563rd Signal Air Warning battalion

End of Document
Chart 1b on page 110 is the situation during the Breakthrough phase from August 3rd through August 10th. This shows the west flank and the disposition of Company A during this phase showing the location units. The Company Headquarters was very near the FDP1 location. Chart 1a on page 109 shows the east flank and the location of the enemy front on August 3rd and the extent of the penetration of the German Seventh Panzer Army on the 7 August Counterattack. The arrows show the furtherest penetration of the 2nd SS Panzer Division.
The XIX TAC with 4 Groups available could not operate until 1330 Hours because of low ceiling, then activity rose sharply to 30 missions comprising ----sorties. On an urgent request of the VIII Corps the 358th Fighter Group dropped 16 500 Lb bombs on the target area with good concentration on 15 German tanks. Some of our planes were damaged by flak but none lost. The 405th, 365th, 356th and 471st Fighter Group dropped 32 tons of bombs on targets and results including claims of 1 rail line cut, 6 freight cars destroyed, 57 motor vehicles destroyed, 5 supply and 1 fuel dump destroyed. --- armored vehicles 1 fuel vehicle,1 Naval vessel,-- --troop concentrations and 15 bivouac attacked.
CLOSING THE ARGENTAN FALAISE POCKET
In First Army releases 5th Infantry Division to XX Corps, Third Army. In VII Corps area, 1st Infantry Division, to which 39th Infantry of 9th Infantry Division and CCB of 3rd Armored Division are attached, improves positions in Mortain area on right flank of corps and patrols probe southward toward Mayenne. 4th Infantry Division, which releases CCB of 3rd Armored Division to 1st Infantry Division, battles vigorously but indecisively for St Pois and heights above the town. 9th Infantry Division pushes into Foret de St. Sever against strong opposition. XIX Corps is almost halted by stiffening resistance and mine fields. The V Corps reaches its objectives above Vire. 2nd Infantry Division continuing advance through night 4-5, and halts to permit XIX Corps to cross its front to take Vire. The 4th Armored Division advanced to Chateaubrient on August 4th and advanced from Chateaubrient to Lorient and attacked west to Vannes. On August 4th the XV Corps area the 79th Infantry Division attacked from their position at Fougeres south and east and occupied Le Mans on August 8th. The 4th Armored Division was driving toward Vannes and Rennes is captured by the 8th Infantry Division.
The XIX TAC kept the enemy away from the advancing columns while attacking motor vehicles, gun positions and an enemy headquarters and performing fighter sweeps in the St Malo area. On an urgent request of he VIII Corps the 358th Fighter Group dropped 16 500 Pound bombs on the target area with good concentration on 15 German tanks. Some of our planes were damaged by flak but none lost. The 405th, 365th, 356th and 471st Fighter Groups dropped 32 tons of bombs on targets and results including claims of 1 rail cut, 6 freight cars destroyed, 57 Motor Vehicles destroyed, 5 supply and 1 fuel dump destroyed. -- armored vehicles, 1 fuel vehicle,1 Naval vessel, -- troop concentrations and 15 bivouac areas attacked
Aug 5
In Third Army area, The swift aggressive tactics of the Third Army resulted in a widespread disorganization of the German Army. The XV Corps secured the city of Mayenne. VIII Corps is attacking west, southwest, south and southeast simultaneously. The 6th Armored Division continues west toward Brest, bypassing Carhaix and reaching Huelgoat area. The 83rd Infantry Division attacks outer defenses of St Malo; TF A continues west along the north coast of Brittany, Brittany Peninsula is cut off as CCA, 4th Armored Division, reaches Vannes. In the XV Corps area, 90th Infantry Division TF seizes Mayenne, 79th Infantry Division is approaching Laval.
First Army adjusts boundary between U.S. and British forces and gives new mission to V Corps. In VII Corps area, 1st Infantry Division, reinforcements continues to consolidate positions in Mortain area and probe southward with patrols. The 4th Infantry Division overruns St Pois and advances slightly beyond there. The 9th Infantry Division pushes on through Foret-de-St. Sever. The 30th Infantry Division is transferred to VII Corps from V Corps. In XIX Corps area, 29th Infantry Division progresses toward Vire despite strong opposition. The V Corps is to drive through Vire to take the region between Tinchebray and St Jewan-du-Bois, employing 2nd and 29th Infantry Divisions. The 29th Infantry Division is to remain under XIX Corps until it captures Vire, 35th Infantry Division reverts to Third Army.
From August 5th through August 9th the XV Corps advanced 75 miles from the St. Hilaire-Fougeres line to Le Mans with very little cost. The VIII Corps was attacking west, southwest, south and east simultaneously and in the XV Corps area the 90th Infantry Division seized Mayenne and the 79th Infantry was approaching Lavel.
XIX TAC kept the enemy away from the advancing columns while attacking motor vehicles, gun positions and an enemy headquarters and performing fighter sweeps in the St. Malo area. The 36th Fighter Group was put under the XIX TAC. Only part of the day was flyable nevertheless 246 combat sorties and 10 successful tactical and photographic recon missions were flown. Fourty-four tons of bombs were dropped and results included 50 motor vehicles, a headquarters, 9 horse drawn vehicles and 8 gun positions were destroyed. Damaged a Naval Vessel in the St. Malo Harbor. Eight planes of the 405th Fighter Group knocked out 3 self propelled guns with 8 bombs. the 405th Fighter Group dropped two 500 pound bombs and hit a building apparently containing explosives. There of more detonations followed and red flames shot up to 400 feet.
Aug 6
In the 12th Army group Bradley ordered the establishment of bridgehead over Sarth R in Le Mans-Alecon area.
In First Army VII Corps area, the 1st Infantry Division, re- lieved by 20th Infantry Division in Mortain area, continues swiftly SE with 3rd Armored Division to Ambrieres-le-Grand and Mayenne, relieving elements of the 90th Infantry Division (XV Corps) at Mayenne. The 4th Infantry Division is pinched out W of St Pois and the 9th Infantry Division pushes southward toward Sourdeval against strong resistance. In First Army XIX Corps area, the 29th Infantry Division breaks into Vire and clears the city. With fall of Vire to XIX Corps the First Army V Corps is out of contact with enemy.
In the Third Army zone of operation now included a total of 119 towns and a population normally numbering 3.5 million French people. There was a scarcity of bread, but there was also a wheat harvest under way which would alleviate that situation. The first signs of possible gasoline shortage showed up in the attack of the Maj. Gen. Lansford Oliver's 5th Armored Division operating on the far right of the Third Army. He had fueled up several Infantry Divisions and saw the transportation problem poised by the delivery through the Avranches bottleneck. They managed to reach the Mayenne River at Chateau-Gontier about 30 miles south of Laval and had to put the brakes on their advance until sufficient gasoline could be obtained. The eastward moving elements of the Third Army upon securing Mayenne, as usual, did not stop. Patton often had instructed his men that "too many battles have been lost because of stopping on the wrong side of a river." If the Third Army would keep advancing continually, hitting the enemy with everything it had, the enemy would have no time to stop and organize an active defense. Third Army units were again spearhead ing the advance and driving to the east, with Le Mans as the objective. Supply lines were lengthening rapidly and putting a strain on the truck companies. During the night, a stick of bombs was dropped on the army headquarters at Beauchamps. Ammunition Depot No 1, near Granville was bombed, with a loss of approximately six hundred tons of badly needed ammunition. Unit commands and staffs took the supply problems in stride, but in looking back I realize that our supply personnel worked like dogs keeping us in food, ammunition and oline. Late in the day a powerful German counterattack at Mortain forced reconsideration by the Supreme command. On August 2nd, Hitler himself had ordered this attack designed to isolate the Third Army. This did not slow the progress of the Third Army troops as there was supreme confidence that our forces were unstoppable. The First Army was responsible for the area to contain the attack and the Third Army completely ignored the threat and continued the attack as if it did not exist.
In VIII Corps area, CCB on right flank of 6th Armored Division, overcomes opposition S of Morlaix and at Lesneven: CCA makes slow progress along secondary routes to S. 83rd Infantry Division continues to hammer at St Malo stronghold. TF A gets beyond St Briesux as it continues W along N coast of Brittany. RCT 121, 8th infantry Division, is attached to 83rd Infantry Division for attack on Dinard, W of St Malo. The 4th Armored Division is advancing on Lorient
In the XV Corps area major elements now across the Mayenne, is driving rapidly on Le Mans. 79th Infantry Division takes Lavel.
In the XX Corps (Maj. Gen. Walton H. Walker), consisting at present of 5th Infantry Division is reinforced by the 35th Infantry Division in order to protect S flank of Third Army.
In the 563rd Battalion headquarters (Main) moved from Ste. Pierre Eglise to near Bruz which is about 5 miles west of Rennes, to consolidate with Battalion headquarters (Advanced). Company B moved to Molgue which is a few miles west of Rennes. The 563rd Battalion plan was to have Company B (FDP2) follow the Third Army units moving west into the Brest Peninsula. The plan also called for Company C to follow the Third Army units moving east towards Le Mans and set up FDP3 and LW3. It soon became apparent that the rapid movement of the 4th and 6th Armored Divisions would either mop up their objectives in the Brest Peninsula or bypass them. (See XV Corps 6 August on page 113). GO4 was transferred from Headquarters Company to Company C and they moved to new sites on the Brest Peninsula near Fougeres. Their mission was to cover the road network around Fougeres and warn the Third Army flank of low flying hostile aircraft. On this same date the platoon captured 5 enemy prisoners. The Germans were fortified in a small clump of woods. After a few bursts of a sub-machine gun fire they surren- dered. Also on August 6th the 563rd Main headquarters moved to the position of the Advanced Headquarters near Rennes. When they went passed through a strong point of the 8th Infantry Division at Rennes the point commander told Lt. Col. McBride that they saw the 563rd Advanced Headquarters party that ad headed south of Rennes two days before and never been seen again and were probably destroyed since they were ahead of the Infantry. Of course the Third Army and XIX TAC air-ground attack had been so devastating and thorough that there was no Germans left and the ad- vanced headquarters never was in danger. Also on August 6th FDP2 moved to a site near Moigne which is about 5 miles south west of Rennes near the Vilaine River opposite the Rennes Airfield.
The Third Army XV Corps was attacking on the axis of Laval to Le Mans and then north toward Alecon to put the squeeze on the German Fifth and Seventh Panzer Armies trapped in the Falaise and Argentan area.
The XIX TAC air power was shifted to the eastern front and the Loire Valley with patrols over the danger area in the Avranches corridor. In this new phase one P-47 was lost, while strafing tanks, it "mushed in" and exploded. Combat sorties totaled 293 and 35 1/2 tons of bombs dropped. Claims included 9 locomotives, 20 freight cars, 135 motor vehicles, 7 armored vehicles, 6 field guns destroyed, 3 locomotives, 46 Motor Transports, 14 armored vehicles and 6 small boats damaged. In addition 26 successful tactical and photo recon missions were flown. At the request of XIX TAC the IX Bomber command attacked the defenses at St Malo. During the night German nocturnal bombing stuck close to the Third Army and XIX TAC command post. Flares illuminated the area and bombs were dropped causing some damage but no harm.
In the 563rd the current mission of FDP4 and LW4 on August 6th was to provide warning for the vicinity of Rennes where the Headquarters of the 563rd SAW Battalion and 100th Fighter Wing were located. GO4 was reporting into FDP1 as well as GO1 where security was critical.
Aug 7
In the First Army area, Germans open strong counterattack with massed armor toward Avranches early in morning in effort to break through to the sea and split U.S. forces. Attack penetrates line at junction of XIX and VII Corps, over running Mortain and rolling on to Juvigny and Le Mesnil-Tove before it can be stemmed with assistance of aircraft. In VII Corps area, 39th Infantry Division bears brunt of enemy counterblow and elements are isolated in Mortain area. To help stabilize the center of corps line, 4th Infantry Division and CCB, 3rd Armored Division, are attached to the 30th Infantry Division. Progress is made on flanks of enemy penetration. The 9th Infantry Division advancing slightly near Mortain and 1st Infantry Division crossing the Mayenne and reaching St Fraimbault-de-Prieres on the south XIX Corps pushes southward to relieve pressure in Mortain.

In the Third Army area the XIII Corps headquarters arrived in France. The Germans started a strong counter attack through Mortain. It soon became apparent that main thrust was to be east toward Le Mans. On page 111 is a situation map of the German Counterattack at Mortain on 7 August.
In the 563rd when the Counter attack started GO4 Ground Observer platoon Post Tare was cut off but remained undiscovered, and was able to maintain communications until the following day when the enemy was driven back. During the time GO4 Post Tare reported several German Aircraft flying west at 2000 feet altitude. Company C moved from Portbail to Bruz near Battalion and Wing Headquarters. FDP3 and LW3 moved to a site near Bruz which is about 3 Miles south of Rennes and LW2 moved to a location near Trefendel which is about 15 miles west of Rennes. The GO platoon of Company B was concentrated at a location near Plelan which is about 21 miles west and 6 miles south of Rennes. They were in this position from August 7th until August 26th. This was in anticipa- tion of the support of an operation westward to reduce the Brest Peninsula. As it turned out the action was completed quickly and the residue of the German installations in the ports of Lorient, St. Nazaire and Brest were bypassed.
The XIX TAC continued to cover all columns moving to the west, south and east, while also attacking troops in Brittany. The XIX TAC strength was augmented and the strength is nine Fighter Groups which are the 36th, 358th, 362nd, 371st, 373rd, 405th, 406th, all equipped with P-47's and the 354th, 363rd flying P-51's. The 100th and 303rd Fighter Wings are assigned for logistical support. The enemy's air was growing more aggressive. It was a day of hard fighting and our claims included destruction of 33 aircraft (14 destroyed, 1 probably destroyed, 3 damaged in the air and 19 destroyed and 4 damaged on the ground). Sorties hit a new high with a total of 601 with 62 tons of bombs dropped. Claims included 2 locomotives, 106 freight cars, 12 tanks, 98 motor transports,90 horse drawn vehicles, 1 highway bridge and 5 barges, all destroyed. Also 19 freight cars, 9 motor transports,10 armored vehicles were damaged and a marshaling yard attacked. Thirty-two Tactical Reconnaissance sorties were flown. Part of the bag of enemy aircraft was obtained when information was received that Chartes airfield was ripe for attack. Twelve p-47's of the 36th Fighter Group were ordered to attack the field. Eight bombs were dropped, with resulting destruction of 3 ME-109's and 2 JU-52's and damage to 3 more FW-109's. Another Squadron of P-51's in the Mayenne area was vectored to intercept 12 ME-109's and they destroyed 5 and damaged 2. In one attack seven P-47's of the 405th Fighter Group claimed destruction of 112 tanks, 5 staff cars, 4 half tracks (three of them carrying flak guns, 4 light flak positions and damaged 4 other tanks. Several trains and a power plant were attacked.
During the night the enemy initiated a strafing and bombing attack on their own troops held in the POW enclosure at Marcey, about a mile north of Avranches, killing twenty-one German POW's and wounding sixty-two. Due to this raid, the Third Army started a policy of lighting the prisoner of war enclosures only in emergencies.
The previous night the 116th, 2nd and 3rd SS Panzer Divisions started a counter attack. During the day the attack failed and Hitler himself ordered his commander to throw in the 1st SS Panzer Division but in spite of this the attack was contained. (See Mortain Counterattack August 7 on page 111).
The 4th Armored Lorient on August 7th. In Third Army, VII Corps area, 6th Armored Division closes in on Brest. Rear elements arrive outside the city too late in day to begin concerted assault, thus giving enemy time to strengthen defenses and bring up reinforcements. TF A is approaching Morlaix. The 83rd Infantry Division continues battle for St Malo. The 4th Armored Division invests Lorient. XV Corps is rapidly approaching Le Mans.
Aug 8
At 12th Army Group, in bold disregard of the German threat at Mortain, Bradley then turned Patton's XV Corps north toward Argentan to blunt that attack.
In the Third Army area Patton ordered the XV Corps to advance north from Le Mans to secure the Sees-Carroughes line and close the Argentan-Falaise gap. The 6th Armored made contact at St Bruiec on August 8th
In The Third Army's VIII Corps area, ultimatum calling for surrender of Brest is ignored. The 6th Armored Division prepares for all-out assault on the city on 9th until enemy threat to rear forces a change in plan. An Enemy division is found to be moving toward Brest via Plouvien. Bitter fighting continues in outskirts of St Malo. RCT 121, attached to 83rd Infantry Division, meets strong opposition as it advances on Dinard. In the Third Army's XV Corps area the troops envelop and overruns Le Mans and crosses Sarthe R in that area. The 79th Infantry Division enters Le Mans. The 2nd French Armored Division is attached to corps to help it secure line Sees-Carrouges, both inclusive.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 80th Infantry Division is to take over Le mans bridgehead and the 5th Infantry Division invests Angers and Nantes.
In the 563rd FDP4 moved from Gouberville to Dunloup which is near Chateaugiron and several miles southeast of Rennes. LW1 who were covering from Juborg moved up to Louvigne. GO3 Platoon was moved to the following locations; Post Mike to Planches; Posts Oboe and Roger to Orgeres; Posts Peter and Queen to Chatillon. LW1 moved to a location just south of Louvigne which is about 5 miles south of St Hilaire du Harcouet. FDP4 moved to a location 3 miles south east of Rennes near Las Faroulais and LW4 moved to a location near Acigne which is about 6 miles east of Rennes. Also on August 8th the GO platoon of Company C was deployed around the perimeter of FDP3 as security strong points Post Mike was moved to Planches, Post Oboe and Roger to Orgeres, Posts Peter and Queen to Chatillon.
The 100 Wing moved to the Chateau Blossac in Bruz which is 8 miles south of Rennes and in the vicinity near the 563rd Head- quarters.
The XIX TAC struck a new high peak of activity by flying 717 sorties. Five enemy aircraft were destroyed and 11 of our planes were lost. Strafing and dropping 94 1/2 tons of bombs. Destroyed 29 locomotives 137 freight cars, 205 motor vehicles, 10 fuel and ammunition vehicles, 16 horse drawn vehicles, 17 tanks or other `armored vehicles, and 11 flak positions. Damaged 2 locomotives, 59 freight cars, 28 motor transports and 26 armored vehicles. Cut rail lines at 7 points and attacked a troop concentration and 5 fuel dumps, one of which was completely destroyed. Recon planes flew 45 tactical, 1 photographic and 6 artillery recon missions. The recon sorties were flown to gain aerial superiority and knock out German Airdromes north and east of Paris. The 362nd Fighter Group lost four P-47's on a 40 plane armed recon north and east of Paris but accomplished the following:
Put four 500 Lb bombs on a gun position; gun was silenced. Dropped two frag clusters on another gun position: gun was silenced.
Put eight frag clusters and two 500 Lb bombs on 40 boxcars Destroyed 40 boxcars and 1 locomotive by dropping frag clusters and four 500 Lb bombs on marshaling yard. Damaged eight railroad cars by dropping eight 260 Lb frags on a second marshaling yard. Damaged 25 freight cars at another point.
Dropped two frag clusters on an airdrome
Destroyed seven motor transports
Strafed 15 freight cars loaded with 155-mm guns
Later, on their third group mission of the day the 362nd Fighter Group put 26 bombs on 7 Tiger tanks, claiming 3 destroyed, 4 damaged and put 16 bombs on a marshaling yard hitting a workshop. With .50 cal machine guns they bagged 2 armored cars, 2 ammunition trucks, 1 gasoline truck and a dozen miscellaneous vehicles and an enemy operated jeep. The 373rd Fighter Group on an armed recon with 32 planes near Paris reported "34 bombs in fuel dump; totally destroyed". On another mission in the same area spotted 30 freight cars, mostly oil tankers, entering a marshaling yard in which there were 50 more freight cars. Results: 8 direct hits, 6 near misses, 6 heavy black smoke fires, 25 cars destroyed and 50 damaged. The cars were also strafed. Before they went home for more bombs and gas they put eight 500 Lb bombs on a train, destroying the locomotive and three cars and cutting the tracks. They dropped 8 more 500 Lb bombs on 25 railroad cars in a marshaling yard, destroying 10 and damaging 10 railroad cars and cut tracks in three different places. While the 405th Fighter Group was destroying some 60 motor vehicles and 8 freight cars, Three ME-109's attacked and only one of the German fighters escaped. Increasingly the enemy began operating in groups of 20 to 40 and attacking only when they could achieve surprise or local superiority. Armed reconnaissance sorties were flown to gain aerial superiority, knocking out German Airdromes north and east of Paris.
At 10:00 AM Bradley called Patton. Patton's XV Corps was close to Le Mans and could be expected to be in the city later in the day after its rapid three-day advance of almost eighty mile.s. With the center of gravity of the German army shifted to the west as a result of the Mortain attack, Lt. Gen. Wade Haislip's XV Corps was now obviously well to the east of the enemy's main forces. The opportunity was all too clear, and Bradley intended to seize it.
First, he told Patton that he was releasing to the XV Corps the three divisions he had withheld the day before to protect against the German attack. The 35th and 80th Infantry Divisions and the 2nd French Armored Divisions were to join the one armored and two infantry divisions already near Le Mans as quickly as possible. The combined force was to change direction ninety degrees and attack to the north. The line of attack was to be from Le Mans to Alecon to Sees. Bradley did not have to explain to Patton the reasoning behind this change in direction. Later in the day the order stated "The purpose of the operation is to surround and destroy the German Army west of the Seine."
On August 8th in bold disregard of the German threat at Mortain Patton's XV Corps was turned north toward Argentan. Then much to Patton's disgruntlement, Bradley, fearing an Allied mix-up, ordered a halt. To the south, Patton's XX and XII Corps were assembling near Le Mans, preparatory to driving on to Chartes and Orleans.
According to Forago (author of Patton-Ordeal and Triumph) When Bradley ordered the halt it was Pattons intent to continue his attack north and destroy the German armies in the Falaise gap and thus prevent their escape. In retrospect after the War General Bradley said that it may have been a mistake to halt as a large number of the German troops did escape to the East and I heard that many of these fleeing troops were stopped by Panzer officers at Metz and formed a garrison which had to be contended with the following winter. The gap contained as many as 100,000 German troops and it was later estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 of them escaped to the east when the XV Corps was halted. On August 13th the gap was 15 miles between the U.S. XV Corps and General Dempsey's Canadian Army. At 12:15 PM Patton called 12th Army Group, talking to Maj. Gen. Levin Allen who was Bradley's Chief of Staff
"Lev, listen," he said, the high pitch of his voice betraying his nervous excitement. "Haislip (Gen. Wade Haislip CG XV Corps) is on the Argentan-Sees line as directed. He has reconnaissance beyond it. It/s perfectly feasible for XV Corps to continue the operation. Did you speak to Brad?"
"Yes George," Allen said. "The answer is still no."
Then he repeated the order. Haislip's corps was to halt on the Argentan-Sees line and consolidate.
They hung up.
Patton turned to Gaffey (Maj. Gen. Hugh Gaffey CG, Patton's Chief of Staff).
"The question why XV Corps halted on the east west line through Argentan is certain to become of historical importance" he said "I want a stenographic record of this conversation with General Allen included in the History of the Third Army".
Later Patton wrote: "This halt was a great mistake, as I was certain that we could have entered Falaise and I was not certain that the British would". U.S. Army historians seemed to agree with Patton that "Halting the XV Corps at Argentan" was "a tactical error, ta failure to take full advantage of German vulnerability". Patton had in mind the annihilation of the German Armies in the gap. The principle was a known part of the Eisenhower strategy to put inhalation of enemy troops had highest priority, so those German troops would not have to be fought again at another location. Blumensen (historian) concluded that Bradley had made the decision to halt the XV Corps probably on five interrelated grounds:
(1) General Montgomery, the overall force commander at that time, apparently refused to move the boundary and thus appeared to be opposed to further American advance.
(2) Bradley was not convinced that American troops could move through or around Argentan in the face of increasing enemy resistance.
(3) The closing of the gap would have exposed XV Corps, which had none of its flanks protected.
(4) Bradley was misled by estimates of his G-2 which "inclined to the incorrect view that the bulk of the Germans had already escaped the pocket."
(5) The Canadians were about to launch their second attack to Falaise. As far as the Canadians were concerned, "the evidence suggests," according to Wilmot (Historian), "that the thrust from the north was not pressed with sufficient speed and strength."
While Bradley was made the butt of the controversy. Blumensen suggested that Eisenhower must, in the end, bear the responsibility for the failure to close the gap.
"If Patton, in a subordinate role, could only rage," Blumensen wrote, "and if Bradley thought he might offend a sensitive Montgomery, Eisenhower, who was in France and following combat developments, might have resolved the situation had he thought it necessary to do so. Yet Eisenhower did not intervene. Interfering with a tactical decision made by a commander who was in closer contact with the situation was not Eisenhower's method of exerci- sing command. Long after the event Eisenhower did state that the gap might have been closed, which he thought "might have won us a complete battle of annihilation".
Aug 9
In the First Army Bradley ordered a turn NE toward Argentan to meet British working southward toward Falaise to trap enemy in Vire-Mortain-Domfonsts-Ger region.
In the First Army's VII Corps area, enemy counter offensive toward Avranches loses its momentum but heavy fighting continues. The 39th and 9th Infantry Divisions are detached from 4th Infantry Division.
In the First Army's XIX Corps area, 28th Infantry Division is unable to advance in Gathemo region, but the 29th Infantry Division moves slowly forward below Vire. The V Corps orders the 2nd Infantry Division, whose mission is still primarily defensive, to move southeast.
In the Third Army's area the VIII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division, leaving a small force to contain Brest, moved North to meet the threat to its rear and virtually destroys enemy divisions in the Plouvien area, then makes contact with TF A near Brest. The 83rd Infantry Division continues assault on St Malo, where resis- tance is now confined largely to the Citadel. The 4th Armored Division is still containing Lorient and sends elements towards Nantes.
In the Third Army's XV Corps area units are busy mopping Le Mans and then they swing North toward Alecon, 5th Armored Division on right and French 2nd Armored Division on left, followed by infantry. The 80th Infantry Division, temporarily attached to corps, is mopping up near Le Mans.
In Third Army's XX Corps area the 5th Infantry Division closes in on Angers.
XIX TAC flew 72 missions and 780 sorties A rocket carrying squadron was placed into operation. In the busiest day yet nineteen enemy planes were destroyed; 13 destroyed, 2 probably destroyed in the air and 6 destroyed, 2 damaged on the ground. Nine of our planes and pilots were lost. The 378th Squadron of the 362nd Fighter Group were flying cover for the XV Corps northeast of Le Mans and encountered 12 ME-109's at 300 feet altitude and they destroyed 7. Continuing the mission they destroyed 11 motor transports and 9 horse drawn vehicles. A rocket squadron (513th Squadron of the 406th Fighter Group) launched 16 five inch rockets against ground targets, in addition to 58 1/2 tons of General Purpose bombs and numerous .50 Cal Machine Gun rounds. Seven strafing P-51's of the 363rd Fighter Group reported they destroyed 50 motor transport vehicles and damaged 80, destroyed 25 horse drawn vehicles and killed 200 German troops. Eight more P-51's reported they strafed column of 200 plus motor transports and horse drawn vehicles. The 362nd Fighter Group reported two ME-109's at 1000 hours at 700 feet altitude, one destroyed and the other revaded and no losses. Another squadron of the 362nd Fighter Group was attacked by 25 ME-109's and two of them were destroyed with no loss and the enemy broke away to the east. Twelve P-47's of the 362nd Fighter Group reported "Squadron going south at 7,000 feet altitude saw 12 ME-109's going east at 300 feet altitude; shot down 7. Bombs had been jettisoned for the flight but afterward the squadron went back to work against ground targets, its guns destroying 20 vehicles, most of which exploded. The Germans were using red panels on their vehicles to masquerade as American and in the vicinity of Angers eight P-47's of the 405th Fighter Group gave a red paneled German column the works with bombs and guns. Far ranging P-51's of the 354th Fighter Group on armed recon sighted 30 plus JU-88's on Reims Airfield and flew low to strafe the field from 6,000 feet elevation to ground. Six JU-88's were claimed as destroyed, 2 light guns and a flak tower were knocked out and one P-51 was lost to flak. In the Alecon area, 34 P-47's of the 373rd Fighter Group encountered 25 to 30 single engine fighters and claimed 3 destroyed and 2 probable's.
Aug 10
In Third Army's VIII Corps area the troops continued to attack Dinard and the Citadel at St Malo and to contain Brest and Lorient. The 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, is attached to CCA, 6th Armored Division, in preparation for attack on Hills 95 and 105 at Brest. Elements of 4th Armored Division drive rapidly E, forcing enemy back into Nantes. In XV Corps area, armored toward Alecon and Sees.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area, the 5th Infantry Division overruns Angers and the 7th Armored Division is attached to corps.
In First Army's VII Corps area, the corp has regained the initiative is slowly driving enemy back toward Mortain. The 9th Infantry Division improves positions NW of Sourdeval. Stubborn enemy defense of Mortain limits progress of 30th and 35th Infantry Divisions toward that town. The 22nd and 4th Infantry Divisions, are committed to right of 35th Infantry Division in Le Teilleul area. The 2nd Armored Division repels counterattack NE of Barenton. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armored Division and the 28th Infantry Division make co-ordinate attack on right flank of corps, over running Gathemo; armor then drives eastward along road toward Tinchebray. The 29th Infantry Division, attacking toward St. Sauveur-de-Chaulieu on narrow front, is hard pressed by enemy and makes little headway.
In the Third Army's V Corps area, the 2nd Infantry Division begins limited attacks to SE while continuing to defend Vire. The 9th Infantry Division advances to Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan area where it is ordered to halt.
In the 563rd LW1 moved to Tremeheuc which is about 2 miles north east of Combourg. GO1 Platoon moved Post Able to Lanheim, Post Baker to Plesiders, Post Charley to St. Domineuc, Post Dog to Miniac-Morvan and Post Fox to Bercherel.
The XIX TAC was not stopped by bad weather conditions and they provided strong support to the Third Army operations. Enemy resistance was now centered in the Dinard peninsula across the Rance estuary from St. Malo. Operations were somewhat reduced because of low clouds but 54 missions comprising 659 sorties were flown with 46 1/4 tons of HE dropped on targets and 4 enemy planes were shot down. Six of our aircraft and pilots were lost. The main weight of the day's attack fell on railroad targets with claims of 12 locomotives, 254 railroad cars, 22 tanks, and other armored vehicles, 91 motor transports,2 horse drawn vehicles, 5 bridges destroyed or damaged, 7 gun installations, 1 radar installation, 1 troop concentration, 1 ammunition dump, and a marshaling yard were attacked and 7 rail lines cut. Eight P-47's of the 371st Fighter Group reported dropping one bomb on 25 horse drawn artillery pieces and 100 troops and many horses and men were killed. Nobody likes to kill horses but these were pulling artillery. The 362nd Fighter Group reported in assisting the First Army reported that "Fourteen 500 Lb bombs were dropped on mortar positions at T6413 (Mortain), 4 aircraft from the 371st Fighter Group also reported "Seven 500 Lb bombs on gun position T-6712 (Mortaain) . The area was marked with smoke and bombed accurately. No results observed, the 2nd Armored Division reported the guns were silenced. Forty two railroad cars and a flak battery were knocked out at Lorient, south of Paris, 12 P-47's of the 36th Fighter Group dive bombed the yard in the teeth of intensive, accurate heavy and light flak after receiving the 4th Armored Division OK. All returned, though one plane was badly damaged by flak. Thirty tactical recon sorties were flown by the recon P-51- 's, usually 2 plane patrols.
Aug 11
Patton ordered the XV Corps o push on in the direction of Falaise after the capture of Argentan. When Falaise was reached and captured, orders from Bradley were to contain the situation and wait for the British forces to close the gap, which they failed to do.
FDP2 advanced to Astille which is which is about 4 miles south of Laval.
The XIX TAC had good VHF communications and the 36th Fighter Group hit many targets assigned by ground control, various squadrons reporting destruction of tanks, 88-mm gun positions, transport and other targets. One was a camouflaged house and tower assigned as a target by the 79th Infantry Division and the house and tower were destroyed by 5 direct hits with 500 Lb bombs.Ten miles northeast of Alencon enemy tanks were holding up an American column Fifteen 500 Lb bombs were dropped and results were not observed except the US column moved forward. Another feature of the day's operations was the successful bombardment of an enemy railroad gun position which was holding up progress of the 5th Infantry Division near Angers. Forty minutes after the request for air attack on this position was received at Combat Operations , Fighter Control at 303rd Fighter Wing had vectored the 367th Fighter Group to the target and the position was destroyed by two direct bomb hits and four near misses. The 373rd Fighter Group was on an armed railroad recon of the area of Paris. Attacking rail facilities 9 different points, the group destroyed 5 locomotives and 50 railroad cars and cut railroad tracks at three or more places. For the loss of 4 planes, our Groups claimed a total of 10 locomotives, 243 railroad cars, 15 tank cars, 42 horse drawn vehicles destroyed or damaged. Successful attacks were made on 6 marshaling yards, 5 field gun positions, 1 troop concentration, 1 headquarters, 1 ammunition dump, 1 storage building, 1 airfield and 10 railroads were cut. Of the 13 recon sorties flown, 10 were tactical, 3 photographic and 2 for artillery adjustment. During the afternoon 273 heavy bombers of the Eighth Air Force attacked strong points and heavy gun positions in Brest Harbor, 643 tons of bombs were dropped with results classified as "good to excellent". One bomber was lost to flak. In the evening 36 B-26"s of the IX Bomber Command dropped 53 1/2 tons of bombs on the German gun defenses of St Malo with results classified as "good to excellent".
Aug 12
In the Third Army's VIII Corps area the 6th Armored Division was operating on the Brest Peninsula. Patton's XX and XII Corps were assembling near Le Mans, preparatory to driving on Chartes and Orleans. Against increasing resistance the XV Corps had reached the army group boundary just south of Argentqan.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area The Corps took command of the 4th Armored Division who were driving east with an objective of Orleans.
In the Third Army's XV Corps they reached Argentan and were halted by Bradley who feared a mixup with the British and Canadian Armies to the north.
In the 563rd GO4 post Victor reported 4 German ME-109's overhead going west. These airplanes were destroyed by XIX fi- ghters. LW2 moved to Nuille which is about 3 miles south of Laval.
XIX TAC patrolled the Loire River area and prepared the way to the French capital of Paris. Forty-one missions comprising 481 sorties were flown. No planes were lost and no claims of enemy aircraft. The day's claim included destruction or damaging of 6 locomotives, 247 freight cars, 16 tanks, 201 motor vehicles, 7 horses drawn vehicles, 1 gun carriage, 1 naval vessel, 1 barge and 4 buildings. Eleven rail lines and a highway were cut, 16 field batteries, 6 flak batteries, 2 troop concentrations, an ammunition dump and 4 buildings attacked and 24 fires started.
Aug 13
In the Ninth Air Defense Command Company D was attached to the 564th Signal Air Warning Battalion per Par 2 GO 36, Headquarters Ninth Air Defense Command
In the 563rd Post Victor was strafed by a German ME-109 but no damage resulted and the airplane was driven off by XIX TAC fighters. The current mission of FDP4 and LW4 is to provide air warning for the vicinity of Rennes where the Headquarters of the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion and of the 100th Fighter Wing are located. Ground observer platoon GO4 is reporting into FDP1 as well as GO1 Platoon where ground security is critical. Maj. Yasha A. Venar was returned to duty. The SCR-582 mobile microwave radar commanded by Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill was assigned to Company C from battalion headquarters where it was used to aid in siting radar because of its high mobility and accuracy. The assignment was to give FDP3 added coverage.
The XIX TAC had the biggest motor transport killing of the month was made by 37 P-47 pilots of the 36th Fighter Group when they found 800 to 1,000 enemy motor vehicles of all descriptions milling about in the pocket west of Argentan. Pouncing on them with both bombs and guns, they claimed 400 to 500 enemy vehicles burned or blown up. One pilot dropped his belly tank on 12 trucks and the resulting explosion left them all on fire. All the days bag in aerial combat fell to the 382nd Squadron of the 363rd Fighter Group which scored 12 destroyed 2 probable's and 1 damaged with a loss of one plane. Over Le Mans, 8 P-51's of the 382nd Fighter Group bagged 4 aircraft destroyed with 1 probable and 1 damaged. On an evening mission 8 pilots of the 382nd Fighter Group sighted approximately 25 ME-109's and FW-190's strafing our troops. The Mustangs destroyed 8 enemy planes and another was probably destroyed and the rest flew away. Claims for the day by all groups included destruction or damaging of 12 locomotives, 227 railroad cars, 45 tanks and other armored vehicles, 781 motor vehicles, 10 motorcycles, 1 barracks,1 oil storage tank and 10 strong points. Fourteen railroad lines were cut and a railroad bridge damaged. Successful attacks were made on 2 troop concentrations, 6 marshal- ing yards and 1 ammunition dump (4 hits). Combat sorties totaled 718 and recon sorties 38. Claims against enemy aircraft were 12 destroyed, 2 damaged and 1 probable in the air and 1 destroyed and 8 probable's damaged on the ground.
The Exploitation Phase extended from August 14th to August 24th.

 

AUGUST 1944
During the Exploitation and Pursuit phase in August the XIX TAC had been given three major tasks: (1) flying cover for the mechanized spearheads, together with air reconnaissance ahead of the ground advance; (2) sealing off the battlefield; (3) protecting the lengthy and exposed right flank of the Third Army. This combination of missions required considerable dispersal of XIX TAC squadrons; for example, on September 1st the XIX TAC was flying missions as far apart as Brest and Metz, while still other forays were being made 150 to 200 miles south of the Loire River. The events on the battlefield necessitated that the 563rd Signal Battalion radar units advance as rapidly as possible and as far as communications permitted. At the same time the situation demanded depth in the radar locations since attacks were being by the fighter-bombers eastward and westward on the forts on the Brest Peninsula. Historians said that the speed and extent of the Third Army advance presented numerous problems in the matter of air- ground co-operation it also provided a wealth of targets for our fighter-bombers.
Aug 14
In the Third Army the ground situation was two divisions of the XV Corps were left at Argentan and Gen. Bradley authorized Patton to employ the remainder of the Corps to attack eastward where they were ordered to establish a bridgehead over the Eure River at Dreux.
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the troops were operating in the Brest Peninsula.
In the Third Army's XII corps the troops were attacking toward Sens with the 4th Armored Division spearheading.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the troops were attacking north and east to gain towards Chartes and to gain bridgeheads at Melun with the 7th Armored Division on the left and the 5th Infantry Division on the right.
In the 563rd FDP3 moved to Le Pin which is 4 miles north west of Cande. Much to the disappointment of Capt. Glassow, FDP3 would be kept in this position until late September in order to support the airfields that were in the Rennes and Le Mans area. On August 14th XIX TAC on General Order 23 awarded a Soldiers,s medal to 1st Lt. Joseph Henry Eichbaum of Company C with the following citation.
"For heroism at Portbail, France on 18 July 1944. Upon rec- eiving information of a explosion resulting from a U. S. vehicle setting off a mine, Lt. Eichbaum led a rescue party to within sight of the accident, and when members of the party cautioned him to go no further without a mine detector, he personally lead two medical corps men to a seriously wounded man and expeditiously transferred him to a hospital. The danger and risk of life involved in Lt. Eichbaum's act was later substantiated by a search of the area through he passed, revealing anti-personnel mines and anti-tank mines within inches of his path. Lt. Eichbaum's heroic action undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded man since he nearly died from loss of blood and severe shock."
End of Document
On the beginning of this phase on 14 Aug the Ground Observer Platoons for Company A, Company B and Headquarters Company remained at their location shown in the Breakout Phase and were in those positions on August 14th. Both post Victor and William of GO4 reported a small group of German Soldiers attempting to get food near their sites. A patrol was sent from FDP1 Tactical Control and managed to trace and capture two of them, these were officers including a Lt. Col. equipped with military maps and were taken without a struggle. They were turned over to the at Fougeres along with the information of other German groups were later captured by a security patrol.
The XIX TAC conducted its now famous flank protection of the Third Army left flank which was completely exposed. Gen. Patton appreciated the possibility that the German troops at the Loire River might make sorties against the underbelly of the Third Army and become nuisances to his lines of communications. He therefore requested Gen. Weyland to have the XIX TAC patrol the Loire Valley constantly. For the 24 hour coverage that was subsequently pro- vided a Squadron of night fighters augmented the daylight opera- tions of the XIX TAC fighter bombers. FDP3 assisted the air units by vectoring those flights. So effective was the sweeping air flank, that a German force of 20,000, moving up from southern France, surrendered, without any ground action, to the Maj. Gen. Weyland the XIX TAC commander. This was an event without precedent in military history. The pilots really appreciated the homing service of the 563rd Signal Battalion FDP control centers. The fighter command also appreciated the good coverage as it promoted the effectiveness of flying units and maintained high pilot morale. Brig. Gen. Sanders stated the appreciation when he requested holding back FDP3 for this purpose.
XIX TAC operation netted approximately 400 German troops surrendered by waving white flags from their positions. Fighter control was given the locations so the nearest ground troops could pick up the prisoners. The only group to meet enemy air opposition was the 405th Fighter Group, flying close support to the 7th Armored Division in the Dreux area. Five P-47's and pilots were lost against claims of 4 enemy destroyed, 2 damaged and 1 probable. Four of the losses were suffered when 4 P-47's were bounced from above while at 3,000 feet elevation by 16 FW-190's from below. Three of the attackers were claimed destroyed, 1 probable and 1 damaged.The XIX flew 70 combat missions with 665 sorties. In addition there were 18 recon missions flown involving 36 sorties. Destroyed or damaged were 6 locomotives, 175 railroad cars, 39 armored vehicles, 88 motor vehicles and 1 motorcycle. Twelve gun positions, 3 marshaling yards, 1 radar installation, 1 ammunition dump and a supply depot were attacked. Two railroad bridges were damaged and 2 railroad lines and a highway was cut.
Aug 15
In the Seventh Army, under the Command of Lt. Gen. Lucian Truscott, an assault landing was made in Southern France on Cavalaire, St. Tropez, St. Maxime, St. Raphael and Cannes with the 3rd Infantry Division on the left, the 45th Infantry Division in the center and the 36th Infantry Division on the right. There was surprisingly few casualties.
In the XII TAC control was passed over to the Ninth Air Force. The fighters were based in Corsica and their use was divided between Italian and French operations. The operations were limited to direct support to area concentrations using simple bomv-line methods, a system whereby aircraft bombed or strafed just forward of a map line that marked the forward elements of the Allied ground units.
In the 582nd Signal Air Warning Battalion assault landings were made at Gelna. D day was 15 August and sparse historic records gave the following landings:
Unit Radar Landing

Michigan Dive Bomber Control D+3
New York SCR-602 D+3
Maine SCR-602 D+3
Ohio SCR-602 D+3
Texas SCR-602 D+3
Alabama SCR-584 D
Wyoming SCR-602 D
Vermont SCR-602 D

The 582nd SAW Bn Command and Staff were:

