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The 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion |
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1 June 1944 6 June 1945 |
Due To Space Limitations It Is Impossible To Give A Day-By-Day
Account Of All Activities.
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France Belgium Germany |
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The 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion |
|
1 June 1944 6 June 1945 |
Due To Space Limitations It Is Impossible To Give A Day-By-Day
Account Of All Activities.
|
France Belgium Germany |
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 |
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1 June 1944 The forward echelon of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion was stationed at Camp 94, near Pont Lland Fraith, Wales, at what was perhaps one of the most modern and completely furnished marshalling areas in the European Theater Of Operations. Pyramidal tents were the barracks, complete with fox-holes, providing you dug them yourself. Each tent accommodated comfortably; six men, four horses, or ten midgets....eight soldiers were assigned to each. Space was negotiated by overlapping the cots a small amount. Blankets were furnished and used either for warmth or as a mattress, according to individual desires. A narrow, well traveled, muddy path connected the barracks area with the mess hall, a high frame building on the main drag. This mess hall was the chief topic of conversation among the officers and men; the gist being the limitations and condition of the food served there. It was rumored that even the KP's went hungry. Waterproofing and the stowage of vehicles and equipment provided the main occupation at the camp. AWAK and Bostik were all over the place and individuals. The heavily burdened vehicles had to be loaded to perfection, with foresight directed to the days when they would be tossed and heaved on board a light vessel. All personnel had to be right up to T/E (Table of Equipment) and excesses were frowned upon. This was a constant headache to the supply personnel who were always being pestered for some small item that had been recently lost. The absolute cooperation given by the Services of Supply will be long remembered by everyone. Recreation facilities consisted of daily movies shown in the mess hall during the afternoon, and bull sessions in the tents at night. The subject matter of the latter amusement was not often confined to warlike maneuvers. Card games and softball games also filled up some of the spare time. The officers vs. the enlisted men became a regular contest; particularly when it was learned that softball was a means to escape the confines of the immediate camp area. "Doc" Paull, Battalion Surgeon, playing center field for the officers, was the big drawing card, along with his five gallon water can. A Nissen Hut near the officers tents was turned into a "Bigot" room where all the plans and maps for the coming operations were safeguarded. Lt. Col George F. Barber, Battalion Commander, Captain Donald E. Allen, Intelligence Officer, and 1st. Lt. Raymond E. Bidwell, Communications Officer, were the only persons permitted to enter the building. At a later date, Major George A. A Aubrey, Plans and Training Officer, and Major Richard B. Holst, Battalion Executive Officer, were taken into the confidences of the "secret room". A few days before leaving Camp 94 the battery commanders; Capt. Charles D. Burke, Battery "B", Capt. Paul Omans, Battery "A", Capt. Lynn O. Frensley, Battery "C", and Capt. Isadore C. Alderfer, Service Battery, entered the building and trespassing near the hut was forbidden. One officer, among those bigoted, was required to be in the room day and night. 1st. Lt. James E. O'Neal, PX Officer, obtained gratis PX rations from the local Special Service agency, and distributed one package of cigarettes, one candy bar, and a stick of gum to each man. Soap, razor blades, toothbrushes, and other articles of this nature were available at odd intervals. Numerous air raid alarms were sounded during the short stay at the Camp. A "Purple Alert" was called when enemy aircraft were directly overhead, and a "Red Alert" when they were in the area. A "White Alert" was the all clear signal. On several occasions the men and officers watched the flashes from exploding bombs around Bristol and nearby cities with a mixed sensation of awe and apprehension. 2 June, 1944 During the night and early this morning the battalion boarded trains at Pont Lland Fraith and proceeded to Cardiff, Wales, where it detrained just after daylight. Here the 87th waited inside a huge warehouse for several hours while the Transportation Corps loaded the batteries on their respective boats. The American Red Cross served hot coffee and doughnuts, which was a welcome substitute for breakfast. About mid-morning, the battalion loaded on Liberty ships by battery. Vehicles and equipment for the men aboard had been loaded previously and securely fastened on the different decks in the ships hold. Most of the afternoon was spent getting the ship organized for a short sea voyage. One deck of the rear hold had been installed with folding bunks, about four inches in height. Upon counting noses, it was discovered that there were two men for each bunk, so emergency measures were employed. Sleeping would be done in twelve hour shifts, with one man up and the other one down. Blankets, rations, and life belts were brought aboard during the afternoon. The men and officers wandered about the boat to get acquainted with all the passageways, stairways, entrances, and exits. Morale was very high, and there was much speculation as to when and where D-Day would be. Almost everyone suspected that France was the destination, but few people knew. All of the boats containing the battalion remained docked at Cardiff during the night. 3 June, 1944 This morning the ships weighed anchor and steamed out into the Bristol Channel where they took up positions in a convoy already anchored there. Anchors were dropped and the boats remained in the channel throughout the day and night. Arrangements were made on some of the boats to serve the men at least one hot meal each day from the 10-in-one rations. The ships galley was used to prepare the meal. "K" rations provided the other two meals of breakfast and supper. Vehicles were checked from time to time to see how they were weathering the stresses and strains of their lashings imposed by the motion of the ship. 4 June, 1944 The convoy remained anchored in the Bristol Channel the entire day and night. A slight drizzle convinced everyone that today wasn't D-Day. Lt. Col. Barber assembled the officers in the forward hold and informed them of the coming operations. Maps were distributed to each officer to organize and have available when needed. This was the first definite assurance that France was the destination. The 87th Armored Field Artillelry was to land on Utah Beach on D plus 1 and proceed to Transit Area "A" south of Boutteville for dewaterproofing of vehicles. From the transit area, the battalion was to march to Coquerie, just south of Ste. Mere Eglise, and assemble in the 82nd Air Borne Division area. It was planned that the 87th would serve as reinforcing artillery for the division in its drive west to St. Sauveur le Vicomte. On the boats the battery commanders assembled their men and officers and gave them the information on the coming invasion. June 5, 1944 The convoy finally got under way today, so all on board knew that the invasion of Europe was about to begin. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining brightly on the friendly shores of the British Isles which had been our home since January. We sailed down the Bristol Channel into the Altantic, then turned sharply around Land's End and followed the southern coast of England. Along the horizon numerous battleships, cruisers, and destroyers could be seen slowly making their way towards the coast of France. By nightfall our convoy was off the coast of Plymouth, England awaiting the order to turn south into the English Channel for France. 6 June, 1944 D-Day Early this morning the coast of France was sighted, a blue haze off in the distance. As we approached, we saw thousands of small boats dotting the ocean, some stationary, while others dashed madly over the waves. Every conceivable type of boat soon came into view; battleships, cruisers, destroyers, mine sweepers, LCT's, LST's, LCVPs, converted passenger liners, troopships, liberty ships, tankers, rafts, barges, tugs, etc. Our convoy soon anchored several miles off shore amidst all the hell and fury of the invasion forces scheduled for Omaha Beach. The battleships were blazing away with their tremendous 16" guns at enemy strong points confronting the assault troops. On shore the troops were fighting furiously for the small bit of beach they had bitterly wrested from the enemy. In the distance smoke from a doomed French village, torn by naval fire, was visible. Overhead in the clear, blue sky, Spitfires and P-51's commanded the air. The decks of the surrounding boats were lined with soldiers watching the show; "the show that many men would give the shirts off their backs to take part in" to quote General Omar Bradley, commanding the First United States Army. On the top decks of the boats, several men armed with Springfields were on the lookout for stray floating mines. Bits of debris from the landing craft, such as "K" ration boxes, water cans, life belts, etc. served as handy targets to relieve the strain from time to time. As night enveloped the beach, German aircraft attacked the invasion fleet and beach installations. Murderous anti-aircraft fire greeted them, probing through the dark night with a finger of death. Caliber 50 machine guns, 20mm, 37mm and 40mm guns provided the fireworks, with steady streams of tracers filling the sky. Capt. Ferd Moyse, Liaison Officer for the battalion, was the first member of the organization to land in France. He landed by glider with the Division Artillery Headquarters of the 82nd Airborne Division near Ste. Mere Eglise shortly after H-Hour, D-Day. Pfc. Paul Kenjersky, "B" Battery was the only D-Day casualty in the battalion. He broke his arm. 7 June, 1944 D plus 1 was the day the Battalion should unload on the beach and road march to the 82nd Airborne Division area, but the Liberty ships containing the unit remained anchored off Omaha Beach. Around 2000 hours, Personnel Ship F-27 struck a floating-free mine and sank at 2200 hours. Three officers and twenty-five enlisted men from the battalion were aboard. All were rescued and put ashore on Utah Beach in the afternoon. They were:
| Capt. Donald E. Allen |
| Lt. Calvin A. Cantwell |
| Lt. Maurice Lowks |
| M/Sgt. Aubrey Manners |
| 1st. Sgt. Patrick O. Murphy |
| Sgt. Edwin Mehring |
| Sgt. Philip Nostrand |
| Sgt. Anthony Poliks |
| Cpl. Edward Herman |
| T/5 Ivan Freeman |
| T/5 Samuel Moss |
| T/5 Thomas Torello |
| S/Sgt. Alvin Cowling |
| Pvt. Henry Condiotte |
| Pvt. Gilbert Crow-Eagle |
| Pvt. Jose Domingo |
| Pvt. Charles Rose |
| Pvt. Werner Strupp |
| Sgt. Clifton Edgerton |
| Cpl. Sherwood Bryant |
| T/4 John F. Rohme |
| T/5 Douglas Marsh |
| T/5 Wendell Wood |
| Pfc. David Waggoner |
| Pvt. Michail Fiorelli |
| Pvt. Keith Parkyn |
T/Sgt. Henry Gonzales and T/4 Gorden Morrison were picked up by a destroyer and put on shore on Omaha Beach.
The following is an eye witness account of the sinking of the Susan B. Anthony by 1st Sgt. Patrick O. Murphy: The early morning sun shone brightly on the decks of the Susan B. Anthony as dawn broke through on June 7th, 1944, and she sailed smoothly over the glistening waters of the English Channel and headed straight for the shores of the French Coast along with hundreds of other invasion craft; the majority of which were making their initial appearance at the scene of an invasion. This shade of green, however, wasn't cast over the smooth sailing Susan B. Anthony and her gallant crew, because twice before she had steamed to the shores of the beaches on D-Day, laden with troops, where battles were raging hot and heavy. Now once more she was about to pour thousands of fighting "Yanks" on a hotly contested beach- head, as her crew hustled about preparing to drop anchor, and soldiers laughed and joked while others said a last prayer, as dimly in the distance the outline of the shores of the Normandy Peninsula were becoming plainly visible. Everyone who knew of the "Susie's" former exploits, knew also that because of her prior experience in Africa and Sicily, she had been placed far down on the "possibilities of being sunk" list. But as three officers and twenty-five enlisted men of the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, who were to be among the first to disembark, prepared themselves for debarkation in lower hold five, Fate, combined with the Law of Averages, finally caught up with the Susan B. As she struck the first mine a terrific explosion shook her from stem to stern. Men were thrown to the deck, bunks tumbled to the concrete, and the overhead beams trembled. Bedlam broke loose and reigned for a few seconds as the second explosion, even more terrific than the first, lifted the whole stern of the ship out of the water and blew an enormous hole in "lower five". The entire hold was pitched into total darkness as water gushed through the gaping hole, while metal beams and planks crashed to the deck. Order was soon regained and men moved and waded slowly to the stairwell. Meanwhile the crew was working frantically tearing away the planks above our heads to drag us up out of the quickly filling hold. The fresh air gave us all a new lease on life, and a quick glance about the deck revealed men moving to the "scramble net" and everything returning to order. One man lay sprawled on the deck, covered with blood, and being administered first aid by another for a broken leg. As the stern of the Susan B. Anthony lowered further and further into the water, we moved slowly down the deck toward