bither lert"'or right thl'oueh neaeSS.:lry" nuab..:n- of mUs to correspond to 100 yard int~rvals: in the town. ' /. d. These r-.t:.dings' ar" then r.iv~ to all runs of platoon a.llowine platoon to firu at ~ 100 yd soctor d~sirud or on call by E- use of :.-.azimu~ indicator rather than- by indistinct target Ncof.llition. .Smok:Jnr: of town doos not hinder gunnors in this method of fi1:'e. e. Infantry company comtl...nP.or ustuhlisheB phas~ linos in town in 100 yd soctors for infantr,y·~dv~ce. Phase lin~s conforming with thoBe zonl"Js li\id off by. tank pl...toon. . .:. f. Propos~d 1i1ethod·has b ..t:l .. p1atoonfln! zon. 1 &2 prior to WiS::.ul t 01\ infantry, slli.f.ting .to zone :3 !1.S inf':mtry enters ~ona. Lungth of time ~nd zoni:l to bu fired, c:.:n be controlled by gro\D'ld oomm:-i.!ldur by uitht;;r flares or use of sca '500';r::tdio. 1Kis allows tanks to continuo prossure rir~ with a minimum time lag prior to a.rl'iv,.l of infa.ntry on objective and ita -sioplicity effects BaXimum control by ~antr,y c~cr-of supporting d~ct fire. .s i. ,) J. III•. Rucognition tr:dning YI.'lS giv~ to ....nti-t,J.Dk, tank d ...stroy..,rs, :md lino pursonnul ot both diviSions by .'lctual displ~ and discussion of charactoristics of null r.14A3 E8 mtJdium trulk with muzzl0 brnko, wido tr:J.ck 3nd n..:w boggie.: systo1l. )/.~ ~~-.~. .. i':--t. KDiNE, JR, V Lt. Col., Cav~lr,y, C;)mm~tnd1ng • '5 Inclosuros: Incl. HI - AnndX HI Incl. #2 - Almex #2 Incl. #'5 - Annex #5. ". ~ .; Unit History, 78L:• t:"l ~>, ; I, c. ',. (1,: • Annex # 1 L1' co:·:, "lP'.::U Lr K'; "\J.U J.;l. O(:4:)~l65 Cay 1\!~ .~~~. ~~,~ ()I~. , r;( ~. '. r r ~ ~ .\l:_' d. L:J O':;37G95 ~:nf Ivl.rt.} (l~~O:~'~~1 '~', £""\_~:). ':":{: O~2rc.,O·j inf CXF'1' c: ~ (j ~ ,:; t :l . Li r. i , 0'/ G-j~.;)9 r·~c Crl... ·':!'· :;iJ.~ L. ::':~iUt·S 0;:;'('1,,,,20 ::nf C.'li'~' .}'J'-;:P..Y, ~: ...L.J-.,l·~·l? ObGS-.':l9 :l'~f r :~;-'I ':';>.1':.;·::' .T. ':):~lL _:lI}.:h 01(,1..0275 Inf ClL"J: '.. I.:., -,ilL, it. hL.:1. 01Cl5445 In! CAl'T v.i;.'.}'1.Gr.:; (r. BLj_.-;'~l1i\ R.J JR 01015292 Inf C..'l.F~ Ii :l,!CJ:.ll'£ .J. D'Jr' T~;::;; 0J.015661 Cav C.hPT DJJllf J. KLLl.,:t.:Y. 01015465 In! CAPT ,TOS.l!:l.)H J. GR'l-[\.:,; 01C15665 Inf CAPT OhOd (,. S,~)UD.'!;r\.3 01015647 Inf 1ST LT WILLIAi\1S0L~ i·j. CV:::t~JEi~S 01010051 Cav 1ST LT k~\:,£lJ:J.~C~ h. FIJ.'C'F 07f;4257 In! 1ST LT AUGUCiTUS J .~. I~'J:\jf'j 04R~047 Inf 1ST LT FRANCIS A. CO )~,ICj:"l'l 01OH:504 Inf 1ST LT .ii fu.D L LYOl.,S 0445591 Cav 1ST LT ARTllUR J.E. YOHKEJlS 01172549 FA 1ST LT WILLI.aM J. KAIS1R 01C15722 In! 1ST LT DOl~ALD CRA.l~E 010154-92 In! 1ST LT ROBdlT H. McIHTIRE 01015485 In! 1ST LT aLVIl~ !i. U;Eili 01015504 Inf 1ST LT Ffu.Dl!:RICK G. lJ.RLOTT 01015568 Ce.v Ib'T LT ARTHUR B. BEST 01016194 Inf 1ST LT JOSE?H C. BOSCH 01017540 Cav 1ST LT DaVID 5efiR.EIBER 01015575 Inf 1ST LT ROBERT P. WEEKS 0?04986:3 !1ACr.! 1ST LT PASIiliL T. RIDDLE 01016780 In! 1ST LT JaSON J. COH~'l 01015405 In! 1ST LT CL.hRc;4;CE V\'. jl10RCII 01:)15407 In! 1ST LT JOo£PH F. TRJEiBETTA 010190'34 Inf 1ST 1T ?AUL fAIS 01012928 Cav 10'1' LT ?AuL '¥. SJ.iARTbL 01015167 In! IS'£ LT .JA1::i;;S L. "uiliSti 01015584 In! IbT 1T ;UJl.,aT G. THACKfuJI 01015486 In! 1ST LT CHiiliL.cS B. BRmiN 01015505 Inf 2D LT JO.d.l~ D. SA.I,;DhulH 01014601 In! 2D 1T ARl'IU 1''4. bLii?Sul~ 0558929 Cav 2D LT aH.l'hUR ti. SLOGGATT 01019547 In! 2D LT rUCliOLaS OR1.i-'••~DO JR 01019565 Inf CliO TROY l:i. TiiliPLbY VI 2125066 ~OJG CHARLl:.S ~. CAVA.ojAGH " 2125281 V,TOJG G&lRGE ~'. BROWN JR W 2125282 - 1 S"ECftET : HI rtt:tM'tfw ::1:'$",,' If M' st'Zte.#ref'fr'M'i'k d ... ".... -:.':.. ,. ., '7'",,-;: "l"''''ii(~,• ...... <';--' . ( ~ Unit-History, \ Annex # 2 • SERIUUSLY ~iOUi.~lJ:t;D L~ ACTION Pfc William H. 0'Brien,55162589 - Co "C" - 25 February 1945-Petit Rederehing SLIGdTLY hOUlml:.D 11'1 ACTION T/5 Robert I. Stewart,16141557 - Co "C" - 25 February 1945 -Petit Rederchina Pvt Leonard F. Schulte,575967E7 - Co "C" - 25 February 1945-Petit Red.erehin~ AWARDS PURPLE HEART S/Sgt Ameede A. Burre11,20157577 - Co ,,~It - 12 February 1945 T/5 Roben I. Stewart..16141557' - COliC" - 17 February 1945 BROloiZE STAR S/Sgt Elmer C!~ Shephard,20157355 ",,!';Co "B" - 17 Febru&l"1 1945 Capt John E'. S1mkins,0577420 - In!.~ Co "B" - 7 February 1945 F'IRST BROriZE OAK LEAF CLUSTli.R TO BRO~ZE STAR MEDAL 1ST LT Augustus J. Sitton,0461047-Inf - Co liB" - 7 February 1945 ~I The following 0 & &"4 were aViarded the Bronze Star Medal, per GO # 26, Hq., 100th Inf Div, dated 24 January 1945, for action during month of December 1944: 2d Lt Paske1 T. Ridd1e,01016780 - Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg T/Sgt Robert 1\. Brown,5247~065 - Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg T/4 George N. Rice,57508506 - Co "A" -9 December 1944 - Lemberg T/4 William E•.Turner,58179652 - Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg T/5 .Tohn A. Bradish) 57511581 - Co ".A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg Pfc Harold W. Alexander,58041068 - Co "A" - 9 Decembel' 1944 - Lemberg S/Sgt .Tohn Brenne.n,20200725 - Co 11,.\" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Sgt Robert J. Johnson,35027191 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Sgt James R. Sub1ette,58167958 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Sgt Raymond B. Carter,.6CJ96944 - Co IIA" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg.: T/4 Jo.;eph E. Mar zucco ,1512,4~95 - Co ").,." - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg T/4 Frank D. !-~i11cr ,58215950 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg T/4 Her6ch~1 L. Rogers ,55506452 - Co "A" - 10,'December 1944 - I.emba~g~ Cp1 L. T. Beauchamp,58215972 - Co "A" - 10 Decembar 1944 - Lemberg Cp1 Gerald R. Mercier,31286762 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Cp1 Charies G. \'701ff,56609225 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg T/S Donie B1ea,17091595 - Co ".A" - 10 Decembttr 1944 - Lemberg T/5 Jh:~rger I. Johnson,51195559 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Pfc Ramiro Aguilar,58454580 - Co "A" - 10 D<3cemb;.:r 1944 - Lemburg PVt Jam\Js 1'. Gralltland,34897450 - Co itA" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Pfc \'arren H. Parrish,5L1771755 - Co ".a" - 10 Dactlmber 1944 - Lemberg Pfc Sidney S. Scl1l"eiber, 52194077 - Co IIA" - 10 Decembor 1944 - Lemberg Pvt James Sirginnis,55775276 - Co ".A" - 10 D;;:cember 1944 - Lemberg Pvt Uarrin R. Spitzt:3r,061648:54 - Co "A" - 10ii;December 1944 - Lamberg Pvt BtJrnard F. Donnelly, 15025616 - Co ".t"." - 10 Dccemb<3r 1944 - Lemberg Sgt Daniel &\. Daley ,6897824 - Co II,A II - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg Cp1 Vi11iam E. Lindsey,57587696 -.Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg T/5 Boyd E. Broadhead,59855558 - CoilA" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg Pvt Santiago H. GomE:lz,58-154471 - Co "A" - 9 December 19'14 - Lemberg Sgt Josoph L. Po1i~zano,55071010 .;, Co "S" - 11 December 1944 - LeiDbere T/4 George R. Rinal'di,12162502 - Co tlB" - 11 December 1944 - Lemberg Pvt Morton S. Hoch,12155515 - Co liB" - 11 December 1944 - Lemberg T/4 John .\. Anderson,58229555 - Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemburg Cp1 John J. Szywa1ski,57588775 - Co "A" - 9 December 1944 - Lemberg Pvt Robert J. White,12155922 - Co n~\" - 9 December 1944. - Lemberg Pfc Mario Slavich,12144504 - Co "A" - 10 December 1944 - Lemberg Pvt ~lltred G. Blanchette,51055429 - Co "H" - 14 December 19«- - lJf1errt11le: , , . ~ ·I· ...~" I . :li.. Unit HistoTy,781st Tank Battalion • Anne.x #'6 Lost in combat: 0 Returned to ordnance: 0 .Number of re;!1acernents : 4 Repaired und returned to duty: 1 Company "All received fou.r(4) re::;1acemeilts during the monthe ot February: Two(2) M4P.5' s{75mIIi) :;.iC8~P'G5, 5082669, received on 9 Feb 45 One(1) H4.A::5(76mm) ;/01.: 'j:i;:S. r'3ceived on the 7 Feb 45 One(l) i44.a3('i~":lru E-2:' :)"[;1::'73. received on the 14 Feb 45 ' One(1) 7Erorr ;-';t~.l.: ·"h:i.~h !as ci~~pped on certificate; was retrieved from ei.~.srir'r ts:~r~, :'..!T.':.' .'lud :iUt back into operation, 7 Feb 45. Lost in combat~ 0 Number ot re,}la.cements: 5 Returned to or:l~la:.:l('e ~ 1 Repairoo omd returned to duty! 5 Comp..my "B" received five(S) replacements for February 1945. One(l) M4A5(75mm) 5081805, received on the. 2 Feb 45. One(l) M4A5(76mm) 5051615, roceived on the 5 Feb 45.' One(l) ~f4A5(76mm) 50101524, received on the 11 Feb 45. Two(2) .'4A5(76:::-:trl' B-8) ,5052145, 50115614, received. on the 14 Feb 45. Ono(l) ~HA5(75Inm) 508J.455, ",hich had been sent to ordnance in J&Jt WdS dropped on ordnance certificate Lost in comoat: 0 Number of r.