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In ·;he ~ec't;o!' of t.he 398tr~ In · .~tr·F t::.:. c:r·ro r:r : ired o'lL.L. ··, .rrll;; -~· Rn..: ·.

f'7~5 .. . 0 viciru. t.: ;Yf G.t:i.Su "''f4 ::'" ~· I to 1ti .t ... it: Of ;J.:.ni"·.: e

Zi75th FA ~·-n to vi.1!:linitv of B ·,, r~·t ,.:11 .

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·• $ th keynote of .: ~~ist:t. or pa ti cula.r nob. ·~.'£:\$ th

s Dny· , but :.:1ot o: th , '!S:n.y r'"11!.uious f<)er 'Vioes

4000 ry ple.c. '"

·hat the sch~d~lod

"'f :r}ec ~4 ... (\.;+ ~;.r .. c ..;Oi ~it\S man.y 1 ... ,n~e · i • ~.n'·, i .. ):1~ ~nd .tJos i ti on .. iv .. rt;r ·fir alL~ ~!'.~1ttlod d~-n to t 1

a f d. e s i fu0 a· 1,.,0 "0 dr~v.rn nd re lea~ J?L:>:l~~ dur1"1t; th e rly p rt of the

·':f1:i P iom1 :'!Ii ~·;a:."' st s }!.'l.if"' e·b~ .. tro \P con .. e:J.t:rationa fi-r ·· 'by· f".1 ti~i!.it;:; the Po·zit fus •

rnfi t:ry arno ed

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tad i the 5frtt1~f.

:rwnb· rs ·i' n my o mded w r

Plan.; ""Oro reca.i:v \ t!J.r~d rel a·~ed f•o a .. k rt~ 11 i·y ;ir p ration to s ·p:;:- rt srnr 11 o 1 · attt.\ ~: l:;~r the 39'd:;h ~n 1.a_ tr:,r n tho terr.~, or li. 0}1fa g on th -.-. rning

28'-;h .. ;·ion·,;i;1n i: r t:e .. erio~ .t.otnl d 80, t'.•d.cl.~ reqn!tr d the e:"pend:tcu1· ;. of

,..,lt1 r un s of e.":_1un:.t.:tin .

27 Peu 4.e_ .. 'lu1;~tcx~di-;._: L': the t:-.ctiirity fut~ tL.:l..,, :·;·"r'lod '< ~ tes th · ~c • i · ~-"Ll~-0 . l" p():rts -varied to th n ~ !.; .. ,.m,er .. :.1 it is ;,;.alL-Vod th- \>• O~td or 6olive 'Y li...' .. aeoi.i.:r' (,y obt i er i'rori1 thin t-;h 11 ·· 11 gr:.;r ·1;1;; ineros.so . ar 011:::,,e 1 c~ tL .. l t; :.o..., i.x"1 e"1e:.ly +-roo1 a,,

~~lh;djt a,,. lal ··1otivit:~~ u:i. iner a.e<e<: oo:.~s.lt~ r bly 'in bnttalioi t>~o . - l"'th

'l'h 8.,Jt AAl l~r .. tJ:':as ~;i.110. oleFranee ·~,o fir f::lt.: .t'./ v':.cr::-./ _tJh tF i'l tL1.n r nng .•

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un

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824 '1 ') En i1ri :ioi'4:. lly a xpo. -l osult0 n t :.,.et det ~ · _;od .

~.l2.j~vt d Co1 pG Art.," on n o ·q

ut:i.voJ. ili_i;h-t , only 31 mi~sion$ . ·:b~"t. u,., ' t'; • (rf;i 0~'1 a ~"\"0 po.rti U lt::.'.i''

1 m:i.its rem.in nchnc; d . The d fnsi-f'i'oc b.

jor 11.'l~:.ortu __ eo .i'&"' I e:Jorted f the .ritira any- . a.·visi..,.n 1,-n:t< :nto this def'-n.., ... ve role hich

th2-.j.; ·~ho cne:-ny is _c:1rapar.;,,n.· ::or ".:.n P:r. ~ r: 'ICHi ~~oet i;,.roble ... s trtTou<:·hou.t 1..h " de.y to d tox dne -lilw pr tioc.--

eoohot ~ · on th now hnrd froze._ ~ro i.nd . Unit oported l:;h ~t 'b hVJe n ricochet d . L fired ,, ·, lly e..nd

1·:e:r fir· d on, b

Tho ~ 71~·th 1'1 · n fired on th

tr.,,.i - i 1mncr - • . r c·;; · .Hs 1. :r

':J" Gatk faotor-i; . In nd<Ltion

One ~; r oup of one obt· L_ed ,. an

";T <11'

oP .. z 1alties

e !I r .sults harrass in ...

w.iss i n"' n e.a. ~19v mor·t:e;r dl... .~un pos iti 011~ . il-:: .... xplos ion 1 " l ear : x:dioating nro" e.biHt;-1 of: a hJ:t en art arr um. ti on d'· 1p .

l'ho 37.Sth :r.i Bn l o fir d Po ... it on. en :·,iy c onoent:ratio!la in .i.-he vi.c:b it~ of "l'"ousw ile:r $ .. ~ ~y r··nc.my casualti a i.ver r :~ort d !ll.nd 4 1 ·. surrend r d . On ~-.:-~. sio .... fir L 2 rsat""' ni llboxes flusl d 8 n lllj"" a.nd de "'tro~.,r<.»d th.() positi o a .

1h · 9}H:ith l'li , n fired :norlno.1 he.r'.!"OMi.n.r • .. d. int<lrdietion _ L:?Zion throur;. out the day •

.A total ::;f 48 r, i "'ions ," r fir A i'or ·t"1it, p riod , recu.i in-· th· o:xpen .-. ture of 642 ro~7ndc of· e· i.unition ,.

29 :eo 4 - li' :ald Orrlor ·:r5 .1.q lOOth c 11.'.'..ng fo r co. ·binu d ·:-1,, ova~. mt of nada and p t.. in:to opo:rn tio 1 to :tns 1 l"

:!l.El::ny WOUld be r1:romp'tly C'">fl"'Oh. nd.

.:visi'r .. ·Tes rr.nioi1icd · t this h hdquar er.~

in.f' .!LV lla ~1 O"lS . ns WO 0

u~ ~ :." :L a thr st or .. ~r:! th 1 !'. ~he

In cr·,,,..)llttnca -· i'hh tn pl .n annasnee ,, 1ich snif'. d the .:ci,_;h .J:: Divivion d f YI. ... s r· o::n the rir;lt to the left . bc~)c;t1LionQ spent co.nsidEP' bl t ' ;:m :L.l

cLec!,.in('.> th.air <lefe1:s rra fire c -ric 1 t tions . The 373:.tJ: ~,'A :~!1 f'ired .l rrassint.i UL.cl i: tc.rdiction ~a>"sio .. ~s on au::.:,moted

supplv noints . nd on th: e:c my b.m . Tvo dire t ·1.:.'·,:-- .. ox ~co ~ed on n eno:my tank. l'ho !'l.'74i;h ·1

• .:~ :r. Cr -d 'mis sions s .. x1:. t·r ·o · h 373 and lso ,.~s s ue ,ess­... ul in k:nookin': out; l on-1riytank rith 6 d.ireot; 1its .,

rhe 375tl. Pi Bn spr·n -led Po.zit o ..• nu .... :·~ctad nai..iy troon eoncent •t\'bi0!10

· :n Dol ... n1)a.oh e.1_d "cho:t"'baoh a.:raa • Jb rvors r~ _;ort .... a t;Jiat ene"ny troops scattered . 1:1e 925th ~"Pi ... r:. .. rrassed c iticF•l .~oad junction$ wi h Podt llSir-i;,,;

hor t 1Jcso intoro ctL r . ) · verfal ne. y .e .. 1L o :~:· .J.. .n · a.ort r )os:tiona wo fJi fire on . · .. ·.10 po1 .. :t'~;>)c 1.:S YO for the '.T.7;.:>th ~\ uspcrd d his cc.ju~·:; ..

e t of ·~.p 11cive £1 o ehec!: ".i'1hen he . ard 1-' ..;. llt '171 voices . L~ c 1led to .:.~az1c .1e. :c-by I. f ntry wl~o vn:n.t "'orwc .• d and o ptured 4 1f C.Pts .. Lt ; at·-s proceeded to o ntin:;~e hi~ s.djus·.:.mon ~ r:1tm er.;t.:Ln Lo h ard more voice,;) • Foll·nvinl;;.! the o;lj:\

1 e pr a du:r bwt

- 11-

~· L. C R ·~ 11' ,,...... ........... ...,, ..................

he c~ptu:-e :; · or

i n-

v

: .. cope ti~,. up •

L. CPS nhly 10 altitu d •

., l:,, ,...4ir/ ~ Fi th f:riendl r Hf' I ;rl n_; O:t"t~ eked 1h· se pl@.nCiS were flown by C.er~?] n pilcrt~:;,.

ottr t14 r:::m t~" '!. ·os .. 'lG of the strn1ir1_o ..L'rom - t-r

· ·trJ 0 1 or· 58 :i1if!tsio a ·;er· f ....... ~ ... cur· ...:~; th period , i·e -~.J.rin "-:L :K ndi tur of' 977 rot~ndt'l> o.c a :ni...n t-lon .

S l Dec 44 - A li,,;}1t ~:101·rf.: . l ~.u in,,: th. .nir:lrt: ~nfi ·: d r;.r i llery ~c ti vit:l t ha:rraso in::_: the on.e:.r:y wl o w",. e. lso digci11r.·· 1:1 •

. ;(r r ·th.;;."l; the plo.n of de::' .nsitrt3 i'ires hes ~;et:L:i Jr · rea, ple.n" for co 1u_t · r - pr ;:ia · . ·~.:.0:1 a.nu :t:'ol fir to eov·r w;.:t:·t:tlr~:..v,nl ·bot:.• •1 ·; ·~n· re b ir·K "rorkod on . o I :'·26 1:t'::l roe iv d v;hic£1 oi.~tlLiss tho aivisi, · vlan r r ·dthdra~·a:.g to n v: Lllt a:1ould ·:;nnt b n cesc ~ ry . I~~ok · d :.,' .!Ghe r lan i' tho 255t.J. :::nf - n-·,~ ~r ~> c~iment 't;'h_eh :le.o jt..s·t "he n e.ttaohe to the ..... \;Gth 1;ivis.:on. It lac·~- of dir ct support artlllory ;i:.1 !·us oo:nsiderab:t re · .... i :n~ i.1 Div Art .. ~ r·la:ns .

