Bastogne--705th Tank Destroyer Battalion--by Francis C. Walsh, Sgt.
Walsh described the movement of the 705th T.B. Bn to Bastogne and describes conditions in the
area before Bastogne was surrounded. He specifically describes the action at a road block at
Flamierge. He also describes the withdrawal of his unit to the Mande St. Etienne-Champs Road.
The 705th T.D. Bn was a part of the group surrounded with the 101st Airborne Division at
Bastogne. Walsh became a sergeant on December 30, 1944.
Ardennes Campaign "The Bulge"--505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne
Division--William T. Dunfee, Sgt.
Sgt. Dunfee describes in detail the movement from Camp Suippes, France to Werbomont,
Belgium. He specifically describes action related to the destruction of the Petite-Langlier bridge.
He also describes withdrawal in the period around Christmas 1944. He describes action of the
505th in the Bulge from December 18th to February 8, 1945. This account lists many specific
incidents and names the persons from the 505th involved.
82d Airborne in the Bulge--505th Parachute Infantry, 82d Airborne Division--by William Dunfee,
Sgt.
Sgt. Dunfee describes in detail the actions of the 505th Regiment moving from Camp Suippes,
France to Werbomont, Belgium to stop the 1st S.S. Panzer Division. The escape of Major Hal
McGowan [U.S. 30th Inf. Division] from Col. Piper's task force happened on Sgt. Dunfee's
platoon sector. He describes the withdrawal of the 82d Airborne after the troops defending St.
Vith had withdrawn.
Stavelot, Gelgium, 16-18 December 1944--202d Engineer Combat Battalion--Paul E. Kohli,
Cpl.
Cpl. Kohli describes the movement of Company "C" of the 202d Bn from their base in Stavelot, Belgium
during the period 16-18 December 1944. During this period Kohli spent full-time in his jeep
moving around the area. One of the primary areas protected was a huge gasoline and diesel oil
dump on the outskirts of Stavelot. He indicates that his unit did not wire any explosives on the
bridge at Stavelot.
A Month to Remember-December 1944--591st FA Bn, 106th Infantry Division--by Robert C.
Ringer, 1st Lt.
The 591st FA Bn was in direct support of the 424th Infantry Regiment and was located near Burg
Reuland. Ringer describes the nature of this area and the fact that there were members of the
German Army who passed through the American lines at night to return home for a visit. He also
describes the withdrawal from this area by his battalion and his travels to obtain artillery
ammunition for his unit. Due to his extensive travels Ringer came in contact with many units and
also met Brig. Gen. McMahon. He describes his stay in Salmchateau and describes the actions
until December 28, 1944.
The Attack on Manhay, Belgium, Christmas 1944--424th Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry
Division--by Milton J. Schober, Pfc.
Schober was in an infantry rifle company of the 106th Infantry Division. His regiment was the
only regiment in the Division that was not captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He describes
the attack by the 2nd SS Panzer Division in the area of Manhay and his personal experiences in
that attack. He also describes the relationship of his regiment to the 7th Armored Division. It was
estimated that Schober's battalion of the 424th received thirty-five percent casualties in this
action.
Battle of the Bulge--39th Regimental Combat Team, 9th Infantry Division--by Gordon J. Ryder,
Capt.
Capt. Ryder's unit had moved from the Butgenbach area on November 10th and was located
south of the Aachen-Cologne autobahn east of Eschweiler, Germany on 16 December. He
described hearing planes in his area in the early morning of 17 December. He describes traveling
in the area south of Monschau and around Camp Elsenborn and comments on the introduction of
proximity fuse for 105 and 155 shells. He also describes his experiences observing from a Piper
Cub. Later, Capt. Ryder was wounded by incoming mortar fire.
Mont, Belgium--January 1945--696th Armored FA Battalion--by Robert W. McCormick,
S/Sgt.
Sgt. McCormick describes the movement from Kaundorf, Luxembourg to Martelange, Belgium to
use the only road cleared to Assenois, through Bastogne to the village of Mont about three
kilometers east of Bastogne. He describes in detail the farm house of the Raty-Fonck family in
Mont and the nature of combat and interpersonal interaction for the two week period his unit
remained in this building. He describes in detail the counterattacks by the Germans in this area on
January 4 to 7, 1945. The care of farm animals, as well as the positive attraction of this location is
described.