~.:;'tdCt;m.;::nts: 2 R~turned to (j['d.ra;lc~: 0 Ru::>aircld anll ruJ u":":-Jert to duty: 0 COJI4PiUiY' "D" Lost in combat~ 0 Nur~it'er 0:: :.",'~·l[tc;:,:mentf!: 0 Re:t'.;;•. i·~ .. ~~ i.r', r .. :.U1':·..l\:~1 to duty: 1 LI"\Sl.. it' \.:cc.1.)f:t: 0 ~~,."jh :{;:' .:- .:' r· ",~e.( P!'Jf~1'1tS ~ 1 I~c, h. Y'D.,j 1JJ (:-d~. 'lr:lt'O; 1 ~1.\;..Jei'>t::l :".'_~ ... ~t:.~~::;'~Q -1:.0 duty: 0 ( ....., __" ", I\'. ~. I ...... ,:In/'j; 1 .' / ••L. ,I.,'. '".•.• ... -.: d,i~t>.1V7l .p.• ro:!} 0 rd'"lHl!h. e 2 F e b 45 ,and re t u rued :2 ';"80.:;; 1'7 M4A3 \76nm) . 25 "4. 6 '2: ( ''':: . ) iIl_... oJ \ l .... lllIl'1 29 M4A3(]O:imm) 6 '77 ) 13 M,)1._' ,- \ \,.' !nr~ 18 " ~ .~ ,. - h~AD"UARTl!..RS • 7818'1 TA!~K BA'I'T..-!.LION • APO 758, US AHIVlY • 16 February 1945 SUBJECT: Unit Histo~r I TO CG, SEV.G.NTH Army, APO 758, US Army. Maps; Bouxwiller Savorne Haguenau Brumath Seltz (XXXllII-14 ) (XXXVII-15) (XXX-vIII-14) (XXXVIII-15) taxvIX)". Period Covered: 1 January 1945 - 51 January 1945. PAJiT I SUMMAR! Operations of the 78lst Tanlc Battalion for the month of January 1945 took place over greater part of the Sixth Co~s front. Fngagements occurr ing from Vringen(Q755555) to Gambsheim(F.IIII05). Battalion less one company supported the defensive and offensive actions of two(2) I:trl'antry Di,risions and one (1) Task Force, on dates as shown: 1. 79th Infantry Division 1 - 5 January 1945 2. Task Force HEH.BEN 5 ... 18 January 1945 5. 105d Infantry Division 18 - 51 Jan~~ry 1945 Company "A" Vlas detached from battalion contr:.-l during greater part of JanuaI"'.f, and opera ted under 1;.he following heFldq-u.R.:!'·cers ~ 1. Task Force LI14DEH 1 - 20 JanuaI"lr 1945 . ~ 2. 79th Infantry Division(813t.h Tank Dostroyer) 20 - 27 January 1945 5. lOlst Air-Borne Divtsior. 27 - ~!.1 January 1945 Platoon of company "D"(light -c.a!1k company) were detached from battalion control and oueratec. under S~_xth Corps Units for periods shown. A. 1st platoon of comnany liD": 1. 79th InfantIY.-Division Reconnaissance Troop 1 - 12 January 1945 B. 2d platoon of 'compa!lY "D".: . - ("I • J •. , 1. 79th Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop 12 - 24 January 1945 2. 51:3th Infantry Regiment,79th Infantry Division 24 - 25 January 1945 :3. Task Force WALL 25 - 26 January 1945 4. 5~4th Infantry R(}gimp,nt,79th Infantry Division 26 - 27 January 1945 5. lOlst Air·-BClr~c: Div:\.sinr:. 27 J&.Iluary 1945. C. 3d ph.toon of cCimpany liD a : 1. lOlst Air-Borne Division 27 - 31 January 1945. Elements of battalion supported infantry units in stemming most of the major attacks m~de against Sixth Corps front during January, participating in. engagements as shown: ....t:, . .... )~ . _Ill-1 - ":==" p ·;;W4t m,....• , Unit History~781st Tank Battalion (Cont'd) 1. 781st Tank Dattalion(-) Wingen 4 - 7 January 1945. 2. Company "A" - Grunbsheim 6 - 8 January 1945 5. lstllatoon of company "D" - Sessenheim - Stattmatten - 6 January 4. CompllDY "A" Ses~;(ll1he:!.m 17 -- 19 J3.nuary 1945 5. 78lst TllIlk 3nttclion(-) Sch~_llorsdorf 25 - 27 In.nuary 1945 6. Company "A" plus 2d platuon of COi:lPa."'lY "D" - Sxhwieghausen 25 - 26 JanuuI'3r 1945 1 - 5 J!lIlU'l.ry 1945 From the 1 - :3 J<.l.nuary 1945 the '7Slst T.:::..nk Battalion (- company "A") was attachod to the 79th ~nf"mtry Divi.sion for operations • Division ¥lllS then in a defensive position along the Lauter River holding a line from V"is8cmbo--.n-g(F.155485) to I.uuterbourg(R525""18) nnd .:as pre paring to withdraw to an alternat.e reLR #2 :llong the line of the French I'~uginot Forts. Bn.tt..~lion supported the withdra.v!~l of the different regiments of the division with comp~ lIB" r.-.ttUC11ed to the :3l4th L1f.:·_ntry Pegiment a.nd company "C" o.ttached to the 3l5th Infrmtry P.egirnent. Comp.".ny "D" W:lS used :ts 0. division mobile reserve to augment the di~Tis:!.on re~on"'l!].isso.nce troop in c:tse of ali'enemy lTl:.:lk through. 1st pl.:.toon of com:xm:r "D" 1.'1o.s attached to the 79th Inf.:ln~ry Di-.rision ne~onn~d.s8:'.nce Tr·- JP to g:i.vu them necessary fire Dower to tompararil;;r rc:t2in 10C3.1 ene:1l"· break throughs until reinforced by com!J~:my "D" \lith one plJ.toon of R.)"'):'1n~iss:mc\l Troop att.:;.ched. Rujnfor'c,,;iC Assault Gun pliltoon(6 '1odium tanks with 105m Howitzers) was used to rljinforc", firbs of riivi;:;j o~~ :lrtiJ.leJ.j'J.nd was the last artillery unit to Viithdro.v: to r-;LR ('2. 'l'he pl.:ltou!' lr·.'l7i ng firing positions just ?rior to arrival of l::tst infontry scre,;.;nillg ulemlmts. Division successfuJ.ly o.c~om~i~hed withrlrawu1 \/ithout enemy h1ter ferenco uithur by en",rny t;,lnks or inf~m~ry. Ordars attuching battalion to Task Force HE.. ~.Eh were received from CG, VI Corps, at 051500 Jo.nuo.rJ 1945. 3 - 17 January 1945 On 5 January 1945 head of b::tttalion murch column cleJ.red Miederbetsch dorf(R155555) at 1500, but due to icy conditions of roads and large movement 0 troops in vicinity H~ruenau, b~ttalion did not close in vicinity La Petite Pierre(Q695290) until 052000 Jnnuary 1945, waS attached to Task Force HERP~ upon arriva.1. Task Force H~~~ wns composed of the 274th Infantry Regiment - 276th . Infantry .Regim(mt(-), 781s"t. Tank B::ttta.lion(- company "A" n.nd 1st platoon of comp:l.ny "Du), 59nh Hedical Collec1;.ing company, with the 69th Field Artillery attached to 45th 1I1_fa;:Jtry Dtvlsion in support, company "B" was attached on a.rrival to 276th _Ir.f'ant;r:7 Regiment and moved to Zittersheim at QLaOOO Ja.nuary 1945. 2d pl.::..toon of company liB" vras a.ttD.ched to 1st b:l.ttaliorl 276th Infantry Regiment ;:.nd moved to support infantry counter-attack on 1?I'ingen(Q755557) at 1600. 3d plQ.toon o.ttachc:d 3d b3.ttalion 576th Infantry Pegiment ·:lnd supported its counter-attack on V'ingen at 041530 J.:::.nunry 1945. Ccmpo.ny "C" held in Task Force reserve in Puburg. Company "!)"(_) employed as T:lsk Force HE::tREN C.p. guard out 'nosting the town of La Petit~ Pi~rr~. , . Assault ~Platoon supported firas of 69th Field Artillery Battalion. - 2 - ..;.;. , ~,l!; T " . . . ( .," • N!, 4~J,P&;" .,w'<.~ , -:-:','. "• , Unit History,78lst • ; Bo.ttle of \Ying(m (St.::en D:xxex #1) Ta.sk Force HERREN wHn 78lst Ta.nk Patt,':1lion(- company "A" and 1st pla.toon of compa.ny ni)'~) c..t !~-.r.:l(':-::: ,,)yd t,) '....ici!l:: ty of Reichshoffen(Q948568) to t~e up n. defensivl..- lJ.)si+,:..);~ ::}r)l.lg :1n0 :i).'1!P.t)J.ch(Q922449)-Phillipsburg Reipurtsviller(Q80J.;'i'1:::'). CU;'D;l:,,{'I;-r I.> l, -) 1:\,,~S c:l:.:':.cch0d to 274th Infa.ntry Regimt;)nt, 5d pb.tc()~, co~p.:'q :'':;11 t:- ~?2t.h Inf::mtry R.egiment, :md 1st platoon n.ttn.ched to 274th Iruantry R0g:i.1TH:Fot. 'T':le t.ws of cCi1lI1:ulY "R" w(.;;re formed into two(2) pla.toons .::md used .:lS crt.:,ll.ery in support of 158th Field Artill~ry Bo.tt:llion. Ent.::my !),ctivity '·,'o.s light o.ncl t::.nk :J.ctivlty ,m.s limited to r\.;connL1.iss~nc( :lIld pla.nning for to.nk action in eM.: o:f a.n,\,;n0my break through. Assa.ult Gun pl:1,toon us~d to support tho D.rtill,-,ry fires of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion. Company "D" C-) \.~m ployed :tS Ta..Sl{ Forc,;} C.P. Sucurity. 16 - 25 J 2nu...'l.r;r 1945 781st T~ Batto.lion(-) passud to control of lO5d Infantry Division l6l800 JapU!l.rl 1945, Vlho rel,;.dv~d T~sk Force HERIlEN in its sector. 19 Januury 1945 the l05d Infantry Division, 781st Tank Battalion(-) withdrew to now ~~R a.long line - Rothbach(q848342) - Mu,"11hausl:n(Q56351S) - Pfaffennhoff-:.:n(Q908272). Batt'llion C.P. closed in Rl.l1ch8hoff,.m(Q948363) 1850, onened 1m Imbsh0im (Q793227) ~t 1650. Batto.1ion moved by jnfiltr).t:ion :::nd despite icy roads Ilnd hca~T tr:l.ffic closed in n·~".~Cil'eas: -781st T:.nk Rn.tt::lion(-) Imbshuira(Q795227), Company "B" Griesb:J.ch(q782;~57), Company "CII Pr·intzh~im(08l2212). There wns no 10.s8 of equipmont or Vi:lhiclos. Reinforced Ass'lult Gun platvon mov,;d under control of the l05d In. fa.ntry Artillery :,md vns used to cov, r v:ithrlr:'.vi!ll of Inf::mtry I;jl0mt)nts to nuw MLR. Continue~ -·J:'iring until 0"250 vvithdr"lwing with the l'lst of the inf.:J.ntry cov.:ring I:Jlt::mvnts. Closud in vicinity (Q841270) at 210815 Ja.nmry 1945. platoon lI:Ja.dur Lt. Arthur J. E. Yonl.