Lt. Col. Wilbert Speir Commanding Officer
Capt. Harold L. Long Executive Officer
Lt. Gardner D. Friedlander S-1 and Adjutant
Capt. William A. Frazier S-2
Capt. George W. Schiff S-3
Lt. Roger K. Rockwell S-4
WO Edwin W. Norman Personnel Officer
Capt. Ben C. Ross Surgeon
Lt. Melvin A. Armstrong Mess Officer
Capt. Milton A. Taylor Commanding Hq Company
THIRD ARMY OPERATIONS END OF AUGUST
In the Third Army Patton ordered the XII corps to seize Chaeaudun and Orleans and protect the right flank along the Loire. Patton changed the objective of the XX Corps from the task of taking Dreux to establish a bridgehead across the Eure river at Chartes and ordered the XV Corps to seize a bridgehead across the Siene.
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division followed by the 35th Infantry Division pushed rapidly toward Orleans.
In the Third Army's XV Corps area a provisional Corps consisting of the French 2nd Armored Division and the 90th Infantry Division was put under the command of Maj. Gen. Hugh J. Gaffey, the Third Army Chief of Staff.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 7th Armored Division reached the edge of Chartes where heavy fighting ensued.
In the 563rd LW4 was moved to Noyen Sur Sarthe which is about 18 miles southwest of Le Mans. FDP3 suffered a disastrous fire which destroyed one of their Diesels which furnish power to the radar.
The XIX TAC reported that enemy single engine fighter activity rose sharply to an estimated 350 sorties. When 8 P-47's of the 373rd Fighter Group were bounced by 8 ME-109's at 9,000 feet altitude over Brittany our pilots destroyed 5 and damaged the other 3. On the ground the Thunderbolts destroyed a FW-190 and damaged 2 JU-88's. The days claims against the enemy aircraft totaled 13, destroyed and 3 probable's on the ground. Five of our planes were lost. There was 659 combat sorties and 40 recon and artillery adjustment sorties flown. On the ground the haul included 5 locomotives, 114 railroad cars, 36 armored vehicles, 97 motor vehicles and 5 barges destroyed or damaged. Nine gun positions, 4 airfields and a marshaling yard were successfully attacked.
Aug 16
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 83rd Infantry Division is battering St Malo and the 8th Infantry Division are in the Brest Area.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area Orleans falls in an assault of the 4th Armored Division and the 35th Infantry Division reaches Chateaudun.
In the Third Army's XV Corps the troops established a bridgehead across the Eure River and Dreux falls to the 5th Armored Division.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the troops established a bridgehead across the Aunay River and assembles near Chartes.
In the 563rd FDP2 moved to Etival Les Le Mans which is about 6 miles south west of Le Mans and on the same day LW3 moved to Maumusson which is 6 miles south west of Cande and about 20 miles west of Angers.
XIX TAC air activity was curtailed by low stratus clouds. At 1545 hours 70 plus FW-190's with bombs were engaged by 8 P-51's if the 354th Fighter Group west of Paris and 2 German planes were shot down and 2 P-51's were lost but the enemy dispersed south. Half an hour later another patrol of 8 P-51's sighted 20 plus ME-109's south of Dreux at 11,000 feet. Orbiting in elements of two, the squadron climbed to 14,000 feet and attacked from above. At the same instant 60 or more ME-109's joined the combat, in the next 15 minutes our 8 planes--outnumbered 10 to 1--embattled from 11,000 feet to the deck. When it was all over our pilots destroyed 11 and damaged 2 against losses of 2 planes and pilots. Because of the weather only 260 combat sorties and 36 recon sorties were flown. Thirteen enemy planes wee destroyed and 4 damaged. Five of our planes were lost. Five tanks, 25 motor vehicles and 55 railroad cars were destroyed or damaged, 2 airfields and 2 gun positions attacked and 3 railway lines cut.
Aug 17
In the Third Army VIII Corps St. Malo surrendered and the XII Corps mopped up at Orleans and Chartes. In the XV Corps the 5th Armored Division and the 79th Infantry Division moved elements through their bridgehead across the Aunay river toward Mantes- Gassicourt. In the XX Corps the 7th Armored Division mopped up Chartes.
In the 563rd Company C Ground Observer Platoon was moved to the vicinity of LW3 and Posts Mike, Queen, Peter and Roger occupied strong points within 6 miles of LW3, which was sited at Maumasson. GO3 moved Post MIke, Peter and Queen to near Angers, Post Oboe moved to near Saffre and Post Roger to St. Augustin.
The XIX TAC reported that 8 P-47's of the 373rd Fighter Group spotted 100 or more tanks and 200 Plus motor transports ten miles Southwest of Lisieux. The target had already been bombed and strafed by 4 p-51's and 8 Typhoons and 50 or more fires were burning. The p-47's dumped their two 500 Lb bombs and 24 frags smoke was too thick to see results. There were 331 combat sorties, 50 recon sorties. Two enemy planes were destroyed in combat with no losses. Ten tanks, 57 motor vehicles, 2 locomotives and 25 railroad cars were destroyed or damaged. Seven railroad lines were cut and 4 gun positions, a strong points and 4 marshaling yards were attacked.
Aug 18
In the Third Army area Bradley now removed restrictions on any advance beyond the Dreux to Chartes to Orleans line and all of Patton's Corps, aided by emergency air supply, continued the eastward drive. On August 19th Eisenhower ordered the exploitation beyond the Seine.
In the 563rd LW2 moved to Prevelles which is 16 miles north east of Le Mans and about 3 miles south east of Bonnetable.
The XIX TAC area the targets were mostly in the British Army Area and the XIX was ordered not to attack The RAF flew 1500
sorties and lost 25 aircraft, and had very large claims. Our groups accounted for 17 tanks, 206 motor transports, 30 horse drawn vehicles, 7 locomotives and 218 railroad cars, 2 troop concentra- tions,1 motor transport park, 5 gun positions and 3 marshaling yards were attacked. Combat sorties totaled 679 and 5 planes were destroyed and 2 damaged in the air. Our losses were 5 planes. Paris falls to the Allies 19 Aug through 24 Aug
19 Aug
In the Third Army the XV Corps had seized a bridgehead at Mantes. Eisenhower directed Bradley to support the British advance with the U.S. First Army and Patton, much to his dismay was to advance only if supplies would permit after First Army needs were met.
In the XIX TAC area the air operations were sharply curtailed by a cold front. Successful missions were flown in the morning but the front closed down our bases in the afternoon. Combat sorties totaled 212 and recon sorties totaled 34. Twenty river barges were destroyed and 91 damaged. Other claims were 18 motor vehicles, 1 armored vehicle, 2 locomotives, 9 railroad cars and 2 power launches. Two gun positions were attacked and a rail line cut. Sharp aerial combat occurred and 9 enemy aircraft were destroyed (8 of them in the air) against losses of 5 planes and pilots. Eight P-47's of the 371st Fighter Group chased away 18 enemy fighters and destroyed 2 with no loss. While strafing FW-190's on the ground near Pontoise, the 513th Squadron of the 406th Fighter Group was bounced by a number of enemy fighters, the 513th Squadron tried to help and in turn was bounced by 30 to 40 enemy planes at 8,000 feet altitude. The enemy kept some of his aircraft above the overcast, sending them down in twos and fours to fight. Final claims were 5 enemy planes destroyed and 1 probable in the air and 1 destroyed on the ground with a loss of five.
Aug 20
In the XV Corps area the 5th Armored Division continues north towards Louviers. The XX Corps attacks east with the 7th Armored Division on the north flank and the 5th Armored Division on the south flank in an effort to establish bridgeheads at Melun and Montereau. The XII Corps established a bridgehead across the Yonne River at Sens with the 4th Armored Division in the spearhead.
In the XIX TAC area rain and low ceiling limited combat sorties to 368 and recon sorties to 36. Road and rail transport provided the principal targets and claims included 65 motor vehicles, 33 armored vehicles, 12 locomotives and 150 railroad cars destroyed or damaged. Seven rail lines were cut and 2 marshaling yards, 3 ferry landings and 1 machine gun nest attacked.Claims for aerial combat were 6 destroyed and 1 probable with 3 losses. The 362nd Fighter Group flew cover for the 7th Armored Division. With frags, 500 Lb bombs and strafing they destroyed 2 tanks and attacked troops. They planted delay-fused bombs at ferry landings on the Seine River and accounted for all the day's claims against enemy aircraft. They also suffered all the losses. Eight P-47's of the 378th Fighter Group were bounced by 12 ME-109's and 20 FW-190's at 3000 Feet elevation about 12 miles southwest of Paris at 1545. Despite the odds of 4 to 1, the Thunderbolts destroyed 6 and damaged one for a loss of 2 planes and pilots. A third P-47 was lost on a later mission. The 358th Fighter Group destroyed or damaged several tanks, shot up barges carrying enemy tanks across the Siene, chased away two FW-190's and scored a direct bomb hit on a machine gun nest marked by white smoke. Armed Recons by the 371st and 406th Fighter Groups caused the enemy considerable havoc in crowded marshaling yards and along his road and rail communica- tions to the south and east.
Aug 21
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 4th Armored Division captured Sens and the 35th Infantry Division attacks through Pithivers. The XV Corps area is advancing along the Seine River towards Louviers. The XX Corps the 7th Armored Division drives to the Arpajon-Rambouillet area and the 5th Armored overruns Etampes. The XIX TAC combat aircraft of the command were grounded throughout the day
Aug 22
In the Third Army the VIII Corps the 29th Infantry Division is moving west towards Brest. The XII Corps the 4th Armored Division attacks Villeneuve.
In the XV Corps area the 5th Armored Division continues north toward Louviers against strong opposition.
In the XX Corps area the 7th Armored Division is speeding toward Melun.
The XIX moved their advanced headquarters to Etain. In combat operations the XIX destroyed 20 enemy fighters with a loss of one. Complete claims were 16 destroyed, 3 damaged and 1 probable in the air and 4 destroyed and 4 probable on the ground. Fifteen P-51's of the 354th Fighter Group destroyed 12 ME-109's without loss. Eight were destroyed in the air and 4 on the ground by strafing. On an armed recon the 358th Fighter Group ran into 25 or more ME-109's west of Chalons and claimed 4 destroyed, 2 damaged and 1 probable for a loss of 1. Later on a special mission the 358th Fighter Group destroyed two ME-110's in the air and damaged 3 more on the ground.Flying 333 combat sorties, our aircraft dropped 16 3/4 tons of GP bombs and 26 frag clusters, plus 18 leaflet bombs. Claims were 10 gun positions, 1 ammunition dump, 120 railroad cars, 2 locomotives, 53 motor vehicles, 5 tanks destroyed or damaged and 1 marshaling yard attacked. Recon sorties totaled 60.
Aug 23
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 35th Infantry Division overruns Montargis.
In the Third Army's XV Corps the 5th Armored Division is clearing the region west of the Siene river.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 5th Infantry Division takes Fountainebleu and the 7th Armored Division takes Melun.
In the XIX TAC the P-47's of the 362nd Fighter Group had just dropped eight 500 Lb bombs on a gun position east of Joigny when CCA 4th Armored Division reported it was strafed north of Sens. the remaining bombs were jettisoned and the Thunderbolts, from 9,000 feet, bounced five ME-109's at 6500 feet, shooting down 2 and probably another for no loss. In all 463 combat sorties and 70 recon sorties were flown despite poor visibility, cloud and showers during the day. The bag of ground targets included 114 motor vehicles destroyed, 38 others damaged, 63 horse drawn vehicles destroyed or damaged, 4 tanks stopped or fired, 4 gun positions, 2 ammunition dumps,and a marshaling were successfully attacked, 11 locomotives and 64 railroad cars destroyed or damaged. 1 railway roundhouse and four railway lines cut.
THE SEINE RIVER CROSSING
The book Battle of the Generals by Martin Blumensen outlined the lost opportunity to destroy the German forces in Normandy in the Falaise Gap and at the Seine Crossing. In the 563rd SAW Transactions 2 of History of the 563rd the operations of the Battalion during the days of the Falaise gap and the German Counter attack at Mortain were outlined. Blumensen's book should be read for the details of the early opportunities for the Allies to destroy the German combat troops trapped for a while in Normandy and encircled from the south by the Third Army. Inspired by the book following is a short amplification of the activities of the Battalion during the Seine River Crossing.
When the Falaise Gap operations failed to entrap all the German Armies Patton moved toward Dreux with the XV Corps (2 Divisions) on 14 August he ordered his XII and XX Corps to drive east also. The XIX Corps moved toward the Seine 20 August. Opposition to this move was minor and Dreux and Orleans fell on 16 August and Orleans on 18 August. Patton aided by emergency air supplies continued eastward. Blumensen wrote this account in "The Battle of the Generals" as follows:
"In his diary on the 23 August Patton wrote in his diary, "that we must go north (rather than east)." Despite his long-held wish to head east toward the Saar, he saw the chance to put the finishing touches on the Germans, another opportunity to trap and destroy them in a kind of shorthand he continued "The XX Corps from Melun and Montereau and the XII Corps from Sens can do it faster than anyone else." The XV Corps too, by reinforcing the Mantes crossing, could join the others. By heading toward Beauvais, all three corps could sweep cross country to the sea, catch and block and ruin the escaping Germans. The Third Army in a grand wheeling movement toward Beauvais would cross the Seine, Marne and Oise rivers and cut off the Germans fleeing the allied Armies.
"This is the best strategic idea I have ever had," Patton wrote.
"I sold it to Allen."
Leven Allen, Bradley's chief of staff was impressed with Patton's recital of his concept. When Patton finished his explanation, Allen said in an understated manner,
"Seems fine to me, General."
"Tell it to Brad when he comes back." Patton said.
In his diary, Patton said,
"If Bradley approves, he has only to wire me, 'Plan A'. by 1000 (ten o'clock) tomorrow. If I do not hear anything by that time, I shall then move east as already decided on 'Plan B'. I am having the staff put both plans to concrete form. This may well be a momentous day"
The disadvantage of Patton's idea was the same as the previous encirclements and that was his men would have to move across and cut across the expected path of the other three allied armies after they crossed the Seine. On 24 August Allen explained the plan to Bradley and his response was negative and at noon Bradley sent Patton instructions to continue executing 'Plan B'."
Blumensen wrote this conclusion.
"What the Germans feared was an immediate and ruthless drive down the right bank of the Seine River, as Patton had wished to initiate. Such an advance would have completely destroyed the German armies that had fought in Normandy. Further resistance to France would have been futile. The path to Germany would have been undefended and open to the invading allies. The Germans were unable to fathom why the Allies failed to pursue this course of action. After the war, Eberbach said" I still don't understand why the Allies did not crush us at the Seine."
On 19 August, according to a RAF analysis, the Germans in the pocket on the road to the Seine totaled 270,000 men. Adding 50,000 soldiers who were located elsewhere west of the Seine gave a grand total of about 240,000 arrived at the Seine. The number, 240,000 troops, crossed, together with 28,000 vehicles and several hundred tanks.
Most of the Germans traversed the Seine by means of sixth ferry and boat crossing sites, all of which the Germans identified and numbered and closely coordinated. A good many crossed over three pontoon bridges, at Lauviers, at Elbeuf, and near Rouen. One of these structures handled 100,000 men and 16,000 vehicles. Quite a few Germans traveled across the partially destroyed railroad bridge at Rouen. Many more crossed on a multitude of small boats and rafts found by chance along the river banks.
The bulk of the crossings occurred at night. By far the greatest number of soldiers got out on the 26th and 27th of August. The Allies made no serious interference with the German movements to and across the Seine. Bad weather prevented most of the Allied airplanes from flying. The few airplanes in the air were far from the Seine River valley.
ACCOUNT OF THE GROUND SITUATION AUGUST 24-25
Following is the account of the Ground operations on 24 to 30th of August. This will help locate the actual locations of the troops during this period when Patton had asked to set his plan for the destruction of the German Army in the area. (See map on page 134) On 24 Aug The Ground Forces action:
In the 21st Army Group (Montgomery)
In the First Canadian Army Area
In the I Corps extends right flank to St. Georges-du-Vievres on Risle River.
In the II Corps area Canadian 2nd Infantry Division seizes Berrnay and establishes bridgehead across Risle River at Nassandres. Contact is made with U.S. XIX Corps in Elbeuf area.
In the British 2nd Army Area. In the XII Corps area the 125th British Infantry Division is concentrating near Le Neubourg in preparation for attack across the Seine at Louviers.
In the 12th Army Group (Bradley)
In the First Army Area
In the XIX Corps is close to Elbeuf and is interdicting Seine Crossing sites with artillery fire.
In the XV Corps area the 5th Armored Division reached the town of Houdelbouville.
In the V Corps area the 2nd French Armored Division gets a little closer to the city limits of Paris against strong opposition, the 102nd Cavalry Group units, screening for the 4th Infantry Division reached the Siene River south of Paris. Ordered by General Bradley to push into Paris at once, the 4th Infantry Division less one RCT, attacks toward the city from the South in conjunction with French attacks from the Southwest. One RCT of the 4th Infantry Division retains mission of securing crossing of the Siene South of Paris.
In the Third Army Area
In the XX Corps gains bridgeheads across the Seine at Melun with the 7th Armored Division and Montereau with the 5th Infantry Division.
In the XII Corps the CCA of the 4th Armored Division drives East toward Troyes while CCB, to the right, reaches St Florentin area and the 35th Infantry Division moves up to Courtenay CCR is moving forward to join the rest of the 4th Armored Division.
On 25 Aug
In the 21st Army Group (Montgomery) In British 2nd Army Area
In XXX Corps area the 43rd British Infantry Division estab- lishes bridgehead across the Seine at Vernon under cover of Artillery fire In the 12th Army Group (Bradley)
In the First Army Area
In XIX Corps area they overruns Elbeuf, its objective makes contact with British forces to North.
In the V Corps area, French 2nd Armored Division bypassing resistance in Versailles area, gets forward elements into Paris from the South West at 0700. The 4th Infantry Division enters from the South soon afterward, following Troop A, 38th Cavalry which enters at 0730. FFI forces and French Civilians assist in methodical clearing of scattered strong points within Paris, German commander Lt. Gen. Von Choltitz, surrenders formally to French Brig. Gen. Leclerc at 1515. The 22nd Infantry Divison and the 4th Infantry Divison establishes bridgehead across the Seine S of Paris. The V Corps releases 80th and 90th Infantry Divisions to Third army, which assigns they to XII and XX Corps respectively.
In VII Corps Area CCB of the 3rd Armored Division crosses the Seine below Paris at Tilly, the 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions are assembling S of Paris.
In the Third Army Area the units were deployed on a line from Melun to Sens and attacking east with the XX Corps on the left and the XII Corps on the right.
In the XX Corps Area they defend the Seine bridgeheads at Melun and Montereau,the 5th Infantry Division crosses Yonne River at Missy.
In the XII Corps Area CCA of the 4th Armored Divison over comes strong opposition at Troyes.
End of Account
24 Aug
In the Third Army the XX Corps gained a bridgehead across the Siene at Melun and Montereau. The XII Corps with the 4th Armored Division drives towards Troyes
The XIX TAC had low ceilings and poor visibility over target areas and this restricted combat activity to 12 missions totaling 164 sorties. The rocket firing 513th Squadron of the 406th Fighter Group launched 12 projectiles at 105-mm guns near Mantes and claimed 4 destroyed and 2 damaged. Five 88-mm guns were also attacked. Other aircraft of the 406th Fighter Group on armed recon destroyed 40 carts of an ammunition convoy and disrupted railroad traffic. The 371st Fighter Group attacked railways. The 362nd Fighter Group flys cover for the 7th Armored Division and the 5th Infantry Division and destroyed tanks and motor vehicles and dropped 12 leaflet bombs. No HE bombs were carried but rockets and strafing destroyed or damaged a total of 55 railroad cars,2 locomotives, 68 motor vehicles, 3 tanks and armored vehicles, 40 ammunition cars, twelve field gun positions were attacked and two headquarters left burning. Twenty nine recon sorties were flown driving the Luftwaffe out of France 25 Aug through 31 Aug.
25 Aug
In the Third Army Patton's forces, debouched from their Seine bridgeheads and against spotty resistance raced toward the Meuse River. In the VIII Corps launches a strong attack on Brest. In the XII Corps the 4th Armored Division overcomes strong opposition in Troyes. In the XX Corps the 5th Armored Division crosses the Yonne river at Missy.
In the 563rd LW2 was moved to Thiville 3 miles south of Chateaudun. Also FDP2 was delegated to set up an advanced Tactical Control Center to function as control during leapfrog moves and on August 25th they established an advance TCC near Montfort. During the month Company D was being tactically employed by the IX Air Defense Command, Lt. Altman's platoon was returned to England for training on SCR-584 microwave radar and he would be returned to the 563rd SAW Battalion on completion of the training. The frequent moves during the month taxed our supply of vehicles and trucks were loaned from operating company to the moving company so all the moves could be made as quickly as possible.
The XIX TAC labeled this day as the day that broke the back of the German fighter force in France. In aerial combat and in strafing attacks on many airfields the p-51's and P-47's of the IX and XIX TAC destroyed a total of 127 planes (77 in the air and 50 on the ground). Eleven others were probably destroyed and 33 damaged, making a total of 171 German planes whose destruction, probably destruction or damage was claimed. Losses of the two commands totaled 27 planes. In Germany the Luftwaffe suffered serious losses. Eighth Air Force fighters, escorting heavy bombers, claimed 11 destroyed in the air and 40 on the ground. Total claims for Ninth and Eighth Air Force fighters during the day (both air and ground) thus came to 178 destroyed, 13 probably destroyed and 63 damaged or a grand total of 354 planes. XIX TAC share of the bag totaled 36 destroyed, 1 probable and 8 damaged in the air and 16 destroyed and 4 probable's on the ground for a total of 54 destroyed, 5 probable's, and 8 damaged against a loss of 8 planes and 7 pilots. P-51 pilots of the 354th Fighter Group flew sweeps north to northeast of Paris paying special attention to airfields had one of their biggest days and all of the XIX aerial combat claims were theirs and in addition they destroyed 13 single engine fighters on the ground at fields near Reims. Operating by squadrons, they were always out-numbered; late in the day, for example 12 P-51's fought 45 or more FW-190's and ME-109's north of Beauvais, claiming 13 destroyed and 3 probable's losing four. Flying 632 combat sorties, the Command claimed the following results against ground targets in addition to the harvest reaped in the air: 266 motor vehicles, 4 tanks, 44 locomotives and 164 railway cars destroyed or damaged; 5 marshaling yards attacked and 5 railway lines cut; 3 field gun positions, 4 troop concentrations, 1 ammunition dump and 8 military buildings destroyed; 5 airfields attacked and 2 hangers destroyed. In anti shipping off Brest 2 naval vessel are claimed as destroyed and 3 naval and 9 merchant vessels damaged. Four P-51's of the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group flew artillery adjustment sorties for corps artillery at Brest, noting many hits on enemy gun positions and shipping. Recon sorties totaled 64. Indications were seen that the enemy might bring jet propelled aircraft soon. A probable ME-262 twin jet was sighted by pilots of the 405th Fighter Group.

 

THE PURSUIT TO THE WEST WALL
The Pursuit to the West Wall Phase extended from August 26th to September 15th.
AUGUST 1944
Aug 26
In the Third Army Gasoline stocks were down to reserves and was being supplied by air. In the XII Corps the 4th Armored Division is headed from Troyes northeast toward Challons-sur-Marne. The 35th Infantry Division protected the south flank of the Third Army and were supported by XIX TAC air patrols.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Able to Thimert, Post Baker to Droisy, Post Charley to Damville, Post Dog to Quessigny and Post Fox to Boussey. These locations were northeast of Nogent Le Rotrou about 20 miles beyond where FDP1 would move on the following day. On August 26th FDP2 moved to St. Cornielle which is 4 miles north east of Le Mans. GO2 Ground Observer Posts George, How, Jig, Kingand Love to Montfort. FDP3 moved from Le Pin to Chateau Renault with LW3 from Maumusson to Herbault and placed LW3 one mile east of Herbault which is about 7 miles East of FDP3. GO3 Ground Observer Platoon moved Post Mike to Villerbon, Post Oboe to Sierre- s, Post Queen to Blois and Post Roger to Mer. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Gambiascuil, Post Tare to Orvillers, Post Uncle and Victor to Montfort and Post William to Rambouillet.
XIX TAC encountered very few enemy aircraft while providing protective cover for army columns. After the previous days losses the enemy avoided combat with our fighters and the day's bag was two enemy aircraft destroyed and one damaged all three on the ground. Our group on armed recon, patrols and armored column cover flew 528 sorties. Four planes were lost. Results were claims including 315 motor vehicles, 22 armored vehicles, 75 horse drawn vehicles, 3 motorcycles, 8 locomotives, 106 railroad cars destroyed or damaged; 16 rail line cut, 1 bridge and 9 merchant vessels damaged and 10 barges destroyed or damaged. Attacks were also made on 30 enemy buildings, a radar station, 5 strong points, 1 oil tank, 1 factory and 3 airfields. Pilots of the 405th Fighter Group reported contrails of a probable Jet propelled aircraft at 20,000 feet altitude with estimated speed of 500 MPH.
Aug 27
In the Third Army's VIII Corps area the encirclement of Brest completed.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 7th Armored division drives toward Reims and secures a crossing of the Marne River at Chateau-Thierry which it occupies.
In the 563rd FDP1 moved from Ardevon to La Madelein Bouart which is about 8 miles north of Nogent Le Rotrou. LW1 moved to Laplate which is southeast of Nogent Le Rotrou. FDP4 was moved to Le Courdray Laube which is 15 miles east of Le Mans.
XIX TAC conducted a rail-cutting project to sever a main enemy escape route south of the Loire River Low clouds during much of the day restricted air operations to 196 Fighter Bomber sorties and 88 Recon sorties. On an armed recon mission to Besancon, the 405th Fighter Group destroyed 11 enemy aircraft by bombing and strafing an airfield. A train nearby was carrying 13 JU-88 fuselages and 11 of these were destroyed the other two were damaged. The result of the day's attacks included 34 locomotives, 148 freight cars, 158 motor vehicles and 6 tanks destroyed or damaged; 2 rail lines cut; 4 gun positions, 1 command post, 5 river craft and an airfield attacked with 7 hangers destroyed. Against enemy aircraft our claims were 3 destroyed in the air and 11 destroyed on the ground. Three of our planes were lost. Tactical Recon P-51's accounted for one of the enemy aircraft claims and one of the losses.
Aug 28
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the battering of the Breast Peninsula continued.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the troops continued to rapidly advance toward Chalons-sur-Marne.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the troops were closing in on Reims.
In the 563rd LW4 was moved to Soize which is 12 miles south of Nogent Le Routrou and about 23 miles from FDP4. Also, LW2 was moved to St. Agil which is 20 miles south of Nogent Le Rotrou and about 25 miles from FDP2. Post Peter of GO3 was moved from company headquarters to La Chapelle St Martin.
In the XIX TAC area low clouds during much of the day restricted air operations to 196 Fighter Bomber sorties and 88 Recon sorties. On an armed recon mission to Besancon, the 405th Fighter Group destroyed 11 enemy aircraft by bombing and strafing an airfield. A train nearby was carrying 13 JU-88 fuselages and 11 of these were destroyed the other two were damaged. The result of the day's attacks included 34 locomotives, 148 freight cars, 158 motor vehicles and 6 tanks destroyed or damaged, 2 rail lines cut; 4 gun positions, 1 command post, 5 river craft and an airfield attacked with 7 hangers destroyed. Against enemy aircraft our claims were 3 destroyed in the air and 11 destroyed on the ground. Three of our planes were lost. Tactical recon P-51's accounted for one of the enemy aircraft claims and one of the losses.
Aug 29
In the Third Army's XII Corp the 4th Armored Division overran Chalons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-Francois.
In the Third Army's XX Corps was speeding northeast to Reims and the town was captured by the 5th Infantry Division.
In the XIX TAC area because of completely unflyable weather only one combat mission was undertaken and it was aborted.
Aug 30
In the Third Army's XII Corps elements of the 4th Armored Division reach the St. Dizier area.
In the Ninth Air Defense Command Company D was ordered to move from Levast to Chateaudun by it organic transportation. The mission under the 564th Signal Air Warning Battalion was assigned the tactical employment of providing air warning service in connection with the defense of the Paris area. Since the 564th SAW Bn had only British ground controlled interception equipment company D was assigned to provide the early warning service and to provide gap filling between the ground controlled interception sets. This program called for one lightweight section north of paris, one section south of Paris and two lightweight sections east of Paris. Company D headquarters was established at Morangis near Paris (Orly) airport. These radars were on a full 24 hour operating schedule and all plots were reported by radio and wire to the large filter room of the 564th SAW Bn which was also the headquarters of the 2nd Air Defense Wing. During this tour of operation the lightweight radars of Company D were responsible for giving early warning service on many hostile flights in the Paris area. This information was in turn given the GCI's via the filter room and interceptions were made by the P-61 night fighters. Robot bombs that were sent toward the Paris area were also plotted by means of the LW radars. During this period of operations all the light weight radar sites were visited by British RAF Technical Officers who were making a survey of British Radar being used by the American forces. All site commanders were complimented on the sighting of these radars and the excellent way they were operated and maintained. The Commanding officer of the 564th SAW Bn highly commended the officers and men of Company D for the effort put forth on this work.
In the 563rd FDP2 moved from St Cornielle to Patay and LW2 to St Agil. The Battalion Headquarters was moved to Monfort Le Rotrou which is 10 miles east of Le Mans. The 100th Wing headquarters also moved to this location on August 30th. About this time the TCC which was operated by the 100th Wing formed the 19th TCC (Provisional) so that the TCC could move independently of the 100th Wing. Also on August 30th, FDP2 was moved to Patay which is about 16 miles east of Chateaudun. During the month of August Lt. William Wright was appointed as Battalion Soldier Voting Officer. Capt. Joseph Goldberg was appointed as Battalion Graves Registratration Officer in addition to Dental officer. Lt. Harold Waeckerle was appointed an additional duty as Battalion Investi- gating officer as well as an additional duty of Battalion Gas Officer and Lt. Paul Rapp was relieved of this duty
In the XIX TAC area a cold front swept over Western Europe with low ceilings and rain and all missions were scrubbed except 2 weather recons flown by the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group.
Aug 31
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division establishes a bridgehead across the Meuse river at Commercy and the XX Corps the 7th Armored Division establishes a bridgehead across the Meuse at Verdun and halts on a gasoline shortage.
The XIX TAC flew 18 missions comprising 313 sorties, despite continued bad weather, dropping 60 3/4 tons of GP bombs, 39 tanks napalm and 16 leaflet bombs. Twenty rockets were discharged and considerable strafing done. There was no claims against enemy aircraft and no losses. Results included 134 motor vehicles and 8 tanks destroyed. Attacks were made on 37 gun positions, 1 head- quarters, 1 troop concentration, 2 strong points, 1 barracks and 22 railroad lines were cut.
SEPTEMBER 1944
During September FDP4 was formally designated a Forward Director Post and Lt. Paul Rapp was put in command. FDP4 consisted of the Headquarters Company Type 15 Radar Platoon commanded by Lt. Frank Van Camp, LW4 commanded by Lt. George B. Dorroh. This provi- sional unit was staffed by additional manpower to be able to function as a separate platoon with their own mess. The Head- quarters Company still serviced them administratively. Also during September two more platoons from Company D were attached to the 563rd for detached service in England, one to the RAF station at Great Malvern, Worcestershire and the other at Milfield and both for training for SCR-584 microwave radar and to be returned to the 563rd SAW Battalion on completion.
Sep 1
On September 1st Eisenhower assumed command and tactical control of all Allied ground forces.
The Third Army was practically immobilized by the acute shortage of gasoline and the enemy was building up behind the West Wall. The XX Corps the 7th Armored Division advanced to Etain. The XII Corps the 4th Armored Division expanded the Commercy bridgehead over the Meuse and the 80th Infantry Division crosses it on that date.
On September 1st FDP4 was moved to St. Denis Du Tertre about 15 miles east of Le Mans and a mile south of 563rd headquarters.
XIX TAC flew 492 sorties and destroyed 11 enemy confirmed, 6 probable and 12 damaged. Thirty-three locomotives, 130 tanks, and armored vehicles and 817 motor transport vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the day's bombings and strafing.
Sep 2
In the Third Army the XX Corps feints north from Verdun and halts just short of Sedan when fuel runs out.
The XIX TAC, in 164 sorties reported destroyed 47 railroad cars, 106 motor transports, 7 locomotives, 7 locomotives and 7 tanks and armored vehicles destroyed or damaged.
Sep 3
Eisenhower authorized a continuation of The Third Army's advance. Patton's movement was slow, for the Germans, fearing his attack the most, had concentrated in his sector in late August many of the troops arriving from other theaters. German Panzer officers planted themselves at Metz and halted the German soldiers fleeing from the Falaise gap and organized them into units. On September 3rd the airdrome at Reims was repaired sufficiently to receive cargo planes.
In the 563rd FDP2 was moved to Lavel En Brie at the edge of the Bois De Fresnoy which is 16 miles east of Fountainbleau and also moved LW2 to Les Cerimois which is 8 miles east of Sens and 25 miles southeast of FDP2. GO 4 moved all Posts of GO4 Ground Observer Platoon to Troyes.
XIX TAC operations, the island of Ile-de-Cezembre surrendered at 0930 hours to the XIX TAC. Fighters flew 38 missions with 510 sorties, but found very few targets.
Sep 4
On September 4th the 83rd Infantry Division of the Third Army had detachments along the Loire river and one of their patrols learned that German Gen. Erich Elster, harried by the air, might be considering surrender. Two men sent to his Chateauroux headquar- ters confirmed this and on September 10th the details for his capitulation were worked out in a conference at Issoudun. To impress the enemy commander with the inevitable consequences of delay, a strong formation of the 354th Fighter-Bomber Group swept over Issoudun during the conference, ready to act if the Americans displayed panel signals. Elster, impressed by this further show of air power, agreed to march to Beaugency and there surrender. His troops were allowed to retain their arms until they reached the river, but attendant airplanes threatened should they show signs either of hesitation or of fight. Gen. Weyland was wired by teletype
"Inasmuch as your command has been instrumental in accom- plishing this surrender, request that you or your representative be present with Gen. Macon to accept the surrender."
Accordingly, and appropriately, the commander of the XIX TAC was present at the Beaugency bridge ceremonies on that same day, and later received a consignment of surrendered German Lugers for his unit commanders. When the count was made, prisoners were found to total 754 officers, 18,850 men, and 2 women. XIX TAC's unique mission had been accomplished.
The Third Army front was advancing very rapidly and still another move of FDP1 was anticipated. About this time the supply of gasoline was still critical and the Third Army tightened up on its use (see Editors Note 10 on the following page).
In the 563rd Company A moved FDP1 from Madeleine to Villiers- sur-Seine which is about 6 miles southwest of Nogent-Sur-Seine a distance of about 150 miles. However the Third Army was advancing so rapidly that it was soon apparent that another move was in the offing. GO 1 Platoon was also moved to that vicinity with Posts Able at Plessis, Charley at Chalantre, and Fox at Analaine. GO4 moved Post William to Corgendy which is southeast of Fountainbleu.
XIX TAC flew 159 sorties, destroying 77 railroad cars and 19 motor transports.
Sep 5
In the Third Army Gen. Patton oders the XII Corps to cross the Moselle, secure Nancy and be prepared to advance to the Rhine river.
In the Third Army the XII Corps tries to cross the Moselle and puts one battalion of the 80th Infantry Division across at Pont a Mousson.
GO4 Ground Observer Platoon moved to an area just southwest of Fountainbleu with Posts Sugar to Avon Le Peze, Tare to Mespigny, Uncle to Echemines and Victor to Dilladis.
The XIX TAC flew 389 sorties in and 31 missions dropping napalm tanks on enemy installations and 46 military installations damaged or destroyed.1
Sep 6
In the Third Army the XII Corps the 80th Infantry Division Bridgehead attempt is overrun by the Germans
LW1 was moved to St. Martin which is 10 miles east of Nogent Sur Seine and about 14 miles east of FDP1.
The XIX TAC flew 416 sorties in 37 missions.
[Editors Note 10--- during the first part of September Company A headquarters was at Villiers-sur-Seine which was about 62 miles south east of Paris. I was investigating the gas shortage and when Capt. Slattery told me he was shut down by the Comm Zone Petrol Depot. I thought I would try my hand at expediting gas and went to the nearest depot who had lots of gas but were hording it. I told the Depot commander that if I did not get gas he would be exposed to German air attack and I had the only unit in the area that could protect him with our radars. He gave me the gas and I had a 2 1/2 ton truck which I loaded with 5 gallon cans. I went back to Company A and gave them the gas. Since the whole battalion was stopped and the fighters also curtailed I told Slattery that as long as I got the gas and there was no operations he could do I gave him permission send his man a group at a time into Paris for R and R and use the gasoline for that purpose, which they did.]
Sep 7
In the Army the XX Corps the 7th Armored Division continues to the Moselle river to Mondelange, north of Metz and starts south to Hauconcourt. The 5th Infantry Division attacks towards Metz to Briey.
XIX TAC Flew 238 sorties in 16 missions, destroying 132 motor transports and 310 horse drawn vehicles. Eleven gun installations and 11 military installations were either damaged or destroyed.
Sep 8
The 106th German Panzer Brigade counter attacked the 90th Infantry Division between Landres and Mairy but became disorganized and it was virtually destroyed. In the action the Germans lost 30 tanks, 60 half-tracks and 100 other vehicles.
In the 563rd FDP4 moved to Mar-delle-Au-Coq which is 23 miles southeast of Nemours and near Courtenay and LW4 was moved to Montbouy which is about 11 miles southeast of Montaghris and about 20 miles south of the FDP4 site.
The XIX TAC could divert few airplanes to the Third Army and they were spread thinly along a very wide front. The XIX TAC flew 470 sorties in 39 missions. These missions concentrated heavily on the enemy's military installations, with claims of 28 gun installations and 136 military installations destroyed or heavily damaged.
Sep 9
In the Third Army the XX Corps the 90th Infantry Division drives to Neufchef about 5 miles from Thionville.
XIX TAC flew 308 sorties in 25 missions, claiming kills on 27 rail, 88 motor transports, 200 locomotives, 27 gun installations and 32 military installations. Thirteen tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed and 5 enemy airdromes were attacked.
Sep 10
In the Third Army the 10th Infantry Division began a crossing of the Moselle between Noveant and Arnaville at 0200 Hours under smoke screen, the first to be used by the Third Army on a large scale, and took the enemy by surprise. The Germans began a strong counter attack which the XIX TAC helps stem. From this time on the XIX TAC was permitted to divert some of its airplanes from the primary targets at the Brest Peninsula to support the Third Army on the Moselle river crossings. This where it was vectoring fighter- bombers to the airdromes. G3 of the XX Corps action would result in freeing FDP3 from its rear area assignment, 10th the G-3 of the XX Corps secured three squadrons of fighter bombers for use against the enemy holding up the advance near Amanvilers. The P-47's hit their targets but the 500 pound bombs had very little effect on the reinforced concrete.
XIX TAC flew 377 sorties and destroyed or damaged 32 enemy tanks, 33 gun installations and 32 military installations.
Sep 11
In the Third Army the 5th Infantry Division reinforced the Arnaville bridgehead and expanded it toward Corny and Arry against severe counterattacks. The XIX TAC assisted with strikes on Arry and Corny.
In the 563rd an anticipated move of FDP1 was ordered and Company A was on the road the following morning to its new site which was located about 3 miles north of Etain.
The XIX TAC flew 411 sorties and in 45 missions during the day's operations and destroyed or damaged 32 military installations and destroyed 92 railroad cars, 46 motor transports, 44 gun installations and 35 horse drawn vehicles.
Sep 12
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 80th Infantry Division attacks across the Mosele river with bridgeheads at St. Genevieve, Loisy, Bezaumont and La Cote. The 4th Armored enlarges its bridgehead at Lorey near Nancy.
In the Third Army's XV Corps area the 79th Infantry Division traps a garrison at Neufechateau.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 5th Infantry Division bridges the Moselle river at Arnaville and the 7th Armored Division crossed.
In the 563rd FDP2 moved to near Vigneulles where they not only operated as FDP2 but ran an advanced Tactical Control Center for the 19th TCG while the TCC operated by the 316th FCS was moving. As the advanced TCC, FDP2 set up to have Company A report into their communications center and the FDP2 controllers acted as TCC controllers. FDP2 acted in this capacity until September 17th when the 316th FCS moved up. Also on September 12th Company B moved LW2 to Rembercourt about 9 miles east of Hattonville. GO2 moved Post George to Preny, Post How to Pagny-sur-Mosele, Post Jig to Gorze and Post Love to St. Genevieve.
In the report on the Lorraine campaign, Cole wrote an account of the Battle West of Metz. The XX Corps was attacking and the situation from September 8th through the 13th was shown on his map shown on his page 136. This is a typical Ground observer operation in which Company B Ground Observers was supporting the 5th Infantry Division of the XX Corps and this shows the position of Ground Observer post Jig directly supporting elements of the 5th Infantry Division which is shown on page 162.
Sep 13
Due to a critical shortage of Class I supplies, the Third Army headquarters began issuing German rations, numerous captured storehouses being emptied, and field bakeries began to use captured German flour. The pipeline to Chartes started operations with an expected gasoline usage of gallons 100,000 daily.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the enemy abandons Nancy and launches a strong counter attack over running St. Genevieve, Loisy and Bezaumont threatening the bridgehead and a counter attack of the 80th Infantry Division and the 4th Armored Division restores the original bridgehead perimeter.
In the First Army XV Corps the French 2nd Armored Division discovers enemy columns prepared to drive on Donpaire and Ville- sur-Illon engages them with support of the XIX TAC and defeats them and destroy 60 German Tanks.
In the Third Army XX Corps area the 90th Infantry Division has a critical shortage of artillery ammunition and are receiving heavy artillery fire from Fort Driant.
In the 563rd Company A moved to Etain and about 1800 Hours FDP1 was set up and operational. Company A moved LW1 to Chavanges which is about 20 miles southeast of St. Dizier.
XIX TAC flew 82 sorties in 9 missions with few claims for the day, destroying five gun installations and attacking 3 troop concentrations.
Sep 14
In the Third Army the XX Corps the planned attack of the 7th Armored Division and the 5th Infantry Division to the south of Metz across the bridgehead at Arnaville is postponed because of deep mud making the movement of tanks impossible. The XII Corps completes its envelopment of Nancy.
In the 563rd Battalion Headquarters moved to Hattonville which is about 15 miles south east of Verdun and the 19th TCC moved to Vignuelles which is a mile north of Hattonville. O
The XIX TAC was limited in its operations due to adverse weather but completed 108 sorties in 6 missions with claims of 26 motor transports, 6 locomotives and 7 tanks and armored vehicles either destroyed or damaged.
Sep 15
In the Third Army the XII Corps the Germans began a counter attack on the Dieulouard bridgehead and both sides suffer heavily during the days fighting. The 80th Infantry Division destroyed 14 German tanks by artillery fire. The XX Corps expands the Arnaville bridgehead in preparation for an attack on Metz.
In the 563rd Lt. Robert S. McSpadden was promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. on Par 3 SO 259 Headquarters Ninth Air Force dated 15 September.
The XIX TAC, concentrating on German rail activity, flew 294 sorties in 23 missions during the day's operations with claims of 22 railroad lines cut, 62 railroad cars damaged, 16 gun installa- tions and 18 military installations damaged or destroyed.

 

THE WINTER OPERATIONS 12th ARMY GROUP
The Winter Operations Phase extended from September 16th to December 15th.
SEPTEMBER 1945
During this period the Ground Observer observations became increasingly important. The posts were able to occupy good obser- vations positions and the TCC chief controller took immediate and direct action to destroy the targets with fighter-bomber attacks.
Sep 16
The Third Army occupied a front extending from Thionville on the left boundary to Luneville on the right boundary. The direction of attack was to the northeast with the XX Corps on the left flank, the XII Corps in the center and the XV Corps on the right flank.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 80th Infantry Division, supported by the XIX TAC fighter-bombers and Corps Artillery stopped a German Counterattack at Dieulouard and mopped up the area northeast of Nancy. The 4th Armored Division attacked and occupied Lunneville. The 80th Infantry Division assisted by XIX TAC air support and artillery decisively defeated a major counter attack against the Dieulouard bridgehead. The 90th Infantry Division limited attacks on Metz was meeting stronger enemy resistance and since the gains were minute as well as costly these attacks were halted in this sector.
In the Third Army's XV Corps area the Germans made a strong counter attack on the French 2nd Armored Division who checked the attack and then withdrew to avoid a major engagement.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the limited objective attacks of the 90th Infantry Division west of Metz are proving to be costly and almost fruitless. The 7th Armored Division attacked to enlarge the bridgehead at Arnaville and the 5th Infantry Division regrouped in that bridgehead.
In the 563rd FDP4 was moved to Bouvron which is 5 miles north of Toul and LW4 also was moved to Royamune which is about 3 miles north of the FDP4 site at Bouvron.
XIX TAC flew 286 sorties in 21 missions with few claims being made. Fourteen gun installations, 7 military installations and 8 small Naval vessels were either damaged or destroyed.
Sep 17
In the Third Army the German held forts around Metz were virtually impregnable. An air ground attack against was halted as German resistance increased.
In the 563rd the 316th FCS moved up and when the TCC was oper- ational FDP2 reverted back to FDP operation. The 19th Tactical Control Group headquarters moved to Vigneulles which several miles from Hattonville. The 19th Tactical Control Group also located in the same vicinity.
XIX TAC flew 133 sorties in 17 missions with the following claims, 2 railroad lines cut, 23 railroad cars, 15 motor trans- ports, and 23 military installations damaged or destroyed.
Sep 18
In the Third Army XV Corps the 79th Infantry Division crosses the Moselle river to Moriville and Einvaux.
On September 18th GO4 which had been attached to Company A was attached back to Headquarters Company. At that time GO4 was had leapfrogged to Avon-La-Pexze which is near Nogent-Sur-Seine.
XIX TAC due to bad weather 32 sorties were made.
Sep 19
In the Third Army the Germans effectively delayed the advance by blowing up bridges, constructing road blocks with mines and felled trees and constructed trenches, bunkers and antitank positions as they fell back.
In the 563rd the 738th Signal Air Warning Company was shipped in from England and was assigned to the 563rd Battalion It was located immediately near Nousard which was about 5 miles southeast of Hattonville, which is where Battalion headquarters was located. The following day was fully operational as FDP5. FDP5 was located here following the advice from the SHAEF Signal Officer who thought that the MEW radar should be located in a high position to extend its range. The Nousard position was selected by the Battalion Exec to fulfill this requirement. Attendant with such a site the FDP controllers had to contend with permanent echoes from surrounding mountains which made it difficult to track a flight continuously. Because of the controllers complaint on future moves this desire of higher headquarters was substantially ignored and the siting was then done by the FDP5 staff following the same criterion as the other FDP's which required a flat area with a perimeter of trees to shield the permanent echoes. LW4 and GO4 reported poison gas near Conflans, France. Three officers of FDP4 and two officers of LW4 as well as the Gas NCO's identified the gas as Phosgene. There were light concentrations of gas with intensity of odor, covering an area of 10 miles in length and 1/2 mile wide. There were no casualties only effects were very slight dry throats, parched lips and smarting eyes. The incident was inspected by the Third Army Staff and the gas confirmed and determined to have been laid in World War I and dormant all these years. The gas colored the stars on the jeeps as intended.
XIX TAC flew 262 sorties in 22 missions with eight light claims.
Sep 20
In the Third Army there was a shortage of artillery ammunition but the XX Corps continued the attack on Metz.
In the 563rd GO2 posts Love located near Mousson and King located at Vitonville were reporting German artillery columns at Nomeny located in the vicinity of Pont-A-Mousson. The German artillery fired upon the Love post. On September 23rd the same columns picked up tanks started a German counter attack. The reports went to XIX TAC and Third Army and on the September 25th the XIX TAC field order stated that due to GO information of FDP2 the enemy columns were attacked and destroyed.
XIX TAC flew 165 Sorties in 12 missions claiming 13 railroad lines cut and 30 railroad cars, 12 motor transports and 11 locomotives damaged or destroyed. In addition, 5 marshaling yards were attacked with good results.
Sep 21
In the Third Army's XX Corps area a strong German counter attack delays the 7th Armored Division in crossing the Seille river south of Metz.
In the 563rd FDP3 moved to a bivouac area about 3 miles south of Luxembourg City at a site overlooking the town of Delheim. Up to this date this move was the longest single jump by a FDP having moved from Orleans to Luxembourg City a distance of about 230 miles as an airplane flies. On 0110 hour that night they were attacked by a German Cavalry unit and their machine gun fire struck the SCR- 582 microwave radar unit and the impact started a fire which reduced it to a total loss. Very soon after the strike a U.S. Armored Cavalry Colonel invested and had his men pick up the shattered van and hauled it away so the Germans would not know it was a destroyed. There was no casualties. Company C was asked to move by the Artillery command because they needed the site to position their artillery to shell a nearby town. The SCR-582 unit was a state of the art microwave unit which /had been manufactured at Massachusetts Institute of Technology labs by the two officers who employed it. Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill and Lt. Robert A. Homan. The unit was stationed at FDP3 at the time for use as an LW unit and was capable of close control of the fighter-bombers. Before that time it was based at Battalion Headquarters and was used to test out new sites for ground echoes because of its high mobility and accuracy. It must be said that the unit being an untried device prior to its application in the 563rd did have some electronic and electrical problems which were handled the unit team handled themselves.
XIX TAC flew 245 sorties in 19 missions, with heavy claims made,especially on rail transportation. Fifteen railroad lines were cut, 256 railroad cars, 14 locomotives, 47 motor transports and 20 tanks and armored vehicles were damaged or destroyed. A shipment of 12,000 gallons of gasoline arrived at St. Dizier, brought by fighter-bombers of the XIX TAC.
Sep 22
In the Third Army the Germans continued o construct additions to the Siegfried Line fortifications.
In the 563rd GO4 Platoon moved into a Fort at Champignuelles near Nancy. GO4 was the first American unit to reach either the town or the fort but encountered no resistance. Sugar post of GO4 was the net control station and was located at the fort along with Post Tare and Post Uncle. On this date Post Victor was moved to near Nancy and William up across the Moselle at Vandoeuvre five miles south of Nancy. While occupying these sites GO4 reported intense activity between foot troops and some artillery which directly opposite GO4 post Sugar on the far side of the Moselle River. A patrol was made up and sent out through GO4 post Uncle which was located about 500 yards southwest of the enemy lines to gain information on ground concentrations. However, they were unsuccessful and were driven back by enemy machine gun fire. At a later date they were able to proceed forward and gave valuable information concerning the locations of enemy ground concentrations and guns.
On September 22nd FDP3 moved to about 7 miles west to near the town of Hesperage which is about 3 miles south of Luxembourg City in Luxembourg also LW3 was moved to Esch about 6 miles south of FDP3. The Luxembourg location proved to be an excellent choice. At the time of their move Company C was supporting the left flank of the Third Army and soon they would be in the center of the drive north to stop the German counter attack that was not suspected at the time. Also LW4 was relocated to the vicinity of Boxieres-Aux- Dames which is about 3 miles north of Nancy and at the same time the Headquarters Ground Observer platoon was moved to perimeter positions surrounding LW4.
XIX TAC headquarters was moved to Etain, where the Third Army headquarters was located. From this point on the Third Army and the XIX TAC Advanced would locate side by side to facilitate coordination between General Patton and General Weyland.
The Company B ground observer platoon posts G and H were already located in the vicinity of Pont-A-Mousson which is between Metz and Nancy and Post K was moved to Mousson and Post Love moved to Bouxieres.
XIX TAC flew 273 sorties in 23 missions with many claims against both enemy transportation and military installations. Twenty-one railroad lines were cut, 135 railroad cars, 120 motor transports, 13 locomotives, 4 supply dumps, 6 gun installations and 22 tanks and armored vehicles were either damaged or destroyed.
Sep 23
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 35th Infantry Division occupies high ground 10 miles northeast of Nancy.
In the 563rd Company C Ground observer platoon was moved to Syren, Luxembourg about 6 miles south east of Luxembourg City and about 5 miles east of FDP3. GO3 moved Post Mike to Contern, Post Oboe to Derange, Post Peter to Delheim, Post Queen to Roeser and Post Roger to Sandweiler.
XIX TAC flew 96 sorties in which eighteen railroad lines were cut and 20 railroad cars, 27 motor transports, 1 locomotives, 14 gun installations and tanks and armored vehicles were damaged or destroyed.
Sep 24
At Supreme Headquarters Eisenhower had ordered Bradley to have the Third army operations curtailed because of the increasing difficulty of supplies and also to give priority to the British in the northern sector. Gen. Patton was ordered to halt offensive operations for aggressive defense and called for limited actions, as supplies permit, to improve defensive positions and as a conse- quence the 7th Armored Division had to drop their plan to cross the Sielle river. (see Editors Note 11 below).
In the Third Army's XX Corps area during the latter part of September the 3rd Armored Division and the 10th Infantry Divisions established a bridgehead over the Moselle River near Pagny-sur- Moselle which is halfway between Pont-A-Mousson and Metz. This map, shown on page 172, shows the positions of Ground Observer post Jig Company B plotted (on Cole's map on his page 161) of the history of the Lorraine Campaign by Cole showing the bridgehead which was being expanded by the 5th Infantry Division. Both How and Love posts had occupied the positions on September 12th.
In the XIX TAC two fighter groups, on very short notice and
(Editors Note 11) On the afternoon of September 22nd Gen. Eis- enhower met with his top commanders. In forthright terms he annou- nced that he "required general acceptance of the fact that the possession of an additional major deep-water port on our north flank is an indispensable prerequisite for the final drive deep into Germany". Priority, therefore, would be given to an attack on the north flank by Montgomery's 21st Army Group with the object of clearing the Schelde approaches to Antwerp and "the envelopment of the Rhur from the north by the 21st Army Group, supported by the First Army" would be regarded as the paramount Allied concern. The allocation of supplies to the 21st Army Group would not permit the Third Army to continue the attack east of the Moselle River. Gen. Eisenhower's decision stemmed from an untenable logistical situation. Gen. Bradley's 12th Army Group alone needed 20,000 tons of supplies per day in order to support a secure offensive for bridgeheads across the Rhine. The expectations for the delivery of supplies during the period from October 1st to 15th summed up to only 12,000 tons per day. To support even that much, all other troops would have to be immobilized and much of the allied air strength would have to divert from strategic to supply missions. in extremely bad weather flew close support of the 4th Armored Division during a counterattack by strong enemy armored and infantry units. They destroyed three enemy tanks and then bombed and strafed a section of wooded areas, flushing a large number of German tanks which were knocked out both the air and land forces. The weather was bad enough to keep the fighters from returning to their field near St. Dizer. They were finally directed to Etain where they landed and where they were met personally by General Patton, who thanked them for their courage and commend them on their flying. In all they flew 106 sorties in 9 missions claiming 16 railroad cars, 8 motor transports and 4 tanks and armored cars damaged or destroyed.
Sep 25
In the Third Army 107 rounds of 155-mm howitzers were fired at the concrete shelters and casements of Fort Kellerman and the only results were chipped concrete.
In the 563rd Company A moved LW1 to Beauvillers which is which is about 12 miles northeast of Etain, the location of FDP1.
Sep 26
At Supreme Headquarters all support went to Gen. Montgomery's 21st Army Group.
In the 563rd General Order 33 of the XIX TAC was received awarding the Bronze Star Medal awarded to the following Men of Headquarters Company :
Tec/5 Joseph S. Detwiler, in recognition of meritorious ser- vice in connection with military operations against the enemy.
Pfc William Albert Wittman, in recognition of meritorious ser- vice in connection with military operations against the enemy.
XIX TAC with Bad weather reduced the activity of the XIX TAC to 35 sorties with claims of 4 motor transports damaged or destroyed and 3 military installations attack. The XIX TAC began attacks against the Metz forts and continued to attack daily until December 30th. However, the fighter-bomber efforts had little effect on the reduction of the forts which were reinforced concrete and practically invulnerable to aerial bombs or artillery. Patton's approach was to bypass the forts and destroy the German support by siege. Bad weather reduced the activity of the XIX TAC to 35 sorties with claims of 4 motor transports damaged or destroyed and 3 miliary installations attacked.
SEP 27
In the Third Army the XX Corps continued artillery firing on Fort Jeanne d'Arc with no good effect.
In the 563rd Company C moved their ground observer platoon to locations a little east of Nancy Post Jig moved to Mardigny and Post Love to St Genevieve.
XIX TAC with excellent flying conditions, flew 517 sorties in 39 missions with excellent results. Among the claims were 26 railroad lines cut, 180 railroad cars, 46 motor transports, 38 locomotives, 5 supply dumps, 22 gun positions, 12 military installations and 19 tanks and armored vehicles damaged or de- stroyed. Troop concentrations and marshaling yards were attacked with good results.
Sep 28
In the Third Army the XXII Crops repulsed numerous counter- attacks while maintaining aggressive patrols.
In the 563rd Company A moved the Ground Observer platoon moved to the vicinity of Moyeuvre. GO Post A moved to Briery, Post Baker to Rombas, Post Charley to Budan, Post Dog to Garche and Post Fox to Helheim. GO3 moved Post Mike to Pelheim, Post Oboe to Conach, Post Peter to Mayen, Post Queen to Dalheim and Post Roger first to Syren then to Bons the same day.
XIX TAC carried out 575 sorties in 36 missions claiming 72 railroad lines cut 371 railroad cars, 49 motor transports, 67 locomotives 16 gun installations and 17 military installations damaged or destroyed. Eight marshaling yards and 5 airdromes were attacked.
Sep 29
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 4th Armored Division, effectively supported by air, decisively defeats German forces attempting to reach Arracourt and drives them southward where they go on the offensive.
In the 563rd LW3 was moved to near Moesdorf and then to Fishbach on the same day. GO3 moved Post Mike to Pelheim, Post Oboe to Conach, Post Peter to Maynen, Post Queen to Dalheim and Post Roger to Syren then to Bons on the same day. During Septem- ber, Lt. Viergever who was the senior officer in Headquarters communications section when Lt. Lewis F. Janek was injured was appointed Battalion Communications Staff Officer in addition to commanding the Headquarters Communication Section. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Champigneulles, Post Tare to near Nancy, Post Uncle to Agincourt and Post William to Haraucourt.
During the month of September the following appointments were made (in addition to their other duties):
Lt. Viergever was released as Battalion PX Officer
Lt. William Wright was appointed Battalion PX Officer.
Lt. Robert Schurke was appointed an Air inspector.
Lt. Jack Reynolds was appointed Administrative Inspector.
Lt. John Nolan was appointed to Battalion Post Exchange Council
Lt. Paul Rapp was relieved as Battalion Post Exchange Council member.
XIX TAC had a very good day, flying a total of 576 sorties in 46 missions. Their claims were 45 railroad lines cut, 226 railroad cars, 66 motor transports, 43 locomotives, 23 military installa- tions, 22 gun installations, 50 horse drawn vehicles, 77 miscella- neous naval vessels, 3 highway bridges and 3 tanks and armored vehicles damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC also continued their attacks on troop concentrations and marshaling yards.
Sep 30
In the Third Army the German's attacked the 35th Infantry Division to recover the Foret De Gremencey and General Patton orders the 6th Armored Division to restore the situation.
In the 563rd GO2 Post Love was moved to Brauvillers.
XIX TAC air activity was voided by bad weather conditions.
OCTOBER 1944
During October Patton had received authority to press a lim- ited, if subsidiary, offensive designed to enlarge the bridgehead across the Moselle and to hold the maximum number of enemy forces on its front, and consequently the XIX TAC saw more action. The attacks on the fortifications of Metz continued to be generally unavailing, but after the decision of 11th October to abandon the direct assault on these targets the fighter-bombers repeatedly proved their worth against enemy armored vehicles, troops, gun positions, command posts and airfields.
During October 1st through the 9th the XII Corps was attacking in the vicinity of Jeamdelaincourt which is about 12 miles south east of Pont-A-Mousson. Cole's history of the Lorraine campaign (his Map 32 on his page 283) shows the local situation. Plotted on the map and shown below are the positions occupied by Headquarters platoon observer posts Tare and William in support of elements of the 35th and 80th Infantry divisions and a combat team of the 6th Armored division. Both Tare and William posts occupied the positions on October 2nd. Also on October 1st GO4 platoon moved to sites on the eastern side of the Moselle River covering the area between Nancy and Pont-A-Mousson. The net control station was set up near Landremont and the alternate net control station near St. Genevie. Other posts were established south from Land-Remont to
Nancy.

