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    WINGFOOTRHINE LAND andCENTRAL EUROPE: CAMPAIGNS :

    OFFICIAL HISTORY

    IOIST CAVALRY GROUP(M EC HAN IZED)

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    To Ihe men of WingfooiHerein is ihe account of oup commonadventures; of Ihe trail we blazed across ihe

    rivers, plains and mountains of Qermany andRuslria. Ji is rendered in a simple bul detailedoutline, like a black and while etching, await-ing ihe colors of our individual experiencesand memories. There are many accomplish-ments on ihe record of which we may beproud, yet lei us be ever mindful of ihe pricepaid by those who will not come home ioexult in our common victory.

    Golonel, U. S. RrrnyGornmanding

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    CONTENTSTo the men of Wingfoot 3Foreword 5JANUARY 7

    Official History 9FEBRUARY 13Official History 14

    MARCH 17Official History 19

    APRIL 37Official History 41

    MAY 77Official History 80

    A final word 95CAVALRY CHARACTERSCartoon, by T/5 Alfred Hopkins 78RECORD of EVENTSPrior to January 4, 1945 97What about YOUR story? 98Random Shots 99100My Story 101INMEMORIAM Inside Back CoverAREAS OF OPERATION (Maps) PAGES 12,

    18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72 and 90.Illustrations by Captain Crozier Wood

    Major Mercer W. Sweeney, Editor

    Souvenir Booklet Published far Members of The 101st Cavalry Group, MechanizedPrinted by Hugo Diesbach Ww., Weinheim/Bergsitr., GermanyAUGUST 1945

    PASSED BY THE FIELD PRESS CENSOR FOR MAILING

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    ForewordThe story of the 101st Cavalry in the annals of American

    Arms in Combat began in the year 1898 during the Spanish-American War. The lirst baptism of fire came at Coamo,Porto Rico, where Troop "C",one of the parent 01 ganizations,served with distinction. In1916, Squadron "A" (Manhattan),the oldest of the parent units, remained a separate squadronwhile Troop "B" (Geneseo), the youngest, and other up-StateTroops joined with the now Squadron "C " (Brooklyn), toform the Ist New York Cavalry. All served on the MexicanBorder. In 1917 werehese horse cavalry units reorganizedinto separate Machine Gun Battalions of the 27th Divisionand, as such, served brilliantly throughout the crucial 1918campaigns of World War I.

    In1920 the horse organizations were reestablished andin 1922 the Ist New York Cavalry was redesignated the 101stCavalry. Several reorganizations took place in the followingyears. InJanuary 1941, the unit was inducted into the Armyof the United States as a Horse-Mechanized Regiment andbecame fullymechanized after our entry into World War 11.Reorganization from a Regiment to a Group took place inDecember 1943. The personnel now consisted of men andofficers representing every State of the Union who stood

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    shoulder to shoulder with the men from New York under thestandard which proudly flew the Battle Streamers of 1898and 1918. Together these men gallantly attachedave twoadditional streamers to the 101st Cavalry standard "Rhine-land" and "Central Europe". This is their story.

    Early redeployment of the units of the Group did muchto direct the choice of contents for this booklet. This and thelimitations of time, opportunity and available facilities con-fined the project within the scope of the material immediatelyat hand.The "Reports After Action Against Enemy" are presented

    in their original form as forwarded for filing in the officialarchives of the War Department. The title "W INGFOOT"is taken from our battle code name which proved to be mostprophetic.

    While no effort is made at this time to describe in dra-matic detail the heroism, fortitude and sacrifices of individualmembers and units, this booklet does provide the essentialsof background and factual data for the production of suchan historical document at a future date. Marching betweeneach and every line of the text, however, is pride in organi-zation and the vitality,personality and laughter of the menall of the men of the 101st CAVALRY GROUP.

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    they sang the old year out and the New Year in ... Would the orders never come?Would it be the big fight or one of the "sideshows"? Would the Group be broken-upor fight as a unit? What Army would itbe? What Corps? ...Most of these questionswere not to be answered for a long time but the orders to move finally came withBARTON-STACEY in southern England the first stop. And then to the marshallingarea at SOUTHAMPTON and a midnight ride to the docks where hours of waitingin the rain cast the mood.

    Destination Known At LastA small convoy of LjST's and Li/berty ship gathered offshore and waited for the

    night to close-in. An overcast sky and a moderate sea formed the backdrop to anuneventful crossing of the English Channel ... A sprawling heap of rubble, once thebustling Port of- Le Havre, and the sour glances of the local citizens were soonexchanged for sunny roads, picturesque villages and the smiling people of inlandNormandy and the gumbo mud of Camp Twenty Grand ... On past the outskirtsof Paris to bivouac in SOISSONS and then at VERDUN where the men of WorldWar Ilept nearby ...Finally, itwas known it was to be the Sixth Army Group'sSeventh Army and the XV Corps. The orders were to relieve the 106 th Cavalry Groupwith headquarters in Lauterbach, Germany on the SAAR RIVER FRONT.

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    HEADQUARTERS101 st Cavalry Group, Mecz

    APO 758, U. S. Army

    15 February 1945

    SUBJECT: Historical Data.TO: The Adjutant General, War Department,THRU: Command Channels.

    Washington, D. C.

    -. In accordance with the provisions of AR 345 105, dated 18 No-vember 1929, and Change 4, dated 10 August 1944; letter Hq ETOUSA,subj: "Handling of Historical Documents in the European Theater ofOperations", file AG 312.1 Op History, dated 14 July 1944, and Section IV,Circular No. 34, Headquarters Seventh Army, dated 28 November 1944,the following report is submitted.

    2. During the period 1 January 1945 2 February 1945, the 101stCavalry Group, Mecz., was commanded by Colonel Charles B. McClelland,with Lt Col Leo W. Mortenson as Executive Officer.3. The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., is composed of the following ele-

    ments:a. Hq &Hq Troop, 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz.Colonel C. B. McClelland, Commanding

    LtCol L. W. Mortenson, Executive Officerb. 101st Cay Ren Sq Mecz

    LtCol M.Kendall, CommandingMajor H. J. Brock, Executive Officerc. 116th Cay Ren Sq Mecz

    LtCol H. C. Leonard, CommandingMajor R. D. Feagin, Executive Officer

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    4. Narrative Historya. On 1 Jan 1945, the 101st Cay Gpwas stationed at Camp Anty-Cross, DALTON INFURNESS, LANCASHIRE,ENG-LAND, preparing to move to FRANCE toassume any mission which might be as-signed by CG ETOUSA. Necessary modification of combat vehiclels and equipmentwhich had accompanied the unit overseas had been completed in December1944.b. Inorder to facilitate the final pre-paration for movement, the unit movedon 4 January by road and rail to CampC, BARTON STACEY, HAMPSHIRE,ENGLAND. c. During the period 5 28 Jan, general purpose vehicles (approximately250) were drawn from Ordnance Depotsand serviced and modified (racks, etc.)by the unit maintenance sections. Thenecessary 'supplies and equipment to complete the unit 100% were also drawn withthe exception of portions of the basicammunition load .d. On 29 Jan, the 101st Cay Gp, Mecz,departed Camp C BARTON STACEY andmarched to the SOUTHAMPTON Mar--halling Area, closing at Camp C 5,291200.c. The 101st Cay Gp (less a marchingparty of 553 officers and enlisted men)departed Camp C-5 0545, 30 Jan and em-

    barked at SOUTHAMPTON aboard 4LSTs and 2 Liberty Ships. The marchingparty was embarked on a troop transport.

    f. Moving in convoy, the unit arrivedat LE HAVRE, FRANCE, and at 311020the first vehicles of the Group Headquarters were disembarked from theirLST. The remainder of the LST's wereunloaded and the units marched 44 milesin separate serials, to Camp TWENTYGRAND vie. DUCLAIR, FRANCE, closing approximately 312400. The Reconnaissance troops of both Squadrons wereaboard two Liberty Ships which wererouted up the SEINE RIVER to ROUEN.The marching party was disembarked atLE HAVRE and moved by GMT toTWENTY GRAND, rejoining their units311130.

    g. The Reconnaissance troops weredisembarked at ROUEN, 1 Feb 1945, closing at TWENTY GRAND at 0300 2 Feb.

    CHARLES B. Me CLELLANDColonel, CavalryCommanding

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    Februaryof the\Jn the &th day of February 1945 men from the two original Squadrons

    101st CAVALRY GROUP took their place in the front lines for the first time. Whileof hardit was not fully realized at that time, they were ready for combat. Four yearsto prove in theand conscientious training in the United States was itself earlyfighting. There was much still to be learned, however, the "hard way". Especiallywhen their equipdifficultwas the task these men faced of fighting as infantrymenand training was strictly for Mechanized Cavalry work. They quickly overcamement were battlewise andthese obstacles and difficulties and it was not long before theycombat soldier. The acidhardened 'to the unpleasant 'tasks which are ithe lo t of -thetest of unrelenting and continuous night and day responsibility now fell upon theperiod ofof command. There was to be no respite for aelements and machinery85 consecutive days.

    Courage, Fortitude And DeathHere on the Saar River Front ithe first impact of sudden death Was felft as itstruckto know the fullmeaningdown close personal friends and valued comrades. All came changed fromof honest fear and to respect it in others. Attitudes toward the enemyto cold and calculating anger. The maze of mines andslightly apprehensive curiosity

    booby traps in this area plagued the men at every step and took their toll. Theenemy's ability to use his weapons effectively and his skill at concealment came infor each other and withoutfor full appreciation and study. Men earned a new respect for courage andthinking in the terms of themselves wondered at man's capacityespecially did they wonder at the fortitude of those so grieviously wounded.

    Entire Western Front Flaresorders to attack. Nor"ATTACK!" No man ever forgets the first time he receives

    does he forget his own feelings which, between stimulation of the senses and soberedthinking, become a series of alternating hot and cold mental flashes. The inevitableperiod of waiting now set in. Postponements and changes of plan as well as othervexing problems arose. These proved to be the outgrowth of the Supreme Comman

    to strike the final blioiw.Thus, the planned local attack became, finallyder's decisionafter the turn of the month, a part of the opening over-all assault along the WesternFront.