~ers was f.l.wardl¥! the Bronze Star for the excallunt purfoI'TlKi.ncu of his platoon. 78lst T::mk Battulion(- company "A" Ilnd 1st plc..toon company IIDII) was h(;jld in division res",rv\:: rlith 1st pl.:l.toon of company "BII attLchud to the 410th Infantry R<;)giment and 1st platoon of company IIC" atta.chbd to the 409th Infantry ~~~~. - . Battalion r~conuoiturbd division area and compl~ted count0r-att~ck plans with th:l 411th IDf,J.'1try Regiment,as prbscrib",d by division CG. CornpJ.nyIlDI: (--) gj 1.T0fl the secondary mission of division CP sl:Icurity. Assault gU".l l~l<~ to.)!l 'Suppcrtoj fil'P3 of tho 384th Fiuld Artilh:ry ~a tklion. , Enemy prdSS1.'-~.'''' ~j"'<:r~",s,!"l. c1'~~ing this pGriod along tho 0'.1 the 27th.•:p.:-J)lry 1945, the 1st platoon of company "B" acted as out post Sec.l.'L'it] L:'r "':'y:U.lth Ir!Ll.ntry Regiment. 2d platoon of company "B" o8t,a"r-li::r.. ;~(_·. "L1l a C.8l'Pll'3:;-.,e p')sition to the rear of 410th Infantry Regiment MLR. OnE. (J) ::oection fj roc'. 20 rounds of 75mm HE into town of Bischholtz. Company IICII, divi.sion rererve at Bouxwiller,with the !d platoon of company "c'" S"i..... Pi?orting tentative deteasive poSitions of 1st battalion 411th Infantry Eegtment. Company "D"C-) furnished division C.P. security around town of I::-:bsheim. - :3 - ~, .. '. .. - - . . -.~ .. l'>. ~ ":: .. "" ••I:'~;, . ~ \ Unit History,781st Tank Battalion(Cont'd) Reference to Schilh:rsforf action Se'~ Anne1C #2. Assault gun platoon rei1Jforc~d the fires of the 584th Field Artillery Battalion, bringing particularly· effo·ctiv.:; fire on the enemy during his attacks on Schillersdorf, Nieff~rn. The 2d pl;ltoon of cOIilpany"D" brouglt dir~ct fire on the town of Huhlhaust::n at 270150 .Tanuary 1945 to covJr patrol activiti0sof tha :5d battal ion of the 410th Infantry Rugiwo;:nt. OneCl) tank Has knock0d out by German SF. Tank recovurl;ld n~xt da:r by company maint;jnance. On the 29th January 1945, 2d !)latoon of company "B" -:supported a successful daylight raid of th~ 5d battalion 4l0th Infantry Regimvnt on th~ town of Nieffern(Q874299). From the 27 - 51 January 19"15 there was little en~my activity TIith all indication that unemy troops VlL:ro dufinetly on the defensive 2.nd exco!jt ior particLoation of raids mentioned abovt::, th';ro was 1ittl,,= tank activity and companiGs and platoons W0ro mainly ...:mploy,A in p'Jrf·..;cting division cou.'lt.ar attack plans and conducting nevussary maint"nancu and training. ?ART III RECORD OF BV~NTS Company "A" was attach-.:d to Task J~orce LLJDF}T from 29 Dec<.:1mb<:::r 19t~4 to 22 January 1)45. 29 Declll/lLur 194'1 - '1: January ~9·..:5: Company "All attachvd to the 755d Tank Battalion for op'Jrations and rluring this puriod platoons w-.:ru vmplo~ 5 January 1945: Company rnov'.}d from vicinity Lingo~sh0im{.,ric Strassbaurg) to viCinity Ho~rdt, for indiroct fir~ missions coordinatud through 955th fiold Artillery Battalion. One battu~r of 76 1 s and a battory of 75 1s wor0 surv~yod in and the 76 battuI"I] was rugistur0d in by 1700. Ho oth0r missions \'1\:;rv firQrJ.. G January 1945~ F'FI notif10d commanding offic..;;r of comp.-~my nAil of G0rman break t:::rough at Gumbshuim. 1st platoon sont to i"antz.manl 3d platoon Bunt to l"Tuyershoim, by ordor CG 1 T.)'sk :F'orcu LINDEN. 2d I'latoon 'r.Jillained in ':)os1tion and fired fo'll battuI'"',{ misflions - total 56 rounds. Air activ·.) with straff1ng of pOSitions and tank columns. At 1(::45 J 5d!>latoon :lnd Infantry T:1.sk Forcu mad\;! ntt.:'1.ck on G.:.mbshoim from lr.,/'.".:;rshuil""O.· 2d platoof! S Jnt to "',').ntzunan to r,.Jinforct: 1st platoon and som..: infantry :It KHotutt. Attack from ll'tu"orsh(jim ro:..ch-.;d cc.na.l wbJ ell was cross...:d by tlnkS .:..t hrldg-:: ~d t "1nks r":':lchud outs!;: i rts of t·')v.'tl "'!"i th out ipfmtry ~d ,""r,.:. ::>rd·., rdd bi,ck to canal. Inf,~ntry and t:·mka tool{ u:) dv f0ns ...ve IJositions on th.:l.t lin,"", On,dl) tank l·')st vichity c:-~no.l. 7 J ,muary lCl45: Infantly:md t.mk [ltt~ck b.unchvrl :It d:.Lvm. Inf';':Cltry_nd t:.nks r~<..I.ch",d outskirts of Gambsh..:im .:.md vntNcl outskirts :)f town. Lt. B::.r1'1ckm~ 3d p10. toon'l-';~ldvr, t.i.llk upon vnt,__ ring t01 - 4 , • • Unit History,781st T~nk• Battclion(Cont'd) • 1st platoon nnd 2d platoon 1aunchvd ~ttack on Gambshcim from S (vic Kilstett) with infantry. ApproiCim:lt~ly 60 prisonurs of war captur~d. A pillbo'X, con ta.ining 11 Am\Jrican infantrymvn which bud b·:n holding out against G"rmOlS for two d~s were rule~sgd by 1st :>l~toon, ~nd mun ~ought back to our lines. Support:1,ng infantry conslstiJd of o,nly one officur :md six enlistoo m,n upon reaching thlJ outskirts, of Gambshuim v~ith. t'ms a.nd g",nera.l withdrmml subse quently DUlde to Kilsttitt, wh«;;r·...l d.3fansiV:tJ positions weru tnken up. One(l) tank lost by onemy action, threo(5) casualti~s. 8, J anoon 1945: 5d DIA (Fr~nch Division Infantry Armorud) passed through our lin~s at Kilstett for an a:ttack \'lith tanks on Gambshcim at 1600, wt::re torced to withdraw to Kilstett, 5 out of 7 tanks du$troy~~. Amoric~n units reliev~ from Kilstett and withdrawn to Watzenan. 9 Jpnua17 1945: CompQ.ny(l~ss threu(5) tanks in position at Vruyurshuim)mov~d to Camp Ober hoITen'in rlJsurve. 2261 threu(5) tanks at Fuyt:;rsheim vrithdr:l.vm. Om.:(l) tank lost in canal during withdrawal. 10 Januaq 1945: Thr~e(5} tanks 2d platoon sent to Soufilunhuim in mobile reserve, remaind or of company at Camp Oberhoffvn doing rnaintunanco ~d r~pa.ir. 11 - 15 January 1945: ! . l Compcmy nA"(-) was at Camp Oburhoffun, in T~sk Forcd, rvso.:trvu. 2d platoon attached to thu 252d Infantry Regiment at Soufflonhuim as Regim~n~~l r~s~rv6. 16 Janugry 1945~ 1st p1,'ltoon supportud ono co~pa.ny 252d Infantry Regimont in successful attack on D~ngo1sheim •• Aft~r occupution of town by infantry, 1st pl~toon pulled back to company CP ~t C:lJIlP Oberhoffun ,-md r~orted ;to COID!XUJY oontrol. Ordoroo to return t~ Ding.)lsheim to cover successful a.ttompt at demo1it!.on ·Jf a bridge across Mod;;lr River in woods fir of Ding.:>lsheim. '{<"I 17 - 18 J~ua;y 1945: Com~ liB" 252d Infantry Rtlg:l.mtint occupying the town of Sess~Dheim , ii. t 1r.lS surrounded and cut off by inftltrating infantry patrols. A t~mporll17 Taolik' Force under comm·llld of 1st b~tto.lion comma.nder 252ct Infantry Regiml;lnt supported ' by 2d platoon of oompLUly' IfA" a.tt.J.ckoct Sesstinhe1m a.t 17ll.30 J'o.n\lll.l7 1~45. Two Mo.rk IV twa wera knocked out by t.:uJk tire. Tom as SUCC8Sstul.l7 occUpied 3Dd tanks were left in town .~s out post duriDg the night.i ' , 1st platoon ordered to road junction (JU80227) to pre~ent possible eD~ circle~0nt of town. At 180650 January 1945 the Germana suqcussfully countar attacl<'etl troops occupying Sesstinh(.1im, causing .·withdra.wal,of the 2d platoon With f'!'lpportod inf:lntry. 1st and 2d platoons .re a.ttached..:to 1st battalion 4111111: I1J.!'antry Rugiment to support its,a.ttc,(clc on·Soss\mh.;i~ nt 181300 Ja.nua.ry 194.5 '-f.L~i)Ii! Yicinity of woods S of Schirrhoffen (Rl55227). ,3dpla.toon compruny "J.':anCi .'1, d'3tJ.l1hment of ,the 252d Ipfo.ntry Regiment Vlere mov~ to positions along ro.il:::·o.l.(~ ~'~ (P.l7020S)to ~rotuct,'.right fl.-mle of 1st batta1ibn, 411th Infantry R~g:UJen';;~ This force V/llS' over ~~ by a.ne~tt,.DV a.ssault, c'XPPSing right tlo.n1c of h1- 1,Dt.tilion of the ":tllth Infantry RItg1~~nt, c:l.using the a.tto.ck to be called off• 5~ pl::toon commnndi;)d by Sgt Kelly'ffi6d ,complute T. o. :loo.d of tunmunition before ~;i thd:':lwing, c:lusing In.rgo but unknowntlwnber of enemy ca.UaJ.ties. 'Enemy cru.nt~r-at~ack stopPIJd at approximately 1400." 3d pl:ltoon withdro.wn to Schi~·rhc.l.J::f(m. lot bntt~.lil')n 411th Infantry Rugim,mt with l:st ilnd P2d pla.tlbons of C(.m-:;:Lr:/ : ti" g::."jn Tf;::.sr.i0:l of mopping up woods down to railroad S of Schirr ~(Jftl~r" - 5 m Unit HistoryJ 781st Tank Batt~lion (Cont'd) 19 Janw.ry 1945: Pl:ms :md orch:rs ''1...ru j.ssu<.lcl by rufirjll:::l1t~l comlll.:.ndur 411th Infantry Regimont, ::a.t 190200 JD.!l~\!'"'J 1£>4"5 f-Jr :;. c:>orgil1~t,-,d ·!.~.::-.ck on So;;ss~nhGim .!ith luading infn.ntry uluIIlu·~tS-·to b"girJ 'J.c3Qult~650 ~:tth,:)ut 'lrtillury- in, order to put them il1sid~ narn!'.l j'1:ir-r.·::..:r IJ..:t'.J th.'lt h~'.d "1u,-n coming from objoctivt: and to f·~cilita.t\.:: surrrise. A t,..ll' milJutu T.O.T-. \Vus to bogin ~.t '0545 at vlhich time the ta.nks VlOro to ~.:Jgill "~h0ir :.lS~L.ult. J.;.mks a.nd Inf~mtTy were to r~ach ed~e of t~wn simult'J.nu)us~y. This pla.n i'TJrkIJd succussfully t.o the pIJir.t v;here t,:.