User:Pnkennedy/717th Tank Battalion WWII
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Activated 10 September 1943 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, out of 16th Armored Division under Lieutenant Lt. Colonel Col. Raymond W. Odor. Assigned to Armored Board, Fort Knox, Kentucky, testing new equipment, including M26 Pershing. Sailed for Europe 26 December 1944 and landed in France February 1945. Fired first shot 24 March 1945 at Rhine River, attached to 79th Infantry Division. After crossing Rhine, participated in operations in Ruhr Valley during April 1945, including assault on Essen in support of 17th Airborne Division. Ended the war in Bottrop, Germany.
Operations and Intelligence Report below was furnished by Ernie and Gary Smith 717th Tank Battalion Association Athens Georgia
OPERATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE REPORT
717th Tank Battalion
APO 339, US Army
1 - 31 March 1945
1 - 3 March - Usual organizational duties at CAMP TWENTY GRAND, 1 1/2 miles E of ST PIERRE DE VARENGVILLE, Normandy, France.
4 March - Left CAMP TWENTY GRAND for a PCS per Ltr. HQS. Northern District, Normandy Base Section, COM Z ETO, APO 562, US Army, file AG 370.5, dated 3 March 1945. Departed by mounted march enroute for destination in Holland at 0600 hours. Battalion halted for the night along the road, 2 miles NW of MOREUIL, France. Distance travelled: 88 miles.
5 March - Decamped bivouac and proceeded enroute to destination. The battalion travelled on this date through war memorial and battlefield areas of Northern France. Billeted for the night at CHARLEROI, Belgium in a one-time Belgian cavalry barracks. Distance travelled: 130 miles, the longest march made by the battalion as a unit in its history.
6 March - Left billeting area and continued on way to destination. Halted at FLAMELLE, Belgium on the Meuse River for the night. Weather: Rainy. Distance travelled: 71 miles.
7 March - Decamped bivouac area and proceeded to destination in Holland -passing through AACHEN, Germany, enroute. Arrived at BRUNSSUM , Holland at 1230 hours, with battalion closing at 1400 hours. Distance travelled: 55 miles. Total distance for the 4-day march: 344 miles.
8 March - Usual organizational duties. Medium companies made good time in changing from rubber to steel tracks.
9 March - Hq Co left BRUNS SUM at 0900 hours and proceeded to SIMPLE-
VELD, Holland, arriVing at 1040 hours. Distance travelled: 10 miles.
Co "D": Left BRUNSSUM at 1000 hours and proceeded to SIMPLEVELD,
arriving at 1640 hours. Distance travelled: 10 miles.
Other companies: Usual organizational duties.
10 March - Usual organizational duties.
11 March - Bn Hqs cleared BRUNSSUM, Holland at 0900 hours and proceed-
ed to SIMPLEVELD, Holland, arriving there at 1100 hours. Distance
travelled: 10 miles. Hq & Hq Co, Serv Co, & Co "D" were billeted in the
monastery of the Order of Father Damien which housed members of the
Order of the Sacred Heart.
Co "B": Left BRUNSSUM at 1330 hours and travelled to AMSTENRADE,
Holland, a distance of 2 miles, and billeted there.
12 March - Serv Co left BRUNSSUM, Holland at 1300 hours and proceeded
to SIMPLEVELD, Holland, arriving there at 1400 hours to rejoin Hq & Hq
Distance travelled: 10 mi les.Co and Co "D".
Remainder of Bn engaged in usual organizational duties.
-1-
13 March - Bn assigned to Ninth US Army, 1 March 1945, per Ltr. HQS 15th US Army, APO 408; file AG 320.2 GNMDC, dated 5 March 1945.
14 March - In Hq Co, Sgt Vincent D. Wolfe, 31362574; Pfc Oliver H. Gentry, 42134696; and Pfc Eugene A. Mrackowski, 33607003, were sent to the 315th Inf Regt, 79th Inf Div for specialized training ending 19 Mar 45. Purpose of the training was to give the three Rcn men work in selecting tank terrain on E bank of Rhine River for Co "C", which had been selected as the first tank company to cross the river. All other companies: Usual duties.
15 March -Usual organizational duties.
16 March - To help overcome difficulties encountered in getting in- formation orders to companies billeted away from the battalion, Hqs put out first issue of a numbered operational bulletin, covering informa- tion or orders concerning administration, operations, lntelligence, supply, etc. All companies: Usual organizational duties.
17 March - Usual organizational duties.
18 March - Usual organizational duties. In Serv Co, T/Sgt Rhoades,
36312265, injured his foot while performing maintenance duties, and was
evacuated .
19 March - Co "C" left BRUNSSUM, Holland for destination 1 1/2 miles S
of LINTFORT, Germany to assemble for assault phase of the Rhine River
crossing. Distance travelled: 65 miles.
Other companies: Usual organizational duties.
20 March - Co "A" decamped billet area at BRUNSSUM, Holland at 2245
hours, proceeding by mounted march to destination in Germany to pre-
pare for Rhine River crossing.
Assault Platoon plus company assault guns: Left SIMPLEVELD, Hol-
land at 0830 hours to join the 311th FA Bn, 79th Inf Div in Germany.
21 March - Co "A" arrived at DULKEN, Germany at 0530 hours and bivou-
acked for the night. Distance travelled: 60 miles. Decamped bivouac
area at 2000 hours proceeding by mounted march to VLUYN, Germany and
arrived at destination at 2230 hours. Distance travelled: 20 miles.
Mortar Platoon: Left SIMPLEVELD, Holland at 0615 hours by mounted
march to VLUYN, Germany to secure billets and arrange for guides for
remainder of battalion coming up towards the front.
Other companies: Normal duties.
22 March - Bn Hq, Hq Co, Co "D", and Serv Co cleared SIMPLEVELD AT
2200 hours and proceeded to destination at VLUYN, Germany. March unit
arrived at VLUYN at 0500 hours, and were guided into parks and billet-
ing area by elements of the Mortar Platoon. Distance travelled: 65
miles.