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    HEADQUARTERS101st Cavalry Group, Mecz

    APO 758, U S. Army19 March 1945.

    SUBJECT: Action Against Enemy, Reports After.TO: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C.THRU: Command Channels.

    1. In accordance with the provisions of AR 345-105, dated 18 Novem-ber 1929, and Change 4, dated 10 August 1944; letter Hq ETOUSA, subj:"Handling of Historical Documents in the European Theater of Opera-tions", file AG 312.1 Op History dated 14 July 1944, and Section IVCircular No. 34, Headquarters Seventh Army, dated 28 November 1944,the following report is submitted.*2. The inclosed reports and journals with supporting documentsconstitute the historical records of the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., for theperiod 1 February 1945 28 February 1945.

    3. During the period covered by this report, the 101st Cavalry Group,Mecz., was commanded by Colonel Charles B. McClelland, with Lt ColLeo W. Mortenson as Executive Officer.

    4. Narrative History.a. 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., remained in Camp TWENTY GRAND,FRANCE, from 1February 1945 through 4 February. Garrison duties wereperformed and equipment was prepared for further movement. Pursuant

    to Troop Assignment No. 18, Headquarters Twelfth Army Group, 23 Ja-nuary 1945, the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., was attached to the FifteenthU. S. Army, relieved from assignment to the Twelfth Army Group andassigned to the Sixth Army Group. In accordance with Unit Assignment*Not included herein

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    No. 18, Headquarters Sixth ArmyGroup, 27 January 1945, it was subsequently assigned to the Seventh Army.Order

    No.b. Pursuant to Movement Order2-17, Headquarters District A, NormandyBase Section, Com Z, European T ot Opns,4 February 1945, the 101st Cavalry Group,Mecz., departed Camp TWENTY GRAND,FRANCE, en rouie to LUNEVILLE,,FRANCE, an 5 February 1945, crossed IP,ST . JEAN de CARDONEY, NORMANDY,at 0946 A, closed in bivouac SOISSONS,FRANCE, 1952A. Departed SOISSONS,FRANCE, 6 February 1945; crossed IP0700 A, closed in bivouac, VERDUN,FRANCE, 2130 A. VOCG Seventh ArmyFebruary 1945,were received night 6-7

    from LUNEVILLE,changing destinationFRANCE, to the FAULQUEMONT area,FRANCE. Departed VERDUN, FRANCE,7 February 1945; crossed IP 0700A, closedin bivouac ST. AVOLD,FRANCE, 1630 A.

    c. Pursuant to Operations InstructionArmy,No. 75, Headquarters Seventh6 February 1945, the 101st Cavalry Group,the XV CorpsMecz., was attached toupon arrival in the FAULQUEMONTarea, and directed to relieve the 106 thCavalry Group, Mecz., in its defensivemission.

    d. The 101st Cavalry Group* Mecz.,at AVOLD,remained in bivouac ST.FRANCE, 7-8 February 1945 and movedto LAUTERBACH, GERMANY, 9 February 1945. The Group CP and that of the116th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron,Mecz., were established in LAUTERBACH, GERMANY, on 9 February 1945,and the CP of the 101st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mecz., wias established in CARLSBRUNN, GERMANY, onthe some date.

    the 106ih CavalryGroup, Mecz., along the line EMMERS-c. The relief of

    -WEILLER, GERMANY WADGASSEN,GERMANY, both exclusive, was begunon 9 February 1945 and completed on11 February 1945. Control of the sectorpassed to 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., at1200A, 11 February 1945. Dispositionswere in accordance with FO No. 4, thisheadquarters, 11 February 1945. The folio-wing major units were attached to theGroup:

    17th FA Group:Col J. C. McLaughlin, Commanding93rd ArmdFA Bn:Lt Col John Shanklin, 111, Commanding802nd FA Bn:LtCol N.Landon Head, Commanding1185th Engr (C) Group:Col W. F. Weiler, Commanding48th Engr (C) Bn:Maj J. E. Foley, Jr., Commanding

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    ftlonechZM friendly fog which did not liftuntil the sun was at its mid-day height

    covered the initial stages of the attack on the 14th of March. When night fell on theday following all enemy along the Group front were either captured or destroyed.More than fifty per cent of all easualdties were the result of sniper fire. Each andevery house had to be cleared. This was a first success and while the men were fullyaware of the determined fighting character of their enemy they now stood firm in theknowledge that they had beaten him and could do so again and again ... and didt

    St. Ingbert Is CapturedSwinging to the right, these units met their next test in the fighting before the

    Siegfried Line. Some of the best young leaders and troopers paid for the groundgained at this point. The dueling of artillery was nothing short of terrific with thefriendly guns (thankfully) having the upper hand. Finally, the Combat Engineers cutand blew their way through baribed wire entanglements and rows of concrete "Dragon'sTeeth". The initial taste of actual Mechanized Cavalry action was now at hand aswas the first deep run into enemy held territory. Passing through the "hole" in theoutercrust of the line, elements of the Group struck out through miles of narrowvalley roads dominated by great frowning pillboxes which for some unknown reasonwere unmanned. Thus the Siegfried Line was penetrated throughout its entire depthand tifb town of St. Ingbert was captured for the 63rd Division to which the GroupWas attached at the time.

    Crossing Of The RhineReturning to direct control of the XXI Corps, to which it had been recentlyreassigned, the Group moved into the Hartz Mountains where several days were spent

    profitably in mopping up scattered groups of enemy who were seeking to escape overthe mountain trails. On the move again and through the vineyards of the Rhine Valleyall elements of the Group crossed the famous river via a ponton bridge at Wormson the "second day" and moved into the beautiful Odenwald country which gavebirth to the legends made internationally famous through the great musical works ofRichard Wagner. Here the fighting became determined and, from village to village,and town to town, the Group pounded its way forward steadily.

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    HEADQUARTERS101st Cavalry Group, Mecz

    APO 758, U. S. Army4 June 1945.

    SUBJECT: Action Against Enemy, Reports After.TO: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C.THRU: Command Channels.

    1. In accordance with the provisions of AR 345-105, dated 18 November 1929, and Change 4, dated 10 August 1944; letter Hq ETOUSA, subj:"Handling of Historical Documents in the European Theater of Operations", file AG 312.1 Op History dated 14 July 1944, and Section IV,Circular No. 34, Headquarters Seventh Army, dated 28 November 1944,the following report is submitted.*2. The inclosed reports and journals with supporting documentsconstitute the historical records of the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., for theperiod 1 March 1945 31 March 1945.

    3. During the period covered by this report, the 101st Cavalry Group,Mecz., was commanded by Colonel Charles B. McClelland, with Lt ColLeo W. Mortenson as Executive Officer.

    4. COMPOSITION.There was no change in the composition of the 101st Cavalry Group,Mecz., from that noted in Unit History for the period 1 January 1945

    2 February 1945.5. NARRATVE HISTORY.a. The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, continued its defensive missionalong the line EMMERSWEILLER, GERMANY WADGASSEN, GER-MANY,both exclusive, from 1 March 1945 to 13 March 1945. During that* Not included herein.

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    period, the following attachments anddetachments were made on the datesindicated:Detached:17th FA Group t 1March 194593rd ArmdFA Bn (SP) t 1March 1945*March 1945802nd FA Bn t1185th Engr (C) Group 8 March 194548th Engr (C) Bn .... 10 March 1945165 th Engr (C) Bn . .. . 10 March 19452756 th Engr (C) Bn . . . 10 March 19452d Cml Bn 10 March 1945

    support until15 March 1945.

    Attached:Co A, 1 Ren Plat 822 dTD Bn (T) 8 March 1945Co B, 99th Cml MortarBn 8 March 1945

    t Remained in direct

    The 17th FA Group was reinforced by969th FA Bn (M)the attachment of theon 7 March 1945. The Group CommandPost moved to LUDWEILER, GERMANY,9 March 1945. -b. During the night 13 14 March 1945,and 116;hcombat patrols from the 101stC ay Ren Sqs, Mecz, made deep penetrations of the enemy positions to their front.From the information gained, operations

    to clear the enemy from the south bankof the SAAR, RIVER in the 101st Cavalry

    Group, Mecz, zone were initiated on 14March 1945, and successfully completedon 15 March 1945. These operations resulted in a general advance ofapproximately2500 meters, the capture or destruction ofall enemy forces south of the SAARRIVER in the Group Zone, and the cap-of GEISLAUTERN,ture of the towns and HOEHRDEN, SCHAFFHAUSENSTENBACH, all Germany. Many casualties were inflicted upon the enemy and54 prisoners of war were taken. Casual-ties of 2 killed and 31 wereoundedof the 101st Cavalrysuffered by elementsGroup, Mecz (for detailed account of thisoperation, see Inclosure No. 1) .

    c. (1) Pursuant to Opns Instns No. 39,Headquarters X X ICorps, 16 March 1945,the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, was at-

    to the 63rd Infantry Division andtacheddirected to assemble vicinity of HELLIMER, FRANCE, after the relief of theGroup's front line units by elements ofthe 70th Infantry Division had been completed. The Group closed in the prescribedarea at 171100 A. Co A, 1 Ren Plat, 822 dTD Bn (T) and Co B, 99th Cml Mortar Bnto the Groupwere relieved of attachmentupon its departure from the WEHRDEN-HOSTENBACH area. The 93rd AFA Bn(105 mm), Co X, 253rd Infantry and the63rd C ay Ren Troop, Mecz, were attached

    101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, uponto theits arrival in the HELLIMERarea.

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    (2 Incompliance with VOCG, 63rd In-fantry Division, 17 March 1945, the 101stCavalry Group, Mecz, reinforced, relievedthe 253rd Infantry in its positions facingthe SIEGFRIED LINE along the general-line ENSHEIM GUDINGEN, both Germany, at 172103iA with the mission todefend present positions and maintaincontact with the enemy by aggressivepatrolling.