~i;, imd info.ntry joine4 and actlULl ussault of town b~g'J.n. i'Then totully un :xpect0d. atlemy tank fire £roJ» four to six Mark VI t~mi·~s, with unknown l1umbJr ;)f s~lf'· ·p:"o?~ll",>(I. SUP:Jorting, rupulsud attack with loss of six out of uight t~.l'lks forcing infa.ntry to vrith draw to original L.O.D. c~ This attack 1ro.s llIl exa.mple ::>f I:lxcellunt c.:>ordination ',J. ~blel;n tank and in... fantry, ~tnd except for il1sufi'iciellt inf.)rm:ltion as t:> endlltr t.1.nk str(;ngth in the to\'1ln~ would hc..vu bUiJn high~ succussful. Crew mvmberB ~f dustroyt.:d J~4A5 tanks r\;;lport~d dir..;ct hit 1,':ith '7€mm tar.k firu boundng off ·turrot and front slope plates of onumy tc.nk J which is f'urthdr ~roof of irulb11ity of pr,;;;sont medium trmks to succl:.lssfully fieht tho Gorman "Inrk VI t~nk. Romne.nts of comp::my rvturnod to Camp Oo,}rhoffon for rc»org:Ul1z~tion, de tachvd from T~sk Force Lnr.omi :It 210100 J~n~~ry 1945 ~nd a~~crod by Task Force r~INDEN to r..,v.,;rt to b~tt..l.liJn control; subsequbntly rl::lorou!"ed by 79th Infantry Division to rep:Jrt to a.n.)thur o.ttachment. 21 - 25 January 1945: Company "A" composeri of threl; 75mm t~".nks was att[i.c~~~ by the CG,79th Infantry DivisLm to thl:.' 815th To.nk D"stroY\;;lr BC.tt;.l.1iun. Ond(l) t.J.nk under S/Sgt rdchmond mov...:d iDta .)ut!,J.:>st 110sitian ~t Nuub~urg(Q'jeo~67) with missi,:>n of guarding bridges a.cros~: l~~C'ldur ,;1.iv..;r. 25 Janunry 1945: S/Sgt Kelly's sactLJn pro7iously ord,.rud to roari bloek position a.t (Q975260) f~rclJcl to Vlit.hdr;::.w from ro:,d block pOSition t·) Ohlugen at 0600, th~n attuchud 1st battalion 514th Inf~ntry RugilDunt to suppor~ its ntta.ck on envmy ponl:ltr:lti·.>Ds N of Sxhw\;;lighausen. Infantry- support £;;;)11 behin4 advlllcing tQ.nks allowing on~ t~nk to b~ hit by bazJ~kn fira. Othur tank stuck while trying to pass first tnnk, all but two(2) ~f tank cr~ws ~ith0r killed or cuptur~d. One tank lat\3Y' rucovurod,vrith only slight dD.Dlago, by th.:: 10!st, Air-Bornu Divisi·;>n. 26 - 29 .Tan'Ul.~T 1945: Ccmpany "A" attached to th~ 101st Air-Borne Divisi':>n and !Jut in division reserve. 29 :;.. 31 Januarv 1945: 1}.r.1)a.nv I' A" revort~d to "?81st Tank Buttali:>n c:mtr'Jl at 291500 Ja.nuary . 19~5. C, ,Llp::my m..:>vcld to Stuin'b0urg I 103d Infantry DivisiJn rGserve for roorgan i ?,(,:.t ~ '.:.r, .~ n'l lbraining• 1 r ~u':: th0 b[lttilli~)'.1 -V!;1.S o.tt::lchuo. to tho 79th Inf~ntry Division tho first plot.:;.-.,_ '.~. C,TTp 1 - 5 January 1945: 1st pb.tnn in tI'))l)"';)s~I'v...: ~lt SchirI'hJfLm(RlM?27) On thv night 5 ,J.::~mL:ry 1':1<1,5 iJ.tt:tck hy :l'lr.rnirn.:.tuly. ')no h:lt·h.1Lm enuII1Y had t·.Lkon Sta.ttmattt:ln(R195?17). Th.;] trx)·) c~mmmdvI' h;:,.r:1. Ot;;"n )I'd'JI'dd t.J r0 t.J.k.:; Stl.\ttmatt..m )n thu 6th J'1nu~1.ry 1045 :>.t 1130. On;.; ;,;Ltt:K>l1 :Jf r\,;cJnn,,,issCi.nct:: :lnd 1st plJ.t).)n Jf c)mlJ:::.ny "D" f.)11)w~1 t:,r 2d 'md 3d r·')c)nn:l.is3.'.nCE:; )lc.t.l.:ms p.3.s';0d thr >uc:h Sdssunh..:irn tJ ;J )sitLms 800 Y.lrds Y'jf St:;.t~tt\.;i.'" Roc In[UiS8~mc0 tI' np(- 2d svctiJn) ..;stJ.blish.;;d b'J,S0 )f fir~ ::.t W L:ndJf t~wil Viith 1st s<..:cti In )f' light t.nks .lee )mpi-Jd b::{ PI'Jvisi In:~l inf:.mt!"J supPJI't fI'JID rvc)nn'.iss~~n~u tr) 'p, "m! IDNJJ. tJ I))sitiJns m til...: iIi fl"nk. ?d sccti)n mano;;:uv",r-.: .All t:·r1u.!?s ~1i:ls:mlt~c. 'G),iL1S siffiJUlt.:~l_)usly r.st'.lting in CJr:l~)1"t0 surprise with 60 kn)vm un·jrny d·_ '.d:md 30 c~.:)tur;.;d includi~1g 't:.tt.:.li >n cX"lID.:;,mL.:r ,~1.i1.d st·J.ff. T:l.i1k c,lsuc'.ltivs v: ..lr;.; 5 ·J",j.d ..nd Jllw ';;" Jund,-.:d. iJIl "n,.;my rifll:i t"rcD':.de ellturing .:In.>~)uD tur-r'ut ';'U.S Jnu Jf +,h..., c ..us,;s )f t .uk c_... su·~'.l ti·~s. PL.t)!'! in er »n ·i~·:.lS~rvu :~t Schrt:..b.wil10r. PJ!:~!:-"A ::..nd stro.ff...d 1:1y j\.::t f )r:>,:>vllud )1.),[1-;8 )l1 thv 13th. I)n ~:ho,;.: ?uth +'hv !ll·.t))r'! 'r.lVvd tJ c·'''.lt·..;nl1<..:itl. r ~' . .2?' J!J-nu.:..ry 1945: ~.. r., TlL.lt).)n \;:~s ::tt.1C~1'..lrJ. tJ th\.l 5d bltt·.li·.Jn )f thi.; 513th InLmtr"J' R.",gim",nt ?/hich Vi:.:.S (;iv~n ti1w mis::;i m )f ·lo.}f..mding Ibgui.;j,1~u •. 2d l)l '.t.) m r ..... lLv;d fr.Jill th0 315th Inf.lntry lr.wgimwnt :;.nd :1 t t:1C:1.;/ t) th\.: 3d batt~..:.li )n, 31"1th Inf:>.ntry PI;c,im ...nt, vllns..: mis;,;i.m "'''.8 tJ r~st.)I'..,; thu IlLR E )f l\T.;uh )urg( Q958266). Thl.l 1st slJcti.)n ;,Jf' .'.ll,.l.t.))n ···.,.s .:\tt:J.ch,.:(~:' b th;;;: 1st l>Ltt.J)n)f "I" C'o:lIr:p:my. Its :secilJr \·.r;lS thv "i J Kls i,,,,t'\'{u'.il th..... j·jyJ..",r, ~':iv..;r~l1d r,J.1d running SE Jut )f )·;·...:ub .mrg. R"c..:iv·;d h..,;:\.v.. mJrt_.r firu:.i1d sr:nll:'rIns fir-.l ;')n rJ'ld vicinitJr(Q~C9262). Inf:J.J."1tz:r W:lS :)inn...,d o';)'!'m by m,~chine [Ul1 firu. T:mk :)l:--.t.nn !cD )ck..;,;t Jut m'~c!1inq fun Dust c.~1d t;Dk € .;l'Jlist·..:d IJt..;U·-.nCl. )n...., .Jffic0r prismur. Dug in 11i th thu l.nf.:1.ntry '.nd I!t::l.y-.;Q thurv ::>v'"r :~ight. .TUlIl')ud )rf at 0730}:llJd t.)k th·" J0j...:ctiv0 inspit.u ')f' str;:mg unomy r0sisto.nctl. T.:mk c::l.su.altios rmr0 thrdd .3) i!Jl..,n "!ith fr'Jz 28 !:t 51 J ::\ilU'lEY 1945: 3d )b.t))n .:>f c lJn ·::t.."13r "!)" w;).s in lOlst Air-I< )rnv Divisi.m r...,surv0. '-'j-L'>J ~ 5 Inclosures: '11' ~•. "/ y~-~}t H. L. KINNE, .jR., .,. , Incl. #1 - Annex #1 Incl. #2 - .\nnex #2 Lt. Col., Cavalry,' Incl. #5 - .\nnex #5 Commanding. Incl. #4 - ..~nnex #4 Incl. #5 - ..~nnex #5 7 D ~ .. Unit His*ory,78lst Annex III • -'BAT'.i.LB 01" WIi\GEf! 1... - 7 January 1945 SITUATION: MiGnigilt 3 J c;.nuary 19,1:5. Elements of the German 6th SS Hountain Division{apprm:imo.tely 800) he.d ini':'.ltrated behink the front lines held by the l79th and l80th Ir:.fa:r..try Regiments c.nd occupied the town of V'ingen (Q755360) • G~2 eaports indicated a large concentration of enemy troops held in reserve, to the N in [l. position to oxp16it any successful brec.k through. T.l.sk Force HERREN composed of 274th !nf~ntry Rt:lgiment(-), 276th Infan try Hegiment, 781st 'I'J.nk Batt.:...lion(-)Company "A" and 1st platoon of company "D" and 592d f~edica.l Collecting comp:my h'.1d been ordered to vicinity of La "etite Pierre with the m1.ssion of driving the 0nomy N :md reducing the enemy concen tration behind the MT..JR of tae 45th Info.ntI'Y' Division. OrEPo.ATIONS: 4 .r~nuary 19.45: _ Com:x:tny "B~, 781st T~nk Batt:llion bivouaced night of 5d Janu.:::.ry., 19'15 'Ctt Frohmuhl(Q665345) J.nd at 1000, 4th J~n uary 1945 by ordur of Tusk Force HEEREN commo.ndar movod to Zittersheim. Comp;my "B"(- 1st pl:J.toon) on c.rrivJ.l wns c.ttc.ched to ?76th Inf::.ntry Regiment. 1st Ba.ttalion, ~76th Inf::tntry Rbgirnent, 1st B:ltt'.llion, 27;th ::tnd" I" and "L" companies of thv 5d Bo.tblion of the 274th InfJ.ntry Rtlgiment, under Task Force HERREN commander h;~d st:ll~t0d an att.:l.ck on ~;ing~n ut 041525 ::ond had b'30n held up by strong slJ!a1l-arms fir,,;: .2t E und of to\'m. 5d platoon of company liB" W:J.8 o.ttttchud to thl;: 1st Battc.lion, 276th Inf::mtry R0gimunt and c!.vvn thu mission of advancing with inf:mtry elements through under pass and ','Ion m:l.in ro,~td, t.md cleaning up Doll enenr,f strong poihts 10catvd. Infantry I:ll-:m()nt~ join(~d p1atoon'J.t ro,).d junction N of Puburg :md udva.nced to r,~ilro.'.ld undl;r pasf:I. P:l.SSirlg through under pasa infantry WIlS pin ned down by lnrge volumo of small-arms fir"·').nd two leading tanks w!;r';} hit by ba.zooka fird from high groung N of th~ rOld, wr.ich was supposed to bo held by fi'iendly infantry. By ordor of 11igher he..ldqua.rters, t~nks were r.::stricted in the firing of 75mm ~nd 76ml!l guns during this opvr:'1.tion due to insufficient inform.::.tl.on to which houses VloTe occupied hy '.:n.::my or friendly froops. Disa.ble· t:J.nks block 1st platoon supported e1~ments of a provisional platoon composcq of B:J.tt:1lion HIJD.dquo.rters personnel in a second :ltt.'.lck down same route .'