 

COMPANY b IN SUPPORT OF XII CORPS 1 to 9 OCTOBER 1944
In the 563rd, starting in October, FDP5 began night control operations and working with the 155th Night Photo Squadron and the 425th Night Fighter (Black Widow) squadron. Throughout the Autumn the Night Fighter squadrons were seriously handicapped by an insufficient number of P-61 aircraft. The actual average operative strength of these squadrons was ten P-61's and some worn out A20 liaison aircraft. (see Editors Note 12 on the next page)
Oct 1
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 83rd Infantry Division reach Grevenmacheron the West bank of the Moselle northeast of Luxembourg City. A strict plan of gasoline rationing is iniated.
Oct 2
An infantry attack and heavy aerial bombardment of Fort Briant was launched by the XX Corps and XIX TAC.
In the 563rd GO3 Post Mike moved to Bons and Post Roger moved to Flaxweiler. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Champigneulles, Post Tare to St. Genevieve, Post Victor to Siechamps and Post William to Leyr.
The XIX TAC coordinated with the XX Corps in the Fort Driant attack. Having a busy day, the XIX TAC flew 426 sorties in 33 mis- sions. Claims were 29 railroad lines cut, 243 railroad cars, 58 motor transports, 32 locomotives, 42 gun installations and 13 miscellaneous naval vessels destroyed or damaged with 8 marshaling yards attacked.
Oct 3
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 5th Infantry Division met with stiff opposition when they entered Fort Driant on the west bank of the Moselle river. A total of 23 Field Artillery Battal- ions supported the attack by firing a 30 minute preparation fol- lowed by supporting fires, all directed against neighboring fortresses as well as Fort Driant. Guns were active against Fort Jeanne d'Arc, Fort Verdun Groupe, Batterie Moselle and Marival. Only limited results due to heavy concrete reinformed defenses.
XIX TAC, in 22 missions the planes and pilots claimed 39 railroad lines cut, 78 railroad cars, 35 locomotives, 15 military installations, and 4 small naval vessels damaged or destroyed. Eight marshaling yards were attacked with good results.
Oct 4
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 10th and 90th Infantry Divisions reinforce the attack on Fort Driant.
In the 563rd GO2 moved Post Jig to Malmaison and Post How to Lorry Mardigny.
The XIX TAC continued its concentration on rail transport and cutting 22 railroad lines and damaging or destoying 248 railroad cars, 25 locomotives,21 gun positions and 2 railroad bridges.
[Editors Note 12--- In retrospect the air operations studies after the war noted that the captured German officers, interrogated after the war, stated that they had greatly enjoyed the freedom of movement during the hours of darkness because of American lack of night fighters. This was reported in the Bradley report by the Air Effects Commission of the 12th Army Group. As near as I can tell there was two squadrons with the IX TAC which were the 422nd and 442nd Night Fighter Squadrons and one squadron with the XIX TAC which was the 425th Night Fighter Squadron.]
Oct 5
In the Third Army the XII Corps was preparing an attack to advance on Lettricourt and while regrouping the XIX TAC began a systematic bombing of the German strongholds, Moivron, Jeandelainc- ourt and Mount St. Jean. The Artillery also laid battered away at Moivron and Sivry. At the same time three squadrons of P-47's went to work on the German reserves and line of communications, dropping 864 fragmentation bombs on the Bois Dit la Fourasse which was the main enemy troop assembly area behind the hill mass and bombing the Seille bridge at Nomeny.
In the 563rd Company C moved into the Chateau which was nearby because of the severity of the winter. The FDP3 site had been quite near the rather indefinite front line and on October 6th a flight of fighter bombers being controlled by FDP3 were ordered to jettison their bombs on a nearby village. It was so close to them that the resulting concussion stopped the rotation of the radar antenna and jarred loose some connecting cables. They repaired the damage quickly enough to enable them to control the airplanes back to their base.
XIX TAC completed 7 missions and 110 sorties. XIX TAC cut 4 railroad lines and damaged or destroyed 13 motor transports, 54 military installations, 1 highway bridge and 28 small naval vessels. Six marshaling yards were attacked. The Air Command's program of cutting railroad lines was proving highly successful. Day by day the airplane attacks were isolating the enemy from supplies and communications in the rear and preventing an effective defense buildup.
WINTER OPERATIONS OF THE GROUND OBSERVERS
During the Winter Operations the weather caused a severe limitation on vehicular movement because of mud and the roads in the area of operations were limited. There were a number of German occupied forts which could not be reduced by bombing or shelling. The operations of the Third Army became more like a WW I type of operation. The conditions and type of operations made the Ground Observers an important element of combat and they operated much like artillery spotters except they were fixing targets for the fighter bombers. The Ground Observers assumed more importance and they set up to get close observation of the German Units. They were more directly involved because at times the FDP controller would pass messages back and forth from the fighter bomber pilot to the Ground Observer.
After October 2nd the movements of the Ground Observer posts more frequent and more complex. In the more fluid phases such as the Exploitation and Pursuit phase, the ground observer platoons were moved forward along with the FDP's and then all posts in the platoon would move forward at the same time. When they arrived at the forewarn position they would usually be deployed in a line in front of the FDP or on the perimeter of the FDP and/or in the vicinity of the LW radar. In the Winter Phase this pattern did not fully apply. The FDP commanders had the problem of security for the FDP, Air warning in blind spots and within the ground echo of the radars, maintaining sites to spot enemy activity and requests for coverage from Battalion Hq operations and TCC operations. Ground observer posts are occupied for good vision of the enemy ground operations, good vision of aircraft and good radio communi- cations. This makes a site with a high elevation above the sur- rounding terrain desirable. Sites cannot be occupied too long because the enemy becomes aware of them and the potential damage the spotters can cause and they may single them out for artillery fire. See also Ground Observer operation on page 52 which lists other considerations of Ground Observer operations. The number of moves made by the individual posts for the period from 2 October to December 15th were: 2-31 Oct 34 sites, 1-30 Nov 37 sites, 1-15 Dec 27 sites
A listing of the ground observer positions follows on the sites occupied 22 Sep through 14 Dec.
POST SITE COORD DATE TOWN NEAREST MI NEAR
COMPANY A
GO ABLE 8 U702736 28 Sep Briery 15 NW Metz
GO ABLE 9 U735520 15 Oct Gorze 10 W Metz
GO ABLE 10 U720495 22 Oct Vandalainville 12 SW Metz
GO ABLE 11 Q016688 24 Nov Gonpreville 11 NE Metz
GO ABLE 12 Q207552 6 Dec Durchinal 4 W St. Avold
GO ABLE 13 Q330622 10 Dec Merlenbuch 2 NE St. Avold
GO BAKER 7 U803719 28 Sep Rombas 10 N Metz
GO BAKER 8 U794457 15 Oct Lorry Mardigny 8 S Metz
GO BAKER 9 U757531 21 Nov Gorza 10 W Metz
GO BAKER 10 Q265558 6 Dec St. Avold 2 E St.Avold
GO CHARLEY 8 U815772 28 Sep Budan 8 E Briery
GO CHARLEY 9 U786353 15 Oct Mousson 7 NE Nancy
GO CHARLEY 10 U980297 16 Nov Fossieux 13 NE Nancy
GO CHARLEY 11 U869828 20 Nov Illange 4 S Thionville
GO CHARLEY 12 Q042811 25 Nov Dalstein 12 SE Thionville
GO CHARLEY 13 Q344576 6 Dec Bettingen 6 E St. Avold
GO CHARLEY 14 Q386592 10 Dec Thedingen 8 E St. Avold
GO DOG 7 U803719 28 Sep Garche 2 NE Thionville
GO DOG 8 U803719 15 Oct Pierrevillers 7 E Briery
GO DOG 9 U977731 20 Nov Bettelainville 12 SE Thionville
GO DOG 10 Q165615 6 Dec Bisten 7 NW St. Avold
GO DOG 11 Q333719 12 Dec Werbeln 10 NE St. Avold
GO FOX 8 U757680 28 Sep St Privat 5 SE Briery
GO FOX 9 U735624 16 Oct Varneville 7 SE Briery
GO FOX 10 U757680 23 Oct Roncourt 5 SE Briery
GO FOX 11 U739624 25 Oct Verneville 8 SE Briery
GO FOX 12 U955618 25 Nov Retonfay 7 E Metz
GO FOX 13 Q380527 5 Dec Host 4 SE St. Avold
GO FOX 14 Q417590 10 Dec Tentrlingen 12 E St. Avold
CCOMPANY B
GO GEORGE 6 Z035914 18 Oct Chattonrapt 12 SE St. Dizer
GO GEORGE 7 U990368 18 Nov Liocourt 15 SE Metz
GO GEORGE 8 U997350 24 Nov Alaincourt 15 SE Metz
GO GEORGE 9 Q170740 6 Dec Tromborn 18 NE Metz
GO HOW 6 U793458 4 Oct Lolly Mardigny 28 SW Metz
GO HOW 7 U033460 18 Oct Thiancourt 30 N St. Dizer
GO HOW 8 Q050480 20 Nov Remilly 10 SE Metz
GO JIG 7 U790458 27 Sep Lolly-Mordigny 11 SE Metz
GO JIG 8 U745600 4 Oct Malmaison 6 W Metz
GO JIG 9 U033460 18 Oct Triaucourt 24 N St. Dizer
GO JIG 10 U207465 24 Oct Mondrecourt 25 NE St. Dizer
GO JIG 11 Q250510 25 Nov Benigen 7 S St. Avold
GO JIG 12 Q303723 12 Dec Differten 8 N St. Avold
GO KING 6 Y785353 22 Sep Musson 7 S Metz
GO KING 7 U882933 18 Oct Voillecompte 9 S St. Dizer
GO KING 8 Q131446 20 Nov Mang 18 E Metz
GO KING 9 Q216822 6 Dec Gisingen 12 N St. Avold
GO LOVE 6 U783426 22 Sep Bouxieres 8 SE Metz
GO LOVE 7 U816307 27 Sep Ste. Genevieve 14 S Metz
GO LOVE 8 U094009 30 Sep Brauvilliers 13 NE Thionville
GO LOVE 9 U731520 18 Oct Gorze 14 NE Thionville
GO LOVE 10 U963514 21 Nov Bazoncourt 8 SW Metz
GO LOVE 11 Q185851 6 Dec Kerprici 15 N St. Avold
COMPANY C
GO MIKE 5 P869109 23 Sep Contern * 5 N Thionville
GO MIKE 6 P928061 28 Sep Delheim * 5 N Thionville
GO MIKE 7 P928056 29 Sep Delheim * 5 N Thionville
GO MIKE 8 P975075 2 Oct Bons * 6 NE Thionville
GO MIKE 10 U800791 18 Oct Famek 5 SW Thionville
GO MIKE 11 U855913 21 Nov Hettange 2 N Thionville
GO MIKE 13 Q087978 8 Dec Biischdorf * 7 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 5 P919130 23 Sep Derange * 7 N Thionville
GO OBOE 6 P971131 28 Sep Conach * 8 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 7 P927067 29 Sep Delheim * 8 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 9 U914909 10 Oct Cattenom 2 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 10 U855913 14 Oct Entrange 2 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 11 Q024980 25 Nov Perl * 6 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 12 Q042980 27 Nov Perl * 6 NE Thionville
GO OBOE 13 Q065983 28 Nov Perl * 7 NE Thionville
GO PETER 5 P924066 23 Sep Delheim * 8 NE Thionville
GO PETER 6 P995142 28 Sep Beyren * 8 NE Thionville
GO PETER 7 U793893 12 Oct Angevillers 2 W Thionville
GO PETER 8 U843851 26 Oct Terville 1 W Thionville
GO PETER 9 U980800 24 Nov Kedange 4 E Thionville
GO PETER 10 Q100852 27 Nov Waldwelstroff 6 E Thionville
GO PETER 11 Q063862 3 Dec Laumesfeldcroix 6 E Thionville
GO PETER 12 Q087478 7 Dec Arriance 7 E Metz
GO QUEEN 5 P874055 23 Sep Roeser * 5 N Thionville
GO QUEEN 6 P927067 28 Sep Dellheim * 5 N Thionville
GO QUEEN 7 P989038 29 Sep Wellenstein * 5 N Thionville
GO QUEEN 8 U942961 10 Oct Fixem 3 N Thionville
GO QUEEN 9 U937962 21 Oct Fixem 7 NE Thionville
GO QUEEN 10 Q025888 24 Nov Sierck 10 E Thionville
GO QUEEN 11 L060006 7 Dec Borg * 7 NE Thionville
GO ROGER 5 P919130 23 Sep Syren * 17 N Thionville
GO ROGER 6 P925095 28 Sep Syren * 15 N Thionville
GO ROGER 7 P975075 28 Sep Bons * 15 N Thionville
GO ROGER 8 P989038 29 Sep Wallenstein * 13 NE Thionville
GO ROGER 9 P898038 29 Sep Frisange * 10 N Thionville
GO ROGER 10 P977199 2 Oct Flaxweiler * 21 N Thionville
GO ROGER 11 P974113 15 Oct Conach * 18 NW Thionville
GO ROGER 12 P933119 21 Oct Derange * 16 N Thionville
GO ROGER 13 U909919 22 Nov Cattenom 4 NE Thionville
GO ROGER 14 U908923 24 Nov Cattenom 4 NE Thionville
GO ROGER 15 Q189909 7 Dec Mondf 21 N St. Avold
HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
GO SUGAR 5 U821164 22 Sep Frouard 5 NW Nancy
GO SUGAR 6 U830170 29 Sep Frouard 5 NW Nancy
GO SUGAR 7 U821164 2 Oct Champignuelles 5 NW Nancy
GO SUGAR 8 U834291 19 Nov Laudremont 11 N Nancy
GO SUGAR 9 Q123234 26 Nov Morville 17 NE Nancy
GO SUGAR 10 Q344272 7 Dec Rohrbach 20 S St. Avold
GO TARE 6 U863157 22 Sep Champignuelles 3 N Nancy
GO TARE 7 U815110 29 Sep Nancy 3 W Nancy
GO TARE 8 U817316 2 Oct St. Genevieve 10 N Nancy
GO TARE 9 U999348 15 Oct Alaincourt 15 NE Nancy
GO TARE 10 Q190138 20 Nov Moncourt 21 E Nancy
GO TARE 11 Q164364 21 Nov Baronville 26 NE Nancy
GO TARE 12 Q360444 27 Nov Diffenbach 10 SE St. Avold
GO TARE 13 Q431380 7 Dec Hunkirch 16 SE St. Avold
GO TARE 14 Q587527 14 Dec Wolfingen 21 E St. Avold
GO UNCLE 6 U863157 22 Sep Champigneulles 3 NE St. Avold
GO UNCLE 7 U916153 29 Sep Agincourt 4 NE Nancy
GO UNCLE 8 U908151 20 Oct Agincourt 4 NE Nancy
GO UNCLE 9 Q170299 19 Nov Obreck 21 NE Nancy
GO UNCLE 10 Q236312 24 Nov Liedersingen 15 S St. Avold
GO UNCLE 11 Q401360 27 Nov Munster 16 SE St. Avold
GO UNCLE 12 Q371340 2 Dec Dorsweiler 16 S St. Avold
GO UNCLE 13 Q542458 8 Dec Herbitzheim 20 E St. Avold
GO VICTOR 6 U816119 22 Sep Nancy 3 W Nancy
GO VICTOR 7 U908151 2 Oct Siechamps 4 NE Nancy
GO VICTOR 8 U980070 16 Oct Haroucourt 8 E Nancy
GO VICTOR 9 Q170138 20 Nov Bessingen 19 E Nancy
GO VICTOR 10 Q189136 21 Nov Moncourt 20 E Nancy
GO VICTOR 11 Q353162 27 Nov Lungenberg 32 E Nancy
GO VICTOR 12 Q570317 7 Dec Gung 26 SE St. Avold
GO VICTOR 13 Q141413 14 Dec Brulange 11 SW St. Avold
GO WILLIAM 5 U825074 22 Sep Vandoeuvre 1 SE Nancy
GO WILLIAM 6 U992055 29 Sep Haraucourt 8 E Nancy
GO WILLIAM 7 U916223 2 Oct Leyr 9 NE Nancy
GO WILLIAM 8 Q179249 20 Nov St. Medard 21 E Nancy
GO WILLIAM 9 Q417296 26 Nov Mittersheim 21 SE St. Avold
GO WILLIAM 10 Q463277 27 Nov Finstingen 28 SE St. Avold
GO WILLIAM 11 Q403274 27 Nov Mittersheim 18 SE St. Avold
GO WILLIAM 12 Q495273 2 Dec Finstingen 21 SE St. Avold
GO WILLIAM 13 Q696436 14 Dec Mombrann 12 E St. Avold

 

Oct 6
In the Third Army the XX Corps task force gained control of the northeast and the southwest corners of Fort Driant.
XIX TAC flew close support of the Third Army and claimed 21 railroad lines cut and 117 railroad cars, 6 motor transports, 9 locomotives, 24 gun installations, 3 highway bridges, 7 ammunition dumps and 20 tanks and armored vehicles destroyed or damaged.
Oct 7
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 83rd Infantry Division takes Echternach.
In the 563rd ground observer post Tare reported a German convoy near Alaibcourt which was about 1 1/2 miles southwest of their location near that town. Records show that post Tare got the quickest response on an enemy target to that date and received a Fighter-Bomber strike within 3 minutes of the report. And one has to remark that the strike came in the niche of time because the enemy convoy was in the process of enclosing them to say nothing of the havoc the enemy could have caused in behind our main line of resistance. On October 7th the 738th Signal Air Warning Company reported that T/Sgt Jay F. Lee was transferred to the 70th R.C.D. for shipment home to the States. Before he joined that organiza- tion in April of 1944 he had served in Iceland for over 2 1/2 years. On October 8th the 738th Signal Air Warning Company also were notified that Lt. Allen B. Reppert was promoted to 1st Lt.
XIX TAC flew 402 sorties, destroying or damaging 187 railroad cars, 19 gun installations, 33 military installations, 83 miscella- neous naval vessels and cutting 30 railroad lines.
Oct 8
In the Third Army's XII Corps area, after an hour of prepa- ratory fire, begins a drive to the Seille river. The 6th Armored Division makes the main effort and reaches Moivron.
In the 563rd FDP5 was moved from Nonsard to Villers-En-Haye which is about 12 miles north west of Nancy. This site was selected because of the concealment provided the radar but it had the disadvantage of having a blind spot in the lower beam of the radar in the southwest sector. This limited the usefulness in this area. FDP3 reported interference on the Ground Observer FM frequency. Two outside stations whose call signs were Jig and Baker Prime were dead on GO3 network frequency, they played music to each other. The men reported that they enjoyed the music but could not hear the ground observers reports.
XIX TAC flew 311 sorties and attacked enemy airdromes and military installations. A total of 45 German planes were destroyed or damaged on the ground, and among other claims were 40 gun installations, 39 military installations and one ammunition dump.
Oct 9
In the Third Army it was decided to break off the costly attack on Fort Driant.
In the 563rd Company C reported a source of V-1 and V-2 launches spotted 8 miles from GO3 Post Mike which is located at Fixem which is about 7 miles southeast of Luxembourg City. The V-2 rises 10,000 feet then heads west. Post Roger who is located at Flaxweiller which is 10 miles northeast of Luxembourg City reported V-1 launches on October 9th.
XIX TAC had adverse weather conditions preventing flying.
Oct 10
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 35th Infantry Division clears the enemy from Fosieux.
In the 563rd GO3 reported that Post Queen captured a German soldier. The Post were looking for a suitable bivouac area and were close to an abandoned village. They were looking into a house when one of hem spotted the German walking down the street toward them. One of the men aimed his tommy gun at the German who promptly surrendered. By interrogation of the prisoner they found that he was one of a party or seven who had an officer with them. They reported that the other six were still at large. GO3 moved Post Oboe to Cattenon and Post Queen to Fixem.
XIX TAC had Poor weather which precluded aerial operations.
Oct 11
In the Third Army Tactical reconnaissance reported that the Germans were entrenching and constructing defense positions along the high ground east of the Seille River in the vicinity of Clemery in the XII Corps area. This activity was exactly the type of warfare that had evolved during World War I and was just what General Patton had warned against. At Fort Driant the Germans began using disabled tanks as outposts and placing harassing fire on the Third Army troops.(see Editors note 13 below)
XIX TAC area weather improved somewhat, flew 124 sorties in 10 missions. XIX TAC found four targets and managed to cut 3 railroad lines and damage or destroy 33 gun installations, 6 military installations and 6 small naval vessels.
Oct 12
The German's began flooding the areas in the zone of ad- vancement immediately in front of the Third Army.
In the 563rd Company B was moved to Racourt which is 12 miles north of St. Dizier and they set up FDP1 there with a mission of covering the rear areas of XIX TAC airdromes by radar. The move of Company B was ordered by the XIX TAC to provide security for the large concentration of headquarters which included the 100th Fighter Wing, Third Army and the XIX TAC. They left Vignuelles and traveled 45 miles to set up the site which was operating five hours later. They also tied the FDP control center with the AAA control center. GO3 moved Post Peter to Angevillers.
XIX TAC flew 207 sorties in 18 missions. XIX TAC claimed 14 railroad lines cut, 36 railroad cars, 23 locomotives, 38 gun installations and 13 military installations damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC headquarters was moved to Nancy setting up in large military caserns. Third Army headquarters moved to the same locale and this was the first time that both headquarters were located in the same city. Aircraft of the 406th Group successfully attacked a number of similar targets in that area at the time of the forced withdrawal of the XX Corps. Also on October 12th the 378th Squadron of the 362nd Fighter Group destroyed four command posts southeast of Chateau-Salins.
Oct 13
In the 563rd Battery C of the 132nd AAA Battalion was tied into FDP3 communications center to receive early warning from the FDP1 filter board. They had a SCR-584 of their own and they pick up the close targets that point out to them. The battery has four 90-mm guns.
In the XIX TAC one of the more notable achievements of the XIX TAC was scored on October 20th, when it had been decided to break the Etang-de-Lindre Dam south of Dieuze in order to forestall such an action by the enemy for the purpose of obstructing a later ad- vance by the U.S. The P-47's of the 362nd Group breached the dam with several direct hits by 1,000 pound bombs. This like so much else undertaken on the Third Army front in October, however, was
(Editors Note 13) During this period the value of the Ground Observers in a World War I type of operation was becoming apparent because their mission was similar to the mission of the Artillery "Spotters" except they assisted support from the Fighter Bombers. At that time I remember the men relating how they were situated to look over the enemy ground activity and reporting on the spot move- ments of tanks, vehicles and troops. They often exchanged voice messages over their radio through the TCC Filterers and the TCC controllers direct to the Fighter Bomber Pilots. They were also able to feed back the results of the mission. The static condition caused by mud and water impairment of roads and the presence of permanent fortifications set up the World War I conditions exactly and the Germans were taking advantage of it. in preparation for offensive action that could not yet be taken.
Ninth Air Force directives of the 5th and 8th of October had greatly expanded the interdiction program and effected extensive changes in the assigned rail lines between the several commands concerned. The inner line interdiction was extended to cover 25 roads, 17 of which lay west and eight east of the Rhine River. Fighter-bombers of XIX TAC were directed to accent their effort on eight lines in front of Third Army's sector of operation in the general area of Coblenz, Hermeskeil, Kaiserslautern and Landau and ten roads. It was perhaps a token of the declining hope for an early Allied breakthrough that the previous prohibition of air attack on railroad bridges west of the Rhine from Grevenbroich in the north through Eukirchen, Ahrweiler, Mayen, Simmern, Kaiser- slautern, and Nonnweiler in the south were now declared subject for destruction. Ten days later rail and road bridges across the Rhine were added to the program. Also between October 5th and 8th the XII Corps was regrouping and the XIX TAC began a systematic bombing of the German strongholds, Moivron, Jeandelaincourt and Mount St. Jean and on October 8th three squadrons of P-47's went to work on the German reserves and line of communications, dropping 864 fragmentation bombs on the Bois Dit-la-Fourasse where the main enemy troop assembly area was and also bombing the Seille bridge at Nomeny.
Oct 14
In the Third Army the Germans continued to shift troops in both the foreword and rear area of the XX Corps.
In the 563rd. GO3 moved Post Oboe to Entrange. LW4 moved to Budivilles which is about 12 miles southeast of Nancy and LW2 moved to Lanenvill-Au-Pont near St Dizier.
XIX TAC carried out 230 sorties in 19 missions, clearly having more success than the Third Army. XIX TAC cut 25 railroad lines and destroyed or damaged 207 railroad cars, 41 motor transports, 24 locomotives, 16 military installations, 1 fuel dump and 9 tanks and armored cars. XIX TAC attacked a total of 11 marshaling yards
Oct 15
In the Third Army area at this particular time there was very little ground activity as there was a shortage of artillery ammunition and all artillery ammunition supplies above 3 inch was frozen. As of 1500 the XII Corps area the 26th Infantry Division has taken over the front line and their area AAA shot down two ME- 109's in the afternoon, one crashed at their feet and the other went over the nearby hill in flames.
In the 563rd the XIX TAC field order gave credit to what they called "the air warning network" for furnishing information on the approaching enemy aircraft. Pfc James E. Rymer was killed in action at 0015 hours. He was a member of Love Post of Company B ground observer platoon. At the time of his death the post was located near Gorze, France, overlooking the part of the Third Army front line near Fort Driant, in the vicinity of Metz. During the early morning hours of October 14th American forces were withdrawn from their positions inside and near Fort Driant in order to bye- pass the almost impenetrable fortifications and continue the attack. The Germans took advantage of the withdrawal by bringing up some artillery, probably Tiger tanks, under cover of darkness sometime before 2000 hours on October 14th. At approximately 2000 hours, this enemy artillery group fired shells into the vicinity of Love post, with the probable intention of shelling the town of Gorze. At that time all members of Love post took shelter in the cellar of the house where their post was established. The barrage lasted for a very short time and the men remained in the cellar until after 2200 hours when Standley, Qualman and Rymer of Love station returned to their beds to sleep. When the shelling started again Tech/5th Standley awakened both Tech/5th Qualman and Rymer and told them to take cover again in the cellar. Qualman had already reached the cellar and Rymer was on his hands and knees in a crawling position when a shell struck a tree just outside the house and Rymer was hit by a piece of shrapnel and as Standley was just climbing into the hole to the cellar he was knocked down by the force of the explosion. The piece of shrapnel that hit Pfc Rymer just about tore both of his legs off and entered his body in the lower intestines. he lived just a few minutes. The men at the post made every effort to get medical assistance for Rymer, hoping that there might be something that could be done to help him. Through a series of unfortunate circumstance such as telephone communications being cut and being pinned down by a later artillery barrage, it was at least an hour before Rymer's body was brought to the attention of the medics. At daybreak the men took Pfc Rymer to post George which was the net control station of the ground observer platoon and then to Battalion Headquarters where arrangements were made for the burial of the body. Although Pfc Rymer died within minutes and nothing could have been done to change that his buddies were hoping against hope that they could save him. Lt. Richard L. Viergever was appointed Battalion Communications Officer and Lt. Janek was relieved because of injuries and hospitalization. Lt. John Nolan was appointed to the Battalion Post Exchange Council and Lt. Paul Rapp was relieved of that duty. On page 189 a typical deployment of a Ground Observer platoon is shown. This is a site map of GO1 Ground Observer platoon of Company A along a line from Thionville on the north to Pont-A-Mousson on the south. This shows the line as it was on October 15th. GO3 moved Post Roger to Conach. GO1 moved Post Able to Gorz, Post Baker to Lorry Mardigny, Post Charley to Musson, Post Dog to Piervillers. GO3 moved Post Roger to Conach. GO4 moved Post Tare to Alaincourt. Company C announced the appointment of Lt. Benjamin F. Guttenberger as Company Intelligence Officer and Lt. Clair B. Watson was relieved of that duty also Lt. Charles A. Stewart was designated as Company C unit Historical Officer.
In the XIX TAC the daily situation report included a Flash that the XII Corps reported the following:
"In the 26th Infantry Division area AAA shot down two ME-109's one crashed at their feet and the went over the hill in flames and that the Air Warning Net furnished the information on the enemy aircraft approaching".
The XIX TAC was active attacking bridges and rail lines and were notably successful during October 13th and 14th. During this period fighter-bombers also struck at marshaling yards on virtually every day that they were able to fly and they also kept watch for targets along the highways. The IX and XIX TAC's, which together accounted for the major portion of the month's air sorties, claimed the destruction of 393 military transport, 316 armored vehicles and tanks, 493 locomotives and 1,755 railroad cars. But, despite these substantial claims, effective isolation of a given battle area was nowhere achieved. That this was the case was attributable to the enemy's extraordinary ability to effect rapid repairs on damaged lines, yards and bridges, the exceedingly dense network or rails which enabled the use of alternate route and the inability of the fighter-bombers, because of the weather to maintain the continuous policy action which a successful interdiction program required. That Company A Ground Observer Platoon the enemy was able to escape the full penalty without the benefit of air coverage is suggestive of the other advantages he enjoyed.
Much of the reconnaissance effort was spent in endeavors to locate weak spots in the enemy's line of fortification. To this end, the photo reconnaissance squadrons mapped the entire Siegfried and Maginot lines and defensive positions which the enemy had constructed along the Moselle, Saar, Rhine and other rivers. Fighter-bombers attacked stores and fuel dumps, gun positions, barracks and headquarters, fortified villages and river and canal shipping. The fighter-bombers also flew escort for the heavy bombers. The total sorties flown by the Ninth Air force aircraft in October was 21,120 and showed a marked decrease from September's 25,843. Encounters with enemy aircraft took place on relatively few days, despite the fact that the enemy was steadily increasing his front-line strength of fighters. The month's claims of German aircraft destroyed amounted to 172 while the Ninth's own losses were 177 which is a loss accounted for almost entirely by the enemy's concentrated antiaircraft defenses.
Oct 16
In the Third Army the 90th Infantry Division continued house to house and hand to hand fighting in Maizierfes-les-Metz.
In the 563rd GO3 Post Queen reported a Robot plane at 1315 hours going very high and very fast. GO1 moved Post Fox to Verneville. GO4 moved Post Victor to Haroucourt.
XIX TAC was grounded due to bad weather.
Oct 17
In the Third Army gasoline rations are reduced 25 percent.
In the 563rd a German rocket was reported by GO3 Post Queen at 1005 hours and another at 1415 hours.
XIX TAC was mostly grounded by bad weather. Forty sorties were flown with light claims being made.
Oct 18
In the 563rd Company B was ordered to withdraw GO2 ground observer platoon from their positions along the Moselle River and placed in the vicinity of St. Dizier to provide perimeter security for the XIX TAC airport located there. As a result of this Company A readjusted GO1 platoon to a line extending from Hanconcourt to Pont-A-Mousson which was a line of about 27 miles. GO2 moved Post George moved to Chantonrapt, Post How and Jig moved to Triaucourt, Post King to Voillecompte and Post Love to Gorze. GO3 moved Post Mike to Famek. 16 Grounded due to bad weather.
XIX TAC had Thirty-four sorties carried out but no targets were found due to adverse weather conditions.
Oct 19
In the 563rd FDP4 reported extremely bad weather in the early morning, but toward noon we began to get some activity in our sector and at 1220 Hours we picked up a flight dropping Window which affected the Type 11 Radar from 010 degrees to 0650 degrees. This was reported and the proper forms were filled out and forwarded to the TCC. At 2100 hours the TCC identified several of our tracks as hostile and we concentrated on these tracks in spite of considerable interference and jamming from 20 degrees to 360 degrees.
XIX TAC had bad weather again that hampered flying allowing only 78 sorties with very light claims. As a halt in the advances on all fronts approached, the four TAC's received instructions giving interdiction a priority over all other commitments. Most of the 315 rail cuts claimed by aircraft of XIX TAC were made on the railways in the general vicinity of Trier and Coblenz in the north, Kaiserslautern and Landau in the east, and Pirmasens, Saarbrucken, and Strasbourg in the south. Rail and road bridges were frequently attacked. However, bridge locations over the numerous water bar- riers or in the deep defiles of the Saar, Rhine, and other rivers made attacks on them difficult, since often they were hidden by mist or covered by clouds. The 33 bridges attacked during the month resulted in pilot claims of 17 destroyed.
Oct 20
In the 563rd, GO4 reported that Pfc Marcinkiewicz was killed in an automobile accident, while his traveling companion, Sgt Bertran A. Robinson, suffered a Broken back. Both were transferred to the 75th Field Hospital, Marcinkiewicz dying on the way. Both were members of the GO4 Ground Observer Platoon. Earlier in the month Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill was attached to Company D and returned on October 20th with two SCR-584 radar and after a quick overhauling they were put into operation as LW radar. As a Battalion expert on microwave radar, Lt. Wetherill was frequently detached to pick up equipment and crews and then re-attached to place them in operation. GO4 moved Post Uncle to Agincourt. FDP4 reported the weather was poor and there was little activity in our sector until about 0900 hours. We tracked all aircraft we saw until we were ordered to shut down while an artillery outfit tested a new 90-mm gun on a nearby fort. After the firing we resumed operations and sent in all information we were able to get. When Company C was moved to do airport security duty at St. Dizer their GO2 Ground Observer Platoon was withdrawn and Company A extended the line of their GO1 Ground Observer Platoon to cover the area and their disposition is shown on Site Map D on the following page.
XIX TAC flew 245 sorties in 20 missions. XIX TAC cut 24 railroad lines, destroyed or damaged 57 railroad cars, 70 motor transports, 12 locomotives and 5 military installations. XIX TAC attacked and destroyed a raft on the Seille River.
Oct 21
In the Third Army the 26th Infantry Division launched a small attack to Moncourt and gained 2,000 yards. G-2 intelligence reported that a large railway gun which had been shelling Nancy with 240-mm shells was in the German held railroad shops in Metz for repairs. A pilot of the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group adjusted a 155-mm gun battalion upon the shops and 140 rounds were fired for effect. Sixty of these rounds were fired under close observation. The firing was concluded with 6 rounds of white phosphorus shells, which caused large fires. An intelligence report indicated demolition of the gun, 22 cannoneer casualties and complete wreckage of the area.
[Editors Note--- A GO2 Ground Observer Platoon Post Love was located near Gorz on 15 October and it was there that Pfc James E. Rymer was killed in action.}
In the 563rd LW4 moved to Serres which is 5 miles east of Nancy. The French towns-people secured a barn and all the men were housed inside. On that date both BACU1 and BACU2 were assigned to the 563rd Battalion and located near Manonville which is about 14 miles north west of Nancy. LW5 was located near Bouvron which is about 8 miles north of Toul. LW6 was located near Viterne which is about 6 miles southeast of Toul. LW7 was located near Vieville-en- Haye which is about 18 miles north of Toul and LW8 was located near Dainville which is about 20 miles southwest of Toul. GO3 moved Post Queen 0.5 Km further west at Fixum and Post Roger from Conach to Derange.
The XIX TAC flew 174 sorties with average damage and de- struction claimed.
Oct 22
In the 12th Army Group General Bradley announced that the forthcoming offensive would hinge on the weather conditions rather than on a specific date.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Able to Vandalainville.
XIX TAC flew 152 sorties, cutting 16 railroad lines and damaging or destroying 89 railroad cars, 53 motor transports, 18 locomotives and 5 gun installation.
Oct 23
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Fox to Roncourt.
XIX TAC had no missions due to bad weather.
Oct 24
In the Third Army General Patton reported that gasoline reserves, in spite of rationing, were down to less than two days of combat.
In the 563rd GO2 moved Post Jig to Mondrecourt.
XIX TAC had no missions due to bad weather
Oct 25
In the 563rd the 16th AAA Group tied into FDP3 communications center and the 129th AAA moved to a new location. FDP3 also reported that the 109th Battalion AAA guns shot down a JU-88 over the Luxembourg City by means of .50 Caliber machine guns. GO1 moved Post Fox to Verneville.
XIX TAC had bad weather which limited flying to 44 sorties but XIX TAC did manage to cut 9 railroad lines and to damage or destroy 28 railroad cars and 12 gun installations.
Oct 26
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Peter to Terville.
XIX TAC flew 9 missions totaling 226 sorties. In addition to the 27 railroad lines cut, there were 15 locomotives, 9 military installations, 3 highway bridges and 2 miscellaneous naval vessels damaged or destroyed.
Oct 27
In the 563rd LW5, LW6, LW7 and LW8 were put into action for the first time. Company D reported in at the same location as LW5 near Bouvron and this was the first time they had reported in since they were assigned to the Antiaircraft Artillery in England. LW6 moved to Germiny and LW7 moved to Vieville-En-Haye. Company D Headquarters moved to Trondes which is about 5 miles north and west of Toul.
XIX TAC was grounded due to unfavorable weather.
Oct 28
On October 28th the Line of ground observer posts were in position along a line from Moulford, Luxembourg which is about 6 miles east of Luxembourg City down to Haraucourt which is about 7 miles east of Nancy. This was a line of about 95 miles for GO1, GO3 and GO4 and was adjusted to compensate for the withdrawal of GO2 which was on security duty at St. Dizier airport. On October 29th a barrage of the German artillery was concentrated on Third Army tanks and vehicles. GO1 post Baker was hit and 2 vehicles were damaged and no personnel were injured. The barrage reoccurred at 10 minute intervals for a period of 3 hours. FDP1 reported their Ground Observer Posts locations were currently Post Able at Vandalainville, Post Baker at Lorry Mardignay, Post Charley at Mousson, Post Dog at Honconcourt and Post Fox at St. Privat-e-Mont.
XIX TAC claimed the damaging or destroying of 219 railroad cars, 65 motor transports, 33 locomotives, 31 military installa- tions, and 5 highway bridges in addition to the cutting of 25 railroad lines in 241 sorties in 11 missions.
Oct 29
In the 563rd GO1 Platoon reported that an German Artillery barrage was laid on a concentration of Third Army tanks and vehicles and Post Baker was in the barrage area. None of the men were injured but two vehicles were damaged. The German barrage occurred in ten minute intervals over a period of three hours. FDP4 reported that the weather was good in their sector and they had a calibration flight in the afternoon in which we tracked and logged. The Ground Observers reported a British plane in distress at 1850 hours and we notified the TCC. All stations were alerted so as to give all possible assistance, but nothing further was heard from the aircraft. S/Sgt Riley O. Hill was transferred in from the 134th Replacement Battalion and assigned to headquarters Company.
XIX TAC fighter bomber combat planes had one of their best days yet. In 17 missions totaling 419 sorties, XIX TAC attacked enemy aircraft, marshaling yards, railroads and gun positions. Four hundred and seven tons of bombs were dropped and 100 German fighters were engaged in the air. Twenty-four of the Germans were shot out of the sky while the XIX TAC lost only 6 planes. Before the end of the missions 5 bridges, 59 locomotives, 156 railroad cars and 13 motor cars were destroyed as well as 9 marshaling yards and 22 military installations. On this date one Fighter Group was assigned to the First Army.
Oct 30
In the 563rd FDP4 reported there was very little air activity during the day but towards evening the weather cleared and a bright moon came out at 1900 hours. There were a great many aircraft up and large flights of Bombers were traced across the sector. The operators had to read through considerable jamming, but they managed to track all flights successfully including several hostile aircraft tho attempted to follow in on the tail end of the Bomber flights. We are now connected with an Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion and they are giving us information on flights. Lt. Paul E. Rapp submitted the following operational report and contains a history of this Platoon from 20 July 1944 through 15 October 1944. This Platoon was a provisional unit formed from the GCI Radar Platoon of Headquarters Company. FDP4 was part of Headquarters Company and was the responsibility of the Headquarters Company Commander for administration, supplies and rations. Lt. Rapp was the commanding Officer of the FDP and the Heavy Radar Platoon was commanded by Lt. Frank Van Camp and the LW4 Platoon commanded by Lt. George B. Dorroh. Normally a FDP is contained in a Company which includes a Ground Observer Platoon. FDP4 did not include a GO platoon because the Headquarters Company Ground Observer Platoon GO4 was attached to Company A, B, or C depending on the tactical situation. Although FDP4 had an information center to report back to the TCC there was not sufficient equipment or personnel to form an organization such as the Radar Companies. In the latter part of September 1944 FDP4 had most of the responsibilities of an FDP including communications, Plotting and Filtering and Aircraft controllers.
Lt. Rapp's Report
Subject: Operational reports of Signal Corps Units
To: Commanding Officer, Hq & Hq Co, 563rd Signal AW Bn.
1. Forwarded herewith is a detailed report of operations as requested, covering a period from our landing on the continent to 2400 hours, 25 October 1944.
2. Augmentation of this report can be made from a check of DF and VHF logs of the 312th Fighter Control Squadron.
3. This station has operated as a GCI4 until 1 September 1944, at which time it was reclassified as FDP4. Filter Personnel were attached to the unit at that time.
4. Air Corps personnel were detached from this station on 28 September 1944.
5. Following is the date and time of each radar, DF, VHF assist and each GCI mission including nature and results. (The Log of all DF and VHF assists are in possession of the 312th Fighter Control Squadron.
(FDP4 was located at Gouberville, France from July 12 thru Aug 7)
20 July (1600 hours) Monitored bombing mission which was controlled by TCC. Set worked beautifully and throughout mission we tracked our flight. Code name of flight not available.
23 July (1145 hours) Controlled mission of two flights and returned them to base. Practice mission. Red and Blue Fights
23 July (1915 hours) Again controlled red and blue flights and returned them to base. Scouting Mission
28 July (1457 hours) Picked up 44 aircraft at rendezvous points. Tracked them off our scope and at 1520 hours picked up return flight. Landed them at their base at 1620 hours
31 July (1120 hours) Monitored mission controlled by TCC. Followed mission off scope. Returned planes to base at 1250 hours.
3 Aug (1000 hours) Picked up air sea rescue party which was in trouble 10 miles north of Cherbourg. Track faded after five minutes and we were unable to pick them up again. (FDP4 was located at Las Faroulais, France from Aug 8 thru Aug 26)
13 Aug (1415 hours) Controlled flight of eight fighter bombers (Gatepost leader) to target. (town of St. Guildes de Bois). Next a new flight of eight to same town. (Exhaust Leader). Returned flights to base. Center of town demolished. Mission Successful.
14 Aug (0630 hours) Assisted in controlling bombing missions to Brest, Vannes and Ill De Cezembre. Poor Weather. Impossible to determine results of missions.
24 Aug (1400 hours) Tacked four hostile aircraft in and out of our area but because of lack of VHF we were unable to attempt an interception.
25 Aug (1150 hours) Tracked flight of four aircraft which appeared to be in distress. a P-51 crashed 1/2 mile from site. Pilot parachuted to safety ( FDP4 was located at Le Courdray Laugbe from Aug 27 thru Aug 31)
30 Aug (1145 hours) By request of TCC we contacted and tracked red leader across our scope.
(FDP4 was located at Bouveron, France from Sep 16 thru Nov 11)
21 Sep (1000 hours) Controlled Dumpling White and Dumpling Blue on interception in Metz area. An MF-110 had been reported in the area. However interceptors found all planes in area to be friendly.
21 Sep (1420) Controlled flight of fighter bombers on bombing and strafing mission near Epinal. Large enemy vehicular convoy moving slowly in area. Planes sighted target but Ripsaw asked for mission so it was taken from us and vectored on a different course.
6. The following is taken from the information center log 3 Oct (1250 hours) Ground observer net Fleetwood sent in visual of 15 hostile vehicles eight miles northeast of station proceeding northeast. Relayed to Duckpond.
3 Oct (1330 hours) Ground Observer net sent in visual of hostile convoy going northeast of station and proceeding north no visible action taken
4 Oct (1730 hours) Ground observer net reports hostile action in following location Alincourt U-977343, Forille U-9655361, Liocourt U-975353, and troop train at U-980350
4 Oct (1740 hours) LW4 reports SOS, azimuth 190 degrees and range of 23 miles.
7 Oct (1000 hours) Ground Observer net Fleetwood reported enemy activity. Two lead tanks, 15 horse drawn vehicles followed by a company of infantry loading on train at Nomeny U-8932.
7 Oct (1007) Action taken. Fleetwood reports Thunderbolt (LB-4) strafing enemy at Nomeny
7 Oct (1010 hours) Operation successful
7 Oct (1050 hours) Fleetwood reports enemy activity with troops leaving Nomeny heading toward Avricourt. Action taken.
7 Oct (1324 hours) Fleetwood reports 25 hostile vehicles. Some horse drawn in U-889377. Action taken
7 Oct (1610 hours) Sent message to TCC by T/4 Blackburn asking for planes to take action on pill boxes and enemy concentrations at Serrieres U-865280. Requested by an artillery officer through Lt. Duncan. Also called in to TCC by FM the pinpoints on above mentioned pillboxes. Action taken.
8 Oct (1802 hours) Stations tare and Sugar reported 10 to 15 hostile tanks going south 1380 yards from their stations towards St. Martin, U-947357.
10 Oct (1445 hours) Sugar reports two ME-109's overhead
10 Oct (1448 hours) Uncle Post two ME-109's going southeast
10 Oct (1453 hours) LW4 reports two hostile aircraft going southeast
13 Oct (1310 hours) Fleetwood reports at U-967378 1,000 yards northeast of Vulmont, 500 cattle, 8 horse drawn vehicles and 5 heavy trucks with trailers, trucks in with cattle and setting up guns.
13 Oct (1410 hours) Our planes now strafing area
13 Oct (1425 hours) Fleetwood reports supply trucks of enemy constantly using highway crossing northwest of Vulmont and hiding under trees along the road when our planes are overhead.
13 Oct (1440 hours) Believed to be taken care of
13 Oct (1603 hours) Fleetwood reports 12 horse drawn vehicles south of Vulmont, 1,000 yards and trucks 400 yards east of Vulmont.
13 Oct (1645 hours) Three horse drawn vehicles going north on highway out of Vulmont U-968379.
13 Oct (1700 hours) Fleetwood reports 50 hostile vehicles at U- 964385
13 Oct (1720 hours) Fleetwood reports German truck at U-969379 going northeast.
13 Oct (1725 hours) Fleetwood reports another large vehicle about same place as above.
14 Oct (0031 hours) Had t-7 north of FDP4. looked like "Zippo". Reported to TCC.
14 Oct (1945 hours) LW4 reports one hostile aircraft overhead going northwest being fired upon by Ack-Ack.
15 Oct (1330 hours) LW4 reports one ME-109 at 200 feet strafing position.
15 Oct (1331 hours) LW4 reports one ME-109 shot down 100 feet from site
7. Following is a record of the performance of the radar units.
A. Type 11 radar: This unit has given excellent results with a minimum of trouble. On 10 Oct the mechanical turning gear in the antenna trailer broke. It was replaced on 12 Oct with a new trailer including transmitter. Most noticeable troubles have been in breakdown of diode C-58 in receiver 152 and filter system in PPI circuit. On several occasions this set has operated almost constantly for a period of weeks with no trouble.
B. Type 15 radar: Results from this set were poor since it was issued to us. Before leaving England a technical expert from the RAF worked with us completely overhauling the equipment. His decision was that the convoy should be replaced. On 12 oct we were issued a new transmitter. After overhauling this new convoy we have been getting much better results. At present, 25 Oct, we are operating favorably and operation compares with that of type 11 Radar. Basic faults in type 15 radar have been found to be in antenna matching and signal circuits.
8. Following is the performance of radios by type
A. Link 1488 FM Transmitters-Receiver: These radios have been used both as standby and principal means of communication with TCC and out-posts. They have performed well with only an occasional fault. these faults appeared generally after a move. Very few deviations from R5-S5 communications at all times.
B. 18Q: These radios have been used as CW standby units. They have provided a minimum standard of standby communication. Average readability R3-S3. Battalion communications section unable to improve it. One 18Q is not operational due to lack of spare parts, list has been submitted to S-4.
C.610: One 610 radio is used as standby with ground observer #4. On the few occasions it was needed and on regulars tests it functioned well, providing R5-S5 communication
9. Performance of Signal Corps and British Radar power units.
A. Lister Diesel power plant 20KVA 230V 50 cycle: These units are the main source of power for both type 15 and type 11 radar. They have given a minimum of trouble with only one power failure since arriving in France. The cooling system has given the most difficulty.
B. PE75: This unit provides standby power for radios. It was installed for this purpose on 15 Oct and has performed perfectly since then.
16 Oct Raining with low cloud base. There was very little air activity in our area
17 Oct Weather began to clear in the early morning and in the afternoon there were quite a few aircraft up. At that time these were a good many friendly flights in our area.
18 Oct The weather closed in again and there was no activity in our sector.
19 Oct Extremely bad weather in early morning, but toward noon we began to get some activity in our sector. At 1220 hours we picked up a flight dropping window which affected type 11 from 020 degrees to 060 degrees. This was reported and the proper forms were filled out and forwarded to Fighter Control Center. At 2100 hours, Fighter Control Center identified several of our tracks as hostile's and we concentrated on these tracks in spite of consider- able interference and jamming from 020 degrees to 360 degrees.
20 Oct The weather was poor and there was little activity in our sector until about 0900 hours. We tracked all aircraft we saw until we were ordered to shut down while an Artillery outfit tested a new 90mm gun on a nearby fort. After the firing we resumed operations and sent in all information we were able to get.
21 Oct Poor weather conditions still prevailed in our sector and during the day there were very few aircraft up. What information we were able to get was sent into fighter Control Center.
22 Oct Flying was restricted to a few patrol missions due to bad weather. We tracked these missions as long as they remained in our sector until they returned to base.
23 Oct Cloudy weather restricted flying operations to a minimum again and there was very little activity in our sector.