Tic i!>71'1'rd r'h Ln fired on n my ·trcops cu.d "i:.H tter;· i1001tions ~-ll the town of 14 t.ss ·tiller ax:i.d. on a vahlole o.ssembl:r IS'.roc.. ?1ogr J.;itehe ., .u1 ml. '""f'.10 .• -i"':tg: an ene v Cl' .;ra loco.t d :,z: Heu.sswi ller n. f' o 1 :.m , thr diz· ct hit wor scol' ed vhieh d -.. olisho d tiio {Jj;-' .

t 174·t;l ·i._ d 0" 0

tank v .., d. mo,: d by a di:ra .. D r ct -Ai t ~eor ·d e·V1· ~fontly oau

t11e rat ,...,,.e !l 11oor

sulting . ori my 1n i ltr ti on .nd

. '4tro1Urig . :."'ir d on .;,. ·

One house .

house . .en the Ii10·11th of D · ember and t:.te ::-""'C.r 194.4 end d ..,. i th the lOot 1

niv: ion ... rtillor:r in .ef'e .1.-..i ve po"'iti n~ · [ , 1e qu!l.drangl· 1-{o,. 'ba 11, J· .. rQvi1liH'; st Louis anu ~.:o:hu .. : . '.i:her 'ta:.n...; very littl::s t;. .... t:tv.: ·y on , ithar stde , t:t:•oopG "t't 1a rover )ooaif~~ o , xcha r:ed t, i. et:urni s ... reot5.nt:,;s 't';ith nild alel1re.tions .

-12-

/

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1 Feb 45: The lOOth Di visiou en tor '"' this b'"onth much richer through the xperi cas ";ained rte one full nOl!th on ,he line in the defensive ..}OSition. Ha.ny times th et y

threv fore s sup01 ior il numb r against the Division's soatterad lem ts o ly to be thrown back ee.cL ti"!Ue and su'fJlfer lar·"e loS:sos of r.JP.teriel and pe rsonnel . Th Artillery feels justly ·:>roud of its effectiveness _a:nd. effioieney of opara+-ion '•'hioh played a major role t ·ou 0 hout . lJany report .. · i'rcm p;·rs and friendly troops verify th f. et that ~u:·tillcry fire d finitely sllowed down U..."'ld stop d the en my att cl which otherwise woul have ea.used the Divis · n to Give v lu ble g ro u...Yld.

Th f ront line al _ nts n.ow oooupy well dut; - i.'1 csitions fron point west of' F~pping -Urbach south t11.;rt to Sarreinsbe.rg , a c:overa,...o of approxiraat ly 15000 tars .

The units of this rtillal"'J li re located t' o chott th saator with many de -te.iled fir l n.s e.v ihble as issued fron,. this headquar rs . Toos plans included fires of all type~ that mizht be r quired to _;,eat r;;11y enemyactio:n . Maximum x.­ten. ive oommu..'Ylications • ro i· stalled to t;uar ntee extram.ely olose coordination betw"aen all v _tc s~auld the situation dav lop .

For close sup~ ort of th front line elements ir their various sec··or s and for po sible "'Upport o :reinforcement in a.d,j ,ent Stlctors, units were loo tad s follmvs~

373rd FA nn ... 500 yards southvrest of : ontbronn . 374th FA En - Vicinity of Petit · Rede c i·· e;. 375-th FA }}n - Vici nity of !tontbronn. 925t:1 """A _,n - Vicinity of Echenb r 6 • 250 Fl Bn 1000 yard northwest of Ee 1onberg , Div Arty Hci - ::ontbronn.

H A.V.Y snmil' ml cold • eather com ined with tho m.ount faov.s terrain . de all operations dif:f'ic lt . Visibility was quite lin.it;ed there" y confining the firing d rinc this period to normal ha.:rassin& nd interdiction missio11s .. ... 1ost adjust ­ments "Tere :·~ado by [;TO ·.nu observers on close-in t rcots .

Tha 37 12 FA L.1 r · :r a '""11 targets in i tche and : ~oEterhouse . Th 925 -:iA r • fired on several small groups of ne~y troops in Fe· r svillcr. A. g r nal ::::11·vcy of units mad by v rious s~~f officers indi ated tl~.t co::1b t

effic1anoy w s ozc~J llent and that a 11 materiel -..3 · an xc . lent tat of ·in­tenanoe .

2 F b 45 : igh ·· :bds and ~1ighcr temperatures clee.rod · ~ho skys and provided excellent observa·tion for both c;round c.nd al r OPs . 11.'he a." r OP flaw 23 sorties, the l"rge t number flovr:i i1 me._1 dayf; .

The 374th FA T;- .. fired on an asse111bly of vehicles and ca.used a vil'.>l nt e xp losion ir th area. A:no-t~1er .l./.otor pool containing 10 vohicl<h> mls plas ter s with a TOT .

ne observer of the 375 FA I3n located Gerz:t 11 chov line and aff atively harras ed the se.me • d th Pozi t fi r ing. Propage.ndc~ shel 1 was fired in the Vl.C • ity of Bite, .e .

:rh 925 FA Bn fir don eruh y_troops , ti.ch.Lo guns , and dugouts . Gn direct hit Wdl s.oor ,d o a. house in Di tche containing enemy personnel .

The 2 50 E • !.:'11 }1f rr s ed enemy insta.1 lati ns in Royer svi ller . These op gro'· !.? of 12 :::nan e.nd another of 2 ff leers . One harrae:sing smoke mission m fi:r d on kn o iltr.t on e:-. A.A batteries in the vicini~y of Pitche to provide protection for a. low-flying 12th TAC bo::nbing mis ... ion in that urea •.

3 Feb 4 .... ,.nobservo hO.rras ing missions consumed th.e m.ajori·ty of the day's activit • Inc lc rient weather pr anted any air o servation . Lim ·t d observed . i ssions 'b:y tie grotnd observers i:2olu ed ree;istration , d f ~ .. sive firo chac 1

, prop anda., and a s:r nll number of point targets .

-1-S E C -:<. r. '1'

F b

The 375th Tl f o

ftll i from th pit .

®y of ory 1

4-: J.h1 period o nad with Visibility being quite limi"tod. No al registr tion nd interdiction ir~s ir r how r don nemy installations throughout the s ct

T ~, 373 F Bn fired 11 .i sions on R .. ers ill r and .tout rhou • \ s in­u d the usue.l he.I re.ssL.-ig firing or1 obs rved enOJn~- activity .

Tl 574th F ~n fired 23 missions o troops ~n t:te · inity of Epping . One propaganda 1a"' dumped or.i. th a. are • 375th FA un had · nn ld day', tiring a record numb r of unobserved

i on c1ine gun, mortar, and troop insy.l tions . 925th ~~ · ~ firod 15 i l ons on n y .:..nsin 11 t ions in th 'Vi aini ty of

Bitch •

5 F b 45: P rsir:.t n- b d w ath r limit d both 0 round and air obs rvation during this poriod. uch higher tEmperatures combined with light rains m de 11 tra l quit difficult . In man. - b tt, lion re s, very thin mu was tv. o r et d ep .

Normal reo-ist:r tions and def ·nsiv fir aheoA:s v:er fi r d ,. The usual · har ­r .;) ing progr was plast red on all known enouy tr_oop in talla.tion • A complet cov rap,:e · s m de of th ntiro Division from. wi tn these mi s ions .

total of 81 mis~ion 1 r fir d by all uni"Cs dur · r; this period .

6 F 11 45: d w athe r conditions a f ford d f ir ground and air obs r tion a A.11 b rver a oomplote a.rph of their zon s of· rosponsibi lity but found no. otie ebl oh ng in en my ope ti n • ve he V'J he.rra~sing e.nd int rdiotion

progr as fired durir sirly p rt of this p 1 ~ 1od .

H vy mud ;..r1 11 r as oontinu d to r trict mo"'-emcn. , and in ome b ttery po difficulty s noount red in ke ping -:;tmr in th ir positions .

In an ffort ·bo wip out n nemy b tt ry located 1500 rd of itche , ari ty shm r of a.rtill ry from all b ttalions v as pour d thi b tt e •

A total of 334 rounds of a ·1u.n1tio wa xpended . l1.oth r hi0 h light of the day ' firing a missio'1 fir d by th 374th FA Bn on a :roup nin Kr uts oaught in th o. n . Tho oomplatad mission to 11 d 6 de d and 1 wounded .

Th Div Arty ir OP was forced to fly 11 l .. i.ssions ithout observ rs du to the inability of the planes to ta - off in the heavy mud with a load in excess of th pilot.

vy r i and, .1 e mud mad thi period one of little tivity . H rrassin rdiction m:ssions ~ar fi ed in accord{mce vdth normal plans ~ The ususl

r tions nd dafe Si v fire h c re a.loo ne.de 11

Tl is h dQtmrters 11 having be n appofoted the Hoa.dquarters of the To Comntlnder of ~Eo tbronn, hes te.ken o!l the atm.o phero cf .,... or ' s offi""er . i ell naous duti to b supervi ad include road bu:.ldi:n , billetti:ng , J}3a.lth nd sanitation checking . e rb e dispos 1 , s curity i suanc of~ sse • d tr ffi~ control .

8 Feb 45 1 Impro d . ee.tJ r ·conditicns provid d o ttor e.ir and ground obsa tion t' thence all ob rver war cti ve in h ir sear oh for enemy of any typ • A new Div·· · ion Artill ry polioy of fi:rinl!' · TO· on en y ront line t r o op unit in ch

a tor a ive11 .. Gh " ut · to o d r -'" *

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t;) EC RE T

r i r ey y th .. illed a Er ut durin r

tr tion on chec1"' poi:d . ..1.hey fired a p:ro:'it;aolo mission on group of ne y

in the vicini ;y of · :.rp~rin--· -Urbach . A total c.,f 14 ene rr :- wer ki 11 d man th firing had s-topp d .

lull other u its fired norma 1 ·""J.ssi ons throu···hout the period .

9 Feb 45: A·vara6e ob er ·bion ~d · poss blo the loc o.tion of e. few targ ts of op por­tunity 1 i h were e r~erly fir d on by restle ... s gun c ws 111

Th 373rd FA :Un harraased Mouterhouse a ld .. ej.rarsvill r 1i th s a vary aff'eetiva f ring .

The 374th FA Iln ex-perimented ith oleari~ a .. in field ith artillBrJ f•ir . A path 10 yards ·ride v o.s cleared vii th 25 roun.ds of E.; fuze qui ok. 10 mL't'las were de ... t r oyed during tha firing . Te ts with Pozit a::.1d High Angl BE to do the sam.e " job proved inaff otive . Two ctu-ious Krauts wore cau0 ht in this ction .

The 925th F En lcnoeked out 1 Ge an while in Reyeravillor . This unit fired 75 rounds of propagarida shel 1 on the Reyer svi 11 r-Ditch area .

The us .:ial he.rrassing m·:ssions and ro is·cr ... ti. n.c ere fired by other uni ts during th period .

10 Feb 45: Old man weather thr ew the book a-c us du i£ig this period. Rain, snow , sleet., v ind , and fog er the elem ts th t units operated under during noat of th ti o .

Combinec units fired t. TOT on bridges nst f Ditcha wvi th v , destructive . results .

The 37 vrd Fi lir.. burned dowrl. houses in Re -crsviller l\1. th WP shal 1 fuza delay . Other rl.s;:;ion fired by th battalion v.rero nor:r.J.al .