.It 1650. This udv:mce wus ::U.so'·block0d by srune disa.b1..rl t:.nks ~f the 5d 1?latoon, 1st pla.toon withdraw to ~Zittersheim'.lt dark'4 5 J,~U'.lry 1945: InfnntI'3f iU",m 2d ,platoon of company liB" supportud this'att.'lck by dirtjct fire from high ground S of Wing,m. T11is att'lck l"'ft Wingen p.:lrtly occupied by infantry ~loments of the 276th Infa.ntry Regimunt but did not succeed in clu:J.ring town. 6 JanlUlry 1945: The 1st BatU::.lion, 276th Infantry F.egimont and elemer. of the 3d Battalion, 276th Inf'.lntry Rogim~nt wure attuched to the 2d Battalion 274th Infantry R~gim~nt,for further opor~tions against Wingen. Attack continuod ~t d:J.y1ight with 2d platoon of compt\~'''B'' supporting by direct ·firo from high ground S of town and 1st platoon by movement supporti :lssault toums attacking SE ond of ~-ringen. Enemy troops Wdre drivt::n to extrem(; ~ end of town but by a counter-attack lo.unched on withdraw~l of tanks of 1st platoon of company "B" they 8ucct:ledod in ruoccupying yr und of town. '~ - 1 - . :.. ~ '::- . b .. ';'i;"~;4~.~~~iifg~');-~D~ p , - . ~ . ,.. 8 .J'15Jl"t,:~ . ,i'-·~ __' Unit Histor,y,181st Tank nattalion Anne~ #1 ,(Conttd) 7 January 1945: Plans were made first fora o09rdtnat~ Infantry-Tank attaok on the 7th January '1945 with a detachment of infantry attaohed direotly to the tank platoon leader of the 1st ~latoon. Later during the attaok an additional infantI"'J unit VIas added to this detachment. Town was successfully cleared of enemy at 1600 "dth minimum loss to infantry and no tank ca:8ualties. SUMMARY: Tank losses i:1 the 3d pltltoon occurring 4th January 1945 demonstratsd.rosults of committing tanks without prior coordination with supl~rted infantry ~lem~nts and luck of r~connaissance and orientation of t:mk personnel. Uncoordinated tank infmtry ntt~lcks from 4th to tho 6th l'ffth tanks firing large tllIIonts of ammunition, with thvir fire rl;.;.striotE:d due to in comfJ,lete information as to 10cCltions of frh,l'ldly troops'caused unseccessful. att.:lckb against IlIl enemy l~cking in.)!ortars, Anti-t:mk guns, and Artillery. Proper ooordination with advance of inf.:.:.ntioy controlled SO as to allow maximum tank fira power with prop~r close-1n s~curity furnish~d tanks by infantry causw~ succossful occupation of Wing~n on the 7th with no ~~nk casualties and infantry losses cut to a. mimimum. Inf;:mtry ~tt:lchcd to wnk platoon w~s instruct...>d to \)ntur housus ~ftor' th~y n.'ld be..:n trucen undur fire by t~s, clean out undmy infantry from cellar to ~ttic and post mun at s~re~t ~ntruncu to each house sooccupiud to pr~vunt rcoccupation by uncmy troops ' .. ,. • • • Unit HistoT'J, 781st Tank BattaJ.ion Annox f 2 SITLJ!t'lION: Fnumy D.ctjvity- hn.d incr-.:~.~.)o.· feJ.lo1.ling or-igit!';.l 'ltt'lck on division' loft fl:....nk with 1'lrg0 vn<..)my :.1uV('L:'..!1l~8 r0pe..:;'1t-.;d :ire thu division left aector. At 0430 ::. strong forcE: of ,moray Cl1.:~'p(J.c4:.ijd by SP.;' att.:;,ckl:1d r.~uhlhausvn J.nd ,'lon estimo.tvd 200 e~Kr.rl t1'·::;('.::)8 h~d f,ushc;d on through tho 4l0th Inf::t.Iltry Regimtlnt to Schill..:rsd.cr:'\Q'36024(;) uh"rt;; a b;w3' fj ght took pL.ce. Tn.nksiit:r..; rvport"d in vicinit:r 0:: ~~:':'nJ.,:,.'il1c:!:1 t.nd a. :"'in:rc0 ,:.tta.ck h:ld b t;1.,m lo.unch",d a.g:l.in st. NiuLtJrn. OPl!:R.t~TI0NS : At 0900 thl;; 25th J.~\'-U'!rl 1')45) 18 ~ 2".+;t..~j('n of t.r.p 410th Inf.:.l.ntry RegiD~nt laUJ.'1ch...:d ,n ;;:.tt'l ..'k :.... t. ~-;~:\i~:.l01'sduJ:-L S1.~PtJv('tu(l by the 1st platoon of coqx...ny "1=\ II tTlth thd Disolen c,f c.~3;;.ri~"g "'..hd ~.:)~,:: r:.f 0l"'Or.lY forcos. TJ.nks in th·.:; initi·.l fir\..! shot. up :;.11 bOUS08 t"J'l:' Cuuld support unt.:r.lY but bazooka tU:lD firing frou1 b<..sdiTllmt of·.:l hCillS(), ,hosa top floors h~ bdvn uttlJrly destroY\;Id, knoclc\:!d out onLl of the le.lding t~~nks of the platoon. Platoon withdr.'l\'m to Ingililler at d.:.rk. 1450 on thu 25th Jo.nuo.r.r 1945 J 2d plutoon of cOTupuny "Bit support ed th~ 2d Bn.tt:.lion of 410th InfantrY' Regiment in surprise attack on Muh1ho.us;.}n .:lnd Urwill-::r. T~nks surprisdd om"my colu::m a.dv::mcing down road fron N and upon op8ning firo killod .'l L~rge numbar of infantry and caused formation to bvCOillu an unorganized rout. On 26 J.::l.nu~ry 1945 tho 1st and 2d pla.toons of compo.ny "Bit Ilssist ed tho 1st Ba.tt.dion of tha 410th Infantry Regimunt in clt:~ring ·)ut SChillorsdorf, town clvarvd out at 1100. 1st platoon a.ssisted this uttack from dirl;}ct fire positions with 2d plo.t:>on following o.ss:!.ult t~a.ms of the infn.ntry. 2d platoon of company "e" moved to position on high ground W of Schillersdorf to pr0vent the usc~'pe of .:lny encircled enemy'troops. Tho vigorous replusing enl;}my probing on th~ division front by coordim.tod tank-inf::mtl"'J-c..rtillery :~ction caused unumy to definetly go on the defunsivv (~urine thu ram::indi;:r of the month of J,.l.rlmry 1945. - 1 S'E C It 11'; '\ "', . ·A~· " ~~, . <,,,-,,-' .;;...;;.".:;.;"j,j.~~~ YiU~~~./ ....-.?;:r.-" . , e ... Ui~IT HISTORY, • • ANl'4EX #5 LT COL llARRY L. K11il·iE, JR 0249865 C.il.V MAJ M)Rh1S H. , T _G.~DALL , 0537893 I~F MAJ GBOhGE C. FAHrtI8 0526005 Ii'jF CAPT GL:ORGE~ J. '.;'ILL 0563259 MC (;APT JOHi~ E. 81,1(1'-18 0577420 INli CAPT JOSZ?H J. KOLLAJ. 0566,418 INF CAPT CAMILLE J. P:.!:I.L:£'l'IER 01010275 L~ CAPT WILLIAM R. hICh 010154:45 I1JF CAPT Gli:ORGE; C. BLAlJCrlfl.RD, JR 01015292 Il.~F CAPT VINC.Li.~T J. DuiIISE 010J5661 CAV CAPT DAVID J. DELLlJ'Y 010] 5~,65' nlF OAPT JOSEPH J. GP~ll~.M 01015665 Dr' CAPT OltON C. S0UDJ..RS 01015G47 H1F 1ST LT WILLIMiiSON VI. CLEHEi~S 01010051 CAV 1ST LT LAWRENCE R. F'INOR 0394257 INF 1ST LT AUGUSTUS J. SITT01~ 0-1:61047 I1-JF 1ST LT FRED YJ. 1YOL~S 0445591 CAV 1ST LT ARTHUR J. E. YONKt:RS 01172549 FA 1ST LT WILLIAM J. KAISER 01015722 L"W 1ST LT DONALD C~~E 01015492 mF 1ST LT ROPERT H. lvtc L.~TlRE CI015485 Il~F 1ST LT ALVlJ." iv. LEBER 01015504 Il~F CAV , . 1ST LT FMDERICK G. YiiliL0TT 01015566 ~. . \ 1ST LT AR'l'p'uR B. BllliBT 01016194 INF 1ST LT JOSEPH C. BOSCH 01017540 CAV )'ST LT DAVID SC1.REIBER 01015375 IiW lST LT ROBl!JtT P. VlEi:.KS 02043865 !f.AC 1ST LT PASKEL T. ~\.IDj)L~ 01016780 IJ.'W 1ST LT JASOr~ J. coaEN' . 01015405 Il\jF . 1ST LT CLARi!:J.~CE W. MORCK 01015407 HiF 1ST LT JOSEPH F. TROdBETTA 01019094 IHF 2D LT PAuL PAIS 01012928 CAV 2D L'1' PAUL W. SHARTBL 01015167 Il'JF ·2D LT JAMES E. ~jAL3H 01015584 Il'W 2D LT JiLB:.:Jl.T G. THtiClGilll 01015486 I1-.rF 2D LT CHARLES B. BH.OVh~ 01015505 I1.~F CWO TROY E. TARPLEY W 2123066 fTOJG CHARL1S M. (;AVAi~AGH W 2123281 riOJG GLOME F. DRm'm, JR VI 2123282 1ST LT FRANCIS A. COOLICAN 01014504 INF ':rfd 1 Jan 45 2D LT JAMES H. ROBli~SuLi, JR 01017006 CAV Trfd 5 Jan 45 2D LT JUES A. BiiliRICKWAiiJ 01015505 I,~ r~issing since 6 Jan 45. ~lIT HISTORY,781st T~B'1.tta~ :'(.V, V'.: I. ~. 'd.) I·t Alil'lEX #4 . KILLED IN ~CTION Sgt Lynwood F. Spenc3r, 33522151 - Co liB" 5 January :'!5~45 - Wingen Cp1 Robert H. Kennedy I ;:·7{:;f'3C81 - Co "B" 5 ,Tamlarl '..945 - V'JinlSen Cpl Joseph F. V'ecfh~~:c!.;,~:'2!3j.:?'9'7 - Co "B" 5 Ja.nu.a::, ·~.. ;i45 - winr,en Pfc Eli B. Raw15:~1~. ;J',·U~r::·2 ~I:' _. Co "B" 5 Janll}:q7r·l."".~·5 - Y~ingen T/4 Ernest G. C)E'l,~"!~::; .' ?-,':";;'1458 - Co IlD" 6 J6.~lua(".f .1.'·;~5 - Statt.tnatten S/Sgt F!'ede:'id: C. \":: ~_~.:j,:o:::s, ;:;b!.:~5617 - Co "DII G .t:lLH·;'':Y J.9,~!) - St,').ttmatten T/4 Freder::i.ck ;;'. L:m6J.l.r ~~1)~~1'::20 -- Co "A" 20 Ja::x,::.n' :.~·~S -, 3e:,r;;:;·~i.O Pvt Cl!i.rFinc3 E~ Ke>lJ:.,-:T:> 1?:'23S59 - Co "B" 25 J'ln1.1::•.t:j· J.'l~.~ .. f'.-,l1t.'.le~.'3doTf .. r'" II ,~ ... ,-.. o. 2D Lt James A. Be.rridman.. OlOJ.5505 - Co "A" 6 Jan!'!.~:i :.' 11)45 - Gam~~/flheim Cpl T{a1tE:lr I•• Dean, .11' ... J5635514 - Co "A" 6 Janmry :i3~"5 1-. G'."mcs!·.eim Cpl Armand R. F;::U"'''I..• ;C;522S8S5, Co "A" 6 J~uary 1·~.:"5 - 1;~6b6:!·"dlli T/4 Antonio P., V:l1I';L.l.50'?6C08 - Co IIA" 6 January .1.0:::·5 .. Ger;fcsheim Pic Ram1'ro AgJ='j~",,_...... ~I...... 1:-:\0;., j"'d,5~n... " .. ~.- "0\.1 ''''''~'l 19_ J"nua"'TCoiio J." .'In .,,;~. .• -) - ".n.···"'··1· ••••""'~_J.J. ·A:....··Ii'. .I..._t.l.~. Cpl L. T. Rca,1.;,(.h,:r.:p; f'.;:·1;~.l.59'12 - Co "A" 19 January l~)': ~j .. Sessenheim T/5 Donie B1e{1~17,~'~·nS'dS -- Co "A" 19 JJ.nuary 194,5 .. - Cc·:,s:r,'D,:,1.m T/5 Paul C. D(':1J.flS'.,:-·1',l2;~J.474h - Co "A" 19 January l'3 i- I~~ Cpl Vinton G·. Blanchc.rd.,59·105l80 - CO "~\II 50 J::mWl~ 1945 - France (Reported ~eriouslY woundud in action - 25 J~~~J 1945) T/4 Herschol L. Rog8rS,.55506452 - CO II.AII 25 Ja.nUD.