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page 3 here Official History This document is an exact transcript of the original typewritten account of the official history of the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion. The battalion’s day to day activities were recorded by the headquarters staff beginning with the battalion’s activation in January 1943 and culminating with the unit’s deactivation in 1945. ( Our sincere thanks to Wilbert White, a member of the 82nd Association who performed the laborious task of copying the original history document for web presentation. ) ________________________________________________________________________________ |
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82ND ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION DURING WORLD WAR II 29 MARCH 1943 TO 21 NOVEMBER 1945 * * * DEDICATION |
| This
brief history–a moment in the
annals of the eternal struggle of fr eedom-loving people-is humbly
dedicated to the youths of America. For early in the year 1943, in an hour of deepest dark-ness, when the United States of America was faced with unparalleled adversity, in a strife-torn universe, with her future doubtful and her way of life in jeopardy, it was her youths to whom she turned for further aid and resource. And American youth spontaneously answered her pleas. American youth, ingenuous, immature, unknown in quality, responded to her fervent calls in a voice loud enough to give courage and consolation to downtrodden people everywhere. American youth accepted its full share of responsibility for the preservation of democratic principles and ideals well before its time, and was not found wanting. Natured in freedom it took to arms to protect its birthright and to preserve its destiny. It left its peaceful schoolroom, its cozy fireplace, its simple pleasures to pay a full stipend towards the price of freedom. When war shadows were the darkest, when injustice was at its zenith, and when death and destruction were most prevalent. It was the transfusion of youthful American blood into the fray that breeched the crisis. American youth stood out as the beacon light of hope, of peace, of victory -a- veritable phalanx and bulwark against the pestilence of hate and bondage - a - solemn promise to the world not only for the defeat of tyranny but for the future preservation of liberty, decency, and human rights to all forever |
| Prelude In January 1943 the call went out to army posts across the country for recruits to fill the ranks of the newly created 82nd Engineer Combat Regiment at Camp Swift Texas. A cadre of experienced officers and non commissioned officers began arriving at Camp Swift shortly after the first of the year. The battalion officially began operations and training on February 2nd. Even as the unit was being assembled, the army was in the process of reorganizing regiments into Engineer Combat Groups with individual battalions attached. By 29 March, when the re- organization went into effect, the 82nd had already completed 60 days of basic training. |
| On 29 March 1943 the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion was activated at Camp Swift, Texas. The battalion was organ- ized as a result of orders from the Army Ground Forces reorganizing Engineer Combat Regiments into Engineer Combat Groups. Pursuant to instructions contained in Army Ground Forces Letter AG 320.8 (3-2-4) OB-I-GNGCTM. 5 March 1943, subject: “Redesignation and Reorganization of Engineer Combat Regiments”, 1st Indorsement Head- quarters, Third United States Army, 20 March 1943. and 2nd, Indorsement Headquarters VIII Corps, 25 March 1943, the 82nd Engineer Combat Regiment, Camp Swift, Texas was reorganized effective 29 March 1943. Pursuant to General Orders No. 4, Headquarters, 82nd Engineer Combat Regiment, dated 28 March 1943, the 82nd Engineer Battalion was activated at Camp Swift, Texas, on 29 March 1943. Reorganization of the 82nd Engineer Combat Regiment resulted in the first battalion of the regiment becoming the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion, the second battalion the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion and the Regimental Headquarters the 1115th Engineer Combat Group Headquarters and Head- quarters Company. Organization of the battalion was under Tables of Organization 5-15, 5-16, 5-17, dated 1 March 1942. The 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion was assigned to VIII Corps, Brownwood, Texas and attached to 1115th Engineer Group for training. |
| Camp Swift is
located about
forty miles east of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Near the small
town of Bastrop, on the Colorado River. Camp Swift as a new army post
built to train the newly inducted men of our army. The terrain occupied
by the camp is slightly rolling, sandy soil covering with scrub cedar
and pine trees. The climate is warm and a south wind continuously
sweeps the area. Authorized Table of Organization strength was 29 officers, 3 warrant officers, and 632 enlisted men. On the date of organization the battalion strength was 23 officers and 762 enlisted men. Officers and their assignments on the date of activation were as follows: |
| Basic
Training Facing the young and relatively inexperienced young officers of the battalion, was the task of training raw recruits their job as combat engineer soldiers. The first week of training was spent in organizing the new battalion. The average age of the enlisted men of the battalion was 22 years. At the time of activation the battalion had two and one half months of basic training behind it in as much as the 82nd Engineer Combat Regiment was activated in January 1943. On 5th April 1943, the Commanding Officer, Captain Carlos V. Gallegos, was transferred to Washington, D. C. and the Executive Officer, Captain Charlie L. White, assumed command of the battalion. Shortly after assuming command,Captain White was promoted to the rank of Major. On the 22nd April 943, Major Evan E. Murdock, O-352877, CE, reported to the unit and as senior officer took command. Major White reverted to his old job as Executive Officer. The training program continued to advance with courses of instruction in compliance with the Military Training Program as drawn by the War Department. As the month of May rolled around all members of the battalion looked forward to the day when each man could fire his rifle. The first week of May was devoted to training in rifle marksmanship, and on the 7th and 8th of May 1943, the battalion fired the M-1 Rifle for record. The record firing gave the officers and the men alike a great deal of satisfaction as 99% of the battalion qualified on record course “A” as prescribed by the War Department. It was felt that these results were ample reward for the hard days spent in training.On 12th May 1943, the battalion was attached to Fifth Headquarters, Special Troops, Camp Swift, for administration, but the battalion remained under the 1115th Engineer Combat Group for supervision of training. The 22nd of May 1943, was the end of Basic Training. Under tests conducted by VIII Corps, the battalion was assured that the Basic Training Program had been a success. On 24th May 1943, the battalion started its Unit Training Program. The program stressed the training of working together in the execution of daily engineer missions. Mines and minefields, bridges (both fixed and floating), roads and combat problems were the main subjects stressed. On 1st June 1943 the battalion remained attached to the 1115th Engineer Combat Group for administration. On 10 June 1943, the battalion was called upon to furnish a cadre of 4 officers and 66 enlisted men to activate a new battalion. Due to the fact that the battalion had but few well trained non - commissioned officers it was necessary to send many of the original cadre out at this time. The loss of the older NCO’s was a severe blow to the unit and many of the new inexperienced men were groomed to take over as platoon sergeants and squad leaders. The cadre departed for their new unit on 8th July 1943. Major Charlie White left the unit about the same time to take over a new assignment. Meanwhile the training of the battalion continued and the unit began to take shape as a real engineer outfit. Fixed bridge training was carried out on the numerous dry gullies on the reservation, while floating bridges were constructed on the Colorado River near the camp. The terrain of the camp was excellent for minefield training as there were numerous natural terrain corridors and minefields could be tied into them in a realistic fashion. |
|
| Maneuvers After the unit training tests were completed orders were received to move to the Louisiana Maneuver Area on 23rd August 1943 to repair roads and bridges in the area. On 14th August 1943, the battalion with 1115th Engineer Combat Group left Camp Swift by motor for the Maneuver Area An overnight stop was made in Lufkin, Texas, and the bivouac set up in the County Fair Grounds there.The motor march was continued the next day and the battalion closed in bivouac near Many Louisiana, 24th 1500 August 1943. |
| The battalion
had come into the maneuver area with
the intention of participating in the 4th tactical maneuver
phase. However, teletype orders were received from the
Commanding General 3rd Army, placing the unit on an alert
status and ordering it to return to Camp Swift, Texas, to
prepare for overseas movement. The elation of the unit in
being selected to move overseas was high and all looked forward to
active participation in battle. On 30th August 1943,
the battalion
received Ltr., Headquarters, Third Army, dated 27th
August 1943, Subject “Preparation of Units for
Overseas Service”. This letter outlined the procedure
for completing training for the unit and designated 21st November
1943, as the day of completion of such training.