Co "B": Left AMSTENRADE, Holland by mounted march enroute to
destination in Germany for Rhine River jump-off.
-2-
Cos "A" and "C", which were now under regimental control, con- tinued with usual organizational duties.
23 March - Co "B" arrived at DULKEN, Germany at 0300 and billeted for
the night. Distance travelled: 45 miles. Company departed at 2100
hours for destination in Germany .
All other companies: Usual organizational duties.
24 March - Assault Gun Platoon, headed by 1/Lt Kerm Ingram, and attach-
ed AG's from companies, began the battalion's entry into combat by fir-
ing the first shot across the RHINE at 0200 hours: The first round was
fired by Cpl Francis J. Murphy, member of the AG Platoon and one-time
member of the "SEASICK SEXTETTE" which had provided music on the trip
from the U.S. to the ETO.
First man in the battalion to reach the E bank of the RHINE was
Pfc Mrackowski, who was from New Jersey. He and two other Rcn Platoon
men reached the bank at 0310 hours. At 0915 hours, Sgt Wolfe of the
Rcn Platoon, was wounded in the shoulder by enemy mortar shrapnel and
was evacuated. The other 2 members of the Rcn party, Mrackowski and
Pfc Gentry, met the first tank of the battalion to cross the RHINE (Lt
Mugel's, Co "C", from Buffalo, New York) at 1500 [hours].
Co "A": Crossed the RHINE on the afternoon of the 24th, with the
1st, 2nd, and 3rd platoons joining the respective battalions of the
313th Inf Regt of the 79th Inf Div. Sector assigned was in vicinity of
WALSUM, Germany. The 1st Platoon met only light resistance from small
arms fire. 2nd Platoon hit two 88mm guns and S/A fire. Both guns were
knocked out, and four prisoners were taken. Pfc Wm Kirmeyer 33693754,
was injured in the leg by shell fragments and was evacuated. The 3rd
Platoon was held in reserve.
Co "B": Arrived at VLUYN, Germany at 0200 hours. Distance trav-
elled: 30 miles. After crossing the RHINE, each platoon joined its re-
spective battalion of the 314th Inf Regt. 2nd Platoon crossed the
RHINE at 1435 and went into attack - consisting mostly of opposition
furnished by enemy small arms fire. 1st Platoon crossed the River at
1505 hours and aided in attack on DINSLAKEN, Germany, which was believ-
ed to be the key center of resistance. 3rd Platoon crossed at 1735
hours and was held in reserve.
Co "C": Platoons crossed with the 315th Inf Regt. 2nd Platoon
crossed with the 2nd Battalion of the Infantry whose objective was to
clean out DINSLAKEN. This town, centered around a large steel fabri-
cating plant, was on fire most of the day, and this platoon received a
heavy baptism of fire in more ways than one. Opposition was heaviest W
of DINSLAKEN. but this was cleared out and by the end of the day the
town was captured. 1st Platoon held the town of STAPP, and reached the
regimental left boundary on a canal in the town. 3rd Platoon met spor-
adic resistance, but by 2000 hours had reached the initial objective of
DINSLAKEN.
Other companies: Remained at or near VLUYN, and covered progress
of the three medium companies by radio.
Prior to the crossing, the 7l7th Bn CO had held the final staff
meeting before the crossing and before the battalion's first entry into
combat. Lt Col ODOR had the satisfaction of seeing his final words to
the companies "Good Hunting" carried out before the end of the first
day's battle.
-3-
25 March - Co "A" moved into its assembly position. 1st Platoon moved
into it's assembly position without making enemy contact. 2nd Platoon
encountered enemy resistance in woods W of the town slag dump. It was
relieved by the 3rd Platoon, which supported the Infantry in fighting
around the slag dump and railroad embankment. Sgt Joseph Jevesok Jr,
35231864, had his tank disabled by enemy bazooka fire, but continued
firing from his tank until the bazooka position was reduced, later
returning to action in another tank. He was later recommended for the
Silver Star. Sgt Ernest C. Walker, 37393800, was twice hit by a sniper
in the arm and was evacuated. 2/Lt Edward F. Downey, 01019002; T/4 Max
E. Welch, 37668761; T/5 Paul W. Hershberger, 39619693; and Pvt Alex
Soltas, 35385219, were enroute to recover Sgt Jevesok's disabled tank,
and were captured by Jerry infanty in the vicinity of WEHOFEN. T/4
Welch was carried from the M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle by his captors,
while the three other prisoners did not appear injured, according to
friendly infantry who witnessed the accident [incident] but were unable
to intervene.
Co "B": 1st and 2nd Platoons jumped off at 0700 hours. 1st Pla-
toon was on it's objective at 0745 in DINSLAKEN, with the 2nd Platoon
bypassing DINSLAKEN to attack the high ground NE of the town. By
0745, 10 POW's had been taken. 3rd Platoon was held in reserve. Evac-
uations: Cpl Gerald Desmond 39047819, with shrapnel wounds in shoulder,
and TIS Charles Sciple, 34809750, war neurosis. Latter was replaced by
Pvt Wilmer Reeves, 35839590. Company CP was moved across the Rhine and
set up NE of DINSLAKEN.
Co "C": Company was helping to fight on a line that closed with
enemy infantry (made up of the 588th. Inf Regt and as yet unidentified
paratroop and artillery elements) holding E of the autobahn under con-
struction through (coordinates deleted). 1st Platoon encountered small
arms fire, but wasted little ammo on infantry targets. 2nd Platoon,
which had fought very hard the previous day, hit hard resistance at
(coordinate number deleted) from AT guns, 20mm AA guns, and bazooka
fire. In the firefight, the Platoon and the Battalion lost its first
man killed in action: Pfc Thomas J. Waller, who was killed while trying
to evacuate his tank after it caught on fire. 3rd Platoon was held up
on high ground E of LOHBERG from extremely accurate fire from 6-88mm
guns dug in. The following were injured: 2/Lt Thomas J. Carr,
01018842, the Platoon Leader; Pfc William P. Kane, 32978415; Cpl Edward
J. Ryan, 37567093; Cpl David Missell, 31362338. Lt Carr, who was
wounded in the face when an 88 [projectile] connected with his tank,
evacuated the tank with crew members Kane & Missell. When he noticed
that Cpl Ryan had not yet left the burning tank, Lt Carr and Pfc Kane
returned to the tank and evacuated Cpl Ryan. During this action, the
tank was again hit by a panzerfaust; Kane was wounded in the leg and
foot. Cpl Ryan, the gunner, who was severely wounded in the head, died
the following day. Lt Carr and Pfc Kane were later recommended for the
Silver Star by the CO, Co "C".