T • 374th FA n ki. lled 4 ene y d ur.· :ng their i'ir inr; on Epping . A rapsa t d registration ca·~1cht tmvo more in the se.me spot •.

The firing during this pcrio oon ist d of 9·0 mission wh· ch w re largely unobsa:rvod harrassing missi ns on knm u nd :pro~ -010 eno:my installations .

The Div l\rty Air O ·was sti 11 hampered by • \uddy field oondi. tions .

11 Feb 45 ; Heavy :rain continued to re<'triot a.11 o p ration~; notwithstandir.c;, ta.rg ts ware fir d 0 .. 1 durirlf:: the par iod. Tha normal r istre.tions and l arras sing mies ior1s w re fired . Tho 342 APA Bn w s attach d to the lOOth Div Arty during the period . Th y went h to position in the vicinity of Enchonbar "' an·d for d the 375th Gro p , r1ith the CO of tho 375th F.t\ Bn comnanding .

12 Fe1> 45: B d ,a th :r coupl d with Ii ttl nor !111 regi trati ons a ·1d unobs rved war fir d during th day .

y ct· vi ty confl ned artillery action to ss·n , i•.rnion • A tot l of 74 issions

13 F b 45 ~ This de y ope1:ed ith the pleasat1t surprise of e:::cellent l eatho r , a f fording bot ground nd Ct.ir obs vars excellent obsarvn-tion . 'rhase observer., wont into action nd lo p,"tod save 1 targets of opportunity iihioh i; ere immadia ·aly t ken under. fi

B sed on knowledge .of the Kraut • s actions ~h.m red smoke signals wera fired (whieh norm.ally markod targets for the 12th ·rAG) a deceptive mission s fir ad. · Tl is ... on i s tad of the 925th FA Bn firi!lf; t~ eo . d smo e shel ls in tho vi c L:i.ity of Bitch • A xpeetod, th ~raut AA er ws .eiine their poc;itions , but instead of r c ivin· tho usual i2"' ibinti they 1~mr pl~stered with Pozit by tho 373rd

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aaj · t. . n rt r fir in rd t che .

n ~ r:i.ng reooiv d infor-mati n that en tining their frot'_i:; li po~itions iri foxholat, placed fir on all as . foxholes v ere c. ~ d in by accura4.;e ly ·placed fire ·!hioh undoubtedly :res· Ito~. ma:ny nomy ca~t: ltiec ,•,hich co'llt net ba s e.a . This unit lso -dj .st d eno .iy

troops in ei .... !drcL.; o se vers noted pe.rts ~f' b ios flying throi.<;h t;h air . Tte 375th 4•A .:u ~f-ld a rel tively qu.i t di:t;,-, out ... tandinG was the mi.ssio11 £:red

by T/<)gt of the 3~)8th Inf ntry on en my tr:)ops in a vehicle on which h$ ... cored direct hit . Two ta.rgot, were also scorod o_ ... u d1.gou t in nother mi Qian ..

The 925-th PA. ·-.i f'ired many misC"ions on m.:.no_ targets of opportuni"l.-y . . .ny direct hits V>J"Gre o-Usorv'-"'d but accurato asualt-cs ~ould not ·.a deter ined .

14 Ti' b 5; ContL1ued ""OOd weathe r provided e:xcalle1h observe:tion . Bi·t e a ~· activi y throughout tho peri6d wns ni l . Ob~erv rs throug10'.t nll s otors v re unable to pick up a. sin ~le te.r1;~t of onportunity . Consequo!!tl y :.ly the norm 1 re istrations - -def nsiv fire c1ee.~s ELd harras in,:; mis ionb -~.ere fired .

A siYlL;le ~ .. ission fir .d by -Gh 374t .. FA n lat·:} ir the period aooou tod for 6 Jar:ries in the '\dcinit;~r of Ep ing .

15 Feb 45· :.1e.rly in the rlod. the 374th FA Bn and 2h0 P.J: Bn ore called on to shift their lin ,.. ot' i'ire tci the est far nough to inclu.do i:.r; li!1f; . .rhis s d01·.e to sup o:rt a .;;chedJ.led A4th Diy.tsi on att· ox which, v:hx· .. 1 .... unch d , ~ias highly sv.,.,oes • sful .. The obj cti vo .. s reached t'Wo hour aft~ r ""··1:c jul:ilp- off, with very little resistance r countered .

The weather e.nd obsorv ion were e y:calle:1t during the periJd a~dng it possiblEi to locat~ mD.ny targets of opportunit:-r Y:'hich ro e · 11 fired. on. with sati faetory results .

The 3'73rd y nn fi.red on targets ·r~ -t.. e vioJ.ni-'"'.l or 1 eyer ·vill r with ·p fuz d 1 y e~nd ., ~ she 11 -v1:1ich bro igLt ~any Kr -ut · r· m~g fro u th d. r hideouts . S ,v ral houses ·:or1.:. d stroyad a::1d tvro Germans were soo ~ kill u durin thi· act:Lm .

Tha 374th FA Bn c ;;nonntrat d j t · offer ..,c. on npping and Uttweilor . Results of the 21 mi sion fired by thi unit included 11 observed casualtJ.e'1 e d n u.trn ­li~ tion of s veral mortar positions.

Th 375th FA Bn firod 19 obsGrved mis"io11s o: one:my mstallatirm throu0hout its se tor . je.ny td'.· et hi ts are scored but no e_,ort if s av ilabla n casu· ltics re u lting U a refr m.

The 925th : D11 f'ircd e. tot 1 ot 29 m· s~io:ns on num rous t rgat in th vie .ni ty of Re, rersvill r and Freud nb r~ 1?e.r .• ~3 . : :J.ny namy gun po i tions 01 a neutralized during; this f. rinL•

The D v Arty Air OP had a very active da:,.JI oo i"?le'ting; 14 siona · hieh in-cluded 6 patrols, f3 rac.:.strations . and 2 targets of opno tu ity.

16 Feb 45 : tto h wen.t ,.e eler:.1ents YJ·ere xcall-;;;:it a ctivi.ty vms r 1 tively quiet during thi~ ~riod .

The 373rd F.1- _:n plastered. and oatroyad 3 )illboxes ;trith tarcet hits . S v :r·al mortnrs · 'f re si.lcnce, d 1rin ! ha.rra.ssin6 miesi il o fi::• d on thro' ghout tho sect r .

'fhe 374th r.i. IL scored a bulls ye on a .. r ut ,;o~:icla and ki 11 d throe Germans ridinc in t le cab . The Germans w re :i ve.. 'ncrm broadcast" through 36 propa-i;anda he ls fired by this be. tt l lion .

ciECR ,-, - ---- -- ,.._. _......

7

l

0 Mountain Di singl b tt

in the

uok.

n yo

•

OT

dur ng th

ntl thr dir ta

positions, ti on

ua du ing

21 F b 5i i

100

22 F

2 F b 5~ lu

2 F b P r

Th

t n my bi vity

i"l;h tim fir in th vicin north of Epping S or

d n ith EE h 11 · u e

n, h 373

ts or ppor it y r 1 t . d n f i d. on t tim £or ·h rtillery unit t th Divifion. during th riod requi · ing th expendi tur of

• ibility ·but ob rv

r+il ... ry -· quit bl t

· firing

of Rey r ill :r. Th.re

n l1ou ill r. i ions thr ughout h ir

t Du ~ ng up .

h s

No out-

con qu nt y

vicinity o R ll r

ult. a. in littl £i ir.g for th rtill ry url g thi

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vi th

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SECRET

25 F b 45: The Div Arty OP play d m jar ro · e in the o. era.tions during this Th djust d the 25 FA Bn on an n y battery in th vicinity or Ol b rg n another in the ic-nity of pping . Th oth outstand':ag adjustm.ont w r with th · 202d F on targets in. C!oh rbach nd Nous ill r.

Another ob v r udju t 375 F Bn on group of

ct hit on d stro d

prop g n a h lls .

26 F b 45t Strong ·nd , llin6 s offered poor vi ibility furing this period. Obsarvars picked up targ t of opportunity . All uni r pla on batt ry in th oar r h bilit tion area ith o a or th front lin batt ries .

373rd F' En demolished a ugout n ar tsmberg . It i s um. d th 5 Kr ut r·ng th dugout wer killed.

Th 374 FA Bn fir d nornt-ll ha.rras ing nd nt·rdiotion mi ion. Th 375 FA Bn killed on J rry in th vicinity of Swange bach during an

adjus . nt n oheok point . Anoth r was killed n ar a dugout in mb rg . A r u·t ·rem.an r pairing a line in front of a dugout in the icinity of: Go t; nbruck

we. bl t bits by an aecur te djuatment . · The 925th F Bn fir, d on a dugout north of Lom erg n obtained dir ot hi ts .

27 F o 45: Extremely bad ether pr ti ally closed all o ... ration u:ring thi day. Th 73 FA Bn stro;;ed ugout that the K uts 'h.nd r built n .a.r mberg . Thr dir et hit di tho Job .

The 374 F 3n onught 3 Krauts in foxhol s near Scho:rb oh nd p · nkled th m effeoti ly with pozit .

Th 675 FA .. n fir d norm 1 r gi trati ons nd harr a ing mis ions. Th 925 FA Bn plastered Sehorbe.oh th 5 TOTs a.nd fir d ro gan on th

am

28 F b 4 R li bl info tion b t in from a pertaining to tr fer of enemy continuous harrnssi.ng ogr m during th nigh • u it prompted the firing of a

H a.vy fog throughout th s oto both i es.

llllli t observ tion and lo d do ct'l vi ty on

Th 373 FA Bn fir d 3. TOTs and cone ntr tion on Bitch • Th 926 FA Bn harrass d R yer vill r nd Somvang rb ch throughout th day . Oth• unit f:ir d norm: l h rra· sing programs .

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·ty *

1. ~arr tiv - l rol. l~l45

p rts . st .. ucti __

• J1 o ort

1. e o: oa 1 l p rt

; '-iCR ·~T ...... ......,, ........... ~~

1 ~.ar: The i vio io:n enters th month of ~arch defending a 16000 mater <! eotor xt ~ding from Ep9i ~-Urbach on th left to Sarr i:nsberg on the right . tely a~ my aet:l.vity has been quite light . All units r: ve bean. pounding kno and sus -pected ena~..y i_st llations •ith r gularity and aocur~oy . Pi ~ reports rave 1 th~t th artillery fire pow r with·n our sector has beon a major factor in diseouragin o.ny 9.ttempts by t e enemy to a.tta.ok.

