The battalion remained in position northwest of Zweifall with firing batteries in position - A and C east of Brcinigersberg, B east of Breinig. The battalion was conducting a period of rest and maintenance. The battalion was out of range of enemy positions.
25 November 1944
CCB continued to occupy Werth, Hastenrath, Scherpenseel, and Kottcnich. CCA attacked at 0830 hours with the 67th Armd FA Bn in direct support to secure the high ground between Langervehe and Frenz. Progress was slow due to extremely muddy terrain and stubborn enemy resistance. CCA was in position between Imobercs and Wcinmettlcr for the night prepared to continue the attack on the 26 Nov. 44.
26 November 1944
CCB continued to occupy the towns of Hastenrath, Scherpenseel, Kottcnict, and Werth. CCA resumed the attack to seize the high ground between Frenz and Langerwehe. Progress was slow due to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. The tanks stopped by mud and anti-tank fire were withdrawn and used for direct fire to support the attack of the infantry. At 1630 hours the objective was readied.
The battalion remained in position northwest of Zweifall with firing batteries in position -A and C east of Brcinigerberg, B cast of Breinig. The battalion was out of range this date. One gun from Btry B displaced to a position near Bergrath and registered in case the battalion should be called upon to support the CCA attack. Total rounds expended this date - 7. FO crews were alerted for a possible movement to support the CCA attack. The battalion as a whole continued its period of rest and maintenance.
1 December 1944
The 3rd Armored Division remained in assembly positions this date. CCB was in position in the Hastenrath-Kottenidi-Werth area. CCA was in assembly positions in the vicinity of Busbach. CC "R" moved to assembly positions in the Hamict-Langerwehc area prepared to attack east from Langerwehe to seize and secure Schliek and Geidt per FO 17, Headquarters 3rd Armore Division.
At 1500 hours the battalion (stripped batteries) displaced from positions (Headquarters northwest of Zweifall, A and C cast of Breinigcrberg, B east of Breinig) and closed in forward positions at 1700 hours northeast of Hainich. The battalion registered in the late afternoon using the air OP. The battalion was to give direct support to Task Force Kane in the CC "R" attack. Captain Nelms reported to Task Force Kane as Liaison Officer, Second Lieutenant Talmadge, Second Lieutenant Yell, and Second Lieutenant Eldridge reported as forward observers, and First Lieutenant Toneff reported to Task Force Kane as an infantry observer.
7 December 1944
This date the battalion moved to comfortable quarters in Stolberg-Muhle for rest, rehabilitation and maintenance.
8 December 1944
The battalion remained in position at Stolberg-Muhle conducting rest and maintenance. The battalion was out of range and did not fire this date.
Operations memorandum No. 17, Headquarters 3rd Armored Division, 8 December and FO 6, Headquarters CC "R", 3rd Armored Division, 8 December 1944, ordered the three task forces of CC "R" to attack 10 December from the eastern portion of Langerwehe to capture Gelch, Obergeich, and Echtz. This battalion was to give direct support to the attack of CC "R".
Under the rotation plan one officer and four enlisted men from this battalion left the organization this date for a 30 day furlough in the states. All personnel are carried as on temporary duty with the reception center nearest their home. Basis on which the men were chosen: first priority, two wounds; second priority, two awards. The men were:
First Lieutenant William M. Toneff (2 wounds), Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Sergeant Ray A. Pierce (2 awards), Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Corporal Dillon C. Summers (2 awards, 1 wound), Ft. McPherson, Georgia. Technician Fifth Grade Johnnie C. Hislop (2 awards), Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Private First Class John W. Holley (2 awards), Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
10 December 1944
CC "R" of the 3rd Armored Division attacked at 0730 hours to seize Echtz. The advance was hampered by extremely muddy terrain. At Obergeidi Task Force Hogan advance was halted by a minefield and heavy, anti-tank and small arms fire. Infantry entered the town ahead of the tanks and mopping up operations was completed by 1700 hours. The advance on Geich was continued but at the edge of town heavy artillery, anti-tank and small arms fire was encountered so that the forces withdrew for the night to a position between Obergeidi and Geich. At 14oo hours Task Force Kane was ordered to attack across country to seize Echtz. The advance was successful and Task Force Kane entered the town at 1700 hours. Mopping up operations were completed by 2100 hours.
The battalion was in position north of Hamich to give direct support to CC "R". The battalion fired 47 missions this date: 15 preparations, 19 neutralization missions, 2 on enemy guns, 1 on an enemy OP, 3 TOT'S, 1 harrassing mission, and 6 registrations. Total rounds expended this date-3208. This date Second Lieutenant Talmadge, FO 2, walked time fire in front of the attacking tanks with very disastrous effect upon the enemy. Large numbers of the enemy infantry were killed and large numbers of the enemy surrendered, their surrender directly resulting from the disastrous time fire. Heavy preparation fire was fired from 0725 to 0755 hours. Heavy neutralizing fire was fired throughout the remainder of the day. The battalion fired light harassing fire during the night.
11 December 1944
At 0800 hours Task Force Kane of CC "R" attacked from Echtz with the mission of seizing Hoven. On crossing the LD this force
Next Page