Hq & Hq Co (less Mortar and AG PLatoons): Left VLUYN, Germany at
1300 hours and arrived at Coordinate Point A1919 at 1320 hours. Dis-
tance travelled: 3 miles.
Co "D": 2nd Platoon was assigned mission of ground-air protection
of an attempted bridgehead near MILCHPLATZ, Germany on the Wand E
banks of the Rhine. Remainder of company decamped billeting area near
VLUYN at 1330, and crossed the Rhine the following day.
-4-
26 March - Bn Hq, and elements of Hq Co not yet on special missions,
arrived at destination 900 yards S of MOLLEN, Germany after crossing
the Rhine by infiltr~tion on the morn~ng of the 26th. Most staff memb-
ers found holes on the W bank of the Rhine before the crossing because
of enemy artillery fire and stray planes that were making the bridge-
head a hot place. AG Platoon and atchd sections joined Hq Co at 0800.
After they had reachea their objectives, the 2nd and 3rd Platoons
of Co "C" were pulled back to re-form and rest near the steel mill at
DINSLAKEN. Hot chow reached all three platoons for the first time
since the river crossing, aided by certain doings with local henhouses
on the part of the platoons. 1st Platoon got ready to jump-off the
following morning with its infantry for the town of HOLTEN to the S of
DINSLAKEN. S-2 Reports showed that the 2nd Para D~v was now in the
enemy line, plus remnants of the Cross Hamburg Regiment and attached
artillery and mortar units.
Co "A": Established its CP l-kilometer SW of DINSLAKEN.
Co "B": 1st Platoon jumped off at 0800, and encountered MG fire.
One of the tank guns (report unconfirmed) knocked out either a Mark
IV or V Tank. Lt Adams' tank was hit by a 75mm gun, and the tank gun
was ruined. This tank was replaced by 1500. 2nd Platoon jumped off at
0800, and was pinned down by heavy arty fire. 3rd Platoon moved out
from A350279 at 1330 hours. The Platoon Leader, liLt Richard L. Pagano
01017855, was hit and severely wounded by fragments from his tank
sprocket when it was shattered by artillery fire, and was evacuated.
Accident occurred near Coordinate Point 350279 at 1530 hours. The 3rd
tank in the platoon was knocked out of action by an 88~~ gun. In add-
ition, the 2nd and 4th tanks of the platoon were bogged down near the
point where Lt Pagano was injured. These tanks were pulled out by the
company tank recovery vehicle at 2200, aided by Pvt Dino DiPaulo,
33884756, who remained in one tank and directed the tank recovery ve-
hicle to the spot. During the day's action, T/5 John L. Waggoner,
38345396, carried a wounded Infantry officer to safety under artillery
fire of the enemy.
Co "D": Less 2nd Platoon which was guarding the MILCHPLATZ
bridgehead, remained near the Bn CP at MOLLEN, Germany, on N outskirts
of DINSLAKEN.
27 March - Bn Hq remained at MOLLEN, with Hq & Serv Cos. Co "D" also remained at the CP, with company uncommitted. Co "A": Remained with 3l3th Inf, whose general miss~on had re- solved into a direct push S from WALSUM to the RHINE-HERNE Canal, and generally following along the E bank of the Rhine River. Mission of the company for the day included the NEUE EMSCHLER Canal and WEHOFEN IvEHOFEN, which quickly received the nickname of the "waffle-iron" town from the characteristic shape of the streets, was hard fighting with sniper and bazooka fire holding up both tanks and ~nfantry. liLt Joseph M. Adams Jr, 01013476, was wounded in the hand during the fighting and was evacuated. Company CP moved to WEHOFEN after capture of the town. Co "B": After Action Reports under 26 March for this company ap- ply to 27 March instead. On 26 March, the three platoons continued in their role of supporting the infantry battalions of the 314th Inf Regt. Company was fighting in open country E of DINSLAKEN but was held up frequently because of terrain and determined enemy opposition.
-5-
Co "C": Enemy tront lines at end of period included Coordinate Points A360242 - 364237 - 355235, then S of AIDE Canal to AIDEM. POWs captured showed that the enemy was using Luftwaffe personnel as infant- ry plus the 2nd Para Div and atched Inf and Arty. The 1st Platoon, in its first real taste of combat, jumped of at 0500 for HOLDEN, which was mostly in ruins from our artillery registrations. Fire from the oil plant on left flank of infantry and tanks held up this element for a time, but by nightfall the 1st Platoon had pulled up just short of the Canal. Enemy artillery and feints as dismounted counterattacks gave the platoon no rest. 2nd Platoon remained in reserve in DINSLAKEN for most of the day, and moved down to HOLDEN for the night. The 3rd Platoon, under Co "C's" Maintenance Officer, liLt Robert A. Pulliam, 01018967, fought through WEHOFEN and by night, had reached the W bank of the NEUE EMSCHER Canal. Infantry aided the platoon by clearing out numerous bazooka nests during the day's fighting.
28 March - Bn Hq, Hq Co, and Serv Co, remained at MOLLEN.
Co "A": After WEHOFEN, enemy resistance in the 313th Inf and Co
"A" sector decreased. Infantry mounted tanks and Capt Jay, the Company
Commander, described the action in HAMBORN as "another road march!" The
company bivouacked in the town for the night. Unofficial, but highly
confirmed among the Infantry, was a new nickname for 2/Lt James R.
Austin, 01018909: "George Patton Jr."