 

24 Oct Bad weather again restricted flying operations 045 degrees to 220 degrees with type 15 and 11 Radar sweep 360 degrees continuous rotation.
25 Oct The weather cleared somewhat although it was still cloudy and there was little activity in the sector
26 Oct Weather clear with scattered clouds. Station was extremely active tracking many flights which were up throughout the day. By nightfall the clouds had closed in again, however, and there was little activity in our sector.
27 Oct Bad weather again and there was very little activity all day.
28 Oct Weather clear and bright. All units reporting to informa- tion center and the station was busy handling the larger amounts of information coming in.
29 Oct Weather was again good and there was considerable activity in sector. We had a calibration flight in the afternoon which we tracked and logged the ground observers reported a british plane in distress at 1850 hours and we notified the Fighter Control Center. All stations were alerted so as to give all possible assistance, but nothing further was head from that aircraft.
30 Oct There was very little activity during the day but towards evening the weather cleared and a bright moon came out at 1900 hours. There were a great many aircraft up and large flights of Bombers were tracked across the sector. The operators had to read through considerable jamming, but they managed to track all flights successfully including several hostile aircraft who attempted to follow in on the tail end of the flights. We are now connected with an Anti-Aircraft Battalion and they are giving us information on flights.
31 Oct Throughout the Day there was very little activity but the weather cleared in the afternoon and we tracked a large number of flights during the evening. All stations were busy until mid- night."
Paul E. Rapp
1st Lt. Sig C
Platoon Commander
End of Report
Two SCR-584 radar brought into Company C by 1st Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill in the middle of the month were ordered out by Battalion Headquarters for operation as BACU1 and BACU2. During October FDP3 reported V-1 and V-2 bombs sited by GO posts Peter and Queen who were sited near Thionville. Also on October 30th FDP4 reported that they were tied in with an AAA Battalion and are receiving information on flights. There was considerable radar Jamming reported by FDP4 which was probably "window" from our own bomber flights crossing the sector, however FDP4 managed to read through the jamming and report several hostile flights attempting to follow in on the tail end of the bomber flights.
Reporting all the Ground Observer activity would fill a book by itself so to give a picture of activity the following report for October is presented as an example of Ground Observer activity and was reported by GO4 by Lt. Jimmie P. Duncan the GO4 platoon commander and follows:
Lt. Duncan's Report
Date PostTime Information
10/3 S132725 hostile vehicles, some horse drawn, 14200 meters N.E. of Sugar destroyed by fighters
10/3 S1430Heavy hostile convoy, 20 vehicles, 9 miles NW of Sugar post. Destroyed by fighter bombers.
10/4 S&T1328100 to 150 enemy troops on N.W. slopes of Mt. Toulon at U877282 1346 Above Strafed by fighter bombers target destroyed or dispersed
10/4 S1330Movements of enemy artillery, foot troops and vehicles around Liocourt U980356, Manoncourt U870320 and Fouville U963360 1346 above strafed by fighters for 20 minutes. Large fires started approximately 40 vehicles turned over or burning
10/4 S&T1403Passenger train in station at Nomeny with 25 cars 1415 Above train strafed and left burning
10/4 T145035 hostile horse drawn vehicles going E to Nomeny from Manoncourt 510 Above strafed and left burning
10/6 T1105Tare being shelled by enemy 88 MM artillery
10/7 S100440 to 50 hostile vehicles headed by tanks,followed by 200 foot troops, loading on train at Nomeny 1007Fighters strafed and destroyed or dispersed target 3 minutes after reporting.
10/7 S1030100 hostile foot troops in Manoncourt U870320 1130Above target strafed and dispersed
10/7 S&T110420 light and heavy vehicles going towards Abaucourt from Nomeny 130Above target strafed and dispersed
10/7 S123015 hostile vehicles on road from Nomeny to Manonco- urt 1305Above target strafed and left burning
10/7 S1540T.D. commander planning to attack Serres tonight and request that it be strafed and set afire if possible 1730 Above target strafed and left burning by fighter bombers
10/8 T 1050Vehicles and troops leaving Nomeny heading towards Avricourt
10/8 T132425 Hostile vehicles, some horse drawn going S at U889377 1350 Above target strafed and destroyed or dispersed
10/8 S180215 hostile tanks 1380 yards from post Sugar, going S towards St. Martin 1225Target bombed and dispersed
10/10 T1135Under heavy artillery fire
10/12 S11452 ME-109's going SE at 6,000 feet
10/12 U14482 ME-109's circling overhead at 5,000 feet
10/12 S13108 heavy vehicles with trailers mixed in with approximately 500 cattle at U967378, 1,000 yards NE of Vulmont. Enemy setting up guns at this location 1410Target strafed, destroyed or dispersed
10/13 S160315 horse drawn vehicles and 10 trucks, 1,000 yards E of Vulmont going E 1630Above targets strafed and destroyed by fighter bombers
10/13 S&T16355 horse drawn vehicles at U968379 going N on highway out of Vulmont
10/13 S&T170050 horse drawn vehicles going north on highway out of Vulmont. 1723Above target staffed, approximately 40 vehicles left burning or overturned
10/14 T1210Under heavy artillery fire
10/14 S1225Under heavy artillery fire
10/16 S&T15151 FW-190 circling at 4,000 feet attempting to strafe Post Sugar but was driven off by friendly antiaircraft fire
10/16 W1535 friendly fighter bombers attacked by 1 hostile aircraft
10/18 T1135Under heavy artillery fire
10/19 S&T22301 hostile aircraft overhead going west
10/20 S16303 large caliber enemy guns firing on our front lines from U940410
10/21All stations reported robot going south. Crashed 3 miles NW of Post Victor at approximately U906123
10/23 S1450Enemy battery stuck in mud at U945353, 800 yards due N of Thezy-St.-Martin
10/24 T1305Post Tare under artillery fire
10/25 S&W1135Robot going S at 2,000 feet altitude
10/25 V1640Hostile aircraft 2 miles S of Post Victor going SE
10/28 S&T2110Aircraft going NE overhead, believed hostile
10/29 S1845Picked up distress call on FM radio, British airman calling Mayday 3 times and giving his position as 6022N 0401E
10/31 U&W1005Unknown aircraft going SW, believed to be a robot The platoon is still located on Pont-A-Mousson-Nancy front, and working with Artillery and Tank Destroyer units. Up to this time the Platoon has been responsible for the destruction of over 300 vehicles, 2 trains, approximately 15 tanks, several enemy aircraft and several hundred foot troops. Many other units are now beginning to realize the value of the air support that Ground Observer units are able to provide. This will insure further success, not only of ground observer platoon GO4 but of all other units of this type in any theater of operations.
Jimmie P. Duncan
2nd Lt. Signal Corps
Platoon Commander
End of Report
Company C ground observer platoon GO3 reported an unusual number of German V-1 and V-2 launches between October 16th to October 27th. The following was reported by Lt. Charles A. Stewart who was a filter officer for FDP3 control center:
Lt. Stewart's Report>
16 Oct 1315 Robot reported by Queen going Roger to Queen, very high and very fast. Louder than in England
17 Oct
0015 Peter reports hostile, Mike reports hostile
1005 Rocket reported by Queen bearing Peter Roger.
1415 rocket U9977 (vicinity of Contz) Able 4 going Peter Sugar
21 Oct
0405 Ground Observers report gunfire, cannot read which station.
0408 Ground Observers report further on gunfire
1052 Enemy shell fire 1 mile north of Peter
1204 One flying bomb reported going south over Mike
1322 Ground Observer Peter enemy shell fire 1500 yards away
1847 Queen reports rocket-- no direction--bearing Peter Sugar going Peter
1855 Peter reports rocket looks like ball of fire rises to 6,000 feet, then fire goes out.
2005 Peter George 5 going Sugar Rocket Buzz overcast.
23 Oct
1040 Ground Observers reported Buzz bomb heading Peter over Roger
1437 Q VP9402 (vicinity of Mondorff) BQR-QS-400 climbing foggy V3.
1455 Q QS V3 climbing overcast, R QS V3 500 climbing overcast.
25 Oct
1747 Buzz Bomb V-1 reported by Oboe going Sugar 400 MPH Able 5
25 Oct
0516 M--going Q--1,000 feet--400--weather clear
0518 P--going Q--1,000 feet--400--weather clear
0647 M--going QS---4,000 feet--300--overcast
27 Oct
1035 Buzz Bomb going QS 550 MPH overcast (FF2) by Roger T- V3
End of Report
During October on reconnaissance missions, in the protection of ground troops from /enemy air attack, and especially in attacks on the enemy's supply and communications, XIX TAC fought with its accustomed effectiveness. The weather on seven days prevented op- eration, but the command got in 4,790 supporting sorties for the month. In all the weather was poor and the flying was restricted.
NOVEMBER 1944
Preparatory to the launching of the ground offensive, fighter- bombers during the period of November 1st to 7th flew approximately 1,000 sorties, successfully attacking ordnance and supply dumps at Haeries of bombing and strafing attacks on a number of airfields, including those at Gotha, Schwabisch Hall, and Sachsenheim, resulted in claims for the destruction of 31 enemy aircraft.
Nov 1
XIX TAC flew 12 missions with 247 sorties and dropped a total of 125 bombs, destroying 3 enemy planes on the ground and losing 2 aircraft.
Nov 2
Bad weather kept the XIX TAC out of the skies.
Nov 3
On November 3rd and 4th weather limited operations to 131 escort sorties for medium bomber attacks on rail bridges at Konz- Karthaus and Morscheid and on the Kaiserslautern overpass, attacks which inflicted little damage. Weather during this seven day preparatory period was generally poor, preventing all fighter- bomber operations to a few reconnaissance missions.
In the 563rd FDP5 reported that 3 men were transferred to the Infantry to relieve shortages in replacements,
XIX TAC area Poor weather conditions again limited the flying operations. Flew 51 sorties in 4 missions escorting medium bombers through clouded skies. The bombers then dropped their bombs and left with unobserved results. Also 6 tactical reconnaissance and 4 photo missions were flown.
Nov 4
In the 563rd Company C was visited by Col. Madison, 16th AAA Group Commander and his S-2, Maj. Handley. They were very much impressed with the work of FDP3. Instead of just one Battery of AAA tied to FDP3 as before, FDP3 would have several Battalions which are part of the 16th AAA Group. Most of the information they furnish to FDP3 comes from the 48th AAA Brigade. The Brigade Commander is Brig. Gen. Timberlake. On the FDP IC board were several circles, the small ones often miles in diameter are called AAZ (Antiaircraft Artillery Zones). The center of one small circle is the city of Luxembourg, grouped about the city are several AAA Batteries. When hostile or unknown planes enter the 40 mile outer circle the AAA Plotter relays the information to his Plotting Room, then the AAA Radar picks up the flight and when it enters the AAZ circle they open fire. FDP3 has many hostile flights in this small circle but this time none have been shot down.
XIX TAC flew 80 sorties in 4 missions. One plane was lost escorting heavy bomber.
Nov 5
XIX TAC flew 15 missions of 252 sorties an dropped 83 tons of bombs. In addition to flying 24 tactical reconnaissance and 12 photo missions, XIX TAC succeeded in destroying 28 of the newest type of German planes (Messerschmitt jet propelled model) which never had the chance to leave the ground.
Nov 6
On November 6th LW6 was moved to St. Jure.
XIX TAC Due to bad weather the XIX TAC remained on the ground.
Nov 7
In the Third Army Gen. Patton ordered a new offensive to begin on 8 Nov.
XIX TAC the bad weather including a heavy rain downpour gave poor flying conditions and kept air activity of the XIX TAC to a minimum, allowing only night photography missions.
Nov 8
Preceded by a tremendous artillery barrage, the offensive of XII Corps was successfully launched on November 8th. In support of this attack, fighter-bombers flew 471 sorties, attacking command posts, gun positions, troop concentrations in woods, bridges, road and rail traffic, and airdromes in the enemy's rear as far east as Wiesbaden, Sachsenheim, and Darmstadt. Tonnage dropped included 35 tons of GP, 81 tons of fragmentation bombs, and 31 tanks of napalm. The day's claims included 9 motor transport, 3 tanks, 14 gun positions, 4 command posts, 22 locomotives, 1 bridge and rail cars. The incendiary bombs dropped on foxholes and trenches achieved good results. Enemy air opposition was feeble, but the weather, which during the course of the morning grew progressively worse and drastically reduced the number of fighter-bomber sorties planned for the afternoon.
A protracted siege of unfavorable weather in the Aachen region resulted in a decision to strike the first major blow of the new offensive on November 8th by Patton's forces against the southern and northern flanks of the Metz salient. To the south of Metz, XII Corps was to launch an attack on D-day from the vicinity of Pont-a- Mousson, bypass the most formidable forts, advanced rapidly northeastward to the Rhine, and establish a bridgehead in the Darmstadt area. Elements of XX Corps were to contain the tip of the enemy salient west of the Moselle, while its major forces were to cross that river on November 9th in the Thionville vicinity, take the city of Metz by encirclement and infiltration, and gradually reduced the forts. Subsequently the XX Corps was to advance to the Saar and Rhine rivers in the direction of Mainz and Frankfurt. To assist the advance of the two pronged attack, but especially to facilitate the by-passing of the formidable Metz- Thionville defenses, heavy bombers of the Eighth Air Force, the mediums of the 9th Bombardment Division, and fighter bombers of the XIX TAC were to execute large-scale attacks on the 8th and 9th of November.
In the 563rd LW7 was moved to Distroff which is about 2 miles east of Thionville and they were assigned to Company C which was located at Luxembourg City about 28 miles north.
XIX TAC weather conditions improved and the XIX TAC flew 471 sorties in 29 missions. The fighters and bombers dropped 134 tons of bombs, including tanks of napalm dropped on fox holes and along trenches with good results. Two German planes were destroyed on the ground and six were shout out of the air.
Nov 9
In the Eighth Air Force 1,476 heavy bombers delivered a saturation attack on all fortified towns east of the bridgehead area in support of the Third Army's XX Corps attack with. To assist the XX Corps advance fighter-bombers were to carry out attacks on November 9th, flying low-altitude missions against 9 enemy headquarters and command posts and maintain armed recon- naissance within the main area of the ground attack. In order to avoid shorts Patton insisted that all bombing must be at least four miles from the nearest friendly troops.
In the XIX TAC fighter-bombers, flying 312 sorties in 21 missions in cooperation with the ground force of the two corps, bombed enemy troops, tanks, flak positions, towns and defended villages, marshaling yards and other targets. After November 9th the ground offensive continued to make good progress on both prongs of the attack, in spite of soggy ground, atrocious weather which greatly reduced air cooperation, and fierce enemy resistance. XIX TAC also flew in support of the heavy bombers in addition to their own attacks. XIX TAC dropped 61 tons of high explosives and 41 tons of napalm tanks, losing four planes during the operations. To prevent the bombers from making a mistake and bombing their own forces, antiaircraft units provided two flak lines to guide the planes. An example of a mistake would be the short bombing which took place in Normandy when many Americans were bombed by their own planes, one of the casualties being General Leslie McNair. The flak lines were each two miles long and consisted of bursts from eight guns sited in at 500 yards apart. XIX TAC fired their shells to appear at an altitude of seventeen thousand feet, which was three thousand feet blow the attack flight.
Nov 10
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 6th Armored Division with the 80th Infantry Division gains 8 miles. The 4th Armored Division and the 35th Infantry Division drive to Hamport.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the Germans mount a counter attack at 0300 hours. The attack is contained by the 90th Infantry Division helped by massed Corps Artillery.
XIX TAC area had poor weather stopped the flying except for 91 sorties.
Nov 11
In the 12th Army Group General Bradley shifted the control of the 83rd Division from The Third Army to the First Army.(see Editors Note 14 on next page).
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 80th Infantry Division attacked due north and liberated Bacourt and Prevocourt and the 4th Armored pushed the south border of the Corps to Conthil and Rodalbe, about 25 miles east of Pont-A-Mousson.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 90th Infantry Division double the size of their Moselle bridgehead. Fort Koneigsmacker, which is 6 miles northeast of Thionville, surrenders to the 385th Regiment of the 90th Infantry.
XIX TAC flew 10 missions with 162 sorties, dropping 31 tons of bombs and 32 tanks of napalm and firing 18 rockets.
Nov 12
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 6th Armored Division is advancing toward Faulquemont.
In the 563rd LW4 moved to Jurycourt. LW8 was moved to Dainville.
The XIX TAC could only fly a few night sorties attacking 2 railway trains and strafing a German convoy on a road.
Nov 13
XIX TAC had no air activity due to inclement weather.
Nov 14
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 26th Infantry Division drove south towards Dieuze, the 4th Armored Division occupied Guebling and Zarbeling and the 6th Armored seized Landrof.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 95th Infantry Division captured Ouvr St Hubert, Feves and Fort D'Illage and the 10th Armored began crossing the Moselle near Thionville.
XIX TAC had bad weather preventing air activity.
Nov 15
In the Third Army the XX Corps continues the attack on Metz
In the 563rd LW5 was moved to Erbevillers.
XIX TAC flew 2 missions of 30 sorties and dropped 35 tons of bombs, also strafing an enemy convoy and attacking marshaling yards near Metz.
Nov 16
In the Third Army's XII Corp area the 6th Armored Division and the 80th Infantry Division attack toward Faulquemont.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 5th Armored Division captured Peltre, Sorbey and Chesney. The 95th Infantry Division captured Vignuelles, Saulny, Lorry-les-Metz, Plesnois and Norry-le- Venour
On November 16th BACU1 moved to Liocourt. GO1 moved Post Charley from Pont A Mousson to Possieux.
XIX TAC In conjunction with attacks by the XX and XII Corps the XIX TAC fired rockets in 112 sorties, dropped almost 33 tons of bombs, one half-ton of napalm and fragmentation bombs.
(Editors Note 14) Later on Gen. Patton in his personal diary said that Gen. Bradley, in removing control of the 83rd Infantry Division was one of the major errors of the war effort in the ETO. He wrote "If Bradley had not welshed on his agreement, we would have taken Saarburg within 48 hours after we got to Konigsmacker. Once we had Konenigsmacker they could not have stopped us from taking Trier, and if we had Trier it would have been impossible for the Germans to have launched their Ardennes Offensive." Also he said "I am convinced that Bradley's refusal to allow me to use the 83rd, as he promised, was one of the underlying causes of the Battle of the Bulge." As editor I conclude that what Gen. Patton meant was that if he had one more Division that is what he would have done but the historical records said that the 90th Infantry Division did occupy Koenigsmacker.
Nov 17
In the Third Army the XX Corps the 10th Armored Division fans out to pursue the enemy toward the Sarre and is closely supported by aircraft. The 95th Infantry Division gets to Fort St. Julien, west of the Moselle.
In the 563rd LW6 was moved to Phlin.
XIX TAC had a break in the weather conditions, allowing the XIX TAC to resume large operations. In support of the Army Corps 20 missions were flown, totaling 317 sorties. Dropped on the Germans were fragmentation bombs, napalm, 78 tons of high explosive bombs and leaflet bombs, in addition to rockets fired. Also attacked enemy airdromes. Attacks were made by the 405th and 406th Fighter Groups and were concentrated almost entirely against the enemy's rail and road transportation systems, tactical recon- naissance having reported intense activity on the lines leading to Third Army's front and into the Schnee Eifel. A tremendous harvest of enemy transport was reaped, the three days' claims amounting to 842 motor transport, 60 armored vehicles, 162 locomotives, 1,096 railway cars, and 113 gun positions destroyed or damaged. Metz was formally encircled and bypassed on November 19th. The XIX TAC pilots reported large German concentrations and material movement including tanks west of the Rhine river to Trier. In retrospect it is difficult to visualize why the battle of the Bulge came as a surprise to the 12th Army Group Headquarters.
Nov 18
In the Third Army area From November 18th to the 30th the XII Corps with the 4th and 6th Armored and the 26th and 80th Infantry divisions were attacking near Dieuze which is about 25 miles east of Nancy and in the history of the Lorraine Campaign, Cole shows the situation (on his Map 41 his page 451) which is shown on the situation map on page 215 for the right wing of the XII Corps in the attack west and east of the Sarre from the 18th to 30th of November and this has the positions of FDP4 and ground observer posts William, Uncle and Tare who are in support of the 4th Armored Division and the 26th Infantry Division. Page 212 shows Cole's (his map 42 on his page 471) of the same history shows the left wing of this action of the XII Corps in the Operations west of the Sarre from November 18th to 30th. The 6th Armored Division and the 35th Infantry Division are supported by LW4 and ground observer posts Tare and Uncle. On the far right of these operations the 6th Army Group was operating. By November 18th the Third Army had encircled strategically located Metz. The city capitulated on the 22nd but the last of the outer forts did not fall until December 13th.
In the 563rd Ground Observer Platoon GO2 was attached to Company A to report into FDP1. Lt. John E. Nolan, Company B commander recommended the attachment when he reported that information passed to the TCC is also passed to the local AAA Batteries and they have their own ground observers covering the same area. GO2 moved Post George from Chatronranpt to Liocourt. XIX TAC area enemy air activity increased, with 31 aircraft attacking the advancing Third Army units. Gen. Weyland put the 405th and 406th Fighter Groups on the columns retreating before the 10th Armored Division with disastrous results to the enemy. Antiaircraft units shot down 7 of the planes and claimed 8 as probably destroyed. In opposition flew 25 missions with 347 sorties. The XIX TAC TCC was exchanging information with the XII TAC's TCC who supported the 6th Army Group.
Nov 19
On November 19th the XX Corps closed the circle around Metz and on November 20th methodically cleared up the rear guard op- position within Metz and contain the forts around the city. The XII Corps the 80th Infantry Division seized the bridge at Faul- quemont , the 6th Armored Division drove toward Hellimer and the 4th Armored Division secured Francaltroff.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Sugar to Landremont and Post Uncle to Oberk.
The XIX TAC was having a field day with the withdrawing German troops. They flew 409 sorties of armed reconnaissance, Corps support and Bomber escort. Although 13 aircraft and 8 pilots were lost, XIX TAC destroyed or damaged 387 motor transports, 18 tanks and armored vehicles, 57 locomotives, 429 railroad cars, 48 gun positions and 7 factories and buildings. Ten railroad lines were cut. Twelve attacks were made on marshaling yards and 12 towns were attacked.

 

Nov 20
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 80th Infantry Division the bridge at Faulquemont and the 4th Armored Dividions seizes Francaltroff.
In the Third Army's XX Corps moves toward Merzig which is fortified by the Germans.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Charley to Illange and Post Dog to Beittelainville. GO2 moved Post How to Many and Post Tare to Moncourt. GO4 moved Post Victor to Bessengen and Post William to St. Medard. LW4 moved to Laneueville.
On November 20th Maj. Gen. Otto P. Weyland commanding general of the XIX TAC sent the following commendation to all TAC units: "TO C.O. 19th TCG
"Your efforts during the past few days of flyable weather have been magnificent. The Hun is on the run. The Army has its tail up. Gen. Patton highly appreciative of your work. the going may be tough but if this weather holds our team will crack the Siegfried Line. Congratulations and keep up the good work Signed Weyland"
End of document
XIX TAC was having a field day with the withdrawing Germans. XIX TAC flew 409 sorties of armed reconnaissance, corps support, and bomber escort. Although 13 aircraft and 8 pilots were lost, XIX TA destroyed or damaged 387 motor transports, 18 tanks and armored vehicles, 57 locomotives, 429 railroad cars, 48 gun positions and 7 factories and buildings. Ten railroad lines were cut. Twelve attacks were made on marshaling yards and the same number of towns.
Nov 21
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 26th Infantry Division captured Albesdorf, Torcheville and Insweiler. The 4th Armored Division captured Loudrefing, Rening, Rodalbe and Cutting and advanced to the Rhine-Marne canal at Mittersheim.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Baker to Gorze. GO2 moved Post Love to Bozoncourt. GO3 and Post Mike to Hettage.
XIX TAC had four hundred and eleven planes flew almost entirely as escorts to the IX Bomber Command and the Eighth Air Force.
Nov 22
In the Third Army all resistance at Metz ceased at 1435 hours.(see Editors Note 15 on following page). The line of advance was to the east and northeast and captured cities were St Jean Rohrback, Diefenbach, Petite-enquin, Greningen, Munster and Mittersheeim.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Roger to Cattenon.
XIX TAC had all missions were canceled due to bad weather.
Nov 23
In the 563rd Company C tied the FDP3 control center into the 83rd Infantry Division and also the Ninth Air Force Advance headquarters in order to give early warning to these units of ap- proaching hostile aircraft. Company C also gave this account of their Thanksgiving Day meal:
"The menu for the day was
Turkey, all that you could eat
Cranberry sauce that was out of this world
Peas that tasted like Peas
Mashed Potatoes, fluffy and light
Gravy that would make anything appealing
The Turkey was stuffed with stuffing that would make a good meal in itself, Coffee as though Horn and Hardart made it, Apple Pie with Cheese like you mother used to make before rationing, Rasin bread was like only a GI bakery can make it. The Meal also included GI hard candy and D ration chocolate. For supper that day we had Spam.
XIX TAC was grounded by bad weather.
Nov 24
In the 563rd Company C reported that this day was like a holiday as they had fried Chicken, Coles, Giblet gravy, creamed Corn, mashed Potatoes, Coffee, Bread and Butter. GO1 moved Post Able to Gonpreville. GO2 moved Post George to Alaincourt. GO3 moved Post Peter to Kendage, Post Queen to Sierck and Post Roger to Cattenon. GO4 moved Post Uncle to Lindersinger.
With the fall of Metz to the XX Corps, after a two months' siege, handicapped by the worst flood conditions in twenty years and by weather preventing maximum air support, a new route to the German frontier was opened and the last important obstacle in front of Siegfried Line was removed.
s XIX TAC kept from flying by bad weather conditions.
Nov 25
In the Third Army XII Corps the 6th Armored Division takes Vallette, aided by an air strike.
In the Third Army XX Corps the 10th Armored Division crosses the German border to capture Bethengen.
In the 563rd FDP3 reported that at 1447 hours a V-1 landed about a mile south of the ICC. LW3 reported seeing two men bail out of a B-17 about three miles north of their site at 1442 hours. Several of their men were sent in a vehicle to find the wreck. When they arrived at the spot where the plane crashed there were so many soldiers that they were not needed. GO1 moved Post Charley to Dalstein and Post Fox to Retonley. GO2 moved Post Jig to Benigen.
XIX TAC with good flying conditions, flew 220 fighter bomber sorties in corps support with armed reconnaissance. XIX TAC accounted for the destruction and damaging of 183 railroad cars, 67 motor transports, 18 locomotives, 4 gun positions and various miscellaneous targets.
[Editors Note 15--- In the book Patton's Third Army by Charles Pro- vence gave this capsule on Metz. "In the year 451 A.D., the city was stormed and devastated by the Huns, who then occupied it for sixty years. In 1870, the city was surrendered by a French garrison during the Franco-Prussian War after the city had run out of food. The city then remained in German hands until the end of the First World War, at which time the French recaptured and held it until the Third Reich's Blitz- krieg of 1940 forced the French to surrender. The Germans then occupied it again."]
I would also add that the main fortifications were very thick reinforced concrete and the largest high explosive bombs and large caliber guns bounced off leaving little more than chip marks. About the only function that was achieved by bombing the fort was to drive the Germans into the interior labyrinth.
Nov 26
In the Third Army in the XX Corps area the 95th Infantry Div- ision penetrated the Maginot Line and in the XII Corps area the 80th Infantry Division approached St. Avold under strong enemy rear guard action.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Sugar to Morville and Post William to Mittersheim.
XIX TAC flew 217 sorties in corps support and escort missions, losing 2 planes during the operations. XIX TAC claimed destruc- tion or damage to 99 railroad cars, 27 locomotives and many other miscellaneous targets. In all, 14 towns were attacked and bombed.
Nov 27
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 80th Infantry Division enters St. Avold and the 4th Armored Division attacks east of the Sarre overrunning Wolfskirchen, Eywiller and Gungwiller.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 90th Infantry Division advances to the Sarre river.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Oboe moved from Entange to Perl the first unit of Company C to locate on German soil. GO4 moved Post Tare to Diffenbach, Post Uncle to Munster, Post Victor to Lungenberg and Post William to Mittersheim then to Finstingen in the same day.
XIX TAC flew no missions due to bad weather.
Nov 28
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 26th Infantry advanced to Hinzingen and the 4th Armored Division advanced northward and capturing Durstel, Berg, Burbach, Harskirchen, Zollingen and Pisdorf. The 6th Armored Division captured Diffenbvach, Ccappel, Barst, Biding and Marienthal.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 95th Infantry Division captured Rammelfangen and Duren.
In the 563rd LW6 was moved to Grostenquin which is 7 miles south of St. Avold and this was the last site that they reported into the Battalion. BACU1 moved to Bistroff and BACU2 moved to Distroff. On November 28th Company A was cited on Ninth Air Force General Orders 254 for performance in of Mont St. Michel area on August 3rd to 8th during the breakthrough of the Third Army. This was a presidential award. (see page 105 for citation) Also on November 28th FDP4 was moved to Erstroff which is 4 miles south of St. Avold and this was the last site that FDP4 reported into the TCC. During the first part of December the personnel were transferred to the 738th Signal Air Warning Company for duty at FDP5. GO3 moved Post Oboe from near Perl about 2 Km east.
XIX TAC had bad weather canceling flying.
Nov 29
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 4th Armored Division takes Durstel.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 10th Armored Division reached the Sarre river near Merzig and the 95th Infantry Division gains the heights overlooking Saarlautern.
In the 563rd Capt. Mac Ray was appointed Battalion Claims Officer in addition to his other duties. Lt. Richard L. Viergever was relieved of this duty.
XIX TAC did not fly today
Nov 30
In the Third Army XX Corps area the 90th Infantry Division pushes on to Buren.
In the 563rd FDP3 reported that one Buzz Bomb landed one mile south of LW3. The men at LW3 heard the bomb and cut out and hit the foxholes. No damage was reported. Battalion Microwave expert, Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill was returned to the Battalion from Company D and was assigned to Company A. Lt. Wetherill had been getting newly arrived SCR-584 radar into shape for employment as BACU units. GO4 the Ground Observer Platoon of Headquarters Company was attached to Company A and will report into FDP1. 1as which had been attached to Headquarters Company were released and reassigned to Company A and would report to FDP1.
The XIX TAC made no report.

 