    Command Posts were established asfollows: 101st Cay Gp, Mecz WINTRINGHOF, GERMANY, 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz ESCHRIN-GEN, GERMANY, 116 th C ay Hen Sq, Mecz BUBINGEN, Germany,92rd AFA Bn (105 mm) KLEINSBITTERSDORF, GERMANY.

    Vehicles were parked in rear assemblyareas.(3) Front line positions were garrisoned and aggressive patrolling to the frontand laterally was conducted throughout-18 19 March 1945. In the late afternoon,19 March 1945, indications of enemy with-drawal were noted and a reconnaissance

    in force was begun early 20 March 1945.The former Group front line was out-posted, and both squadrons moved forward in their respective zones againstscattered enemy resistance. Progress wasimpeded by dense enemy A.T. and A.P.minefields, demolislhieid forMges, roadblocks and craters. Co X, 253rd Infantryand 63rd C ay Ren Troop, Mecz, wererelieved from attachment to the 101stCay Gp, Mecz at 200730 A.

    (4) At 201000 A, Tr A, 116th C ay RenSq, Mecz, atchd 1 Plat Tr E and 1PlatCo F, 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, CaptainAlbertBurgess, Commanding, was assigned the mission of moving rapidly to the

    division right flank, proceeding by anyavailable route through the main defensesof the SIEGFRIED LINE and capturingthe town of ST . INGBERT. This missionwas accomplished at 201535 Aand escaperoutes to the West and Northwest wereblocked.

    (5) At 201400 A, the 101st C ay Gp, Mecz(less Tr A, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz),received the mission to sweep the zone-BREBACH RENTRICH ENSHEIMST. INGBERT. This mission was accom-plished by 202359 Aand the Group wasdirected to assemble; the 101st C ay RenSq, Mecz, vicinity of BISCHMISHEIMandi the 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, vicinityof BUBINGEN.

    (6) At 201740 A, Tr A, 116th Cay RenSq, Mecz, was relieved at ST. INGBERTby elements of the 63rd Inf Div anddirected to protect the division left flank-by screening the line BREBACH ST.INGBERT.accomplished by

    202359 Aand patrols were extended 2 kmsto the West and Northwest of the assigned line.

    This mission was

    (7) During this operation many casual-ties were inflicted upon the enemy and104 PWs were taken. Casualties of 3 killedand 11 wounded were sustained by elements of the Group. Tr A, 116 th Oav RenSq, Mecz, reinforced, made the first complete passage through the SIEGFRIEDLINE in the Seventh Army sector andcaptured the town of ST. INGBERT.

    (8) For detailed account of these operations, see Inclosure No. 2.d. Inaccordance with Opns Instns No.44, Headquarters X X I Corps, 21 March1945; the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, wasrelieved of attachment to the 63rd InfDivand ordered to assemble vicinity of

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    BITCHE, FRANCE. Troop A, 101st CayRen Sq, Mecz, was placed on detachedservice with Headquarters Sixth ArmyCroup. The 93rd AFA (105 mm) wasCayrelieved of attachment to the 101stGp, Mecz. The Group closed in its assembly area at 211900 A, Hq . Hq Tr, 101stCay Gp, Mecz, and 101st Cay Ren Sq,Mecz, at ENCHENBERG, FRANCE, and116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, at LEMBERG,FRANCE.

    c. In anticipation of a mission toXXI Corps ofreconnoiter the zone EastPIRMASENS, GERMANY, route reconnaissance to that area were executed on22 March 1945, by elements of the 101stand 116 th Cay Ren Sqs, Mecz. Elementsof the Group which were not so employed,devoted the day to maintenance andrehabilitation of equipment.

    f. (1) German resistance West of theRHINE RIVER in the zoneXI Corpshad collapsed. At 1200A, 23 March 1945,by VOCG. XXICorps, the 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, was assigned the followingmission:

    "Move in Corps Zone behind 71st and100 th InfDiv. Sweep Corpo Zone to theline NEUSTADT - LANDAU, enteringeach village and town, and traversing allroads with particular tottention theSouth flank. Report each four hours, thisheadquarters giving location of leadingelements, conditions of roads and bridges,locations of enemy minefields, roadblocksand other pertinent information. Maintaincontact with 71st and 100 fh InfDiv."Thisorder was later confirmed by Opns InstnsNo. 47, Headquarters XXI Corps, 23March 1945. The Corps boundaries were-delineated as follows: South WALSCH-BRAND HINTER-WEIDENTHALANNWEILER-LANDAU;North - WALD-FICHBACK-ELMSTEIN LAMBRECHT-NEUSTADT.

    (2) Elements of the 101st Cay Ren Sqand 116 th Cay Ren Sq moved from theirrespective assembly areas at 231330 A, andby nightt had reached the general lineHINTER-WEIDENTHAL - LEIMAN. Hqa Hq Tr, 101st Cay Gp., halted fo r thenight on the eastern outskirts of PIRMA-SENS.

    (3) The mission was resumed early24 March 1945, and all elements movedforward against scattered enemy resistance which had been by-passed by theinfantry divisions. The rugged characterof the terrain, and the detailed reconaissance required by the mission, made rapidprogress impossible. Forward elementsreached the objective line at 241800 A,thus completing the mission at that hour.The 131st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, assembledvicinity of ELMSTEIN and the 116lh CayRen, Sq, Mecz, at SARNSTALL. TheG^oup Command Post was established atFRANKENECK.

    (4) As a result of this operation, casu-alties were inflicted on the enemy and atotal of 135 prisoners of war were taken.Important enemy supply dumps, ammunition stores, weapons, hospitals andtransport were found and reported tohigher headquarters for disposition. Thecondition of roads and bridges in theCorps Zone was reported and the roadswere cleared of displaced persons. Onesoldier in the Group was killed in action,none was wounded.

    g. (1) Pursuant to Opms Instns No. 49Headquarters XXICorps, 24 March 1945the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, undertookthe following mission on 25 March 1945:

    "Assume responsibility for line ocommunications in Corps Zone. Mop upall remaining enemy elements in Corps Zof division assembly areas.exclusivePatrol all roads in Corps rear area25

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    establish road blocks and control movement of all persons. Direct or transportall non-German nationals whether PWsor displaced persons found on the roadsto the DP centers located at PIRMASENS,KAISERSLAUTERN or NEUSTADT, orto the nearest town within the areacapable of caring for them."

    (2) During the period 25 -27 March1945, ail uniis were engaged in ihe execution oi the mission noted in paragraphg (1) above within the limits oi ihe CorpsZone as described in par F (1) above.Road blocks and conuioi poims wereestablished throughout the Corps Zone,MilitaryGovernment proclamations wereposted in all towns, weapons and othercontraband were impounded and displaced persons were gathered into DP centers.MSRs and other lines of communicationwere patrolled 24 hours a day. The Groupcontinued to apprehend prisoners of war.

    (3) A general eastward drift of individual German soldiers and small bodiesof troops had been noted fo r the pastdays. This movement was confined tothe secondary roads which could not bekejpt under constant surveillance andthrough the densely wooded mountainareas. On 28 March 1945, a screen wasestablished along the general line NEU-STADT LANDAU; the Assault GunTroops and Tank Companies of bothsquadrons being employed for this purpose. The remaining troops of each squadron moved out dismounted in theirrespective zones from a second line about15 kms west of the screen, thoroughlycombing the intervening wooded andmountainous areas and driving all enemybefore them -nto the trap formed by theNEUSTADT LANDAU screen.

    (4) As a result of operations duringthe period 25-28 March 1945, manycasualties were inflicted upon the enemy

    and 608 prisoners of war were taken.Dines of communication within the CoipsZone were protected, large quantities ofenemy materiel were discovered andsafeguarded and all enemy in the Corpsrear areas were mopped up. The Groupsuffered no casualty during this period.

    h. At about 1200 A, 28 March 1945, the101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, was alertedfor movement on the following day to anassembly area vicinity of LAMPERTHEIM, about 5 kms East of the RHINERIVER. Quartering parties from all unitswere dispatched at once. On 29 March1945, the Group proceeded in one column,crossing the RHINE RIVER through theXV Corps bridgehead at WORMS andclosing in its assembly area at 291600 A.

    XXI Corpsi. (1) At 291900 A, VOCGwere received assigning the followingmission to the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz:"Move immediately and secure Armybridgehead line in indicated zone, coor-

    dinating movement's with elements ofXV Corps now operating therein. Maintain contact with elements 10th ArmdDivoperating North of NECKAR RIVER.Upon being relieved or passed throughby elements of 4th Inf Div, assemble inCorps reserve, prepared for immediatemove to protect Corps right (South) flank.Report locations each two hours thisheadquarters." This mission was laterconfirmed by Opns Instns No. 54, Headquarters XXICorps, 30 March 1945. TheSeventh in thermy bridgehead areaXXICorps Zone was bounded by the line- -AMORBACH MUDAU REISENBACH- EBERBACH. Co A, 11th Engr (C) Bnwas placed in direct support of the 101stCavalry Group, Mecz.

    (2) At 292400 A, the Group moved fromits assembly area in two columns, the101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, less Troop A,attached 1Plat Co A, 11th Engr (C) Bn,

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    on the South, entering the hill masseseast of the RHINE RIVER known as theODENWALD at WEINHEIM, and the116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, 1 Plat Co A,11th Engr (C) Bn atend, on the North,entering at HEPPENHEIM. Hq and HqTr, 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, atchd1 Plat Tr B, 116th Cay Ren Sq, 1 PlatCo F and 1Plat Tr E, 101st Cay Ren Sq,Co A, 11th Engr (C) Bn (-), followed the101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz.