Co "B": 1st Platoon was relieved in it's sector just N of SCHLA-
GER-HEIDE and assembled in DINSLAKEN 'Sgt-Richard' Weeks. '34823670; was
evacuated with a bad leg or ankle, and was replaced by Sgt Benjamin W.
Blakeley, 34161108. 2nd Platoon jumped off at 0815, and met a 88mm
gun. The platoon leader's tank, Lt Stinson's, was knocked out near
SCHNACHTEN. Wounded included T/4 George H. Guerrero, 37354598; Cpl
Vito Malonis, 35066159; Pfc J. D. Davis, 38691046, who left the burning
tank. The 2nd section of the platoon bogged down near this point. The
3rd Platoon jumped off at 0815, and was held up by 88's W of
SCHNACHTEN. The Company CP moved to vicinity of (Coordinates deleted).
Co "C": At end of period, this unit was holding enemy from the
autobahn at 365241, S along the autobahn to RHINE HERNE Canal, thence W
along SE bank of Canal. The 7th Para Regt from the 2nd Para Div held
positions on the reverse slope of the autobahn, held by VOLKSSTURM
troops. In the company sector, the enemy was determined to hold the
autobahn, and repulsed all attempts to crack this line during the day.
2nd Platoon advanced from the NEUE EMSCHER Canal to the RHINE~HERNE
Canal, meeting little resistance. As the Infantry battalion and
supporting tanks and tank destroyers neared the latter canal, the enemy
blew the bridges over the canal. The 3rd Platoon met most of its
resistance at BUCHSHAUSEN, just E of HAMBORN, and held the line there
for the night, catching occasional heavy mortar and sniper fire from
the soldiers and one woman sniper still in the streets.
Co "D": Which had been committed to action with the 314th Inf
Regt the previous day, moved from a bivouac area in tne vicinity of
RUHNEREIDE to a bivouac in the vicinity of SCHMACTENDORF, arriving
there at 0900 hours. The 1st Platoon, attached to Co "L" of the 314th,
attacked from SCHMACTENDORF with a mission of seizing the autobahn and
advancing to the SE. This Platoon fought hard, and won the admiration
of the Infantry very quickly by bold action against dug-in AT fire.
-6-
Sgt Joseph Panichi, 37564032, received a slight shoulder wound from sniper fire. This Platoon was later relieved by the 3rd Platoon at DUNKELSCHAG at 2000 hours. All companies expressed satisfaction with the way Serv Co drivers, loaned out to companies, carried supplies to the platoons while under fire and over difficult routes.
29 March - Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at MOLLEN. Co "A": Was quiet and sat tight on positions in HAMBORN (N of DUISBURG). Co "C": At the close of the day, was completely along the N bank of the RHINE-HERNE Canal. Sectors on the 2nd and 3rd Platoon fronts were quiet with only occasional artillery and sniper fire coming from the enemy. T/4 William H. Moser, 38478342, was hit in the head and immediately evacuated in a critical condition. Bullet was fired by a civilian sniper while T/4 Moser was out of his tank. The 1st Platoon sector was still hot, and the Platoon was forced to remain buttoned-up all day. This Platoon received little sleep since it was first committed at HOLDEN. Co "B": Although all platoons were in moderate action throughout the day, there were no casualties. Co "D": 3rd Platoon jumped off from DUNKELSCHLAG at 0600 hours, attached to Co "I", 314th Inf Regt, and attacked to the SE with OSTER- FELD as the objective. Sniper and automatic fire weapons were en- countered, but there were no casualties. Company was detached from the 314th and attached to the 315th at 1530 hours, and moved from bivouac in the vicinity of SCHMACTENDORF to STEMMERSBERG.
30 March - Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co left MOLLEN at 0900 and marched to new CP area at HAMBORN, arriving there at 1032. Distance travelled: 7 miles. Co "A": Remained at its CP, with no action recorded. Co "B": Which had been working every day since R-Day, finally received a rest, and a chance for maintenance and replacement. Company CP remained at STERKRADE in the 314th sector. Co "C": Moved its CP from a village on the N bank of the NEUE- EMSCHER Canal to BOY near BOTTROP. Although the 3 platoons were moved to the N approaches to the RHINE-HERNE Canal, and received intermit- tent artillery and small arms fire, practically all personnel were given and weapons. clean up, eat hot meals, and perform maintenance on tanks a chance to Co "D": CP remained at STEMMERSBERG.
31 March - Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co CP's: No changes. Co "A": Was inactive in its sector. Co "B": Was inactive in its sector. Co "C": Was inactive in its sector. Correction on After Action Report for 30 March: CP was moved on 31 March. Co "D": CO's formal After Action Report read as follows: "D" Co moved from Biv vic STEMMERSBERG, GERM (401240) 1006 to assembly area vic BOTTROP, GERM (458260). Assigned mission of preserving order in vic BOTTROP. 2nd Platoon moved from assembly area to guard Displace- ment Personnel Camp (439268) 1530. Captured 2 POW's vic assembly area 1400.
-7-
Co, Co "D", also sent the following informal report to the 717th Co: "Am now working AMG thru 315th Co CP now located at 444251. Doing OK, but this job could be better." signed: Murphy, Capt.
SMITH 5-3
-8-
OPERATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE REPORT
717th Tank Battalion
APO 339, U S Army
1 - 30 April 1945
1 April - Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at HAMBORN (RA 3222), about three city blocks from Hq, 79th Inf Div. The Battalion Command- er, Lt Col Odor, used the period 1-6 April to visit various platoon Cps of the tank companies, which were taking advantage of their first real break since the Rhine River crossing on 24 March. Church services for Easter were held throughout the 79th Inf sector, and almost all 717th personnel received the opportunity to attend one of the church services held.
