134th Infantry Regiment"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
HEADQUARTERS 320TH INFANTRY
APO 35 U S ARMY
3 February 1945
SUBJECT: Report
After Action Against Enemy
TO : The
Adjutant General
Washington 25,
D. C.
1. In
compliance with the provisions of Par 10, C3, AR 345-105, submitted below is
report after action against enemy for the 320th Infantry covering the period
1-31 January 1945.
January 1,
1945: The 320th Infantry maintained it's positions facing north against the
German positions in the town of Harlange, Luxembourg and the woods to the east.
The Regiment had attacked northward across the Sure River on December 27, 1944
and had advanced against increasing enemy resistance to its present positions.
On December 31, the Regiment had largely maintained its positions making small
gains and preparing defenses against a threatened counter-attack from north of
Harlange. During the day the Regiment (minus 1st Battalion attached to 137th
Infantry) occupied positions as follows: Second Battalion occupied north portion
of woods at 6049, Companies F and G on the line and Company E disposed in depth
to the rear as a reserve and with added mission of protection Battalion left
flank. The Third Battalion was disposed as follows: Company I southeast of Farm
Furhman, vicinity of 615489, Company L at 618491 to 620493, Company K south of
clearing at 634488. The attacks of the Regiment were held to small local gains
because of fierce enemy resistance. Supporting fires were given by the 216th
F.A. Battalion, the 219th F.A. Battalion, the 179th F.A. Battalion, the 3rd
Chemical Battalion and the Regiment’s own Cannon Company. Most supporting fires
were directed against enemy infantry and dug-in machine gun positions, and
against towns to the north from which the enemy operated.
January 2,
1945: Companies F and G continued to clear the woods near their positions then
advanced east and secured the road leading from Farm Furhman south to Flebur.
The Third Battalion also attacked and made some gains. First Battalion remained
attached to 137th Infantry.
January 3,
1945: Both Battalions again attacked during the day and made gains in heavy
fighting. The Second Battalion repelled two counter-attacks. At the end of the
day, Companies K and L occupied new positions from which they had driven the
enemy. The 216th F.A. fired 2538 rounds in support of the day’s activities. The
First Battalion remained attached to the 137th Infantry. Company C, 735th Tank
Battalion (9 tanks and one SP 105 operational) was attached to the Regiment but
did not arrive in time for use during the day.
January 4,
1945: Fog limited visibility and the heavy snow hampered the mobility of the
tanks so that the attack of the Second Battalion on this day did not jump off
until 0800. The Third Battalion moved at 0630 to gain enemy positions before
daylight and made substantial gains, clearing heavily wooded areas of the enemy
after heavy fighting. The Second Battalion, with tank support, captured Furhman
farm and cleared the enemy from the woods North of the farm and East of
Harlange. They then seized four buildings east of Harlange. Late in the day the
supporting tanks withdrew and a counter-attack, supported by enemy tanks, forced
the Second Battalion to withdraw from these buildings. During the day, the Third
Battalion overran 10 machine-gun positions and 1 mortar position, captured 88
PW’s and killed approximately 100. The final positions at the end of the day
extended from 618494 to 620496. Visibility throughout the period was extremely
limited.
January 5,
1945: At 0830 the Second Battalion repelled an enemy counter-attack supported by
tanks and half-tracks. The enemy reformed and, supported by more infantry, again
attacked and forced a withdrawal of the Second Battalion of about 100 yards into
the woods in order to defend against the tanks which could not enter the woods.
Heavy fighting also continued in the sector of the Third Battalion. Local gains
were scored in the sector and prisoners taken. The First Battalion was relieved
from attachment to 137th Infantry and attached to the 134th Infantry.
January 6,
1945: Heavy shelling and fighting continued in the Regimental sector. At 2255
the First Battalion of the 101st Infantry arrived and began effecting the relief
of the Third Battalion. The Third Battalion then assembled in Baschleiden
preparatory to moving by motor to Bastogne, Belgium to join CCB of the 6th
Armored Division. The Second Battalion continued to hold its positions and the
First Battalion remained attached to the 134th Infantry.