    (3) Prior to departure from theirassembly areas, the 101st Cay Ren Sq,Mecz, organized two task forces, eachconsisting of 1 Ren Tr reinforced by 1platLtTanks and 1 Plat AGis, and the 116 thCay Ren Sq, Mecz, organized three suchforces. As the squadrons moved forwardand additional routes became available,task forces were detached from the mainbodies and dispatched to their assignedobjectives.(4 ) The terrain was extremely ruggedand all columns were forced to operatealmost exclusively in narrow woodedvalleys. Enemy resistance was limited tosmall but determined rear guards whosought to delay the advance of all taskforces by means of defended road blocks,

    destroyed bridges and other obstacles.Enemy air continually harassed allcolumns throughout the day. Hq and HqTroop, 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, reinforced, left the 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,axis at MICHELBACH and formed asixth task force. This force shot down anenemy ME 109 vicinity of BEERFELDEN.(5) By late afternoon, 30 March 1945,all units had reached the objective line.Troops were disposed as follows:Tr C, 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz (-):OBERDIELBACH1Plat Tr C, 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz:STRUMPFELBRUNN101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz (- )OBERSCHEIDENTAL

    Tr B, 101st Cay Ren Sq:UNTERSCHEIDENTALHq a Hq Tr, 101st Cay Gp, Mecz, andTr B, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz:SCHLOSSAU

    Task Force, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz:STEINBACHTr C, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz:KIRCHZELL

    Tr A, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz:AMORBACH

    116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz (-):WURZBERG.(6) As a result of our operations on30 March 1945, the enemy suffered seriouslosses in killed and wounded and 244 prisoners of war were taken. The 101st Cay

    Gp, Mecz, executed its mission andsecured the Seventh Army bridgeheadline in the XXICorps Zone. Losses of5 wounded were sustained by the Groupin the day's operation.j. (1) Prior to nightfall 30 March 1945,motorized elements of the 4th Inf Divreached the 101st Cay Gp, Mecz, frontlines and relieved it of responsibility forcontinued defense of the Seventh Armybridgehead line. On the morning 31 March

    1945, Opns Instns No. 55 issued fromHeadquarters XXICorps. The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, was directed to continue its- advance to the line- HOCHSTADT(exel) NEUSTADT ROTHENBERGand to coordinate its advance east of theCorps objective withRen elms of the 12thArmored Division operating to the North.(2) The 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, continued to operate in the southern part ofthe Group Zone and the 116 th Cay RenSq, Mecz, in the northern. A special taskforce comprised of elements of the 116 th

    Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, under the commandof Major Robert D. Feagin, Jr., E. O. ofthat squadron, was formed and operateddirectly under Headquarters 101stCavalry Group, Mecz, along the axis

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    - -

    - -

    -GRUNSFELD IPPERSHEIM NEU- BUCH AMHORN HECKFELD - TAUSTADT in the center of the Group Zone.Hq a Hq Tr, 101st Cay Gp, Mecz, atchd1 Plat Tr B, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,1 Plat Co F, 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,and 1Plat Tr E 101 sit Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,formed another task force and operatedon the right of Task Force Feagin. Allelements of the Group were instructed toproceed aggressively, by-pass enemy resistance where possible and reach the objective line with the least possible delay.(3) Hq a Hq Tr, 101st Cay Gp, Mecz,reinforced, and Task Force Feagin movedout at about 311200 A. Due to the timeconsumed in transmitting orders to the101st and 116th Cay Ren Sqs, Mecz, whose

    command posts were located at a considerable distance from the Group CP,those units were unable to undertake thenew mission until about 311400 A.Stiffening enemy resistance was encountered byall elements of the Group. Artillery andnebelwerfer fire were employed by theenemy in the defense of road blocks anddemolitions, and full advantage of thedefensive character of the terrain wastaken to inflictmaximum delay. By night31 March 1945, elements of the Grouphad reached the line EUBIGHEIM

    BERBISHOFSHEIM.6. MISCELLANEOUS.a. Lt Col Hubert C. Leonard wasreturned to duty 12 March 1945 andresumed command of the 116 th Cay RenSq, Mecz. Major Robert D. Feagin, Jr.,

    reverted to his previous assignment asexecutive officer of that squadron.b. Total casualties of the 101st Cavalry-Group, Mecz, are: 1-31 Total to 31March 45 March 45Killedin Action .. 11 16Wounded in Action 52 67Missing in Action 3 6c. Prisoners ofWar 1190 1199d. The 101st and 116th Cay Ren Sqs,Mecz, were attached to this headquartersthroughout the period covered by this

    report.

    CHARLES B. MoCLELLANDColonel, CavalryCommanding.

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    2. Special Situation:a. 101st Cay Gp, Mecz, reinforced,oocupied defensive positions along the-line EMMERSWEILLER WADGASSEN,GERMANY, both exclusive, and was

    prepared to attack to the north on Corpsorder to clear all enemy south and southwest of the SAAR RIVER in zone.b. Plans previously prepared by Hq101st Cay Gp assigned Hill 283 and thetowns of GEISLAUTERN and WEHRDENto the 101st Cay Ren Sq Mecz, LtCol Mil-ton Kendall, commanding, as objectives.SCHAFFHAUSEN and HOSTENBACHwere the assigned objectives of the 116 thCay Ren Sq Mecz, Lt Col Hubert C.Leonard, commanding.c. (1) Hill283 was the dominating ter

    rain feature in the Group zone. This hillwas protected by elaborate defensiveworks and dense AT and AP mine fields.Entry into, or possession of, WEHRDENwas impracticable while Hill283 remained in enemy hands. The approaches toGEISLAUTERN lent themselves to effective defense in depth from strong pointslocated in the houses lining both sides ofthe single street.(2) The approach to the town ofSCHAFFHAUSEN necessitated movementeither 'by a single road or across gentlysloping terrain, both of which weretotally devoid of cover or concealmentfor a distance of more than 1000 meters.Hill283 also dominated all approaches tothat town from the south and east. Enemydefenses consisted of entrenchments, foxholes, strong points located in houses onthe southern fringe of town, and several

    broad belts of AT and AP mines. Thetown of HOSTENBACH was dominatedby elaborate defensive works on the highground north of the SAAR RIVER.

    d. Information previously obtainedfrom reliable sources, and repeatedly

    confirmed by PWs, indicated that thetowns of GEISLAUTERN and WEHRDENwere garrisoned by the 2ndBn, 861 Volksgrenadier Regiment and that the Ist Bn861 Volksgrenadier Regiment, occupiedthe towns of SCHAFFHAUSEN and HOSTENBACH. The total enemy strength inthe Group zone was estimated at 800 men,supported by the defensive works on thenorth bank of the SAAR RIVER.

    c. Information obtained from PWs inthe late afternoon, 13 March 1945, indicated that the enemy in the 101st Cay Gpzone planned to assemble that night andwithdraw to the north bank of the SAARRIVER.3. Narrative:a. At 1800A, 13 March 1945, C. O. 101stCay Gp Mecz, directed the 101st Cay Ren

    Sq to dispatch a strong combat patrol toHill 283 and another north along theLUDWEILER-GEISLAUTERN road withthe mission of gaining and maintainingcontact with the enemy. At the same dateand hour, the 116th Cay Ren Sq wasdirected to send a similar patrol to thetown of SCHAFFHAUSEN to determinestrength, composition, and dispositions ofenemy forces. Both Squadrons were alerted for an early attack.

    b. (1) A t 2045A, one platoon Tr A101st Cay Ren Sq, 1 squad Co C, 290thEngr (C) Bn atchd, Ist LtRobert Ulm-schneider, commanding, proceeded throughthe enemy mine fields and defensiveworks and reached Hill 283 (the patroobjective) undetected, and there held itsposition for the remainder of the nightThe balance of the troop attempted tofollow,but was repulsed by strong enemyresistance. The troop commander, CaptainRalph Ritchie, was wounded but refusedevacuation. LtUlmschneider directed artillery fire during the night on enemydefensive positions vicinity of Hill 283causing numerous enemy casualties.

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    (2) At the same hour, one platoon TrC, 101st Cay Ren Sq, 1squad Co C, 290thEngr (C) Bn atchd, Lt Harold Meyer,commanding,- advanced down the LUDWEILER GEISLAUTERN road andsuccessfully negotiated enemy road craters and AT AP mine fields, neutralizingthese obstacles as the patrol moved forward. The patrol was stopped by strongenemy MG and mortar fire at the southernedge of GEISLAUTERN and was forcedto withdraw to LUDWEILER. The patrolwas reinforced by 1plat Co F, 101st CayRen Sq. Thus strengthened, it resumedits mission, overcame several enemystrong points and entered the town ofGEISLAUTERN.

    (3 ) A t about 00158, 14 March 1945, oneplatoon Tr B, 116th Cay Ren Sq, 2nd LtJoseph Borkowski,commanding, proceededthrough the dense enemy AT and APmine fields and defensive works, andentered the town of SCHAFFHAUSEN.Movement therein was made extremelyhazardous by the profusion of boobytraps and AP mines. At about 04308, thepatrol mission was extended, and theplatoon continued through the town ofHOSTENBACH and took positions alongthe south bank of the SAAR RIVER, thuseffectively blocking allavenues of escapefor the enemy then remaining south ofthe SAAR RIVER in the 116 th Cay RenSq zone. Contact was established withpatrols of adjacent units on the Squadronleft. The action of this patrol, whichaccomplished its mission with completesuccess and without a single casualty,may toe attributed to the bold and skillfulleadership of Lt Borkowski.

    c. At 07308, 14 March 1945, the 101stCay Ren Sq launched a coordinated attackto reduce all enemy resistance south andsouthwest of the SAAR RIVER in theSquadron zone.(1) Tr A, 101st Cay Ren Sq, Co F, 101st

    Cay Ren Sq (less 1 plat) atchd, Capt

    Ralph Ritchie, commanding, attackedastride Hill283 and, after severe fighting,reached its objective. Capt Ritchie wasevacuated after sustaining his thirdwound in the action and LtRobert Ulmschneider assumed command of the unit.The success of this attack can be attributed in a large measure to the courage-ous action of LtUlmschneider in directingfriendly artillery fire from his positionon the shoulder of Hill 283 on enemyforces not more than 100 yards distantfrom him.