Co "A" remained billeted in HAMBORN. At 0800 three tanks from the 2nd & 3rd platoons were placed in position to knock out sus- pected enemy OPs in DUISBURG, across the RHINE-HERNE canal. The tanks were withdrawn after successful completion of the mission. Co "B" was billeted at STERKRADE (RA 3824), which it had helped to take. Company performed first echelon maintenance and general clean-up work. Co "C": All three of "C's" platoons were supporting the 315th Inf Regt in a static position along the RHINE-HERNE Canal from RA4322-4823. S/A and occasional mortar fire was reported from the enemy side of the canal. Enemy snipers were active N of the canal. Cpl Hubert West, a gunner in the 1st platoon, took the head off a curious Kraut who looked up over the railroad embankment with one 76mm round. In Co "D," the 2nd Section, 1st Platoon, was given (the) mission of guarding ST MARIEN HOSPITAL (433266), which held 134 wounded German PWs. Company CP remained at BOTTROP (RA4425).
2 April -- Bn CP remained at HAMBORN. T/5 Matthew L. Kelly was
SWIA when he accompanied 2/Lt James R. AUstin in an attempted recovery
of a British vehicle, located near OBERHAUSEN, Germany (RA3922). T/5
Kelly was hit in the arm by flying debris from a sniper's bullet.
Hq & Serv Cos remained at HAMBORN.
In Co "A", all platoons remained in their respective defens-
ive positions, and carried on necessary tank maintenance. 2/Lt Austin
was wounded in the face by a sniper bullet (see above) and was evacu-
uated.
Co "B" remained at STERKRADE and carried on usual organiza-
tional duties.
Co "C" platoons remained in position along the RHINE-HERNE,
shooting occasionally at S/A targets that appeared across the canal.
Co "D's" 2nd Section, 1st platoon, was relieved of guard
details over the German PWs in ST MARIEN HOSPITAL.
3 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co carried on their usual duties
at HAMBORN.
Co "A" platoons held previous positions at 1400, 2nd and 3rd
platoons moved tanks to firing positions to engage enemy OPS in DUISBURG, Although nearly ruined by bombing, Nazi elements at DUISBURG- appeared determined to hold the line of the RHINE-HERNE.
Co "B": Usual duties with CP in STERKRADE.
-1-
Co "C": 1st and 2nd platoons remained in positions, with 1st
platoon taking under fire points of movement S of RHINE-HERNE CANAL.
3rd Platoon remained in reserve, using one of BOTTROP's best houses for
a CP, and the street-car shed for a motor park.
Co "D": 3rd Platoon given mission of guarding a Displaced
Persons Camp at BOTTROP (458258).
4 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co CPs remained at HAMBORN.
Co "A's" platoons held their positions. The enemy artillery
threw propaganda leaflets into the 3rd platoon sector. No. 2 Tank of
the 3rd Platoon, plus the AG Section attached, responded by shelling
and destroying an enemy CP in DUISBURG. Sgt Guile's AG crew was
commended by the 3rd Bn CO for its work on this job.
In Co "B", usual organizational duties were performed.
Co "C's" 1st and 2nd platoons remained along the RHINE-HERNE
with the 3rd Platoon in reserve.
In Co "D" 1/Lt Charles Genuit was transferred to Co "A" and
1/Lt Clarence Guthris assumed command of the 3rd platoon. 3rd Platoon
was still busy with its DP Camp at BOTTROP.
5 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at CP at HAMBORN.
Co "A" remained in position, but received warning orders for
future movements.
Co "B" received the same type of orders.
1st & 2nd Platoons of Co "C" received heavy mortar and arty
fire, believed to be coming from the ViCinity of the remains of the
Krupp Armament Works in NW ESSEN.
Co "D's" 3rd Platoon was relieved of guard duty in the DP
Camp at BOTTROP. Remainder of the company: usual organization duties.
6 April -- Bn Hq and Hq Co left HAMBORN at 1710 and moved to BUER,
Germany (RA 5232), arriving at 1945, BUER was the first "non-kaput" town
the battalion had yet moved into or through in the RUHR VALLEY. Mortar
Platoon had previously reconnoitered the area for billets with the Bn
Ex O.
Serv Co also moved to HORST (RA5157) S of BUER, and
billeted, preparatory to crossing the RHINE-HERNE. Except for one
stray mortar shell which landed in the 3rd platoon area, no enemy
activity was recorded, although the noise of the moving tanks must have
been audible to the enemy on the S side of RHINE-HERNE.
Co "B" moved CP from STERKRADE to vicitingy NW of
GELSENKIRCHEN, on Co "A's" right flank. Distance traveled: 11 miles.
The comany was alerted for future movements.
Co "C's" line platoons were relieved by units of the 17th A/B
Div and the company moved to HORST to prepare for the RHINE-HERNE Canal
crossing.
Co "D's" 2nd platoon was attached to the 313th Inf for
assault of the RHINE-HERNE. Co "D'" CP moved to HORST.
7 April -- Bn HQ, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at CPs in BUER,
Germany (RA5232), Mortar Platoon was attached to 315th Inf for possible
fire missions.
Co "A" was alerted to cross the RHINE-HERNE at 0100. The
retreating Germans had destroyed the bridges a week before, and made it
difficult for engineers to erect another bridge needed for the
crossing. Enemy artillery registered accurately on the bridge site
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chosen, accounting for the delay the tanks experienced in crossing.
Platoon leaders of Co "B" reported to their respective
infantry Bns at 0700, and at 0900, the tank platoons joined up with
their battalions. Both "B" and "C" Companies were unable to get across
the canal because of the lack of the bridge, and sat the day out on the
friendly side of the canal.
Co "D" remained on the friendly side of the canal.
8 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at CPs in BUER.
Co "A" CP moved from HORST to HEGANANNSHOT.
1st Platoon of "A" crossed the canal at 1000 and attacked SW
of GELSENKIRCHEN, one of the principal cities of the Ruhr. In this
attack, the platoon supported Co "B" of the 313th Inf, with the 2nd
Section sticking close to the lead elements of the company. Enemy
resistance was light, some prisoners were taken.