the side, in what seemed an eternity, wondering how many men were going to get over the side before the ship went under. As the stern continued to lower in the water and the bow rose in the wind, we could hear the sobs of a husky sailor, crying because he had just locked his two buddies in the engine room to keep from flooding the rest of the compartments. The first mine apparently had hit the engine room. Some moments later aboard a British Destroyer which had picked up a number of the survivors, and as our lone medic patched up a number of our boys who were cut and bruised, we watched old "Susie's" bow rise in the air, draw a long, last breath, and become slowly engulfed by the great English Channel waters. A quick count revealed that we were missing our three officers and two of our enlisted men. Below deck of the destroyer we were all offered a nip of scotch and a cup of tea. With much gusto and politeness, our boys drank the scotch and refused the tea. One was heard to remark "I'll have a shot of scotch, please. Just save the tea, and if you ever reach Boston in this buggy, you can have a party". We stayed aboard the destroyer until 1130 hours at which time an empty LCT pulled alongside the destroyer and we piled aboard it. After filling the rest of the LCT with infantrymen, we steamed around looking for Utah Beach which was to be our landing point. Finally, after some time, a large Liberty ship blared over the loud speaker, "LCT number 113, hit that green beach". Not another overnight Ft. Knox problem, not another maneuver, no "dry run" this time, but the real thing! Never was the morale of the boys from the Bushmaster Bn. higher than the morale of this small group that was about to see their first day of combat, and this was "IT"! But now as we raced to the newly won beachhead, four FW190's came screaming out of the sun toward the ship nearest us, machine guns blazing, strafing and bombing. Barrage balloons were released to try to catch them in mid-air. As they neared the beach, our ever alert and accurate ack-ack guns opened up, and three of the four came screaming down in flames. 8 June, 1944 All morning the ships carrying the 87th remained anchored on Omaha Beach. The ship captains were unable to obtain permission to proceed to Utah Beach. Lt. Col. Barber was in a frenzy trying to get the boats underway. Finally in the afternoon the alarm was given to hoist anchor and proceed to the beach where we anchored at the mouth of the Douve River. Considerably more progress had been made by the assault troops on Utah Beach than on Omaha Beach. The entire beach zone had been cleared of enemy fire except for a few sporadic rounds of artillery fire. Attention was focused on a light cruiser hammering away at a church steeple in Grandchamps, a village at the mouth of the Douve. Several hits were scored and everyone was waiting for the steeple to crumble and fall. It never did. Experience taught that all vantage points must be denied enemy observers and snipers. Church steeples always caught Hell. Capt. Charles D. Burke, commanding Baker Battery, and his Executive Officer, 1st. Lt. Carroll D. Harrod, loaded themselves and two M-7's into an LCT, and first set foot on French soil early in the evening. That group was spared the nightly bomb run over the invasion craft by the enemy. Several close misses were scored during the night by the Germans in spite of the usual antiaircraft fireworks. Pvt. Peter Taulevicz, Battery "C", was wounded by falling flak during the evening. 9 June, 1944 This morning the ships carrying the battalion moved from the mouth of the Douve River to the beach and anchored on the north sector. The beach appeared to be all quiet except for the ant-like efficiency of those engaged in unloading supplies and troops. Two destroyers were regularly shelling enemy strong points further up the beach, with naval artillery spotters observing the fire from small boats bobbing up and down off shore. Enemy field guns soon "zeroed in" on the invasion ships and after several close misses, dropped a round on the deck of the Liberty ship carrying Able Battery. Two men, Sgt. John DeYoung and Pvt. Roland Prive, were seriously wounded by shrapnel and remained aboard after the battery debarked. Soon after the shelling, the boats carrying the battalion moved out of range and commenced their unloading operations. Baker Battery completed their unloading during the daylight hours while the remainder of the battalion unloaded until the early hours of next morning. Capt. Allen, the S-2, had seen Capt. Moyse, our glider-borne liaison officer, and contacted Lt. Col. Barber with information of a change in attachment for the 87th. The de-waterproofing and assembly area was to be near Houdienville instead of Coquerie, and from there the unit was to proceed to the zone of operations of the 101st Airborne Division to reinforce their artillery. Capt. Moyse had already made contact with their Div. Arty Headquarters as our Liaison Officer. Difficulty was experienced in driving the vehicles from the barges into the water. Some vehicles stalled and had to be towed ashore by Doodle-Bug tractors. Baker Battery lost their executive half-track when it was driven into water that completely submerged it. Once on shore the remainder of the battalion was greeted by the members who had landed D plus 1 after their ship hit the mine. They were quite a sight, dressed in nondescript clothing and equipment that they had begged, borrowed, or stolen. Exactly what the well-dressed soldiers were not wearing that year. From the beach the road to the transit area had been built up through swampland by our engineers. Along this road were several of our "Water Buffalo", amphibious tanks knocked out, and many dead Germans lying in the drainage ditches. The transit area was just another field where the vehicles were dewaterproofed and cleaned up. Baker Battery was the first into the area, followed by Headquarters Battery, Able, Service, and Charlie Batteries. Foxholes were dug immediately by all personnel, because enemy aircraft were active in the area. Spitfires and P-51's were a common sight overhead. Itchy trigger fingers, tense nerves, and misidentification accounted for many bursts of ack-ack fired at them throughout the day. Three P-51's were shot down over the beach by mistake when they attempted to buzz the beach forces. Many vehicles lost their way from the beach to the transit area, either misguided by MP's or confused by the one-way roads. A few of them even ended up on the road to Carentan and immediately turned around when informed that the front lines were just ahead. Capt. Paull, the Bn Surgeon, leading an odd assortment of the battalion's vehicles was discovered in this hazardous condition late in the evening by the Battalion Commander....the about face was prompt!
Now that we have the critical days of the landing in Normandy completed we will select days of "special" action to report hereafter. If any one has a special recollection they would like printed, please notify Carroll Harrod.