DECEMBER 1944
Dec 1
In the Third Army's XX Corps area air preparation precedes the 95th Infantry Division attempt to cross the Sarre river. Medium bombers attack Saarlautern, Ensdorf and Fraulautern. Fighter bombers interdict movement east of the river.
In the 563rd LW4 was moved to Burgheid which is about 45 miles east of Nancy. This was the last site occupied by LW4 before the personnel were transferred to the 738th Signal Air Warning Company for duty at FDP5.
XIX TAC flew 126 sorties, both in corps support and escort missions. Their best claims for the day came from motor vehicles with 41 destroyed. XIX TAC also accounted for the destruction of 32 railroad cars and 27 horse drawn vehicles.
Dec 2
In the Third Army in the XX Corps area elements of the 95th Infantry Division crossed the Sarre River in the Saarlautern area and was supported by XIX TAC fighter-bomber support.
In the 563rd Battalion Headquarters moved to Cit. Des Charbonnages which is 6 miles south west of St. Avold. FDP5 was moved to Marhange which is 14 miles northeast of Nancy. Page 215 shows the XII corps action from December 1st through December 20th and is Cole's (his map 46 on his page 521) of history of the Lor- raine Campaign. This has plotted on the following elements of the 563rd in support of the 26th Infantry Division and the 4th Armored Division and shows the locations of ground observer posts of Company A which are Able, Baker, Charley and Fox also post Uncle and Tare of Headquarters Company as well as BACU1 and LW6. GO3 Post Oboe reported enemy artillery shelling their post. GO4 moved Post Uncle to Dorsweiler and Post Peter to Laumesfeld.
XIX TAC suffered losses of 9 planes flying Corps support,but still managed to inflict damage on the Germans. XIX TAC either damaged or destroyed 3,2l9 railroad cars, 46 motor vehicles and 35 locomotives. XIX TAC also cut 35 railroad lines and attacked other military targets. In addition, XIX TAC claimed 7 enemy aircraft shot down and 2 disabled. In the clear skies 537 sorties were flown and the damage to the enemy was heaviest in the vicinity of Zweirucken.
Dec 3
In the Third Army XII Corps the 26th Infantry Division cleared Bettring, Holving and Puttenlange.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Peter to Laumesfeld.
XIX TAC due to inclement weather eight sorties were flown. One town was attacked with unobserved results.
Dec 4
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 4th Armored Division CCB seized a bridge across the Eichel river and set up a bridgehead at Vollerdingen.
In the 563rd FDP3 reported that from 1930 to 2130 many planes were going east to west without showing IFF. AAA firing almost continuously at planes not acting according to plan, i.e., going south to north, circling, etc. All such targets were low and within the forbidden zone.
XIX TAC had five missions totaling 57 sorties flown. XIX TAC damaged or destroyed 49 railroad cars and 22 motor vehicles.
Dec 5
In the Third Army XII Corps the 4th Armored Division CCA crossed the Eichel river at Domfessel and advanced to the northeast to Bining, Schmittvile and Kulhausen.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Fox to Host.
XIX TAC flew 168 day and 7 night sorties. XIX TAC dropped 46 tons of bombs and knocked out 30 locomotives and 108 railroad cars. One plane was lost.
Dec 6
In the Third Army the XII and XX corps of the Third Army in forcing the Germans back into the West Wall. The 35th Infantry Division assisted by the 6th Armored Division pushed into Sargum- ines and cleared the west sector.
In the 563rd LW7 was moved to Tromborn which is 12 miles north west of St. Avold this is the last site that LW7 reported into the battalion. BACU2 and BACU3 moved to Tromborn which is 18 miles northeast of Metz. GO1 moved Post Able to Durchinal, Post Baker to near St. Avold, Post Charley to Bettingen and Post Dog to Bisten. GO2 moved Post George to Tromborn, Post King to Gisingen and Post Love to Kerprich.
XIX TAC cut 26 railroad lines and damaged or destroyed 10 locomotives and 126 railroad cars by dropping 535 tons of bombs in 29 sorties.
Dec 7
In the Third Army the 5th Infantry Division cleared the towns of Wadgasswen, Hostenbach, Wehrden and Furstenhausen..
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Peter to Arriance, Post Queen to Borg and Pos Roger Mondf. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Rohrbach, Post Tare to Hunkirch and Post Victor to Gung.
In the XIX TAC poor weather prevented flying.
Dec 8
While the 35th Infantry Division was pushing east of the Sarre bridgehead on the morning of December 8th the 26th Division drove forward to crack the Maginot Line. A thirty minute preparation by corps and division artillery was followed by a bombing and strafing mission in which five squadrons of the XIX TAC took part, inflicted very severe losses on the German troops in Le Grand Bois and in the trenches around the Maginot forts.
In the 563rd LW8 was moved to Montenach. GO2 moved Post Jig to Kreuzwald and Post Love to Renlingen. GO3 moved Post Mike to Bischdorf. GO4 moved Post Uncle to Herbitzheim. Company B was notified that WO William F. Church was promoted from Warrant Officer Junior Grade to Chief Warrant Officer by command of the XIX TAC. The citation read:
"Mr Church is technical officer for the Type 15 radar being used at Forward Director Post Number 2. He attended the Radar School at Lexington, Kentucky Signal Depot for eight months. At Camp Murphy, Florida, he studied radar unit SCR-270 and the SCR-568 for four months. In England he attended School at Yatesbury for five weeks, studying the Type 15 and Type 11 radars. In Civilian life Mr. Church was an instructor at the university of Kentucky for a period of one and one-half years. His home is in St Joseph in Michigan."
End of Document
XIX TAC Dropped 73 tons of bombs and 134 tanks of napalm on various military installations during 271 sorties.
Dec 9
In the Third Army G-2 survey of enemy rail movements for the period from 3 December to 9 December estimated that the Germans were definitely building up at least six and one/half divisions in the Eifel area. A report sent from Third Army to SHAEF indicated the probability of the upcoming Ardennes Offensive. That report was ignored.
In the 563rd LW5 moved from Erbeviller to N of Jury.
The continuing bad weather did not keep the XIX TAC completely out of the air. They flew 56 tactical sorties and 5 reconnaissance sorties. Limited bombings and strafing of gun positions and a marshaling yard were completed.
Dec 10
In the Third Army XX Corps area the Germans make all out effort to destroy the bridgehead at Dillingen bridgehead by counter attacking all along line.
In the 563rd WO William F. Church was promoted from WOJG to CWO on SO 153 Headquarters XIX TAC and noted the following qualifications
"He attended the Radar School at Lexington Kentucky Signal Depot for eight months. At Camp Murphy, Florida, he studied the Radar Units SCR-270 and SCR-628 for four months. In England he attended the Radar School at Yatesbury for five weeks, studying the Type 15 and Type 11 British Radars. In Civilian life Mr. Church was an instructor at the University of Kentucky for a period of one and one half years. His home is in St. Joseph, Michigan."
GO1 moved Post Able to Merlenbuch, Post Charley to Thedivgen and Post Fox to Tentzlingen.
XIX TAC flew 32 sorties. To get to and attack 4 marshaling yards and 20 locomotives, the pilots had to engage in dog fights which culminated in 5 confirmed, 1 probable and 4 damaged German aircraft.
Dec 11
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 35th Infantry Division finishes clearing Sarreguemines.
In the Third Army's XX Corp the Dillingen bridgehead puts a vehicular ferry into operation.
On December 11th, LW6 was moved to near Hambach and this was the last site that LW6 reported into the battalion.
XIX TAC had bad weather which prohibited flying.
Dec 12
In the Third Army a report was sent by the G-2 to SHAEF repeating the warning of the very great probability of the Germans buildup to the east of the First Army. More than abundant information was contained in the report to support the G-@ views concerning preparation for a major offensive in the Ardennes area. Fort Jeanne d'Arc, the last remaining strong point in the Metz area surrendered to the 26th Infantry Division of the III Corps.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Sugar from Rohrbach to Dehlingen, Post Tare from Tanchen to Hunkirch and Post Victor from Lungenberg to Saarinsberg. GO2 moved Post Jig from NE Kreuzwald to Differten. LW8 moved from Dainville to SE of Sierck Les Bains. On December 12th BACU4 was assigned to the battalion and was located at Peltre which is 3 miles southeast of Metz. Also on December 12th Company D reported in from a location one mile east of Metz and this was the last time they reported into the battalion
XIX TAC flew 256 sorties, dropping 88 tons of bombs. Fifteen German planes were shot down and the XIX TAC suffered a loss of 8 planes. Claims included oil storage tanks, ammunition dumps,locomotives and railroad cars.
Dec 13
In the Third Army the III Corps had command of the 26th Infantry Division and the 6th Armored Division and assume command of the 42nd Infantry Division on it arrival.
The XII Corps had the 35th, 80th and 87th Infantry Divisions and the 4th Armored Division.
The XX Corps had the 5th, 90th and 95th Infantry Divisions.
Third Army G-2 estivates were that an operation was in the planning stages that would employ the four divisions of the Germans Sixth Panzer Army as a spearhead in a counter offensive. The four reconstructed divisions of the Sixth Panzer Army remained west of the Rhine River in the vicinity of Cologne despite the growing threat of the Third Army breakthrough of the Siegfried Line. Another Panzer division was also reported in the vicinity of Cologne in reserve with forces concentrated north of the Moselle River, close to the boundary of the First and Third Armies. It was concluded that the hoarding of the Sixth Panzer Army was an effort to employ this armor in a coordinated effort, making every attempt not to engage them in a piecemeal attack. A report was sent to SHAEF warning of the continuing buildup of German forces east of the First Army's VIII Corps.
In the 563rd the 19th TCC moved to Longeville near St. Avold. FDP5 reported that 3 men were sent to Officer Candidate School for training in the Infantry to relieve replacement shortages.
XIX TAC flew 3 missions two missions were in escort of the IX Bomber Command and the third was a mission in which a train was attacked, damaging the locomotive, twenty boxcars and cutting the rail line. Commanding generals of the Ninth U.S. Air Force, the XIX and XII Tactical Air Commands conferred with General Patton and representatives of the Seventh U.S. Army in an effort to coordinate the proposed aerial bombardment of the Siegfried Line, which was in connection with an upcoming attack tentatively planned for 19 December. In all, the air attack was to include 500 to 600 medium bombers, 1200 to 1500 heavy bombers (supported by fighters), and 1200 to 1500 Royal Air Force bombers. The plan was to be repeated 3 or 4 days in succession.
Dec 14
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 87th Infantry Division reached the German border and took Rimling and Obergailbach.
In the 563rd Company A had GO1 Ground Observer platoon de- ployed in the St. Avold area and reporting back to FDP1 which was over 50 miles back. Prior to this the Third Army Front was moving eastward and GO1 was kept well up to the front. A sample of the action was reported by Post Dog on December 14th. (see Lt. Keefer's report on page 282 for details). GO4 moved Post Tare from Hunkirch to Wolflingen, Post Victor to Brulange and Post William Mombrann. GO3 reported four enemy trucks at Stadtkyll.
XIX TAC dropped 35 tons of bombs, damaging or destroying 28 motor vehicles, 6 locomotives and 55 railroad cars. In all, 131 sorties were flown.
Dec 15
In the Third Army the XII Corps encountered three local counter attacks.
In the 563rd the XIX on General Order 58 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to the following men of the 563rd Signal A.W. Battalion:
Lt. Jimmie P. Duncan in recognition of meritorious service in connection with military operations from 19 Sept 1944 to 31 Oct 1944
Lt. Charles W. Root in recognition of meritorious service in connection with military operations from 21 September 1944 to 16 October 1944.
Tech/Sgt Lawrence G. Gifford in recognition of meritorious service in connection with military operations from 6 August 1944 to 13 November 1944.
Lt. Charles W. Root was promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. on SO 350 Headquarters Ninth Air Force. The citation for Lt. Root was as follows:
"The Ground Observer Platoon of Company B is commanded by Lt. Root. it was during the Third Army's crossing of the Moselle River that Ground observer information of enemy ground and air activity relayed by FM radio back to FDP2 and in turn relayed by land wire to the filter center was so successful. Because of the information sent back and the services rendered the ground forced, Lt. Charles Root received the above mentioned award."
Lt. Lewis F. Janek returned to the 563rd Battalion and was reappointed Battalion Communications Officer. Lt. Richard L. Viergever who was Battalion Communications Officer during Lt. Janek's absence was transferred to the 738th Signal Air Warning Company where he functioned as FDP5 communications officer. The 563rd Battalion headquarters was at Faulquemont (Cites Des Charbonnages) about 7 miles southwest of St. Avold where the Winter Operations phase ended. Company B was continuing on the assignment of providing security for the St. Dizier area where the 100th Fighter Wing had a headquarters in the town and the 405th Fighter Group occupied the Airdrome. This duty of Company B would continue until September 24th. They were released from this assignment when the 100th Fighter Wing Headquarters scheduled a move to Metz which would be on September 29th. Also FDP1, FDP3 and FDP5 were in their location at the end of the winter phase and FDP4 was also in its last location at Erstroff about 10 miles south of St. Avold. During this period there were infiltrating German soldiers and paratroopers dropped in Luxembourg in connection with the Battle of the Bulge.
XIX TAC flew 144 sorties in mushy weather, attacking an ammunition dump and two supply dumps. Observed from the aircraft were some large explosions, but other than that, the poor visibili- ty disallowed any knowledge of true damage. Also destroyed or damaged were 7 locomotives and 52 railroad cars.
ARDENNES CAMPAIGN
BATTLE OF THE BULGE
The Ardennes Campaign Phase extended from December 16 to February 7th.
DECEMBER 1945
Dec 16
The Germans had waited for a period of bad weather to minimize Allied air attacks. On December 16th they attacked on a front from Malmedy to Echternach in Luxembourg with the Sixth Panzer army, lead by General Von Ruhndstedt. Although they had the highest morale and best equipment in the German army they were poorly lead and ran in to a traffic snag. The Fifth Panzer Army was better lead and with more room shattered the U.S. 28th and 106th Divi- sions. The spearhead opened in the VII and VIII Corps areas of the First Army.
In the Third Army General Patton had written in his personal diary
"....the First Army is making a terrible mistake in leaving the VIII Corps static, as it is highly probable that the Germans are building up east of them....had the V and VIII Corps been more aggressive, the Germans could not have prepared this attack. One must never sit still."
Never the less Patton had the 4th Armored near Luxembourg which proved to be ready to attack north to cut off the German Counter Attack. Patton had his headquarters in Nancy and when the counter attack came moved to Luxembourg where he took over the space for the Bradley's headquarters.
In the 563rd the headquarters, FDP4 and FDP5 were located to follow the 6th Armored Division which was anticipated to penetrate the West Wall when weather conditions improved. The TCC was located near St Avold and we were in a very good position to support the expected penetration into Germany by the Third Army. The weather was against a major effort and the road network was very poor and had been damaged with water from rain and snow. It was anticipated that the attack would accelerate as the overcast would lift to permit flying and the roads would dry enough to support tanks. Although the German troops against the Third Army had high morale and were making a determined defense it was thought that every element was in a good position to crack the West Wall and enter Germany. The pilots of the XIX TAC had been reporting German Tanks concentrating at Trier so the oncoming counter attack of the Germans would not be a complete sunrise. FDP3, located near Luxembourg City provided left flank protection for the Third Army and as the time of the German Counter Attack approached was subject to German Infilterers. Following page is the situation Map of the last phase of the Lorraine Campaign.
S/Sgt Michael Glaser and T/Sgt Joseph Bates of Company C captured a German soldier in a farm house about a half a mile from Company C bivouac area. The soldier was dressed warmly and was clean shaven as though he had spent the night in a farm house. He was wearing an American field jacket under his own overcoat. The people in the farm house stopped several American vehicles and told them there was a German soldier in the house, but none of the vehicles had weapons on them until our men came along. The prisoner was taken to a PW stockade in Luxembourg City where he was questioned by S/Sgt Glaser who speaks German. The prisoner claimed he escaped from a PW camp with three others and that the others were in the woods close to the farm house. A patrol was sent out from Company C headquarters and together with elements of the 802nd Tank Destroyer Battalion the area was scoured with no luck. Several days later a man was walking past LW3 which was located at Fischback, Luxembourg which is about 8 miles north of Luxembourg City and was dressed in German pants, boots, an American Field Jacket and carrying a suitcase. He was challenged and arrested by Pfc Jennings the radar guard at that time. Various items found on his person included road maps of the area, two hand grenades, a hunting knife, and a clip of .03 ammunition. The suit case contain a civilian suit and a pair of O.D.'s. The prisoner claimed to be a Luxembourger and was taken to the Mersch Gendarmerie at the discretion of MP of Mersch. They kept the ammunition but released him after finding his identification papers in order and several local police identified him as a member in good standing of the Luxembourg Marquis. He was just moving to Fischback and had picked up some American Clothing along with the American habit of collecting souvenirs. Company B received orders to move FDP2 to a site one half mile south of Torchville, since a reconnaissance of this site had been made, and since they had a few days notice, an advance party was sent to set up camp two days before the actual move. Further reconnaissance by the FDP2 advance party proved this site unsuit- able for their purpose. The alternate site at a location one mile north of Bistroff (in Alcase) was decided upon.
XIX TAC claims for the day were 143 motor vehicles, 40 locomotives, 608 railroad cars damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC flew 237 sorties in 21 missions.
Dec 17
In the Third Army Intelligence reported that the scale of enemy rail movements remained on the same high level of activity as those covered in previous reports. Tactical reconnaissance reported that a total of 49 trains moved south and west from marshaling yards located directly in the pathway of the First and Third Armies. It was obvious that they were being in reinforce- ments for the enemy thrust in the Ardennes-Eifel area.
In the 563rd BACU1 was moved to Hombach. GO1 moved Post Baker from SE of St. Avold to Morsbach, Post Charley to Rulilinger and Post Fox to Buschbach Dog from Werblen to E of Emulterbach. GO2 Last Phase of Lorraine OffensiveArdennes Offensive German Planmoved Post How to Feldsburg. GO4 moved Post Uncle to Rederching and Post William to Revereweiler.
XIX TAC flew 356 sorties in 29 missions. XIX TAC dropped more than 93 tons of bombs on the Germans even though there were numerous dog fights with the fighter bombers claiming 17 confirmed, 3 probable and 1 damaged plane. American losses were 9 planes. Among the claims for the day were 207 railroad cars, 12 locomo- tives, 51 motor vehicles and 52 gun installations either damaged or destroyed. Nine marshaling yards and 11 towns were attacked.
Dec 18
On December 18th Eisenhower ordered Patton to suspend the Saar offensive and shift his Third Army north. It was not too sur- prising to Third Army troops as concentrations of tanks had been observed before this at Trier.
In the First Army penetrations had been made into the VIII Corps area and the 99th Infantry Division's area in the V Corps. This penetration had reached about 40 miles in depth and 30 miles in width. It ranged from St. Vith to St. Hubert with flanks anchored in the south at Echernach, Diekirch and Ettelbruck, and in the north at Monschau, Malmedy, Stavelot and Marche.
In the Third Army General Patton's plan was to advance to the northeast and "...chop them off at the neck..." This plan would allow the allies to then encircle the Germans and destroy them entirely.
The 19th TCG and the 563rd Battalion were preparing to resume the eastward thrust when Patton diverted his attack north. In the 563rd all the FDP's were still in position and looking into the Bulge. An immediate change of direction was made by the Battalion and the TCC. The TCC was moved to Villerupt near the Luxembourg border and about 5 miles south east of Longwy. FDP3 reported hostile tracks covered the inner artillery zone and lasted 50 minutes, there were about 25 hostile tracks. Some of the air- planes dived over the FDP3 information center. FDP3 reported that this was the first German air attacks to come onto their board. The German push had started the day before and Company C was on the alert for hostile aircraft. At 0507 Hours 2 hostile airplanes flew over the tree tops and opened fire. FDP3 radar and information center were missed by about 100 yards. All the time the AAA were firing their 90-mm, 40-mm and .50 caliber guns. When the battery close to the FDP3 opened up their van jumped and shook. About 15 minutes after the airplane fired close to FDP3 the LW3 unit reported that they were being strafed. LW3 reported in a few minutes after and said that there was no one hurt or any damage done. Also on December 18th FDP3 tied into the 4th Infantry Division using the old telephone line that FDP3 used to the 83rd Infantry Division. The 83rd had moved out and the 4th had moved in. FDP3 reported a man was walking past the LW3 site towards Fisback dressed in German pants and boots and a G.I. field jacket and carrying a suitcase. He was challenged and arrested by Pfc Jennings, the radar guard at the time. Various items found on his personage included road maps of the area, two hand grenades, a hunting knife, and a clip of .03 ammunition. The suit case contained a civilian suit and a pair of O.D's. The prisoner claimed to be a Luxembourger and was taken to Mersch gendarmerie at the discretion of Military Police of Mersch. They kept the ammunition but released him after finding his identification papers in order and several local police identified him as a member in good standing of the Luxembourg Marquis. He was just moving to Fishback and had picked up some American clothes along with the American habit of collecting Souvenirs.
XIX TAC reconnaissance sorties of the Ardennes region and immediately east of the enemy salient to the Rhine were flown on a substantial scale only on December 17th and 18th.
Dec 19
In Supreme headquarters General Eisenhower negated Patton's plan to chop off and encircle the Germans and he opted for a safer plan which would simply stop the German's advance then push them back into their original area of the Moselle without destroying the bulk of their forces.
In the Third Army troops were already advancing on the move north, there to form the cutting edge of a powerful thrust into the southern flank of the German advance. A provisional Corps was assigned the 10th Armored less the units in Bastogne, the 9th Armored, the 109th Infantry and the 4th Infantry.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Uncle from Rederching to SW of Ruhlingen.
XIX TAC had bad weather grounded the aircraft until 1400 hours. When the skies cleared XIX TAC flew 102 sorties, shot down 10 planes confirmed and 1 probable and lost 3 of their own planes. The 100th Wing headquarters was at St. Dizer. On that same day the Ninth Air force ordered ten fighter groups to be transferred from the IX TAC to the XIX TAC and at the same time SHAEF ordered the Third Army to reduce the German counterattack in the Ardennes. The 19th TCC expanded the communications to accommodate the new fighter group traffic.
Dec 20
In the Third Army Gen. Patton inspected the III Corps dis- positions, found them satisfactory and gave the order to attack on 0600 Hours on December 22nd. On December 20th the 4th Armored Division, the 26th Infantry Division and the 80th Infantry Division were assembling in the Arlon-Luxembourg City area. The plan was simple, the III Corps would advance on north in the direction of St. Vith with the 80th Infantry Division on the right, the 26th Infantry Division in the center and the 4th Armored Division on the left. The 4th Armored Division would push to Bastogne and make contact with the 101st Airborne Division. The VIII Corps and the XII corps were assigned to the Third Army the XII corps on the right and the VIII Corps to the left of the III Corps. (see Editors Note 16 below)
For a short time the 563rd headquarters one of the few units back near the winter line of resistance on the German border. The key unit of the Third Army which was the 4th Armored Division had been in the area of the forward elements of the 563rd Battalion which was also located near St. Avold.
The 4th Armored Division had pulled back almost immediately after the Germans stuck in the Ardennes as this had been antici- pated. Several days later they were moving north toward Bastogne to assist the entrapped 101st Airborne Division who had blunted the attack of the Germans. The troops of the Third Army including us took pride that they were to go to the rescue of the entrapped men in Bastogne and restore the order of battle from a retreat to a forward attack. The evidence of the German buildup for their Ardennes counterattack had been building up and observed in the Third Army sector for several weeks prior.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Oboe to Ritzing.
XIX TAC had bad weather which prohibited all aerial activity.
Dec 21
In the First Army he 101st Airborne Division was completely encircled at Bastogne.
In the Third Army the III Corps captured Merzig and encircle ed Ettelbruck.
On December 21st Eisenhower ordered the 365, 367th and 368th Fighter Bomber Groups transferred from the IX TAC to the XIX TAC. In the 563rd GO4 Post Sugar was moved to Dehlingen.
Dec 22
In the First Army Brig. Gen. McAullife, the acting Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division had a demand from the Ger- man's to surrender Bastogne and it was then that he gave his famous reply of "nut's" and his garrison was holding under heavy fire and sharp attacks. The U. S. shortage of ammunition was becoming acute as the weather conditions had previously prevented aerial resupply. In the Third Army General Patton began his drive to relieve Bastogne. Warned by intercepted radio messages, the Germans were ready and the first Patton
[Editors Note 16--- This was one of the times when a famous quote of Gen. Patton filtered down channels and that quote was "The Kraut finally got his head in the meat grinder and I've got the handle." It seemed that where we were, that Patton also literally pushed Gen. Bradley out of his headquarters in Luxembourg City and took it over for the Third Army headquarters. I also think that both Gen. Bradley and Gen. Eisenhower were glad they had Patton on board to take on a hard task so quickly but I noticed that elements of the Third Army were heading north even before the Supreme Headquar- ters gave the order. Gen. Patton anticipated this as the rank and file of the 19th TCG heard it from the pilots who saw what was going on from the air.]
progress was slow. In the III Corps area the 4th Armored Division advanced to within 10 miles of Bastogne and the 80th Infantry Division cleared Heidersheid which is northwest of Ettelbruck.
In the 563rd FDP2 was ordered to move to Ste. Marie-Sur- Semois, Belgium. At that time they were sitting at Bistroff which is about 6 miles south of St. Avold. They had arrived at Bistroff on December 20th from their previous site at Rancourt. To make a long story short On December 16th they were ordered to move to Torchville in the vicinity of Nancy and their advanced party decided it was not suitable and chose the alternate site at Bistroff. When they arrived at Bistroff the new orders to proceed to Ste. Marie-Sur-Semois, Belgium were received so they were not operational at Bistroff. All of this was necessitated by the sudden emergence of the Battle of the Bulge. In any event FDP2 made two 100 mile moves each one of them with a time of movement of 5 1/2 hours. Ste. Marie is 20 miles NW of Villerupt and this move completely oriented the FDP's on the bulge in support of the Third Army which was already heavily engaged combat on the approaches Bastogne, Luxembourg. This move also put them into position to cover the left side of the Third Army when the German army counter attack was turned back and the Third Army would resume the eastward attack. GO2 moved Post Jig to E of Tromborn, Post King to Felsburg and Post Love to Dalen. FDP3 moved from Chateau Renault to E of Luxembourg. Walter Cronkite, war correspondent, reported this story from FDP3:
"Here in a tiny trailer, smaller than a modern kitchenette was unfolded the whole drama of this greatest day in the air war since 1940."
So begins the UP story datelined 9th Air Force Control Station, Western Front, byline Walter Cronkite.
"Somewhere out over the German lines this morning, an artillery observation patrol of Piper Cubs--little two pilot sport planes that used to rattle around the airports back home--skipped in and out of the clouds looking for the enemy"
The writeup continues.
"Two pilots, 1st Lt. Ellis E. Thompson of Fairfield, N.D. and 2nd Lt. Bernard B Mackell of Pittsburgh, Pa., were given equal credit for sighting the enemy that day--"
"a column of tanks, half tracks, buses, and trailers that stretched through the woods down a dale and up and beyond a hill"
One of the pilots yelled.
"There are trucks and tanks up there--millions of them. Let's have some air, quick"
Ready to give them air, and quickly was Flight Officer William Stephens of Glendale, Ariz., who took the call and information: radioed Red Leader" to inform
"I have a target for you"
and then called in other flights of Thunderbolts. The Date was 22 December; the location the German-Luxembourg City.
"Flight after flight was steered to the target and flight after flight crackled out success reports, logging through ether the greatest day in the air war.,"
Mr. Cronkite's story concludes.
"and that's the way it was as Yank fliers, under direction of RIPSAW 3, ripped into 3,000 vehicles."
That tiny trailer which Mr. Cronkite describes had 36 swastikas painted on its side indicating direct kills controlled by RIPSAW 3.
In the air, German air activity increased dramatically with 87 planes making 87 raids on this date. An attack on a supply point at Mancieulles destroyed 100,000 gallons of Allied Gasoline. Antiaircraft unit units claimed they shot down 8 of the enemy planes.
The XIX TAC had a total of 558 sorties were flown during which XIX TAC dropped 157 tons of high explosive bombs (plus large quantities of napalm) on German positions. Twenty-two confirmed and 1 probable enemy planes were shot down. A majority of the flights were made in the U.S. First Army area and over Trier, a city used by the Germans as a jumping off place for their offen- sive. Claims made were 412 motor vehicles, 26 gun installations, 56 railroad cars and various other targets. The command strength of the XIX TAC was increased from four to nine fighter bomber groups in view of the increased need for assistance against the enemy breakthrough.
Dec 23
In the First Army area the weather began to clear permitting aerial resupply of the defenders in Bastogne who were the 101st Airborne Division and elements of the 9th and 10th Armored Divisions the improved weather permitted extensive air support, particularly in the Bastogne area, where supplies were dropped to the garrison.
In the Third Army more than 100 German planes bombed and strafed installations and the Antiaircraft Artillery claimed they shot down 16 and probably 6 more.
In the 563rd Lt. Charles A. Stewart FDP2 Filter Officer and Lt. David O. Schultze GO2 commander both of Company C were promoted to First Lieutenants. GO3 NCS reported that a Major General told them the situation was critical around them and there was no one on their left flank. GO1 moved Post Dog to Emulterbach.
XIX TAC was another successful day completed. XIX TAC flew 493 sorties, shooting down 23 confirmed and 4 probable enemy aircraft losing 11 of their own. XIX TAC dropped 54 tons of high explosive bombs and expended the largest amount of fragmentary bombs and napalm of any day of the month. Among their claims were 26 tanks and armored vehicles, 250 motor vehicles, and 36 gun positions. Thirty-two tactical reconnaissance missions were scheduled to cover the entire battle area.
Dec 24
In the Third Army Area German aircraft made 94 raids and the Antiaircraft Artillery claimed they shot down 17 and probably 6 more.
In the 563rd at 0000 hours FDP3 forwarded a report from the 4th Infantry Division that aircraft at 6,000 feet elevation came in from the northeast and dropped 2 bombs which were heard at the FDP3 IC then the enemy flight flew northwest over LW3 and were lost. At 0730 hours FDP3 reported that LW7 was down on emergency mainte- nance. The transmitter was on fire caused by nearby enemy artillery shelling. The radar was back on the air two hours later. GO3 NCS was requested by a local Infantry Division Command Post to cease transmitting at night because it disclosed their position to the enemy. At 0055 Hours 2 enemy airplanes bombed FDP2 radar site. A total of 4 bombs were dropped, the first one striking 100 yards southwest of the site, the others fell from 300 to 600 yards distance in the same direction. The first airplane came in from the NNE and then flew east. The second airplane came from the NNE also and about a mile or so behind the first. As the second airplane approached the radar site it turned slightly, flying southwest, and, as it did so, it dropped the bombs mentioned above. The first plane may have been shot down by AAA located about 5 miles east from our radar site. The assumption that it may have been shot down is based upon the fact that immediately after the AAA guns began to fire the sky seemed to flash for a fraction of a second and at the same time the sound of the motor, as heard by the guards, ceased. Also on LW7 was located at Hambach and were attached to Company C and reporting into FDP3 went on emergency maintenance. Their transmitter was on fire caused by nearby shelling. The radar was back on the air 2 hours later. Also that night the FDP1 Ground Observer Platoon GO2 net control station was requested by local a local Infantry command post to cease transmit- ting at night because it disclosed their positions to the enemy. The following night LW7 received strafing by 2 airplanes on their area. FDP2 moved from Rancourt to SW Ste. Marie. Company B, under command of Capt. John Nolan, was cited for rapid moves and quick setup under extremely adverse weather and road conditions. The Company was ordered to move from Rancourt (Meuse) to Torchville or as an alternate to Bistroff. After a reconnaissance the site proved to be unsuitable and the alternate site at Bistroff was chosen. The move from Rancourt to Bistroff was made in three serials on 20 December five and one half hours. Upon arrival at Bistroff, Alcase, Company B then received an order to move to Ste. Marie, Belgium and another 100 miles from Bistroff. They departed and arrived at Ste. Marie on 22 December and arrived five and one half hours. At Ste. Marie on the 24 December they were bombed by German Aircraft. During the trip the weather was extremely poor and the roads muddy. The Company had to build roads and bridges to locate in its site. The area was also infiltered by German troops dressed as Americans, causing a severe security problem. In spite of all the difficulties FDP2 was in action the same day as they moved.
The XIX TCC moved from St. Avold to Villerupt. XIX TAC flew 652 sorties, killing 19 German planes confirmed and 2 probable. Additionally, XIX TAC claimed a total of 558 motor vehicles, 117 tanks and armored vehicles and 115 railroad cars either damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC cut 15 railroad lines and attacked 12 troop concentrations. XIX TAC lost 13 planes and 11 pilots.
Dec 25 In the Third Army the 2nd Armored Division struck the 2nd Panzer division near Celles. The battle ended on December 26th when the 2nd Panzer's immobilized advance guard and beat back other German units attempting to extricate it. Late the same day, Patton's 4th Armored Division punched a narrow corridor into Bastogne and made contact with the 101st Airborne Division. As usual the 4th Armored was leading the spearhead and softening the enemy for the Infantry troops continuing the attack. Usually the 4th Armored spearhead was so effective that it was immediately practical to make a forward reconnaissance for new sites.
In the 563rd Company B the ICC personnel observed a B-26 coming from the northeast and from a trail of smoke, it was in trouble. It was flying at an altitude of 7,000 feet. A figure was seen to jump from the plane and a few minutes later a parachute opened. The plane made a gradual right turn flying north northeast and was seen to head for earth about three or four miles away. The Pilot, Lt. Charles Bukel, landed safely next to our D/F radio antenna. Lt. Bukel told us that while in formation and nearing the target they found moderately accurate flak. Immediately after opening his bomb bay doors the plane was hit with flak. It was hit the second time after dropping the bombs on the target. The second hit started a fire in his right engine and the engine immediately became dead. On the way back to the base the left engine began to spit and sputter. The pilot ordered his crew who throughout the flak had not been hit, to bale out. After all crew members had jumped he leveled the plane and jumped himself. later in the day information reached us that the Co-Pilot, Lt. Sloan, and three members of the crew had been found. The sixth member was not heard from during the stay of the pilot. Lt. Bukel and the three members of his crew enjoyed the Christmas dinner here very much. While at Dinner, Lt. Bukel informed us that this was his 65th mission and that he had hopes of being released to go home. Lt. John C. DiLeo Historical Officer of Company B reported on the Company B Christmas dinner as follows:
"Christmas day was enjoyed by all if, for no other reason, then because of the excellent meal served. In order to have everyone served and not to hurry their meal, the company was split into three groups. The first sitting was at 1430 hours, the second at 1500 hours and the third at 1530 hours. The Cook stayed up the previous night with no sleep to dress the turkeys, bake the pies, etc., and everyone commented on the fine results. As each man entered the kitchen mess tent he was given a cigar and an apple. next, the turkey (and plenty of it), dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, apple pie, candy, raisin bread and coffee. The tables were given that "home-like" atmosphere by the supply acquiring what looked like white table cloths. The Mess sergeant reported a strange fact--no one asked for a second helping."
LW7, attached to Company C, was staffed in their area by two thunderbolts with red noses and orange tails. These planes went south after the raids.
XIX TAC flew 599 in a day of heavy activity. XIX TAC had kills on 757 motor vehicles and 74 tanks and armored vehicles.
Dec 26
In the Third Army area the 4th Armored Division made contact with the 101st Airborne Division at Assenois, to miles south of Bastogne.
During the period from December 26th through 27th the XIX TAC flew 1,102 fighter-bomber sorties. On December 26th three fighter- bomber groups (354th and 367th) flew armed reconnaissance missions in the areas of Saarbrucken, Merzig, Trier and St. Vith. The object of this was to disrupt the enemy's movement of reinforce- ments and supplies from his rearward area into the battle field, particularly to Bastogne. The 361st Fighter Group escorted medium bombers and carried out fighter sweeps. The 365th and 368th Fighter Groups were non-operational because of fog and haze at their bases. The following day three groups again supported the counter thrusts of Patton's three corps, while the other five groups were out on armed reconnaissance throughout the battle area. The enemy's concentration of large forces against Bastogne provided the fighter-bombers with abundant targets on every rail and road leading to Bastogne from the north, east, and southeast. Approxi- mately 450 tons of bombs were dropped on a wide assortment of targets, but particularly upon the enemy's communications system. The most significant claims were: 690 motor transport, 90 tanks and armored vehicles, 44 gun positions, 143 rail cars, 2 bridges, 5 highway cuts, and 33 rail cuts. On both days there was little enemy air opposition. Twenty-five enemy aircraft were claimed destroyed with a loss of seventeen fighter-bombers. Only four of the latter were caused by aerial combat with the enemy.
In the 563rd LW2 moved to Habay-La-Neuve. Company B was named in a citation commending them for the rapidity of their movement having moved over 100 miles and setting up operations as well as establishing an Advanced TCC at Vignuelles and doing this 24 hours ahead of schedule. BACU4 was assigned to Company A for operation.
XIX TAC flew 558 sorties in 59 missions. XIX TAC dropped 157 tons of bombs and escorted medium and heavy bombers. XIX TAC destroyed or damaged 412 motor vehicles, 34 armored vehicles and tanks, 26 gun positions, 61 buildings, 2 bridges, 2 supply dumps and 83 stacks of ammunition. XIX TAC also hit 8 marshaling yards and 14 rail lines. While the XIX TAC lost 15 planes, XIX TAC killed 22 German planes with 1 probable and 11 damaged.
Dec 27
In the Third Army area enemy air activity dropped off sharply and with 74 planes they made 35 raids. The Antiaircraft Artillery claimed 3 planes destroyed and probably 8 more.
In the 563rd Company A relocated GO1 Ground Observer platoon who had been in the St. Avold area in support of the eastward thrust of the Third Army and the 4th Armored Division. The abrupt change of direction necessitated by the Battle of the Bulge necessitated their new location along a line from Wachern to Furweiler which is in the area about 15 miles northeast of Thionville and more or less poised in the position of the new right flank of the Third Army when the German counter attack is stopped and movement to the east resumes. GO1 moved Post Able to Ritzing, Post Baker to Eft, Post Charley to Furweiler, Post Dog to Wachem and Post Fox to Biringen. GO3 moved Post Mike to La Rochette, Post Oboe to Waldbilig and Post Queen to Stengen. Effective December 27th the following platoons of SCR-584's were transferred effective from Company D as follows:
Lt. Robert's platoon attached to Company A
Lt. Martensen's platoon attached to Company B
Lt. Cobbs' platoon attached to Company B
Lt. Kenny's platoon attached to Company C
Lt. Altman's platoon attached to Company C
FDP3 reported one plane was shot down by .50 Cal AAA machine gun fire on the outskirts of the city of Luxembourg. GO
XIX TAC flew 544 sorties in 57 missions. Claims for the day were 434 motor vehicles, 97 tanks and armored vehicles, 336 railroad cars, 15 locomotives, 3 bridges, 42 gun installations and 11 supply dumps either destroyed or damaged.
Dec 28
In the Third Army the 26th Infantry Division captured Nothum and rapidly approached the Wiltz river.
In the 563rd LW8 was moved to Angevillers which is 6 miles northeast of Thionville. This was the last site that LW8 reported to the Battalion. The 563rd Battalion Headquarters moved to Audin Le Tiche which is a suburb of Villerupt. The TCC was set up in Villerupt. LW6 and BACU1 moved to Reuland. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Vandelainville, Post Victor to Boschbach and Post William to Kochern.
In the XIX TAC There were no fighter sorties on December 28th and on the following two days the XIX was the only TAC able to operate. The sorties were divided about equally between ground support in the Echternach, Bastogne and Arlon areas and armed reconnaissance over St. Vith and Bastogne battlefields and the south eastern perimeter of the interdiction zone, especially in the Coblenz-Mayen region. The Luftwaffe was not in evidence. Nine of the twelve aircraft lost on the two days' operation were to antiaircraft fire, one to friendly antiaircraft fire, and two to causes unknown. Bombing and strafing of the enemy's road and rail movements continued to produce very gratifying results as the fol- lowing claims indicate: 234 motor transport, 101 tanks and armored vehicles, 31 gun positions, 301 railroad cars and 69 rail cuts. Despite unfavorable weather, managed to make 196 sorties, dropping 62 tons of bombs on German forces. Special attention was given to rolling stock, with 56 locomotives and 325 railroad cars being destroyed or damaged. Rail lines were cut in 3 places and 2 large oil tanks were destroyed. There was no enemy air activity over the U.S. Third Army's area of operations.
Dec 29
In the Third Army the Antiaircraft Artillery shot down 10 out of 82 planes during a raid.
In the 563rd the fighter control and radar FDP's were ideally located to fully support the fighter bombers and functioned superbly in accommodating the increased signal traffic demand. The facilities of the FDP's stood at their location and moved toward the battle even though they were in vulnerable locations near the combat zone. GO4 moved Post Sugar from Rohrbach to Freeimenger.
The 100th Wing moved their headquarters to Metz and on that same day the 4th Armored Division was attacking north directly toward Bastogne and the 35th Infantry division was square in the way of the German attack. Cole, in his history of the Ardennes Campaign read as follows:
"At Lutrebois the American use of the combined arms in this action was so outstanding as to merit the careful analyses by the professional soldier and student. The 4th Armored Division Art- illery, for example, simultaneously engaged the First SS Panzer army in the east and the Third Panzer Grenadier army in the west. XIX TAC fighter bombers intervened precisely at the right time to blunt the main German armored thrust and set up better targets for engagement by the ground forces."
XIX TAC flew but found many fewer targets than at any time since the initial German penetration. XIX TAC did find and destroyed a V-1 rocket launching site at Dierfield and lost six planes and five pilots during the day.
Dec 30
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division advanced to Renmange.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 5th and 10th Infantry Divisions captured Riesdorf seven miles northwest of Echternach and the 379th Infantry Regiment of the 95th Infantry Division seized a bridgehead in the Sarlautern area.
In the 563rd two ME 109's passed over the FDP3 site. Guards opened fire with .50 cal machine guns but failed to bring planes down. The FDP3 controller vectored friendly fighters over FDP3 site to intercept the enemy planes.
XIX TAC flew 92 sorties, making claims on 165 motor vehi- cles,62 tanks and armored vehicles, 22 locomotives, and 468 railroad cars.
Dec 31
In the Third Army VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division captured Houmont and Chenogne.
The XIX TAC flew 296 sorties and dropped 128 tons of high explosive bombs, clamming 125 motor vehicles, 68 railroad cars, 4 bridges and 17 buildings. They also attacked 9 marshaling yards with 17 railroad lines being cut. No losses were sustained by the XIX TAC.
In the 563rd Company A Ground Observer Platoon GO1 submitted an operations report for the month of December which was reported by Lt. Lawrence A. Keefer and shows the type of action on the ground for this phase and it follows:
1 Dog 1300 Hours sighted V-2 East of station (near Haroucourt)
2 Able Reported a B-26 with engine on fire and leaving formation. Baker reported same plane hit the enemy Ack-Ack and downed northeast of station about 7 miles at 1020 hours (near Maron)
2 Baker Reported ME-109 going east at 9,000 ft.
3 Able Shelled by hostile artillery, foggy could not locate position (near Crevie)
3 Charley Reported gun fire position 2,200 yards north from post. Gun fired from 1200 hours until early the next morning (near Crevie)
4 Charley Reported four FW-190's north 3 miles orbiting at zero altitude. Chased by Thunderbolts but lost them in the clouds
5 Charley Reported thunderbolt making belly landing two miles south of post. Rushed to airplane. Pilot had already left. Stood guard until relieved by Infantry guard, airplane number 27614B. GO 1 moved from positions generally just east of Metz to positions just west of St Avold on December 8th.
8 Baker Enemy artillery entering town all day unable to locate position (near St. Avold)
10 Fox 2200 to 2215 Hours heavy barrage of enemy shells near station with no damage.
11 Fox Reported liaison airplane shot down east 3 miles from post (near Narbefontane)
12 Able Shelled but no damage to post.
12 Fox Shelled at 0614 hours to 1100 hours. Liaison plane shot down east 2 miles from post (near Tentzlingen)
12 Fox Through a break in the ground haze an enemy tank destroyer was observed close to outpost at Q407609 shelling town at Q398638 (near Oetingen). The enemy position was reported to the artillery and they knocked it out.
13 Able Civilian sniper shot 6 shots at observer throughout the Day, could not locate sniper.
13 Charley Gun position north 2 miles shelling in vicinity of post all night until early morning.
13 Fox Liaison airplane shot at by Ack-Ack southeast 3 miles from station (near Biringen)
14 Dog Reported enemy barracks full of troops at Q353738 and enemy observation tower at Q355744 (near Hostenbach and 5 miles west of Saarbrucken). At least four 88's were firing from base of tower. Action received approximately 15 minutes after from Thunderbolts who missed targets. Light artillery moved near post and shot at the barracks and tower. After a fifteen minute barrage the artil- lery left and the outpost was shelled, shells were directed from tower. Rangers, who were to be relieved by the 6th Calvary. The relief was not immediate, so enemy patrol moved in and held station down with rifle and machine gun fire. Radio gave out, only com- munications a wire line to 3rd Battalion of the 10th Infantry Regiment (5th Infantry Division) asked 10th Infantry for aid with no result. Good radio needed. When ground haze closed over post at 1500 Hours. The jeep was warmed up in the dugout position and Tech/5th Hart and Cpl Moresi made a run with jeep through rifle fire over road. After out of danger of gun fire, they were informed by Infantryman with mine sweeper that this road had been mined during the night by enemy. They had found three mines after an In- fantry jeep was blown up with four men in it. Tech/5th Edwin B. Hart and Cpl William J. Moresi returned to Ablestation. The 6th Cavalry took over the sector at 1800 Hours relieving pressure and they credited the post's presence with keeping enemy from occupying the area. Tech/5th Hart returned on December 15th with radio and supplies.
14 Dog Baker reported train at Q362672 (vicinity of Forbach). Put acting on report knocked train out less than 10 minutes later.
14 Able Shelled could not locate positions
14 Fox Shelled could not locate positions
15 Dog Reported enemy troops active in barracks area Q353738. Reported observation tower at Q355744 again and one of a string of pill-boxes at Q359741. (vicinity near Saarbrucken)
15 Baker Reported 30 enemy vehicles convoy moving on main road toward Forbach at Q450620 suspect P-47 took action, not sure. (vicinity just southeast of Forbach)
15 Baker Reported gun position near railroad at Q395663 and Ack- Ack positions at Q394664 and Q380664. Also enemy observation on high tower on hill at Q392652. Outpost shelled buildings next to it destroyed. No movement allowed here a night.
15 Fox At 0725 Hours enemy patrol trying to enter town where post was located was routed by Infantry. Homes in town were searched by Infantry and found 2 machine guns in church steeple, small arms, two radios and 14 Germans
15 Able Civilian sniper again shooting at observer from 1300 to 1630 Hours. Could not locate.
16 Baker Enemy personnel in tower on hill at Q392652. Two ME- 109's orbiting over Forbach.
16 Dog Post shelled. Artillery spotter at Q355744. (vicinity of northwest of Saarbrucken)
17 Baker Reported train going Northeast from Forbach at Q298678. Mortar fire hit observation post, another shell hit near observer as he ran for shelter.
17 Able Sniper active again, still could not locate
17 Fox Reported tank and machine gun fire at Q630639 and unidenti- fied vehicle at Q452627 (vicinity of Forbach)
17 Charley Radio set had to be left when post was shelled directly, Radio O.K. after barrage.
17 Dog P-47 knocked down at Q345775 by enemy Ack-Ack (vicinity of Saarlautern). Reported one FW-190 south of station (located east of Emulterbach just north of St. Avold)
18 Fox German patrol nearby, routed by Infantry. Enemy pill box at Q420630 and trench east of it. Machine gun and small arms fire 500 yards from O.P (vicinity of Forbach)
18 Charley Chased out of pill box outpost by artillery shelling.
18 Dog Told to leave station by Infantry. Orders changed half hour later by S-2 of 3rd Battalion of 10th Infantry Regiment (5th Infantry Division). Told to stay and watch for paratroopers, said they would provide protection in case of expected counter attack.
19 Fox Sighted two Germans coming over the ridge north of outpost, then disappeared in wooded area. A short while later they were noticed entering lower end of town. Pfc J. T. Burks flushed them out of a house in the lower end of town. They were wearing civilian clothes. Said they were deserting the German army. Destroyed antenna on house but could not find radio.
19 Dog Still supplying aircraft warning for Infantry.
20 Fox Heavy artillery and mortar fire on town of post weather too bad to locate.
20 Dog Had to leave outpost and move back five miles.
20 Baker Enemy patrol in town. Two prisoners taken from patrol by Infantry
21 Fox Three Germans at Q420628 east of OP. Later 20 Germans at Q420623. Gun position four 150-mm Q425624 (Bushbach). Enemy observation post at Q439634 in church steeple. Enemy patrol of eight men 500 yards from OP.
21 Baker Had report on enemy vehicles moving down road under smoke screen but proved false.
22 Fox Shelled by 150 mm believed railroad gun.
22 Charley Had to withdraw to the next town back. Germans counter attacked. One vehicle was sent back to next town. Vehicle was chased by artillery fire. OP was kept there until enemy neared town. Town was later retaken. OPO moved back, shell fire heavy.
22 Able Shells landing near station.
23 Fox Enemy convoy northeast of post one mile.
23 Charley Enemy artillery position Q498634 in factory courtyard 300 yards by 100 yards. Brick shelters around guns. Enemy observ- er from smoke stack in courtyard (vicinity north of Saargemund)
24 For Heavy machine gun fire one mile north
24 Charley Enemy firing on troops of newly arriving Seventh Army troops. Severe damage to troops and equipment Guns from Q495634. (vicinity north of Saargemund)
27 Fox Heavy artillery barrage. Heavy machine gun fire northeast of OP. All stations connected to other unit in vicinity for reports.
End of Report

 