2nd Platoon of Co "A" also crossed at about 1000 and joined
an infantry battalion on the other side of the canal which had been
"sweating out" the arrival of its tanks and tank destroyers. 1st
Section of the Platoon joined Co "F" of the infantry and moved into
attack. 2nd Section joined with Co "F". The 1st section ran through
S/A fire, bumped into an SP mounting either at 75 or 88 in SCHONNUBECK
(RA4418). The enemy gun fired three misses at No 1 tank; the fourth
shot bounced off the tank and hit an infantryman, breaking his
shoulder. A nearby TD and No 1 and 2 tanks of the section exchanged
shots with the SP gun, with No 1 taking credit for knocking out the SP.
The platoon moved into position for the night near a site where they
had previosuly liberated large numbers of slave laborers. An estimated
80 Nazis were captured during the day's fighting.
3rd Platoon crossed at 1145, arrived at GELSENKIRCHEN, and
took up defensive positions. Attached AG crew from Hq Co fired on spot
enemy positions at 1700 hours, resulting in the capture of a large
number of prisoners, including officers. Sgt. Fitzgerald's crew was
commended for their work in this action.
Co "B": 2nd Platoon moved to an assembly position on the
canal at 1630 to RA 5126. 1st Platoon moved to assembly position at
1800 in vicinity of RA5123.
All of Co "C's" platoons crossed the RHINE-HERNE in the area
of the 314th Inf. 3rd platoon crossed at 1100, followed shortly by the
1st and 2nd platoons. All three platoons joined their rightful
regiment (315th) and supported it in an assault which was receiving
heavy enemy fire. 1st Platoon destroyed a 75mm AT gun and several 20mm
AA guns which were being used in an AT role. The 2nd platoon fought to
the northern outskirts of ESSEN. At 1900 the 2nd Platoon was relieved
of assignment with the 79th Inf Div, and attached in support of the 17
A/B Div in its night attack on the factory district in ESSEN at RA4822.
This platoon supported the 2nd Bn of the 507th Para Regt in taking and
occupying the objective.
The 3rd platoon of Co "D" crossed the RHINE-HERNE about 1100,
but was not committed. This platoon was detached from the 3rd Bn,
315th Inf and attached to the 314th Inf at 2230. Co "D's" 2nd platoon
crossed at about 0930, and was not committed.
9 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at respective Cps at UER.
Two platoons of Co "A" -- the 1st and 3rd - continued to hold
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their sectors. The 3rd located an ammo dump, and reported it to the
infantry.
Co "A's" 2nd platoon attacked KRAY (RA5419) on the outskirts
of ESSEN, encoutering S/A fire on the E end of the suburb. The platoon
picked up a Volkswagen and about 65 prisoners: - kept the Volkswagen
and turned the prisoners over to accompanying infantry. Bog, No 1 tank,
T/5 Spitzer, did most of the platoon's shooting for the day.
In Co "B", all three platoons were busy, with the 1st and 3rd
moving out at 0700 near BARKARFERHEIDE (RA5134). The 1st and 2nd
platoons reached their objectives at about 1630, but the 3rd platoon
encountered one hot spot of a type frequently encountered in the Ruhr
fighting, where one gun crew with good fields of fire was able to hold
up attached armor indefinitely. This was an 88mm gun, whose crew put a
round past No 1 tank of the third platoon as the tank rounded the
corner of a house. This gun fired almost continuously from 1700 until
2300, when it was rushed by our troops. The gun crew surrendered with
one round of 88mm ammo left to fire. The 3rd platoon finally reached
its objective at 0430 the next morning.
The 1st and 3rd platoons of Co "C" supported the 315th in its
assault and gained objective E of Essen, encountering artillery and S/A
fire.
The 2nd platoon, which had moved over to support 17th A/B
Division, took the factory and factory area of a division of the KRUPPS
Armanent Works at 463221, NW of ESSEN. After moving through the factory
streets, the 2nd platoon returned to the 79th Inf Div, and moved to
take up positions E of ESSEN.
10 April -- Bn Cp moved from BUER at 0815 and arrived at KATERNBERG (RA5222), on the S side of the RHINE-HERNE CANAL near GELSENKIRCHEN. Hq Co (less AG and Mortar Platoons) also moved CPs to KALTENBERG. Mortar platoon fired harrassing fire into ESSEN (87 rounds). Serv Co moved with HQ elements. Co "A" moved its CP to BOCHUM. At 0800 the 1st platoon moved out in support of Co "B", 313th. In the attack, 2/Lt Russell, the platoon leader, was injured when a turret hatch closed on his foot, and Sgt James L. Pitzer took charge of the platoon. Enemy resistance was described as moderate. The 2nd platoon with a Hq Co AG attached, moved out at 0900, and met action on the outskirts of BOCHUM (RA6320), furnished by Volkssturm personnel who put up more of a fight than was expected. A panzerfaust unit which had holed up at a street inter- section was flushed out by direct fire, and the personnel taken prisoner. In one fight, the 76 on Tank No 1 was firing at targets 40 or 50 yards away on the street, and shock action as well as hits made many enemy soldiers surrender. Second Section, 1st platoon, knocked out a SP gun during the day's action. The third platoon moved out at 0830 and marched from HERNE to BOCHUM. At 2015 the platoon moved to KRAY to an assembly position. Two of Co "B's" platoons jumped off at 0700 attacking E towards ground almost due S of BOCHUM. The first platoon jumped off E of STEELE just N of the ROHR RIVER, and moved slowly toward the objective, because-of MG fire on the exposed flank of the infantry. Sgt Seymour was slightly wounded about 0930 and was evacuated, his place in his tank being taken by Sgt Weeks. T/4 Shaeffer received a slight hand wound but was not evacuated. The platoon reached its objective at 2000 (?) in the evening. The 2nd platoon jumped off S of
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LEITHL (RA56l8l, met light opposition, and captured about 40 PWs.
Co "c" claims part credit for the first entry of American
troops proper into ESSEN when the 1st and 2nd platoons accompanied a
light force of infantry into the town. No enemy fire was encountered -
ESSEN was kaput. The 3rd platoon moved to a new defensive position
along the N Bank of the RUHR RIVER.
11 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co CPs at KATERNBERG.