Battalion strength at the end of August was 33 officers, 3warrant
officers and 598 enlisted men. |
| The battalion had come into the maneuver area with the intention of participating in the 4th tactical maneuver phase. However, teletype orders were received from the Commanding General 3rd Army, placing the unit on an alert status and ordering it to return to Camp Swift, Texas, to prepare for overseas movement. The elation of the unit in being selected to move overseas was high and all looked forward to active participation in battle. On 30th August 1943, the battalion received Ltr., Headquarters, Third Army, dated 27th August 1943, Subject “Preparation of Units for Overseas Service”. This letter outlined the procedure for completing training for the unit and designated 21st November 1943, as the day of completion of such training. Battalion strength at the end of August was 33 officers, 3warrant officers and 598 enlisted men. |
| On 15
September 1943 the battalion
moved by motor from the maneuver
area and arrived at Camp Swift,
Texas, 161500 September 1943. Upon
arrival the battalion was assigned to
III Armored Corps at Camp Polk,
Louisiana, and attached to 1117th
Engineer Combat Group at Camp Swift
for training. An intensive training
program was put into operation with emphasis on floating
bridges and minefields. It was
necessary to hold show down physical inspections and
equipment inspections. At these
inspections it was found that many men were not
fit for overseas service. Clothing was found to be in an
unsatisfactory condition, and, numerous items of equipment
needed replacement. It was difficult to obtain satisfactory
weapons and several changes had to be made before the weapons were
considered fit for overseas service. It was also necessary
to have a great number of the men complete prescribed firing
courses prior to overseas movement. About 80% of the
replace- ments received required additional range firing. On 30th
September 1943 the strength of the battalion was 35 officers, 3 warrant
officers, 609 enlisted men. |
| Overseas Orders On 25th October 1943, the battalion received Ltr Headquarters XIX Corps, date25th October 1943, Subject: Move- ment Orders, Shipment 6991-G. This letter designated the Los Angles Port of Embarkation for shipment of all unit equipment. Lieutenant John M. Keane, O-1113290 the Battalion Supply Officer and S/Sgt Loret J. Ross, 38387895, Assistant Supply Sergeant were designated to accompany the equipment overseas. All equipment was loaded and shipped on 3rd Day of November 1943. On 6th day of November 1943 the battalion received a telegram from Commanding General, XIX Corps, designating Camp Patrick Henry as the staging area for the battalion personnel and Hampton Roads, Virginia, as the port of embarkation. Date of arrival at Camp Patrick Henry was set as 16 November 1943. Much was yet to be completed in the unit however as all replacements had not been received, and some clothing was still lacking. Arrangements were made with the Transportation Officer at Camp Swift, Texas for the necessary trains and the loading of the equipment to accompany the unit. Packing of all equipment was completed, unfit men removed from the unit, and all new clothing issued and plans made to depart Camp Swift on 13th day of November 1943. On 13 November 1943 all personal and unit equipment was loaded in trains and company kitchens set up in baggage cars. Train No. 1 (Main 61558) with Captain Edgar L. Green, O-286812, as train commander departed from Camp Swift, Texas 13th day of November 1943, with fifteen (15) officers and three hundred forty two (342) enlisted men on board. Train No 2 (Main 61559) with Major James L. Morris, O-453277, as train commander departed Camp Swift, Texas as train commander departed from Camp Swift with sixteen (16) officers and two Hundred eighty (280) enlisted men on board. After an uneventful trip Train No 2 arrived at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia 160930 and Train No 1, 161100 November 1943. Troops were quickly assigned to barracks and contact established with the camp commander. Additional equipment was secured and a final physical inspection held. |
| Overseas Shipment On 29th September 1943, Ltr Headquarters XIX Corps, dated 19th November 1943, Subject: Movement Orders, Shipment 6991 - G was received by the unit. The battalion was given an overseas shipment number of 6991 - G. The Los Angles or Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation was designated as the port from which the battalion would ship personal and equipment. Several eports and special lists of equipment were designated by this letter. Readiness date for movement was designated as 1st November 1943. Upon receipt of this letter all equipment was waterproofed and prepared for shipment. The Camp Transportation Section divided the unit into two boat loads for shipment. Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company A, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Shipment 6991-G) were assigned to ship, H. R. 693 (John Banvard), under the command of the Commanding Officer, Major J. C. Dalrymple O-30325. Company B and Company C, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Shipment 6991-G) were assigned to ship, H. R. 683 (Conrad Weiser) under the command of Captain Edgar L. Green, O-286812. In accordance with Ltr Army Service Forces, Camp Patrick Henry, dated 20 November 1943, Subject: Movement Orders, Units under Major Dalrymple moved to the port and boarded ship 20 November 1943; units under Captain Green moved to the port and boarded ship 20th November 1943. On the date of departure from the United States the battalion was at full T/O strength; 29 officers, 3 warrant officers, and 632 Enlisted men. Officers and their assignments on date of departure were: |
Commanding Officer Major John C. Dalrymple O-303257 CE Executive Officer Major James L. Morris O-453277 CE Operations Officer (S-3) Captain Edgar L. Green O-286812 CE Battalion Surgeon Captain Emanuel M. Oxman O-385206 MC Intelligence Officer (S-2) 1st Lt John E. Tracy O-405751 CE Dental Surgeon 1st Lt Adam J. Hauman O-1726214 DC Asst Division Engineer 1st Lt Richard R. Spurrier O-455131 CE Adjutant 1st Lt Cassy V. Santochi O-1109646 CE Supply Officer (S-4) 2nd Lt John M. Keane O-1113990 CE Reconnaissance Officer 2nd Lt William S. Warner O-1113992 CE Asst Intelligence Officer (Asst S-2) 1st Lt Thomas A. Barry O-414994 CE Asst Operations Officer (Asst S-3) 1st Lt Robert D. Wise O-471367 CE Headquarters and Service Co Commanding Officer 1st Lt Robert H. Bussell O-1106030 CE Motor Officer 1st Lt Stephen C. Ransom O-1109610 CE Asst Motor Officer WOJG Louis Comeau W-2123180 USA Asst Supply Officer WOJG Elmer R. Lundgren W-2121163 USA Personal Officer WOJG Marvin Q. Silver W-2121168 USA Company A Commanding Officer 1st Lt. Joseph W. Schmeider O-1109654 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt. Anson W. Biggs O-514580 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Rex W. Towery O-1110299 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt William T. Shanley O-1113438 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt John J. Gruet O-1107996 CE Company B Commanding Officer 1st Lt William H. Corrin O-1109654 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt Gerald J. Williams O-1116031 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Wilbert L. White O-520562 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Edwin S. Malesky O-1113336 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Paul C. Myrick O-1103839 CE Company C Commanding Officer 1st Lt John R. Davis O-1110450 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt Charles A. Doll O-1109244 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Henry B. Nicolai O-1111809 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Edward Fry Jr O-520523 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt W. L. Anderson O-1111301 CE |
|
On 22nd November 1943 after
loading HR 693 (John Banvard) moved from
the dock area to the open harbor.
On 23 November 1943 after loading HR
683 (Conrad
Weiser) moved from the dock area to the
open harbor where a
large convoy was standing at anchor awaiting a naval escort, before putting to sea. On thenight
of 24th November the naval escort arrived and
the
following morning the convoy headed eastward into the
open sea. There were about 65
merchant vessels and 20 destroyers in
the convoy. The route of the convoy was
just south of the
Bahama Islands, due east to the Azores,
then northeast to the Straits of Gibraltar,
and through the Mediterranean Sea to the port
of Oran, Algeria,
Africa. The voyage was comparatively calm
while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, but
the water inside
the Mediterranean was very rough. The convey
entered the European Theater of
Operations on 2nd December 1943.
|
| England On 5th Day of January 1944 the battalion was alerted for movement and in the afternoon moved to Oran where it boarded a train for Casablanca, Morocco, Africa. The battalion arrived at Casablanca on 8th of January 1944 and went to a temporary camp at Camp Don D. Passage near the port. On 12 January , the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalionentrucked to the port of Casablanca where the battalion boarded the HMS Andes (HR816) and embarked for the United Kingdom. The 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion disembarked in Liverpool, England on 20 January 1944, after an eight day trip from Casablanca, French Morocco, North Africa, aboard H. M.T. Andes. British and American military bands were on hand to welcome the troops. Troops entrained at Liverpool stations and moved at once to their English billets. The battalion with C Company moved to Frome, Somerset, England; while Companies A and B were billeted in Tidworth Barracks, Tidworth, Wiltshire, England. Moving into billets, arranging administrative details, indoctrination, ect., occupied several days during which time an attempt was made to get the unit into billets in one locality inasmuch as Frome and Tidworth were forty miles apart. The 54th Armored Field Artillery Battalion (3rd Armored Division) functioned as a welcoming unit for that part of the battalion in Frome while the 17th Armored Engineer Battalion (2nd Armored Division) performed a similar mission for the companies at Tidworth. These units also provided equipment, including transportation to the battalion until it was possible for the supply depots to do so. |
| For a time it
was extremely difficult for the unit to draw organizational
equipment
as the depots in England had no credits set up for
the 82nd Engineer
Combat Battalion. This condition was due to the fact that all its
organizational equipment had been processed for
overseas shipment in
the states, had actually been shipped via a west coast port
(Los
Angeles P. E.) to India, where the unit had
initially been scheduled to
go, and was still carried on unit supply
records. It was not
until the property could be dropped from these records that
re-supply