JANUARY 1945
Jan 1
On January 1, 1945 Gen. Patton issued Third Army General Order No 1 as follows:
To the Officers and men of the Third Army and
To Our Comrades of the XIX Tactical Air Command
From the bloody corridor at Avranches, to Brest, thence across France to the Saar, over the Saar into Germany , and now on to Bastogne, your record has been one of continuous victory. Not only have you invariably defeated a cunning and ruthless enemy, but also you have overcome by your indomitable fortitude every aspect of terrain and weather. Neither heat nor dust nor floods nor snow have stayed your progress. The speed and brilliancy of your achievements are unsurpassed in military history.
Recently I had the honor of receiving at the hands of the 12th Army Group Commander, Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, a second Oak Leaf Cluster to the DSM. This award was bestowed on me, not for what I have done, but because of what you have achieved. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.
My New Year wish and sure conviction for you is that, under the protection of Almighty God and the inspired leadership of our President and the High Command, you will continue your victorious course to the end that tyranny and vice shall be eliminated, our dead comrades avenged, and peace restored to a war-weary world.
In closing, I can find no fitter expression for my feelings than to apply to you the immortal words spoken by General Scott at Chapultepec when he said: "Brave rifles, veterans, you have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel".
G.S Patton, Jr.
Lieut. General
Commanding
The 4th Armored Division seized and held a corridor into the town of Bastogne.
In the 563rd GO2 moved Post George to Neufchateau, Post How to Betrix, Post Jig to Offagne, Post King to St. Marie and Post Love to Bercheux.
XIX TAC flew 469 sorties in excellent weather. XIX TAC accounted for destroying or damaging 195 motor vehicles, 274 railroad cars and 42 tanks and armored vehicles. Photographs indicating routes available to the Germans for their expected withdrawal from Bastogne were forwarded to command headquarters by Photo Reconnaissance.
Jan 2
In the Third Army Senonchamps and Mande St. Etienne were captured by the 9th Armored Division.
XIX TAC flew 407 sorties in 42 missions. XIX TAC shot down 5 German planes (losing 7 or their own) and claimed damage or destruction of 55 armored vehicles and tanks, 180 motor vehicles, 323 railroad cars and 12 locomotives.
Jan 3
Third Army G-2 estimated that there is 93,000 German troops, the equivalent of 12 divisions and 209 tanks or assault guns on the front. In the Third Armuy's III Corps the 35th Infantry Divisions gained positions to attack the town of Berle.
On January 3rd FDP5 moved to a location near Longwy which is about 18 miles west of Luxembourg City. From this location they had excellent coverage of the Bulge area from the western side of the action. The 738th Signal Air Warning Company found splendid quarters consisting of a chateau and two houses all steam heated. FDP3 which was still located near Luxembourg City also had excellent coverage of the battle area from the southern side. The following LW platoons were relieved from attachment as follows
Lt. Roberts' platoon from attachment to Company A
Lt. Martinsen's platoon from Company B
Lt. Altman's platoon from Company B
Lt. Cobbs' platoon from Company C
Lt. Kenny's platoon from Company C
GO1 moved Post Able to Methorn, Post Dog to Herrersdorf and Post Fox to Enschwin. GO3 Moved Post Mike to La Roche, Post Oboe to Bande, Post Peter to Ortho and Post Roger to Beausaint. Ground Observer Platoon GO4 was relieved from attachment to Company A and attached to Company C.
XIX TAC had poor flying weather which prohibited any air activity.
Jan 4
In the 563rd GO4, commanded by Lt. Duncan, was attached to FDP3 as a reinforcement on January 4th and was placed along the Mossele River. Post Uncle was just below the much contested city of Echternach. Most of the posts were subjected to enemy artillery fire and Tare Post was hit. Cpl Merle F. Livingstone and Cpl Joseph G Mazur were wounded and both men received the purple heart. Cpl Mazur was wounded in the arm by a shell fragment and Cpl Livingstone was wounded in the shoulder and leg. Cpl Livingstone went back one day after treatment but Mazur's was hospitalized for a few days and was under medical supervision then returned back to duty. Movements by GO4 were Post Sugar from W of Tromborn to Junglinster, Post Tare from Wolfingen to Briebweiler, Post Uncle from SW of Ruhlingen to SE of Herborn, Post Victor from Buschbach to Canach and Post William from Kochern to E of Flaxweiler. BACU3 moved to Jury. GO2 moved Post George to Neufcheateau, Post How to Bettrix, Post Jig to Offange, Post King to St. Marie and Post Love to Bercheux. GO3 moved Post Mike to Rambourch, Post Oboe from to Vichten, Post Peter to Schwidbelborough, Post Queen to Wolwelange and Post Roger to Ospern. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Oberdorff, Post Tare to Briebweilerand Post Victor to Conach. FDP5 moved from Marhange to Longwy and this site proved to be ideal for MEW operations, having little permanent echoes in any direction. BACU3 was moved from E of Tromborn to Jury.
XIX TAC grounded by adverse weather conditions.
Jan 5
XIX TAC flew 191 sorties, directed primarily at marshaling yards and enemy airfields. XIX TAC did manage to hit 127 railroad cars during operations.
Jan 6
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th Infantry Division cleared Tillet which is about 8 miles west of Bastogne.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the towns of Goesdorf and Dahl were captured.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Oboe to Victen, Post Peter to Schwidelborough Post Queen to Bigonville. GO4 moved Post Victor to Bons. Lt. George E. Mowrer was appointed Battalion Fire Marshal.
XIX TAC air operations socked in 7 No flying due to poor weather.
Jan 7
The XIX TAC could fly neither their fighters or bombers due to bad weather.
Jan 8
XIX TAC area overcast and cloudy skies prohibited air activity.
Jan 9
By January 9th the Third Army was attacking on a broad front with the XII Corps on the right, the III Corps in the center and the VIII Corps on the left and the Germans were being pushed back.
In the 563rd LW6 (close support unit) reported into the FDP3 network equipped with an SCR-584 the controllers vector the fighter bombers over to the close support unit site. These flights are picked up by the SCR-584 and vectored to their targets. The SCR- 584 controller can do pin point bombing through haze and other weather conditions that normally impede accurate bombing. The close support is sited by Engineers and is as accurate as any radar can possibly be. This was a good application of the unit but later on the XIX TAC would put the these units under control of the Air liaison Officer of the Corps and be designated BACU units who sometimes had to use D/F units to locate their incoming fighter bomber.
XIX TAC area weather was bad managed to send out 24 sorties in escort of bomber missions.
Jan 10
In the 563rd Company C announced the formation of 4 FDP information center teams to handle the reporting, communications and filtering in the FDP. The crew chief's of these teams were S/Sgt Fred Dillman, Sgt Peter Degennaro, Tech/5th Alexander Jef- ferson and Tech/5th Martin . They also reported tracks on the filter board that were identified by the Fighter Control Center as hostile. Close supervision of these tracks showed that their speed was only 40 miles per hour. GO2 Ground Observer Platoon of Company B was attached to Company A for tactical employment they were relocated by FDP1 along a line from near St. Avold west to Villers- Stoncourt and they were place as follows.
Post Fox to Weiler
Post George to Zimmingen
Post How to Kammern
Post Jig to NE of Kreuzwald
Post King to Mertenbach about 4 miles NE of St. Avold
Post Love to Villers-Stoncourt about 12 Miles SE Metz
GO1 moved Post Fox to Fortweiler. GO2 moved Post George to Zimmingen, Post How to Fowewiler, Post Jig to Kreuzwald, Post King to Mertenbach and Post Love to Villers-Stoncourt. GO3 moved Post Peter to Grevels.
XIX TAC area had good weather allowed flying. During operations totaling 325 sorties, 182 tons of general purpose bombs were dropped on German troops. In the day's operations, either damaged or destroyed were 246 motor vehicles, 14 tanks and armored vehicles, 145 railroad cars and 4 bridges.
Jan 11
In the 563rd an identification of the slow moving targets spotted by Post Fox on 10 January were checked out with attached AAA and it showed that these were their weather balloons. FDP1 moved to Neufchef. GO1 moved Post Fox to Schonbruck. GO3 moved Post Mike to Greves.
XIX TAC had air activity
Jan 12
In the 563rd FDP1 moved Ground observer Fox from E of Rigbangen to Weiler. FDP1 moved to near Neufchef which is 7 miles southwest of Thionville. This move was made by the Leap-frog method insuring a continuous operation of the FDP. This site was the first time since arriving on the continent that Company A was bivouacked in buildings. This put them on the eastern edge of the Bulge and at an ideal pivot location where they were oriented to attack east on the right side of the Third Army when the attack would resume eastward. GO3 moved Post Peter to Heidersheid and Post Roger to Hostert.
XIX TAC area bad weather precluded air action.
Jan 13
In the Third Army area a fighter pilot was on a artillery reconnaissance mission with the VIII Corps and on completion was asked to verify a report of enemy armor moving south into Houffal- ize and he reported a mixed column of 60 vehicles moving into town. The VIII Corps artillery adjusted their guns according to the information received from the pilot and started a 3 battalion time- on-target concentration on the Germans. The pilot also vectored in a squadron of fighter bombers to bomb and strafe the enemy columns. He also circled the area, locating 2 enemy antiaircraft batteries on which he adjusted two 155-mm battalions. Destruction of the enemy column was thorough.
In the 563rd BACU2 moved to Arsdorf.
XIX TAC in a total 551 sorties flown, cutting 25 railroad lines and claiming 137 motor vehicles, 168 railroad cars and 40 factories.
Jan 14
In the Third Army XX Corps the 94th Infantry Division captured the town of Berg.
In the 563rd GO Queen reported that they were being fired upon by enemy artillery. The last hit 100 yards away. The shelling ceased after a short time without any damage or casualties. GO3 moved Post Oboe to Schandeld and Peter Cruchten. GO4 moved Post William to Flaxweiler.
XIX TAC total claims of 7 enemy aircraft, 410 motor vehicles, 52 armored vehicles and tanks, 74 railroad cars and 10 locomotives were made after flying 633 sorties.
Jan 15
In the 563rd the Battalion was subjected to a general inspection by the Inspector Generals Department of XIX TAC and all companies and the Battalion were given a superior rating. On Maj. Kenneth B. Grigsby was assigned to the 563rd and appointed Battalion Surgeon. GO3 moved Post Roger to Surre. T/Sgt Robert J. Simon and Pfc Fred W. Bonness wee released from Company C and the 563rd and sent to England of the first leg of their journey home. They had served in Iceland before being assigned to the 563rd and had been with Company C since they joined. Having spent three years overseas they were eligible to be sent home. The tragedy was that later on the 563rd was notified that they were both killed in the crash of the airplane they were on enroute to England and on their way home.
During January the XIX TAC was operating with eight fighter- bomber groups and flew 5,937 sorties. This represented 714 sor- ties less than the number flown during December, despite the fact that the command's fighter-bomber strength had been greatly augmented by transfers from other air organizations. As everywhere else on the western front, poor weather accounted for this decline. Only five of the first twelve days of the month were operational. Fortunately, superb flying weather from 13th through 16th of January and passably fair weather on the 22nd through 26th of January provided most welcome respite from the all too frequent conditions of "intermittent snow showers, low ceilings and ten- tenths cloud." A total of 3,616 sorties was flown on these nine days, representing slightly over 61 percent of the total effort for January. Operating mainly in the Bastogne area and on the southern flank of the German withdrawal, fighter-bombers carried out sustained operations against enemy road and rail transport, gun positions, and concentrations of troops and supplies. Very successful attacks were also staged upon numerous enemy-held places in Luxembourg and upon German towns and villages north and south of the Moselle. In addition to these armed reconnaissance operations, the fighter-bombers in the inner zone of interdiction, and also attacked several airfields east of the Rhine. Finally, in conjunction with the medium bomber bridge interdiction program, they attacked a number of road bridges south of the Moselle and along the Our River.
Jan 16
XIX TAC flew 504 sorties. German planes flew out to meet them. Out of the contact 14 German planes were shot down and 5 American planes lost.
Jan 17
In the Third Army a very heavy harassing and interdiction artillery program was conducted on this date and on all escape routes available to the Germans leaving the Ardennes area. This program was fired by all available artillery of the III, VIII and XII Corps.
XIX TAC listed only limited claims because of poor visibility.
Jan 18
XIX TAC area had bad weather keeping aircraft on the ground.
Jan 19
In the 563rd Lt. Harold E. Waeckerle was placed on temporary duty with the XIX TAC in the Signal Section.
XIX TAC flew 149 sorties. Only light claims were made due to poor visibility.
Jan 20
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Roger to Harlange. GO4 moved Post Victor to Syren. Lt. William A. Wright was appointed Battalion Gas Officer and Lt. Paul E. Rapp was relieved of that assignment. Maj. Maurice E. Byrne was appointed Battalion Security Officer in addition to his other duties. Lt. Robert A. Homan was assigned from Company D to Headquarters Company and appointed Battalion S-3 in addition to his other duties.
XIX TAC flew 10 sorties.
Jan 21
In the Third Army's III Corps area the towns of Wiltz, Noertrange, Niederwitz, Bruhl and Brachtenbach were captured.
In the Third Army's XII corps the 4th Armored Division captured Fouhren.
On January 21st the FDP3 controller on duty was Lt. Salfen and he received a call from Toyshop for help to the closest airfield in the city of Luxembourg. The plane was a P38 and it passed over the site going NNE at 1217 hours and landed at the airfield AP7 at 1220. Lt. Salfen later told the filter officer on duty that General Quesada was in the plane and wanted help. The general later sent his thanks to the controller.
XIX TAC had poor weather conditions which kept aircraft grounded.
Jan 22
In the Third Army VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division entered Bois de Rouvroy and crosses the German Border.
In the 563rd LW1 was moved to Tromborn which is 12 miles northwest of St. Avold. On January 22nd Company C was visited by war correspondents Marjorie Avery of the Detroit Free Press and Catherine Coyne of the Boston Herald. The ladies of the press interviewed the men of Company C headquarters which was located several miles south of Luxembourg City. No doubt they also reported on the Third Army Headquarters who were located in Luxembourg City and occupying the previous quarters used by Gen. Bradley's 12th Army Group just prior to the Battle of the Bulge. In the XIX TAC this was the command's most successful day (see XIX TAC Intelligence Report on the following page) its aircraft found the roads near Viaden and Dashburg choked with every sort of enemy vehicle -- motor, armored, and horse drawn. This congestion had been brought about by the medium bomber's operations earlier that morning inflicting heavy damage on the Dasburg road bridge. Attacking the bumper-to-bumper columns with rockets, high explo- sives and incendiaries, and repeatedly strafing them from one end to the other, the fighter-bombers inflicted frightful losses upon the enemy. The pilots claimed 1,177 motor vehicles destroyed and damage to another 536. The havoc inflicted upon the enemy was achieved at a loss of only eight fighter aircraft, although not one of the attacking planes escaped varying degrees of damage from the enemy's motorized antiaircraft units which tried in vain to ward off the devastating aerial blows. The days success elicited messages of recognition from Generals Arnold, Spaatz and Vandenbe- rg.
Jan 23
In the Third Army area the Germans launched a strong tank- infantry counter attack against the XX Corps to regain the town of Berg held by 94th Infantry Division.
Gen. Weyland sent this message to his troops on January 23,1945:
Following Messages from Spaatz to Vandenberg to Weyland quoted Spaatz "Operations of the Ninth Air Force Today were most outstand- ing. Their effect on our enemy must have been terrific. My heartiest congratulations to all concerned, particularly to those pilots who made five sorties during the day". General Vandenberg added " for performance which reflects great credit of your command and this Air Force, I add my sincere congratulations.
For information on who done it look on your own operations reports. Germans claim great strategic withdrawal with only one army NYR. Yesterday was beautiful example of tactical cooperation between Recon and Fighter control, ground control and fighter. I am plenty proud of you all.
From Weyland to all units."
End of Document
XIX TAC continued the air attacks destroying or damaging 164 motor vehicles and 29 gun positions.
Preceding is the XIX TAC A-3 Intelligence Report Morning Summary for operations from Sunrise 22 January to sunset 23 January, 1945
Jan 24
In the Third Army III Corps the 6th Armored Division takes Holler and Breidfeld
In the Third Army XII Corps the 80th Infantry Division captures Kautenbach, Alscheid and Enscherange.
In the Third Army XX Corps the 94th Infantry Division were now up against the dragon teeth of the Siegfried Line and the advance detachment cleared the mine fields.
XIX TAC flew 213 sorties, destroying or damaging 137 motor vehicles and 29 gun installations.
Jan 25
In the Third Army XII Corps 80th Infantry Division crossed the Clerf river and cleared Lellingen and Pintsch
In the Third Army XX Corps the 90th Infantry Division captured Fischbach and the 6th Armored Division captured Weiswampach.
XIX TAC flew 198 sorties, shot down 2 German planes and destroyed or damaged 240 motor vehicles.
Jan 26
On January 26,1945 General Patton issued this commendation to General Weyland on the Ardennes campaign as follows: "My dear General Weyland:
Please accept for yourself and pass on to the officers and men of your command the sincere appreciation and admiration of myself, and the officers and men of the Third Army, for your magnificent cooperation in the reduction of the Ardennes salient.
As usual, we feel that the great successes achieved are the result of the unselfish cooperation and comradeship existing between the Air and Ground troops.
We look forward to bigger and better victories in the immediate future.
Most Sincerely
G.S. Patton Jr
Lieut. General"
End of Document
XIX TAC got a total of 219 motor vehicles, 145 railroad cars and 13 armored vehicles were destroyed or damaged in 189 sorties flown.
Jan 27
In the Third Army XII Corps the 5th Infantry Division captured Consthum and Hozthum and the 80th Infantry Division captured Bockholz.
XIX TAC grounded by bad weather.
Jan 28
All of the ground gained by the German Army in the Battle of the Bulge was officially regained on this date.
On January 28 the 19th Tactical Control Center move to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
XIX TAC had seventy sorties flow as escort for IX Bomber Command. No armed reconnaissance missions were flown.
Jan 29
In the Third Army the VIII Corps crossed the Our river with the 87th Infantry Division on the left the 4th Infantry Division in the center and the 90th Infantry Division on the right. Hemmers, Elcherath, Lommersweiler and Setz were captured.
In the 563rd BACU2 moved Llange.
XIX TAC flew 512 sorties aimed predominantly at transporta- tion, bombing and strafing 745 motor vehicles and 268 railroad cars.
Jan 30
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th Infantry Division attacks east, capturing Schlierbach and Rodgen and clearing Adler, Shonberg and Atzerath.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Mike from Grevis to Eschdorf and Post Queen from Bigonville to Wiltz.
XIX TAC had 2 flight missions sent up, XIX TAC had to be recalled due to bad weather. The bad weather continued and all operations were called off for the day.
Jan 31
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 90th Infantry Division captured Heckhalenfeld, Winterselt and Eigelscheid and the 87th Infantry Division captured Heum and Laudesfeld.
In the 563rd Company C January report stated the their Ground observer posts were ranged along the southern flank of the Bulge. The post's move with the front and are placed in such a manner that no aircraft, either friendly or hostile, can get through without being detected. Post Roger of GO3 is close to the city of Bastogne and gave us valuable information of our fighter bombers working over that area. Toward the end of the month most of the armed reconnaissance flights went toward the German border. and our sector quieted down. Our controllers still control missions just a few miles north of us. They also reported " most of the men living out of doors decided to fix up their tents for an expected cold spell. They did a good job on their tents and Tech/5th Kenneth L. Olson and his men decided to build a house instead of winterizing their tents. After about a week of hard work the house was finally completed--pinups and all. Dimensions of house ar as follows: 19 feet to the peak on the ends, sides 8 feet height and 24 feet long. The house is large enough to use as a chapel on Sunday. It has three windows and a glass door in front. It is an excellent job and an example of American Sol- dier's workmanship." Lt. William A Wright was relieved as Battalion Soldier Voting Officer. At the end of January Company C submitted a report of the radar missions as follows;
"The total number of missions controlled for the month was 170 of which 43 achieved good results. The total number of tanks vehicles, trains, troops, railroads, bridges, and marshaling yards hit is hard to determine because a good many of the targets are in enemy territory. The pilots can sometimes tell how good of a job they did on their targets or the flights following can see the results. Below is a list of missions controlled and the results achieved:
1 Jan
Serum Leader. Target--tanks at L4040. Did very well on tanks and strafed several trucks.
Flapper Leader. Target--area L3845. Hit 10 tanks.
Cherry Leader. Armed Reconnaissance--Saarbrucken area. Saw P-47's with red noses and red tails, also some with white noses and read tails in the vicinity of Q7050. Investigated but could not make certain they were hostile.
Elwood Leader. Armed Reconnaissance--Trier area, hit trains.
2 Jan
Flapper Leader. Hit marshaling yards and trains in area L6514. 10 vehicles and 2 tanks hit in area L1239 and L1045.
Tropic Leader. Hit trains and rail yard's at P8161. Then found convoy where we got plenty of flak. Ten trucks and tanks hit and strafed.
Serum Leader. Worked Trier to Daum Area. Hit a moving train and convoy of trucks.
5 Jan
Tropic Leader. Reconnaissance mission. Bombed 2 trains south of Bitburg.
Foxhunt Leader. Not assigned, but called us. We took him to target at P5774 where he found enemy vehicles for strafing. No flak.
10 Jan
Flapper Leader on mission W51-3. Bombed railroad cars and did armed reconnaissance in the area.
Serum Leader. Bombed flak positions, railroad cars
Schooner leader. On mission to hit bridge at P916840. Bombed and hit target.
Browning Leader. Target at P8385. Hit and strafed enemy convoy and tanks.
13 Jan
Klondike Leader. Worked bridges near L1020, did Bitburg.
Basher Leader. target at P9065. Tanks and motor transport.
Fairdawn Leader. Armed Reconnaissance, bombed lots of motor transport.
Rosco Leader. Rosco over to Clearview for target at P6400. Clear tanks at P6355. Shot rockets many hits.
Fairdawn Leader. Found 2 towns, motor transport and tanks in woods.
15 Jan
Rosco Leader on mission W51-8. Worked vicinity P6590, hit trucks and tanks
Klondike Leader. Found marshaling yards and bombed same.
22 Jan
Rosco Leader over target area in vicinity of P8757. Hit troops and vehicles.
23 Jan
Serum Leader. Hit lots of motor transport in area of P8275.
Flapper Leader. Vectored flapper to P9872. He found many motor transports and hit same.
24 Jan
Plastic Leader. Saw railroad well camouflaged, also tanks in woods. Hit concentration at L1202.
Elwood Leader. Bombed flak positions and also strafed vehicles and bombed three bridges in vicinity of L1353.
25 Jan
Browning Leader. Received target tank target at P7656. Could not locate that target so bombed P8250, hit about 15 vehicles.
26 Jan
Schooner Leader. Bombed and strafed vehicles going east in vicinity of P8364. Hit convoy along Our River.
Serum Leader. Took him to bridge at L4348. Hit bridge and some motor transport.
29 Jan
Schooner Leader. Dropped bombs and hit 2 motor vehicles with troops at P8264 and L3954.
Schooner Leader. Bombed CP at P9062.
Jampip Leader. Prum and St. Vith area. Sighted over 400 motor transport vehicles.
Fairdawn Leader. Over target at L5662. Hit bridge three times."
End of Report

 

XIX TAC had bad weather which prevailed for the day preventing engaging the enemy in any activity.
FEBRUARY 1945
During most of February, the Third Army was slowly pushing forward through the mud and slush of melting snows in the rugged Eifel terrain and along the north bank of the Moselle, the primary program of XIX TAC's fighter-bombers was rail and road interdic- tion. There were the usual missions of armed reconnaissance against defended localities and marshaling yards, rail-cutting, bomber escort, alert patrol and as the month wore on, attacks against airdromes, fuel and ammunition dumps, and motor transport depots. Notable success was achieved against road and railway bridges in the area along the Moselle, especially at Bullay, Eller, and Nonnweiler. Many successful sorties were also flown in direct cooperation with the ground forces, particularly in connection with the establishment of bridgeheads over the numerous rivers were heavy enemy fire and swift currents made crossing operations difficult. The steadily mounting destruction of enemy transport and equipment was highlighted by attacks on February 23rd, when an aggregate of 527 sorties was flown, and 269 tanks and armored vehicles, 1,308 railroad cars and 724 motor vehicles were claimed destroyed or damaged.
When toward the close of February, the Third Army plunged through the Sigfried Line and then in March commenced lightning- like drives across the Moselle into the enemy's rear, the fighter- bombers were presented with a happy hunting ground. The dis- organization and confusion wrought among the enemy by the three converging attacks from the north, west, and south brought about a precipitate attempt at evacuation. The resultant congestion of all types of vehicles on roads leading eastward was tremendous. Fortunately, with the exception of the period from the March 4th through the March 8th when a total of only 59 combat sorties was flown, the weather permitted large scale operations daily. Alert tactical reconnaissance kept a vigil of all roads, spotting large concentrations of retreating enemy transport and then leading the fighter-bombers to the kill. Records of sorties flown and claims of destruction of transport were established one day, only to be surpassed within a few days.
Feb 1
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 90th Infantry Division captured Grublangenfeld and Heckhuscheid.
In the 563rd Pfc Francis A. Reinboldt was transferred in from the 128th Replacement Bn and assigned to Headquarters Company.
XIX TAC had Thirty-two sorties were flown, all of them being in escort for medium bombers.
Feb 2
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th and 90th Infantry Divisions captured Bleailf, Radscheid, Krewinkel, Betrtherath, Weckerath and Losheim.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the Corps Artillery attacked a group of enemy tanks just east of Kreuzweiler with a time on target concentration of by seven Battalions of Artillery.
In the 563rd Company C reported that a number of the privates in the company were promoted to PFC. They also reported that the communications to the Tactical Control Center now includes a wire line. This means of communication is the best one for reporting and more valuable information is passed over land line than can possibly get over RFM or CW radio. The following day Company C reported that the tie with local AAA was changed from Maestro to Madonna, this was the start of the AAA outfits moving away from the city of Luxembourg.
XIX TAC flew 414 sorties, aimed mostly at railroad facilities. XIX TAC cut 29 rail lines and damaged or destroyed 585 railroad cars and 32 locomotives.
Feb 3
In the Third Army the XX Corps Artillery laid on 155-mm howitzer fire to harass and interdict the enemy's rear echelons.
In the 563rd Tech/5 Harold E. Gerrietts was transferred from Headquarters Company to Company B. Flight Officer Bigsby of the RAF stayed three days at FDP3 and made changes on both the type 15 and type 11 radars and Lt. Charles A. Stewart said he improved the coverage and the system of height finding. On February 4th FDP3 reported an unusual track on the filter table at 1645 hours. The Third Army front had 6 aircraft tracks then suddenly increased to 16 tracks. A later check showed that these planes were dropping surrender and other leaflets on the German front lines. The operators first thought that the planes were dropping window but it did not jam the radar. The Tactical Control Center cleared it up. Battalion Headquarters received XIX TAC General Orders 9 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to Lt. Lawrence A Keefer in recognition of meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy from 12 Sept 1944 to 21 January 1945.
XIX TAC had 3 Air operations were limited by the weather, made 3 uneventful escort missions.
Feb 4
In the 563rd Lt. Eugene A. Tikalsky, Lt. Edward R. Krause and Lt. Herbert A. Taper were assigned to Headquarters Company from XIX TAC. Pfc Ralph W. Cline was transferred in from the 14th Replace- ment Depot and assigned to Headquarters Company. Tech/5 Claude L. Robinson was transferred in from the 134th Replacement Bn and assigned to Company C. S/Sgt Hugh J. McGarrible was transferred in from the 134th Replacement Bn and assigned to company D. Lt. John J. Reynolds, Jr was appointed Battalion Savings Officer in addition to his other duties. WOJG Reginald L. Stark was appointed investigating officer in cases involving violations set forth in the Geneva Convention. FDP2 moved to Asselborn, Luxembourg which is about 55 miles north of Luxembourg City near the Belgian border. This site was the closest to the front line that FDP2 had operated up to that time. The weather had turned worse at the beginning of the week. The snow which had no chance to melt because of the below freezing temperature was melted by a warm rain and added to the swollen, overflowing streams. The roads did not drain because of ruts and seemingly bottomless mud-holes. With all these adverse conditions the move was made in good time. The new site proved to be a problem from the first day with transportation being hampered by the mud. A corduroy road was the only answer to the problem. Without this road it would have been impossible to obtain supplies and other essentials. On the other hand the site proved to be excellent for tactical purposes. It was proven from daily operations that a much greater distance of control of aircraft is possible than at other previous sites. FDP2 moved from St. Marie to N of Asselborn. GO3 moved Post Oboe from Schandel to Boursche- id.
XIX TAC had bad weather which prohibited any operations, with the exception of 2 planes which performed weather reconnaissance.
Feb 5
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 90th Infantry Division cleared Habscheid and the 4th Infantry Division captured Brands- cheid and Schlausenbach.
The 19 TCG Tactical Control Center moved to the city of Luxembourg and took over the FDP3 tie in with the AAA group. Lt. Stewart, the FDP3 Filter Officer, said
"the tie in was profitable to both FDP3 and the AAA and on occasion when the aircraft were too close to FDP3 site for us to see them, the radar in the AAA group would furnish information on the tracks, also FDP3 used AAA information to check the calibration of FDP3 radar sets and the accuracy of the type 11 height finding".
In doing so the TCC took over the telephone tie previously set up.
XIX TAC had no flying because of bad weather.
Feb 6
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division Attacked the West Wall and advanced two miles southeast and entered Berg.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area both the 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions cross the Sauer river.
XIX TAC flew 214 sorties. XIX TAC either damaged or destroyed 272 motor vehicles, 13 armored vehicles and tanks,s 245 railroad cars and 30 buildings.
Feb 7
In the Third Army the VIII Corps was meeting strong resistance to deepen penetrations of the West Wall. In the III Corps area assault elements of the 6th Armored Division and the 17th Airborne Division crossed the Our River and the German border and although the enemy gave strong resistance after they recovered from the surprise the 6th Armored Division constructed bridges and moved additional forces across during the day. By February 7th the line of resistance of the Third Army was restored along the Our River by the Third Army and the German Counter attack was over. In the XII Corps area attacks were made across the Our and Sauer rivers between Vianden and Echternach with the 5th and 80th Infantry Divisions and although the artillery support was strong the swift current of the river and heavy artillery fire from the West Wall limited the number of crossings and prevented bridging. In the XX Corps area attacks were made by the 94th Infantry Division on German pockets in Tettengen and the 26th Infantry Division began a series of local actions in the Saarlautern-Roden bridgehead sector.
In the 563rd LW2 moved to Lutz. For this movement Company C was cited by Battalion Headquarters to Commend them for "an extremely rapid move under very adverse conditions". GO3 moved Post Roger to Roders.
XIX TAC had sorties were flown due to poor weather.
REVIEW OF 563rd SAW BN POSITIONS
IN BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG
DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
According to the War Department "History of the United States Army in World War II Series, European Theater Operations" and contained in "The Ardennes: Battle of the Bulge" edited by Hugh M. Cole, the Battle of the bulge extended from 16 December 1944 through 7 February 1945. Following is a list of positions during this time frame in Belgium and Luxembourg. The coordinate system is the combat map grids of this period. It is known that the government of Belgium awarded a Fourragere for action from the 16 Dec to 25 Jan in Belgium however the award must be by specific decree of the Belgium Government. Solicitation of foreign awards is prohibited and a foreign award must have been approved by the Department of the Army within one year. Both the French and Luxem- bourg Governments have been known to award a Croix-de-Guerre to units. The Department of the Army states that none of these awards are automatic.
Following is a list of 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion sites in Luxembourg and Belgium that were occupied during the Battle of the Bulge.
Belgian Sites
Unit Near Town Date Grid Coordinate

Co B Hq Ste. Marie 24 Dec-03 Feb P426208
FDP2 Plt Ste. Marie 24 Dec-03 Feb P426208
Co B Hq Asselborm 04 Feb-07 Mar P733691
FDP2 Plt Asselborn 04 Feb-07 Mar P733691
BACU2 Plt Lullange 29 Jan-01 Mar P879715
LW2 Plt Harbay-La-Neuve 28 Dec-6 Feb P480320
LW2 Plt Lutz 07 Feb-09 Mar P787744
GO2 Plt post G Neufchateau 01 Jan-03 Jan P351408
GO2 Plt post G Neufchateau 04 Jan-09 Jan P438409
GO2 Plt post H Bertrix 01 Jan-03 Jan P224430
GO2 Plt post H Bertrix 04 Jan-09 Jan P218425
GO2 Plt post J Offange 01 Jan-03 Jan P163462
GO2 Plt post J Offange 04 Jan-09 Jan P183484
GO3 Plt post M LaRoche 03 Jan-04 Jan P488761
GO3 Plt post O Bande 03 Jan-04 Jan P351741
GO3 Plt Post P Ortho 03 Jan P465720
GO3 Plt Post Q Wolwelange 04 Jan P548384
GO3 Plt Post R Beausaint 03 Jan P427779

Luxembourg Sites

Unit Near Town Date Grid Coordinate

563rd SAW Bn Audin-Le-Tische 28 Dec-09 Feb U720985
Co C Hq Hesperance 22 Sep-07 Mar P835100
FDP3 Plt Hesperance 22 Sep-07 Mar P035100
LW3 Plt Fischbach 29 Sep-12 Mar P870297
BACU1 Plt Reuland 28 Dec P919269
LW6 Plt Reuland 28 Dec P918270
GO3 Plt Post O Waldbilig 27 Dec-02 Jan P940357
GO3 Plt Post O Vichten 04 Jan-13 Jan P759359
GO3 Plt Post O Schandeld 14 Jan-25 Feb P735340
GO3 Plt Post P Ortho 03 Jan P465720
GO3 Plt Post P Schwidelborough 04 Jan-09 Jan P645380
GO3 Plt Post P Grevels 10 Jan-11 Jan P690417
GO3 Plt Post P Heidersheid 12 Jan-13 Jan P738445
GO3 Plt Post P Grevels 14 Jan-27 Feb P690417
GO3 Plt Post Q Stegen 27 Dec-03 Jan P975379
GO3 Plt Post Q Wolwelange 04 Jan-05 Jan P584384
GO3 Plt Post Q Bigonville 06 Jan-29 Jan P601406
GO3 Plt Post Q Wiltz 30 Jan-12 Feb P708530
GO3 Plt Post Q Weicherdangfe 13 Feb-26 Feb P948614
GO3 Plt Post R Beausaint 03 Jan P427779
GO3 Plt Post R Ospern 04 Jan-11 Jan P683331
GO3 Plt Post R Hostert 12 Jan-15 Jan P658362
GO3 Plt Post R Surre 16 Jan-19 Jan P682263
GO3 Plt Post R Harlange 20 Jan-06 Feb P607496
GO3 Plt Post R Roders 07 Feb-12 Feb P880548
GO3 Plt Post R Heinersheid 13 Feb-26 Feb P820673
GO4 Plt Post T Briebweiler 04 Jan-03 Mar P945326
GO4 Plt Post U Herborn 04 Jan-06 Mar L059283
GO4 Plt Post V Conach 04 Jan-05 Jan P981135
GO4 Plt Post V Bons 06 Jan-19 Jan P972095
GO4 Plt Post V Syren 20 Jan-24 Feb P922095
GO4 Plt Post W Flaxweiler 14 Jan-23 Feb L010191
THE RHINELAND CAMPAIGN
The Rhineland Campaign Phase extended from February 8th to March 19th.
FEBRUARY 1945.
During most of February the Third Army was slowly pushing forward through the mud and slush of melting snows in the rugged Eifel terrain and along the north bank of the Moselle, the primary program of the XIX TAC's fighter-bombers was rail and road interdiction. There were the usual missions of armed reconnais- sance against defended localities and marshaling yards, rail- cutting, bomber escort, alert patrol and as the month wore on, attacks against airdromes, fuel and ammunition dumps and motor transport depots. Notable success was achieved against road and rail bridges in the area along the Moselle, especially at Bullay, Eller and Nonnweiler. Many successful sorties were also flown in direct cooperation with the ground forces, particularly in con- nection with the establishment by VIII and XII Corps of bridgeheads over the numerous rivers where heavy enemy fire and swift currents made crossing operations difficult.
During this phase the Third Army was attacking east with the VIII Corps on the left, the XII Corps in the center and the XX Corps at the right. The VII Corps had the 11th Armored Division, the XII corps the 4th Armored Division and the XX Corps the 10th and 12th Armored Divisions.
Feb 8
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 4th Infantry Division captured 4th Infantry Division captured Condenbret and Hermespand sad.
In the Third Army's XII Corps expands the bridgehead near Dillingen.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 94th Infantry Division captures Sinz.
XIX TAC reported 30 locomotives, 452 railroad cars, 43 tank and armored vehicles, 173 motor vehicles and 153 buildings either damaged or destroyed in 314 sorties. XIX TAC lost a total of 3 planes.
Feb 9
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th Infantry Division captures Neuendorf, the 4th Infantry Division captures Gondenbrett.
In the 563rd FDP3 reported that GO3 Post Uncle had been spotted and fired upon by German Artillery. There were no cas- ualties.
XIX TAC flew 192 sorties, dropped 91 tons of bombs and attack 15 military installations and 8 marshaling yards. XIX TAC also cut 14 rail lines and destroyed or damaged 161 railroad cars.
Feb 10
In the Third Army area road conditions are extremely poor and handicap the flow of supplies and equipment to the front lines. In the VIII Corps area the 4th Infantry Division attacks Prum from the west.
In the 563rd Battalion Headquarters moved from Audun Le Tiche to Villerupt. They occupied the buildings vacated by members of the 19th TCG.
XIX TAC flew 136 sorties despite bad weather. The fighter bombers destroyed or damaged 37 motor vehicles, 131 railroad cars, 4 bridges and 17 buildings. XIX TAC attacked a total of 13 towns.
Feb 11
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division attacked and captured Harspelt and Sevenig. The 4th Infantry Division encircled Prum and the 22nd Infantry Division entered the western section of Prum.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 76th Infantry Division enlarged its bridgehead over the Sauer river.
In the 563rd Company C submitted the following report;
" For the past few days it had been raining hard and the wind was blowing hard, it finally blew hard enough to do a little damage to our installation, a strong wind blew the transmission lines off the type 15 antenna putting the radar off the air for a short time until it could be repaired. The same gust of wind also blew over one of the guard shacks and the guards had to stand guard all night in the rain until the next day when the company care center repaired the shack."
End of Report
Also Company C was received a commendation from Col. J. H. Madison, Commanding Officer of the 16th AAA Group which read as follows:
"I wish to commend you for your splendid cooperation with the 16th AAA Group from 23 October 1944 to 5 February 1945 in Lux- embourg City in furnishing early warning to the three AAA Gun Battalions attached to the Group.
Early warning furnished by FDP3 enabled SCR-584's of the Gun Battalions to lock on targets at maximum range and to open fire the instant enemy aircraft entered the defended area. Information given by you was especially helpful during the heavy enemy aerial activity which accompanied the German counter-offensive, and was undoubtedly instrumental in aiding the Group to accomplish its mission.
Air warning which the Group had while operating with your assistance was the best it has had since it became operational on the Continent on D-day.
J. H. Madison
Colonel, C.A.C.
Commanding
End of Report
Company C was officially cited by the Battalion Commander for Excellence in preparation of the monthly Historical Report. Lt. Charles A. Stewart, who was the Company C Historical Officer in addition to his other duties was largely responsible for the superior performance of the Company in administrative matters such as this.
XIX TAC flew 171 sorties and damaged or destroyed 210 railroad cars, 21 buildings and 11 locomotives.
Feb 12
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 4th Armored Division captured Prum, Germany and thus penetrating the West Wall in their area.
In the 563rd Lt. Joseph H. Eichbaum was relieved from Company C and placed on temporary duty with Battalion Headquarters. Lt. Robert P. Feldman and his LW platoon of 32 men were transferred from Company D to Company A. Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill and detachment of 4 men were transferred from Company D to Headquarters Company. Lt. Charles F. Cobbs and his LW platoon of 32 men were transferred from Company D to Company B. Pfc Albert F Shucavage and Pfc Herbert S. May, both of Company D were transferred to Company B. GO1 moved Post Charley from Furweiler to Gheltlingen.
XIX TAC had no missions flown.
Feb 13
In the Third Army about thirty tons of ammunition were dropped by parachute in the vicinity of Belialf as an experiment. Its purpose was to determine the possibilities of supporting the VIII Corps by air drop if all rear supply routes became entirely impassable due to bad road conditions and the lack of rail transportation.
In the 563rd Lt. Emry T. Altman and his LW platoon of 32 men were transferred from Company D to Company C. Ground Observer platoon GO2 were attached to Company for operations. Lt. Donald P Burns and detachment of 9 men were transferred from Company D to Company B. Lt. Martin Dworshak and detachment of 10 men were transferred from Company D to Company C. The following Officers and 32 men of Company D were transferred to Company A.
Lt. James D. Kenny
Lt. Curtis E. Owen
Lt. Oliver H. Smith
Cpl Donald W. Warley and Tech/5 Henry J. Mebonek were transferred from Company D to Company C. Both men are Medical Corps. GO3 moved Post Mike to Wahlhausen, Post Queen to Weicherdangfe and Post Roger to Heinersheid.
XIX TAC flew no missions because of bad weather.
Feb 14
In the Third Army bad road conditions forced supplies to be air dropped to VIII Corps units. Among the supplies dropped were 60,000 K rations, 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 1,000 rifle grenades, 1,000 trip flares nd 4,500 rounds of high explosive 80-mm mortar ammunition.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Charley to Peringen.
XIX TAD was grounded for the third day in a row.
Feb 15
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry Division prepares to cross the Moselle River. In the XII Corps area The 4th Armored Division attacks toward the Nehe River.
In the 563rd BACU2 was assigned to Company B. Also on February 15th Lt. Fredrick H. Fahner of Company B was promoted to First Lieutenant by order of XIX TAC. Also on February 15th Lt. David A. Pritchard, who is the Technical Officer of FDP2 was commended by the British radar officer from SHAEF for his expertise in the modification of the Type 15 radar interbay feeder system and in locating a rather difficult fault on the top aerial receiver system. The modification of the main feeder layout from the transmitter vehicle to the antenna cabin was passed on to the other Companies so they could improve their performance. GO3 moved Post Mike from Eschdorf to W of Wahlhausen, Post Queen from Wiltz to E of Weicherdange and Post Roger from Rodgers to Heinescheid.
XIX TAC dropped 108 tons of bombs during 190 sorties. XIX TAC attacked 21 towns and 9 marshaling yards.
Feb 16
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry Division begins the assault to cross the Moselle River and advances to the outskirts of Koblenz. In the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division secures a bridgehead on the Nahe river. In the XX Corps area the 10th Armored Division and breaks out and attacked toward Prims.
On February 16th GO3 post Victor reported one B-26 crashed 1/4 mile NE of the post. Men from Victor post went out to investigate and found that the situation was well in hand as many of our troops had already reached the scene. Hallan Leader from the 345th Fighter Group under control of FDP3 shot down 2 ME 109's at L4040 at 1530 hours. At 1548 hours Hallen Squadron under FDP3 control shot down 2 more MZ 109's making a total of four in 18 minutes. Next, Lt. James D. Tate, commanding LW3 of C Company reported on an unfortunate crash of an American P-47. It was observed approaching the LW site at about 2,000 feet altitude, leaving a smoke trail. The airplane was losing altitude fast and made an 180 degree turn beyond LW3 site and crashed 1/8 mile away. Pfc Stewart and Tech /5th Millard reached the crash site within 3 minutes of the crash, and could only open the cowling 1/2 inch when it jammed and thermite went off inside burning the cockpit. No further action was possible. The wreckage burned until about 1830 Hours. LW3 men maintained guard on the remains until 1600 Hours. On February 17th the body was removed by the Ninth Air Force Medical Officer. The body was badly burned but identified by the pilots dog tags. The pilot was apparently killed instantly by impact when the airplane stuck an embankment tearing motor from fuselage and a tree sheared off the right wing. The aircraft guns had not been fired and there was no indication of flak damage. Also on February 17th Company C reported that the winter camouflage was finally removed from the radars and I/C site and replaced with the normal green nets. On February 18th Lt. William A Wright was appointed Commanding Officer of the Headquarters Company.
XIX TAC had thirty-four sorties were flown but it was reported that the bombing of a bridge killed at least 150 Germans.
Feb 17
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry Division attacked east through Koblenz. In the XII Corps area the 90th Infantry Division cleared the seized Boppard and cleared the along the west bank of the Rhine from Boppard to St Goar. In the XX Corps area the 10th Armored Division crossed the Nahe river near Turkismuhle.
In the 563rd Cpl John McCarble was transferred in from the 134th Replacement Bn and assigned to Company B.
XIX TAC area bad weather kept aircraft on the ground.
Feb 18
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry Division cleared Koblenz. In the XII Corp area the 4th Armored captures Bad Kreusnach east of the Nahe. In the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division is driving toward Worms and the 10th Armored Division reaches St. Wendel.
In the 563rd Lt. William A Wright was appointed Commanding Officer of Headquarters Company and relieved of assignment as Battalion Gas Officer. Lt. Joseph H. Eichbaum was appointed battalion Gas Officer in addition to his other duties. Pfc Michael W. Lettiere, Medical Corps, was transferred from Company C to Company A.
XIX TAC had Fourteen sorties were flown accumulating only negligible results.
Feb 19
In the Third Army in the VIII Corps area the 74th Infantry Division is responsible to defend the west bank of the Rhine from Boppard to Bingen. In the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division is making rapid progress against weakening resistance. In the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division attacks rapidly toward the Rhine. The 10th Armored Division is clearing St. Wendel.
In the 563rd Lt. Joseph H. Eichbaum was appointed Post Exchange Officer in addition to his other duties and Lt. William A. Wright was relieved. Tech/5th William Roberts was transferred from Headquarters Company to Company B.
XIX TAC in spite of bad weather flew 279 sorties. The weather conditions did keep them from having anything except marginal results. XIX TAC destroyed 6 German planes and damaged 10 others. On the ground XIX TAC damaged or destroyed 185 railroad cars and 95 vehicles.
Feb 20
In the Third Army in the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division advances to Worms and blocks the entrances to the city. The 11th Armored makes a rapid advance to the Rhine and clears the bypassed resistance. In the XX Corps area 12th Armored Division reaches Gruenstat and the 10th Armored Division drives to Neukirk- en.
In the 563rd T/4 Arnold J. Wienken was transferred in from the 4318 Hospital and assigned to Company B. The following men were transferred to Headquarters Company
Sgt Joseph E. La ne from Company A
Tech/5th George G. Nelms from Company C
Tech/5th Alex Brost from Company D
Pfc Herbert J. Maroon was transferred from Company B to Company A.
XIX TAC flew 174 sorties ended with 2 enemy command posts attacked and 257 vehicles destroyed or damaged.
Feb 21
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division clears the west bank of the Rhine from Worms to Oppenheim. The 11th Armored Division reaches the Rhine river at 0800 hours. In the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division reaches the outskirts of Lukdwigshafen.
XIX TAC flew 504 sorties in support missions. XIX TAC damaged or destroyed 318 vehicles, 28 armored vehicles and tanks, 575 railroad cars and 14 gun position.
Feb 22
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 5th Infantry Division assaults the Rhine at Oppenheim and begins crossing at 2200 hours. In the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division attacks to secure a bridgehead at Speyer.
XIX TAC lost 2 of their own planes and shot down 3 German planes while flying 358 sorties. XIX TAC accounted for damage or destruction of 18 marshaling yards and the cutting of 78 railroad lines. Escort missions were flown for 25 formations of medium bombers making a widespread attack aimed primarily at rail activity.
Feb 23
In the Third Army in the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division prepares to cross the Rhine, in the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division attempts to establish a bridgehead at Germersheim where resistance is overcome with the aid of air support.
In the 563rd Lt. George E. Mowrer was appointed Graves Regis- tration and Personal Effects Officer. Lt. James R. Corning was transferred in from the Ninth Air Force and assigned to Company B. Capt Arthur G. Root, Jr, Lt. Jack F. Roberts, Lt. Gordon P. Wilson and team of 10 men were transferred from Company D to Headquarters Company.
XIX TAC lost six planes in 572 sorties. XIX TAC had fine weather and plentiful targets. XIX TAC destroyed or damaged 724 vehicles, 269 armored vehicles and tanks, 1,308 railroad cars, 19 gun positions, 135 buildings and 36 locomotives.
Feb 24
In the Third Army the VIII Crops completes preparation for the assault crossing of the Rhine. In the XII Corps area the Rhine bridgehead is strengthened and enlarged.
In the 563rd BACU3 moved to Obernaumen, Germany which is 13 miles northeast of Thionville. GO4 moved Post William Temmels.
XIX TAC made claims of 253 vehicles, 47 armored vehicles and tanks, 597 railway cars, 2 supply dumps and 8 marshaling yards destroyed or damaged. The work required 327 sorties in 47 missions.
Feb 25
In the Third Army VIII Corps area the 6th Armored Division begins a drive towards the Main at Frankfurt and crosses the Rhine at Oppenheim.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Sugar to Junglinster, Post Victor to Kirf.
XIX TAC flew 434 sorties. Their count for the day was 250 vehicles, 97 tanks and armored cars, 21 locomotives,m 692 railroad cars, 67 buildings and 26 marshaling yards damaged or destroyed. A total of 23 rail lines were cut. Out of the day's activities lost one plane.
Feb 26
On February 26th Company B tied in FDP2 with wire lines to the VIII Corps also the 113th AAA Group was tied into FDP2 to obtain information early warning information on hostile flights. GO1 moved Post Baker to Orschulz and Post Fox to Whingen.
XIX TAC area poor weather hampered air activity. Flew five missions, two of which were weather reconnaissance. The other three were armed reconnaissance missions east of the Rhine River. Two locomotives were destroyed and 6 were damaged. XIX TAC also hit 40 railroad cars.
Feb 27
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Mike to Sevenich, Post Oboe to Nashingen, Post Queen to Ameldingen and Post Roger to Houf
XIX TAC reported poor flying conditions limited flights to 112 sorties. With low, overcast skies, the planes were kept from strafing the Germans. A total of 36 bombs were dropped with only partially observed results, although it was known that 4 marshaling yards were damaged and 6 locomotives were destroyed. The XIX TAC flew 239 sorties that were mostly on escorts for medium bombers. Several German planes were encountered in the operations with losses or 4 confirmed, 2 probably destroyed and 3 damaged. There were no air losses for the XIX TAC.
Feb 28
In the Third Army the VIII Corps attacks across the Pruem river near Luneach. The XX Corps is attacking north toward Trier.
In the 563rd the February operations report of Company C reported that FDP3 had controlled 208 missions for the month involving 1,650 aircraft. Company A reported that over 200 missions were handled by FDP1. GO3 moved Post Peter to Bettingen.
Overcast conditions kept the numbers of sorties down. The XIX TAC flew 239 sorties which were mostly escorts for medium bombers. Several German fighters were encountered in the operations with a losses of 4 confirmed, 2 probably destroyed and 3 damaged. There were no losses in the XIX TAC.
The month end historical reports for February follow.
An example of the activities of a Ground Observer Platoon is given in 1st Lt. Wesley J. Howard's report on the February oper- ations in Company A. In addition to the GO1 net work into FDP1 Information Center (IC) the GO1 posts had the following reporting lines laid to other ground forces units. Air warning and Air information was exchanged for Ground information and the arrange- ment was warmly accepted by the Army units. The communications established for the period were:
Post Ground Unit
Able 3rd Cavalry Group
Baker 94th Infantry Division
Charley 43rd Cavalry Group
Dog 26th Infantry Division
Fox 26th Infantry Division
GO1 was on north south line about 18 miles east of Thionville and their log is was follows:
1 Feb
Enemy shelled Able station from 0030 to 0500 Hours. No immediate damage to station
2 Feb
Fox - reported enemy pillbox, Q353458 (near Deifenbach) and observation tower near it.
Baker - all day and every evening surrounding area was heavily shelled- counter attack expected but it did not come
7 Feb
Fox-one Liaison plane crashed east one mile from the Station. Men were sent to investigate. An investigating Officer of the 26th Infantry Division was already taking care of it.
11 Feb
Charley and Fox reported searchlights south of Station proved to be friendly.
13 Feb
Dog a branch-off of Dog Station was sent up to the immediate front lines, called Dog-Dog Station.
Dog-Dog - At 1500 hours received a request from the 26th Infantry Division to request from the Air Force to lay a smoke Screen by airplane across Saar River two miles north of Sisingen, Germany, so that boats could cross river and evacuate 12 Infantry men that were pined in a swamp by enemy fire. Many of the men had been wounded and had already spent a day and night in the swamp. The answer from higher headquarters was negative.
Baker - Could not leave station as the only exit road was under intensive artillery fire.
14 Feb
Fox - At 1020 Hours a balloon with gondola attached was reported northeast, 3 miles from station.
15 Feb
Able - at 0600 Hours reported a V-1 launch 5 miles west of Post.
Fox - At 1030 hours Balloon seen again north, 5 miles. Last seen going east at 20,000 ft.
16 Feb
Fox - At 1630 Hours Four Thunderbolts with U.S. markings strafed and bombed a convoy of trucks belonging to the 26th Infantry Division. The convoy displayed panel of the day. Two 2 1/2 ton trucks loaded with ammunition burned and one man was wounded in the leg. Thunderbolts going east, incident occurred on Highway N-54 one mile west of Station
17 Feb
Fox - At 2115 to 2130 hours intersection in front of Station was shelled. No damage to Fox Post.
21 Feb
Fox - At 1445 to 1540 Hours enemy shelled intersection with 88 shells 300 yards from Station knocking out a 3/4 ton truck and a 1/4 ton truck belonging to 26th Infantry Division.
22 Feb
Fox - At 1530 Hours Reported balloon northeast at 7,0000 feet, 4 miles from station. Friendly anti-aircraft fired at balloon.
23 Feb
Able - At 1905 Hours reported heavy ack-ack batteries circling Merzig.
24 Feb
Fox - At 2300 Hours road intersection 300 yards from Post shelled by enemy. 25
Feb
Dog - Aircraft Warning Group of 455th AAA Hq. Battalion joined this Station and is now cooperating in every way. Baker - Moved to Saar River south of Saarburg, near Freuden burg. Believe this station first through the "Tiger Teeth and into the Sigfried Line.
28 Feb
Fox - At 1530 Hours enemy patrol seen nearby we escaped into the woods.
End of Report
In the February report from Company A, Lt. Wesley J. Howard also reported on some of the more outstanding missions for the month of February handled by FDP1 and these are some of the more than 200 missions handled by FDP1 during February. The report follows:
Date Call Sign Mission Group Results
2/2 Browning J-29-5 405 Destroyed majority of 40 to 50 motor vehicles in Trier Area.
2/6 Browning J-29-4 405 Armed Recce in middle of Love Sqdrn staffed trains. Hit marshaling yard and barracks.
2/9 Firebrick TYK-1 362 Contacted Beigehart and dropped food supplies to friendly troops in vicinity of Eschternach
2/14 Klondike Red XGD-1 362 Brandy assigned to look for concen- trations in Bitburg area. Found town of Badem (1937 Love) loaded with motor vehicles. Bombed same.
2/14 Klondike XGD-1 362 Assigned target at P9650 by outbreak. Got many trucks and big gun positions.
2/21 Discharge LPF 371 Attacked train at L5108 and camou- flaged marshaling yards in same vicinity.
2/23 Kismet EIB-1 371 On armed Recce for Hartfelt bombed and blew up train in L1907
End of Report
The FDP3 report of controlled missions for February was submitted by Lt. Stewart as follows:
2 Feb Fairdawn Leader, 406th Fighter Group, on armed reconnais- sance hit 3 moving trains and vehicles at L8380.
6 Feb Roscoe Leader, 406th Fighter Group, on armed reconnaissance in M square hit enemy airfield at M3052 and destroyed 10 single engine planes. Firebrick Leader, 363rd Fighter Group hit marshaling yards at Trier and on a later mission hit tanks and trains on siding at L4171.
9 Feb Churchspire Leader, 354th Fighter Group, bombed and strafed trains east of Trier. Hit trucks in Bitburg area and tugboats and barges in Rhine River at F7705. Hallen Leader, 354th Fighter Group strafed and bombed convoy at L0625. Bombed towns Rittersdorf L114, Nattenheim L1359. Rover Leader, 354th Fighter Group, cut 2 railroads in Koblenz area, also hit convoy in vicinity of Bitburg. Blue Flight of Rever Leader hit train at L5468.
11 Feb Klondike Leader, 362nd Fighter Group hit trains at L0830. Argue Leader, 362nd Fighter Group bombed and strafed in vicinity of Wittlich, L3954. Firebrick Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, hit trains with about 25 freight cars and about completely destroyed them at L7040.
13 Feb Rever Squadron 354th Fighter Group, bombed and strafed 200 yellow box cars at L3548.
14 Feb Dekko Squadron, 367th Fighter Group got a few hits on railroad bridge at M0835. Flapper Squadron 368th Fighter Squad- ron,hit railroad bridge at F0945. Serum Leader 366th Fighter Group, hit railroad installations and cars at L3725.
16 Feb Hallem Leader, 354th Fighter Group, got 2 MZ 109's at L4434 and 2 more Me 109's at L7050.
20 Feb Serum Leader, 368th Fighter Group, dropped bombs on special buildings at CP. Missed building and went back to strafe. Saw tanks and trucks strafed. Some results are 1 tank aflame and 30 vehicles destroyed in vicinity of Bitburg.
23 Feb All fighter groups had a field day on German vehicles and tanks; so many vehicles were destroyed that it cannot be estimated how many were hit and destroyed
24 Feb Tropic Black, 368th Fighter Group, hit 75 cars and engines at L1943.
End of Document

 