Co "A" CP was moved to S ESSEN, close to the 3l3th Inf CPo
1st Platoon attacked S of ESSEN to the RUHR RIVER. Enemy resistance
was light, as the enemy had forseen the attack, and had pulled the bulk
of his forces -- now split into oddly - named combat teams made up of
paratroopers, convalescent cases, converted Luftwaffe pilots, etc. --
across the river. At 1900 the Platoon pulled into WETTIG to support a
slight bridgehead that Co "A" had made across the river. Two platoons'
tanks knocked out several gun emplacements on the other side of the
river, thus strengthening the bridgehead, but in retaliation, the
Germans threw heavy artillery across the river all night long.
The 2nd platoon marched to ESSEN with its infantry, billeted,
but remained on alert.
The 3rd platoon moved out at 0730 to an assembly area at
FRILLENDORG, and attackd with the infantry at 0815. RETTING-HAUSEN was
taken without opposition. At 1200 the attack was resumed and enemy
contact made at 1315 with enemy roadblocks. At 1600 the roadblocks had
been cleared, the platoon moved on towards the RUHR RIVER, encountering
another roadblock covered by SP guns. These were knocked out, and the
platoon advanced to a point overlooking the RUHR RIVER and took the
opposite bank under fire. At 1845 an enemy 88mm gun shot two rounds
across the river, aimed at No 1 tank. The 2nd shot hit the turret, and
2/Lt Robert W. Shields was killed as the round penetrated the upper
part of the turret, cutting off the cal 30 machine gun mounted there
and driving it through his body. T/4 Burgess, the driver, displayed
commendable courage in remaining with his tank, backing it out of
vision of the enemy gun, and later driving his tank back to an assembly
position.Sgt James Pitzer took charge of the platoon which had
completed all of the fighting it was to do in the RUHR campaign.
In Co "B", the 1st platoon moved into the attack position but
did not move out. 2nd Platoon moved into the attack position but did
not move out. Baker CP moved to vicinity of KRAY (RA84l8) (7).
Co "C" 1st and 2nd platoons moved with the 1st and 2nd Bns
(3l5th Inf Regt) in approach march formation thru ESSEN the most
demolished city of the German Reich that the Battalion had ever marched
or fought through in Europe. Over 300 prisoners were taken. The 1st
platoon moved through MIUHEIM, taking prisoners. All three of Co "C's"
platoon took up positions overlooking the RUHR RIVER on a line from
RA4ll4 to RA4309. The 2nd platoon took under fire an enemy column
across the RUHR and destroyed four enemy vehicles besides pinning. down
enemy troops until friendly support artillery destroyed them. Casual-
ties from this action were estimated as over 100.
Co "D" claimed credit for its 1st platoon as being the first
American troops to enter the center of ESSEN (RA50ll9l) at 2000, with
1st Lt D.W. Allen and Sgt Edward A. Seidner listed as the first
American tankers. 2nd Platoon was attached to the 315th Inf Regt. with
mission of contacting the 75th Inf Div E of BOCHUM.
12 April -- S-2 and S-3 Air left for Co "A" at 0900 for attachment
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as platoon leaders, due to the casualty rate in officers this company had sustained. Cps of Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co remained at KATERNBERG. Co "A" Company Hq remained at CP at S Essen. Platoons spent the day cleaning weapons and maintaining vechiles. 1/Lt A.A. Smith took command of the 3rd platoon. 1/Lt R.M. Brown was appointed acting company executive officer. Sgt. Ronald N. Shea, Cpl E.E. Waters, and Pvt Earl G. Fowler were wounded by enemy artillery fire (airbursts) on a maintenance mission to the 3rd platoon and were evacuated to the 41st Evacuation Hospital. Co "B": CP remained at KRAY, with all platoons engaged in routine clean-up duties. Co "C": 2nd and 3rd Platoons moved with battalions to positions along the RUHR RIVER, relieving units of the 35th Inf Div and occupied static positions.1st platoon held in regimental reserve. Co "D": 1st platoon was assigned mission of guarding DP camp located at FRILLENDORG (RA531183), at 1030 hours. This platoon captured three German prisoners while on this mission. Platoon was relieved at 1830. Co "D" was relieved of AMG mission at 1400, and reverted to 717th Tk Bn control. CP was moved to SCHONNEBECK (RA5319) at 1730 hours.
11 April -- Bn CP and Hq Co moved from KATERNBERG (RA5222) at 0855, and proceeded by mounted march to GELSENKIRCHEN (RA5722) arriving at 1015. Distance traveled: 3.7 miles. Serv Co. left ROTTHAUSEN (RA5523) at 1330 and moved by mounted march to GELSENKIRCHEN arriving at 1415. Distance traveled: 2 miles. Co "A" moved to LANGENDREER (RA7020) from S ESSEN, and the platoons took up defensive positions along the RUHR. Co "B": No change. Co "C": The platoons occupied their present positions. Co "D": The company moved to new billets in GELSENKIRCHEN. Co was used to quell riots and maintain order in this city.
14 April -- Hq Co and Co "D" relieved units guarding vital in- stallations in GELSENKIRCHEN. Serv Co: Usual duties. Co "A": Company marched from LANGENDREER to GELSENKIRCHEN, with 1st and 2nd platoons relieved from their infantry attachments, and reverting to company control. The 3rd platoon remained attached to the 3rd Bn, 3l3th Inf Detachment, in a position overlooking the RUHR RIVER. Co "B": No change. Co "C": The company, less the 1st platoon, withdrew from established positions and assembled at GELSENKIRCHEN, 1st Platoon remained with the 315th Inf Hegt in the regimental reserve.
15 April -- Hq CP moved out of CP at GELSENKIRCHEN at 1430 and proceeded by mounted march to BUER (RA543l), arriving at 1510. Distance traveled: 7.2 miles. Hq Co. less one Mtr squad and AG section was relieved by the 315th Inf Regt and rejoined organization at 1747. Serv Co left GELSENKIRCHEN at 1445 and arrived at BUER at 1615. Distance traveled: 11 miles. Co "A": This company left GELSENKIRCHEN and arrived at BUER- RESSE (RA5631). 3rd Platoon moved from its position at BROCKHAUSEN (RA6414) to BOCHUM (6520). No action took place at BROCKHAUSEN, although firing positions were reconnoitered. Co "B" CP moved to NORDHAUSEN (RA7916).