10 June, 1944 Early in the morning liaison was established with the 101st Airborne Division. Lt. Col Barber was given instructions as to the mission, and the land position area for the battalion. Our battalion along with the 65 Armored FA Bn was to reinforce the fires of the division artillery during the division's drive south to capture Carentan. Baker Battery was the first to go into position southwest of Vierville followed by Able and Charlie Batteries, Service Battery remained at the transit area. Gun positions were level fields or apple orchards surrounded by a hedgerow. Defilade was provided by the tall trees and dense shrubs. Lt's. Yoffee and Meador were immediately sent out as forward observers with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. Baker Battery fired the first combat mission for the battalion on an enemy 88mm gun position. Lt. Yoffee observed and the guns were neutralized. 14 June, 1944 1st. Lt. John Hughes , Baker Battery, was the first member of the battalion to be decorated for gallantry in action against the enemy in France. The 82nd A/B Div. commending Lt. Hughes' fine work establishing an OP and directing artillery fire under heavy enemy fire, awarded John the Silver Star. Congratulations were in order, and the entire battalion is extremely proud of him. 20 July, 1944 The Battalion was attached to Combat Command "A", 3rd Armored Div., for direct support of Task Force "Z". This consisted of the 1st Bn, 32nd Armd Regt. and the 2nd Bn, 26th Inf. Regt. of the First Inf. Div. Plans were being laid for the 2nd Armd Div. and the 4th Inf. Div. on the left, and the 3rd Armd Div. and 1st Inf. Div on the right to break thru the enemy lines between Marigny and St. Gilles. Task Force "Z" was to follow Task Force "X", and TF "Y" was to seize and hold Cerisy La Salle and Mont Pinchon. Capt. Moyse as Liaison Officer went to TF "Z" Headquarters, Lt. Col Daniels commanding, Lts Yoffee, Meador, O'Neal, Moudy, Hughes, and McCarthy were assigned as FO's with the 2nd Bn, 26th Inf. Div., and 1st Bn., 32nd Armd Inf. Regt. We were warned that this might prove to be a bloody soiree, but it MUST be kept rolling. Sgt. Ernest Wilson, personnel section of Service Battery, was evacuated to the hospital today with yellow jaundice. An overland ambulance was loaned to our medical detachment by the 45th Armd Medical Bn for the pending operation. 23 July, 1944 Rain again last night and throughout the morning with the sky still overcast. The continued overcast skies have prevented the massed bombing attack which is needed to start the St. Lo offensive. Doc Paull "officially" stated that this isn't the day. He is the self- designated G-2 for the Battalion, and authority on all military affairs, past, present, and future. 26 July, 1944 Today was the day that the air force, and the "Brass" were looking for; a clear blue sky overhead. Around 0930 P-47 fighter planes appeared over the area, soon followed by hundreds of heavy bombers, B-17's and B-24's. All eyes were cast skyward to watch the show. Tinfoil filled the air to disrupt enemy radar stations and shimmered slowly down to earth. Some were trying to count the planes, others were on the lookout for more formations in the distance. The lead planes dropped their target markers, and a steady rumble of exploding bombs was heard in the distance. This soon became a continuous roar as more bombs were added from following formations. As the bombers flew away from the target area they were greeted by enemy flak which steadily decreased as our artillery opened up on the enemy AA positions which had been spotted previously. Only three heavy bombers were shot down during the raid. The heavies were soon followed by mediums and P-38's which had special targets to plaster. Because of the dust obscuring the target area, a few of the mediums dropped their bombs short, among our infantry, and it was later learned that General McNair had been killed while watching the bombardment. The Battalion was again alerted for movement, so fire direction march ordered for the 3rd time, tents and all, which they promptly pitched again in the evening. Bitter fighting was going on around Marigny, and the 9th Inf. Div. didn't reach their objective until late afternoon. CC "B" with elements of the 1st Inf. Div., finally broke through just before dark and exploited their success throughout the night. Task Force "Z" with the 87th, was to be ready to move at 0600 in the morning, with a definite promise that it would move tomorrow. 2 August, 1944 Today, 2 August, 1944, will undoubtedly go down in the history of the 87th Armd FA Bn as the most disastrous day for the unit. One officer and eight enlisted men were killed in action. Four officers and twenty-seven enlisted men were wounded in action. One officer and eight enlisted men were evacuated to the hospital as non-battle casualties. Early this morning the 87th moved out of position with Major Holst and Able Battery in the lead. Villedieu was successfully by-passed on the west. Capt. Allen and Capt. Omans took off in a 1/4 ton truck driven by Pvt. Gilbert Mersch to reconnoiter a side road. They bumped into a retreating enemy tank which promptly let go with its 75mm gun and machine guns. The jeep was hit and Capt. Omans and Pvt. Mersch were seriously wounded; Capt. Allen was slightly wounded and all were evacuated. Capt. Omans had a very serious head wound about the eye and temple (it was later learned that he lost his right eye and had been returned to the States and that Pvt. Mersch died in the hospital). The Battalion occupied positions southeast of Boisbenatre-Coulouvray just ahead of the 391st Armd FA Bn. Enemy time fire started coming into the area before fox holes could be dug, and men and officers were scrambling for cover under vehicles. Lt. Col. Barber's half-track was hit directly and caught fire, fortunately there were no occupants. By this time all hell had cut loose in the area. Artillery and mortar fire was coming in regularly and heavily. As soon as this lifted, enemy infantry started attacking near Able Battery's gun position. Able Battery took up a defensive position and had a hedgerow battle on their hands. Tommy guns, carbines, bazookas, .30 cal and .50 cal Machine guns were manned to defend the position. This was done successfully for several hours until they were relieved by reserve tanks and infantry of CC "B". For a few hours the area quieted down and Able battery displaced to another position a few hundred yards away. The silence was broken by several incoming volleys of enemy artillery fire landing in Baker Battery's gun position. One round hit directly on the back deck of their 4th gun section M-7, catching it on fire. It burned the remainder of that day with 105 mm. ammunition exploding all over the place. Baker battery promptly displaced only to have their new position shelled also. Charlie battery also suffered considerably from the enemy shelling throughout the day. Capt. Frensley was killed instantly when a mortar shell hit directly beside him while he was running to assist a wounded man in an M-7. Several suspected French civilians were picked up late in the afternoon. It was thought that they were directing the enemy fire on the battalion position. Casualties for the day, Killed, wounded and evacuated:
| Capt. John Omans | Seriously Wounded |
| Lt. Joseph Moudy | Seriously Wounded |
| Lt. Richard Duggan | Seriously Wounded |
| T/5 Hugh Jackson | Seriously Wounded |
| T/5 Warren Qurey | Seriously Wounded |
| Pfc. Leroy Hoffman | Killed |
| Pfc. William Jack | Slightly Wounded |
| Pvt. Pasquale Christiano | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. John Kaczka | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Tallie White | Seriously Wounded |