MARCH 1945
Mar 1
In the Third Army the XX Corps the 10th Armored Division entered Trier in the afternoon and clears it and the Moselle bridge is taken intact that night.
In the 563rd Lt. John J. Reynolds was named Safety Officer in addition to his other duties. Lt. Donald P. Burns was transferred from Company B to Company A.
XIX TAC had a total of 485 sorties were flown and XIX TAC dropped 188 tons of bombs, shot down 7 German planes, and lost 3 planes of their own. Low cloud cover caused limited visibility, but XIX TAC still were able to claim destruction or damage to 111 motor vehicles, 29 tanks and armored cars, 12 locomotives, 40 railroad cars and 63 factories.
Mar 2
In the Third Army XX Corps the 10th Armored Division captured Trier.
In the 563rd BACU2 moved to Sevenich. GO3 moved Post Peter to Schankweiler. The TCC identified a target reported by FDP3 as a jet propelled aircraft was flying over the FDP3 radar site near Luxembourg City at 35,000 feet elevation. The FDP3 control center was asked to observe it but it was so high it could not be seen. LW3 reported an unknown medium bomber one mile south and going northwest, it was in distress with one motor gone and losing altitude fast. This plane finally leveled off at 3,000 feet elevation and continued on its course. The LW's also functioned as another ground observer post.
XIX TAC flew 577 sorties through murky weather. XIX TAC had good results on targets of all types. Among their claims were 204 motor vehicles, 29 locomotives, 8 barges, 115 factory buildings, 9 fuel tanks and 1 supply depot damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC also cut 29 rail lines and 4 highway cuts and shot down 5 German planes. The XIX TA lost 3 planes.
Mar 3
In the Third Army the XII Corps 5th Infantry Division established a small bridgehead at east of Kyll.
In the 563rd Company B reported that 15 men were transferred to the Infantry to cover the current shortage of replacements.
A teletype report from XIX TAC showed a comparison ratio showed that the 368th Fighter Group which flew 6 missions or 24 sorties which were controlled by FDP2 had a high average of destroyed and damaged enemy equipment for that day. Out of 106 motor transports knocked out by the XIX TAC, the 368th Fighter Group destroyed or damaged 70 of the 24 horse drawn vehicles damaged or destroyed by XIX TAC, 12 were destroyed or damaged by the 368th. Of the 20 field guns damaged by XIX TAC all were accounted for by the 368th Fighter Group, then again on March 4th in spite of the cloudy weather and comparatively poor visibility the 368th Fighter Group had outstanding missions and also in cooperation with the VIII Corps damaged 70 motor transports, 3 armored vehicles, 12 horse drawn vehicles, 20 field guns and 10 horses.
XIX TAC had an overcast sky which prevented some of the 540 sorties from being completely successful. The majority of the sorties were flown in corps support. Among claims for the day were 224 motor vehicles, 38 tanks and armored vehicles, 245 railroad cars, 2 bridges,16 gun positions, 95 factory buildings, 22 towns, 11 marshaling yards and 1 troop concentration.
Mar 4
In the Third Army the XII Corps 5th Infantry Division expands the Kyll river bridgeheads.
In the 563rd GO3 moved Post Peter to Rettingen. GO4 moved Post Tare to Rupt and Post Victor to Irsch.
During the period of March 4th to March 8th a total of only 59 combat sorties were flown by the XIX TAC as they were limited by the weather conditions which were poor which reduced flying effectiveness. The XIX flew 6 sorties. Two for weather recon- naissance and 4 for corps support. The only claims for the day wee one rail out and one locomotive, 12 factory building and 5 railroad cars damaged or destroyed. Maj. Opdenmeyer, S-3 of 19th TCG called the FDP's with verbal orders modifying the reporting of radio jamming. The only time teletype reports are to be turned in is when flights which are controlling are completely lost due to the jamming.
Mar 5
In the Third Army the 4th Armored Division attacks northeast over the 5th Infantry Division bridgehead on the Kyrll river.
In the 563rd BACU1 moved to Trautsburg, Germany which is about 18 miles northeast of Trier. Pfc Stephen M. Dobrovitz was transferred in from the 134th Replacement Bn and assigned to GO4 Platoon, GO4 is currently attached to Company C. GO3 moved Post Mike to Bitburg, Post Peter to Gilzen, Post Queen to Oberweiler, Post Roger to Seffern. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Niederponvin.
The XIX TAC had no flights because of bad weather.
Mar 6
In the Third Army the 4th Armored Division drive toward the Rhine gains momentum.
In the 563rd an advance party of an officer and 10 men from Company C moved into Germany to prepare a radar site and bivouac area for FDP3. The new location was just outside the city of Bitburg, Germany. The advanced party cleaned out the rubble. The bivouac area was on a German rifle range. There were six fairly large buildings so most of the personnel could be indoors. A few tents were put up and the men living in them made floors out of the scrap lumber that was in the area. This area was used for about two weeks and the men had a field day as they found about a half a million rounds of German Rifle ammunition. FDP3 was in full operation by 2150 hours on March 7th. Ground Observer Post Tare was moved from NW of Breibweiler to SE of Rodt. Ground Observer Post Victor was moved from Kirf to E of Irsch.
XIX TAC had bad weather kept aircraft grounded.
Mar 7
In the Third Army area the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division reached the high ground overlooking the Rhine just south of Andernach by leapfrogging tank-infantry teams with excellent ef- fect.
In the 563rd Lt. Godfrey A. Welham was relieved from attach- ment to the 738th Signal Air Warning Company back to Hq 563rd for duty of filter officer with the TCC. BACU4 moved to Rustroff. The remainder of Company C joined their advanced party of 6 Mar at Bitburg. GO3 moved Post Oboe to Dahlenfeld, Post Queen to Altsheid and Post Roger to Huscheid. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Trier, Post Uncle to Besslich, Post Victor to Ayl and Post William to Kommlingen. Tech/5 Harold E. Gerrietts was transferred from Company B to Company A.
XIX TAC had aircraft grounded again due to poor weather.
Mar 8
In the Third Army VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division takes the road center at Mayen where engineers put a bridge.
In the 563rd Company A FDP1, Type 11 radar moved from the vicinity of Neufchef to Halstrsoff. As soon as the Type 11 became operational and communications established with the TCC from the advanced location the Type 15 Radar was moved forward. This site had been tested by one of the LW radar on March 6th and found satisfactory. FDP2 was moved to about a mile south of Prum, Germany. FDP3 reported a German FW-190 dove over the station at 500 feet altitude going north. The plane came over from tree top level and the station guards expected to be strafed but the plane zig-zagged over the station and disappeared to the north. GO4 moved Post Victor to Ayl.
XIX TAC had three weather reconnaissance sorties were flown and were all uneventful. Bad weather precluded any attack sorties.
Mar 9
In the Third Army the VIII Corps the 11th Armored Division reaches the Rhine river at Andernach. In the XII Corps the 4th Armored Division is directed to secure the Moselle bridge at Treis.
In the 563rd the Bronze Star Medal was awarded to Cpl William J. Moresi, Jr. and Tech/5th Edwin B. Hart were awarded the Bronze Star Medal March 1945 in Section I paragraph 18. Tech/4th Raymond C. Long was also awarded the Order of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. BACU2 was moved to Wildersheim. LW3 was moved to Seiwerath.
XIX TAC operating in very adverse weather cooperated fully with the advancing ground units. XIX TA attacked special military targets where visibility permitted, flying a total of 309 sorties. XIX TAC destroyed or damaged 104 railroad cars, 37 factory buildings, 4 oil storage tanks, 42 motor vehicles and 11 locomo- tives. XIX TAC suffered no losses.
Mar 10
In the Third Army the 4th Armored Division continues to mop up the west bank of the Rhine from Andernach to Koblenz
In the 563rd Pfc Victor J. Pohler a teletype operator attached to Company B stepped on a box mine while looking for some extra cable and reel for the operation of the teletype. He was seriously wounded, suffering extensive lacerations and fractures of the left leg and foot. Although shocked by the explosion, he had the presence of mind to apply a tourniquet and stop the bleeding he was evacuated to the 110 Evacuation Hospital. LW2 moved from E of Lutz to N of Seiwerath. BACU4 was moved to Orshol.
XIX TAC flew 337 sorties, dropping 60 tons of bombs on Germans. XIX TAC also provided column cover for the 4th Armored Division during its rapid advance. Some special targets were attacked and a large number of psychological warfare leaflets was dropped for the Germans to read during their leisure time. Damaged or destroyed during the operations were 129 motor vehicles, 8 locomotives, and 23 gun installations.
Mar 11
In the Third Army area direction of attack of the Third Army shifted from east to southeast in order to approach the Rhine River along an area from Koblenz to Mannheim.
In the 563rd BACU4 was attached to Company A and was just setting at the site of GO1 post Baker which was near Frenden, Lux- embourg and during the night an enemy breakthrough was reported directly to the front of BACU4. The men manning Ground Observer Post Baker took up the defensive positions and made preparations for the demolition of the SCR-584 should it be in danger of being captured. They also investigated the break through report and found it to be false and normal operations were resumed.
XIX TAC had a low ceiling but managed to fly 205 sorties in escort of medium bombers. Ten communications centers were attacked.
Mar 12
In the Third Army the VIII, XII and XX Corps are moving to assault the Moselle river.
In the 563rd BACU4 was moved to Rustroff. FDP5 was moved to Immerath. Tech/4th Raymond C. Long of Company A was injured by an exploding mine while clearing out an area for their motor pool, however the wound was not too serious and he was treated by the Battalion Surgeon and released to duty later in the month. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his injuries. Tech/5th Gus G. Costas was transferred from Company C to Headquarters Company.
XIX TAC had bad weather which limited flights to 142 sorties. The majority of the flights were in escort for the 9th Bomber Command.
Mar 13
In the Third Army the XX Corps attacks southeast from the Saarburg bridgehead at 0300 hours and after a heavy artillery preparation but the West Wall defenses make progress slow.
In the 563rd Company B and FDP2 moved from Ellwerath, Germany to Kehrig, Germany. In a procedure developed by Company B and now put in to use the first time Company B LW2 platoon located at Ellwerath, Germany took over as communications center (and report- ing back to the TCC) for FDP2 while the FDP2 radar was moved bering moved to Linler, Germany. This maneuver was also necessary to provide a relay station should the new FDP2 station have difficulty establishing communications with FDP2. During this period Company B GO2 Platoon was attached to Company A. LW3 moved Eckfeld.
XIX TAC dropped 88 tons of bombs in 432 sorties. XIX TAC claimed 140 motor vehicles, 21 armored cars and tanks, 380 railroad cars, 92 factory buildings and 9 locomotives damaged or destroyed. A total of 18 Germans were shot down but there were no XIX TAC losses.
Mar 14
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 80th Infantry Division was mopping up near Weiskirchen and when the weather cleared in the afternoon, airplanes of the XIX TAC got into the fray in strength, but because it was hard to pinpoint advance positions in the thick fir forests, the strikes had to be confined to targets well in front of the infantry.
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Able to Orscholtz. Sgt Clement J. Vickers was accepted and departed for Infantry Officer Candidate Staining School. GO1 moved Post Able to Orschultz.
XIX TAC had 482 sorties dropped 80 tons of bombs. Destroyed or damaged were 244 motor vehicles, 19 tanks and armored vehicles, 315 railroad cars, 3 supply dumps, 17 locomotives, and 135 factory buildings. The XIX TAC lost one plane to the 10 German planes that were shot down.
Mar 15
In the Third Army area the tail end of the Eifel Campaign, remnants of the nine German divisions, cut off west of Cochem, withdrew south of the Moselle and by March 12th managed to estab- lish a hasty formed defense line in the Hunsruck Mountains, trying to protect the north flank of General Balck's dwindling Army Group G. But Patton had developed a major threat to the enemy forces manning the West Wall, a danger the Germans could not ignore. Their fears were fully justified. By driving to the Rhine, the Third Army had exposed the enemy's right flank and created the op- portunity to resume a devastating war of movement for the first time since last August in France. Crossing the Moselle south of Koblenz, Gen. Gaffey's 4th Armored Division ripped across the enemy's rear, followed closely by infantry units of Maj. Gen. Manton S. Eddy's XII Corps. Shortly afterward, the armor of Maj. Gen. Walton H. Walker's XX Corps plunged through the West Wall and attacked toward the Rhine, linking with units of XII Corps to trap the remnants of 10 enemy divisions in the Hunsruck Mountain region.
Panic seized the Germans. They attempted to set up a defense line west of Mainz and Mannheim, but failed to hold the Third Army's charging armor. The 4th Armored penetrated far into the Palantine, cutting off all but one of the enemy's Rhine River es- cape crossings. The 10th and 12th Armored drove the enemy eastward toward the Rhine. His withdrawal quickly becoming a rout, the enemy dashed for Speyer, the only crossing of the Rhine left him.
Chopped to pieces by Patton's armor rushing on them from three directions, attacked relentlessly by the fighter bombers of Gen. Weyland's XIX Tactical Air Command, and pursued closely by infantry, the Germans lost the bulk of two armies. Other Third Army units gained control of Koblenz on March 18th. The Palatinate Campaign ended three days later with the Germans having been pushed across the Rhine everywhere in the Thire Army's sector.
In the Third Army's VIII Corps area the troops were on the left flank crossed the Moselle River and thrust southeast toward Boppard with the 87th Infantry Division. The 87th Infantry Division was preparing to cross the Moselle River and assault Koblenz.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division is committed to a bridgehead of the 90th Infantry Division to cross the Nahe River at Bad Kreuznach. This Corps was in the center and crossed the Moselle River at Hatzenport and drove rapidly toward the Rhine River with the 4th Armored Division. the troops were attacking with the 4th Armored Division which quickly picked up momentum and driving toward Hochstatten. Roadblocks ate the entrance of each town, usually defended by no more than a cluster of riflemen and machine gunners, were about all that stood in the way. White sheets fluttered from upper story windows, a now familiar sign that German civilians had divined the approaching end.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the troops were the right flank and were driving towards Birkenfeld with the 94th Infantry Division and the 10th Armored Division. The 26th Infantry Division pushed to positions near Saarholzbach.
In the 563rd Lt. Neal Rabogliatti and Lt. John C. DeLio were promoted to 1st Lt. by Order No 74, headquarters Ninth Air Force. Under observation by FDP2 on March 15th at 1150 Hours, Lt. Kenneth E. Placek, leader of a flight of P-47's was shot down by enemy 88's while dive bombing the town of Bingen from an altitude of 2,000 feet. The flak tore through his wings and hydraulic system. Noticing smoke pouring from his plane and that some of his instru- ments were inoperative, he belly landed 100 yards from FDP2 site at 1200 hours. Lt. Placek belonged to the 378th Squadron of the 362nd Group. It was his 71st mission and his base was at Etain, France. The airplane's radio was not damaged, so Lt. Placek assured the remainder of his flight that he was not injured. He had lunch with the Company B officers and about 1430 hours was driven back to his base in the Company commanders jeep. BACU4 moved to Tiercelet. LW1 moved to from to Kerrig, Germany which is about 3 miles west of Saarburg and GO1 moved Post Able to Orshultz and Post Dog to Irsch. BACU4 moved to Tiercelet which is 18 miles northeast of Etain. GO2 moved Post George and How to near Felsburg, Post King to Rammelfang and Post Love Gerlfang. GO4 moved Post Tare to Mohn and Post Uncle to Lorsch. Lt. Neal Rabogliatti and Lt. John C. DiLeo were promoted to the grade of 1st Lt. per SO74 Headquarters Ninth Air Force.
In the XIX TAC the fighters were enjoying a bright sunlight day, fighter-bombers worked in close co-ordination with the armor and before night fell had flown 643 sorties to claim a new record for five groups in one day. The planes dropping 133 tons of bombs on the Germans. A total of 16 towns and 7 marshaling yards were attacked, 393 railroad cars, 219 motor vehicles, 38 tanks and armored vehicles, 15 locomotives were damaged or destroyed and more than 100 German troops killed. Five German planes in the air and 3 on the ground were destroyed and the XIX lost 1 plane in the entire operation.
Mar 16
In the Third Army VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry begins the assault across the Moselle River. In the XII Corps area the 90th Infantry Division cross the Moselle at Hatzenport and the 4th Armored Division crosses the Nahre at Oberhausen. In the XX Corps area the 10th Armored Division attacks through the 80th and 94th Infantry Divisions and crossed the Seffers River and cleared Rimlingen.
In the 563rd the advance echelon of the 738th Signal Air Warning Company left for a new site for FDP5 on a hill above the country village of Immerath. This site was 8 miles from the north bank of the Moselle and approximately half way from Trier to Koblenz. By that time the Third Army was establishing bridgeheads on the south bank of the river as it drove on toward Mainz and Worms. This new site had been selected tentatively by Captain Easton by the USSTAF RFD system. (see Editors Note 17 on the following page). This site proved satisfactory. GO4 moved Post Uncle from Besslich to Kirsch.
The XIX TAC fighter bombers were out in force. The VIII Corps released 11th Armored to XII Corps. The 4th Armored Division speeds southeast to the Nahe River near Bad Kreuznach and secures beachhead. The 89th Infantry Divisions, upstream from Cochem sent two regiments to cross the Mosselle and by the end of the day established a bridgehead and were ready for the 11th Armored crossing. The XIX TAC destroyed 20 German planes in the air and 20 on the ground while losing 5 of our own. XIX TAC flew 625 sorties and dropped 136 tons of bombs, destroying or damaging 550 motor vehicles, 81 tanks and armored vehicles, 398 railroad cars and 35 locomotives.
Mar 17
In the Third Army's VIII Corps area the 87th Infantry Division attacked through Koblenz and assembled in the Nieder
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division enlarged the Nahe River bridgehead and assaults Bad Kreuznac. The 11th Armored Division begins the drive toward the Rhine at Worms at noon.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 80th Infantry Division established a bridgehead at Prims
In the 563rd GO1 moved Post Charley to Gerlangen. GO2 moved Post Mike to Schutz, Post Oboe to Bittenfeld, Post Peter to Binsfeld, Post Queen Neroth and Post Roger to Zilsdorf.
XIX TAC flew 190 sorties, claiming 640 motor vehicles, 30 armored vehicles and tanks, 153 horse drawn vehicles. XIX TAC also shot down 2 German planes and damaged 2 more.
Mar 18
The Third Army was attacking and advancing rapidly with the 4th Armored Division in the spearhead.
In the Third Army's VIII Corps area the 78th Infantry Division is driving north along the east bank of the Rhine.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored previously ordered for a drive to Mainz is redirected to Worms and captures part of Bad Kreuznach, East of the Hahr river and attacks toward Wollstein. The 11th Armored Division speeds made spectacular gains and raced 20 miles to the Nahe River at Kirn although the bridges are wrecked.
In the 563rd FDP1 was alerted to move eastward and Lt. Wilfred Smith the FDP1 chief filter officer and Lt. Larry Keefer the Ground Observer Platoon Commander were sent on a reconnaissance for a new site. They were driven by Pfc Edward Hall and following is an account of this recon as reported by Lt. Larry Keefer himself.
The XIX TAC had the incredible number of 714 sorties were flown and responsible for destroying and or damaging 1,033 motor vehicles, 106 armored vehicles and tanks, 49 locomotives, 488 railroad cars and 416 horse drawn vehicle.
RECONNAISSANCE TO BAD KRUEZNACH, PALATINATE,GERMANY
The following letter was received in March 1995 which was exactly 50 years after Maj. Keefer's (then Lt.) expedition to Bad Krueznach. When Keefer's reconnaissance was started Company A was at Halstroff, France which is about 14 miles east of Thionville,
[Editors Note 17--- The USSTAF system used three dimensional maps which were painstakingly sculptured by the English map service and a small instrument with a small flash light bulb could be located on the map surface and in a darkened room this light source would light up all the areas which would probably have permanent echoes to a radar located at the point of the light source. The Battalion were furnished a set of these maps in England and transported them to France where they were occasionally used. Soon the burden of using a 2 1/2 ton truck to haul them was too much and on one move they were left behind. These maps were gone before the 738th Signal Air Warning Company arrived. We had found that initially a map preliminary map survey followed by the testing with the Headquarters SCR-582 Radar would give superior results. The FDP's were instructed to use their surveyor's transit to pick a site with perimeter screening and to take one of their LW units if necessary to confirm the suitability of the site.]
was about ten miles east of Bad Krueznach at Wolfsheim which was occupied within days after this expedition. FDP1 only occupied the site at Wolfsheim seven days when it moved again across the Rhine to Munster, Germany. Company A crossed the Rhine at Oppenheim. Keefer's letter follows:
"Until the Reunion of 1993, I was unaware that the events and records of the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion were pre served and retrievable. I knew that a historical record was kept by the Companies and the Battalion, but I imagined them stored somewhere in a dusty foot locker--lost forever. I never dreamed copies of them were in such places as the National Archives, the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Center, as well the Department of Defense.
I certainly never expected to see anything recorded about the reconnaissance to Bad Kreuznach, Germany. A brief dissertation from Company A's historical record appears on page 156 of the SPOTLIGHT (Ver 1 The History of the 563rd Signal Air Warning Bat talion in Combat in World War II) which you compiled and published. Since that entry is brief and lacks a volume of information I am submitting my version of it for publishing in the Transactions of the 563rd Signal Air Warning History. I wrote the original copy several years ago for my Grandchildren. I wanted them to know that their Grandfather was not "A HOTEL SOLDIER"!
Even though it has been 50 years ago, I still remember some events in finite detail. As you read it, you can see why I would.
Lawrence A. Keefer"

End of Letter
KEEFER'S MANUSCRIPT,/center>
THE FIRST DAY OUT
"On the 18 March 1945, I was informed by my Company Commander, Capt. Thomas J. Slattery via our radio link, that I was to go on reconnaissance the next day with Lt. Willfred Smith. Lt. Smith was to survey a site location for Company A's Radar near Bad Krueznach, which is about 60 miles east of Trier. The area South of Trier along the Saar River and northeast along the Moselle River for 20 miles, was controlled by the German forces on the East side. The only route that was in American hands, was to go north to Trier, North toward Luxembourg, then cut northeast along the Moselle 20-30 miles toward Koblenz, then south across the Moselle river to Bad Krueznach. When the Third Army troops stopped the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge, and pushed them back through the Siegfried Line, this was the ground they gained. Outside Bad Krueznach, the German forces managed to stall that drive, and hold back any further advances. Even so the advances of the First and the Third Armies had driven the enemy through the Siegfried Line to the Rhine River from St. Goar, to Koblenz, to Remagen where the First Army captured the railroad bridge and crossed the Rhine River. Naturally Gen. Patton was not happy about the crossing. He wanted his troops to be first and lead the way to Berlin.
The first step in preparation for the trip was to make sure I had a good driver. My choice was Pfc. Edward F. Hall. He was an excellent driver and a natural born "Infantry man". He instinct- ively did the right thing at the right time, whether he was driving or reacting to an enemy action. He didn't look the part--he was tall, lanky, quiet and wore glasses. I didn't have an assigned driver. I usually used someone who hadn't just gotten off night duty at the Net Control radio. The Platoon Sergeant would then fill-in for the operator while he was driving. After a few trips and some close encounter, most of the operators preferred not to by my driver. Hall was already, and volunteering. Hall and my "unofficial" mechanic, Frank Birdsall checked out the Jeep and filled the gas tank and spare can. We needed "C" rations, stove and utensils, water, maps, water and spare maps in the Jeep. In the morning, we packed the Jeep and when Lt. Smith arrived, we took off to Trier to check sleeping bags, extra ammunition and clothing for the three of us for about five days--all stacked in one Jeep. This was "old hat" for a G.O. Officer. I even had an emergency box with K rations, The second most important part of preparing for a trip like this, the latest intelligence on the planned route. At the Infantry Headquarters in Trier (the 94th Infantry Division, I think), they said,
"You don't want to go the route you planned. All you have to do is cross that new bridge across the Moselle over there (pointing across the road) and follow the 11th Armored Division straight on. They left yesterday and are halfway there already, with little resistance."
Lt. Smith and I talked it over and he balked and said
"Is it safe?"
I responded,
"It's as safe as anything up there. Besides, why take five days for the trip when you can complete it in three?"
He agree and Hall was all for it. We were off at full speed after crossing the Pontoon bridge across the Moselle.
[Editors Note 18--- Note that on the operations map on page 286 that during Keefer's Recon the Corridor to Bad Krueznach was assigned to the XII Corps attacking southeast with thee 90th Infantry Division on the left flank next, the 4th Armored division attacking Bad Kreuznach with objective of Oppenheim and Worms, next, the 5th Infantry Division supporting the 4th Armored, next the 11th Armored Division with objective of the Rhine River north of Mannheim. Keefer's party was following the 11th Armored. In the course of their search for the new site they entered 11 towns that had not been captured, and directed to the rear many German soldiers who had their fill of fighting.]
Smitty had never seen what he would see on this trip. I don'tthink he had ever been to the "Front" let alone followed a "Tank Drive", with nothing ahead of you but a bunch of tanks on attack with support and supply groups following them in convoys, and the Infantry leap-frogging troops to mop-up enemy stragglers and/or resistance. One of the first things he saw was the remains of a German convoy that our fighter-bombers had completely destroyed. Most of the rubble was still on the road--mostly horse drawn wagons.
It took most of the day to pass and get ahead of the many and various convoys of units moving up. it was interesting to note the excess baggage they take along. We even got ahead of the Infantry- 's leap-frogging, and saw many German soldiers, sans weapons, walking to the rear, trying to surrender to any vehicle that came along. It is one thing to "flush out" the enemy from his entrench- ment and have him surrender, but to see them throw away their weapon and look for someone to surrender to is pathetic. Why is Hitler continuing this War?
The groups were not all small either. One was at least half a Company (over a hundred Germans). In front of the group was an American 1st Sergeant leading them to the rear. A few were even hobbling long on make shift crutches. The Infantry had some big tractor-trailers to haul them away, but they just hadn't gotten up this far.
There were no route markers, no M.P's to direct the changes in route. if a bridge had been destroyed and you couldn't ford the stream at that point, you had to search for the place that the tanks did ford or cross it. Sometimes you had to backtrack for miles with no markers of M.P.'s to tell you which way. We'd go back to another cross road and follow it until we had come to where they crossed, but sometimes we'd come up to an Armored car only to find out that they were covering the "flank and the cros- sing was the other way. Sometimes there was no vehicle there and it soon became obvious that you were in unconquered territory and the crossing was off the road, miles the other way. Fortunately, Operations Map 11 to 21 March 1945 the American soldier (like many of it's civilian population) are trash-makers. Look for the ciga- rette butt, empty pack or cellophane, or gum wrapper,"K" ration box or whatever and you know that "we" have been there.
The German soldier didn't have our luxuries, and they saved theirs cigarette butts until they had enough "makings" for another cigarette. Occasionally we'd see supply truck convoys loaded with gasoline and rations "barreling though". You had to get out of their way or they'd run you down. Even they made some wrong turns. There should have been some markers saying MSR (Main Supply Route) so that the trucks couldn't make mistakes. Of course, in a day or so the bridges will be replaced and all will be fine, but right now a few people or supplies could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
With darkness approaching, we found another group of fellow travelers to spend the night with--for defense. We took turns standing guard--as if, we could do anything if attacked. Late in the evening we could hear cannon or mortar fire and flashes of light in the distance. The noise went on form most of the night. I pitied the poor people that were getting the shelling as well as the noise. We were about 10 miles from.
The next morning we took off rather early, and saw no one for the longest time. We passed a village that had a few American vehicles and men in them. We later found that it was an Army Ordinance detachment.
About mile from that village, we drove up a slight grade on the side of a hill. On she right side of the road the hill dropped off sharply, on the left there was about a 20 foot cut into the hill. The road narrowed to a skinny two lanes with log "pilings" on both sides of the road--a perfect place for a "Road Block". Sure enough, long logs were stacked along the "Cut" side of the road for just that! I observed all this as the Jeep approached it at about 25 MPH. That wasn't all we saw! We saw some people approaching the pilings on the "Cut" side. I expected to see civilians delegated to remove pilings, as I've seen many times before, after an area was taken---but, hold on--- "they",were German Soldiers, about 6 of them! We continued on, a little slower.
If anything was said at this point, I don't recall it, but my immediate assessment of that situation was that, they, like the many German Soldiers we'd passed, wanted to, or would surrender easily. In any event, if ignored at this spot, they might get the idea to set up the Road Block--or maybe that already was their idea--or orders!
As we approached them, they "ducked" behind the pilings--a decision had to be made--now! If they were to be stopped, we had to do it. it was early in the day and we hadn't seen other veh- icles on the road. We were it and I couldn't let a road block happen! I had no time to think it out and certainly no time to consult Smitty or Hall. It was my vehicle and my call!
I yelled, "Stop", and Hall did, about 20 feet beyond the piling, in the middle of the road.
"We've got to stop this!" I said, scrambling out of the Jeep,
Smitty followed. I don't recall if he had his gun. Hall was already out, with his carbine in his hand (not pointing). I had only my .45 Caliber pistol, still in my shoulder holster. The guns were not drawn or pointed as a threat, as I honestly thought they would surrender with this "brash" approach.
I called out, "KOMMEN AUS"! in my best Pennsylvania Dutch (Low German), meaning "Come out"!. There was hesitation. I called again, "KOMMEN AUS"!--more hesitation. I called the third time-- and then said to Smitty and Hall, "TAKE COVER"! Ed hall had already picked his spot after the first hesitation. He hit the ditch on the drivers side and Smitty crouched down outside the passenger side of the Jeep. I still expected them to surrender and slowly backed toward the embankment on the far side of the road, about 8 feet away.
As I approached the edge of the road, (still facing the pilings),__ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! I don't know if all six were shooting, but it sounded like it--and all at me! The one gun that I was sure was shooting at me was a SCHMEISSER machine pistol. We called it a "BURP" gun, because of its sound as it spewed out bullets.
Bullets whizzed by me from my left to my right and back again. I was still backing as I went down behind the bank of the road. I not only saw the bullets "flicking" at the edge of the road, but got some of the dirt in my face.
With all that shooting, I didn't have a scratch!
I wasn't the least bit scared as I stood up there in the open facing the Germans, and not even while they were firing at me, but now, safe from it all--I was scared stiff! I don't know how long I laid there, __THANKING GOD!--and re-thanking GOD! Only the had of GOD could have kept that machine pistol, from putting several holes into me at each passing. It is just impossible!
Finally, I was able to calm myself, and convince myself that I was alive, not wounded, and not even scratched. I became aware of my surroundings. There was no noise, no shooting, no voices, and worst of all, no vehicles coming to aid us. there were no bushes or weeds along the edge of the road, just shorts grass.
I didn't feel that I could raise my head high enough to see anything without drawing fire, even though they knew I was dead! I'm not sure my group didn't think the same. I wasn't too sure of it myself!
Not being able to see, I tried to evaluate the situation. With no noise, the Germans were wither waiting behind the pilings or making an escape toward the village we passed coming here and Hall was in a bad spot, his cover was very shallow in that ditch. So he couldn't do anything. If Smitty moved a muscle, he would get a hale of bullets. So, it was up to me! I had to get to the pilings on my side of the road, so I could see. I had to stay low enough on the bank so I couldn't be seen. Getting there was very slow, as the bank was really a steep hill. A slip and I could slide down hill quite a way! The hill had been grazed, but it had to be goats, as it was to steep for cows. Why doesn't a vehicle come, this is the MSR. Any vehicle would have to stop as our Jeep is blocking the roads. This would solve everything.
I finally made it to the piling opposite the one where the Germans were. I could not see anyone behind them. I could see Smitty crouched behind the Jeep. At least he was safe and not a prisoner--that was one of my fears. I shot a shot or two into the pilings with my .45 to make sure no one was there, and to alert Smitty and Hall. Somehow the German soldiers got up that 10 foot cut and got away. I started shooting into the bushes above the pilings and beyond, and called to Hall to shoot into them from his side. he did and in a few seconds, three of the German soldiers came out into the open with their hands up.
I yelled to them, "KOMMEN HIER" (Come here). Which they did, sliding down the bank. They had discarded their weapons when they came out of the bushes, but I had Hall frisk them anyway.--a lesson learned(one of my men got wounded by a hidden pistol 7 months ago). Smitty had brought a Thompson Sub-Machine gun along on the trip, so I had him spray the bushes again to be sure there weren't more in there. We didn't flush out the others, so I tried my Pennsylvania Dutch again. "WO DER LEUTNANT? (Where is the Lieutenant?
They pointed to three figures in a distant field. I took Hall's spare M1 rifle he had in the Jeep and set the sights for maximum distance and fired several shots, but they were too far away. No Germans were killed, even thought the historical record of this event said there was. I had the three prisoners set on the hood of the Jeep, and we took them back to the village where we last saw Americans. They didn't want any more prisoners, they already had ten and not enough food to feed them. We gave them some of our "C" rations and they took the prisoners. We stopped long enough at he pilings to survey what was really these. Besides the long logs to set in she pilings to block the road, there were three TELLER (ANTI-tank) mines and two PANZERFAUSTS--like our BAZOOKA, but with a larger War Head.
We had indeed stopped a catastrophe and except for the WILL OF GOD, I could have been a catastrophe as well! Given the chaotic conditions of the Germans due to the tank and air attacks of the day before, I felt a "brash" approach would bring a quick surren- der, and it would have, had it not been for another "stubborn Lieutenant. There were other solutions to stopping the enemy from establishing the Road Block, but w didn't have the luxury of time to consider them.
I have reviewed those options many times in the past 50 years and I still believe that the approach I took, under the stated circumstances, was the best choice. The "Key Play" that could have "won" in any approach, would have been the arrival of a vehicle(s) and more manpower. After all, this was the route of the "Tank Drive" and the Main Supply Route. We proved this by following this route and catching up with the rear echelon of the tanks later in the day. Had the Road Block been established and that was obvious- ly the enemy's objective, and the Lieutenant's determination, they could have stopped traffic for hours or the whole day. A wall of logs to stop vehicles, teller mines to blow up any vehicle trying to crash through, if the Panzerfousts didn't stop the first, and a squad of Germans behind the wall to stop anyone from trying to remove the logs.
Gen. Patton could have lost his opportunity to establish the bridgehead across the Rhine on 22 March because of delayed supplies.

 

THERE WAS MORE OF "THAT" DAY
We already had enough action for one day but it was still morning and we had a Reconnaissance to do., We took off "flying" trying to make up for the time we had lost. As we progressed on our journey, it became quite obvious that the "Tank Drive" was meeting very little resistance. We passed some very extensive "hand" dug trenches that zig-zagged for miles through fields on both sides of the road, and no sign of any action taking place there. No destruction anywhere, except that which our Air Force had done weeks or months before.
This is the area in the State of Palatinate that is between she Siegfried Line and the Rhine River. That is why we were not too surprised when we were informed that the tanks were not going to Bad Krueznach but were heading for Worms to try to capture a bridge across the Rhine. When were they going to BAD KRUEZNACH? "Much later if at all. With resistance collapsing, the troops at Bad Krueznach could now come to us". was the reply from an Officer in the 11th Armored rear HQ.
I suggested to Smitty to forget trying to go to the "site at Bad Krueznach, because with the new territory gains, headquarters will probably want a site further on--even across the Rhine.
"No", he said, "that site looks like an ideal site and would be good coverage all the way to Berlin."
"I have to check it out" he added.
"It means going through about 10-20 miles of unconquered ground" I said.
He reminded me that earlier that earlier I sad "If we don't have to cross the Rhine, we could drive all the way to Berlin before anyone knew it.". After coming all this distance, I wanted to go too. I just thought I would give Smitty an out. After the horrendous experience we had this morning, I was sure he would desire to give it up. The Armored officer we talked to could not confirm that the troops at Bad Krueznach knew about the advances of his Unit, nor was he able to confirm the status of the enemy resistance in that area. I had my misgivings about trying this, but I didn't voice them. I had assumed the obvious before and nearly got killed--this time I consulted the others, maybe it will be different.
We took off four our new destination. Me with my map in my lap, Hall with the throttle to the floor, and Smitty hanging on for dear life in the back seat.
About 5 miles down the road, I got the answer to my question, about the status of the enemy-=-they evidently knew about "the advance" and they were"bugging-out"! We passed an Inn with two German trucks parked out front each hooked to long barreled 88's (cannons). In the doorway of the Inn, two German soldiers with beer mugs in their hand. I didn't see their expression, but I saw them scramble. Assuming the German Infantry wasn't too far behind, I checked the map for an alternate route to take. I directed Hall to the new route, and told him to put the gas pedal to the floor and keep it there, no matter what!
We went through many towns (11 according the records) with chickens flying, animals scrambling, and women and children hustling to get out of their way. I am sure that in among the German "cuss words", there was one familiar word "AMERICKANISH"! I kept changing our route, but not the speed. I wanted to be sure that we wouldn't run into an ambush--in case there was communications to someone up ahead.
We finally got back to the main road and to the hill just outside of Bad Krueznach. It was obvious, that here was where the big cannons, we passed, were dug in. We took a "rest stop here, making sure we were not under observation to "our troops" in the town below. Not having met up with any troops from there, we had to assume they didn't know that the Germans had left.
I dept my mouth shut but our biggest problem now was getting killed by our own troops__by "Friendly Fire"--it happens and it could, right now!
Making sure we were not observed, we moved, so we could see the road leading down the hill. It looked like a tornado had cut a path up the hill. There wasn't a live bush or tree standing, and three protruding objects that once were American Sherman tanks. They were severely damaged or burned out, scattered here and there up the hill. The asphalt road was pock-marked with shell holes. It was late in the afternoon as we climbed into the jeep to go down the hill.
My instructions to Hall wee no faster than 5-10 MPH! "We want to give them plenty of time to decide if we are "friend or foe!" Even though their field glasses will tell them we are Americans, we are coming from the hill that the enemy occupied a few hours ago. Actually, I didn't think they would fire at us. The real reason I wanted hall to drive slow, was so I could look for mines--ours or theirs--, especially around the shell-induced pot-holes, where we had to get off the asphalt. I am sure Hall sensed my concern, we had a few close calls with mines before.
As we approached, we saw some last minute "scrambling" of Infantry men into trenches in front of sand--bagged, dug-in tanks. When we got abreast with them they motioned us on, then fell in behind. After we turned down the first street, they stopped us, disarmed us, and escorted us to their headquarters where our Jeep was taken from us--we were prisoners!
It is hard to believe that the 11th Armored Division's advances that had gone on for over three days with the initial intent of linking up their fellow Third Army Infantry Division at BAD KREUZNACH and they knew nothing about it until a "non-script, suspect American" group told them about it. Would you believe it:
This armored unit had been in the Battle of the Bulge and had personally run into German soldiers in G.I. uniforms and driving captured G.I. vehicles on a mission of destruction and/or decep- tion.
We had the right pass word; were assigned to the Third Army sector; we had all G.I. equipment; never-the less we got interrogated. We were asked such questions as: What is the cost of a V-Mail stamp; who won the World Series; what is the World Series and on and on. The fact that we were attached to the Air Force seemed to negate anything we had to say! They never heard of a Signal Corps radar unit working with the Air Force--and ground troops. This is a "Tank War" and the Air Force helps out when the weather is nice!
After their reconnaissance vehicles checked out the "hill" and contacted elements of the 11th Armored, we were released, but we didn't get our guns or our Jeep.
We were their "guests". We were invited to dinner, and assigned a tent for the night. When we asked why we were not allowed to leave and finish our mission, they answered, that they were having trouble getting through to our battalion to verify who we were, and the nature of our mission.
My assessment was, that they assumed we were some "Hotel Soldiers" out joy riding, hoping to see dome action before the war was over. They just could not buy who we were--it was too "futuristic-a-concept"! Anyone associated with the Air Force would not be in a combat zone, let alone in an advanced combat zone.
We ate dinner with them and breakfast, as they dictated. About 10:00 AM the next morning, we were summoned to their head- quarters and told that it took a while to get through to our battalion, and they were glad to hear from us. They gave us our guns and our Jeep and bid a safe trip back,--but no apology for detaining us.
We did not go to the Radar site we initially set out to survey as I recall. Whether Smitty was taken there by our "host", I also do not recall. I know I never went there, unless it was the hill that the German 88 canons were on. We went back the way we came. The pilings and all the makings for a Road Block were still there, undisturbed! All the streams now had bridges and the traffic heading toward the Rhine was heavy.
Back near Trier, we passed several tractor-trailers heading east. They were loaded with heavy duty pontoon boats, not the inflatable ones that the Engineers use, but all metal ones. The trucks were marked U.S. Navy, and the driver and passengers were sailors. This no doubt would be Gen. Patton's heavy duty bridge across the Rhine. His tankers did not capture the bridge at Worms, but Patton's troops did establish an 8 mile bridgehead across the Rhine before the Germans could get organized to stop them. This was the "End of the End" (of the war).
It had been almost 9 months since my Platoon landed on Nor- mandy's Omaha Beach and we had been on or near the "front" ever since. As a rule, my platoon was spread out over a 20 to 30 mile front. As their Platoon Leader, I had to reconnoiter five Out-post sites before every move. The "Intelligence" (information) about the "Front Line" came "through channels" from the Air Force.
I found that most of the time it was not detailed or current enough, and found myself in some very compromising situations. I learned early to contact what ever unit that was in the area, whether it be the Infantry, Artillery or Armored, for the "real" intelligence. When that wasn't convenient or possible, I learned to pay attention to my senses--eyes and ears--they told me a lot! Never-the-less, almost daily "my life was on the line". I had experienced some horrifying situations and Pfc Edward Hall was my driver quite a bit of that time.
BUT--looking back--I must say, 20 March 1945 was the most terrifying day of all! I can not imagine how Lt. Wilfred Smith remembers that day--with only three days on a Combative front, that one day was a chapter by itself."
End of Document
Mar 19
In the VIII Corps area captured the sector west of the Rhine River from Boppard to Bingen.
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 11th Armored division with close air support from the XIX TAC fighter-bombers broke through the last enemy defense positions located above the Nahe River near Martinstein and pursued the demoralized enemy east toward the Rhine River. The objective of the 11th Armored is changed to the Rhine south of Worms. The 4th Armored Division made rapid progress against weakening resistance to Kaiserslauten.
In the Third Army's In the XX Corps area the 10th Armored Division attacking with three combat commands abreast occupied positions near Kaiserslautern. The 12th Armored Division is driving east toward Mannheim. The 10th Armored Division drives eastward and clears St. Wendel area.
In the 563rd FDP3 moved to Volkenroth.
The XIX TAC flew 605 sorties without a single loss. XIX TAC claimed 816 motor vehicles, 46 locomotives, 46 tanks and armored vehicles and 367 railroad cars damaged or destroyed. XIX TAC shot down 6 German planes.
THE RHINE CROSSING
The Rhine Crossing Phase extended from March 20th to March 28th.
MARCH 1945
Mar 20
In the Third Army the XII Corps 4th Armored Division gets forward elements to the Rhine River at Worms and blocks the road to Worms. In the XX Corps area the 12th Armored Division reached the Rhine north of Mannheim in the evening. Not only were the German withdrawal routes through the Pfaelzer Forest about to be compro- mised but a swift strike down the Rhine plain from Neustadt and Ludwigshafen against the last German escape sites for crossing the Rhine appeared in offing.
In the 563rd the Battalion received XIX TAC on General Orders 19 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to Lt. Col. William McBride for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 1 Sept 1955 to 7 March 1945. BACU2 moved to Bassenheim.
In desperation the Luftwaffe during March 20th sent approxi- mately 300 airplanes of various types, including Jet-propelled Messerschmitt ME-262's to attack the Third Army columns, but to little avail. The casualties on the American side were minor. Antiaircraft units, getting a rare opportunity to do the job for which they were trained, shot down 25 German planes. Pilots of the XIX TAC claimed another 8. XIX TAC dropped 145 tons of bombs flew 655 sorties in close support of the U.S. Third Army's swiftly moving columns. Their claims for the day included 859 motor vehicles, 283 horse drawn vehicles and 17 German planes.
Mar 21
In the Third Army the XII Corps the 4th Armored Division drive north along the west bank of the Rhine River clearing region between Worms and Oppenheim. The 11th Armored Division completes its second drive to the Rhine by 0800 and occupies Worms.
In the 563rd BACU1 moved to Heisenhousen.
The XIX TAC hurriedly initiated a program of rail interdiction extending from Limburg southward to Mannheim. The XIX TAC another glorious day of attack against the retreating German rail and road columns. XIX TAC claimed 287 motor vehicles, 45 armored vehicles and tanks, 49 locomotives, 232 railroad cars and 10 planes. The Rhine River Crossing at St Goar and Wiesbaden Vicinity of Oppenheim XII TAC lost 2 planes.
[Editors Note 19--- The map on page 298 is the vicinity of Oppenheim the site of Rhine River Crossing for the Bn Hq. No records were kept but Bn Hq bivouacked several days near Dexheim to wait priori- ty for their turn to cross. The exact location of the Oppenheim bridge was also not reported. Page 301 is the Situation map for the southern crossing executed by Third Army.]
Mar 22
In the Third Army Area the XII Corps 5th Infantry Division breaks into Mainz and starts crossing the Rhine at Oppenheim at 2200 hours. In the XX Corps the 11th Armored Division secures a bridgehead at Speyer.
In the 563rd Company A moved FDP1 to Wolfsheim. An advance party of Company C consisting of 3 officers with 30 men with the Type 11 Radar. The party made a bivouac near Kastellaun southwest of Koblenz and was located in an old German labor camp. In this spot the party made a mess hall out of one of the existing buildings. The area had a huge coke pile and all sorts of lumber. Floors were put in every tent. The company Motor Sergeant found a small fire engine and put it to use washing vehicles. Many small items were found. The radar location selected was close to the bivouac area but the road leading to the site was across soft ground and over a small creek. This required building a small bridge, known as Capt. Glassow Bridge, after Company C commanding officer. The bridge and road was constructed out of existing material and tools. The men of the party worked from dawn to dusk to get the area into shape. On March 24th the rest of the company moved up and FDP3 was in full operations at 1930 Hours.
XIX TAC flew both support and reconnaissance missions to assist the U.S. Third Army's Corps. XIX TAC claimed 55 rail cuts and 876 railroad cars, 210 motor vehicles, 68 locomotives, and 18 gun installations damaged and destroyed.
Mar 23
In the Third Army Gen. Patton issued this commendation:
"To Officers and men of the Third Army
and
To our comrades of the XIX Tactical Air Command
In the period from January 29 to March 22, 1945, you have wrested 6,484 square miles of territory from the enemy. You have taken 3,072 cities, towns and villages, including among the former Trier, Koblenz, Bingen, Worms, Mainz, Kaiserslautern, and Ludwig- shafen.
You have captured 140,112 enemy soldiers and have killed or wounded an additional 99,000, thereby eliminating practically all of the German 7th and 1st Armies. History records no greater achievement in so limited a time.
This great campaign was only made possible by your disciplined valor, unswerving devotion to duty, doubled with the unparalleled audacity and speed of your advance on the ground; while from the air, the peerless fighter-bombers kept up a relentless round the clock attack upon the disorganized enemy.
The world rings with your praises; better still, Gen. Marshall, Gen. Eisenhower and Gen. Bradley have all personally commended you. The highest honor I have ever attained is that of having my name coupled with yours in these great events.
Please accept my heartfelt admiration and thanks for what you have done, and remember that your assault crossing over the Rhine at 2200 hours last night assures you of even greater glory to come.
G.S. Patton Jr.
Lieut. General
Commanding"
End of Document
. In the Third Army XII Corps the 5th Infantry Division establishes a firm bridgehead and crosses the Rhine. In the XX Corps the 12th Armored Division thrusts to Weingarten where stiff resistance is overcome with the aid of air support.
In the 563rd the following Officers were appointed to the Battalion Post Exchange Council in addition to their other duties
Capt. Mac Ray
Lt. William A. Wright
Lt. Clarence A. Wetherill
Lt. Robert A Homan
Ground Observer Platoon GO4 was released from attachment to Company C and attached to Company A. The reconnaissance made by Company A on March 18th to March 20th was approved and permission to move to the new site picked by Lt. Smith and Lt. Keefer was granted and on March 23rd the type 11 radar was moved with the type 15 radar remaining behind to cover the rear area. The new site was in the vicinity of Bad Kreuznach FDP1 moved from Halstroff to Wolfsheim and FDP3 moved from S of Bitburg to N of Volkenroth. BACU1 moved from Trautsburg to Heisenhousen. Go1 moved Post Dog from SE Irsch to SE Lorzweiler. GO3 moved Post Queen from SE of Neroth to Utzenheim and Post Roger from Zilsdorf to Halsenbach. GO4 moved Post Sugar from Trier to N of Kaberg.
XIX TAC flew a massive number of sorties, totaling 775. XIX TAC failed to find any highway transportation. Six of the fighter bombers were lost to the Germans but Germans got the worst of it, by far. Destroyed or damaged the XIX TAC were 41 planes, 1,100 railroad cars, 70 locomotives, 162 motor vehicles, 21 tanks and armored vehicles and all types of military installations.
Mar 24
In the Third Army's XII Corps area XII Corps the 4th Armored Division crosses the Rhine and attacks towards the Main River.
The Third Army's offensive east of the Rhine recalled to mind its dashing drive of the preceding summer. Except for occasional brief halts to overcome local resistance or to effect side-slipping moves in accordance with directives from headquarters, the drive became a sweeping end run across the enemy's southern flank. Darmstadt had been captured on March 25th by the 90th Infantry Division from the west and the 4th Armored Division form the East. On March 26th the VIII Corps expanded and strengthened the Rhine bridgehead and the 4th Armored Division held a shallow bridgehead on the Main river.
In the 563rd the following men were transferred in to the battalion from the XIX TAC and they were further assigned to Headquarters Company
Tech/5th Eugene O. Norvell
Tech/5th Steven Tomko
Pfc Robert A. Hawthorne
Pfc Claude W. Newman
Pfc Michael J. Barbato