This he~dq-- rters, loeat d at i·ont ·ronn , had the following artillery uni ts av"'ilable througho t the di vis ion sector :

575 FA .bn, looat d vicinity of _;!ontbrorm. ( 155 H) 375 FA 1n, " u rt :,J:o:'.'.ltbronn. (105 H) S7 4 Fh. B:n , '* " u Petito He de rching . ( 105 H) 925 FA Bn, n 4.nc .criberg . ( 105 II) 250 FA Dn, " " n F;ohe berg . ( 105 H) 975 F~ .. n, " Nf~ of Petite Rodc r ching .. (155 H) 2n2 FA Bn ,, r: of Ech nbe1~g; . (155 H)· 772 FA ::n , n near .L ·ontbronn . (4 . 5 G) 342 P ~ Ih., n n Echenber" . ( 105 SP)

Duri, C" the day tH:> 373 FA Rn fi:rad th.Q U""ual ha.rras>;.)ing and oountor­bat t ry missi ns .

Th 374 FA Bn located and seored 4 de d Jerrias south of Vohlmunster . Obsarvati n and adjustment was m .de or the target by the A P.

1he 37c: .•J.\ n detonated 6 min s 1! ilo a -Justing on an area r~ of oetzen­bri1ek •. hile fi:riig on a mor tar position in the sa:.11e area, an ammunition dump ms s t on fire .

·rh 925 F.i .. 11 harrassad Reyer ville:r uu ing the entir · day and r· rad propege.nd over the re?. aa th day olo~ad.

2 1Ji.&r : This day opal'led wi tli fair obs rvati n a .. 1d i · itad o iling for the AOPw Th r a vary l ittle ene 1y activity noted throughou·t the e . tire division sector .

The 373 FA n fired the us ual harrassinri· missions and registration.a . The 374 F11 Bn killed 5 Krauts whioh resu.Hed from an observed mission

fir d on W i skirchon . Pr op ganda. as al o distri uted long the 397th front . The 375 F. 1n fired normal harrasa ng missicns an r gistration. Duri:nr;

o harrassin~ miss i r n on Go tzenbruek 3 mines 'ter detonated. The 925 FA .... n :xperieno d a very q iat da"~ by firing a f w rou..?J.ds 0£

propaganda alo.g tha 399th front . The 250 F En destro d vehiele in the vicinity of Hottvi ller v. i th e.

direct hit . The 374 FA. Bn lo t d and placed a vatto1 y volley on 4 German iremen

in the vieini . of q ~'.?-~erbach. The resulting shell b ursts lifted 2 bodies into th air .

3 Mar: Vary cold we· ther and low hanging clouds provided only intermittent observation . However f observers i; ere able to locate Q fenv targets of opportunity.

The 373 F Bn located an ene. y CP in &v·-a ... gorb oh nd completely destr o d it i th 9 target hits; it is believad many caoualties :resulted from this firing .

The 374 FA Bn also located an enfh~'" CP ,, in 1.!oussviller. They a.d jtst ad the 925 FA Bn on thic te.r~et c..nd set it on fire .

ther units fir d normal mis$i ns nd recistr tions dur ing the day.

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SF~CRgT ._. ~ ......................

4 ! ar: Onl;/ ono outst .nding m i n ra.s f::.re 01 this o.t • Tha "74 F. Bn ill d 8 Krauts L t.1e opon i the vicinity of Dolle:nb-.c,1 . A mixtur ()f Pozit a_d fuz quiok was uaaa on this t· rget . Another ·, i<!.oio .. 1 n .. s i'irad on S enemy v 0 hicles, the e 'er loeatad by a .1 o.ar unit . Resulting fire 'JO.S reported as extrar1 aly accurate .

All ·,nits moved 1 battery to th ir rear ri.;rabilitation a.:r as and r tu.rne t one the ·a to act.: va duty in the b ttal i n co;~1bEit areas .

5 !dar : .C ontinuad Lnnctivi ty throughout th ene.1y reus provided litt la bu.::1 i.l c s for th artill --ry units.

The 3'14 F'A En fir d on. a vehi ole and on troop conoentrat ions looatad by Radar. Mo re ult~ waro rsporte on this mission . They killed 3 Kr ut who were diuging in n er t a tmm of Ub,,ail r. 2 mor "(rai 's carrying a machine gun in the vioini t of '!!F'Jing Y.rere -ill d when time fire ce.ught them in the ope o

h 575 l?.t .on fired 76 rounds of p ona~unda along tha 398th fro t . 'flha 92 5 F ~ Bn knoo ~ad off' 3 Kr 'ts :T o;t Izayersvi ller, and fired 40 rounds

of propaganda a long tha 399th front .

6 ·re.r: ·ith fog, r~ti11 and snow all thrown toGoth-:r as interfering alemonts, a·i operations "·er p· .~.ot1cally s ·op,,.1ed during the oLtire day.

The 373 i.{ BL ostroyed l ousa in tho vioini~ of le berg ith 3 ·bar; ·t . its .

fired Pozi t on 6 Germ .ns located in the open near tha t ~ , f 'Jeis dro .. 10 •

ot.har •nitn vere quite inactiv durinr th.a day.

No cha_g m."a .t.h::s 0 day of littl Th<:) 3?3 PA )• destroyed a dugout S.~ of l,er-r.b rt with 3 t 1 ha 374 _-'.£~ Bn killed 9 l{ra its on ·the r00.d n <;>r I:,ppinf;. 1\~) othe1· o· ~tstanding acti ity v s "t:roo ··bed.

activity. e hits .

8 Httri I.Ack of e emy action f.J\nd adv Me e ther element sl w d activity i thin th artillery to a f \' obs rv d targets a o. the usual h rre.ssing and int r­

di ctio. missionr;.

9 ~~ar: A se o of any e:nem.y ativity during v!ll.s ,,.1 riod prnvided all units ith an opportu_:..t~r to concentrat their efforts to an extensive harrassing

progra .• I additio1 many rea- L~tr tions were chcdkod c..nd fotmd to be satisfactory.

10 i r : Very· ond ~.f o.ther cond·tions provided little visibilit"'" du:ring this period. .tience this e.s ona of the. qui t st do.ya for several week..., .

Only tr usual harra.ssing issions \e_e firod by all unit , with the exo pti n of 30 roun s 01 propaganda fired by tho 374 and 925 FA Ens .

The 373 F\1<3. Bn scored 2 o sualties \~ i h 3 targev hits on a dubot:1t loei:t1t;ed S of Lem.berg;.

The 374 F.f n dropped 2 JerrieQ th ranid Pozit in th viei ity of i"'e skirchen.

The 375 J.1.i Bn lao d accurate fire 0~1 enai ... ,7 install tion in Goatzen­bruek and sueeeoded in killi .i.f; 2 Jerr' es . nd '_ocking out 1 vehi 1 •

The 925 · -~ Dn had full day of fir·. barr saing and interdiction m:.;. ssions.

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12 . a.r: "F'avoral)lo vo".ther and obs rvation p ovi o e. fat e Joa tar e ts duri:ng the d y,, All units o)err,tod on tte norm.clm:i.ssic1_s .

One mioe:ion of :i.· t -r s t was fired by the 374 ·A.. ~ 1. About 1000 a.n or er r located end pluced fir on 3 1 a.1t np1;roachint; dugout na&.r u:rbaoh . 'l'he first FE killod one f th m, thr l:lOre ~ppea d to pic1

r up the w0 .md.ad maL, repaa.t of t Le r·=.re caught e.11 thr o of th m. . !Ater ir. the .:ior ning 7 mor

a ppaared; accur ~ta fi a ki llad 4 of• tho:n.

13 T>ifar: Thi"' 2ericd opened v.ith improved t\reathor cond · tions throughout the entire s otor. t"!,lJ obso Yers too::C advantage of t.ha opportt.ni ty and searched the eneny area for e.. -ti vi ty ))\.rt ·.rera unsuoces sful in locati:1g ony. '.!'he ana y obsarvars li.rere avicer1t ly 'fo -~+. as 400 round of' enemy artillery w re dropped t rouc;hout our front line el.omen~ • J:l o serious ca ualtias were :reported.

Thi"' he~ \tu· rto i'S as inform.ally nctifi ~d to expect pl n for a forth­eoming e.ttack 011 for -ifion.tions in the vicinity or 1Vtoh<1 and on th town of Bitcha . Proparat ory r or ·c.n · zo. tio:r.. included the a. .t'ee.rLnco of the n ··y 7 lst Divis ion in this soctor •

. rhe 37 17 111 .. \ ~ n moved after co!' idGra.ble trouble to an ar=-a on the ;w side of Enchenberg •

. : 4e 1774 F · Bn kill ad 8 Gon1ans L t-rrn o· served Pozi t missions fi d in the vicinity of F~ppinr;.. hree other Jerri s inter-:J"'-'c d in their wounded oo .. r des were 1.,o oc_ .. 'd off nnen tha:· ventur i into t ·1a open .

ot·e1 u:n·ts fired no al rec;istraticns nnc harassin._:missi,.ns . The 342 . \?2~ l: n v~s released. this d to frot,__ attachment a.nd wa~ l~ ·ep laoed

b the 991 F. 1 r , which 1es attached and placed i.:1 ~ i1eral t!upport . Thay oocu_ ied positions in the vicinity of Patite haderching . · ·~i.s unit is equipped with eight :t: 12 "'Uns which will be n e ini ta aid in. the ass ult on · nerny .1.0rtifioations.

14 ·ar: T e lorg n •.. ai ted transfer fro.n t _he defonsiv role for this division to an active offensive Yms announced by the publi.09.ti.on of FD #-8 Hq lOOth Div ~ ~hich in ban ra.l ordered elements of the division to ;..tt 'C'.: at 0500 on 15 ~.la.roh 1945. This ordered the capture of ·1itche , Ce.mp De Ditchc :; and the high g round surroundin:J this area . Thoreaft~ r, on X-V Cor.t).., Order , the d ·.vision is to m.ove to the north and protect all or part of th Corps right fl n..c .

Upon receipt of thes orders this '-Tq iss 1od a~ a.nnax gi vin.., the com.pl· te a.rti llery plan co SU_J1'.10rt this attack (sea inclosed FA Annex to FO //-8 for details) . Orga.nizatio & for the o.ttac.re consisted of the following;

The S7'3 F\A Bn ( 155 H) in general support of the division sector froa its positions in the vicinity of Enehen-ber6 •

The 374 Fl' Bn (105-H) . th uha mission of direct support of the 397 Inf dr::vo to the F.i in the area JE of Schorbach. 'fhis unit was in poai tion near Petito Redorch'~n;:; .

Tho 375 -FA .Bn (105)H) form.ad the 375 Gro p with the 250 A. · , tho CO of 375 com.ma··Jdin :. • The miss i on of this .;roup was direct support or the 398 Inf' in makin the :mo.: n thrust on Fort Sohlassick, then to the for tress Otterb il and fin lly to t 1e ·t;oi: of' £ itche. Po · tions occupiad ware n · o.r lL lbach .