was made a few weeks later. Troop Assignment (No. 8), Headquarters, ETOUSA, assigned the battalion to the First United States Army on arrival in the theater. Troop assignment No. 7, Headquarters, FUSA dated 22 January attached it to the1115th Engineer Combat Group, which had recently arrived direct from the United States and had its headquarters at Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, England. Upon receipt of Troops Assignment No.13, Headquarters, FUSA, dated 8 February 1944, the battalion was relieved of attachment to 1115th Engineer Combat Group and was attached to the XIX Corps; and, XIX Corps promptly attached the battalion to 1115th Engineer Combat Group by Troops Assignment No. 1, Head - quarters, XIX Corps, dated 16 February. Authority to drop from supply records that property shipped to India was granted in letter, War Dept., 15 January 1944. File WD 370.5 (11 Jan 44) OB-S-E-SPMOT-M, Subject: Amendment No. 3 to Movement Orders, Shipment 6991. The same authority released the Battalion Supply Officer, Lt. John M. Keane, and the battalion Supply Sargent, S/Sgt Loret J. Ross, who had accompanied the above equipment, from assign - ment to the unit. |
| Efforts to
assemble the battalion in one area were successful on 12 February when
Companies A and B rejoined the battalion in Frome. Billets
occupied included the Tannery, Keyford College, Whitewell Home, Locke
Hill House, and Hemington House. Although the fuel ration was
inadequate to heat the billets, shelter was provided. Due to the
type of structures (old, dirty and damp) and the fact
that troops were unaccustomed to the English
climate, there were numerous cases of sickness,
usually colds. The billets, were never
considered satisfactory by the commanding officer or
the unit surgeon. Adequate recreational
facilities were available in Frome and recreational convoys
to nearby points of interest did much to keep morals
high. A disadvantage to the unit’s location was overcome
when facilities for training areas
were made available at Orchard Leigh estate,
three miles from Frome. After several
administrative details had been arranged, it was possible to engage in
intensive bridge training, minefield laying and gapping, physical
conditioning, etc., in this area. Very little road maintenance
was undertaken as the roads in this part of England
were in excellent condition. A vehicle hardstand, parking lot was
constructed by Company B, at the training area and roads
throughout the area were maintained. During February, 1944, many officers were advised of their promotions which had been recommended and acted upon months before. Mail from the States began arriving after the middle of the month, none having previously received since the battalion embarked on 22 November, two and one-half months before. Those promoted were: Major John C. Dalrymple, Commanding Officer , to Lieutenant Colonel; 1st Lieutenant John E. Tracy to Captain; 1st Lieutenant Adam J. Hauman also to Captain; 2nd Lt Edwin S. Malesky to 1st Lieutenant; and WOJG Elmer R. Lundgren to Chief Warrant Officer. As of 29 February 1944 Battalion strength was 28 officers, 3 warrant officers and 617 enlisted men. As of this date officers of the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion and their assignments were as follows: |
| Commanding
Officer Lt Col J. C. Dalrymple
O-303257 CE Executive Officer Major James L. Morris O-453277 CE S-3 Capt Edgar L. Green O-286812 CE Battalion Surgeon Capt Emanuel M. Oxman O-385206 MC S-2 Capt John E. Tracy O-495751 CE Dental Surgeon Capt Adam J. Hauman O-1726214 DC Asst Div Engr 1st Lt Richard R. Spurrier O-455131 CE Adjutant 1st Lt Casey v. Santochi O-1109646 CE Bn Supply Officer 1st Lt. Thomas A. Berry O-414994 CE Reconnaissance Officer 2nd Lt John J. Gruet O-1107996 CE Asst S-3 1st Lt William H. Corrin O-1110430 CE HEADQUARTERS AND SERVICE CO Commanding Officer 2nd Lt Anson W. Biggs O-514580 CE Motor Officer 1st Lt Stephen C. Ransom O-1109610 CE Asst Motor Officer WOJG Louis Comeau W-2123180 USA Asst Supply Officer CWO Elmer R. Lundgren W-2121163 USA Personal Officer WOJG Marvin Q. Silver W-2121168 USA Company A Commanding Officer 1st Lt. Joseph W. Schmeider O-1109654 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt. William S. Warner O-1113992 CE Platoon Leader 1st Lt Rex W. Towery O-1110299 CE Platoon Leader 1st Lt Robert D. Wise O-471367 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Edward Fry Jr O-520523 CE Company B Commanding Officer 1st Lt John R. Davis O-1110450 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt Gerald J. Williams O-1116031 CE Platoon Leader 1st Lt Robert H. Bussell O-1106030 CE Platoon Leader 1st Lt Walter L. Anderson O-1111301 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Paul C. Myrick O-1103839 CE Company C Commanding Officer 1st Lt Henry B. Nicolai O-1111809 CE Administrative Officer 2nd Lt Charles A. Doll O-1109244 CE Platoon Leader 1st Lt Edwin S. Malesky O-1113336 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt William T. Shanley O-1113458 CE Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Wilbert L. White O-520562 CE |
| On 20
February 1944, Company C, was given
the mission of constructing roads and firing positions at
Kimmeridge
Range in Dorset, England. This was a British artillery range that
was taken over by the United States Army and used as a Tank
Destroyer Range.The company plus one platoon, Company B, moved
by motor to the range,a distance of about 60 miles, set up camp
and began work. It was necessary for a rock quarry to
be opened and placed in oper - ation to provide road material. This was
accomplished by securing and operating gasolene shovels, rock crushers,
etc. All the work was done by the company in such a creditable
manner that the Corps Engineer, Colonel Wilson B. Higgins saw fit to
commend the commanding Officer, Lieutenant Nicolai, and the company. Special Order No. 61, Headquarters ETOUSA, dated 1 March 1944, promoted two Company Commanders, Lt Davis and Lt Schmieder to the rank of Captain. Also included in promotion on the same order were Lts. Fry and Biggs to the rank of 1st Lt. Celebrating its first anniversary of activation, the unit held a formal parade and review at Frome, Somerset, England on 29 March 1944. The review was in the central park in the city and was attended by many civilians.Mr Scott, Mayor of Frome, was a guest in the reviewing stand. Twenty-eight officers, two warrant officers and five hundred and eighty-nine men participated, and good conduct medals were presented to the following men: (General Order #2, Headquarters, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion). |
| RANK
NAME
ASN UNIT M/Sgt Nichols, Lonnie D. 36217851 H&S Co 1/Sgt Miller, Ollie 6988592 Co C RANK NAME ASN UNIT 1/Sgt Nichols, William H. 32738002 H&S Co 1/Sgt Smith, Arnold 6396478 Co A S/Sgt Dinwiddie, Jeff W. 38438425 Co A S/Sgt McGlothin, Glen B. 38267623 Co A S/Sgt Roberts, Ruffus C. 36047296 Co B S/Sgt Sims, Charles A. 19050595 Co B S/Sgt Swartzman, W. L. 32830551 Co C Sgt Dorsey, Delmer L. 38340753 Co C Sgt LaPorte, Lester D. 38396518 Co C Sgt Leonard, Dinzel D. 38340776 Co C Sgt Lietzke, Carl E. 38396573 Co C T/4 Bauer, Henry 32702572 H&S Co T/4 Cannedy, George F. 38396219 H&S Co T/4 Tischler, Joseph J. 38327840 H&S Co T/4 Willis, Vincent H. 38438462 Co B Cpl Elkins, Jess W. 38397809 Med Det Cpl Friedman, Edward 33453117 Co C T/5 Akins, Robert L. 38463848 Med Det T/5 Archambo, Leonard E. 38463865 Med Det T/4 White, Orvind G. 38327777 Med Det T/5 Henderson, Lyle U. 38438491 Co A T/5 Moore, Robert E. 33571226 Co B T/5 Rumer, Wesley O. 37131078 H&S Co Pfc Chandler, August H. 6529834 Co B Pfc Henniger, Harold W. 35420065 H&S Co Pfc Horner, William R. 35413947 Co B Pfc Hubbard, Alfred J. Jr 33570577 Co B Pfc Reilly, John 32698054 Co C Pfc Rubin, Raymond I. 17000660 Co C Pfc Wells, Thomas W. 17050558 Co B Pfc Wimberly, A. G. 34574887 Co C Pvt Zeone, Eugene 13153906 Co B |
| Battalion
strength as of 31 March 1944 was
30 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 635 enlisted men During the
month of March 15 enlisted replacements had been
secured from the 62nd
Engineer Topographic Company, most of whom had seen action in Tunisia
and Sicily. Thirteen enlisted replacements were assigned the
battalion from replacement depots. The battalion moved toa tent camp near Longbridge Deverill,Wiltshire, England, on 2 April 1944,and due to the train- ing areas available, had opportunity to engage in range firing of all arms, assault problems, physical conditioning, minefield installations, etc. As the weather improved more athletic recreation was indulged in. A high point in this direction was the formation of a unit boxing team which was high in winners in the corps boxing meets. The battalion constructed and maintained several installations for corps troops while at Longbridge Tent Camp. These included a series of “mock-ups” of various types of landing craft which were used in training for loading and unloading; a Bailey Bridge tower which wa s constructed and draped with landing (cargo) nets and used to train troops in disembarking in that manner; a driving range utilizing several sections of treadway bridge to acquaint drivers with its characteristics. While in this camp the battalion was honored by a visit and inspection by Lt General Courtney Hodges, First Army, and Major General Charles H. Corlett, Commanding General XIX Corps. During the month of April, both officers and men attended specialist schools within the group as well as those set up by higher headquarters. These consisted of Bailey Bridge, Mine, Chemical, Unexploded bomb, Mapping and Aircraft Identification schools. By arrangement with engineer equipment companies it was possible to train a large number of heavy tractor operators, road grader operators, and power shovel operators. The battalion strength as of 30 April 1944 was 29 officers, 2 warrant officers and 637 enlisted men. On 1 May 1944, Captain Edgar L. Green, was promoted to the rank of Major per Special Order 122, Headquarters ETOUSA, dated 1 May 1944. Also promoted on this Special Order were 1st Lieutenant Richard R. Spurrier, to the rank of Captain and 2nd Lieutenant William T. Shanley, to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. |
| Preparing
for channel
crossing On the 22nd of May 1944 the entire group moved to a bivouac in the vicinity of Hindon, Wiltshire, England, to pre - pare for overseas movement. Troops were conditioned, vehicles waterproofed, and “briefings for bigot personnel of operations in the coming invasion. Battalion strength as of 31 May 1944 was 28 officers, 2 warrant officers and 634 enlisted men. Officers and their assignments as of 31 May 1944 were as follows |
|
| The motor
convey of the Second Echelon in command of 1st Lt Stephen C.
Ransom
left the IP at 1407 18 June 1944 and arrived at the marshaling area at
Southampton, England, 1710. Bivouac was set up near the
vehicles. At 0710 19 June the Second Echelon moved to the port of
embarkation where it again set up bivouac near the vehicles. At
0830 20 June 1944 the Second Echelon boarded an
LST and
moved into the harbor awaiting the formation of a convey.