~J 1945 - SD.verne . (Reported seriouf,~v wounded in action - 20 Ja.nuary 1945) Pi'c James Slrginnis,55775276 - Co "A" 20 January 1945 - Sessenhoim (Reported seriously wounded in action - 19 January 1945) Pvt Ricoo.rd J. Van Winkle,:37519769 - Co "D" 7, Ja.nw.ry 1945 - France (Report~~ seriously wounded in action - 6 Janual1P 1945) 1'4OTE: The above named enlisted men are not listed und~r SeriouslY Wounded in Action. SERIOUSLY WOUNDED 1!i ACTION I', Pvt Bennie Co.ndelaria.,58167948 - Co IIBI! 5 Ja.nuary 1945 - l'ingen Pvt John C. Murphy ,55878506 - Co "B" 5 J~uary 1945 - Wingen Pfc·Gena.ro Quentana,17106886 - Co liB" 5 January 1945 - Wingon ...... Pre Lean J Kempf,55228961 - Co ".A" 6 Jtll1Uary 1945 - Gambsheim T/4 Fro-11k D. Miller,~82l5950 - 'Co "A" 12 Jan:uary 1945 - Sos:-:enheim Ne Wo.rren H. Parrish,34771755 - Co ".A"·17 J:mWU"J 1945 - Sessenheim S/Sgt John J Brennan,20200725 - Co ITA" 19 Ja.nuar'1' 19.:~5 - Sossenheim Pvt Sidney L. Ehrlick,202007!~5 - Co "A" 19 J~uary 1945 - Sessenheim 'Pfc Clayton H. Horrell,l5150655 - Co "A" 19 JanUD.l'Y 1945 - Seseenheim Pvt Denner V. Nutt,,15525556 - Co ".\" 19 J:muar,y 1945 - Sessenheim Sgt Jrunes R~ Sub1atte,58167958 - Co ".A" 19 January 1945 - Sessenheim Cpl Harold Wilkinson,Jr. ,57456422 - Co ".\11 1.9 J"-ll'UlJ.I7 1945 - Sassenhe1m C,pl .\lburt L. Weise,6902017 - Co "A" 25 Jlllluo.ry 1945 - France. ~ERIOUSLY I.'(JURED .R! ACTION Cn.".. M.:"..rion ..\ndrews,59914l29 - Co "A" 6 JanU:Lry 1945 - G3Dlbsheim P":c Juke E. Delashmit,57589866 - Co "A" 6 Jonu:try' 1945 - K11stett l-'v~:. Burnard F. Donnelly, 15023616 - Co "A" 19 J ..llluo.r,y 1945 - SaVGrJ1e Fvt Jcsor-h J. Huya,55297608 - Co "i\" 19 January 19~5 -·9Irirm'Ni. ------l..: Gpl G:_enn J. Jensen,59855351 - Co IIA" 19 J!mu0.J7 1945.. , ~ , ,~ UNTI !lISTORY, 76~.'3"~ ':'i~ n·( Ba."':.ta.:...! c,~. ~ i}_!" t, ; J.) ANi~EX #4 (Cont I d) SLIGHTLY WOu~DED IN aCTION T/5 James C. McKeown,15127097 - Co liD" 6 January 1945 - France T/. Ja.ephE.Mai'zUeeo,13124595 - Co'"A" 19-January 1945 - Sessenheim pre Sidney S. Schreiber,32194077 - Co "A" 19 January 1945 - Ses::3eilheim Pvt Anderson Graves,15537258 - Co IIA" 23 January 1945 - France Cp1 Oscar W. Jackson,15555546 - Co "A" 25 January 1945 - France Cp1 Graner H. Johnson, Jr.,58570495 - Co "B" 25 January 1945 - Schi11ersdorr T15 Charles E. Temp1e,15150982 - Co liB" 25 January 1945 - Schi11ersdorf Pvt Joseph A. Cinkovich,57641157 ~ Co "B" 28 January 1945 - France S/Sgt Ameide A. Burre11,20157577 - Co "B" 28 January 1945 - France / ~ J ) SLIGHTLY ·;ijUp~W: ~ ~CTION T/5 Joseph G. Perr.1,55555289 - Service Co 20 January 1945 - Saverne AWARDS BRONZE STAR 1ST LT Augustus J. Sitton,0461047 - Co "B" 28 January 1945 1ST LT Arthur J. E. Yonkers,0172549 - Hq Co ("Y" Btry) 28 January 1945 T/4 Robert L. ShephE;rd,55225986 - Co "C" 50 January 1945 SILVLR STAR 1ST LT Donald Crane,01015492 - Co "A" 5 January 1945 1ST LT HilHam J. Kaisor,01015722 - Co "A" 5 .January 1945 PUF.PLE HEART prc De1ber O. Brame, 57588545 - Co "B" 9 JanuaZ"J 1945 - Pvt Richard J. Van 1'!ink1e" 57519769 - Co liD" 11 January 1945 S/Sgt .Tohn Brennan,20200725 - Co "A" 20 Ja.nuary l..945 prc Clayton H. Horre11,15150655 - Co "A" 20 January 1945 T/4 Joseph E. Marz'Ucco,1512:l:595 - Co "A" 20 Jam:.aIj" 1045 - Sgt James R. Sub1ette,58167912> - Co' "A" 20 January 1945 prc William -Behee1er,54450015 - SJilrvice.·Co 26 January 1945 Sgt Lawrenc.e V. Smith,39:589020 - to 4.C""28 January 1945 Cp1 OSCCoi.r V.'. Jackson,15555546-;;' Go;, "Au-:,29 Ja.nuary 1945 ' Pvt Bennie Cande10ria,58167948 - Co ~'B" ~1 January 1945 T/4 Frank D. Mi11er,58215950 - Co "A" 51 January 1945 ',... J ~.• ,,, :....,..;,c.::...... :, ..... '••_·h"'.;..,:,,;~ •...;,~'"":,:a.:..:~~_~~·~._~•. c·.~, . .:.;~...... , .i, ..... ,'·~, •...,/!..:_·,"""._ ...tr'...... ·(~~~"~ :w.....-." " .. ",,..~.~ ",,,, .. _, , ;'l~_. ' --""'~.-, ..' , ."~ " •• uI .<, . ',,: Unit History,7S"st T•1nk ?xt.t:l.::'ion • Ann.,,;x II 5: . .. '. . . 'J 3081L15()}'~4.\3 '7SllJilJ) "3.3 ;:i.~ 'm,:', s..:t ')11 fiT''; 1--7 tho eIldlrlY ,:md "r',S dX'Of'J10d on c0C'tifi C 'tt..; 15 .T ~,:lU'_.17 1:J'- ') • 301015c)C', rULl;) 7from" \/:18 hit 1:7 '·'t7.JJjT.:.. ',mel ,1;'1.ud-:md-i in dn....l!:" t..;rritor:;r ,mel \"fJ.d ell')) h,~dJn cv,ctif:iu,l.T,,.; 17 J,::mu.J.r:" 1')-.<5. ~(81472) '1';'\.:5 7~)r:il1, :lt~.Jm·)t d tJ cr.)S·j 1. tr)Z";ll 'J7-.;r pond invisi~lv of:. J cr"",. Tl".cJ t. .tnt br )}~ ,_ tllrTL,gh th..: i C:v _,nd su~;rr.v·';'~F\;J.) i of:. i!~1.S dr,)' J")dd In c..;rtific:.t.tv thv 15 ,T:...:ml."I""1l)':.:5. ;)081451 (75mm), Z,08117!3 (75rnm)} 3081470 ;75:',,1:) J :501012B(7Gmm) j3081476 (75mIf!) I 3l,:1:Jl':~)J. (?EiL;;!l)} '''.; ..... rv d.:f5 trj:; ;r~, '0~' j.I'.:T!;~' :lnti-t'lnk n r..;. 'lnd o..b:md Jri,;j in ,,:."l' ;T:;.:' t,-,rl'itor:;rmcJ. 01",) JIJVrl m c;l'tificai:0 the.! ~? Jo..n 45. ?'0814,llG (75;,1'), ' :,G ,iij,;+,r:l+'v in th-J .S'lLh, J,cti.)l1. Ar.. '.:n0m~' srh,ll strnck t,>.: fLn'j.J, dl'j v,~', '-,l.t'C it "::1.S ev~cu:i t-:C't t.;: tl'l.c; cU:i1~)o.n~r C'D whur", it '\(1.8 -t:,'J.L.:m, by +h".: '),tt,.JiJn l'"tricJvipg s0cti:m ':md ta!c..;n to.)r:inance \:b'j1't: it Yi~l~"J ·tttr ...\" h; 0081tJ,65 (75Jn:1), ",1:; !)un8t.r"::~:::'0d ~m:l '}"":'TL' )IJ.:O iT: ~nwln" t,}rr5tJry, it is~ u.neV.'1cua+;",d .~J:d y,r't~ (Jr,.) tY.lerJ, m t,l-J ,; ,2(3 J ~mu..J.:r'Y 1£14f'. 508145(, (';'Sr:1iil) l;d<;'.UrJ st~ck in a. dj teh nl.:2r ScL,i'u~ "h::.-.uson :.nd' "''J.S im,:'ossibltl -t~o ,..nncu<::.tu duutJ small 'l.rms :lnc1. artillery fir~ The tank was !litro')ped on certificate the 28 January 1945 ilnd VIas recovered later and re-requisitjoned. Com}')any II,\ II received three(:5) replacements for .January 1945 J "4.:l5F8 IS (76rnm), 5P5184o) 5001877, 5():51883 on the <;>7 Ja.nuary 1945. The:r also received an f~4,Mj (75mm) frQm )c0mpnny liB" 50814fO and an .r~4,\3 (75M1!l') from Hea1~u.q,rters company- #5081447 all tlle ::8 J~l.nue.r! 1945. .Q.o~!2Y..~~ tine ·t:anl~ \irl.\S 1'elJ8.i r(..'Il and. :eeturned to duty. NS(llG133~) was Si;mt to or-dnance for artHlery rC),lai:r-ol'! the 13 January 19·-k5 and returned t-o dut:r on the 15 .T,-',nua~r J.9'.l:5. Lost iLl Ct)J!)bv.t : o o NU2nber of re!)h.ce,;,~ents. 0 Reprdred lJ.nd returi'iE'Jd to duty. 1 , .q:J..;q ~;~~'ji,;. '1~:.;1' .'~, ...." ,~"!\:,!,,r~A'~ ::;..• , ....-. .. .,. -, Unit History,'781st T<:'l1k :)G."ta":~c'l .\nne'lC #5 (Cont'd) f5081481 "ras sent to or(~nance on the 7th Jt.i.nuary 1945 fo" a cracked head and was retul'ned t,l d.. ,m the 18th .Tanuary 19~5. (:,50101565 waG S,jrl':: ' .. 0 o:u:nal1ce on the 12th January" ~"945 for a broken valve, it was repairl~d and re":~nl'ned to nuty on the n January 1915. Company liD": Lost in combat~ 1 Number of replacements: 1 Repaired and returned to duty: 1 An J~5Al # ;5049115 was penr.ltrated by a rifle .;I'3nade at ~~unncthousen, it was avacuated to ordnance and (lropped on certifica.te 1 .January 1945. An H5 II 304.1512 11a9 dr1:lvm as a replacement on the 10th January 1945 • •\n M5,\! was penetrated in the turret by a rifle grenade and evacuated to battalion maintenu.Dce and re~jcl.ired, the U.S.A. nunlber is 5049149. TOT.u.. 'l's),ijKS .~S 1 ,TanLlli.I7 1945! M4;~5(7I3mrn) 17 M4AO(i5mm) ;56* M4.Ao (105mnl) 6 M5,·:.l(mmm) 18 (one(l) '~5) . ";~'One tanl{ of headquarters com:)an;r short,~~4A3(r/5mm) as of 1 .Tanua.rJ 19l15. . TOT.i.L T.,iiKS sl.S uF 51 J[lnuary 1945 ~ H4.\3(76mm) J7 ;'14"~:~ (75mm) 26* H4.\3 (105mm) 6 ~~5Al ( 37mm) 18 Comapny II ;~tI ~~. 9 (ro4.\0' s) short liB I! 1. (t~4.~:3 ( short Com?any Company ~Ie[..dql.,art'3r8 company. 1 (M4.\~ ) short - 2 • HEADQUhRTERS 7815 T T~l.K lkTTALION JJ>O 758, US Ar",:;, 19 Je::.uu,Clr;y 1945 SUBJECT: Unit. History TO CG, SEv:z.I~Tli ,...... ".', APO 153, US J;..-r.-v. Ma.';: Central Europe - 1aoo,000 -'lissec.bo~!r·g, Sheet V-2. P...riod Coverea: 29 October 1944 to 31 D... ,c~mbclr 1944. Part I . ~.- ~'.'~ .... F'rom 29th uctober to 1 J)eccm'cer 1944 781st Tunk ELttElidn engaged in re equipping and processing tanks and other T/O&E e~uipment. Battalion closed in C..mbat Zone on 1 l).)cember 1944. Attached to loOth Inf Div on 5th December 1944. Reconnoitered Division area on 6th Decamber 1944. Committed first unit in combat at Ln&:2RG( :"740450) 7 December 1944. Battalion attached to 79th D:..v~sion 22 Dsce.mbar 1944. Co "All attached to Task Force LINDEN on 29th Decer.:ber 1944. httachr"ent withlOOtl-', Divi.sion gaveB...t.talion first battle experience in offensive action. Confirmed fact that .&'sic and Unit training had b-.;en sOWld and that mora am more JmpL:sis was to ba placed. in pe','i'ecting the Tank-Infantry Team. The following points were learhed in tank infantry action, in vicinity Bitc!:te(Q777504) : . 0.) Usa of SCR 300 radio for communication betYf.;en tank and. infantry units is necessary for proper control. (2) Some m:l ans such as telephon~s on rec,r of tanks is readed in order to obtain Iilaxfulu..'