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The 925 <A Bn ( 105 r_) ti th t.1e _ · ... "3ion of direct support of the 389th In.:' in its d anc through Reyers ri llo:r to 1J follows - b~r .... n assault on Eitch from its position in t:e vicinity of Echanberg •

.tho 991 FA Br.. (lvi- 12) with 8 guns \"f~s : van the miss io of t.,eneral supp rt of the .: ..:..sicm from its positions in th vicinity c ' -~ohr ~ch . Th guns of this unit to be committed to direct fire ntlssiono upon call . ·

1JI eather conditions being un lsua ll~r favo ~·ble dur L t. day, -cha OP v, s a' 1 to complete 32 flit; '!ts . S veral tnr.;ats o · OP .. crtunity r lo tad ·1d fir on .

p; ~ar: T .is period s ·urted off w..l th action by XV Corps Arty unit :r irin :J' 2-hour count rbattary p " obrru1~ at 0100 to eliminate eno--a.y sr Gi llary u~ its \1'

1. o i~- t

offer r s·st nee \.haYJ. ·t;:1e attaok started . At 0500 all infa, t units , w 11 or.::; ... nized , ov d fo rd to s ize th ir

v rious obj ctives ~;enere.lly cantered E of Bitche . Litt l e rasistanc wa"" encourt · ed during the first driv nd all initial obj c·tiveo ue r& s izod rapidly. Conti .. uin~· on to~e.rd fortificatio'1S ... urroundinr; Bitche -* all a 1 rn.onts ga · n com.pl ted their miss ions ir due ti... o under e:o~u.rat artillery cov0r . As. tha period clo ed the infa.ntry el ,c t;s dug - in in pr p ration for t"ho f'inal drive on Bitche and c_._p de Bit cha .

All i'Gs of the artillery en ,red the uco e ncti on nt 0600 wl th the firing of a dota iled harrassing and interdiction 2ro£;ram for a l -.'.Ui..riute duration . This sam0 treat:mer..t was ,·iv n all .nemy install~tion3 end possible 011te. of retreat "'lery hour for 4 hot-7.rQ .

The 373 F' n started the day off · ·it~1 4. i rect hits on a dUf1out ir th

vioi...1it~r of Reyersvillar and caused n unknown n ber of casualtfos ther in . l tor in th mornin::'; th ... AOP adjusted this uni'· OJ.1 a t-.nk in LLPl ,hen , target .1its \·.ero soor d . The l\.OP 'lso locot .d nJ.merous en my ":J .... tt -;/positions nd placed ax"tren:el ..

ecurnta fir on t;... . • ine "' rock t positions 1·t .. e locu.ted and pla~>tared by t.ki~ unit . Towa d -the end of the day thay .• ~a.r l- d Bitche for a 12th TA.C bombing .

In support of the 397 Inf ndve.~co on the DivisL.._1 , s left flank , tha 3'74 FA t~ fired on ·1e·1y eno- y stron poin·ts : .. nd troon co=:ce:itrations ~ of !:>ohorbach. Forward obs rvorc loc .... ted 8 enemy rock t .,..J o.:~~ tio ~S ~ of L ·. G leshen az d plasta:red them i th a mixture o:f.' ~-A and WP . Another _ ::.s~ ion. 11 red in the same area knocked ct

a CP. mhe latter ... ro.B b'Jrned ''"ith a. treatmout of . .i~ . As t .. a 3G8 Inf drove for rard in the cen-tor of the Division' s thrust , ·li.l

375 FA 1 .. n loo .ted n,:__ci dirocted accurate fire on :r::~ny on l .. "' 1 troop installations n co"1c l trat ion.J Sf) , a dh-iz o"er the area F ' 1edo·1b0rg Far to Fort t• chiss ok.

oti1er :missions fired b., ·t1is unit included the ~~n .:L:.1!:: of Fort O·t;terbiel and Forv Ramstoin for bombing b:' the 12th TAC .

Stronc nrossuro bv th 399th 1nf on t 1..., ou..i:skirts of Bit he eaus ... d m ny enemy units to ia· ve . ,._irt., were o UP)tt i n 025 F En cone ntr&tion 011 y 8 of th se Yere seen wr:.lir:g .v,ry . This uni'b fire· o. heevy p:r-paratio'l o.iJ. l.ey r v:ller and Sp ... t zbert: hill . l··,ta:i: a ission fir d on &r ne y :n.achine gun p)siticn . of Fitoha resulted in. 8 dead Krauts .

Tha AOP L o. ono of the· r busiest days .ri t.. the conpl tion of 38 miss ions . total of 115 :missions ware fired dt!l"L. ~; ·this period.

- 4-

S E C RE T _______ .....,. ._.

16 r: vnry relial.le inform.::-tion that th n my was moving out in front , 11 a.rti llery u. its of t_.. X:V Corps, 71st Divis ion , and this

ensive harra.:!sin6 and ·nt rdiction rogram throughout the all lin ~ o · arch thr U&ho v nll n my s ctors .

a vof· o:ni g up prep:iration 'ires fir d on Bitch b for the final infantry . Uni't; rticipe.ting L"ll;ltl d tho 608th, 564~ 250 t 373 ~

n'°' . iftee!l minutes la tar the 697, 991, nd 37 v Bns fir d a pre_ ra -tion on Fort Otterbiel .

Follo'l1'1r·ng -the initial prep rations , many tcr etc of' opportum. ty v ro located by ground and a rial ob"ervars . r ny of tLes r elements of retreating en my units .

Th- 373 F' 1 n ojtain d 3 targ t hit~ on an enemy t o edge of C mp de Bi"tch • sw·- epi~ to the r t ~GY cau0 ht col moving S. of !Jing 1 s .. n nd pl st a red them with Pozi t ; oau:,, ing an of c . ua lties •. TLis unit also .. rkad 3 targets for the 12th TPC in p d Bitcha . During the lat·ter part of the day a disple.oement ~as valle: S of Schorba.ch .

The 37"- F.I\. Bn a· ring th ; r sup.,. ort of the ~dvan e of tha 397 In.t. ar:.d fired on rock t position J o" bhor:. ch . ·ato:r during the mornint; an patrol four d ~o of thes rocket"' a 1d 100 r unds of e.m.1Ul1ition . Fonr onem, gun positio~s .* c ce.Jtroy-d ' of ·aspelncheist. An on ~Y ba.tt·ry position me completely mocked out of "'ctio ·ith 62 rounds of Pozi t . This battery was loo ted S of Iie.nnvill r whe1·c later 6 de d Krnuts rere foun •

The 375 11 I\ Bn deotroyed vehicle nd gun on the road nee.r Ca p d Eitche vith fJ.ccu:ro.toly placod fire . Obser vors of this u~ it adjus'tec. the 697 FA Bn (240 II) on Fort Hohaklrkel arid ::-;ecured .. evaral target h'Lts . J!'ive hits w rot: l~ o soor d on Fort ott rbia 1 w i le u~ · ni; th 12 .

· Tho 925 F Bn ~upportin.; the swa p of ·'(;h "'99 In on th Di vis inn t s right f 1 nk: knOCICOd O'lt se·v·er 1 tank ho ttempted ·t;o ~le Tl .. aS th infant ,/ • D_;_r ot hits

ro made on n my ve!iiclcs r treating from tl front line • During th fternoon displa.cem t tm!.." made o the vi.eini ty of mbaoh which lat r that nir-ht li s

follo\7ad by a m0ve ~o ~n area S'IW of Bi toh • The D v ,.rty AOP had ver~r active cle.y, 21 patrols, 21 registr ti '111s,

and lS tar atci of opportunity wer coo.pl t; d by this unit . In several instano s obsarv(H" called fo 12tn ~ C 1.r pp rt rhen ta!' cts "''! r, located out of r a 'l~ of our e.rtill y.

A this de,. clo~ed tho divi ion hav t .. 1e 0upreme sntisf ction of having oapturod on of t•1e stron:.,;ast f rtifi d ar as in F;u.ropo, narn. ly th o:lty or Bitch and its surr01.'n.dir~ forts 1 ll mot in, \ ehiessao'::r Po·~ite Ottarb 1, Gr o.nd Ottorbiel , Petite Hohekirshol, t._e Citadel of Bitcho , nd C nip de Bitch • mhis vvas coom.plishad in o days .

17 r.ar: Coll.s· lidated into lli0 enc inform.: ti .. >n indlcatod the e em.y had m d v ry r pid retr at and off$rr d but little re~istanoo . This faot coupled rith dv rsa .ee.ther aloma ts r vid. d on ly little activity du· i.rlg thi 1 riod .

Thi.., hOA.do e.rtors ov d from f'o_. tbro_1.!' to u: tcho :1 a distt.nco of bout 15 miles. Installatio~n were completed at. 1 30.

The 373 ; ·A Bn firod r t~istraticns a .. d ~ 0 -"r&ssing prngor i.s . T rd the end of the da .. . th y c~mple ·ted displac rr.er.t to neV!r po.J:i::·ior S of chorb oh .

The 374 FA ,n 1nd day without ' ct:vi~y . Displac ~ont was oo~nl t d to lsberg witho1 inciclen'b .

- 5-

SJ!~CRET

Th 375 FA Bn al o had simil r d~ y o:: in~eti · new positions in ·he vi inity of Schorbach .

They di pl c to

Th .,25 FA .un caught a ta k 1 aving the· Ca. ,p de it out of action .:_th tha first concentre.tLm. A"' ··he placed to n w position"' in the vicinity of .d.e.n..11vill r .

area and knock d a this unit dis -

formed adding the 250 FA En to tha 925 FA Bn . .. 25 Group 1as

18 M r : Alt 10 gh w a thar conditions were favorable and obeervat · t~.e enemy' s rapid nd ext ded retreHt left only I:< fa· targets for to work on during thig period .

xce lle:nt , tillary

The 373 FA bll displaced from Pchorbach to ·ousuevillor . The 374 FA Bn displaced f:ro Olsberg to W~ ldho.us n . Th 375 ·11d 025 FA En had littl ac·tivity . As ~his day ended or~ was receiv d that the Division elemeits o

f ormed into combat te~ms and placed in Corps rase va for a movement to another sector .

be

19 Mar: aotivity.

H·vL1g ta n up a re rv role , elenian·t.;3 of' the Division offered litt-

Th 37., FA . n moved into n .ss bly r .. ne""r Bu ei l er . The 374 FA Ln rem lned in their positions and fired one mission on z

enemy v hicles ) of ~iUnzeln .

The 925 FA .wn closed in its a sembly :'ea in the vi inity of Hannwiller . Th 250 FA .:..:n a('.' ralea.sod this date for e.ttachment to the 3d Division

which i oporatinE on our 1 ft flank.

20 W r ~ Th only enemy activity picked up during this p riod was 25 gun.flashes in the vicinity of Parmasons . The AOP adjusted t 1e 373 and 564 FA Bns on these targets , TC.Yrs VJere fired on each po ition .

In pr p ration for th lOOth Division ' s transfer from. the .'If to the XXI C rps and the attac ~ 011 Ludwigshaf n , units proooeded to assi6 ned ss mbly ar as to await f'urth r i::rntructions: The 375 FA En near Schor ach , 925 FA , n in t 1a vicinit of Hnnnvill r , 373FA ~n near Buss·ail r t 1630, nd the 374 FA Bn in the vieini ty of )11a ldha.usen.