At 1715 23 June 1944 the Second Echelon sailed southeastwardly
across
the English Channel to beach on the Omaha Beach, Normandy. France
at
0330 24 June 1944. Officers, enlisted men and vehicles were unloaded at 0845, and the Second Echelon moved by motor convey to bivouac area located 300 yards south of Govin, Sheet Lambert Zone No 1 T557753. Here the Second Echelon set up bivouac and performed routine assignments while awaiting the arrival of the other echelons. Meanwhile the First Echelon remained aboard the SS J. D. Ross until 25 June 1944 when officers, enlisted men and vehicles were unloaded at Omaha Beach. The First Echelon then proceeded to bivouac area 300 yards south of Govin, France, where it joined the Second Echelon at 1115 26 June 1944. The Third Echelon consisting of the following number of officers, warrant officers and enlisted men left bivouac area near Hindon, Wiltshire County, England at 0615 30 June 1944 and moved by motor 27 miles by motor convoy to marshaling area at Dorchester , Dorset County, England: OFFICERS WO ENLISTED MEN H&S Company 1 1 29 Company A 0 0 18 Company B 1 0 17 Company C 0 0 19 TOTAL 2 1 83 The third Echelon remained h ere until 2 July 1944 when it moved by motor convey to the port of embarkation at Weymouth, England. One detachment of the Third Echelon consisting of one warrant officer and twenty-five enlisted men left the marshaling area at 0440 and arrived at Weymouth at 0930. At Weymouth the first two detachments of the Third Echelon boarded separate LCT boats and sailed in a convey at 1300. The convey sailed southeastwardly across the English Channel to Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, and landed at 1100 3 July 1944. These two detach- ments immediately joined the first two echelons at Bivouac area near Govin, France. The Third Detachment of the Third Echelon consisting of one officer and twenty- nine enlisted men left the marshaling area at Dorchester, at 1000 2 July 1944 and arrived at Weymouth at 1430 2 July. It boarded an LST at Weymouth and sailed in a convoy at 2315. It arrived at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France at 1100 3 July 1944 and disembarked at 2315. This detachment set up bivouac at Motor Vehicle Transit area No 4 until 1000 4 July 1944 when it joined the battalion at bivouac area near Govin, France. The battalion strength as of 4 July 1944 was 27 officers, 2 warrant officers and 630 Enlisted men. |
| Our War
begins Upon the arrival of its first elements in France the battalion was placed in close support of the 29th Infantry Division, relieving the 112th Engineer Combat Battalion. Battalion bivouac area was near GovinNormandy France (qT557753). Mission with the 29th was clearance of mines, maintaining roads and bridges, operating water points, etc. (June 20, 1944 according to Commendation Letter) On the 28th of June 1944 the battalion was placed in close support of the 3rd Armored Division, at that time engaged in reducing the Villiers Fossard Salient. This action was unsuccessful and after two days the battalion reverted to support of the 29th Division. Until the end of July, with the exception of a few days the battalion was extremely active in close support of the 29th Division. One exception was during a critical period during which the German counter- attacks in their Carentan salient threatened the Corps flank, and the 1115th Enginee r Combat Group was alerted for a combat mission and assembled near La Fotelaie (T539747) for three days until the threat had ended (6 July - 8 July 44 incl.). On other occasions the battalion closely supported the 30th and 35th Infantry Divisions for short periods. In addition to normal engineering work in division rear area there were miscellaneous jobs that were performed. B Company completed a two hundred yard by pass to a treadway bridge across the Vire River at Airel. Company C constructed roads and entrance to Corps Command Post near St Claire and camouflaged them. Water points de - livered over 850,000 gallons of water during the month of July. Gravel pits, rock quarries, and stone crushers were operated. |
| The first
platoon of Company C was alerted
and dispatched for close support of the 121st
Engineer Combat Bat- talion
on 11 July 1944. On the same day the first platoon of
Company B was
alerted and dispatched to support ad- vance of the 116th Infantry south
of Couvains, France, in its attack on St Lo. During the period of 13 to 16 July 1944, several platoons were alerted and moved to support the 121st near St Lo. On 15 July 1944 while Company B engaged in clearing mine fields two miles west of St Lo, Normandy, France, the battalion sustained its first battle casualties. Private Albert (NMI) Grieco, ASN 32787278, Company B, was killed in action by enemy artillery. The third platoon of Co. B was engaged in road clearing, and Private Perley Davenport, was slightly wounded in action but remained duty. He entered the hospital the following day. Also, on 15 July 1944, Private Harry Herschenhous, was slightly wounded in action and was evacuated. On 16 July 1944, Corporal Kennell W. Martin was slightly wounded and remained on duty. On 17 July 1944 Private Arthur J. Lucchesi, was wounded in left hand, but remained duty. On 18 July 1944, while engaged in road maintenance for Company B, near Logrie, France Private First Glass Ralph G. Roider, accidentally set off a grenade by striking it with a shovel. Hiis wounds were serious with fragments in the neck and chest. Private First Class Glenn D, Allen, Company B. working directly behind Private First Glass Raider was seriously wounded with fragments in neck and chest. Both man were evac- uated. Corporal Stephen Slivka, was also slightly wounded in the same explosion, but remained duty. From 16 July to 26 July 1944, normal road maintenance was carried out in the division areas of the 29th Division near St Lo, Normandy, Francs. On 16 July 19 a camouflage screen was constructed from qT563649 west to Hill 147 to shield the concentration and movement of a task force under General Cota (Asst Div Comdr, 29th Div) that was to be used in capturing St Lo. On 24 July the battalion was relieved of support of the 29th Division and assigned to support 35th Division, On the same day William G. Puckett, ASN 3834217, was seriously wounded in action when a bulldozer struck a mine while engaged in road widening. Close an the heels of the tremendous ‟saturation” bombing west of St Lo the city of St Lo was taken by the 29th Division was hastily motorized in order to regain contact with the German forces. Bridges were needed across the Vire River south of St Lo and that mission was given the battalion. Extracts from operations report on the mission are included to give the details. |
| 1.
Mission - At 272300 July 19 this battalion supported
by the 234th Engineer Combat Battalion, was assigned the mission of
constructing a bridge to pass the 29th Division
(temporarily motorized) across the Vire River in the vicinity of
Candol, France, (qT478606). Included in this mission
was the determination of the best route to the bridge, the
clearing the
route of mines and debris, and finally the repair of this route. 2. Plan - At 272330 the battalion was alerted and the mission and general plan outlined to staff and company commanders. a. Although aerial photos had been studied no ground reconnaissance of the area had been made by any parties of this battalion so a reconnaissance party was organized. The Company Commander Company A the S-3 Asst S-3. and a security party were to proceed to the bridge site by the most direct route, reconnoiter the site and decide upon the type bridge which would be constructed. This information was to be sent to the Forward CP, and then, based upon these recommendations, the proper material would be called for through rear CP. b. Because of the scarcity of road nets on the east side of the Vire, reconnaissance parties under the reconnaissance officer and the assistant S-2 were sent across the Vire River north of St Lo with instructions to find practicable approach roads on the west side. This party was to report the Forward CP (at St Lo Bridge) when mission was accomplished. c. Since the bridge site was well forward of any previously consolidated friendly infantry positions, B Company was assigned the mission of providing security for the road clearance and repair parties, and upon reaching the bridge to establish a bridgehead on the far shore. d. C Company was assigned mission of sweeping, clearing, posting and repairing access road and bridge entrance and exit roads. 3. Operations. a. The Commanding Officer A/82, S-3, Asst S-3, and a small party departed at 280030 to reach the bridge site by the most direct route. The vehicles of this party were left at St Georges Montcocq and the party proceeded on foot through St Lo and out the access road to the southeast. No enemy were contacted and the bridge site was reached at 280320. The road used was relatively clear except for considerable debris at St Lo, an enemy minefield, and one set of steel anti-tank gates south of the city. The existing three span masonry arch bridge was found to have all the spans and one abutment demolished with a clear opening of eighty-five feet. The river was fordable at this point and a small ford (heavily mined) existed south of the bridge. Two other bridges beyond the damaged bridge were intact. Since the existing road was on a high fill and extensive approach work necessary to construct a treadway bridge, the decision was made on the site to recommend construction of a Bailey bridge over the ruins of the existing bridge. It was impossible to obtain communication with the Forward CP by means of SCR 300 so the S-3 and Asst S-3 returned toward St Lo and were finally able to establish communication at 0550 only after returning three-fourths of the way to St Lo and then through C Company radio as a relay station. b. The other reconnaissance party did not accomplish its mission. Two jeeps were dispatched in this case, each containing an officer, a reconnaissance sergeant, and a driver. Both left the area at 272400 and were halted soon after by an enemy air raid. While taking cover to avoid bombs, one officer (Lt Grust) was shot and had to be evacuated. The party proceeded after the raid, became separated, became lost, and when one party finally did report in to Forward CP at 0600, its information was of no value. The other party returned to the rear CP at 0740, completely disorganized. It had been the one that lost the officer. c. B Company left bivouac area at 280115 to furnish advance patrol and security for road clearing party. Shortly after leaving area it came under heavy German air attack was forced to detruck and take cover. This action caused a delay for forty-five minutes. It then proceeded to a detrucking point north of St Lo (a route for vehicles through St Lo not yet open), and moved on foot to accomplish its mission. This was accomplished without incident, no enemy resistance, and, at 280600, Commanding Officer, Company B reported bridgehead secured. d. C Company left bivouac at 280120 to sweep and clear the access road to and from the bridge site. It was also delayed by the same enemy air action and arrived in St Lo to begin work at 0330. It cleared debris in St Lo. removed an enemy minefield on the road, removed one antitank barrier and swept the road and shoulders from St Lo to bridge site. This work was completed at 280735. C Company then continued to the far shore and swept the road from bridge site to RJ at 477603. An abatis, enemy minefield, and friendly, hasty minefield were removed from this section of road. They then swept and removed enemy mines at ford and both ford approaches near the bridge for temporary use and to enable AAA vehicles to move to the far side of river for protection of the bridge. e. Forward CP arrived at bridge at St Lo at 0250 and remainedthere until 0645, at which time it moved to bridge site. At 0550 word wasreceived from the bridge reconnaissance party that a TS Bailey Bridge would be needed, and the rear CP was notified to send the bridge and Company A directly through St Lo to the bridge site. Construction was begun at 0900 and the bridge was open for traffic at 1410. No unusual difficulties wereencountered in the bridge construction. 