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Co "C" moved to SWECKEL (RA4833). 1st Platoon remained in 315th regimental reserve. Co "D" Co CP moved to vicinity of POL SUM (RA5137).
16 April -- No change in CPs or duties of Bn Hq, Hq Co and Service Co. Co "A's" third platoon returned to the CP after being relieved of its infantry attachment.Roadblocks were initiated in this town (BUER-RESSE). Co "B" moved to BUER, arriving at 1530 hours. Co "C" moved to BUER and prepared to occupy area under Militery Government. Co "D'The company established roadblocks and began operation of roving patrols in their area.
17 April -- Bn Hq left BUER at 1300 and proceeded by mounted march to BRAMBAUER (RA7933), arriving at 1520. Distance traveled: 21.3 miles. The battalion was attached upon arrival to the 75th Infantry Division which had fought through the area over which the battalion marched to its new attachment. Serv Co and HQ CO moved with Bn HQ to BRAMBAUER. Co "A", "B", and "C" moved to BRAMBAUER on this date.
18 April -- All companies remained at Brambauer, spending the day in maintenance and general clean-up duties. Late this date, the 7l7th Tank Battalion was relieved of attachment to the 75th Inf Div and was ordered to return to BUER for subsequent re-attachment to the 79th Inf Div. 2nd Lt Lea D. Fish reported to CO of Co "A". He was the first man to receive a battlefield commission in the battalion.
19 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co departed BRAMBAUER in the morning and proceeded back to BUER and vicinity, relieving elements of the 744th Tk Bn from Military Government details which had just begun in that town when the 717th left for its intended mission with the 75th Inf. Co "A" established roadblocks in the BUER-RESSE area. Co "B" placed two roadblocks on important roads to control movement of DPs and took over one DP camp. Co "C" established roadblocks. Co "D" established a CP at WESTERHOLT, with the mission of collection DPs and Allied PWs in the WESTERHOLT, MARL, DORSTEN area.
20 April -- Hq Co (elements of RCN and AG Platoons) took over a DP Camp in N. BUER and began sanitation and camp identification measures to improve living conditions and control of DPs in the camp. All companies checked in stray German PWs, mostly Volksturm personnel, who were beginning to find their way home after the surrender of their units in the RUHR Valley Pocket.
21 April -- Bn Hq and Hq Co and Serv Co CPs remained unchanged. Latter Companies - no change.
22 April -- Bn Hq & Hq Co left BUER during the morning and arrived
at BOTTROP (RA4425). Distance traveled: 8.9 miles. Serv Co traveled"
to BOTTROP, leaving BUER at 1330 and arriving at 1445.
Co "A" left BUER-RESSE at 0950 and proceeded by mounted march
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to GLADBECK (RA4989), traveling 5 miles. At GLADBECK the company relieved Co "G" of the 513th Para Regt of eight OP Camps and one German ammo dump. 3rd Platoon of Co "A" remained at BUER-RESSE until 1230, when the platoon was relieved of guard duties there by elements of the 511th FA Bn. Co "B" moved to BOTTROP and took over guard duties on nine OP camps from Co "c" 513th Para Regt. Co "C": The CP moved from BUER to ZWECKEL (RA4732) closing in their new area at 1315. Company relieved Co "G", 533th Para Regt of guard duties on OP Camps. Co "D": The company CP moved to KIRCHELLEN (RA3434). The 1st Platoon was relieved at 1230 and joined the company. 2nd Platoon moved to vicinity of DORSTEN (RA4640), and relieved Co "H", 513th Para Regt of guard duties at OP camp at 1530. 3rd Platoon moved to area approx- imately 3 miles N of BOTTROP (4230).
23 April -- Bn Hq, Hq Co and Serv Co CPs were unchanged. Ammo Section of the AG Platoon relieved 513th Para Regt of guard duties at Prosper Mine No 2 in BOTTROP. No change in duties or assignments of latter companies.
25 April -- Normal duties for all companies. Mortar Platoon leader and 12 men placed on duty at large OP camp and canal locks on LIPPE CANAL near DORSTEN. While Pfc. Alvin P. Prewitz was hauling Allied PWs, his truck got stuck, and Sgt. Plato of Co "D", who was riding with him, went back to get a tank for recovery purposes. As Pfc Prewitt started to enter his vehicle, his weapon was accidentally discharged and killed him. Incident took place at RA4333.
26 April -- Usual guard and organizaton duties. The battalion headquarters' tankdozer crew went to STERKRADE (RA3925) to assist 513th Para Regt in removal of AP mines near the RHINE-HERNE CANAL. Mission was accomplished in about six hour's time and caused no casualties. Co "D" opened a DP camp approximately 1.5 miles N of FELOHAUSEN (RA4737) and assigned 1st platoon as guards.
27 April -- Usual duties for all companies. 3rd Platoon of Co "A" took over adminstration and guard at Russian DP camp located at RA 4929 near OORSTEN.
28 April -- Usual duties for the battalion, Hq Co Roving Patrol was involved in accident in BOTTROP at about 1630 hours, when the vehicle in which the patrol was riding collided with a Serv Co truck, due to wet and slippery street conditions. No one was seriously injured. On the same day Co "B" attached Medical 1/4 ton truck collided with a British Ouck. No one was seriously injured.
29 April -- Usual organizational duties.
30 April - Usual organizational duties. Pfc John T. McLeland was
injured by an enemy mine when he stepped on it at about 1915. The mine
had been planted near a bridge abutment on the RHINE-HERNE CANAL
(428221) and left when the enemy withdrew. McLeland failed to hear the
warning of a guard on the bridge, and the mine exploded, blowing off
has right leg below the knee. This was the battalion's first casualty
as a result of mines.
Smith
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