21 Tu..ar : Al 1 uni ts remained in the r rospeoti ve assembly araas without activity during the n.tiro dPy .

22 .ar, Ao day broke this morning CT 399 · ov d out notorized in a · E direction to the tovro. of Contivig. Then t· king the winding road go~n0 E through the for sts nd mountain ~ they &dv .... ncod along th line Riescm ir- Thnla ch ilor ·aldesbach

and finally to :;:eustadt . 1'Jo enemy r si tance 7CS o:ncountered during th. march. Thi CT was followed very closely by CT 397 w~10 ~:iovec.: o.lone; the am.a rout •

This heo.dquarto rs moved from i tohe , Fr :nee , to Thal ischwai ler , G r::ia.ny :f rriving th re t 1800 .

Th 373 nnd 375 FA Bns remained in "Ciheir assembly areas . Th AOP had a vary busy day maintaining sur- eill nee over th advance of

the comb t te ms . Timely reporting of the loc tions of front lin el ments faci li­tated r pid coor ination wit in th division .

- 6-

S E C R E T

T

23 M r.. Continuing t:~oir att· ck on .U.Hitvigshafen the 399 CT sudeeod d in edvc ·1ci:c.g ns far as :lua.a.oh t.<i·tLo·t meeting nemy rasi ,t nc • 11 here the division attack stopped to await the r"ivnl of other division uni"·s tHid build up a he vier striking fore •

1rhe 373 FA n mov d into new positio!ls nee.r Darmstadt . There they registered o i the E side of ·l;he Juno .

Tha 374 F~' Bn moved into positions in the vioinit~r of F okenhaim . The 37 F· Bn moved into position ~!! the vi.cinit~r of xdorf . The 925 FA ;.;n ~ oved into :; >Sition nev.r -.rnt·terstadt and registered o:n the

E sido of tha Rhin • The 13 F Bn moved into n ass :n.bly area i ear Ungstein . 'The 802 FA B:n mo ed into e.n ssembly "roe n e.r ~uttersta dt , The Div Arty AOP moved to a new field .. o r up ~ ertsb rg . This _e ..... dqua.rters moved to l1eckenheim U:".lc closed tbera at 1500.

24 Le.r: Poor woathe:r condition and the he vy fo~ throughout the Rhine valley limited visibiU-'cy. l:o t rgats of opport mi ty r,-o:re located , indic tin~ verf li ·ble enemy a tivity Ol! the .western b n of the Rhino Hivar .

Th 73 FA - . o to n nosi tio_"' noar Limbergerhof} and fired 2 re0:ts -tre.tions; th 374 F. Bn d_-_ Jl c 1d to Limbergerho.:: then to Oggersheim, where 5 regic -trations r re th 375 FA B11 displaced irom .. ?u.xdorf ·to new positions near I..imbergerho:f n:rr f .:r d 2 re ·istr:ations; t e 925 FA 11'1 displaced to Lin.b rge:rhof a::1d fired 1 r gis·(;re.tLm; t e .18 FA Bn moved into now positions near tlutterstadt end fired 3 registrations• and t h 802 FA Bn displaced ;o Limbergerhof and firod 2 registr tions .

25 Marg This Division he.cl be n ordered into e.usom.)ly c.reas just Vi of Lud-r~igshn ·~n1 to awe.it orders for a fast move over tha Rhine , The loca. ti on 6f the 7th Ar~,1y bridge ­heads 01.r r th ri vor a:ra yet i.mknov1.m .

An o\rser-ver fro:.1 tha 925 Ff\. Dn noted one: 'r e.cti vi ty in a rehouse in southern '.annheim, a:rid adjusted th 373 FA Bn on it . .i. 10 tar ~;et hit caus d a vor.1 heavy x.plos ion .

Ot' er tmits had little activity other then oh ck registxatiun .

26 1 r : Improved visibility durin[ the fternoon provided few observed argots which war i:ar:'1.ediate. y takon under fir •

The 373 FA H.1 1 .. il'•ed on two enemy Al 'bat·tarios N of !iJ.£\ "tnheim and neutralized th in short order . A 925 observer adjusted this b ttalion on enemy vehi ;las and a hou e in southern an.uheiz.a, Loth wore des t royed .. A guard of this unit killed a Kraut Lieutenant who re used to halt when approhe:~dod .

The 374 Fl~ n scored 5 tare t hi ts on u lart;e barge moving in the Rhine . In anoth r mission they collapsed the· ·alls of a 1ruse on 5 Jerrias who rmre hidirg in ide .

Ot.1er units he.d inactivity throughout the day .

27 ar , Th lOOth Divi"" ion vtas r liaved by the 7lst Division . All 1.ie.t-ta lions were taken out of a tion us of 1700, consequently no changes or activity -vms reported.

28 rar• .~~o mlrt.iion:::i , _10 o_ha.v..g in location and nc enemy ~.otivity was 'he only report for this period.

- 7-

SECR I~ :r

!

I

I

!• SECRET

29 r.a r: Al l Oparations during this per iod stres~ed maintenanoa and car or met rie l ~

30 ~ar : This day wos devot d to continued maint nance and orientation . Troops were thoroughl y info .. ed of the rapid ehanr;es t kinr; pkc e .. st of the Rhine .

31 _1rar: Orders war received from higher hes.aqua ... ters to ~nart all Uriit for d.Ove -·- ent a ross the Rhin . This s good ne·s for tie Ooth DivLion par onnel as ' it meant getting :into ·bh· real part of G r mnny and c ossing hat w·as .xpeotad to. be one of the Kraut ' s final line of d fans •

Tha ~va it for fina 1 movement wa-o not lone , (! e 1 ment s of th a.rti llery star ted across the Rhine at 0800,. lhis headquarte_ s cross d the riv r on the e .. gin r pontoon bridce oo ~ ... n oting Ludwi~;shavan ... nd l:lPnnheim at 1100 today. Tho CP c losed in the tiov:m of Friedri.ch fe l d at 1230.

The 373 FA Bn co upied po~itions · n the vi inity of Grenzhof and rebiatered. T 1a 374 :F'A Bn ocotpi d positions in ·:he vieL_i ty of Pl' nkstadt . Tha · 925 rA Bn occupied posi tion·s in ·he vicl:dty of Bruhl and registered . 1rhs 375 FA Bn ir.ovad .! nto positions i:l t 1 vicinity of Bruhl . Tha 242 FA Bn ( 105 H) vm.s attached for O:;?arations as of 302000 Aa.rch 45

and moved to po'"' itions in the 'tficinity of PlUnl.CStadt; and register ed. 1f hus a~ t~~ month of 1aroh closes the lOOth DiVision Artillery is in

position East of the Rhin :ivar raa.dy for tho necao ary re - org nize.tion Bf the VI Corp prep rator y to a.n attack in n F;astarly direction .

- 8-

SEC R ET _ ___ ...._ .... c..-

*' *

S E C R E T

CONTE .. TTS

*********** ********•*~** * SECRET * :Auth :-c'G Ioo Iriv Arty * * , ~ :Initials:-~ •D te : 5 .. .ay 1945

*

* *********~******** ******

l . Narrative - 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945 -2. Unit Journal

3 .. S-1 P rsonna 1 R po

4 .- S-2 Summary s-~ Per~odio R port

5 -3 S UJ.n.nn ry S-3 Periodic Report S-3 lisce llan ous

6. S-4 Sumrf!lry S-4 Amr::unition Report

7 . K dioa.1 Reports

8. Air Section R port

9 . Ch plain's Report

S E C R E T

1 Apr:

c

2 Apr :

to

p -,

4 Apr:

r Si t p int .

thi id

p 0 th

buil n s

All tmit

T e The

.1i h

S E C

e d to n p siti 1 ·~ .. _ th v · cinity r ft o St I 1 n .

of th 398 Infantry , th 375 FA n d r

p oi.l-iO_.tS in th vieinity 0 H ok

e.lso di p c d to th vie in •ty front of th 3 7 Inf try sector .

1 l .l.t J

busy uring th day L: _c..king recon i n e for , n po iti n • · spl o to

OV 0

ne posH;i n

-1-

EC RE

d th r at 9

nd fir d on

eh .

f i ed 700 un on i no doubt that r t th t .· lie

5 Apr :

d

A Bn

S i CR.' T

a .;L.ro•. hout th r a.

in ma ldng a riv r .,. p:b t chion . At

7 and 242 FA ~n king the e y thrust .

l m:.r troop m.ovam nt . 1 th 11 nt rosults . At bout th

tion of H i lbronn ,

r..., nd tL:'X.J t ult d in

dv nee of the att ek by th 397 InJ. _try., tl~ v73 , 374,, 242 and 194 pre1e ation f~r on th dge of H ilbronn .

c.ar · dvanc d , pl ns . ere i suo ·ro ~ thu h adqu rt destruction of the cib-r ., :., ch of ho foll 1ng b tt lio 75 ,

2 , 242 , 194 ~ . ... 38 , 141 and 6 4) Vf r a ign d ee'ctor of th oi ty to r gul r inten ls tr1o:i ·hout t 1 d y .. Ammunition eA.-penditures• report

f rr th : rs, 37 ,

fir on .a·t r val t t

1 hundr d tons of J:E y:er poured on th c·· t ., A stronn- point loo ta in II ilbronn . s t::..::on und r 1 ire by ·th· 37

242 F Bn • The .,. pl..,, co T T on this target -·r hour fro 1400 until r Th 37 FA n lso aided b ~ firing 8 roun pe. .10 .. ,,, on th t rget .

Th 37 F 1 dis:pl oed to th viciuity of Ba imp rn nd supported tb 398 Infantry i re ul i:1g o.n ~ my thr u t .

Th 925 F .. I\ Bn ispl e d to th vicinity f off'enb ch . h y fir d oounte -b tt ry mi aio on dir et fir p n and nebl d i'ri ndly or to a.lo th r o d fro GrossgtL taoh. '

The Div rty . P ., d a v ry a tiv da. ~nd oan at least dd 2 t nka an 8 vehial s to H; listi of' profit bl· targets knock,d out .

6 A : ido

t nd to d The The

nd account d hit pho phorous bu

40 n

The and

Riv r .

'7 : ci. t;;r o_..' I.:.oi lbronn , although

riv e.rt

thr

0 th S b;.r ith str n ... ·poc

eonor rf.l hout.

ocurate firing . In anoth r with t"G o dir ct 1 it

SEC R ET ------·---

th in his

hid.in •

of

c su lti a, burned s vex l onstruot on proj t over th

our -ina r • imr. O·di t ly o ened fir on

b hind dir ot hit

is tnit th on

by d

hit .

i ion

SECRET

s .::lone d a t ot l ot 81

a 1d had n ITey-De.y, firing 24 obsa ed ~ bag~ad during th day.

h a full · r of acti vit > s tting numb· ra Of buildi gs on fir city of R ilbronn. i . lso k:n.ook d out vahi 1 an cau o. " motor park.

n ontinu d to provide protective cov r of fire and amok ser n for th engi- .... er'-' eonstructing th br:=-dg · o.c:ro s t Wookar . Ob erv d nem.y troop m s ions n ted 30 c u lti fo rd obse var knoek out n 88m.rn gun ith . ing 1 irect hit .