4. Construction of Second Bridge. Upon his arrival at the bridge site on the morning of 28 July, the Group Commanding Officer indicated the necessity of an additional bridge at the site, construction to begin as soon as the Bailey Bridge was completed. B Company was assigned this mission at 281200 of constructing a class 40, eighty-four foot long treadway trestle bridge adjacent to the Bailey Bridge. The bridge material was furnished by the 992d Treadway Bridge Company which had been standing by for the operation, arriving at 281500. The bridge was opened to traffic at 262045. Demolished buildings were removed from approaches, the approaches graded, and temporary roads constructed of rubble, sommerfeld mat on chespaling and gravel. |
| After this its
first major bridging operations the
battalion moved south of St Lo to a bivouac near the village of
le Jogine qT478577
and was placed in close support of the 30th Division. During the month of July 1944, the following named enlisted men of the battalion were awarded the purple heart by battalion order: Corporal Kennell W. Martin, ASN 38463879, 16 July 1944. Corporal Stephen (NMI) Slivka, ASN 33423750, 18 July 1944. On the first of August we were again in close support of the 29th Division and moved to Chevry, France north of the town of Vire, where the Germans were making another stand. The town of Moyon, France, was cleared of rubble and debris. Here it was necessary to move many German vehicles and tanks which had been knocked out. Water points were in operation for both division and corps troops. By virtue of its work in close support of his division, Major General C. H. Gerhardt, Commanding General, 29th Infantry Division commanded the unit by the following letter. |
| On the fifth of August the battalion was given what turned out to be its toughest assignment; removing mines, clearing debris and opening routes through Vire, France, for critical traffic. Extracts from the engineering report rendered best show what occurred: |
|
*
* * 1. MISSION. At 2300 on the night of 4 August 1944, this battalion was relieved of it’s mission of road maintenance and assigned the task of clearing routes through the town of Vire, Normandy, France, as soon as the tactical situation permitted. One route to the southeast was to be used for an armored column, the 2nd Armored Division while a second route to the south and west was to be cleared for the 29th Division. The town was then to be cleared for traffic in all directions. 2. PLAN. No ground reconnaissance had been, made of the city but aerial photos taken a week before were available as well as maps of the town of Vire. At 042230 August 1944, the staff officers and company commanders were assembled and the general plan outlined. Company Commanders were to be prepared to move after 050600 in orders. Liaison was sent to the 17th Armored Engineers (2nd Armd Div) at 050100, this liaison to also attempt to got into Vire, and make a ground reconnaissance of the primary routes to be opened. The operations section after careful study of all available information prepared overlays of the town with priorities of clearing on the various routes. At 050430, another reconnaissance party was sent to aid that initially dispatched. At 050900, all officers were assembled and the entire plan outlined. C Company was given the by-pass route for the 2nd Armored Division; B Company that of the 29th Division; and, the clearance of the main part of town was given to A Company. A section of 992nd Treadway Bridge Com - pany (120' fixed) was attached for this operation as well as two D-7 Dozers and one gasoline shovel from the 611th Light Equipment Company by the 1115th Engineer Combat Group. 3. OPERATIONS. (a) First Day, 5 August 1944. The battalion (less administrative sections) moved to an advance area about three miles north of Vire (qT586356) at 1130. On reaching this assembly area, B Company was immediately moved still farther up to sweep the road into Vire as the armor advanced. About 1230, 17th Armored Engineers requested a D-7 Dozer improve a culvert fill which they had begun. This job was completed at 1600 and as the D-7 was being loaded upon the trailer, a direct hit on the blade of the dozer by German artillery disabled the equipment and caused four casualties (two dead, two injured). By 1900, B Company had cleared the road to Vire as far as the situation would permit and had dug in near the leading tank elements which were now refueling. German artillery had been particularly heavy up and down the road, on either side of which the battalion had assembled. Liaison with CCA of 2nd Armored Division was continuous and at 2000 the battalion began to dig in, in the area it occupied. The location of the Forward CP was now Mesnil Robert (qT585355). During the night heavy shelling continued on both sides. (b) Second Day. 6 August 1944. The battalion mission again remained the same to closely support 2nd Armored Division to and through Vire. CCA had altered its plan to go into Vire from the north and now prodded from the west. Company B swept and cleared roads on by-passes for armored columns west of Vire. Remainder of battalion remained in readiness to enter Vire when possible. At 1800, CCA was relieved of mission of capturing Vire, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion was relieved of support of GCA on Corps order, placed in close support of 29th Infantry, mission unchanged - to clear Vire for traffic as soon as possible. Company B was ordered to remain in position while A and C Companies were moved back to a new bivouac area (538355) which had been set up by the administrative section under the S-3. Liaison parties were dispatched to 29th Division and to 121st Engineer Combat Battalion. At 2300, the G-3 29th Division informed Commanding Officer 121st Engineer Combat Battalion that Vire was clear of enemy troops and engineer units were to move in and clean out the town at once. That information was given this battalion. Two reconnaissance parties proceeded at once to 121st Engineer Combat Battalion, contacted its reconnaissance party and moved into Vire under cover of darkness. Company B with three heavy dozers attached was ordered to proceed into Vire and begin work on its assigned route (29th Div). Companies A and C were to be prepared to move on orders from Commanding Officer. |
| (c)
Third Day, 7 August
1944. (1) At 0400 Company B proceeded toward Vire, detrucked outside the town carried engineer hand tools and mine detectors, and entered the city to clear 29th Division route around city. Company Commander apportioned the work for his platoons, and set up his CP near the work. The night was dark and foggy, and, under this cover the working parties were able to hand clear, sweep of mines, and post the road originally picked out from photo study to the southern exit of the city by the time visibility improved. After daylight it was soon apparent that enemy troops were still in the vicinity in large numbers and heavy fire of all types was brought to bear on the engineer parties. Two platoons were immediately cut off by machine gun and mortar fire and it was not until 1200 that communications were reestablished and full conditions determined. Reconnaissance parties dispatched the night before had experienced a similar situation in that no resistance was encountered until daylight, at which time the party realized it was surrounded by enemy and worked its way out. One officer was wounded by machine gun fire and evacuated. (2) Company A had left the bivouac area at 0330, proceeded to Vire, detrucked short of the town and gone in with hand tools and machine gun fire interrupted its engineering work repeatedly but by alternately fighting and work - ing it was able to make progress. By noon it had advanced to the center of town. Up to this time no heavy equipment had been placed in operation. (3) Company C followed the same plan as Company A insofar as movement was concerned. One platoon was able to begin its mission about 1130 but the other platoons were left in reserve just north of Vire until the battalion commander could determine the situation. (4) A Battalion CP was set up at 0730 just on the edge of Vire near the bridge. A plan of reorganizing was immediately setup as it was apparent that control and communications had been upset. Both A and B Companies set up company command posts, established radio and runner communications and began to send out patrols to contact their separated platoons. No word had been heard of the reconnaissance parties dispatched the night before and none reported in until 1130. An immediate and successful effort was made to contact infantry units in the town, and although conditions were not too favorable, it was decided to continue on the mission. By virtue of reorganizing, pushing out reconnaissance, fighting and working, by 1500, definite progress began to show. Company B had been reorganized and had con - solidated a defensive position in the southwest part of the town. One platoon with equipment from 992nd had repaired the rail-road overpass into town making it a two-way class 40 bridge. Its mission through the town to the south was complete. Company A had two heavy dozers at work clearing heavy debris in the center of town. Company C was sweeping a by-pass route to the east and south of Vire as far as the infantry front lines. Prisoners were still being taken and casualties to personnel were occurring as the work progressed. Part of the 2nd Armored Division was now moving into town (1600) to reinforce the 29th Division. Heavy artillery fire which had stated at daylight was continuing and an estimated 450 rounds came into the town during the day. Some was of extremely large caliber, though the majority appeared to be 88mm HE. From the accuracy of the fire it was positive observers still operated in the town and on the high ground south of it. Snipers and strong points still existed