January 7,
1945: The relief of the Third Battalion was completed by 0715. Message from
Division Headquarters stated that upon completion of the relief of the 320th
Infantry, the C.T. would cease. At the end of the day the Second Battalion
continued to hold its positions southeast and east of Harlange and was prepared
for relief. The First Battalion remained attached to the 134th Infantry. The
Third Battalion, attached to CCB of the 6th Armored Division, was assembled in
Bastogne, Belgium.
January 8,
1945: The relief of the Second Battalion by Troop A of the 6th Cavalry Group and
elements of the 101st Infantry, was completed by 0230 and by 0940 the relief of
all special units of the 320th Infantry, had been completed and Colonel Scott,
C.O. of the 101st Infantry, had assumed full responsibility for the sector. The
Second Battalion and the special units assembled in vicinity of Baschleiden and
were alerted to move to new assembly area. The Regimental C.P. displaced from
Boulaide to Martelange, distance of 8 7/10 miles, closing in to new area at
1750. Regimental Hq Company, Anti-tank Company, and Service Company now in
assembly area at Martelange and Bigonville. The First Battalion remained
attached to 134th Infantry. The Third Battalion attached to CCB of the 6th
Armored Division in vicinity of Bastogne. Second Battalion and Cannon Company
attached to CCA of the 6th Armored Division.
January 9,
1945: Field Order No. 2 from Hq., 6th Armored Division directing that the
Battalions of the 320th Infantry be reinforced by anti-tank guns, was delivered
at 1115. The order also showed the composition of the different task forces
which elements of the 320th Infantry now helped to form. The battalions remained
attached as follows: First Battalion to 134th Infantry; Second Battalion and
Cannon Company to CCA of the 6th Armored Division; Third Battalion to CCB of the
6th Armored Division; Headquarters Company, Service Company and Anti-tank
Company remained in assembly area in Martelange and Bigonville.
January 10,
1945: Effective at 2400, the Second Battalion and Cannon Company were relieved
from attachment to CCA of the 6th Armored Division and attached to the 134th
Infantry Regiment. Disposition of the other units unchanged.
January 11,
1945: The Regimental C.P. closed in new area at 1600 after displacement of 10
miles from Martelange to Lasauge Chateau. The Regiment was informed by Division
that First Battalion, Second Battalion and Cannon Company were to revert to its
control and to be prepared to attack to the east on left of Division sector. At
1730 information received from Division that plans had been changed.
Dispositions of the Battalions unchanged from previous day. Regimental C.P.
located at Lasauge Chateau (555516). Medical Detachment and Anti-tank Company at
Martelange, and Service Company at Bigonville.
January 12,
1945: At 1320 the entire 320th Infantry Regiment was attached to the 6th Armored
Division. The First Battalion, Second Battalion and Cannon Company relieved from
attachment to 134th Infantry effective at 1300. At 1610 the C.P. displaced from
555516 to 557565 in vicinity of Bastogne, a distance of 3-1/2 miles. At 1815 the
Second Battalion had closed into an assembly area at Marvie. The Third Battalion
occupied a line extending from 590610 to 589604. The First Battalion assembled
in northeast portion of Bastogne. All units prepared to attack at 0830 January
13, pursuant to fragmentary order issued at 2000 January 12. Attached to the
320th Infantry for the operation were the following units: 68th Tank Battalion
with 21 operational medium tanks, Co. C 603rd T.D. Battalion (-1 platoon), Troop
A 86th Cavalry Squadron (mecz), 212th Armored F.A. Battalion (until relieved by
216th F.A. Battalion), 216th F.A. Battalion, the 776th F.A. Battalion (medium,
to reinforce fires of the 212th and 216th F.A. Battalions).