    (2) Tr B, 101st Cay Ren Sq, 1plat TrE, 101st Cay Ren Sq atchd, Capt AbrahamFriedman, commanding, attacked in anortheasterly direction on Tr A's rightalong the heavily wooded south andsoutheasterly slopes of Hill 283. This unitencountered a well concealed and closelysown enemy schu mine field and, aftersuffering seven serious casualties withina few minutes, was forced to withdrawand change the direction of its attack.In spite of the density of the mine field,all wounded were successfully evacuatedunder the personal direction of Ist LtJohn M. Sullivan of that unit.

    (3) Tr C, 101st Cay Ren Sq, 1plat CoF, 101st Cay Ren Sq, and 1 plat Tr Er101st Cay Ren Sq atchd, Capt AugustBielss, commanding, attacked mounted-along the LUDWEILER GEISLAUTERN"road. Movement was canalized by thenature of the terrain and the troop- advanced slowly against determined enemyrear guard action.(4) By nightfall, 14 March 1945, Trs Aand B, 101st Cay Ren Sq, held all ofHill283 and Tr C, 101st Cay Ren Sq had complected the mopping up of GEISLAUTERN.d. The 116 th Cay Ren Sq quickly andsuccessfully exploited the success of LtBorkowiski's patrol and at about 05008, 14=March 1945, launched a piece-meal attack

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    dismounted against the towns of SCHAFF-HAUSEN and HOSTENBACH, employingTr A, Capt Alfred Burgess, commanding,and Tr B, Captain Augustine Littleton,commanding, in the action. The use ofarmor in this attack was precluded bythe heavy mine fields protecting allapproaches to the Squadron objectives.Both troops moved quickly to their objectives and by 13008, mopping up had beencompleted, the south bank of the SAARRIVER had been occupied, and contactwas established with the 101st C ay RenSq left. Tr C, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, CaptainLouis Bossert, commanding, was held inreserve until 19008, at which time itwasattached to the 101st C ay Ren Sq. Thisattack is particularly noteworthy in-asmuch as heavy losses were inflicted uponthe enemy, a substantial number of PWswere taken and both objectives seizedand held at a cost of one officer wounded.

    c. The 101st C ay Ren Sq, Tr C, 116 thC ay Ren Sq atchd, resumed operations atabout 04308, 15 March 1945; and byevening of the same day had cleared the

    town of WEHRDEN and eliminated allenemy resistance south of the SAARRIVER in the Squadron zone. Tr C, 116thCay Ren Sq, Mecz, cleared the criticalarea vicinity of the WEHRDEN - VOLKLINGEN bridge in the face of particularlyheavy observed fire from enemy positionsin the town of VOLKLINGEN. Forwardelements of all units received heavymachine gun and mortar fire from enemypositions on the north bank throughoutthe entire operation.

    4. Results of Operation:a. A ll enemy resistance south andsouthwest of the SAIAR RIVER in the101st Cay Gp zone eliminated.b. Towns of GEISLAUTERN, WEHR

    DEN, SCHAFFHAUSEN and HOSTEN-BACH captured.c. Corps front line in Group zonerectified and shortened.d. Many casualties inflicted upon the

    enemy and 54 PWs captured.5. Losses sustained:2 killed and 31 wounded.

    MARCH INCLOSURE No. 2(Operation 16-20 March 1945, resulting in a penetration of the SiegfriedLine in the SARREGUEMINES area and the capture of ST. INGBERTGERMANY.)

    1. General Situation:a. The X X I Corps had launched anattack aigainsit the Siegfried Line in the-AAREGUEMINES FORBIACH area,

    the 63rd Inf Div on the Corps right andthe 70th In f Div on the left. Both divisions were attacking on a broad frontand by 16 March, the 63rd Inf Div hadmade a narrow penetration of the outerbelt of fortifications facing the divisionright.

    b. The 70th InfDiv had relieved elements of the 101st C ay Gp Mecz, on thesouth and southeast bank of the SAARRIVER and by late afternoon 16 March1945, was making preparations to attempta crossing on the following day.

    2. Special Situation:a. Pursuant to Opns Instr Nos. 37 and39, Hq X X ICorps, 15 and 16 March 1945,elements of the 101st Cay Gp Mecz, had

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    assembled piecemeal vicinity of HELLI-MER, FRANCE, the 116 th Cay Ren SqMecz, closing at 1300 A, 16 March 1945,and the balance of the Group at 1100 A,17 March 1945. Elements of the Groupwere attached to the 63rd InfDiv as theyarrived at the assembly area, but allreverted to Group control at 1714308.The 101st Cay Gp Mecz, in its entiretywas then attached to that division.b. The 93rd Armored Field Artillery(105 mm) was attached to the 101st CayGp Mecz.c. Inaccordance with VOCG 63rd InfDiv, the 101st Cay Gp Mecz, relieved the

    253rd Inf, the left regiment of the 63rdInf Div, along the general lineENSHEIM-GUDINGEN, both Germany, at 21038,17 March 1945, with the mission to defendpresent positions and to maintain contactwith the enemy by aggressive patrolling.Co X, 253rd Inf, and 63rd Cay RenTrp (-) were attached in position to theGroup. Command Posts were establishedas follows :101st Cavalry Group:WINTRINGERHOF, GERMANY,101st Cay Ren Sq:ESCHRINGEN, GERMANY,116 th Cay Ren Sq:BUBINGEN, GERMANY,93rd AFA Bn:KLEIN-BLITTERSDORF, GERMANY.Contact with adjacent units was established without delay.d. The enemy enjoyed excellent obser

    vation of all terrain to his front frompositions in the Siegfried Line. That por-tion of the Group front occupied by the101st Cay Ren Sq Mecz, was particularlyexposed to observed enemy fire.3. Narrative:a. Aggressive patrolling to the front

    and laterally was conducted by all ele-ments of the Group on 18 19 March 1945,and close observation of enemy positionsin the Siegfried Line was maintainedthroughout the period. Front line elements were subjected to a substantialamount of enemy fire of all calibers andseveral casualties were sustained.b. At 191505 A, G-2 63rd Inf Div, reported that indications of the withdrawalof the 17th SS Panzer Div. had beennoted, and requested prompt informationregarding other indications of enemywithdrawal in the Group zone. Between191530 Aand 200415 A, the followingenemyactivity was observed by forward patrols

    \u25a0and promptly reported to Division.1530 A"Enemy mtcyl messenger observed going from pillbox to pillbox vicinity 5270".1610 A"5 enemy observed picking uptelephone wire at 50456920.1613 A"Heavy dust cloud indicatingvehicular column moving west from495690. Number of vehicles not visible."1620 A"Above column turned north at495692".

    1640 A2nd column observed followingroute of column reported in messages of1613Aand 1620A".1654 A"2 enemy observed leaving pill-box and entering house at 496683".1900 A"15-20 enemy observed enteringhouses vicinity of 39836795 and leavingwith overcoats".

    2055 A"Sound of movement of tracklaying vehicles heard vicinity of 522688".2245 A"Sound of movement of tracklaying vehicles heard moving NW of Co Fposition".2315 A"Sound of movement of tracklaying vehicles moving NW again heardfrom Co F position".

    0415 A"Vehicular movement heard ontrail leading over ridge just north of530690".In each of the above instances, artil-

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    lery fire was brought down upon theenemy with excellent results.c. In the late afternoon, 19 March 1945,while orders were being issued by theTroop Commander to effect a change inmission, the enemy laid down a concen-

    tration of mortar fire on the CP of the63rd Cay Ren Tr Mecz, virtually eliminating the command element of the troop.The troop commander, one Ist lieutenant,the Ist sergeant and two platoon sergeants were killed. Two other officersand several non-commissioned officerswere wounded. In this emergency, OaptHoward R. Bissland, Liaison Officer, Hq101st Cay Gp Mecz, was relieved of dutywith the Group and placed in commandof the 63rd Oav Ren Tr Mecz.d. At 200730 A, C. O. 101st Cay GpMecz, directed both Squadrons to initiatevigorous reconnaissance to maintain contact with the andnemy to determinepresent disposition, attitude, and strengthin the Group zone. A reconnaissance inforce was initiated by both Squadrons intheir respective zones, their front linesbeing outposted by small detachments.The Group was alerted for forward displacement. Co X, 253rd Inf, and 63rd Cay

    Ren Tr Mecz, were detached from theGroup.c. Due to enemy demolitions, roadblocks, and mine fields, mounted reconnaissance was impossible and all unitsmoved forward on foot, by-passing orclearing obstacles according to spot conditions. Vehicles were brought forwardas road (blocks and craters were eliminated, gaps in mine fields cleared, dragon'steeth blown, and stream crossings impro

    vised. Little enemy resistance was encountered and many of the principaldefensive works of the Siegfried Linewere found to be ungarrisoned. Troop Cand Company F, 101st Cay Ren Sq Mecz,moved through the main fortifications of

    the Siegfried Dine anki occupied the townof BISCHMiISCHEIM, Ist Lt.Lewis A. R.Innerarity, Jr., Tr C, 116th Cay Ren SqMecz, was killed by an enemy mine.

    A, 116th Cay Renf. At 201000 A, TrSq, Mecz, atchd 1 platoon Tr E and 1 platoon Co F, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, Captain Alfred Burgess, commanding, wasdetached from the 116 th Cay Ren Sq,Mecz, and placed under direct control ofHq 101st Cay Gp, Mecz. In accordancewith VOCG 63rd In fDiv,C. O. 101st CayGtp, Mleicz, directed Tr A reinforced, tomove rapidly to the division right flankand proceed by any available routesthrough the main fortifications of theSiegfried Line, capture ST. INGBERT,and block the roads to the west andsouthwest of that town. The mission wasboldly and skillfully executed and thetownwas entered at 201535 Aagainst lightenemy resistance. The town was clearedof enemy at 201740 Aand Tr A, reinforced, was relieved by elements of the63rd InfDiv.