throughout. At 1800 a German tank pene - trated the AT defense and moved in over a road previously cleared by Company B. This tank was heavily shelled and machine gunned our troops. (5) At 2000 the decision was reached to concentrate on the work directly in the center of town, in as much as Company B had completed its mission, and Company C could go no farther due to enemy action. Both A and B Companies were ordered out of the town,all dozers attached to Company C which proceeded to work through the night. Remainder of 992nd equipment released to parent unit. (d) Fourth Day, 8 August 1944. A and B Companies relieved Company C at daylight with a total of four D-7 and three R-4 dozers now available to operate in the city. Work continued, emphasis being placed upon opening the center of the town. Shellfire was still on the town as well as small arms. Company Commander, Company A was wound- ed early in the day by sniper fire and was evacuated at 1000. Maintenance personnel from the Engineer Maintenance Company set up an advance repair station just out of Vire to which all damaged equipment was evacuated and repaired on the spot. A second D-7 sustained a broken track and was evacuated about 1300. Still another sustained a broken lift cable. Work continued throughout the day in the center and southeastern part of the town. As the dozers were used, it was necessary to pick spots where they were in defilade as they drew heavy fire whenever observers on the hills to the south could see them. Up to this time it was impossible to use a gasoline shovel in the town although one was standing by. Two additional D-7's were obtained, one each from 611th Light Equipment Company and 234th Engineer Combat Battalion. At 2000 Company C replaced A and B Companies on the work and continued with all available dozers. Although a strong German counter attack was probable the work progressed very satisfactorily through the night. Artillery fire lessened in the afternoon and ceased almost entirely after 2200. It was thought possible that the Germans might knock out the bridge across the Vire River so a bypass was constructed around the bridge by 2300. Only 36' of treadway were needed in tho event a by-pass would be used. (e) Fifth Day, 9 August 1944. A and B Companies relieved Company C at daylight. A gasoline shovel was not put in operation and work progressed rapidly; fire was only occasional, and, by 1200 practically all planned routes were open for at least one-way traffic and the greater proportion for two-way traffic. At 1300 the battalion was given orders to move out of the town at 1800. The 20th Engineer Combat Battalion (V Corps) moved in to con - tinue widening of roads and at 1800, the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion moved to bivouac with all personnel and equipment. As a result of the Vire operation a total of one hundred and twenty-eight prisoners were taken and many more killed. Our casualties were as follows: |
|
Killed -in Action Technician Grade Five James W. Teed ASN 33461824 5 Aug 44 Private Samuel L. Holland ASN 34872747 5 Aug 44 Wounded in - Action Captain Joseph W. Schmieder O-1109654 8 Aug 44 Captain Richard R. Spurrier O-455131 7 Aug 44 M/Sgt Preston (NMI) Stewart 32829631 5 Aug 44 Corporal John G. McGuire Jr 32786856 8 Aug 44 Corporal John G. Walker 32831009 9 Aug 44 Technician Grade Four Homer V. Amell 32745752 8 Aug 44 Technician Grade Five James E. Hahn 33410548 8 Aug 44 Technician 4rade Five James (NMI) Hayes 34680025 5 Aug 44 Private First Class Gerard H. Cadorette 31267811 7 Aug 44 Private First Class Royal B. Dunmyer Jr 32830993 7 Aug 44 Private William V, Wadhams 32733929 9 Aug 44 Private Alvise (NMI) Bowen 36397225 8 Aug 44 Private Maurice 0. Yates 38378944 8 Aug 44 Purple Heart awards were made to those wounded and on the basis of the above action the following other awards were made: Silver Star Award Lt Col John C. Dalrymple - G0 #37, Headquarters, XIX Corps, dated 26 August 1944. Bronze Star Award Major Edgar L. Green Jr GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Captain John R. Davis GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Captain Joseph W. Schmeider GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 1st Lt Walter L. Anderson GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 1st Lt William H. Corrin GO #39# Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 1st Lt Robert H. Bussell GO #38# Hq, XIX Corps, dated 30 Aug 1944 2nd Lt Wilbert L. White GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 S/Sgt Lester V. LaPorte GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Sgt John E. Davis GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Cpl Jess W. Elkins GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 T/5 Alfred J. Bonacci GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 T/5 Israel Kops GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Pfc Edward T. Molloy GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Pvt Kenneth G. Swanner GO #39, Hq, XIX Corps, dated 5 Sept 1944 Letters of commendation from the Commanding General, XIX Corps; and Corps Engineer were received and are included: |
|
HEADQUARTERS XIX CORPS
15 August 1944Office of the Engineer APO 270 SUBJECT: Commendation. TO : Commanding Officer, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion, APO 230, THROUGH: Commanding Officer, 1115th Engineer Combat Group, APO 270, 1. I wish to especially command the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion upon the excellent manner in which they accomplished their mission in clearing the town of VIRE. 2. It is realized now by all that this was a more difficult task than anticipated The casualties you suffered and the fact that more than a hundred prisoners were captured is ample evidence of the strength of enemy opposition. 3. The tactical decisions were excellent the plan of operation was sound, and the courage displayed by all personnel under fire was splendid. /s/ H. S. Miller /t/ H. S. MILLER Colonel, CE Engineer 201.22 1st Ind. HQ, 1115TH ENGR C GP, APO 270, U. S. ARMY, 16 August 1944. To : Commanding Officer, 82nd Engr C Bn, APO 230, U. S. Army. 1. The undersigned wishes to add his commendation to the basic commendationand to express his appreciation for the courageous and determined manner in which the officers and men of your Battalion accomplished the assigned mission. 2. The spirit and initiative of your officers and men reflects great credit on your personal command. /s/ William R. Shuler /t/ WILLIAM R. SHULER Colonel, C. E. Commanding |
|
HEADQUARTERS XIX CORPS OFFICE OF THE CORPS COMMANDER APO 2708 U. S. ARMY 17 August 1944 SUBJECT: Commendation THRU : Commanding Officer, 1115th Engineer Combat Group, APO 270. TO : Commanding Officer, 82d Engineer Combat Battalion,, APO 230. 1. It is desired to commend the 82d Engineer Combat Battalion for the excellent manner in which it accomplished its mission in clearing the town of VIRE in order to, expedite the passage of our troops. 2. The facts that your Battalion suffered 19 casualties and captured 110 prisoners in this operation are ample evidence that this was a combat as well as an engineer mission. 3. The 82d Engineer Combat Battalion has earned a position of high respect among the combat elements of the Corps. /s/Charles R. Corlett /t/ CHARLES H. CORLETT Major General, US Army Commanding |
| Prior to the
operation at Vire, a fifty foot, Class 40, Double Single Bailey Bridge
had been constructed across the Drome River just north of Chevry on the
29th Division main supply route. This project was completed by a
platoon under Lieutenant Malesky from Company C. It was
decided on 11 August to replace the Bailey Bridge with a fixed timber
bridge. Lieutenant Malesky and his platoon first jacked up the
Bailey Bridge to allow work to begin on the timber bridge, which was
completed beneath the Bailey, without traffic being halted until it was
time to disassemble the Bailey Bridge. On 15 August the unit moved on one of its longest motor marches since arriving in France, a distance of thirty miles into bivouac near Barenton, France (T665087). On the same day while on reconnaissance near les Cotila, France the ¼ ton vehicle in which he was riding hit a teller mine, and 1st Lieutenant William T. Stanley received a multiple fracture to right foot, had most of his teeth knocked out, and received other minor injuries. He was evacuated. Private First Class Malcolm G. Goodale, driver for Lieutenant Shanley, fractured his left leg and was evacuated. Sergeant Dinzel D. Leonard received minor injuries and remained duty. On 30 August 1944, he entered the hospital and was lost from assignment. Technician Grade Five James D. Hutton was slightly wounded in action near la Touche, France by an S mine, the same day. He returned to duty the next day. On 16 August 1944, private Philip Greenfield and Private Michael (NMI) Popilok was slightly wounded by an S mine near La Touche, France, but remained duty. While in this area numerous enemy minefields as well as booby-trapped abatii were encountered and removed. In one instance eighty-one mines were taken up. Enemy ammunition and other supply points were in this area, all very well protected by barriers. On 19 August 1944 and 20 August 1944, the battalion moved eastwardly approximately 92 miles by motor convoy. Bivouac was set up near Verneuil France (vQ995116). On 21 August 1944, two companies were dispatched to search the woods south of Senoches for enemy, pockets reported by French civilians. No prisoners were taken. On 22 August 1944, the battalion moved to bivouac near Les Houlles, France (vR030260) a distance of twelve miles. On 23 August 1944 the battalion again moved twelve miles. Bivouac was set up near Tillieres - Sur - Avre, France (vR097399). Here it again resumed its work of clearing and maintaining roads In an assigned area. A road patrol was also established over the road net in the Verneuil - Neuilly - Sur - Eure, Alencon - Sees Area. Two demolished bridges were (vR051361) and (vR062363) replaced by culverts and fill. On 25 August 1944 two German stragglers were taken prisoner in the vicinity of battalion bivouac. |
On 26 August 1944, the battalion moved to the vicinity of Breval, France (vR450572). A road and bridge reconnaissance of the area -Cheron Tremont- Poigny-Bazaluville-Chambleau- and of possible crossing sites of the Seine River were made on 27 August 1944 and on 28 August 1944, the battalion was assigned the mission ofconstructing an M-1 Treadway bridge across the Seine River at Meulan, France. Extracts from the report thereof are as follows: |
| 1.
MISSION At 1700, 28 August, 1944, this battalion (less
Company B) was assigned the task of constructing an M-1 Treadway
Bridge, Class 40, across the Seine River at Meulan, Seine Et Oise,
France. This bridge was to be used in connection with the
existing road nets to furnish a main supply route for the XIX Corps in
its advance across the Seine and was to be completed as soon as
practicable. The bridge company of the 17th Armored Engineer
Battalion was attached to this battalion to provide bridging equipment.