The 99th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge--by Harold Armstrong, Cpl.
Cpl. Armstrong had been a participant in the ASTP [Army Specialized Training Program] but was
sent to an artillery unit as a "computer" in the fire-direction center. Armstrong described the
training of the 99th Infantry Division and the movement of the unit to the front lines of the E.T.O.
in November 1944. To describe the action of the division in the Bulge, Armstrong presented a 38
minute video tape, followed by discussion. He also described the movement of the 99th Infantry
Division following the Bulge.
The Fortified Goose Egg--591st FA Bn, 106 Infantry Division--by Robert Ringer, 1st Lt.
Ringer describes his role as the ammunition officer for a 105mm FA battalion as the 424th
Regimental Combat Team of the 106th Division participated with the 7th Armored Division, CCB
9th Armd. Div., and the 112th Regiment of the 28th Division in defense of the line east of St.
Vith. After the retreat of the U.S. troops from the "goose egg" on December 23rd, Ringer
describes his experience in obtaining ammunition for the attack on Manhay.
Combat Incidents--38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division--by Christen T. Jonassen.
Jonassen describes selected incidents that were memorable from his combat experiences. He
describes his feelings as a replacement, action on a night patrol, and a description of "destroyers
and builders." He also relates some experiences on Elsenborn Ridge during the Battle of the
Bulge.
A Break in the Bulge--82d Airborne Division--by George R. Gist, T/Sgt.
Sgt. Gist describes the camaraderie in the 82d Division is some detail. He describes the activities
of the 82d Airborne after relief from the Battle of the Bulge beginning January 10, 1945.
Members of Headquarters of the 82d organized a deer hunt and obtained four or five deer. Gist
also reports on the relationship between the enlisted men and the officers and relates a fist fight
which took place during this time.
Reduction of the Bulge--315th Medical Battalion, 90th Infantry Division--Leonard C. Barney,
Capt.
Capt. Barney served as the S-3 of his medical battalion. This account describes the role of the
medical battalion during the period 1 January until 1 February 1945. The information in this
account was obtained by an interview with Barney, and the manuscript lists the questions and
answers. The movement of the 90th Division to attack the southern edge of the Bulge is
described. [available only at the U.S.
Army Military History Institute].
90th Infantry Division in the Bulge--343d FA Bn, 90th Infantry Division--by Hugh R. Higgins, 1st
Lt.
This document includes a transcription of an interview with Maj. Gen. Hugh R. Higgins on 22
February 1985. Higgins was a graduate of Ohio State University and completed the advanced
ROTC program at that institution in 1942. He remained in the regular army after World War II
and retired as a Major General. This account covers the period from 1 January through 15
January 1945 and reports the movement of the 90th Infantry Division to attack the southern edge
of the Bulge. Lt. Higgins was wounded in this action. [available only at the U.S.
Army Military History Institute].
Stalag XI B, Fallingbostel, Lower Saxony, Germany--301st Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry
Division--by Lester G. Weber, Pfc.
Weber had been an ASTP student, but was assigned to the antitank company of the 301st Infantry
Regiment. This unit had moved to the Continent in September 1944 and was assigned the mission
of containing Lorient and Saint Nazaire until December when it was transferred to action in the
Battle of the Bulge. Weber describes the action in January 1945 where the most critical took place
in a trench associated with the Siegfried Line. Weber was part of a group of over 200 American
soldiers who were surrounded and surrendered in this operation. He describes his experience as a
POW in a Stalag between Hanover and Hamburg in northern Germany.
Action with the 11th Armored Division--55th Armored Infantry Regiment, 11th Armored
Division--by Lester E. Wolfe, 1st Sgt.
Wolfe had participated in Citizens Military Training at Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1938, 1939 and
1940, so when he was drafted in November 1942 he was quickly promoted from private to first
sergeant. He describes his additional training programs, Louisiana maneuvers and the travel to
England in October 1944. The 11th Armored Division was sent to France 12 December 1944 to
replace the 94th Infantry Division in the containment mission at St. Nazaire and Lorient. The
attack in the Ardennes on 16 December sent the 11th Armored Division to participate in the Battle
of the Bulge. Wolfe describes action in the Ardennes as well as combat actions throughout the
remainder of the war in Europe. In February 1945 he was injured by being caught between a tree
and a half-track and spent four weeks in the hospital.