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    - -g. At 201030 A, the 101st Cay Gp Mecz,received the mission to sweep the area-BREBACH RENTRISCH ENSHEIMST. INGBERT and to protect the westflank of the 63rd Inf Div. The sweepingmission was completed by 2135 A. Onlylight enemy resistance was encountered.

    The Group was relieved of its responsibility for the division west flank at 202359 A.h. Upon relief by elements of the 63rdInf Div at ST. INGBERT, Tr A, 116 thCay Ren Sq Mecz, reinforced, was directed to screen the division left flank along-the BREBACH ST. INGBERT road andto extend 2 kms toeconnaissance thewest and northwest. Contact was made

    with a dismounted patrol of Tr B, 116 th .Cay Ren Sq Mecz, at 1915Aand the screenwas establishedompletely by 2125 A.i.The 101st Cay Gp Mecz, was releasedfrom control of the 63rd Inf Div at202359 Aand reverted to XXI Corps at

    that date and hour. The 101st Cay RenSq Mecz, assembled at ESHRENGEN andthe 116 th Cay Ren Sq Mecz, at BUBIN-GEN. The 93rd AFA Bn was relieved ofattachment to 'the 101st Cay Gp Mecz, at210600 A.

    4. Results of Operation:a. Occupied and defended positionsfacing Siegfried Line from ENSHEIM toGUDINGEN, GERMANY, from 16-20

    March 1945. -b. Swept zone BREBACH RENTRISCH - ENSHEIM - ST. INGBERT.

    c. Made first complete passage throughthe Siegfriedi Line in Seventh Army Sector and captured ST. INGBERT.d. Inflicted many casualties upon theenemy and captured 104 PWs.

    5. Losses sustained:3 killed and 11 wounded (exclusive of

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    tppilJL he first day of April dawned beautifully. It was Easter Sunday. The Group

    moved forward in several columns, meeting little resistance until they reached thewest bank of the TAUBER RIVER. Suddenly the enemy lashed out with everyweapon at his disposal. He was dug-in along the high ground east of the river.Crossings were made under a canopy of "Screeming Meemee's" (Nebelwerfer fire)which exploded in great clouds of smoke pierced by thousands of fragments fromthe size of a pinhead to large gouging chunks. Jet propelled planes which appearedto move faster than their new and peculiar roaring sound now took up the attack.They bombed and strafed, coming back again and again, until the nerve centers ofeach and every man were reacting on a split-second basis as animal instinct thrustaside the slower moving processes of reason. The columns finally pushed ahead andengaged the enemy on his own ground. Thus, the curtain rose most prophetically onthe month of April.

    Fighting Becomes SavageFighting in the territory between the TAUBER and DANUBE RIVERS grew in

    intensity as the Germans began to stand their ground and to resist with the utmostdetermination. Progress was steady but there were places where three and four daysof constant attack were needed to breakdown resistance. The savagery of theseencounters rose to a peak at the town of MERKENDORF where the SS made a nightcounterattack. They overwhelmed the friendly outposts, which fought to the last manand then they came in screaming, "SS", as their battle cry. The fight soon became a"knockdown and dragout" between individuals inside pitch dark rooms, on the streetsand in the back alleys. And, man for man, they were beaten thoroughly. Among othercasualties, the SS lost eighty men killed to two cavalrymen killed. Not bad for menrecently civilians against men born and bred to kill even their own, which they did,women included, in town's along the line of advance where the people consideredfurther resistance foolhardy.

    Enemy Thrown Off BalanceThrusting through the 'outer-shell of resistance the columns finally threw the

    enemy off balance and then proceeded to keep him off balance. Roadblocks and barri-cades were found constantly in reduced stages of construction. Demolitions work,with few exceptions, was tfiau'lty and otherwise ineffectual. The bridge across theDANUBE RIVER at DILLINGEN was taken undamaged by the 12th Armored

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    Division to which the Group had become attached several days earlier. The Cavalrycrossed to the South shore ahead of the Division on the morning of the 24th ofApril... and the race southward was on!Outstanding Tactical Operation

    One of the forward units fired on an enemy officer courier who, apparentlyunhurt, abandoned his vehicle and escaped in the woods. Officialmaps and documentsfound in his dispatch case revealed the enemy's plans for a counterattack againstunits on the group's right flank. It was discovered that & key highway along theMindel River was being used by the enemy as a boundary between units and thereforeit offered possibilities for swift penetration. This assumption proved correct and theCavalry proceeded to spearhead 'the 12th Armored deep into enemy territory, cuttingthe 13th SS Korps main supply routes; seizing bridges over the WERTACH RIVER;generally disorganizing enemy communications and other rear installations and,finally, causing the SS to breakoff their counterattack and withdraw in confusion.This was on e otf the outstanding tactical operations of the war on the SeventhArmy front and the part played by the Mechanized Cavalrymen was a magnificantdemonstration of their true worth in modern combat.

    Resistance CollapsesThe Group's movement forward was so swift that complete surprise was achieved

    time and again. Enemy airports with hundreds of planes were captured intact,including the "Jets" which had harrassed every step of the way for days past. Onecould almost "feel" the moment when the heart went out of the opposing troops.The utteir eollap'se of the German unlits came more as an anti-climiax than as asurprise. Prisoner of War pens began to bulge with men. Some were downcast andothers were happy just to be alive. Thousands more began to pour back alongevery road.

    What Price Intolerance?Dejected as they were the German PW's did not have that horrible hopeless look

    in their eyes or the haunted slouch which characterized the released men and womenof the Nazi Concentration Camps seen a few days earlier. The picture of these pitifulpeople in their blue and white striped sackcloth uniforms, which accentuated theirprotruding bones, was etched deeply into the minds of all who saw them. The Cavalryhad released some 2400 Jews who had been herded into a freight train near LANDSBURG, the small city where Hitler wrote hiis "Mem Kampf" white in prison. TheLANDSBURG Concentration Camp was captured too late to save the hundreds ofJews Whose charred and emaciated bodies were strewn about like parchment coveredGargoyleis in the still smouldering ruins of their prison barracks. Those who did notknow what they were fighting for now knew, at least, what they were fighting against.What price intolerance?

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    blown in with panrcrfaustfive and then they came through the windows screaming, "SS"the darkened room l ighted momentari ly from the muzzle blast ofa roaring "grease gun** ...MerUendort . .. he

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    HEADQUARTERS101 st Cavalry Group, Mecz

    APO 758, U. S. Army21 June 1945.

    SUBJECT: Action Against Enemy, Reports After.TO: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C.THRU: Command Channels.

    -1. In accordance with the provisions of AR 345 105, dated 18 November 1929, and Change 4, dated 10 August 1944; letter Hq ETOUSA,subj: "Handling of Historical Documents in the European Theater ofOperations", file AG 312.1 Op History, dated 14 July 1944, and SectionIV, Circular No. 34, Headquarters Seventh Army, dated 28 November1944, the following report is submitted.

    2.(*) The inclosed reports and journals with supporting documentsconstitute the historical records of the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., for-he period 1 April 1945 30 April 1945.

    3. During the period covered by this report, the 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, was commanded by Colonel Charles B. McClelland, with LtCol Leo W. Mortenson as Executive Officer.4. Composition:There was no permanent change in the composition of the 101stCavalry Group, Mecz., from that noted in Unit History for the period

    1 January 1945 to 2 February 1945. The 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz., wasdetached for special operations on two occasions but in both instances,returned to Group control when the operations had been completed.Attachments and detachments are noted below. The 92nd Cay Ren SqMecz., was attached to the 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz., from 17 April*Not included herein.

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    through the close of the period and the3-*2rid Armored Field Artillery Bn. wasattached or in direct support from 14April through the end of the month.Other attachments and detachments arenoted as they occured.5. Narrative History:a. (1) The XXI Corps, comprised ofthe 4th amd 42nd Infantry Divisions, the12th Armored Division, the 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, and other Corps troops, hadcrossed the RHINE RIVER 29 March 1945,and was moving rapidly east with themission of seizing WURZBURG, andcrossings over the MAINRIVER south ofthat point.(2) The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz,was deployed along the line EUBIGHEIM BUCH am HORN HECKFELDTAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM at the closeof operations 31 March 1945, with themission of continuing its advance to the-line HOCHSTADT NEUSTADT - ROTHENBERG 'in a zone about 25 kms wide.The central axis of the Group zone wasGRUNSFELD IPPERSHEIM NEUSTADT. All elements had been encountering stiffening enemy resistance on30 - 31 March 1945.b. (1) The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz,moved forward on a broad front at firstlight 1 April 1945. Determined enemyresistance was encountered along theine UNTER-SCHUPF BECKSTEINOBERLAUDA STEINBACH DITTENHEIM.(2) Troop A, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,operating in (the extreme northern partof the Group zone, by-passed enemy resistance en route and toy 011300 A, hadreached GIEBELSTADT. Itwas orderedto remain in position pending developements in the central and southern por-tions of the Group zone.

    (3) Task Force Feagin, comprised ofTr B, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, (-), 1 Plateach of Tr E and Co F, 116th Cay RenSq, Mecz, moved through TAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM against light resistanceand, after crossing the TAUBER RIVER,turned south on the east bank againstvery strong opposition. Hq and Hq Tr,101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, attached1 Plat Tr B, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,and 1 Plat each of Tr E and Co F, 101stCay Ren Sq, Mecz, pushed through toLAUDA but was halted at that point byheavy enemy automatic weapon, smallarms, and nebelwerfer fire from the highground east of the TAUBER RIVER. Aheavy fire fight ensued. The combinedpressure of Task Force Feagin from thenorth, and the fire power of Hq and HqTr, 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, reinforced, drove the enemy off the forwardslopes facing LAUDA,enabling the latterto cross the TAUBER RIVER rapidly andmove north on the east bank. A junctionwith Task Force Feagin was made atDISTELHAUSEN and the Group CP wasestablished in that town.

