The Trail Of The

87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

From The Beach To The Heartland Of Germany

Chart 7

Maps 31-35 (From 19 Jan-29 Mar 1945   Belgium/Germany)

292 Days Combat

WELL EARNED REST (19 Jan-4 Feb 1945)

MISSION: R & R

RETURN TO GERMANY (5-24 Feb 1945)

MISSION: To Establish Bridgeheads Across The Roer River After A Heavy Artillery Preparation.
VII Corps To Protect The Right Flank Of Ninth Army Making The Main Effort.

Forward Observers: Lts. Keeler Kubista, Kowalsky

Liaison Officers: Lts. Stites, Chase, Dawson, O'Neal

DRIVE TO THE RHINE (25 Feb-19 Mar 1945)

MISSION: To Attack Northeast Across The Roer River And Urft Canal
To The Rhine River Establishing Defensive Positions Along Its West Bank.

Forward Observers: Lts. Kowalski, Meador, Hartwig, Stites, Cline,
Kubista, Keeler, Chase, Hughes, Tucker
S/Sgts. Curtis, Raklovits

Liaison Officers: Lts. O'Neal, Hartwig, Dawson, Chase

CROSSING THE RHINE RIVER (20-26 Mar 1945)

MISSION: To Hold Defensive Postions Along West Bank
Of Rhine River & To Fire Counterbattery Fire On Enemy Artillery.
Be Available For Direct Fire Missions Along River Banks.

Forward Observers: Lts. Hartwig, Kowalsky, Keeler, Hughes, Cline,
Tucker, Stites, Chase, Meador & S/Sgts. Dixon, Raklovits

Liaison Officers: Lts. O'Neal, Dawson, Kubista

DEFENSE ALONG SIEG RIVER (27-29 Mar 1945)

MISSION: To Clear The Area South Of The Sieg River
And Defend Along Its Bank Protecting The Left Flank Of VII Corps.

Forward Observers: Lts. Stites, Hartwig, Kubista, Tucker, Chase & S/Sgt. Dickson

Liaison Officers: Capt. Schrader, Lts. Dawson, O'Neal, Kline