2. PLAN Ground reconnaissance had been made earlier in the day in anticipation of such a crossing and an advanced bivouac area and bridge park selected. A liaison officer was therefore immediately dispatched to make contact with the 17th Armored Engineers and to lead the bridge company to the bridge park. Company A, at 281720, was assigned the mission of providing security for the construction company. It was assigned the further mission of holding a highway bridge on the far shore leading from an island to the far shore, inasmuch as street fighting was underway in the town of Meulan and it was feared an attempt might be made by the enemy during the night to destroy this bridge. Company C was given the job of constructing the bridge. |
| 3.
OPERATIONS (a) Since both A and C Companies were out on their normal
mission of maintaining roads it was necessary to assemble the
companies. Company A was instructed to rendezvous at a road
junction about three miles from the bridge site and then to proceed
directly to the bridge site on its mission. Company C was
assembled at the battalion bivouac and then dispatched to the bridge
park. Upon arrival at the site at 282030, an R-4 Dozer proceeded
to the river bank to prepare the near approach. This dozer was
immediately subjected to observed enemy artillery fire, however, and
was temporarily withdrawn and utilized in improving the road net
leading to the bridge until dark. After dark two (2) R-4 dozers
were put to work preparing the near shore approach and four (4)
raft construction sites. (b) One platoon from Company A used assault boats to reach the island in the middle of the river at 2200 and held the bridge throughout the night. No German attempts to demolish the bridge were made. Considerable fighting went on throughout the night in the town of Meulan on the far shore between enemy infantry and our own infantry advancing from a downstream bridgehead, upstream to the north and east. Toward daybreak, 30 August 1944, the remainder of Company A reached the high ridge north of Meulan and posted security for the bridging operations. In the meantime the bridge train and Company C had closed in bivouac at the advanced bridge park at 282100. The company commander of the bridge company and Company C then made a detailed reconnaissance of the bridge site and completed plans for construction. At 290700 a forward CP was established at the bridge site and construction of the bridge commenced at 290800. In spite of steady rain all day the bridge construction proceeded smoothly and without unusual incident. Because of the length of the bridge, 720 feet, the bridge company did not have sufficient saddles and it was necessary to install one trestle near the far approach. This caused some delay that had not been anticipated. Approaches were sommerfeld mat over chespaling. This was covered with three (3) inches of washed gravel. The bridge was opened for traffic at 291800 |
| By virtue of
his work in making a detailed
reconnaissance of the bridge site, Major Morris Battalion Executive
Officer was awarded the Bronze Star (GO #40, Hq, XIX Corps, 16 Sept 44). On the 28th of August, Company B was attached to the 113th Calvary Group which had a special mission to protect the corps right flank northwest of Paris. On 30 August the battalion moved forward again to the vicinity of Guerville, France (vR6255) a distance of sixteen miles. |
| During the
month of August
several changes in commissioned personnel had been made due to
sickness, wounds, ect., and at the end of the month (31 Aug 44) the
strength was 33 officers, 3 warrant officers and 600 enlisted
men. Master Sergeant Stewart
had the honor of being the first battlefield appointed officer from the
enlisted personnel. (SO 227, Hq,
FUSA, 20 Aug 44). Roster as of 31 August 1944: Lt Col J. C. Dalrymple Battalion Commander Major James L. Morris Executive Officer Major Edgar L. Green S-3 Captain Thomas A. Barry S-4 Captain Clarence T. Cates Asst Div Engr 1st Lt William K. Corrin S-2 2nd Lt George A. Vuksta Asst S-2 2nd Lt Wilbert L. White Rcn Officer 2nd Lt Preston (NMI) Stewart Asst S-3 Headquarters and Service Company Captain John E Tracy Company Commander 1st Lt Stephen G. Ransom MTO CWO Elmer R. Lundgren Asst S-4 WOJG Marvin Q. Silver Personnel Officer 2nd Lt Chester M. Davison Asst MTO WOJG Jim W. Warren Asst MTO Company A 1st Lt Robert H. Bussell Company Commander 1st Lt Mansel M. Mayeux Platoon Leader 1st Edward Fry Jr Platoon Leader 1st Lt Henry B. Nicolai Platoon Leader 1st Lt Paul C. Myrick Platoon Leader 2nd Lt William K. Sittig Jr Administrative officer Company B Captain John. R. Davis Company Commander 2nd Lt Guido J. Antognoni Administrative Officer 1st Lt Robert D. Wise Platoon Leader 1st Lt Frank W. Krebs Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Edward J. Fairchild, II Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Joseph P. Campanale asst Platoon Leader Company C 1st Lt Walter L. Anderson Company Commander 2nd Lt Charles A. Doll Administrative Officer 2nd Lt Gerald J. Williams Platoon Leader 2nd Lt John J. Donnelly Platoon Leader 1st Lt Edwin S. Malesky Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Henry G. Heller Asst Platoon Leader Medical Detachment Captain Emanuel U. Oxman Battalion Surgeon Captain Adam J. Hauman Dental Surgeon During the month of August 1944 the following officers and enlisted men in addition to those previously indicated were awarded the decorations: Bronze Star Lt Col John C. Dalrymple O-303257 GO#37,Hq, XIX Corps 23 Aug 44 Captain Emanuel U. Oxman, O-385206 GO#37,Hq, XIX Corps 23 Aug 44 Corporal Jose W. Elkins, ASN 3839?809, Go#34, Hq XIX Corps 11 Aug 44 Private Albert (NMI) Grieco (Posthumously), ASN 32787278, GO#34 Hq, XIX Corps, 11 Aug 44. Purple Heart Pvt Dinzel D. Leonard 38340776 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug Sgt Ralph U. Lobar, Jr 32733914 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug T/5 James D. Hutton 35663151 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug Pfc Walter D. Stahlman 32733663 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug Pvt Arthur J. Lucchesi 32786557 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug Pvt Philip (NMI) Greenfield 32785694 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug Pvt Michael (NMI) Popilok 33331494 GO #8, Hq 82nd Engr Bn 17 Aug |
| For the past
few days Company A had been maintaining and guarding the important
bridges across the Seine at Mantes. It was also assigned the
mission of removing the M-2 Treadway bridge at Rosny, just downstream
from Mantes, which was accomplished on 31 August 1944. On the same date, Company C was given the mission of constructing an anti-mine boom across the Seine to protect a vital set of locks between Meulan and Mezieres. Company C removed an existing M-2 treadway bridge from across the Seine at Mezieres on the last of August. It was readily seen that the absence of Company B (attached for an indefinite period to the cavalry) was causing an increased amount of work for the other companies. Prisoners taken for the month totaled 131. During the month of September, 1944, the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion remained attached to the 1115th Engineer Combat Group. The construction of bridges was the chief mission for the month. Battalion water supply equipment was operated two days for corps units and the remainder of the time for group units. Operations for the month carried the battalion from Meulan, France, on the Seine River, to Northern Holland near the Meuse River. Company B, of the battalion, was attached to the 113th Cavalry Group during month of August and did not return to the battalion control during the entire month of September. SO # 239, HQ First U. S. Army promoted Second Lieutenant Wilbert L. White to First Lieutenant on 1 September 1944. The first of September the battalion moved sixty-five miles from Guerville via Meulan, Marines, Meru and Noailles to a bivouac near Agnetz, France. The next day another long move was made, this time sixty-one miles, via Clermont, , Roye, to an area just south of the Somme River near Fay, France (vN957551). Company C was immediately given the mission of repairing a demolished bridge over the Somme at Bray (vN403615). Company C also maintained bridges at Cappy (vN440597) and Feuillieres (vN495617) across the Somme until the battalion was again alerted to move on 5 September. This march north was to the vicinity of St Amand, only a short distance from the Belgium frontier. Bivouac area was combed for Germans upon arrival and Company C captured four. A reconnaissance party sent out from this same area accounted for five more prisoners. |
| Meanwhile
Company B was getting some action, more of
a combat rather than engineering nature.On 3 September, the 3rd
platoon, while supporting the 125th Cavalry Squadron, and en route to
Tournai, France, captured one hundred and twenty Germans. During
a motor march to Wavre, Belgium, in support of the 113th Cavalry
Squadron, the second platoon was attacked and in the resulting action
Private Albert C. Marks was fatally wounded. Moving seventy-two miles eastward across the Belgium boundary via Valenciennes, Mons, Nivelles we reached a bivouac near Hevillers, Belgium (vJ770290) on 7 September 1944. Company A constructed a forty foot expedient timber bridge to replace a Bailey Bridge at Court-de-Etinne(vJ63318). That night enemy troop's with horse-drawn artillery were reported by civilians to have used the bridge we built. While engaged in road maintenance north of Gembloux, Belgium, a platoon from Company C was informed by civilians of a German strong point nearby. The platoon sergeant S/Sgt Carl E. Lietzke, attacked the position with his men and although he was killed in the resulting action, the attack was successful. Six Germans were killed, six wounded and twenty-six captured. T/5 Larry Aiello was wounded in the same action on 8 September 1944. The following day the battalion moved on to St Trond Belgium (vK210490) thirty seven miles away, leaving A Company to maintain main supply routes for the 30th Division and to replace a Bailey two-way bridge at Jodoigne (vK959368) with a trestle bridge. This was accomplished on 11 September and Company C then moved to rejoin the battalion which had since moved up to Roclenge - Sur - Geer (vK488418) and was awaiting orders to bridge the Albert Canal near Ft. Eben Emael. For a period of four days repeated efforts to work patrols close enough to the canal to reconnoiter crossing sites failed due to determined and well organized German positions. Working along the canal near Hasselt, Belgium, on the same type of mission, a patrol from Company B (still attached to the 113th Cav Gp) was attacked by Germans and in the resulting action Corporal Richard K, Wells was killed, and, Lt. Edward J. Fairchild II and Private Lawrence P. Chemeskie were reported by Belgians as being captured. During this time Company B was busily engaged in removing mines, booby-trapped vehicles and equipment as well as performing combat missions as the cavalry group spear-headed the Corps advance toward Holland. Crossing the Meuse River in the vicinity of Liege, Belgium, the cavalry was now working north on the east side of the river to drive the Germans out of Maastricht, Holland. A civilian theater was secured in the town of Roclenge, and through special services, a number of shows and films provided recreation while awaiting the bridge mission over the Albert Canal. |
| On the 13th
of September, a special task force was
formed to clean out the lower tip of the Maastricht Island
be -tween the Meuse River and the Albert Canal and bridge
the
Canal near Canne for immediate crossing of the 2nd Armored
Division. This task force consisted of the 1115th Engineer Combat
Group reinforced by a battalion of infantry from the 30th
Division. The 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion was given the
mission of constructing a Bailey Bridge across the canal. Late on
the 13th, reconnaissance was successful in reaching the site and a
de - cision was reached to construct a 140 foot DD Bailey Bridge,
Class 30. Bulldozers under Company A went to work and by daylight
the 14th Company C was able to move in with an attached Bailey Bridge
Platoon and begin work on the bridge. Construction proceeded
rapidly and without difficulty until after launching when one panel in
the launching nose failed dropping the bridge into the canal.