    (4) Task Force Feagin, followed by thebalance of the USth Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,(less* Troop A), which had crossed! theTAUBER RIVER at TAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM, turned east at DISTELHAUSENand prooeded to GRUNSFELD. By night,reconnaissance against very strong enemyresistance had been extended by the116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, to ZIMMERN.

    (5) The 101st Cay Ren. Sq, Mecz, lessTr A, advanced rapidly against scatteredenemy resistance to the line DAINBACK UNTERSCHAUPF HECKFELD, but encountered very strongenemy resistance on the high groundwest of BAD MERGENTHEIM. At 011600CO. 101st Oav Gp, Mecz, directed1 theSquadron to discontinue reconnaissance43

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    right of Tr C, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,and both units maintained contact withthe enemy throughout the night.(4) (a) Tr C, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,was further reinforced by the attachment

    of 2 Plats Tr E, and 2 Plats Co F, bothof the 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, andresumed the attack on OSFELD early3 April 1945. The troop again succeedingin breaking through the outer defensesof the town and entered the northernoutskirts at about 10008. After fightingfiercely throughout the day, it was againforced to retire to the heights south ofVILCHBAND.During the course of theday, 75 prisoners of war were taken byTr C, reinforced, and a conservativeestimate placed enemy dead at more than100. Elements of the 22nd Infantry on theright Of Tr C, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,attacked enemy positions on the highground east of the TAUBER RIVER butwere unable to make any appreciableprogress. Trs A and B, 116 th Cay Ren Sq,Mecz, patrolled aggressively to the southand southeast of the screening line. Tr Amet determined enemy resistance vie ofGELSCHEIM and Tr B gained and maintained contact with the enemy vie ofSIMMRINGEN. The patrol and combatactivities of all elements of the 116th CayRen Sq, Mecz, on 3 April, disclosed theexact contour of the enemy MLR fromGERLACHSHEIM to GULCHHEIM andforced him to reveal the presence ofartillery, mortars and anti-tank weaponsin support of his well dug-in front linepositions.

    (b) The 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, con-tinued aggressive patrolling south of thescreening line and maintained contactwith the enemy vie of BAD MERGENTHEIM. Contact was established withelements of the 117th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,which was moving east in the VI Corpszone south of the screening line.

    (5) (a) On 4 April1945, CG, 4th Infantry Division ordered a coordinated attackagainst enemy positions in the KONIGS-HOFEN - OSFELD LOEFFELSTEIZENarea, employing the 116 th Cay Ren Sq,Mecz, CT 12 and CT 22, each of the latterreinforced by elements of 70;th Tank Bn(m), the 610 th TD Bn and the 99th CmlBn. The boundary between CT 22 on theright and CT 12 was the line MESSEL-HAUSEN OBERBALBACH BADMERGENTHEIM, the LD, 'the front linesof CT 22 and the 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,then located along the general line-IMMRINGEN - VILCHBAND KUTZ-BRUNN MARBACH. Both CTs weredirected to attack to the south and southwest in their respective zones. Tr C, 116thCay Ren Sq, Mecz, was ordered to continue the attack on OSFELD untilpassedthrough by elements of CT 12. Tr B 116thCay Ren Sq, Mecz, received the missionof containing the enemy vie of SIMMRINGEN until elements of CT 12 hadpassed through its front lines. When thispassage had been effected, both troopswere to protect the left flank of the twocombat teams. Tr A, 116 th Cay Ren, Sq,

    Mecz, was directed to maintain a counterreconnaissance screen between Tr B's leftvie of SIMMRINGEN and CT 8, 4thInfantry Division, at OCHSENFURT.

    (b) The 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, (-)was directed to continue its screeningmission west of the TAUBER RIVERuntilmasked by elements of the VICorps,and to assemble in division reserve vieof KUPPRICHHAUSEN when this hadtaken place.(6) The attack continued through the4th, sth, and 6th of April. Due to theextremely difficult terrain and thestrength of enemy resistance, progresswas slow and by night 6 April, our forward elements had reached the line-NTERBALBACH HARTHAUSEN. A t

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    RIVER. The Group was reinforced by-Co A, 23rd Tank Bn (M) and the 495Armored Field Artillery Bn was placedin direct support. The 92nd C ay Ren Sq,Mecz, operated in a contiguous zone onthe Group left.

    (2) The 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, (-),attached 1 plat Co A, 23rd Tank Bn (M),operated on the right (west) portion ofthe Group zone, and the 116 C ay RenSq, Mecz, attached Co A, 23rd Tank Bn(M), less 1 plat, on the left. Both Squadrons moved forward against determinedenemy resistance and by night 8 April,the 101st C ay Ren Sq Mecz, had reachedthe TAUBER and GOLLACH RIVERlines in its A ll bridges over thezone.TAUBER RIVER had been destroyed.The 116th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, was unableto reach the GOLLACH RIVER in itszone and halted for the night along theline GULCHSHEIM-RODHEIM-HERRNBERCHTHEIM - IPPESHEIM.

    (3) Both Squadrons resumed operationsearly 9 April.Troop B, 101st C ay Ren Sq,Mecz, forded the TAUBER RIVER vicinity of TAUBERRETERSHEIM and penetrated about 2 km s southeast into theenemy's defensive positions in that areaagainst strong resistance and gained Bill394. Troop C, 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz,exerted pressure on enemy holding forcesat BURGERROTH and BALDERSHEIMbut was; unable to move forward. Afterovercoming stiff enemy resistance, elements of the 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz,cleared townshe of GULCHSHEIM,RODHEIM, and HERRNBERCHTHEIM.

    (4) Based on the very determined resistance encountered by all elements of the101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, and by the92nd C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, on the Group'sleft, coupled with PW reports and otherindications, CG, 12th Armored Divisiondecided to commit CC-B and CC-R. OpnsInstns No. 38, 12th Armored Divisionissued at 0916008, April 1945. CC-R was

    directed to attack in the direction IPPES-HEIM WEIGENSHEIM PFAFFEN-HOFEN GATTENHOFFEN and thencenorthwest, destroying the enemy in zoneof 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz. CC-B wasdirected to execute a similar penetrationand encircling maneuver in the zone ofthe 92nd Cay Ren Sq, Mecz. The 101stC ay Ren Sq, Mecz, was ordered toassemble vicinity of GEISSLINGEN prepared to follow CC-R through the gapand continue on the reconnaissance mission to the limiting line. The 116th C ayRen Sq, Mecz, was directed to continueto exert maximum pressure against theenemy defending along the GOLLACHRIVER line.

    (5) The 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, withdrew from its positions along the TAUBER RIVER and moved promptly to itsassembly area vicinity of GEISSLINGEN.The 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, continuedto press to the south and by night 9 April1945, was attacking AUB, LIPPRICHHAUSEN, and GECKENHEIM. Duringthe night 9-10 April, the enemy counterattacked at GULCHSHEIM and OLLINGIN but was beaten of after inflictingminor damage to materiel.

    (6) On the morning of 10 April,CC-Rlaunched its attack but was stopped atIPPESHEIM by fierce resistance fromthe town and enemy positions in thewooded hills to the east. The 116 th C ayRen Sq, Mecz, continued its attackthroughout the day but made no appreciable gains. Combat patrols maintainedcontact with the enemy throughout thenight. The 101st C ay RcnSq, Mecz, movedto a forward assembly position vicinityof HERRNBERCHTHEIM.(7) (a) A llelements renewed the attackat first light 11 April, the 101st C ay RenSq, Mecz, moving forward and protectin g the left flank of CC-R as it brokethrough at IPPESHEIM and moved southeast against continued strong resistance.

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    Friendly Infantry relieved elements ofthe 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, at BAL-DERSHEIM and AUB. The 116 th C ayRen Sq, Mecz, continued to exert pressureon enemy positions north of the GOLLACH RIVER.

    (b) A t 10008, CO., 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, ordered a coordinatedattack against GOLLHOFEN, which townblocked the principal north-south axisin the Group zone. Troop C, 116 th CayRen Sq, Mecz, attached 1 plat each ofTroop E, and Co F, 116 th C ay Ren Sq,Mecz, and 1 plat Co A, 23rd Tank Bn(M), attacked from the northwest. Co F,101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, attached 1platTroop B, and 2 plats TRE, lOls't Cay RenSq, Mecz, and 1plat Co A, 23rd Tank Bn(M), attacked from the northeast. Enemyresistance was most determined. By16008, Troop C, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,reinforced, had reached the northernoutskirts of the town. Entry into thetown from the northeast was blocked bydestroyed bridges, and C. O. Co F, lOlsttCay Ren Sq, Mecz, moved the platoon ofTroop B, 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, and apart of his tanks to the Northwesternapproaches, to aid in the attack fromthait direction meanwhile maintaining abase of fire from the northeast with theremainder of his force. By 18308, TroopC, 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, reinforced,together with elements of the 101st C ayo(fRen Sq, Mecz, had reached the centertown in spite of increasing enemyheresistance. Ait that hour, it was determined that the force at hand would beunable to hold the town throughout then'ght, and all units were successfullywithdrawn before dark.

    (c) The command post of the 101stCay Ren Sq, Mecz, at GECKENHEIMwas raided by enemy tanks during thenight 11-12 April. After severe fightingin the dark, the attack was beaten offwithout loss. The command post was

    raided again at dawn by enemy je t propelled planes, several bombs were dropped and the town was straffed. One manwas killed.

    (8) (a) The attack was resumed by aelements early 12 April.CC-R had brokenthe hard core of enemy resistance on itaxis and moved rapMly south throughNEUHERBERG and MORLBACH andthen turned west and northwest throughREICHARDROTH and EQUIARHOFEN(b) The 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, movesouth on the Left flank of CC-R until iturned west at MORLBACH and thenresumed its zone reconnaissance missionas outlined in par 3 d (4) above, againssevere enemy resistance. B y dark, advance elements had reached the- generaline BURGBERNHEIM (excl.) OTTEN-OFEN (excl.) WIEBELSHEIM (mcl.but were withdrawn to BUCHHEIM fothe night. By-passed enemy groups harrassed the Squadron supply route vicinitof RUDOLZHOFEN.