| Cpl. Adam Moskal | Fatigue |
| Pvt. Bert Henderson | Fatigue |
| Pvt. Paul Harless | Fatigue |
| T/5 Clayborn Jackson | Fatigue |
| Pvt. Donald Peffley | Fatigue |
| Pfc. Harry Shooshanian | Fatigue |
| Pfc. John Skomura | Fatigue |
| Sgt. Burman Snider | Seriously Wounded |
| Cpl. Cumby Jones | Seriously Wounded |
| Pfc. Lynus Yeager | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Norman Green | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Henry Mullins | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. James Pelate | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Gerald Lundberg | Seriously Wounded |
| T/5 Don Girton | Killed |
| Pfc. William Pullum | Killed |
| Pvt. Albert Fargnoli | Killed |
| Cpl. Amos Mars | Slightly Wounded |
| Cpl. Joseph Meighan | Slightly Wounded |
| Pfc. Earl Pirkey | Slightly Wounded |
| T/5 James Pendergast | Seriously Wounded |
| Pfc. Herbert Goodman | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Frank Hendrie | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Thomas Senis | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Alfred Cannon | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. James Toner | Seriously Wounded |
| Capt. Lynn Frensley | Killed |
| Cpl. Russell Freer | Killed |
| Pfc. George Thompson | Killed |
| Pfc. Glen Davison | Killed |
| Pfc. Wesley Glesser | Killed |
| Capt. Donald Allen | Slightly Wounded |
| Pfc. Willie McConnell | Slightly Wounded |
| Pvt. Thomas Oldring | Slightly Wounded |
| Pfc. Daniel Chapman | Seriously Wounded |
| Pvt. Gilbert Mersch | Seriously Wounded |
| Capt. Isadore Alderfer | Broken Leg |
| Pfc. Elmer Ables | Sprained Ankle |
T/4 Donald Biehl, Medical Detachment, and Cpl. Charles Kirchen, Baker battery, were slightly wounded, but remained with the Battery. Doctor Paull and his Medical Detachment were outstanding throughout the day, and performed their duties in a superior manner with complete disregard for their personal safety. Lt's. Bidwell, Olson, and Nelson took turns adjusting fire on enemy positions from an OP a few hundred yards from FDC. FDC was installed in a small barn. Message Center and other Headquarters installations were in the local French farm houses. Major Holst successfully obtained the tanks and infantry from CC "B" Headquarters to drive the enemy from the immediate battalion area. Lt. McKinney assumed command of Service Battery in place of Capt. Alderfer, who was injured and evacuated as a result of an auto accident. Lt. Holt assumed command of "C" Battery and Lt. Zink was assigned to "C" Battery. 6 August, 1944 This afternoon the battalion moved from the position near Le Mesnil Touves and went into position north of Reffuville, where it was released from 3rd Armd Div. and placed directly under VII Corps control. Rumors were that the 87th was to have a long rest and maintenance period. Doctor Paull also states that the unit is in no condition to go back on the line and definitely needs a few days rest. The Batteries all needed a brief reorganization after the casualties inflicted earlier in the week. The Battery kitchens joined their respective Batteries for the first time and preparations were being made to draw "B" rations and serve hot meals to the men. Service Battery, after a hectic road march, moved into new positions between Reffuville and Bricey. The following day, 14 August, 1944 typifies the average day while attached to the 3rd Armd Div. spearheading through the countryside.
14 August, 1944 The battalion moved out of position in the morning and road marched from St-Cyr-en-Peil through Pre-en-Pail, and into position north of St. Sampson. FDC set up in a small house formerly occupied by the Germans. A huge supply of enemy chemical warfare equipment was found in a nearby town. This consisted of rubberized protective clothing and markers for chemically contaminated areas. These markers were small, triangular, yellow flags with a black skull and cross bones, and they soon appeared on every vehicle in the battalion. The surrounding woods, evidently was a German supply dump, but only empty drums and barrels remained. Wandering men from Headquarters and Baker Battery rounded up fifty German prisoners whom they brought into the CP, in as much as they were march ordering to a new position. Cpl. Barney Elrod was detailed to march them to the rear. Lt. Olson and his reconnaissance survey crew captured a German Officer while on reconnaissance for new positions in the afternoon. Just after supper the 87th moved to new positions south of Joue-du-Bois by infiltration, since the roads were filled with 9th Inf. Division vehicles. FDC had to be content to pitch their tent in a sunken lane. T/5 Andrew Arnold, Charlie Battery was evacuated to the hospital as a non-battle casualty.
15 August, 1944 Shortly after dinner a German armored vehicle, on a suicide run, dashed down the highway, through the battalion position, spraying machine gun bullets. Lt. Harrod and T/5 John Shaw, Baker battery, were seriously wounded from the action and were evacuated to the hospital. The enemy vehicle escaped. Later the 87th moved out of position, and by-passed Joue-du-Bois by marching across country, taking up positions south of Ranes near a small lake. A few artillery shells and mortar shells greeted the battalion sporadically throughout the afternoon. 1st Sgt. Chester Block and Pvt George Canarie, Baker battery, while out on a patrol, rounded up 27 German enlisted men and 2 officers which were promptly turned over to the PW Cage. CC "A" was meeting heavy resistance at Ranes, so CC "B" was ordered to by-pass Ranes and proceed along the left flank of the Division to its objective, Fromental. The Battalion was still in direct support of Task Force "King". Lt. Schrader was assigned as Liaison Officer with Col. King, Lt. ONeal was the observer. Lt. Yoffee was sent out as observer with Task Force "I" (Lovelady). 1st Lt's. Bidwell, Holt, and Schrader were promoted to Captain, and 2nd Lt's. Nelson, O'Neal, Hartwig, Dawson, Campbell, Logan, and Zink were promoted to 1st. Lt's. All were battlefield promotions which called for a huge celebration when the situation permits; the situation permitted! Service Battery moved to the vicinity of Pre-en-Pail. 1 September, 1944 The 3rd Armored Division was given a new objective this morning: Mons, Belgium, and the routes of march were changed for all Task Forces. The 87th was prepared to pull out with Task Force "Mills" early in the morning when Lt. Col. Barber was informed that the Battalion had been relieved from the 3rd Armored Division and attached to the 4th Cavalry Group, Mechanized. Our new mission was to remain in position near Marle and support the 24th Cavalry Squadron. they were outposting Marle until relieved by the 1st Infantry Division. Around noonn Lt. Col Barber returned from the 4th Cavalry Group Headquarters with orders to move into position south of Rozoy. Ranger parties were alerted and proceeded to the area for reconnaissance before the batteries arrived. All FO's and Liaison Officers were relieved from 3rd Arm'd Div. Immediately after dinner the Battalion moved out of position and marched to la Neuville, Montigny, Clermont, Dizy, Berlise and into position previously selected south of Rozoy. Lt. Hughes was assigned as Liaison Officer with 4th Cavalry Squadron and Lt. Col Barber was command liaison with 4th Cavalry Group Headquarters. The 4th Cavalry Group Reinforced had the mission of protecting the right flank and rear of VII Corps during its advance north into Belgium. The 24th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Cavalry