Salvage operations were successful and the bridge leveled and
re-launched at noon on the 15th September and opened for traffic on the
corps main supply route on 16 September 1944. Two treadway bridges, one 228 feet long across the Albert Canal near Vise, the other 552 feet long over the Meuse River at Vise, were removed by Companies A and C, respectively, on the night of 17-18 September. In securing the town of Gulpen, Holland (vK700478) on the night of 15-16 September two men of Company B were wounded by enemy shell fire. They were Private Vidal V. Torres and Private Andy Lazor, Jr. Moving to Aalbeek, Holland (vK673578) the battalion was alerted and formed part of the Corps Reserve (19 Sept 44). This reserve was composed of 1115th Engineer Combat Group reinforced with a battalion of tanks. The group was not committed yet remained in this status until 26 September 1944. |
| During this
period Company B was active with the cavalry establishing flank
protection for the Corps. Several casualties were sustained in
both offensive and defensive actions. T/5 Charles A. Haneke was
slightly wounded at Simpelvilde, Holland, on 21 3eptember.1944.
Sergeant James Z. Ramsay was seriously wounded by an anti- personnel
mine near Berg, Holland, on the same date. On the 27 September the battalion received alert orders to move in close support of the 7th Armored Division through the British-held corridor in Holland to the east of Eindhoven and then support its advance to the south and east, clearing out enemy resistance west of the Meuse River. A bridge task-force was set up and attached to the battalion inasmuch as it was anticipated that there would be a number of canals and streams to bridge as our armor moved south through the Peel Swamp. These attachments were the 992nd Engineer Treadway Company and the First Platoon of 503rd Bailey Bridge Company. A battery of 467th AAA was also attached. Having moved to an initial assembly area on the west bank of the Meuse, north of Maastricht. Liaison was estab - lished with Division Engineer, 7th Armored Division, and the battalion (reinforced) marched with the division 53 miles north through Holland to Dostappen (vE608168) on 29 September. An overnight bivouac was made and the following day Company A was placed in close support of CCB while Company C was placed in close support of CCA. Movement was resumed and twenty-five miles further north the division moved into attack position north of Overloon. Battalion was in bivouac near St Anthonis, Holland (vE705373). Artillery shelling and nebelwerfer fire was sporadic in the battalion area, heavy in the company areas. Company A cleared an enemy minefield under heavy machine gun fire, and built a twenty-four foot dry treadway over a canal one mile north of Overloon, Holland. In another sector of the line Lieutenant Mayeux's platoon laid an anti-personnel minefield under fire. Company C out posted and defended a sector of the line during several nights of operation with CCA. |
| From
these operations a number of casualties were sustained. Killed in Action T/5 George D. Sanders ASN 312745212 Co A Seriously Wounded in Action Donald L. Berger ASN 32B365B2 Co A Slightly Wounded in Action Sgt Ralph M. Lober Jr ASN 32733914 Co A 1st Lt Mansel M. Mayeux ASN O-528093 Co A Cpl Harlan E. Randunz ASN 37273579 Co A Pvt Quenten R. Bright ASN 37500629 Co A |
| For their
work in connection with these above operations a number or individuals
were recommended for awards. Verbal commendation was given by
Combat Commander CCB and the Division Engineer on the exceptionally
fine support rendered by the supporting companies. After continuous efforts by the 7th Armored Division to push through German defenses proved unsuccessful, it was relieved on 6 October 1944, and, on 7 October 1944 the battalion received orders to move back to Aalbeek, Holland, and rejoin the group there. This move was made on 8 October 1944 without incident. |
| Meanwhile
Company B was actively participating in
the aggressive patrolling of the cavalry group. On the 29th of
September with the second platoon of Company B and one platoon of the
113th Cavalry Squadron, Captain Davis led his force in an attack on the
enemy in the woods at vK644748. After losing one armored car and
meeting heavy enemy opposition the force withdrew to allow the
artillery to fire on the enemy position. After the artillery
barrage, the force again advanced at 1745 to the town of Illikhoven,
Holland (vK346755) where they set up defensive positions to hold the
area taken. During the action Private First Class Alfred A.
Hunter and Private Abraham F.Frank were wounded by small arms
fire. Private First Class Hunter was evacuated but Private Frank
remained duty. Pvt. First Class John J. Pellegrino sustained
slight shrapnel wounds and remained duty. The following day, 30 September 1944, the force advanced to Roosteren, Holland (vK658777) and set up defenses around the town. At 1300 patrols were sent out and discovered an enemy strong point outside of town at vK661776 After a concentration of artillery fire on the strong point, the force advanced, taking six prisoners, killed several of the enemy and the balance of the enemy force withdrew across the Juliana Canal at vK662774. Private First Class Jerome F. Vana was injured, when the truck he was driving struck a land mine. Private Jack Weinman sustained a slight wound to the right hand, from flying shrapnel, and remained duty. Two days later the company was relieved of attachment to the 113th Cavalry Group and returned to group area near Aalbeek to await the return of the battalion which it rejoined on 8 October 1944. |
| Additional
Purple Heart Awards were: 2nd Lt Edward J. Fairchild II O-531099 GO #11, Hq 82d Engr Combat Bn ,27 Sept 44 T/5 Charles A. Haneke 33638893 GO #11, Hq 82d Engr Combat Bn ,27 Sept 44 T/5 Larry (NMI) Aiello 32830990 GO #11, Hq 82d Engr Combat Bn ,27 Sept 44 Pvt Harry E. Withers 37674031 GO #11, Hq 82d Engr Combat Bn ,27 Sept 44 Pvt Andy (NMI) Lazor 33680112 GO #11, Hq 82d Engr Combat Bn ,27 Sept 44 __________________________- Battalion strength as of 30 September 1944 was 29 officers, 3 warrant officers and 596 enlisted men. During the month of September 1944, four officers were lost to battalion. Three lost by transfer; one missing in action. Battalion officers and their duties as of 30 September 1944 were as follows: Lt Col J. C. Dalrymple - Commanding Officer Major James L. Morris - Executive Officer Major Edgar L. Green S-3 Captain Thomas A. Barry- S-4 Captain John E. Tracy S-2 Captain William H. Corrin ADE 1st Lt Wilbert L, White Rcn Officer 2nd Lt Gerald J. Williams Adjutant 2nd Lt George A. Vuksta Asst S-2 Headquarters and Service Co Captain Clarence T. Cates Company Commander 1st Lt Stephen C. Ransom MTO CWO Elmer R. Lundgren Asst S-4 WOJG Marvin Q. Silver Pers Officer WOJG Jim W. Warren Asst MTO Company A 1st Lt Robert H. Bussell Company Commander 2nd Lt William K. Sittig Jr Adm Officer 1st Lt Edward Fry Jr Platoon Leader 1st Lt Henry B. Nicolai Platoon Leader 1st Lt Mansel M. Mayeux Platoon Leader Company B Captain John R. Davis Company Commander 2nd Lt Guido J. Antognoni Adm Officer 2nd Lt Joseph P. Campanale, Platoon Leader 1st Lt Frank W. Krebs Platoon Leader 2nd Lt Preston (NMI) Stewart Platoon Leader Company C 1st Lt Walter L. Anderson Company Commander 2nd Lt George E. Wagner Adm Officer 2nd Lt Henry G. Heller Platoon Leader 2nd Lt John J. Donnelly Platoon Leader 1st Lt Edwin S. Malesky Platoon Leader Medical Detachment Captain Emanuel M. Oxman Battalion Surgeon Captain Adam J. Hauman Dental Surgeon |
| (Ed. note:
After Company
B's brief encounter in Germany with the 113th Cavalry in early October,
The Company was detached from the Cavalry and returned to the battalion at Albeek Holland on October 8th. Three days later the full battalion crossed in to Germany.) |