"Market Garden"--505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division--by William T.
Dunfee, Sgt.
Dundee describes the drop of the 505th Regiment near Groesbeek in Holland. He describes very
graphically the combat in and around this area, and he was wounded by fragments from a mortar
round. Dunfee was evacuated to Brussels, Belgium and later to Bristol, England. He returned to
his unit in November 1944, just in time to participate in the Battle of the Bulge.
The Airborne Operation in Holland--82d Airborne Artillery--by George R. Gist, T/Sgt.
Sgt. Gist reports that shortly after landing, he was assigned to accompany Gen. March, CG of the
82d Artillery on reconnaissance near Groesbeek. The next morning Gist returned to the drop
zone and observed the gliders landing and describes the fire fights near Reichswald. While in this
position, Gist observed the actions of British General Browning, whose headquarters was in that
area.
Forty Years to Apweiler, 406th Regiment, 102d Infantry Division--by Harry L. Barr, Sgt.
Barr participated in an ASTP program at Georgetown University, but after six months he was sent
to an infantry rifle company in the 406th Regiment. This unit entered combat in October 1944 at
Alsdorf, Germany. Barr describes in vivid fashion his combat experiences as an infantrymen. He
describes in detail the attack on Apweiler. He was wounded in the left leg, and describes his
evacuation experience including evacuation to England.
Antiaircraft Gun Battalion--129th AAA Gun Battalion--Herbert M. Barnes, 2d Lt..
Barnes describes in detail the organization and equipment of his AAA gun battalion. He describes
the coordination between his unit and Army engineers and Army Air Forces. Barnes also
describes the action of his unit during Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and in the Rhineland.
After remaining in the same position for several months during the Bulge, he describes action to
the north. A most specific description of action on March 20, 1945 is included. This action took
place on the Rhine River near Oppenheim.
Recollections of a Medical Soldier--42d Infantry Division--Jack Quinn, Sgt.
Quinn was in college on December 7, 1941, but he was enlisted in the Marine Reserve. He
injured his eye and was discharged from the Marines, but was drafted by the Army. He was
assigned to Company "D," the clearing company, of the division medical battalion. The infantry
regiments of the 42d Division were sent overseas prior to the rest of the division, and the medical
battalion went overseas in January 1945 and landed at Marseilles, France. This division was
attacked by the Germans in the south at the same time as the Battle of the Bulge in the north.
Quinn describes the nature of the combat in the period January through March 1945. He also
describes the movement through the Siegfried Line and in crossing the Rhine. The 42d Division
was one of the first units to liberate the concentration camp at Dachau.
Last of Combat in the E.T.O., 1945--992nd FA Bn, 97th Infantry Division--by Richard H.
Wilson, 2nd Lt.
Lt. Wilson describes the historical background of the 97th Division beginning with September
1918. He describes in detail the organization and training of the 97th Division beginning in
February 1943 and relates the movement to Europe in March 1945. Lt. Wilson was a forward
observer and describes in detail his action on April 25th near the village of Waldsassen. He fell
from the top of a barn and was slightly injured, but remained with his unit until the close of
combat in May 1945.
Last Days of Combat in E.T.O--922d FA Bn, 97th Infantry Division--by Daniel W. Cody,
Sgt.
Sgt. Cody was the radio operator for Lt. Richard Wilson, who was a forward observer. He
describes in detail his experiences on April 25 in a position near the Czech. border. Cody was
with "E" Company of the 387th Infantry Regiment during this final period of combat. [available only at the U.S.
Army Military History Institute].
Spring and the End is Close--358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division--by Stanton G.
Darling, First Sergeant.
Sgt. Darling was drafted into the Army in December 1941 and shortly after basic training he was
promoted to First Sergeant. He spent time in infantry training camps and served one year with the
tank destroyers. He joined the 90th Infantry Division to replace a first sergeant who had been
wounded in Normandy. He describes in detail his experiences with the infantry in the approach in
Czechoslovakia, his role in handling prisoners of war, and his problem with hepatitis during the last
weeks of the war.
Roer to the Rhine--406th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division--by Harry L. Barr, Pvt.