Squadron and the 635th TD Battalion established road blocks and outposts along the main roads leading to the flank and rear. The 87th and 759th Light Tank Battalion remained as group reserve in a position where they could move to any point and support the other units. The Battalion CO assigned defense sectors to each battery commander with instructions to reconnoiter their areas for gun positions along defensive lines established by the Group. Able Battery had the northern sector, Baker battery the central and Charlie Battery the southern. Service Battery moved to position near Dizy les Gros. 13 to 24 Oct. 1944 The mission and situation remained unchanged for the 4th Cavalry Group and the 87th throughout this period. Still enemy resistance and rough terrain had stopped the 9th Infantry Division in their tracks. Fire Direction Center had consolidated the artillery weapons within the Group and made arrangements for interdiction and direct support fires for all units. Interdiction missions were requested daily by Group Headquarters and the two Cavalry Squadrons on the line. Major Aubrey, S-3, had eighteen 105 Howitzers, eight 3 inch TD's and fifteen assault guns on immediate call for fire missions. He delegated the missions to the units which could most effectively and efficiently fire them. This resulted in economy of ammunition, which was rationed, and a smooth working artillery plan, comparable to a skeleton Division Artillery setup. Extensive wire facilities were installed which enhanced communications between all units and expedited the numerous fire missions. The 87th also fired counterbattery missions, from the "Shell- rep" reported by the front lines, and locations of enemy batteries reported by Corps' sound and flash agencies. Pvt Emilio Pavale, Charlie battery, Pvt. Edward Musgrove, Baker battery, Pfc. Howard Elliott, Service battery, and Pvt. Ralph Carstens, Baker battery, were all evacuated to the hospital as non-battle casualties during this period. On October 14th WOJG Clarence Roberts, Ass't Communications Officer, was transferred to a tank regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. "Wogee" will be missed by all his friends and his splendid work in communications was ever an asset to the battalion. Pvt. Christopher Ryan, Pfc. Walter Mallory, Pfc. Russell Pertzach and Pvt. John Noone were assigned as replacements to the Battalion and joined Charlie battery on 18 October. The same day Pvt. William Bates and Pvt. Herbert Bowers were assigned and joined Baker Battery. T/4 Joseph Micielli was also assigned and joined Headquarters battery. Lt. Nelson was evacuated to the hospital 24 October for slight wounds he had received while on observer duty on the 18th. He also was awarded the Purple Heart on 20 October. T/4 Roy Horton, Headquarters battery, also received a minor head wound on the 18th but remained on duty. He was awarded the Purple Heart on 24 October. Pfc. George Canarie, Baker battery, was slightly wounded 19 October and evacuated to the hospital. Gun crews and other sections in the firing batteries built themselves comfortable small shacks from ammunition boxes. It was necessary to have some sort of a shelter because the weather was turning cold and frequent rains made the position areas a sea of mud. Some of these "homes" were complete with electric lights (trouble lights attached to the M-7's or H/T batteries), sleeping bunks, chairs, and stoves which were conveniently found in Lammersdorf, a shell torn German city near the front lines. Supplies of ersatz coal also were located but soon diminished. During this period numerous attempts were made to bring recreation facilities in for the men. Movies were shown at regular intervals in a local farmhouse and in Roetgen. A couple of USO shows were staged in Roetgen and a GI dance band played popular misic on one occasion. The Red Cross Clubmobile with its coffee, doughnuts, and "canned" music visited the battalion area three times. Kitchens were still with their batteries serving 2 or 3 hot meals everyday. Baker battery served only 2 meals and a snack each day. Hotcakes was by far the most popular breakfast and the men could count on one meal of fresh meat each day, steak, pork chops, or hamburger. Typical "B" ration menus were: BREAKFAST Fruit Juice Hotcakes or Powdered Scrambled Eggs Bacon or Pork Sausage Cereal Coffee With Cream & sugar DINNER Canned Vegetables Dehydrated or Fresh Potatoes Canned Fruit Bread, Canned Butter Coffee or Tea with Cream & Sugar Corned Beef, Canned Stew, or Hash SUPPER Canned Vegetables Potatoes Steak, Roast Beef, Pork Chops or Hamburger Bread & Jam Coffee with Cream & Sugar Cigarette rations, and essential toilet articles were distributed at frequent intervals.25 October, 1944 On this date, D plus 141, the 87th fired its 75,000th round of 105 Howitzer ammunition into the German lines, which was an average of 543 rounds per day since landing in France. The 4th Cavalry Group and the 87th were attached to V Corps for operations. The 28th Infantry Division relieved the 9th Infantry Division in the Zweifall area. S/Sgt. Albert Boswell, Headquarters Battery, was evacuated to the hospital with a skin infection. 1st Sgt. Chester Block and Pfc. George Canarie, both members of Baker Battery were awarded the Bronze Star for gallantry in action against the enemy on 16 August, 1944. V Corps Long Toms occupied positions near the CP and firing batteries. Elaborate installations were dug and their attached AA also provided protection for the 87th.17 December., 1944 A never to be forgotten day for the Allies. This day commenced the "Battle of the Bulge". V and VII Corps main lines of defense were breached by a sudden, unexpected, rapid, and powerful drive by the German's Sixth Panzer Army. the overall plan was to spearhead to Dinant and gain control of the Meuse River line while one column fanned out to the north to capture the main communication center of Leige; thence to Antwerp completely bottling up the American 9th, 1st, British 2nd, and Canadian 1st Armies. It was a bold plan and if successful would have turned the tide of the war. General Patton once more paid the Battalion a welcome visit. A late report revealed Malmedy to be in German hands. 25 December, 1944 The 87th displaced at 0530 hours and moved a short distance forward to battle positions. The Battalion was now in direct support of Task Force "B", Combat Command "B", of the 2nd Armored Division. At 0930 hours Task Force "B" jumped off on their initial attack of the Bulge Battle. Soinne was captured quickly. The woods in front of us reeked with German tanks and Infantry. But this was our old stamping grounds; once before we had met and defeated the enemy here with the 4th Cavalry Group last September. Yes, the Yanks could do it again..........of that everyone was sure. Swiftly, methodically now, the big guns began to roar. The woods, alive with fanatical Nazis poised for a further drive forward, for a few minutes became a living hell, then, a German graveyard. This was Christmas Day. Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men. Surely though, that phrase couldn't have been coined for this Christmas. 