Th 925 i Bn fired on troop i t:.1 orrn of South im and mo th down ith ti. e fire. I an ther mi ion on en n y -broo- s neo.r Fl ir. , ny oa ual i r n tt d.

8 r: During t. ra uce ssful sp "lning th r c_,..ar . li Q d ro lli

to build up and support thos By c use

t d ereas • ing to the dge or th re • th

the

in ov

nd

t l enemy Gun firing on th brid0 e but ill .

troop fro

on . .- t n k 1 hi ch com1 lately d troy d it . an. ~ y batt ry loc, . ...:E of H ilbronn. They lso et 1800 1 oat d N of' :1oi lbronn. d 138 r un of s oL to scr en th mov t of fri ndl

dir ct 1 it of th 98 !n.f

ions an

whi h

of

r

fairly qui t d y :i..irin .... but 6 mi io s on n y tro ps • .1. d ·nst

i

9th

th cro

to e ]{oeh ndor£ .

P'O •

y st rted firin. 0 rock t on But t~~~r firing being

ill be autr liz b for

ttnits on the i r: direct d on elo n oft n up th

t th

ec r {iver, th ivi in s .. in an effort to st.r ngthan

i t n eing ncount re

n ro t fire continu d to

up state t ~_o e~lO--.:. 9.i"' dafa ing this area strongl · rts from an under:round 1' ctory looata E of

-3-

The 3·73 FA Bn n utralized 3 nemy poa itl.one, on s lf-propell d gun n.d r ck t gun . Hi ts var soorad n 3 Kraut ve~ icle ... Sov r 1 buildings :re r urn d _ during the dayll

Th 37·1: "'?I\ Bn supporting th 597 Inf fir po r (J n ytroops , ba0 ging n tm1 •o,, numb-11 of oe. ualti-s . chi e guns d 1 mort .. r · out in oth r action .,

h 242 A ""n scor d 11 hits on buildiu ·;I"" ~1: rborin0 snip r • Tb y lso arked t rg t. .1.. or th 12th TAC .

Th 375 FA Bn harr s ed n my <:!txone; point J of Hag nba.oh during the n ... gh ban dawn came 3 0 J t';ri s sc n on th .. ~;round .. An observer of this unit adjust d th 194 FA Bn on a 75-J gun position ~ lso of .t:Iag b eh nd de troy it v. well s killine p rt of th •

The 925 rA Bn .:..us d h avy d truction to . bo.rra k area viith the M 12 unit . hortly ther after th .l apt d propaganda shall ov .r the ar • , ! pid ~-nd

cour t ..,hooting KO' .. 3 vehicles SE of Flain . The AOP m.s quite aetiv Tfith 29 flights nnd 26 pat ls . Many proi'ite.ble

t l"'g ts er lo ated nd fired on .

10 Apr : l" liable arid v ry o lo e o· s rv0 -'Gi ns de by Capt Tv dt in the vke1 sL im, th rt ill ry units fired th large t 45-:m.inute

proc;r :m ino nt·1" into combat . Th 1412 round~ 1e1--o du.111. d througnout tha t m an on en dja· ant town, 1 o on n rby woo s ~he ;n.any n .my troops and v hie l ·

r i ant . :h "'ired on troop nd bu ad buildings in Hei lbro'nn througho lt

th day ., The p,74 F'A Hn also burn d buildir. s :n Lteilbronn and seor d many casualti .s

th :rei 1. I· another mi sion they si no d direcn; fil' weapon locat d in th,, north r part of the ta'.l-n .

Th 2 2 FA Bn oo pl t ly d str Y' d a l · g building in H ilbr nn ith r

dire t hits . Th 375 FA -~,11 directing the firing of an !ii: -12,. ' 01 .. ked-ov r" house ,

buildi.gs nd field.Umps with diree~ fL . D S'tru ... tion nd caoualties w re obt--il;;ed ith ev ry round fired .

a.by othe troop nd vehicle mio.,ions v:e v fir d by the units on th· N ekarshaim and Ha· ~bronn area . The 186 miss i ons i'irt~d uring thi pe:ri od occurred so r . pi ly and requirod the att ntion of all par -onnel to th ext nt that it ·1ps

impoe!sibl to 1..."eep t detailed r cord of tne miss:t :t!S ..

11 Apr:

by thi~

· p:roe during

37 FA th

Inte lli nee at> nt gat rared info .t i on during y terday that ane-111y r inf orce;;:ont ware moving; into ti1e I: i 1 ronn ar This was v rifisd

troop o monts picked up by groun end ir ob rv r s . Upon rec .ipt of tio ·n ~the location of these as ·anl?ly r as., this h adquarters

progr ~m ··rhi oh iva.s fired by 11 unH;..,

i ty of Hookh im and djuated ; tl $ i· addi tio sev ral buildiligs on

o 1 v niol S bar this

on c r h im . D rin;r, th .:Gi lidrig th -12 th y destroy d

·-4-

SECRET .......,....._,~~--~

12

H ilbr

nd on

day . ..h 397th ph BS

dal

~ E C T

Dt 1 ing tha ft r· oon this b tto. lio TD 1 s a Qo~- 1 d na r building in

in thu vie· ity of Sonth im. They ili t r:y tE :rri on 1 at i 1000 ·yar uso 1 parliJ. cnn 1 ln the building to

ly ocaupi d by the riv.r on 21;- ton duol •

ov nt of ny arti 11 r

the y o n d ,. ost oi outh rn s ct r of th

T' s on building~ ooJt ining tro p

the nii.,ht vid

cector , reoning

ir

4"-' 5 rouno.s of ltie woro se1 ved a

r .la.tiv ly quie it provid d the

prior to the i ti l

fu.ze quick~ · uz. ounds of istres~

on ne y troops of t hi firing ,

13 Apl'": All infaxtr .. :· uni-ts

of th th di it . adv noe .

w

and Cpl Ha t"ly t

er0 • .

The 374 F ..... n ~1 o fir d a full ni g lt of h 1 r 'in t f o· o:rtunity during the rly 1.0l"lli ._, •

ur.1.it fi d it 60 , 000th

irly qui t d y in their own actor . 397th Inf th r i g of' b ting in ·cation tr noh ~er

37;; FA and 194 FA n f'r d on P.· full d y fir:

try thi

to

o pe,rticu r not vt'dS mad , by Lt R berts noted frie:;i ly a or h lted by r d block. to tho lt~d column and guid d it on a

-5-s ~ C R ~ ~ -- .... ~-----

n

c

to !};) hl" n . contact ri th the dis laee un.i"ts ·bllis h a.dqu rt r mov to

1600.

l . Apr " s r re bu.>y h rr s · ing - na:my

th · firing f TOT ' by

The c;roup

·-ith t

n of Lo.,,, no t;eln for bombing by th 12th TAC • a po si~ 1 co1l.!lterattaok w re r adily n utra -

The f H

375 FA V-n

mi· i ons

15 Apr:

nd Lo- n

w nat in .

r o iv d

a l o

headq mrtera

1J riod . n · i ed

'•or a {?99t 1 Inf /i ' in 0 t

trol in th

vi inity

ob rv 399th I f .,,

ying actions nd amount d numb rs of r th Divi ion front .

nri t ,

. , t from am behiola

r

· n ths 399th nf s ctor s A pro r t·on a roun cho.z· h .

16 Apr: Goner 1 .. tivity lo· d do a uni tu· d··noad ste·dily ft :r the n my r tree> ting in S direction .

he 373 .. ~ n displao f ld . The only etivity ther

posit:ons in th vicinity of lehr-n t ii • trali tion of an n y m chin gun .

The 3?4 F Bn cord 10 o s, lt t rg t for tho 12th TA and fir

r tin in t~1e 'T.eicini ty of lDwanst in . Th 398th Inf' in order to m v re.pi

motoriz d t 2d b tt·~ lion and requ sted the

tro mi a i ns . Th y 1 o upport f t 1 397th

• dir ti on t w r in ~a.rdt of on battery of th 375 FA Bn

for clo"" u :>:>art in the av nt f m eting tr·on..., re b for reaching their ob ctiv • Another l ch spot in thi unit' firi day s 3 olo •in

0 nt rba.tter r .m.L.:,S ion ... • Th 25 F'1A. "'.": caught an n my hors ~rawn v h . cl or ing a ohac po "n-t .

Thi pi ly de.,tro:· d b"'r o ba.tt lion volley"' • A smoke mission fir d on th to of ch oz ., over the ntry of th· 399·' l: Inf int t ha toym . Th y 1 <"O

mark d Ilsf ld for -o · g by th air supp rt . Th 2-2 n coll· ct d 17 ne""'1y c·.st .. "'.lti.es during their day's firin::.;.

The d - l' 1 · n th Vici ity of .. (n!l&.utr rn .

-6-

C T

17 pr•

b tt r.,r

18 A r: Pr

TOT ' to 4 vehiel

· off r p cod 01 ,..,

EC

it adv no i rea . The

-1-

S E C R E T

1 i't d block :r rth r E.

d th ro d blo ,. a~ ..

Aft r

ly fi r d on 2 on my m l l" port d :x llent. re ot:.ught un er crumb ling m lls of town of Ilsfi 1d, s·veral hi vmr

nd o lled ir .d o v

92 FA Bn

ops

mi ions "'

19 _pr:

rt ill

t 1230. ar a in

hi h r

_ .. of

s

S C E T

E o.~ H l r R ls

:roo_ mi ion ntn of the 2nd . O

day c O'\i"" ·.r .:.11.g the n tire front by f lyi '1. 3 nd fired on it'1 exo llant re ult •

ted outhv/S.rd t!1ey retain a small pockets of res· t o of mov m nt . ha e pres eut ed but :D v1 targ t fo th

y vah:.cla SW of Klaspaoh a 1d i mediately pl tad th job with a Corp Arty T 1 . In vehiol in the vii ity of Allmersb eh.

down coritu i ning enemy in the town. of Kurz oh zon firL.1~ of thi unit on an an y ssembly

tt oh.

i ~ during tho night

f Rei ch,

20 A r 1 A th... ne " r tr at d r pidly ~ 1 m.ont of this di vis ions front lin t.:m.it foun.d difficulty in ainte.ining contaot 6

Th 373 F Bn di pl ce to I tt nb ch. The 374 F.. Dn di pla.oed to Rottm nnsberg .• Th 375 A Bn i plac to F ntspa J.l.

