elements of this force were in both towns. By 2020 hours the objectives had been mopped up and secured. This date the battalion was working in a groupment with the 67th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. During the operation Lieutenant Colonel Berry was commanding. The 83rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion was relieved from the 391st Armored Field Artillery groupment but remained in direct support of Task Force Richardson. First Lieutenant Kelly was relieved as observer returned to the battalion CP in the afternoon. First Lieutenant Patton was relieved from Task Force Richardson and First Lieutenant Smith was relieved from Task Force Welborn. Both observers reported to Captain Hawley at Task Force Lovelady CP. Second Lieutenant Yell was relieved and returned to the CP because his tank was in need of maintenance.
  • 20 January 1945
    The battalion displaced from positions at Langlir starting at 1325 hours and closed in positions at Durbuy and Borlon by 1930 hours. This march was made on main highways and the march was made without mishap or loss of equipment. Headquarters Battery, Battery A and the "A" trains closed in position at Durbuy. Battery B and Battery C closed in position at Borlor about 3 miles northwest of Durbuy. The "B" trains were still on the move a• night. The battalion began a period of rest and maintenance.
    Weather: Clear and cold. Visibility: Good. Private First Class Raymond O. Martin, Battery C, seriously wounded and evacuated in the early morning after this force had been relieved.

    Two o f them stood there guarding the bridge. Overhead a full moon made everything bright, and underfoot the freezing snow crackled as they stamped their feet to revive the circulation. One of them looked at his watch. "Forty minutes to go. This damn guard!" The other stamped his feet a little harder. "T'hell with it," he muttered. "We got it made. use ain't heard a gun for four days or a shell either. 1 got a warm bed -a real one-waiting for me when I finish this damned shift. 1 could stand a lot o f these rest periods." The snow crackled a little more.

  • 30 January 1945
    The battalion was in assembly area-Headquarters Battery, Battery A, and the "A" trains at Durbuy, Battery B and C and "B" trains at Borlon. The battalion was conducting maintenance of vehicles and equipment and rehabilitation of personnel.
    Captain Johnny W. Forston returned from temporary duty as ground liaison officer, 366th Group, U. S. Army Air Field Y-29.
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