12 January, 1945 Attack!! Fire plans worked out the night before were of some assistance, but several rounds of medium artillery fell short. Lt. Cowling, pushing forward with an Infantry assault platoon through the woods, was shot through the head and killed instantly. Lt. Zink, also with an infantry assault company stepped on a "Schu" mine and was seriously wounded. Lt. Logan, who by this time was acquiring quite a reputation for being somewhat of a miracle man in escaping death and injury during many close calls, finally through the law of averages, was seriously wounded when the gun on his tank was hit by direct fire. Lt. Logan lost the sight of one of his eyes, from the shell fragments which entered his tank. Capt Schrader's half track was damaged by a mortar shell and he and his crew were relieved by Lt. Yoffee. Today was a day of much sorrow because of the loss of Lt.'s Cowling, Zink, and Logan. CC "B" had secured Les Tailles and part of Collas by nightfall. S/Sgt. Raklovits stepped into Lt. Cowlings shoes as forward observer and continued giving the infantry artillery support throughout the attack. Pvt Earl Geiger, Headquarters battery, went to the hospital as a non-battle casualty. Pfc. Gilbert Crow-Eagle, Headquarters battery, was hospitalized as a battle casualty. 20 to 31 January, 1945 During this period the batteries remained in their respective bivouac areas for rest, maintenance, and rehabilitation. The entire VII Corps was out of action for the first time since D-Day, enjoying a well earned rest. Most of the period was spent on recreation and entertainment. Movies were shown at various intervals in the battery areas and Red Cross girls visited the areas with their usual doughnuts and coffee. The S-3 section couldn't be satisfied with complete idleness, so upon orders from Lt. Col Barber a training schedule was published. It was only half-heartedly followed by the various Batteries with short hikes through the snow and a few classes on map reading. Lt. Col Barber held practical classes for the Lieutenants in map reading and selection of registration points. He tramped them all over the surrounding hills and valleys. Major Aubrey held classes for the battery commanders and liaisons officers on problems and duties of a liaison officer in combat. Baker Battery presented a variety show and a hill billy show at Headquarters Battery, the 23rd and 24th respectively, for the enjoyment of the battalion. Capt. McKinney's boys came through with flying colors. Brigadier General Palmer arrived at the CP on the afternoon of the 27th and awarded a Bronze Star Medal to Lt. McCarthy for heroic achievement against the enemy. He also awarded Oak-Leaf Clusters to Lt. Stites' and Lt. Louks' Air Medals. After the ceremony, the general complimented the battalion upon its fine work and record in combat. On 20 January Pfc. Emilio Favale and Pfc. Paul Heisch returned to duty with Charlie Battery and S/Sgt. Alvie Hudgins, Pfc. Earl Pirkey, and Pfc. Alfred Canon all returned to duty with Able battery. In turn Able battery lost T/5 Herman Colmes to the hospital that day. 2nd Lt. Lagrand Chase was assigned and joined Headquarters Battery as a forward observer 21 January. The same day Service Battery lost T/5 Marshal Herman to the hospital, and two days later Pvt. Joseph Zapalowski, Service battery and Pvt. Wallace Staub, Baker battery joined him. Pvt. Daniel Georgia was transferred from Charlie Battery to Able battery on the 23rd. T/4 Carl Webster, Headquarters Battery, and Pvt. Simon Franzene, Service Battery were transferred to the hospital on the 26th. Pvt. Charles Shay left Charlie battery for his old pals in Service battery the 27th. The same day Sgt. Woodrow Schraner, Baker battery was transferred to the hospital. On 29 January Pfc. Willard Mathern returned to duty with Charlie Battery, and Pfc. Fred Malmquist returned to duty with Baker battery from the hospital. Capt. Russ contracted a bad cold and remained in bed several days by orders of Capt. Paull. About 12 inches of snow remained on the ground throughout this period, and it snowed almost daily. Intense cold kept the men indoors the majority of the time. The S-4, Capt. Burke, saw that each battery had a plentiful supply of coal to keep the home fires burning. Cognac and odd bottles of wine and liquors also provided the necessary anti-freeze internally. 6 to 8 February, 1945 The battalion finally closed at 0030 hours and the homes occupied by the 87th in Dorft were initiated in typical 87th style as the frying pans clattered and the bedding that the Krauts had left was tested and tried. The Battalion Commander visited the 104th Infantry Division whom the battalion was to support during the coming operations when relieved from VII Corps Control. Battery billeting and reconnaissance parties were called out on 7 February to visit the lovely little town of Echtz and to find suitable battery positions. Echtz, it was learned, was noted for its manure piles, dead horses, beaten down buildings and general run-down appearance. It was apparent that the Echtz Chamber of Commerce had a big job ahead for themselves. The survey was started by S/Sgt. Word, the survey Sergeant, since the Survey Officer, Capt. Olson went to the hospital, and on the 8th the battalion made its most deliberate occupation in its career. After darkness had settled over the Cologne plain, the M-7's and halftracks slipped down into position under the nose of the Germans, who were dug in a few thousand yards away on the far side of the Roer River. we were ready for the attack. 1 March, 1945 There is an old saying that if March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion and visa verse, but for the 87th the lion was cutting loose all month. On 1 March, Major Holst took reconnaissance parties into Glesch early in the morning. The town was swarming with Third Armored tanks, and all were assured that Glesch was a nice place to be. Charlie Battery remained behind, while the other firing batteries displaced, and fired the battalion missions. As Able battery came into position, a panther tank opened up on a half track four or five hundred yards to the battery front. The tank was on a ridge across the Erft Canal and clearly visible from the battery position, so Lt. Harbourt and Capt. Olson, with the able assistance of the rest of the battery's comments and criticisms, fired Charlie battery on the tank, and it withdrew with no casualties suffered. A mortar round lit in the door of the Battalion CP causing the FDC to retire to the cellar in short order, and wounding Lt. Yoffee. The wound was such that Lt. Yoffee's freshly pressed shirt had to be cut, which hurt the Lieutenant more than the wound did. The battalion Surgeon talked him out of remaining with the battalion so he retired to Paris for the rest of the war. In the meantime, Lt. Col. Rhodes' 4th Cavalry Squadron left their tanks and scout cars, crossed the Erft Canal on foot, and took the ridge, which was packed with German troops. A more rugged group of men have never been seen, as the Troopers trudged along the road armed with brass knuckles, long knives, machine pistols, Lugers, in fact every conceivable weapon. Service battery again moved and occupied the former CP installations in Esch. The small village was filled with Polish women refugees and Capt. Burke had quite a time keeping law and order. Previous to this time, civilians were rare creatures since they had vacated their homes and belongings under intense allied artillery fire. When the 8th Infantry Division captured Duren a few days ago only eight civilians came from their shelters to welcome (?) the victorious doughboys. 30 March, 1945 Ater a midnight Battery Commanders call,the 87th moved out again at 0400 hours going through Altenkirchen, Marienberg, Dillenburg, Laasphe, and Beddlehausen where the Battalion went into position on the outskirts of Marienberg. The 957th Field Artillery Battalion, 155 howitzers, joined the 4th Cavalry Group for additional support. Charlie battery was, as usual, attached to their old comrades, the 4th Cavalry Squadron. The 24th's outposts picked up 40 prisoners on the night of the 30th, and an SS Captain was shot through the heart by the Executive of Easy Troop of the 24th, as they were firing a mission. 