January 13,
1945: The Third Battalion attacked against stubborn enemy resistance from both
infantry and armor. Two platoons succeeded in reaching north edge of the
objective, a woods at 602602. They were forced to withdraw by opposition from
enemy tanks, one SP gun and infantry. Supporting tanks were unable to press
their attack since they were destroyed by enemy fire as each approached an
effective assault position. CO of supporting tanks was killed at this point,
which disrupted support of our armor. By darkness a favorable position was
secured with the help of the 502nd A.B. Regiment. The occupied positions of the
Third Battalion were from 597607 to 589597; the First Battalion 589610 to
588604. Second Battalion remained in 6th Armored Division reserve in Marvie. No
change in attachments of supporting units. 320th Infantry remained attached to
6th Armored Division.
January 14,
1945: After an air strike on woods at 602602 which ended at 0925 hours the First
and Third Battalions attacked at 1330 and the objective was secured by 1430.
Second Battalion moved to new assembly area at 589605. The regiment remained
attached to 6th Armored Division.
January 15,
1945: The First Battalion attacked before dawn, advancing over one mile of open
ground and closing with the enemy in the town of Oubourcy. By nightfall the town
was completely cleared with 157 prisoners taken, including 7 officers. Second
Battalion attacked to the left of the First Battalion and drove the enemy from
the quarry and the woods to the West of Oubourcy. Third Battalion also advanced
on the right. No change in attachments.
January 16,
1945: First and Second Battalions after an artillery preparation attacked the
town of Michamps. At 1013 we were in control of the town after overcoming slight
resistance during which prisoners were taken. At 1145 the First and Second
Battalions attacked the woods at 620620 with tank support and advanced against
moderate resistance. Just prior to this attack friendly aircraft bombed Michamp
with some disruptive effect on our troops. Message from Division notified the
regiment to be prepared for relief by the 134th Infantry. First and Second
Battalions consolidated positions at 630631, 630626 and 628626 to 629624. Third
Battalion in reserve in Michamps. Regiment in contact with 502nd Airborne
Regiment on the left and CCB of 6th Armored Division on the right. No change in
attachments.
January 17,
1945: First and Second Battalions again attacked the enemy positions and gained
positions dominating the Bourcy-Longvilly road, Second Battalion crossing the
road. Third Battalion remained in regimental reserve in Michamps. No change in
attachments. All units alerted for relief by 134th Infantry.
January 18,
1945: Second Battalion relief completed at 0910, Third Battalion at 0925 and
First Battalion at 0940. At 1000 Regimental CP displaced from 575592 to town of
Sainlez, a distance of 7 7/10 miles. All elements of regiment closed into new
assembly area by 1400: First Battalion at Houllange and Chaumont, Second
Battalion at Salvacourt, Hompre and Grand-Rue; Third Battalion at Remerville and
Clochemont; Anti-tank Company at CR (558565); Headquarters Company, Cannon
Company and Medical Detachment at Sainlez; Service Company at Hompre.
January 19,
1945: At 0945 leading elements of the 320th Infantry crossed IP at CR (539451)
en route to Metz, France. All elements had closed into new assembly area in Metz
by 1905. CT ceased at that time. Distance of displacement 79 1/10 miles.
January 20,
1945: 320th Infantry Regiment remained in assembly area in Metz, France and
conducted rehabilitation and training program.
January 21,
1945: No change from previous day.
January 22,
1945: 320th Infantry remained in assembly area in Metz, France, and upon receipt
of Division order No. 13, completed preparations for movement to Seventh Army
area on following day.
January 23,
1945: At 0730 first elements of CT 320th as per Operations Memo #5 began
movement from Metz, France, to 7th Army area. Last elements closed into new
assembly area by 1600. Regimental CP opened at Bidestroff, France, at 1330 after
displacement of 47 7/10 miles. At end of period 320th Infantry occupied
positions in new assembly area as follows: First Battalion – Loudrefing; Second
Battalion – Goubleng and Bourgaltroff; Third Battalion (- Co “L”) – Benestroff;
Company“L” – Vahl-les-Benestroff; Cannon Company –Domnom-les-Dieuze; Anti-tank
Company – Cutting; Service Company, Company “C” of 110th Medical Bn, Medical
Detachment, Company “C”of 60th Engineer Bn – Bidestroff; 216th FA Battalion
–Vergaville. All units of the CT alerted for movement for relief of 274th
Infantry Regiment of 70th Infantry Division as per Field Order #31.