    (c) The 116 th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, launched fresh attacks against the enemy toits front who still defended tenaciouslyBy 14008, GOLLHOFEN, LIPPRICHHAUSEN and HEMMERSHEIM had beencaptured. Liaison with elements of CC-Rwas effected at 15308. A combat pattroof Troop C penetrated to within 400 yardof UFFENHEIM, but was driven off adark by enemy small arms, mortar andpanzierfaust fire. The patrol reported thaUFFENHEIM was still held sltrongly andthat much vehicular activity had beenobserved in ' and about the town. Reportfrom OPs manned by Troops A and Bindicated that the enemy in the pockeformed by CC-R and the 116th C ay RenSq, Mecz, were withdrawing east towardUFFENHEIM. Harrassing and interdicting artillery fire was placed on the townand surrouriding road net throughout thenight.

    (9 ) (a) At first light 13 April, the 101s50

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    Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, continued aggressivereconnaissance to the southeast againststiff enemy resistance. At 10508, forwardelements reported a concentration ofenemy self-propelled guns and tanks atILLESHEIM and a camouflaged air fieldin that vicinity. The Squadron commandelement arid reserve were attacked inforce vicinity of PFAFFENHOFEN by2 companies of enemy infantry supportedby Mark V tanks and self-propelled guns.The attacking force was driven off withminor losses to the Squadron. The enemyinfantry suffered heavy casualties, oneMark V tank and four self-propelled gunswere destroyed. By dark, forwardelements were disposed along the lineBURGBERNHEIM - WINDSHEIM, bothexCl. Fierce enemy resistance madefurther progress impossible. Contact withthe enemy was maintained during thenight.

    (b) The 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,moved rapidly southeast in- its zone to'the line ADELSHOFEN STEINACH,but was unable to penetrate enemy defenses beyond that line. Troop A, 116 thCay Ren Sq, Mecz, fought its way into

    ADELSHOFEN but was forced to withdraw. Troop B, 116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz,was repulsed in every effort to by-passenemy resistance at STEINACH.

    (c) Aft 08308, a representative of theBurgermeister of UFFENHEIM reportedthat the enemy garrison at that town hadretreated at 03008, and elements ofTroop C, 116 th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, enteredthe town at once. Hq and Hq Tr, 101stCavalry Group, Mecz, moved its CP fromOBER-ICKELSHEIM to UFFENHEIM,occupying the town at 1100A.(10) During the operations 8-13 Aprthe 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, reconnotered a zone 30 kms wide to a depth o25 kms in the face of determined anoften fierce enemy resistance, outlined thcontour of the enemy's MLR along th-ine ADELSHOFEN- STEINACHBURGBERNHEIM WINDSHEIM, infiioted many casualties upon the enemdestroyed important quantities of hmateriel and oaptured 384 prisonerswar. Losses sustained were 5 killed, 2wounded. None was missing.c. (1) At 23008, 13 April 1945, verbalorders were received through CG 12thArmored Division relieving the 101st CayRen Sq, Mecz, from attachment to the101st Cavalry Group, Mecz, and attachingit to the 4th Infantry Division, suchattachment to become effective at 1406008April. (See Inclosure No. 1 for accountof 101st Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, during period-14 19 April 1945.)

    (2) (a) In accordance with Opnis InstnsNo. 39, Headquarters 12th Armored Divi-sion, 1404008 April 1945, all elements ofthe division and attached troops werealerted to exploit on 3 hours notice beginning 1406008 in the zone: West bound-ry Highway 13 (UFFENHEIM ANS-BACH - GUNZENHAUSEN WEISEN--BERG); east boundary Highway(LANGENFELD - NEUSTADT an der-ISCH LANGENZENN) to SEUKEN-

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    MAP X

    ShowingArea of Opns101st CavGp (Mecz)18 Apr 19 Apr 1945

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    DORF thence by passing NURNBERG tothe west and south via KORNBERG andFEUCHT and thence sooth on the autobahn to HILPOSTEIN.

    (b) CC-B followed by CC-A wasdirected to move south on the axis alongthe east Iboundary. CC-R followedby thedivision command group was ordered tooperate on the axis along the west boundary. The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz,(Less 101st C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, and TroopB, 116th C ay Ren Sq, Mecz) attached92nd C ay Ren Sq, Mecz, (less 2 rcn tr),342nd Armored Field Artillery Bn, and2 plats mcdl tanks, 43rd Tank Bn, wasdirected to -move in the zone between theaxis of CC-B and CC-R to the objectiveline ELLJNGEN - HILPOSTEIN and todestroy all enemy encountered. Uponreaching the objective line, the Groupwas to be prepared to continue the attackto the southeast or to attack to the northor south on division order. A ll elementsof the division and attached troops weredirected to report their arrival on Phase-ine No 1, Highway 14 (ANSBACHNURNBERG road). Troop B, 110th C ayRcn Sq, Mecz, was attached to CC-R ofthe 12th Armored Division (for accountof Tr B 116 th C ay Rcn Sq for period-14 20 April, see Incl.No. 2).

    (c) The 101st Cavalry Group, Mecz,moved forward in its zone with Squadrons abreast, the 116th Cay Rcn Sq,Mecz, on the right and the 92nd C ay RcnSq, Mecz, on the left. In order to avoidconflict with the Combat theommands,main effort, of both Squadrons was directed to the center otf the Group zone.(3) (a) The 116 th C ay Rcn Sq, Mecz,displaced east to its new zone and at10008, moved southeast on its mission.No serious resistance was encounterednorth of the AISCH RIVER but, onreaching that obstacle, all bridges werefound to have been destroyed. After adetailed reconnaissance of the stream,

    elements of the Squadron crossed at17008 via a ford vicinity of LENKERSHEIM and by a bridge vicinity of IPPESHEIM which had been repaired bycivilianlabor. Reconnaissance was pushedforward in the assigned zone againstsmall arms and automatic weapons firefrom the high ground southeast of theriver. At dark forward elements hadreached WEIMERSHEIM and ICKELS-HEIM but were withdrawn toLENKERS-HEIM for the night.

    (b) As there was no suitable crossingin the zone of the 92nd C ay Ren Sq,Mecz, Troops A and D of that organization crossed via the bridge at IPPESHEIM. During the crossing, the enemycounterattacked from the high ground1 km to the southeast, but were beatenoff at 19408 with a loss to the enemy ofone tank destroyed and two damaged.The advance continued against scatteredenemy resistance from positions on thehigh ground to the front and the Squadron assembled at OBERNDCXRF for thenight.

    (c) Hq and Hq Tr, 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, moved from UFFENHEIMto HUMPRECHTSAU.(4 ) Both Squadron resumed the attackat daylight 14 April meeting determinedresistance along the line WEIMERS-HEIM ICKELSHEIM.

    (a) At 13008, Troop A, 92nd Cay RcnSq, Mecz, farced an opening in the enemydefense north of WEIMERSHEIM andpushed boldly through the wooded areascapturing LINDEN at 15308 after a stifffight. Other elements of the Squadronfollowed.(b) The 116th Cay Rcn Sq, Mecz, wasunable to penetrate the enemy defenseson thle high ground NE of ICKELSHEIMand at 17008 disengaged and passedthrough the gap opened by the 92nd C ayRcn Sq, Mecz, north of WEIMERSHEIM.

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    (c) Doth Squadrons moved rapidlysoutheast against light resistance and bynight were disposed along the north bankof the ZINN RIVER, elements of the116th Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, at TRAUTSKIROHEN .and elements of the 92nd CayRen Sq, Mecz, at ALT-SELINGSBACHand ALT-ZIEGENRUC.

    (d) Hq and Hq Tr, 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, moved from HUMPRECHTSAU to WINDSHEIM and thenceto Enemy air forcesLENKERSHEIM.were very active throughout the day.E>) Reconnaissance for crossings overZINN RIVER was resumed early 16.1 in the face of fierce enemy resioe from the south bank.

    The bridge at TRAUTSKIRCHENdetermined to be the easiest to repairhe zone of the 116 th Cay Ren Sq,z, and accordingly the main effort oforganization wias directed to securingridgehead at that point. By 14308,strong enemy resistance south ofhad been neutralized,a treadway bridge was constructedlout delay. Troop C followed byDip A, 116th CavcnSq, Mecz, crossedmoved southwest to DANBERSZH capturing the town at 15308. Boths then turned southeast and, afterleoming several defended roadblocks,ed NEUDORF at 20308. An enemymn marching toward that town was>rised and dispersed with heavy casualties by artillery and small ams fire.

    Ia)(b) The 92nd Cay Ren Sq, Mecz, foundthle bridge at NEUHOF to have beenprepared for demolition, blocked by fallen

    trees and strongly defended, but stillintact. After an all day battle, enemyresistance was sufficiently weakened to

    outposted forthe night.cleared of enemy and was(c) Hq and Hq Tr, 101st CavalryGroup, Mecz, moved from LENKERS

    HEIM to MERZBACH and thence toTRAUTSKIRCHEN.(6) Enemy strength in the Group zoneappeared to foe disintegrating, and on17 April resistance was offered only atcertain crossings over the BIBERTRIVER, while others within a few kilo-meters were undefended. The 116th CayRen Sq, Mecz, crossed at LEONROD andreceived heavy fire from the woods tothe west. The Squadron side slipped eastand was again hotly opposed at KLEINHASLACH as it attempted to cross the

    HASELBRANCH. Asecond evasive movement resulted in an unopposed crossing1 km to the northeast at KEHLMUNZ.At 17308, the Squadron attacked HEIL-BRONN and, after entering the northernoutskirts!, was forced to withdraw byintense enemy automatic weapons, panzerfauG't and mortar fire. The 92nd CayRon Sq, Mecz, proceeded southeast in itszone overcoming such scatteredi resistanceas was encountered. Both Squadronshalted for the night along the Division-Phase Line No. 1 (ANSBACH HEIL--BRONN NURNBERG road). The GroupCP moved from TRAUTSKIRCHEN toBETZENDORF.