10 rounds were expended by one gun from Able Battery which occupied position in a fire break on the side of a wooded hill. Lt. Harbourt, Able Battery executive, pulled the initial data out of a hat and the first round sensing was "400 short". 10 April, 1945 March Order was issued at 0400, and a sleepy battalion rolled out of the sack after a hectic night. Charlie battery pulled out first and met the 4th Squadron on the road, the remainder of the battalion followed later, behind the 24th Squadron. the route was Schwaney, Bad Driburg, Herste, Brahel, Neuhaus, Silberborn, Dassel, Neuholdersdorf, Hullersen, and Einbeck. The march was very slow due to traffic jams, and the addition of infantry and TD's to the Task force at Neuhaus. After leaving Silberborn, the 4th Squadron ran into delays caused by undefended road blocks in the woods. These road blocks were large pine trees which the Krauts notched and then dynamited across the road. When the 4th Squadron got out of the woods, they by-passed the 24th Squadron at Neuholdersdorf. Headquarters, Able, and Baker batteries went into position west of Einbeck, since Charlie battery was with the 4th Squadron they were already in position at Einbeck when the rest of the battalion arrived. Enemy shells started a forest fire, and this forced the 4th Squadron to take time out at Salzderhelden for fire fighting. Colonel McDonald, Group Commanding Officer, decided to by-pass resistance and shot the 4th Squadron north with Headquarters, Able, and Charlie Batteries, and the 24th squadron south with Baker Battery into the 3rd Armored Division sector. the 4th Squadron took the route Einbeck, Kuventhal, Grune, west of the river Sebexen. Most of the march was made after dark because leading troop elements kept running into small pockets of opposition. The result was that most road intersections were lit up bright by a burning house or two. With Baker Battery and the 24th Squadron as a Task Force heading south, there was a little more activity. The Task Force received Northeim for an objective, and the leading elements "took off", with Baker Battery's M-7's following close behind. The small Task Force picked up speed and M-7 drivers pulled back on steering levers to make sharp corners, with ammunition trailers bouncing around on one wheel in great clouds of dust. It was a black night,and you couldn[t see a damn thing through the dust except the blue flame spurting from the exhausts of the big machines, straining to keep up with the fast light tanks and armored cars. Up front in the lead of the column, a platoon leader was suddenly tense and alert as his driver ground his tank to a halt, and quickly backed up around the corner he had just turned. Reason: like a bowling ball, right down the road it came, and buried itself in the cliff a few feet overhead, an armor piercing shell, and along with it the crack of rifle fire. "Where was the gun? Did you see the muzzle flash? Yeah about 100 yards. It's a big one. Calm down will you, you jerks. I'll see if I can get Jeopard on the radio. Tell them to hurry; those SOB's are liable to start throwing HE at us! Fire Mission, fire mission! Enemy antitank guns and infantry!" Back down the column of vehicles, six M-7's swung off the road into a newly plowed field and churned up dirt and mud as each gun section raced for its position. The vehicles had not yet stopped when a man was over the side with an aiming stake. Within three minutes the cry "On the way" flashed over the radio to the tank, as Number Three gun coughed out its first round in adjustment. "Keep your eyes open for that round, they said it was HE. There it is! Over to the right. Let's see that's about 300 or 400 yards north and a little east. I don't know anything about adjusting artillery, so I hope those guys know what we mean. Keep your eyes open. Yeow!! Boy, that's almost got it, 50 yards further south ought to do it, but that's putting them kind of close to us; to hell with it, let them have it; watch it, six of them coming this time. Listen to that! G-- damn, but that's right in there--- ---Give them some more--- --- don't change it, it's right in there. Boy! how would you like to be under that stuff? Listen to those bastards scream, come on let's get going. Cease fire, end of mission--- ---Mission accomplished. This is just an example of a fire mission called in by the Cavalry in the vicinity of Odagsen, 25 rounds were expended with good effect. Opposition, near the objective, faced the Task Force. It was decided to by-pass it to the west and south in order to reach Northeim. Only 64 rounds were fired by the battalion during the "rat race". Service battery struggling to keep up with the rapid advance moved to Dalhausen and attempted to locate the CP by radio with little success. It was attached to the rear echelons of the other units in the Group under Major Talbot. 11 May to 6 June, 1945 On the morning of 11 May many old friends and associations parted when the 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion march ordered and rumbled out of Quedlinburg. Colonel MacDonald and his fine staff stood at attention as the battalion passed in review to the music Auld Lang Syne played by the 4th Cavalry Group's band. Major Aubrey and his staff personally bade farewell to each officer in the Group, and then joined the long column headed for a new assignment and new friends. VII Corps Artillery had assigned the 87th to the 224th Field Artillery Group for occupation in the Kreis Sangerhausen. The Batteries dropped out of column in their previously reconnoitered billeting area and settled down to their boring occupational duties. Headquarters Battery and the CP were located in Rossla. Able Battery set up its headquarters in Heringen, Baker Battery in Hayn, Charlie Battery in a luxurious hotel in Stolberg, and Service Battery in a German camp near Stempeda. Each Battery established road blocks and had an assigned area to patrol. One battery remained in reserve and moved to Stempeda with Service Battery for training, maintenance, and recreation. Concrete barracks, a huge mess-hall, hot showers, a small pond, and a ball diamond provided adequate facilities for the two Batteries. All civilians in the villages and surrounding area were registered by the officers. Suspicious civilians were questioned and arrested if necessary. Lt. Klinge was placed on detached service with the 724th FA Group's CIC in Sangerhausen. Capt. Olson and his S-2 section kept busy in Rossla operating the Jeopard PW Cage and coordinating the security operations in the battalion area. The Army point system became a reality in this area when the battalion sent men to replacement depots for shipment to the States and possible discharge. Previous to this time men and officers were continuously counting and recounting their points for discharge, and kept Mr. Hart and his personnel section working overtime making corrections and additions on their Adjusted Service Rating Cards. Thirty-three enlisted men and one officer left the 87th on 22 May for the States and discharge. **********************************************************
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Am. Defense |
Am. Campaign |
ETO |
WWII Victory |
Occupation |
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THUS ENDS OUR STORY: We who are living shall return to our homes with a sense of satisfaction, and the knowledge of a "job" well done and a vital interest to maintain the four freedoms. |
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Updated by: McCrae