The 925 FA Bn looat d en -:ny battery co 1c ·.sting of 8 gu· s firing r pidly into too to of• Baohna :.-.."\ . 986 F n wa ad.Just d on this battery . The rasultin~ fire neutr liz·. d thi · enemy aotion . A imilar 1a.t -ery was also loc t d 0 of ~ rt-mann w iller .nd ·Jui; out of action ~ At 1630 l.e.rge column of a ray personn 1

t; d t 400 were obs :.rved moving outh: rd ten - rel ohorn orf. Th TAC wa on to b b thio profit ble targ t . tr t 1800 an ther column of approx·

mat ly 600 troops and 50 v ·hicle ~: re obc. rvo rrovi .. G S through Ilosslingswast . Th 7 'A Bn "ire on tlns column c u ing rapi dispe:r d.on and m ny ce.sualtie •

Th 925 FA Bn ovod to Be.elm ng . Thi he displaee from Raisa.ch to Sulzbe.ch ·nd o n d th.er

at 1500.,

- 8-

~ C RE T ~-- .............. _.....,

-

21 Apr

22 Apr i

23 Apr~

24 Apr:

26 r :

27 A

28 pr:

29 Apr:

30 Apr:

th ir the r ver

0 EC R "' J.

J.. v

&rtillary con i~tad of ov 1 nt only: 373 to Hofen 6 374 375 to th same tmm, nnd 925 to omm lsh us n .

d fr Se.lzbao to :l.Ortm.ann ri il r a.t 1530.

Ender bach and did not fir • · nolz. iler ·nth litt 1 activity.

Ba lt ma.nn- tell r . nd on p par·tion.

The

This heuc1qu rt r di pl c d f'ro Her'b _.,_ mt1 il r n open d at B d c st ·bt -e. t 0923 . The 373 F Bn ov d t

All units to ~ mol

th 375 F Bn , hich mo d

U it r A•; ined in r a and p nt ti· ... in e~ r nd int nano

Th Di v A t _rq moved from dd C· st tt to tuttg rt, nd o 1600 .. Th 37 Lu wigsb :r ..

nc , car of n' t iel and tr ining . J.~o chr n

·1 . or.a d lo::.:Etion of unit tle

the fir t Sunda spent in · f't ~ nd r li iou

f:r 0

n .

Th f 7~ F 1 s n. The 925 FA -1 mov to Alb rh uson .

at

in

rvica •

Th mo ·~h of A ril olo .. es ith the lOOth Divi ion in 7th Army r s ve . ~ith the fr nt lines woll ov r 100 mil y , due to the r pid oollaps of th

r y , the big ... u stio1 in 11 minds is~ hr.t next? It i unli ly th t .re 11 b oo itt a8air. in th thee.t r of opeI -ti-·1~ , the re ... aining two p ss biliti s

ith r going to th CBI or o cupying n ·· r in G y .

• -9-

i C ET

/

Iilil.t Dv_lJ.. T:!:..m,, llOT.ci. IJIV .... ~h.:~ -i...1.tTILL:.RY APO 447 U ~. 1 ? ..... Y

HfoTORY

1 Ma y 1945

Thru

3Cl> bept 19LJ: 5

S E C •

1 . J rrativ 9£..:r: • 31 !Ay 1945

2 . nit Journ 1

~ eo _1 l·s onnol R v

4 r-2

5 s-s riodic S- 3 Op r ation S- 3 Training '.il.0

S- 3 Ssoell neoua '1'

• s Su r y

7 +> ~ dical Report

• Chaplain ' s Reper

S ECRET

•

Vv"t nd

SEC E

liq DA 'P AOP

Gm.und ~J2 o P - ' f:,il lingen A - Kor

G.umd - . c

Sv 74 CP -

A - · ·lude1·hal·ser.l. H'ciorf'

C - PU hlbronn Sv Lorch

29

- v b .ne lderJ C - Sch i lch im.

Sv - .. :ndo,r ba ch 01 n JJn CP - Sc~ .inbisoh :rmund

A _ 91

37 5 CP - Sheorndorf A - C· r dft tt n

- Un~ rfc i1l c1tbach C - Reiohenb ch

- !. gelbe r g

Sc~~ .. r n,;rorJ. t

tt

teinbeoh Dnt.Jrbc ch

d

rs for a oo,..; 1 to sut'v y of Lrsta. lla ti ... n re li .;..e ~ b 1 Ot'.J' hov in ; na ti OL~ li ty :i loc t i on

Ru i n ... Fr nch - Otha :o ... Ru ia·1 - th rs - Russi .n - Polis~1 - Oti:1 r - Italia - Ru.., · i· n

9000 52

- 5000 268

... 1000 GOO _2 0 110

56 150

Sc .or ndorf - Gr ak 150 Plut r.1t .. usen - ·)olis h 40 .rlt:t e flµ .Qen - ·u.:.sie.n 60

'1'1~ adm. · istr ~ '·iv'1. , f ea.i J.G nd t, U" rding of tLe o.1ov camps is ess ntla l _n ofar ns L Y.~ a11d ord r of the con.. unity is no.1- .. f c'-ed . '£hi h < qu rt r. t.r.n.d milit l"" f;ov .rn:rae t proct!r food f rom. t:1 surro:mdin; oomt.ry d deliver i to th CP u;·n::> da il .. 111 Eve y af . ort i being rr ade ·t;o ~et up looa 1 control of cnm~J

v;itLin tLe c".m~;.:. .. The OV(11·all suoo "S of th.is opar ti on ca1mot be a· t r j icad at thi t iL:e , but in n larger c-- _ p'"' it a pp ar to ve don w 11.

ve had to b - gut rded at e 11 tin s for the prot oti·on of DP nd r. e an '1e b u~.rd · ng of th ·. ps h s pu.t :.; ·qe t burd n on th u·1i t~ and t ha to ·l.;h ry;roblem as it fook'"' this .. o.ith · u th o ~ 1 ta · vnouation of

:1.no·i.;f! r ·thirth days will · 1· quired from h gh r ·1 adquart rs • . ha bee~ 01 a s 11

"\; ken to 1- s a 11 and of l1ands of DP and t item

it roa .t •ols !1 ... va reduc d lo ting in thi"

•

!J 'tR-'T

Th Div is ion a.·t; the fi t of the month ' s in 7th Ar y r · tio~1. of gu rd of ·the e.:rea oo pi d o he l ivision Ai till of th fro~ lino s follo T :

Hq DA. vP - hingon 375 CP - urb ch 373 CP - Go: ping n 925 ·p ... Uhini;en 374 ·cp - loroh AO P - 'Lhing n

th funo­rve 11 b ck

/

The •tuation n the fron i dicated "th t this .Division ould not be c 11 d on e.0 i to figl t in Ji; 1 ~ op .nd hi,6her headqu r r .... c lled on th Di vi ion Arti 11 r ~

for sev nty 2:- ton uc s to form trucking co ~P nios to ... ugm nt th Quartermaste su:)ply tr n port -ion ~ Th truckin-- companies ~.~ "O 01ganiz d nd th r lt .. s that the Division be am imi o" le until their ret :J."n.

All the lir;ht bett l i0ns r ti 11 under Co::ibat 'J. am control , th ir prim ry mi i.on ros the guarding of road, bridges $ captur d enemy supply points and the orga.nizat ivn of Di s p l c d P r onne l ce~1:tera .

· ith tl e closing of lo tiliti on 9 M y 45~ the various unit h ld pprop-r i t · c r m ni s and 11. p r on giv n the d ·Y off in"'ofar a poa ··bl , with ad qu t guard m i tained.

uni

In ddition t oooupat l on 1 u i , th units o :r:r·i d on a tr hi 0 p:ro :r .a g of th· follo · ng ubjects . Gun ril s :t foot marohe "', ori nt t ior. ,, a nd r a c a t; :i. on !J g n ry la. a s • Divi~io.i. r iv d h ir d fin d ar

und :r this h dqu rt r w r d ploya liq DA CP - S bi oh u.nd 373 C P - ·-mund ·

A - I upper ts ho fan ... Altdorf

C - Ti!soh h v Unt Bobing n

374 CP - Lorch A - Plude:i: us n B - Hobe~~stanf n C - Unt Kir ck

Sv .. Re hb h u n 375· Hq - ~chorndorf

A - G r dstetten - Haub rsbronn

C """ .Jaitman:n ulz Sv ... Endersb ch

a r r occupation 01 the 10th of s follovrs ..

925 CP - • eiz n t in

AOP 89

A - St him ' - H nb oh

C - !Put rburg Sv ... Donz dor f

• Mutlang n AA C 0 - S 'mund

A - Mutl ... nr;en B - To 1ord.1g; n C - DOtt. androh D - 11 1 st tt n

Th areas w1 thin tha battnlions w re di vid" d so t .. t ch b tt ry had r spon­s ibi l ti s of gunr ing an controlling tr f~io 1it1.i11 its 1ound •

ull cooper tion v.rith tt 1 ca,l ~ilit ry Go~ .. onmant in the various ov i d th units in

0etting displ ced per s into cem.pa '1';;7 n tionality. Tr n ..

wa. furni h d by the unit to p' d up thi orl::., Th number of DP ·n th r a f r xo ·the ... ntioi ted n :irnuer higher

h dqu rt rs h d so t d n nd the prob l m of DP be m the primary obstaole to ov ro e. oe up tional troop • Th r- er 1 xtime.te~ 20,000 DPs of G · n -eon u red oountrias i l th a • Th Div Ar y J$.S : strument 1 in <mating ~ooo Fr nch DP b .e,c to French u thi s-i de f' tl a Kuihu River .

IJig r'ers J. ·uad n otors on 1 ... ~~./ , a 1.d this cued n w Div Arty t from this h adquartar • The unit . ov d on t ._at d .. t nd oeoup

S E c" R ET

0

The Ircnch ~uldiers . ho a .i turn d ov- r to ·bhc l'r nch

Oet:m.t; tiunal 0 cu tio i.tt o

the r nch

t .. $ .'..il th cloth s as t ~.

d ov r to t1hc Di 1"isio ..

to th ir : i

i t:h nch

z and h.,. d t i.)

ov r 11 coop

Of

f w 11

.: h 7 11 ar a ust th y

io: y n·gh r h adqu rt rs b ;n e s . St rl ~:;ary Court;s · :.. thin. the unit h v

b 1ound. h be xc 11 nt • du ·

r · co·";.du"'tod by ach mit .. ith··n th '1.~e "S hiu.J ~:ra · tly aid

rly d finod> but tho ha no b r.:.. .n w r

-3

~ E C E 1'

i g qu b,, hir;

.1..1 on of ~ A.r y r h .. d-:. i \.. r r ~ •

of t tu

nth or J h full eo·

o lo

o ne with th tio uti

--

cur n r our

of Di ision ?

t 0

--

i : t;. . : 1d fo h lOOth

'

1

In spite of ~:.e un0ertainty or the move11ecot of the Di Vision, :orale continued VAt·~· · igh , This was lar.;ely due to tiie e~.-:ensi ve re :reational and athletic progra pr 'vided throughout a 11 uni ts . Car.ling to the front at this time and gettinr; splendid support we have football , which is packine; in large crovvds at evor:r gaue .

-7-