. usc of tank fire pO-~'ler ·iihen woridng ,'Iith infantry. C3) Liaison in initial planning phas =.s of attack b ')tw-;en ntrantry am Tank personnel is vital. . (1;.) kakingo a d'Jfinit8 infantry unit r<3sponsiblG for local protection of tanks cuts down Bs.zooka 10s8<35. Attacr.J71Gnt "lith 79th Division, 1-i·~OS.:l mission lle.S dafcnsiv J) gav.:l training in c oordination n::~CJssary fo r a succ08sful';,iithdra'llal and tha us.:! of tanks to increase V91uc.l0 sf artillury fir·:,l in a static position; PaRT II RECOhL OF lW:t!J~TS . . The .78lst 'rSaak ~at.talion discr.1bark~..ld at tho Port of luarsell10s on 29th of . . 09t,ooor 1944 and .bivouacod in Staging Area #1 swaiting arrival of oquipm:mt. Processing and equipping was slo'iv duo to th·] d'31ay in arrival of a grcb.t. por contoge of tanks and til -3 IXl:rr.l8nGnt loss of 1000 boxes of Cargo oquipment, which required a canpl'::lt';J r'Jsupply from·D.B.S. ( 1 ) '. ':', : >- . • f "( .~;"I' ~. I,. ~. ~ ~.. Unit History, 78lst Tk Bn(Cont'd) i In order to make tro most of an enforced dalay tho Battalion S-3 am ~atoon leaders were sent forward to th~ 1st armored Group' at VI Corps Whero they wero abl;! to observe platoon l.:ladors and staffs of th.J 753d and 756th Tank Battalions in operation. This practic..:; provad invaluable in aubsuquont operations •. As'a rosult of observation )f thes.) tank battalions operating in thQ wood ed, mountainous arca around Epinal certain somi-p,Jrmanont changos w.Jrc insti tutad: HeadquartQrs and Servico Companios Were forned into a Forward and Roar C.P., tho okssault and }dortar platoons were combinod into a reinforc.Jd assault gun platoon capable of accurato inm roct firo th rough organic p3rsonncl, and a breakdown of .Transportation Platoon to line companies was made to facilitate supply on the required wide fronts. Battalion was attached to SEVEl~Tn nrmy on 15th November 1944 f.or Supply and Operations, and further detnch-Jd to VI Corps for Operations on arrival in Corps area. Battalion closed in Combat Zone 1st December 1944 and bivouacad in the vicinity of Padoux(Vl35654) Clwniting furthor orders. On 5 December 1944 Ba ttulion was attrch~d tom Corps and furtho r attwch od to tho 100th Infantry JJivisi on for Operations. BrttaliOn mp.rch.Jd to Han;willer(Q630235) en 5th and to Zittersh~im(Q7163l4) on 6th and 7th Dcc0mbor 1944. Bn CO end 8-3 mad0 reconneiss&nce of contemplated area of oporations of C'o "hl! which was to bo uttach....ld to 399th Inf. "D" Day thuroby vstablishl3d as 6 Dec....lmb.Jr 1944. Company 11Ji.1l was attC'.ch.Jd to the 399th Infantry Regim.:n t for Operations, 7th Dacenh-::r and on 3th Docemoo'r Company "B" was attt'.ch.:ld to th..: 398th and Company "Gil to the 397t,h Infantry Rcgim.::nts. On 7th .iJac.:.un.bvr th....l first ul\;lm0nts of tho 781st Tk Bn went into action against \,mCll\Y troops wh0n th-:: 1st Platoon of COm!:k1n;;' ".n.", cOI!llIflndod by Li....lu tenant .Iillinm J. Kaisur, sp...:arhc."d.:ld the attack of th.J 1st Bo.:.ttalion, 399th Infantry in n successful opJration against ~mbvrg(Q740450). Infantry lossos wore hold to a minimur,l by [1 lar£,'o volume of tank fire, md tho slose support on Infrmtry nllow.Jd tanks to keep movins and providod thv rwcoss::-.ry close-in I protection. Two(2) tll.nks wore disablod by !.linuS, IIg1~ss t,;pc", which only blew EI tr~ck nnd nec,Jssitatod less than 24 hours to put back in operation. Scv ...m or oight unfired Gorman bazook~s V'T....lre found in th.3 area .ftor tha attack. Liou tonnnt KEtis,..:r WI".S :'wl".rd..Jd tha Silver Star for his C\ggrossivo loadurship. i~o tank or tunk personnel casualties. On 9th December 1944 thIJ 2d P111toon of Compnny 111\11 ,comrmndod by Lieuten ant Donald Crane, I1ttackod down road horth of LcmbIJrg(Q740450) toward Bitch..: (Q775504) • Sl3vorc enomy losSIJ S W..lro inflictod including thro.J (3) Flll k Wagons, two(,,) Seventy Fivo 1ili: fi.Jld pi..:cos, two (2) Howitzers and e~uipnont. .he a. result of this action Li0utenant Crano was award.:ld tho Silver Star. Two (2) tanks disabled by glass mines and wero .Jvacuatod undJr fire and put in operation in twolvo hours. Thosv two oporations domonstrated to Battalion that if infantry closoly watches over tanks, and te.nks delivor accurate nachino-gun and 75mm HE tiro in largo quantities, operations can be carried out against town with a minimum of tank and infantry loss:)s Clnd tho.t tnnk uvacuation can b 0 successfully c~rri od out during oporations and urrlcr fire. ( 2 ) . '. I , -_...... :..,.~-,,...,!"~ .• • ..- • :w:.ll'~, • • Unit History, 781st Tk Bn(Cont'd) '!he 1st Platoon of Company "C" patroll()d a road to a position where it could fire on installations in Forn..:::au l-leuf, and then out posted woutcrhouse (Q795424) on th~ right 0xposod flank of Division. Docembor 11, 1944 - Cor;p;;ny "BII assisted the' 398th Infantry nogimont in tuking of 'high ground north of lJoutcrhous-.;(Q795425L with on..) tank disnblodby mines _ causing inju~y tC' :t: ,""~Gon .L;)p,d-Jr Francis A. CoolicP.n, who was subsequen tly awardJd tho Pur:)lo p(v:"'~." Lic.'-...<:.on:'nt Coo1.ican was evacuated to tho rear by his crow undJr he c, VJ' ::1e.,;: t:'.r- fJ La' 1st Plptoon of Cornpe.ny liD" attclch-..::d to tho 397th InfAntry Regiment for action I:'.gainst a 20mr.:. F:"dk 'Iit'.go!1 wh:i. ch was holding up th.:: infantry advance. Tho Flak .iagon was aC2n':ionJd ')n arrival of th-:: tanks and w;;s dustroyod with Thcrmito grenades by tank crl.;!W, The 1st Platoon of Company "G", cOIlUIlr.'1nded by LieutenC'.nt Jares E. Halsh, patrolled the r02d north of 1~outerhous·=(Q795425), taking 24 prisoners. During this patrol an oppor~.llf'jty to in 7':!.:(;'·. I~L.'3ualt.ieB was passed up because faulty communicr,tion betwee!1 I..'1fr ,11.i';r 2..tf~ 1'f1n1:s resalted in poor information e.s to location of friel1rl:'./ t:r.'O:-~3. There &re t',vc(2; S'::'3. - 300 r"'.,:U.c·s in enc!: pJ.atoon of tanks, and the import ance of making St"!E -. ;,;)OIS ni'c\5.1atL-3 tG~E~J' ir:fant.ry unit, no m!3.tter how sID""ll, that has a mission 111:..1.11 tCll")ks; C211r')t \:18 OVC\'ust:Lrr.,,:.2d. 12 December - The 21 Ea ·~t2.1iJil, _'Q2tL Inf::> rtr:' .. hold up by fire on hill 4'Z7 north on Moutori1ou:;c< ~.70':L.;)5) ,3rn.plc?~ci ".:.rR 3L~ F12toon) Go,npany :lBII • .t',mmy infc·ntry clement.s h,~',d wi thd'" ,,~r~l c'3fcp ·(,.:'.n.;'~s c:.uld !":::'li1[~ n_rn. The 1st P::"atoon, C0mprl.ri,Y "CiI, fi.Nd i.'1tC' t:1(; "t,own cf LCi Pnpctcrie(Q3l6475). one (1) tan~{ W;:. s c.:i,:,:, hl. ,1 C3' P. mL,-.u. 13 rJ3~Orcl'o 1~ - 'I'r.c ;-~ti. ,~Jd 3d Plr.too!1S of Company dB" sup;,orted tho 398th Infantry irl r,iw ..)C":;.ls:',ti,Xl ui ie,}'crevUl;n·(:;;(!5249:2). Thera ""I1S no oaumy resis tance. Opo!"ationD o! p:' <'t("()ll[; of C~m!'lc.ny !'B" Of', t!1.:: 11t.h D.nd 12th of Decombcr show that in llid.ny 0'1ses ')."!.~rl.7 ':'clsista;1!!c holdi..ng up Iri'ar.t:"y :'.0'\nnC05 ~l~.thdraws evon befc!'e trL1;~8~n bc; 0[:q::-),-.;c'. Company ilD" (light tc''.nk company) .::mployed during the period as flr.nk protec, tion WIiO ~old tn pos5-:,i~r~:,0 repel nno.my ~1ight c.ttncks or af'fonsiv-J actions by Gorm nn .r J.a k W1f?,,)UG. . . Tho AsMult Gun Platoon vms employod on indirect fire missions in support of Divif.ion i\.ct.'~lc·.'y du.ring this poriod. ~ - 21 December 1944, Attack on Bitche, (see Annex #1) 21 December 1944 - Battalion was detached fran loath Division ~n:i attached to VI CCJrp9 for ppet'ations at 211426 J)Jcombor 19~4 • .22 Decem1?er 1944 - Eatt.alion ml'lrched from Sarreinsburg(Q741408) to vicinity Hatten(nJ,8;233;.»), a nd was att2.chod to 79th Infantry Division on arrival. 23 December .'1944 - Battalion Forward C.P.· moved to Niedorbatschdorf(Rl3333S) Companies attachod to regiments of 79th Infantry Division as follows: . p Unit History, 781st Tk Bn(Cont'd) "A" to 3l3th Infa ntry hogimont, liB" t') 314th Infantry R0giIn0nt, "c" to 315th Infantry Rcgir,10rt.. ;,issio'1 t'~'lC:1 to cc!';'.p<'.r.ios was to :3t,n~r;gt,hon IviLR when occupied by Inf3.f\-,"y~i.'-'~:~j.'~:'·''''''':l,j ~" ~!.':F·H(J lJl:l!ls for ',li+-,uc!,1:,W 24th Deconber :-. 1,'J",-,) [' tt"C'hec. to T.F, LILrErl, end moved "t:-;':_,')C!I" :.'-;l.J-!.:'0 tho viclf.ity of J.J",)(D~)'r • from 79th Inf,".!"_ tr:- D',- -I J :~. ()oJ " Strasbour;:;(F.C::' '>-': ! c.',: ,"J0 ;;pel'c".tioI15 ,,:to r'.o"J opo".:'ating wi th the exception 01' t.!'j(' !