January 24,
1945: Leading elements of CT 320 began crossing IP located at 340270 at 0730
hours. At 1330 hours regimental CP opened at Wingen after displacement of 39
7/10 miles. The relief of the 274th Infantry Regiment was completed at 2110
hours and full responsibility accepted by CO 320th Infantry for the sector at
that time. Units of positions as follows: First Battalion at 748406 to 763385,
Third Battalion 763385 South to 766379, thence East to 783377, Second Battalion
(-Company “H”) in regimental reserve in Wingen; Company H in Puberg. Regimental
Train in Asswiller.
January 25,
1945: The regiment continued to occupy defensive positions as shown on previous
day. The front line battalions continued active patrolling and improvement of
defensive positions.
January 26,
1945: Company “H”moved from Puberg to Wingen-sur-Moder to rejoin Second
Battalion. Other activities and dispositions same as previous day.
January 27,
1945: The Second Battalion relieved the First Battalion beginning at 1230 with
the relief completed by 1800. First Battalion moved into reserve area formerly
occupied by Second Battalion. Continued active patrolling by the front line
units. Other dispositions same as previous day.
January 28,
1945: Second and Third Battalions continued active patrolling with small changes
in defense lines to improve defensive positions. Bridge guards and security for
regimental area provided by First Battalion. Demolitions and defensive works
prepared by the attached engineers.
January 29,
1945: The 179th Infantry of the 45th Infantry Division moved into the area to
relieve the 320th Infantry. The relief was completed by 2300 and the regiment
moved to assembly area as follows: First Battalion remained in Wingen; Second
Battalion moved to assembly area in Asswiller; Third Battalion to assembly area
in Lohr; Headquarters Company, Anti-tank Company, Cannon Company and Medical
Detachment moved to assembly area in Petersbach. Service Company remained in
Zittersheim. Regimental CP opened in Petersbach after displacement of 10 7/10
miles.
January 30,
1945: Division Movement Order No. 1, dated 292200 January 1945 directing
movement to Ninth Army area delivered to Regimental CO at 0150. At 0200 CO
issued to all units of the 320th Infantry Operations Memo No. 6 calling for
movement by motor and rail to Ninth Army area. Leading elements of Motor column
crossed IP at Durstel at 1330 and last elements closed in at St. Mihiel, France
at 0115 (31 January). Other elements of the regiment en route by rail.
January 31,
1945: Leading elements of the motor column crossed IP at St. Mihiel, France, at
1215 and all elements of the motor column had closed into respective assembly
area at 0410 (1 February) as follows: Second Battalion at La Planck, Belgium;
Third Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company at Mheer, Holland;
Cannon Company at Fouron St. Martin, Belgium; Service Company at Hoogeruts,
Holland; Anti-tank Company at Bergenhauzen, Holland; First Battalion at
Noorbeek, Holland; other elements of the regiment enroute by rail. Regimental CP
opened at 0315 (1 February) at Mheer, Holland, after total displacement distance
from Petersbach of approximately 300 miles.
2. Casualties
for this period:
Officers |
EM |
Total |
|
Killed
in Action |
4 |
13 |
17 |
Wounded in Action |
17 |
353 |
370 |
Missing in Action |
1 |
119 |
120 |
The following
decorations have been recommended:
1 -
Distinguished Service Cross
20 - Silver
Star
31 - Bronze
Star
Total prisoners
taken were 526.
(Signature)
B. A. BYRNE
Colonel, 320th Infantry
Commanding
Incl:
Unit journals
with
supporting
documents.
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