Barr describes his travel from a hospital in England back to the front lines, where he arrived in
early February 1945. He describes the waiting period for the attack over the Roer River which
began on February 22, 1945. He describes specifically his crossing of the Roer and the attack after
the crossing when he served as first scout. He reports that his Division covered 33 miles from
February 23rd to March 3rd, captured 83 villages and 3 cities and took 4,187 prisoners. The 102d
Division lost 1,888 casualties.
The Polish Underground Army--Baszta Regiment--by Julius Falenski, Lance Cpl.
Falenski was seventeen years old when he participated with the Polish Underground Army in the
Battle of Warsaw in August 1944. There were about 2,000 in his regiment. Falenski describes in
detail his role in this operation and describes the equipment available and the casualties taken by
the Polish army. His description of attempting to obtain ammo for his unit using the sewers in
Warsaw is given in detail. Falenski was wounded twice and lost his right eye. Several maps
accompany his account.
From Hell to Freedom: The 4501st Provisional Truck Company at Dachau--45th Infantry
Division--by John T. Bonner, 2d Lt.
Lt. Bonner describes briefly his experience as a replacement forward observer with the 45th
Infantry Division artillery. He indicated his most memorable experience was after the fighting
concluded. This was the evacuation of 16,000 former prisoners in Dachau. Former prisoners
returned to Yugoslavia were given a political examination upon their return rather than a medical
examination. The provisional truck company in which Lt. Bonner participated was made up of
volunteers from many different U.S. units.
Post War Germany-1945--590th FA Battalion, 106th Infantry Division--by Robert C. Ringer, 1st
Lt.
Lt. Ringer describes his experiences in the post-war period in the E.T.O. He describes the
reorganization of the 106th Infantry Division which lost two regiments in the Battle of the Bulge.
He also describes his relationships with the Germans during the period of occupation.
The Rhine to the Elbe--102nd Infantry Division--by Harry L. Barr, Pfc.
Barr describes the condition of the infantry soldiers in his platoon as they were located in the
Krefeld area prior to the attack over the Rhine. One battalion disguised itself as the 79th Infantry
Division. Barr describes this disguise in detail and describes the combat action taken by a
replacement soldier in his platoon. Barr describes the final combat of the war for his unit.
The 82d Airborne Division at the Rhine and Elbe Rivers--by William T. Dunfee and George R.
Gist.
Dunfee and Gist give a joint presentation about action on the Rhine River in April 1945. The
505th Regiment was stationed along the Rhine near Cologne with the mission to hold the flank of
the Ruhr pocket. A description is given of the patrols across the Rhine each night and later the
unit served in occupational duty. In late April, the unit moved across the Elbe River and
established a bridge-head. Detail description is given about this crossing of the Elbe. On May 2nd
the 82d moved about 35 miles east of the Elbe and the next day an entire German Army Corps
[150,000 men] surrendered to the 82d Division.
Three Years, Three Months, and Eleven Days--but Who Was Counting--134th Ordnance MM
Company--by Desmond L. Cook, T/Sgt.
T/Sgt. Cook was drafted after completing his sophomore year at Ohio University in 1942. His
basic training took place at Camp Perry, Ohio where he was assigned to an Ordnance Company.
He was well trained in various types of small arms and was promoted to Pfc. In February 1943
Cook was given the option of being part of a cadre for a new ordnance company and the rank of
technical sergeant, if he would give up his request to go to OCS. He accepted this enlisted rank.
He describes the further training of this new ordnance company, their travel overseas and on to the
Continent. The company served from Normandy to central Europe. In April 1945, Cook
accidentally put his hand in a jury-rigged table saw. He was air-lifted back to France. Cook
reports on his experiences returning to a unit and his return to Ohio University to complete his
degree.
Inmates of Concentration Camps, Slave Laborers, Displaced Persons and Prisoners of War--315th
Medical Battalion, 90th Infantry Division--by Leonard C. Barney, Capt.
Capt. Barney describes the role his medical battalion performed as they encountered slave
laborers, displaced persons and prisoners of war during the period from March to May 1945.
Detailed descriptions are given on the handling of medical problems with displaced persons and
persons released from concentration camps. [available only at the U.S.
Army Military History Institute].
Send e-mail for the World War II Round Table to
Desmond Cook at: Cook.12@osu.edu
For questions or comments on the website itself: webmaster@ohiohistory.org