-\c,.J-,l.':' ,'1J..:'1, r~('n,-''-_'r 6,,1~_(}lY~";1' ':::,r.nk) ~.Qs1-,r'cJ,;d by :OOth Infantry Div5,sl ::1 'c:r' P',L-.! ;s ;{ • !., • KINNE, JR., ~t. Col., C:wl1lry, v(,llU: ad': n,;. :3 Inclosures: Incl. #1. Annex #1, Incl. /12. AWlOX if?. Incl. /3. .- ;" '!1CX ,T3· 1 .,~ (,4 ) .. . .. ", • • • Unit History, 781st Tk Bn. ANNEX #1 lCO"th Division ATTAr::~ ...Ol~_._- B:i:TChE 14 - 21 Decombor 1944: The Division plan for tho taking of Bitche( Q775405) ::lIld surrounding Maginot Forts callGa i'01' occupation of hi~h ground to tho loft and rear of the town of Bitcho and tho roduct::.on of 1'.l~ginot Forts in that ,,-rca to be followed by nn assault on Bitche it.solf. Company liB" was attachod to the .398th Infantry Ro.:;iment, who had the mission of cl caring th is high ground. The 1st platoon S u1)portod the 1st BattRlion on 14th Decombor 1944 in too initit.l.l attack, n ss:_stinf?; i'1 knocking out one road block and silencing one pillbox. Ono(l) tapjc wc::.s .iL~abLod by c::.nti-tank fiN. Plat;oon 10 ader :Licuten ant A~,-.o;.stus J. Sittv" w.:;.::) r.;:)commcndod for the Silver Star for his aggressive leadership ih this action. The general plan for the employment of tanks against thClllse fortified positions was for close-in, direct, overhead f ire by tank elements in support of assault echelons of the infa'1t ry. On tho 17th DecoIPDor 1944, Co "B" 1!'I'ith attached .3-gun section of the Assault Gun Platoon and a 2-g_111 s0ction of 90mI'l SP TD's supported the attack of tho .398th Infantry Regimon t in its a dvancc on tho Maginot Forts west of Bitche(Q775405). Compani' 11,1." had been raovod into firin~ position on high ground ovor looking th-..: town and h01d in reudiness to support tho .399th Infant.ry Regiment attack on Bitche(Q775405) ~n0n so ordered. As this attack was not launched, ComJ)any 1111. 11 had little action in this operation. The 1st section of the Assault. Gl'n PIatoon supporting the .398th Inf antry Regiment on the 20th December 19M. was moved forward to cover the temp ary withdrawal of one(l) Bat.taJion. 105:mn a.rn@.'.nition fired into trees pinned down the Germ3J1 c'JlU1ter-atcad;:, allowing succe~sful wi thdrawal. Platoons of Company liD" furnished ni.ght security for fo!'vvard. infantry elements and. to support close-in positions of .3 self-propelled 155mm g'_'..ns. The tank employment in tre attack of Bitche (Q775405) was successful in its mission as the c.lose in direct fire of 76mm and 751mn tank guns and l05nm HEAT rurumunition; althou~h having little effect on fortifications, did cause enemy to button up and not man automatic weapons ewplaced in Vicinity of forts. Dire~t hits on forts later captured showed that litt.le penetration had been effected. One(l) Headquarters COID:.)any tank attached to the Division Engineers and with bulldozer attached was used to seal up captured forts to prevent recc~upation - this tc:.nk was mired Jovm in a position where evacuation was not p:'.'c:.ct:c3.ble because of di.'t'ec l; 88Jf1.rtl nre. The tank was blo.m up by lOOth Div E;,1&.i·".'3ers on.,.1i t.h(1.rawal of lOOth Division troops. Several days after the Bo, 0.-' 1',1:;- pS o.cder, wa,-. moved to .:mother section in support of anothe r unit. ..,.. • • Unit History, 781st Tk Bn KILLED IN ACTION Private William C. Goodman, 15333436, Co "B" 14 Dec 44 Bitche Sergeant Henry H. Roberi:..8: 31196389, Co IICII(IIY" Btry) 20 Dec 44 " KILL~D (NON-·EA'I'7L::~ CASUALTY) T/5 Jarrtes D. Llitch81l, 16:;.1J.~~33, Hq Co, 24 November 44 Marseille Cpl Char1ef; r, ',J,,]!:,:: '-jc6Cl92•.;, Co :jA" 1.0 D~ceml)er L4 Sarre:i.n!'lburg 1st Lt. F.i.'aL.~. s .1. (~(;O~l':-lr. (:}.2 G~L:-504, CJ ':Ell!.l 11 D8(err~ber 4l+ L",'";~berg Sgt Richa:::'d 8. ()~)j:ie; ]. .'.(f7:::4.)'":', 20 "B;' 14 ~:eC81r:)8r L1. :9i.7Jcr.e Pvt Alvie G. D:i..~.!'''clJf ~,,::3?::9C\~.:3. Go "e" 2(' 0~"C8rr.b3:-:' 1.J.i.:- ~_lit"'h'3 :>J:~~ r~ ~':Cj:;N!-'~J I:'J }.(:Tl :)~J ••.•• ~._ .. r.,-:~ ___•.•.• __ •• _...... __ ~ •• _~'&.O Sgt Patrick T. P€rry,J.)l!~:)I: Co "D" - 1;' Jecercher 44 Bitch'3 Pfc Delber O. Br:1I:l"?; :>ti6.3;':'.5; en 113 11 - 21 7)i'l(;FJ1Ib3r 44 Bi~Ghe _.-.S-"~tlll~e~1 _w _____:'.(.. __UJ:TTH'2m ._ .... _ ._._.:!:N__AC'!'I0.i'J . ____ .._ T/5 Walter S. Fiore, 20'·' ..:T3E:-7 , ';:, '·.8 L (iiYI' Btr~r) 20 Dec 44 BHche Sl.J c:iTL [ Ii'j.J:'~?]LD I III Jl ~ TI: I):~ ---..... _....._-.,... ----- ... -..•.. -~~ ... -- Pfc Henry F. hoJwell .. 20J57 ,' .CL} Go !IB" , 14 [,e'~E'J~her L;·4 Bitche Pvt Frcnk J. Scaf~: d.73 -,.3~ '~~:-.~~~.: ~:(), Go "F'; : ],,4- D';.'·e'n')f.:!, i..4 " Pvt Sa..!..Yatore A. (2"'..:" j :J, r,1'-,:~)79, nnlf r·.,(; I~';. ,! Cr: " 18 Pic Fr~1.!1k J. ;-iogh: 1_,2'. )0;.'/<.:, :-h. e:l ( :iBIi Btry) 21+ De~"! 4h Kl?jJenberg "'\'I·~r.!~:~~) ::~. ~:~iH?J.T£ ~~~r!·;:~:-t.T _ ... _-- - ~ ... "."~ T/5 '.. aU.p-r f.. ri"Ire ;(,'1 ~7)1:.'7 .. [;0 '-'3' \ ,"".-" :str~r) 20 Decenner 1944 PiTt ,c'S-'. ,'.nt ..~.t,. :'il....,.r· ~~'-~~ ~'.; .J' ~~_~_:: r.- :"~.••._).·i CL./,.),IJ:., :' ..:- !t:;::';; • 1 3 ': ;)8(.~··1i."\e·" J.944 :_~·,_.;;,L ':1.' "l~~'-r"l ''< 'i'~ 1 ...j '" -". lQ;.- 1,( ,.(._-,;,;' ,_)1, .I. J.... '..1 " \, .... : • .I.".~ ..,) ....L "'.' _" ,-,) 31) D~Ce:':0"'r Ij44 i'. - ." .. ·t· ",~.:,;,; . Unit Historyl 781st Tk Bn(Cont'd) l j ANNEX 113 .J ~ LT COL HARRY L KINhE JR 0249865 CAY MAJ hlOruUS H TINDh.LL 03.37893 INF MAJ GEORGE C FARRIS 0326005 INF ..~ CAPT GEOliGt:; J \.IIJ.. 0363259 1£ CAPT JOHN E SIl.iKINS 0377420 INF CAPT JOSEPH J KOL~ ()366418 INF CAPT CAMILLE .J PELLETIER 01010275 1NF CAPT viILLIiVii Et R::i.!E 01015443 1NF CAPT GEOhG~ G BL:~NC:-ii'l\D J3. 01015292 INF' CaPT VINCENT J D')l·lIS? 01015661 CAV CaPT Dl1.VID J KKLi.EY 0.'.01:;46::; IN"F C¥T JOSEPH . rt --:.... .·7 .'~ ... _ !. it '''f . . It e /" "~ HEADQ.UARTERS •. 781ST TA;i~ B.rl.TTALIOE I ca_l}i ca::1::;>bull, =~e:rbucl(y 14 February 1946 SUBJ:~CT: unit ~Iistory. TO period covered: 2 January 1£13 - 29 october 1944 •. FliRT I SU: I JiRY '),'.:.e 781st Ta.r~~: satta1ion was' activated on 2 J·::..11uary 1943 as a light tank battalion at'F0rt I(:'~ox, ~';y. L"'c. col .. FAj'(l1Y L. Kn'lT~, JR. r 8.ctiva'0C'i the Battal ion, the enlist3cl cadre cane from the 191st Tank Battalion and t~e officer personnel from the 742nd, 741st alid 191st TC.n1;: Battalions. D .. rL1C th3 )elioc::. Junuary to october 1943 the' Battalion was de tailcd to worl:: rrith the A~cJ.lored Board at Fcrt KnoJ::, KY. and training consisted l!lOstl~r of affecting ef'ficie:'lt ac1:.-inistrative policies and personnel c::.urins the period. on 1st o,,'cober 19<'13 the Battalion was reorganized into a standard , tank battalion uhicl1 inclucTed 3 lleCi.iurll tank cOl;lpanies, a light tank cOLlpany plus a h8adquartors and service cO~:1pany. r o· Fover,lbel~ ·2,1943 tho 781st Tank Enttalion was sent to camp ~' shelby, Mississirpi ane beGan '0rainin; in earnest. Although the terrain at C::'lE1P 8holby vms not it~eal b~r a:'1Y I:leanS for tan~;:s a great ... deal Has accon:;;:;lishQd in t:....aini:1g. Basic dilitary subjects were COnl- . pleted, all small arlJS courses fil'ed and practically 100% of the nen Were ofJ..~ icially cluali:!:'iccl. r addition tho Battalion received its initial traLlin;~ in tanl;: (;un11017 an( basic tactics of the sr.lall tank units to incluc13 tho cOLlpanies. on 17 ~,-l'ril 1944 tho Battalion vvas transforred to Fort Jaclcson, gout:1 carolina 8.:..1<::' tho::o bcgan training in the final phases of tank e;lir.l1e:;.:y as- -vJGll as tacJ~ical oper8:~io~1s of a tarLc battalion. 111 JI.i.l:r 194110 tho ?81st T:,nJ.: B,,,ttaJ_ion vms scnt to c.:cnp pickett, Vir,?;inia fo~:- a Ilor~ths t:rainiE:; in I.!.fantry tan}:: oporation wi th the ?8th I~~fantl.·y D.i vision. AS was later confirmed in combat this train inc was to be invalua'o2..e to both the tanl{ers of tho 781st Tank B=.:..tta lion ·ane:. tho doughboys of the 7C1th L:fantry D~vision. Th.o 781st :i."'eturnocl to F :..rt Jackson in August 1944 and began fini3.l preparetions and, training prior to LlOVCLwnt overseas. In August and se)telllber 1944 the Battalion completed its final physical tests; uas traineo. in inc.irect fire for tanks, and conploted all packing Q:rlc. crating for shipment ovorseas. on. 7th october 1944 the ?81st left Fort .Jackson by rail fOI' camp shan:m, rew york. At ,ghanl-cs final physical and show down of supply were accoiD.plis~lod... T:18 Battalion eLlbarlced on the U.S.S. La Jeunne on· 13 octobe1" 194'1 and arrivod in : -arsoille, France on 29 october 1944. , 'j" --..a.;/)) \ ./'j.;~. /G~.-y~· H. L. ~(rT.E'E, JR. (I Lt. col., cavalry Co::'ldancli ng.