Tech/5th Archie A. Price was transferred in from the 134th Rein- forcement Bn and assigned to Company B. Pfc Charles R. Harless was transferred in from the XIX TAC and assigned to Headquarters Company.
XIX TAC during the day 374 motor vehicles, 27 tanks and armored vehicles, 329 railroad cars and 32 locomotives were claimed a after XIX TAC strafed the Germans and dropped a total of 62 tons of bombs on them.
Mar 25
In the Third Army the VIII corps the 87th Division begins the attack across the Rhine at Boppard and on their left encounter a strong counterattack. In the XII Corps the 6th Armored Division crossing the Rhine river at Oppenheim and drives towards the Main river at Raunheim. The 4th Armored Division clears Darmstadt.
In the 563rd Tech/5th Martin J. Langen was transferred in from the XIX TAC and assigned to headquarters Company. GO1 moved Post Dog to Lorzweiler. GO3 moved Post Oboe to Laudort, Post Peter to Dichtelbach, Post Queen to Utzenheim and Post Roger to Helsenbach.
Mar 26
In the Third Army's VIII Corps a treadway bridge is completed at Boppard under extremely adverse circumstances. In the XII Corps area 6th Armored Divison reaches the Main River near Offenbach.
XIX TAC flew a massive 700 sorties in both reconnaissance and support missions. Damaged or destroyed 527 motor vehicles, 36 armored vehicles and tanks, 61 locomotives, 27 gun positions, 1,067 railroad cars, 2 bridges, and German troop losses were 150. The XIX TAC lost 2 planes.
Mar 27
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the Rhine bridgehead is enlarged and the 78th Infantry Division drives east to Hohenstein.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 80th Infantry Division crosses the Rhine at Oppenheim and assembles in the Bischofsheim area to assault the Main River.
In the 563rd BACU3 moved to Welgesheim. GO1 moved Post Able to Drais, Post Baker to Bodenheim, Post Charley to Gauslgesheim and Post Fox to Bingen. Post Fox reported that the enemy threw 88-mm artillery and small arms fire but there was no casualties or damage. The GO1 ground observer line was very close to the enemy territory. GO3 moved Post Mike to Laubach, Post Oboe to Persheid and Post Peters to Erbach. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Kaberg, Post Tare to Fich, Post Uncle to Saffig, Post Victor to Nortershousen and Post William to Obersfell. LW3 was moved to Leniningen. Company C at their location near Volkenroth, Germany reported that about 1500 Hours their mess hall caught on fire because of some spilled gasoline igniting. The kitchen part of the mess hall was a mass of flames for a few moments but the prompt action of mess personnel the flames were controlled. The men made use of fire fighting equipment that were found in the area.
XIX TAC flew 408 sorties in support of advancing ground troops. Their kills for the day included 1,027 motor vehicles, 25 armored vehicles and tanks, 290 railroad cars, 19 locomotives and 5 planes.
Mar 28
In the Third Army the XII corps had advanced to Lauterbach. Three crossings were made over the Main River, and by April 1st, with 4th, 6th and 11th Armored Divisions in the lead, thrusts were rapidly developing to the northeast and southeast.
In the 563rd Company B reported that 12 men were transferred to the Infantry to cover the shortage of combat replacements, with the 15 transferred on 3 March this is a total of 27 men lost to Company B. XIX TAC General Orders 22 was received awarding Capt. Thomas J. Slattery, Commanding officer of Company A, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with the military operations from August 1st 1944 through March 1st 1945. Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company moved from Villerupt to near Spabrucken. Company A reported that their Type 11 radar was being moved while Type 15 radar was covering, taking care of the rear area and controlling night fighters while the FDP5 was moving. FDP1 also reported that they had moved LW1 to about 18 miles northeast of Frankfurt and after they moved in they discov- ered that their area was completely surrounded by enemy troops. After several hours of severe tension passed an Infantry unit moved in to engage and mop up the Germans. This site was not reported as an occupied site in the unit history and LW1 ended up at Windeken several days later.
The XIX TAC flew 307 sorties and furnished cover for the advancing columns of the U.S. Third Army and claimed 649 motor vehicles, 21 tanks and armored vehicles, 16 locomotives and 53 horse drawn vehicles.
REDUCTION OF THE RHUR POCKET
The Reduction of the Rhur phase extended from March 29th to April 4th
MARCH 1945
Mar 29
In the Third Army the Corps were attacking to the northeast with the XX corps on the left, the VIII Corps in the center and the XII Corps on the right.
In the 563rd LW2 was moved by Company B to a little south of Bassenbeim, Germany which is about 7 miles west of Koblenz. Tech/5th Lavern A. Kelley was transferred from the 128th Replace- ment Bn and assigned to Headquarters Company. LW1 moved east towards Windecken, Germany which is in the vicinity of Frankfurt and found that in that location they were completely surrounded by German troops. They sat tight for several hours when a unit of Infantry moved in to engage and mop up the Germans and on March 31st they moved to the operating site south of Windecken, Germany. The XIX TAC transferred Lt. Lloyd G. Martinsen and his platoon of 32 men had been on duty with the 564th Signal Air Warning Battalion and they were further assigned to Headquarters. After a recon- naissance that was made on March 29th the 738th Signal Air Warning Company located a site for FDP5 at St. Johann, Germany which is half way between Bad Kreusznach and Mainz. This was near a previous location of FDP1 and telephone lines to the TCC were already established. The move was started on March 29th and completed on April 1st and FDP5 was non-operational for 51 hours. During the month of March quite a few men from the 563rd Signal Battalion and 738th Signal Company were transferred to Infantry Re- placement Depots to cover a theater wide shortage of Infantry men. GO1 moved Post Able from of Drais to Jugesheim, Post Baker moved from Bodenheim to Seligenstadt, Post Dog from SE of Lorzweiler to Stockstadt and Post Fox from S of Bingen to Sachsenhousen.
XIX TAC Bad weather prevented flying.
Mar 30
In the Third Army VIII Corps area the 89th Infantry Division was mopping up bypassed pockets
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division was turned northeast pursues the enemy toward Hersfeld.
In the Third Army XX Corps area the 6th Armored broke through and exploited their breakthrough north of Frankfurt and attacked north- east towards Giessen.
In the 563rd Company B moved FDP2 to near Limbukrg, Germany and crossed the Rhine River at Oppenheim. BACU moved to Minkelf- eld. GO2 moved Post George to Neustadt, Post How to Rossdorf, Post Jig to Obenberg, Post King to Heirng and Post Love to Gros-Ostheim. GO3 moved Post Queen to Barstadt. Company C reported the control activity for FDP3 with a total of 411 missions for the month of March involving 2570 aircraft and from October through March a total of 1045 missions with an approximately 8780 aircraft. The number of enemy aircraft shot down by XIX TAC fighters which were under the control of FDP3 was 29. FDP5 reported that 6 men were transferred to the ground Infantry to fill current shortages of replacements.
XIX TAC had poor flying weather and kept flights to 1617 sorties
Mar 31
In the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division was attacking toward Eisnach with CCA on the right and CCB on the left.
In the 563rd the 738th Signal Company crossed the Rhine at Op- penheim and set up FDP5 at Welgesheim. The site at Welgesheim was in an area previously occupied by FDP1 which still had some tele- phone wire line into the TCC and FDP5 reports this site as near St. Johann, Germany half way between Bad Kreuznach and Mainz. GO2 moved Post George from Neustadt to Heiring and Post King from Heiring to Neustadt. GO3 moved Post Queen to Barstadt. FDP1 reported that in the morning hours all stations reported many German ME-262's (jet planes) and Post Fox reported one JU-88 circling over their station. Post Charley was bombed but there were no damage done to men or vehicles. On March 31st Company A submitted their history report which was signed by Lt. Lawrence Keefer and ended with the report that the BACU's now attached to FDP1 were standing by on 31 March and BACU4 was on a bombing range and BACU is at the FDP1 site. He also added this classic descrip- tion of these units.
"A Battle Area Control Unit can best be described as a line based bomb-sight. The particular piece of radar used by these units is the SCR-584 and is the only American radar in use by the FDP. Extreme accuracy in azimuth and range is possible with these sets. If one were to look through a 10 foot long one inch pipe one would grasp some idea of the accuracy obtainable. This, however, makes finding an aircraft difficult, but this can be offset by the deputy controllers at the FDP calling tracks to the BACU and by good use of the D/F (direction finding) at the BACU. Once the aircraft is in view the set is put on automatic control. Using targets given by the Corps area the controller of the BACU vectors the fighter bomber into a bomb run and controls the release of the bomb, thus acting as a Bombardier. Observed results so far have been very gratifying. These units were designed primarily for overcast and night bombing." (See Editors Note 20 on page 310)
End of Report

 

On March 31st Company C submitted their history report for the month which contained a report on the controlled missions for the month. This report written by Lt. Charles A. Stewart is repeated here as a sample of the control activity at a FDP. A complete report from all FDP's for all the months of combat would fill a very large book alone so this report is entered to represent all the others. (see Editors Note 21 below). Lt. Stewart's report is s follows:
Controlled Missions for March
1 March
Planes from the 368th Fighter Group were controlled by our FDP and due to bad weather our controllers had to resort to blind bombing in the Bitburg area. no results were observed but the flights were up all day. Lighthouse, Airborne controllers conducted a blind bombing mission by land line. Lighthouse dropped his bombs on zero count from controller. Target was supply depot at Lebach Q4092--no results seen.
2 March
Serum Black of the 368th Fighter group his M/T north of Seffern and bombed at St. Thomas--no result. Serum Blue of 368th fighter group hit many tanks and motor transports at L3142. Flapper yellow of 368th Fighter Group hit motor transport at L3542. Flapper yellow of 368th Fighter Group hit motor transport at L3573. Lighthouse (Anvil 367th Fighter Group) hit ammo dump at L4053. Serum Amber 368th Fighter Groups hit marshaling yard at Q4576. Serum Red hit motor transport in Wittlich.
3 March
Tropic yellow, 368th Fighter Group worked area east of Sarreburg. hit motor transport and trains, no results. Serum White, 368th Fighter Group hit area East of Bitburg, Motor transport and tanks. Tropic Blue Bombed and strafed trains in area of L2804,
10 March
Klondike Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, hit motor transport vicinity of L6274 Tropic Red, 368th Fighter Group, bombed and strafed trains in area of L2804. Tropic Red, 368th Fighter Group, hit gun positions and trains in vicinity of L2000. Serum Amber, 368th Fighter Group, bombed and strafed buildings and motor transport in vicinity of L5347. Dumpling Pink, 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group, was also on this mission and was very happy with results they photographed. Serum Red, 368th Fighter Group, tried to make an interception with a Yellow nosed P-47 starting over Metz, no results. Serum Green, 368th Fighter Group, hit motor transport and tanks east of Bitburg. Tropic Red, 368th Fighter Group, hit rail tracks east of Bitburg. Tropic Red hit Rail tracks, motor transport and trains at L254.
[Editors Note 21--- All the Company's did a marvelous job but it is also necessary to state that Company C always responded extra generously to all the requests of the Battalion Headquarters and higher headquarters which were many. Their staff work was always superior. Other general reports were needed and I should add that the Company C Operational Analysis reports prepared by 1st Lt. Robert A. Slaven were also superior.]
13 March
Argue Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, shot down a FW-190 at 1400 in L6520. Firebrick Red hit many trucks in Limburg area.
14 March
Argue Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit trucks and tanks in vicinity of M0562. Firebrick Red hit motor transport and town in L7964. Firebrick Red leader was shot down over enemy territory approx- imate position L8075. Firebrick Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit tanks and troops vicinity L7060. Firebrick Green, 362nd Fighter Group, hit several tanks vicinity of L8774. Argue Green, 362nd Fighter Group, hit motor transport, tanks and bombed town in vic- inity of L7963. Firebrick Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit supplies in L7963. Firebrick Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit gun emplacement in vicinity of L7167. Argue Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit convoy of motor vehicles in vicinity of L8070. Firebrick Green 362nd Fighter Group, hit supplies in vicinity of L8567.
15 March
Argue Yellow, 362nd Fighter Group, bombed supply dump in vicinity of M2752. Klondike Green, 362nd Fighter Group, Hit trains in vicinity of L8075. Klondike Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit box cars with supplies in M4070. This flight was attacked by 20 German FW-190's but did not loose any airplanes. Argue Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, hit motor vehicles at L9153.
[Editors Note 20--- The XIX TAC signal section and myself had a conflict on the employment of BACU. The higher headquarters envi- sioned that the BACU would be put under the command and control of the Corps Air Liaison Officer and operate quite detached from the Battalion and the TCC. I opposed this because I felt the BACU units should have the advantage of siting assistance, connections with the longer range radar coverage. One principal operating problem is that the SCR-584 with its limited aperture has diffi culty picking up its incoming flight and should be backed up by radar with area coverage particularly and directly with an FDP. Area coverage assistance from the TCC is adequate but "second hand", having to be received, plotted and rebroadcasted. The accuracy of these radar was the best available but the state of the art at the time was still not as ideal as the non-radar staff officers thought it to be. I remember making an analysis of the problem on a probability basis and as I remember to get a 90 percent probability of a hit they would have to send out ten Fighters instead of a single one. My report came to the attention of the Operational Analysis civilians attached to the XIX TAC and they called me in to discuss this. The scientists agreed that my analysis was correct but they had no influence on the outcome because the BACU's were employed soon after just exactly like the XIX TAC Signal office wanted it. By the way, at first, one of the principal of uses of the Hq SCR-582 microwave which was operated by Lt. Clarence T. Wetherill and Lt. Robert A. Homan was locating sites in the forward area.]
16 March
Firebrick Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit 15 horse drawn vehicles in L9560. Argue Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit 7 vehicles in that area. He hit 15 armored cars. Argue Green, 362nd Fighter Group, hit target in marshaling yards at M1554. Klondike Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit target in M3110. Dropped bombs on barges in Rhine but none of them went off. Firebrick Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit trains and 30 cars at M2555. Klondike Yellow, 362nd Fighter Group hit bombed a town and hit barges on the Rhine Many refugees on foot observed waving white flags. Klondike Blue, 362nd Fighter group hit train and thirty cars at M2555. Argue Yellow, 362nd Fighter Group, hit many vehicles in M0737. Argue Green, 362nd Fighter Group, hit a town at L5437. Left target and was attacked by 10 German ME-109's and lost one airplane.
17 March
Firebrick Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, shot down one enemy aircraft vicinity of G2825 with no loss. Argue Red, 362nd Fighter Group, got 15 vehicles vicinity of L5514. Firebrick Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, destroyed 20 trucks in the vicinity of L5514. Firebrick Green, 362nd Fighter Group, hit two horse drawn vehicles and five trucks at L5810.
18 March
Casket leader, 367th Fighter Group, shot up 30 motor transport at L5810. Bekko Leader, 367th Fighter Group, hit train at M0939s. Churchspire Leader, 354th Fighter Group, got at least two bandits with no losses. Hallem Leader, 354th Fighter Group, hit trains and cars vicinity of M0939.
19 March
Hallem Red, 354th Fighter Group, hit 6 trains in L9585. Firebrick, 362nd Fighter Group, hit marshaling yards and a 4 barges on the Rhine. Argue Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, shot up 3 balloons over Worms.
20 March
Firebrick Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, hit artillery positions at M2817.
21 March
Klondike Red, 362nd Fighter Group, hit marshaling yards south of Manneheim, also hit trains and box cars at M7740. Argue Leader, 362nd Fighter Group, hit a big factory and tanks in M8225.
22 March
Firebrick Blue, 362nd Fighter Group, hit vehicles in M7938.
24 March
Casket Leader, 367th Fighter group, hit trains and gun positions at M5055.
25 March
Knobhold Leader, 367th Fighter Group, started air field in M9357. Dekko Red Leader, 367th Fighter Group bombed and strafed train at grid location M8570.
26 March
Knobhold Red, 367th Fighter Group, hit gun emplacements and convoy at M7289. Casket Blue, 367th Fighter group, hit convoy on road south of Handu. Dekko Blue, 367th Fighter Group, working in M3292 hit many motor vehicles.
27 March
Churchspire Leader, 354th Fighter Group, hit motor transports in area of M0575. Weather very bad.
28 March
Dekko Blue, 367th Fighter Group, hit many horse drawn vehicles north of Frankfurt.
30 March
Dekko Blue, 367th Fighter Group, hit motor vehicles in area M0020
Total missions and results
During the month of march we controlled 411 missions totaling about 2,570 aircraft. The number of missions during from October through March totals 1,045 and approximately 8,780 aircraft. The number of enemy aircraft shot down by our controlled flights totaled 29. The following is the results received from our controlled flights for the month of March 1945.
Tanks Motor Transport Gun Positions
Date Location Date Location Date Location
2 Mar N of Seffern 2 Mar L3142 3 Mar L2900
2 Mar E of Sarreburg 2 Mar L3575 14 Mar L7167
2 Mar E of Wittlich 3 Mar L5042 19 Mar M2817
3 Mar E of Sarreburg 3 Mar L5225 24 Mar M5055
3 Mar SE of Sarreburg 14 Mar M0562
13 Mar L6274 14 Mar L7964 Supply Dumps
15 Mar L9513 15 Mar L7963 Date Location
16 Mar L5437 1 Mar Q4092
18 Mar L5810 Trains 14 Mar L7963
24 Mar L3668 Date Location 14 Mar L8567
26 Mar M3292 3 Mar E of Sarrebu 5 Mar M2752
27 Mar M0575 3 Mar L2804
30 Mar H0020 3 Mar L2900 Barges
3 Mar SE Sarreburg Date Location
Horse Drawn Vehicles 15 Mar L8075 16 Mar M3110
Date Location 16 Mar M2555 16 Mar Rhine R.
16 Mar L9560 16 Mar M0939
17 Mar L5810 18 Mar L9585 Balloons
28 Mar N Frankfurt 21 Mar M7746 Date Location
24 Mar M5055 19 Mar Worms Area
Buildings
Date Location Airplanes
3 Mar L5347 Ammunition Dumps on Ground
21 Mar M8225 Date Location Date Location
2 Mar L4053 19 Mar Worms Area


Marshaling Yds
Date Location Enemy Aircraft Box Cars
2 Mar Q4572 In Air Date Location
16 Mar M1554 Date Location 15 Mar M4070
18 Mar On Rhine 13 Mar L6520 16 Mar M2555
21 Mar S Mannheim 17 Mar G2825
22 Mar M7938
End of Report
IX TAC flew 580 sorties and claimed as damaged or destroyed 685 motor vehicles, 47 tanks and armored vehicles, 722 railroad cars and 94 locomotives.

 

APRIL 1945
Apr 1
In the Third Army's XII Corps has outdistanced the XV and XX Corps is continues northeast with both flanks vulnerable. The 4th and 11th Armored Divisions are spearheading. The 4th Armored Division establishes a pontoon bridge at Werra this night. The 11th Armored Division was ordered east and begins an assault of Fulda.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 6th Armored Division advanced to within 3 miles of Fulda.
In the 563rd FDP5 moved Welgesheim. LW1 moved to Windeccken. GO3 moved Post Mike to Wibigen, Post Oboe to Persburg, Post Peter to Kiedricht and Post Roger to Dozheim. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Hemmanau, Post Tare to Vallender, Post Uncle to Helischeide, Post Victor to Miehlen and Post William to Munzenberg.
XIX TAC flew 388 sorties, dropping 68 tons of bombs. XIX TAC claimed 398 motor vehicles, 109 armored vehicles and tanks, 32 locomotives, 236 railroad cars and 77 German planes damaged or destroyed.
Apr 2
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division secured a bridgehead at Creuzburg and a pontoon bridge at Sprichra. Although the ground opposition is light the German Air Force was active against both the bridge sites.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the troops crossed the Fulda at Malsfeld and with CCA and CCB abreast drives toward the Werra River and secure a bridgehead at Reichensachen.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Sugar to Espa, Post Tare to Nauborn, Post Uncle to Duterbin, Post Victor to Gromongen and Post William to Wolfored.
XIX TAC poor weather limited flights to 73 sorties but excellent results were obtained even with that small number. Claims for the day were 102 motor vehicles, 55 railroad cars, 9 buildings, and 26 German planes damaged or destroyed.
APR 3
In the Third Army's XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division captured a position overlooking Gotha.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 6th Armored Division crosses the Werra river and thrusts towards Muhlhausen lead by CCB and followed by CCA.
In the 563rd FDP3 and moved to a Grabenlinden located 6.5 Km SW of Giessen. This was a leap frog move. The weather was very bad and the number of flights controlled was very small. The men were quartered in tents. BACU1 moved to Wolfored. LW3 moved to Wolfored, Germany. LW2 moved to Windecken. Pfc Ernest G. Lavalee was transferred in by the XIX TAC and assigned to headquarters Company.
/ XIX TAC flew 219 sorties and claimed 185 motor vehicles, 32 locomotives, 104 railroad cars and 23 planes damaged or destroyed.
Apr 4
In the 12th Army Group The German Army Group B was entirely surrounded and pinched by the Ninth, Fifteenth and First U. S. Armies. The Ninth Army was transferred in to the 12th Army Group. With this transfer Gen Bradley had under his command four Field Armies, which were the First, Third, Ninth and Fifteenth. The command now consisted of 12 Corps and 48 Divisions. The strength of the units was 1,300.000 troops. This was the largest exclusive- ly American Field Command in U.S. history. With the addition of the Ninth Armyy to the 12th Army Group, Bradley's command included the entire Ruhr Pocket effort. Two Corps of the Ninth Army supported by the IX TAC and XXIX TAC fighter bombers.
In the Third Army XII Corps area the 90th Infantry Division seized Merkers where Nazi art treasures, gold and uniforms were discovered in a salt mine by the 358th Infantry Regiment. The 11th Armored Division captured Stuhl and liberated many slave workers from arms factories.
Using this powerful force, Bradley was reducing the Ruhr,and was planning to penetrate further into Germany in the general direction of Leipzig and Dresden in a new Allied main effort aimed at splitting Germany in two by linking up tith the Russians.
The main role in the new drive fell to Hodges First Army in the center to make a thrust directly east to Liepzig and followed by a crossing of the Elbe River east of there.
On the left the Third Army was to drive eastward towards Chemnitz and be prepared to turn to the southeast.
In the Third Army XX Corps area the 6th Armored Division encircled Muhlhausen. The defeated German garrison at Kassel surrendered to the 80th Infantry Division
In the 563rd, FDP3 was reporting to the TCC by CW radio and contact was established at 1200H. GO2 moved Post How to Henneng.
XIX TAC flew 455 sorties, claiming 215 motor vehicles, 53 locomotives, 162 railroad cars, 7 gun positions, 9 buildings, and a whopping 48 Luftwaffe planes damaged or destroyed
ADVANCE TO THE ELBE
The Advance to the Elbe Phase extended from April 5th to
April 18
APRIL 1945
Apr 5
In Third Army the VIII, XII and XX Corps are consolidating In the 563rd Company A moved from Munster to Fulda. The Type 11 radar was moved to Fulda. The Type 15 Radar of FDP1 was still back at Halstroff, France which was over 200 miles west. The site at Halstroff was being used chiefly by the controllers for homing while more forward airfields were being readied for the Fighter Groups. Company B moved to Homburg. Company C moved to Renda. XIX Tactical Air Command General Orders 24 was received which awarded the Bronze Star to Maj. Maurice E. Byrne for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 15 July 1944 to 1 March 1945. The citation read as follows:
"As Battalion Executive and Technical Officer, Maj. Byrne dis- played high professional skill and deep devotion to duty in bril- liantly employing and coordinating the highly technical and comp- licated radar equipment of his organization so as to obtain a maximum of results with a minimum of confusion. In the months of August and September 1944, during the rapid advance across France of the Third Army, in spite of the necessity of "leapfrogging" equipment hundreds of miles, in a large part due to the exceptional efforts of Maj. Byrne, the battalion was able to overcome all difficulties and function in a superior fashion. The ingenuity, resourcefulness and exceptional technical and operational knowledge of all phases of radar displayed by Maj. Byrne reflects to his credit and that of the Army Air Forces. Entered the military service from Lewiston, Idaho."
Also on April 5th Company A moved the FDP1 Type 11 Radar from Munster to Fulda. The type 15 radar was still back at Halstrosff, France over 200 miles west, where it was being used chiefly by the controllers for homing while more forward airfields were being readied for the Fighter Groups. The type 15 radar was finally released from its rear assignment and joined the site at Fulda on April 11th. While at Fulda the type 21 radar was made operational by Lt. William McAdam and his crew. Upon arrival at Fulda ground observer platoons 1 and 2 and LW1 platoon were called in. The ground observers were given duty of furnishing security guards for the company. Having fulfilled its mission the LW1 crew was absorbed to other company duties. The last operational site of LW1 was at Henneg, Germany. FDP1 remained in operation at Fulda until April 21st. FDP2 was moved from SE of Limburg to NE of Homburg. FDP3 was moved from Grabenlinden to SE of Renda.
XIX TAC flew 369 sorties, claiming 371 motor vehicles, 25 tanks and armored vehicles, 536 railroad cars, 12 gun positions, and a massive total of 132 German planes damaged or destroyed.
Apr 6
In the Third Army the VIII, XII and XX Corps were consoli- dating.
In the 563rd BACU4 was moved from Tiercelet to Kemel.
In the XIX TAC poor weather canceled air activity.
Apr 7
In the Third Army the VIII, XII and XX Corps were mopping up.
In the 563rd LW2 was moved from Dornigheim to Bengheim. GO4 moved Post Sugar from Espa to Spangenberg, Post Tare from Helsa to Mauborn, Post Uncle from Dutenbin to Rinkenkuhl, Post Victor from W of Grumingen to Seiferts and Post William from S of Munzenbverg to Reichenbach.
The XIX TAC was having a big day and flew 395 sorties. The claims were 247 motor vehicles, 69 armored vehicles and tanks, 39 locomotives, 340 railroad cars and 95 German Planes were destroyed or damaged.
Apr 8
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 87th and 89th Infantry Divisions continue clearing Thuringer Wald.
In the 563rd GO4 moved Post Victor from Seiferts to Friedri- chberg. The following account of movement of Company C was reported as occurring on Apr 8 but there is no reference to the site location in the historical records except it was recorded in the historical report of Company C for the month of April by Lt. Charles Stewart and his narrative was as follows:
"FDP3 the TCC authorized a shutdown and move to Altonfeld, Germany just southwest of Kassel. This move was a "Leapfrog- Leapfrog" move. The type 11 radar was still at Giessen and normally the type 15 moves up to the site after the type 11 is operational and communications have been established with TCC. But on this move the type 15 instead of moving into the Giessen site moved ahead of the Type 11 and set up at Altonfeld, Germany. This move was completed on April 10th and both radars were operational by 1000 Hours. The filter officer received a report from LW3 that their PPI tube was so saturated with permanent echoes that they could not see any targets. After a short wait to see if the situation would clear up. The filter officer gave permission to move to within a few miles of the same area. While at the Altonfeld site considerable enemy aircraft activity was observed both by FDP3 local guards and the GO3 Ground Observer Posts. The enemy planes were strafing and flying very low."
Then in the summary of this site at the end of his report he also reported the following
"At Altonfeld, Germany Company C had one of the finest bivouac areas since we left Luxembourg. The small town was known over most of Europe as the breeding place of thoroughbred horses. There were a lot of vacant buildings in the town so we took them over for our bivouac area. One building housed most of the men and all of the officers and it was the Hotel Pension St. Georg. Capt. Glassow, being the highest ranking officer in the town, was town commandant and curfew and other regulations were established by him and through the town Mayor. All these regulations were followed by the civilians in the town. Besides being a very nice place to sleep and eat we also had hot and cold running water and all the comforts of home. Just down the street from the Hotel there was a school building that we used to show movies. There was still about 300 horses in the stables and they were being cared for by some Poles that the Germans had shipped in as slaves. Our men were able to ride the horses in the morning and enjoyed themselves very much. One of the most famous horses of Europe was still there. It was named "Bubbles" and had won an international race of some sort at Prague. The Motel St. Georg, up until that time that our troops captured that part of Germany had been a sort of Resort Hotel for high ranking German Officers and thei.r women."
End of Report
. XIX TAC dropped 79 tons of bombs on the enemy and damaged or destroyed 432 motor vehicles, 41 tanks and armored vehicles, 49 locomotives and 359 railroad cars. Also destroyed 26 German planes and damaged another 26 while losing 1 plane.
Apr 9
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th and 89th Infantry Divisions are attacking abreast to a Corps restraining line.
In the 563rd the Battalion Headquarters crossed the Rhine at the Oppenheim bridge-head and located at Swarzeborn, Germany. In the 563rd Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company moved from NW of Spabrucken to Swarzenborn. Company A moved all GO1 Ground Observer Posts to Fulda. GO2 Platoon moved all Posts to Henning.
XIX TAC flew 549 sorties. Claims for the day included 280 motor vehicles, 34 armored vehicles and tanks, 63 locomotives, 300 railroad cars and 31 German planes destroyed or damaged.
Apr 10
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th and 89th Infantry Divisions drive abreast to the east toward the Saale river.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division with close artillery and air support drives quickly to Coburg.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 76th and 80th Infantry attack abreast towards Erfurt.
On April 10th in the Third Army area the XX Corps continued to advance with the 76th Infantry Division on the left and the 80th Infantry Division on the right preparatory to commit armor to spearhead the drive to the Elbe. In the XII Corps area the 11th Armored Division with close artillery and air support drove quickly to the vicinity of Coberg.
In the 563rd FDP5 crossed the Rhine river at Oppenheim, Germany and set up operations near Geissen.
XIX TAC dropped 95 tons of bombs while flying 535 sorties. XIX TAC claimed as damaged or destroyed 455 motor vehicles, 59 locomotives, 105 railroad cars, 114 buildings and 54 German planes.
Apr 11
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division captures Coburg.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 6th Armored Division and the 4th Armored Division abreast attack toward the Salle river at Kleinheringen. During the day's advance, Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar and German Allied prisoner camp in Bad Sulza area were overrun.
In the 563rd Company A had their Type 15 radar unit at Halstroff, France 200 miles away in a rear area position for homing the Fighter Bombers pending their move to forward airdromes and it was released this date and moved forward to join the FDP1 at their current location at Fulda. FDP1 reported that the Type 21 radar was made operational by Lt. Will McAdam, the Commanding Officer of FDP1 and Company A Chief Radar Officer. BACU2 moved to Renda. LW1 moved to Henneng. LW3 moved Strut. GO3 moved Post Mike to Berka, Post Oboe to Nazza, Post Peter to S of Mulhausen, Post Queen to Mechter and Post Roger to Wurha.
XIX TAC flew 550 sorties and made claims of 539 motor vehicles, 599 railroad cars, 83 locomotives, 53 buildings and 49 German planes either damaged or destroyed.
Apr 12
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 87th and 89th Infantry Divisions drive east toward the Salle river near Rothenstein.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division establishes a bridgehead across the Hasslach river at Kronach
In the Third Army's XX Corps attacks east from the Saale river to the Weisse-Elster river. At Rossendorf an infantry bridgehead was used before it was lost to a time bomb. The 4th Armored Division crossed the Saale river in rubber boats and by ferry while nearby bridges were being repaired.
In the 563rd BACU2 moved to Homburg.
XIX TAC in large scale attacks claimed 588 motor vehicles, 428 railroad cars, 23 locomotives and 16 armored vehicles and tanks damaged or destroyed. Also claimed were 24 German planes destroyed in the air and 32 damaged on the ground.
Apr 13
In the Third Army XX Corps, in a 70 mile drive the 4th Armored Division crossed the Mulde bridgeheads crossed the Weisse-Elster river and established bridgeheads over the Zwick-Mulde river.
In the 563rd the following Officers were appointed to the Information and Education Staff of the Battalion:
Instructor Supervisor Lt. John J. Reynolds
Education Advisement Lt. George E. Mowrer
Education Supply Lt. Joseph H. Eichbaulm
Vocationsl Supervisor Lt. Robert O. Schurke
Orientation Officer Capt. Arthur G. Root, Jr
Lt. Joseph H Eichbaum was appointed Battalion Soldier Voting Officer.
XIX TAC lost 3 planes in 242 sorties. XIX TAC made claims of 24 German planes, 140 motor vehicles, 7 armored vehicles, 240 railroad cars and 16 locomotives damaged or destroyed.
Apr 14
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 6th Armored Division breaks through the enemy defenses and drives east to the Zwick Mulde river.
On April 14th the 100th Wing moved their headquarters to Konigstein which is about 4 miles west of Frankfurt. The XIX TAC headquarters was located at Erlangen about 7 miles north of Nurn- berg.
XIX TAC flew 279 sorties. XIX TAC claimed 18 German planes, 190 motor vehicles, 20 locomotives and 75 railroad line cuts (after dropping 20 tons of bombs and strafing) damaged or destroyed.
Apr 15
In the Third Army's VIII Corps the 89th Infantry Division drives to the Weida river at Gera and begins crossing at night.
In the Third Army's XX Corps area the 6th Armored Division crosses the Mulde river.
In the 563rd the following men were transferred in by the XIX TAC and assigned to Headquarters Company
S/Sgt Samuel B. Campbell
S/Sgt Jack Merrick
Sgt James M. Williams
Cpl Arcadio G. Fernandez
Cpl Gordon M. McCabe
Pfc Edward J. Carey
Pfc Robert T. Jackson
Pfc James R. Pearson

LW3 reported finding a smashed C-47 airplane about a mile SW of their site with the bodies of 5 men and 1 woman in it. They were able to identify tow of the bodies. Information was gathered that the plane had crashed a few days before they found it. They promptly notified a graves registration unit and had the bodies removed. The number of the plane was 330728. In Company C monthly Historical Report for April Lt. Charles A. Stewart reported the following incidents surrounding the Blankenheim site:
"Our next move was to Blankenhain, southeast of Weimer, Ger- many. This site was upon a former German Airfield. The airfield was very small and had been used by the Germans to train men show to use gliders. Several gliders were still intact when we got there. Along the edges of a woods close to the radar site there were a number of German Twin Engine Fighters that had been de- stroyed by our own Fighters. most of these airplanes were com- pletely destroyed and a few were still whole but with holes in them. The airplanes were equipped with radar and had probably been used by the Germans as Night Fighters. The airplanes were JU-88's and HE-111's and there was about 40 of them. We could see by the bullet holes in the airplanes, and along the ground how our fighters came in and shot them up. We believe that one of our controlled flights destroyed these planes because they were in our sector.
In a little town close to our site there was a barn full of german telephone equipment that looked like it might be used in an information center.
During our stay at this site we made several trips to the Concentration Camp at Buchenwald. After seeing this our men became very bitter to the Germans and wished they could run across some SS troopers."
End of Report
XIX TAC flew 364 sorties, registering claims of 562 motor vehicles, 101 locomotives and 432 railroad cars damaged or de- stroyed. Three planes were lost during the day's operations, but XIX TAC destroyed 5 German planes in the air and 50 on the ground and also damaged 1 plane in the air and 39 on the ground. The Luftwaffe was being forced to abandon many of its airfields because of the Americans and British advancing on the Western Font and the Russians advancing on the Eastern Front. The abandoned fields and pilotless airplanes were excellent targets. During the period of April 1 to April 15 the XIX TAC destroyed a record number of German planes, claiming 111 destroyed, 6 probable and 49 damaged in aerial action. XIX TAC also claimed 321 destroyed, 5 probable and 306 damaged by bombing as ground targets. During the period the XIX TAC lost 23 planes.
Apr 16
In the Third Army the VIII Corps drives southeast and with the 89th Infantry Division and reaches Greiz.
In the 563rd LW2 moved to Klettbach. Company C received orders from the TCC to close station and move FDP3 to a site slightly southeast of Weimar. Also on April 16th Company B departed from Trochtelborn and arrived and set up at Bad Steben, Germany. Enroute to the new site and near Gotha 21 German soldiers surrendered to Capt. Shattuck who had fired a shot into the woods when he saw movements in the underbrush. The 21 Germans came out quietly with their hands up over their heads. Lt. DiLeo in his monthly history report for April also noted that Company B has captured over 100 German prisoners. Ground Observer Platoon GO2 was released from Company A and returned to Company B where their new duty would be FDP security Platoon. Also on April 16th Company C captured 21 Germans and this brought their total captures to over 100. GO1 Platoon was attached to Company C for tactical operation. Normally the Night Fighters are controlled by FDP5 but during April this responsibility was passed over to FDP2 two times when FDP5 was on the move. GO4 moved Post Sugar to Apolda, Post Tare from to SE of Blankenhain, Post Uncle to Neumark, Post Victor from Berka and Post William to SW of Apolda.
XIX TAC a total of 23 planes were damaged in the air and another 84 on the ground by the XIX TA. XIX TAC also accounted for the destruction or damaging of 347 motor vehicles, 319 railroad cars and 111 locomotives.
Apr 17
In the Third Army's VIII Corps 89th Infantry Division establishes a bridgehead across the Zwick Mulde river near Zwickau and takes Reichenbach after aerial softening of the city,
In the 563rd FDP2 moved from Bienstadt to W of Lichtenberg. LW3 moved from Strut to Lehsten. At Company C the move of FDP3 Type 15 radar and LW3 was reporting in to the TCC by 1700 hours and this location was the closest to Berlin that they had been located and LW3 carried the flight at a range of 120 miles rite over Berlin, FDP1 labeled it as track number 13. GO3 moved Post Mike to Munchen-Bernstadt, Post oboe to Weida, Post Peter to Eisenberg, Post Queen to Tripris and Post Roger to Neiderstadt.
XIX TAC flew 500 sorties, and destroyed 51 enemy planes and damaged another 58. Among other claims were 544 motor vehicles, 176 locomotives and 186 railroad cars damaged or destroyed.
Apr 18
In the Third Army the VIII, XII and XX corps are regrouping for a final drive into Austria and Czechoslovakia.
In the 563rd GO1 was to report into GO3 network and into FDP3. This made a total of 10 Ground Observer posts stretching approximately 40 miles along the Third Army Line of Resistance. Communications to GO1 was bad so GO3 had to relay all of their information to the FDP3. GO1 moved Post Able first to Fulda then to Naumberg, Post Bake to Fulda and Post Charley to Fulda then to Eisenberg. FP3 ran a land line telephone circuit to the TCC and it was operational at 2245 Hours the same day. This was possible because the TCC at that time were so close to the FDP3 Weimer site. On April 16th Ground Observer Platoon GO2 was relieved from attachment to Company B and attached to Company A for duty. Also Ground Observer platoon GO1 was relieved from attachment to Company A and attached to Company C for duty. Ground Observer Platoon GO4 was relieved from attachment to Company B and attached to the 738th Signal Air Warning Company. LW3 moved from to Pfuhlborn.
XIX TAC flew 393 sorties and claimed 333 motor vehicles, 67 locomotives and 383 railroad cars damaged or destroyed. Their toll of German planes was 14.
THE FINAL OPERATIONS
The Final Operations Phase extended from April 19th to May 7th.
APRIL 1945
Apr 19
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division attacks southeast and clears Grafenwohr.
In the Third Army the XX Corps orders a drive into Austria with the 65th and 71st Infantry Divisions in the assault
XIX TAC claimed 45 planes destroyed and 10 damaged on the ground and another 7 shot down in aerial combat. The XIX TAC lost 1 plane. XIX TAC accounted for the damage and or destruction of 353 motor vehicles, 39 locomotives and 125 railroad cars.
Apr 20
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored captures a huge store of arms and ammunition in the Grafenwohr area.
On April 20th Gen. Weyland issued this message to all his troops:
"The following orders of the day issued by the Supreme Commander is to be delivered to every member of all Headquarters and Units under your command:
April 20,1945
To every member of the AEF:
The final destruction of the German Forces west of the Rhine the 21st Army Group thrust powerfully across that river with the US Ninth Army under command. Simultaneously, rapid drives across the Rhine and from the Remagen Bridgehead by 12th and 6th Army Groups provided the southern arm of a great double envelopment which completely encircled the entire German Army group B and two corps of Army Group H, whose mobility was rendered almost zero by our magnificent and tireless Air Forces. Thereafter,in the pocket thus created the 12th Army Group eliminated 21 Enemy Divisions, includ- ing 3 Parachute Divisions. Over 317,000 prisoners of war were captured including 24 Generals and one Admiral. Many tanks and more than 740 guns were destroyed or taken. Booty is immense and still being counted. The enemy total losses in killed and wounded will never be accurately known.
The rapidity and determination with which this brilliant action was executed tore asunder the divisions of Field Marshal Model, and enabled all Army Groups without pause to continue their drive Eastward into the heart of Germany. This victory of allied arms is a fitting prelude to the final battles to crush the ragged remnants of Hitler's Armies of the West, now tottering on the threshold of Defeat.
Dwight D. Eisenhower"
End of Document
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division was attacking Graphenwohr and captured a huge cache of enemy material and munitions.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the troops were attacking southeast toward the Danube in the Regensburg area with the 71st Infantry Division and the 65th Infantry Division abreast.
In the 563rd BACU2 moved to Lichtenburg. LW2 moved to Hof. FDP1 moved from north of Fulda to Kurnach. FDP1 type 21 radar was moved forward to Kurnach in the Wurzburg area and on same day the type 15 radar jumped from Fulda past this site to Groingen. GO2 moved Post George and Post How from Henning to Posseck, Post Jig from Henning to S of Delnitz, Post King from Henneng to S of E of Hof and Post Love from Henneng to S of Rodger.
XIX TAC had a total of 575 sorties were flown. XIX TAC claimed 42 planes destroyed and 22 damaged in addition to 294 motor vehicles, 58 locomotives and 617 railroad cars damaged or destroyed.
Apr 21
In the Third Army the VIII Corps on the right crosses the Czechoslovakian border to Rossbach. The XII Corps Artillery is pounding Weiden.
In the 563rd Maj. Walter N. Levin was assigned to the 563rd Signal Battalion and attached to Headquarters Company and further appointed Battalion Surgeon. Pfc Chester C. Oblander was trans- ferred in by the 16th Reinforcement Depot and assigned to Head- quarters Company. BACU3 moved to Fulda. FDP5 moved to Pommer.
XIX TAC had good weather and bombed airfields, destroying 46 planes and damaging another 129, all on the ground. XIX TAC also claimed 174 motor vehicles and 182 railroad cars.
Apr 22
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division estab- lished a bridgehead across the Naab river at Schwarzenfeld. In the Third Army's XX Corps the 3rd Cavalry Group reinforced and operating as a combat team captured a railroad bridge across the Naab River intact and overran a German concentration camp at Hohenfels.
In the 563rd at 1500 hours Company C obtained permission from the filter officer at the TCC to prepare for a move to Auerbach.
XIX TAC poor flying conditions limited the flying operations. XIX TAC did fly 79 sorties, managing to damage or destroy 113 motor vehicles, 40 locomotives and 91 railroad cars.
Apr 23
In the Third Army's XII Corps the troops over ran Flossenberg where a large concentration camp and an aircraft factory were secured. The roads in the 11th Armored Division route were clogged with thousands of prisoners and slave laborers being set free. The 11th Armored Division was directed to continue southeast to effect a junction with the Soviet forces near the German-Austrian border.
In the 563rd FDP1 moved the Type 15 to Groingen. FDP3 was in the process of moving to E of Auerbach.
XIX TAC flew 158 sorties. XIX TAC claimed 26 German planes, 247 motor vehicles, 36 locomotives and 7 armored vehicles damaged or destroyed.
Apr 24
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division cleared Regan with the help of XIX TAC fighter bombers and Corps Artillery and the 90th Infantry Division cleared Vohenstrauss and seized the bridge at Burgtreswich.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 14th Armored Division attaches and reaches Altmuhl river at Gungolding where bridging begins under heavy fire from the Germans.
In the 563rd FDP3 started operations at 1200 hours and reported to the TCC by CW radio. The move from Blankenhain to Auerbach by FDP3 was one of their longest moves made in Germany covering 154 miles. GO3 Ground Observer Platoon was brought in by FDP3 for local security. This precaution was taken because the 316 FCS D/F station Charley who were acting as the TCC D/F station was attacked by 17 German's and two D/F men were killed eight wounded and their power unit completely destroyed. In the Company C Monthly Historical Report, Lt. Charles A. Stewart amplified on this site in his summary as follows:
"Near Aurbach there was an old German Labor camp and was being used as an OCS by the Germans. Our men ran across a number of 22 caliber rifles and about 500,000 rounds of ammunition. Also at this site was one of the finest Rifle Ranges most of us have ever seen. In their spare time the men fired their .22's and that kept them from wandering around through the nearby towns. We had a problem keeping civilians out of our area at this spot. There were many Russians, Poles, Italians and other peoples at this camp that the Germans took from other countries they occupied. These people made daily trips to our end of the camp and the civilians from the towns also went scrounging daily. At this site our men captured 9 German soldiers that were armed with 8 rifles, 3 pistols and a light machine gun. Our Air Corps unit also captured a few prisoners including one 1st Lt. in civilian clothes and brought the total number of prisoners taken at this site to 24."
End of Report
XIX TAC flew 306 sorties with claims of 373 motor vehicles, 31 locomotives and 510 railroad cars damaged or destroyed.
Apr 25
In the Third Armys's XII Corps on the left flank the 97th Infantry Division assaults Cheb, Czechoslovakia. The 11th Armored Division advances to Kreuzberg.
In the Third Army's XX Corps their Infantry Divisions advance to the Danube river.
In the 563rd Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company was moved to Igensdorf, Germany which is 12 miles northeast of Nurnberg and about 9 miles east of Erlangen where the XIX TAC was located. (see Editors Note 22 below).
XIX TAC destroyed 56 German planes and damaged another 66 on the ground in 389 sorties they also accounted for 516 motor vehicles, 83 locomotives and 281 railroad cars damaged or de- stroyed.
Apr 26
In the Third Army's III Corps the 14th Armored Division and the 86th Infantry Division cross the Altmuhl river near Gungolding and capture Ingolstadt.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division drives southeast to patrol the Austrian border.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 65th, 66th, 71st, 14th and 5th Infantry Divisions cross the Danube southwest of Regensburg
XIX TAC had poor weather but it did not keep the XIX TAC out of the sky. XIX TAC flew 465 sorties and claimed 444 motor vehicles, 70 locomotives, 425 railroad cars damaged or destroyed.
Apr 27
In the Third Army's III Corps the 86th Infantry Division crosses the Danube at Ingolstad on a newly constructed foot bridge and thrusts toward the Isar River.
(Editors Note 22) The battalion occupied a small country hotel in Igensdorf which was one of the few buildings in the town. Beside the hotel was a building which had been a beer hall before the war. It turned out that the fleeing Nazi's left a railway car full of processed leather, the kind that was used in uniforms such as the leather officers coats and boots. The men of the 563rd Battalion unloaded it and stored it in the beer haul and were able to trade leather for the labor of German shoe-makers and tailors and have articles made for themselves. Unfortunately the word got around to nearby units that the stock-pile existed and soon delegations from neighboring units were making daily procurement. I don't think the leather stockpile lasted very long even though there was many ton's of it. Any way some of our enterprising men had cowboy boots, pilots jackets and SS Panzer type overcoats, etc. made from it and I am sure that the men of other units did the same.
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored reaches the Czechoslovakian border.
In the Third Army's XX Corps expands the Danube river bridgehead and captures Regensburg.
XIX TAC, in a total of 103 sorties, destroyed 11 German planes and damaged 12 more. The low claims for the day resulted from poor visibility and the lack of targets.
Apr 28
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division is driving toward Passau
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 13th Armored Division is advancing along the Danube toward Isar river at Platting.
In the 563rd FDP2 was moved from W of Lichtenberg to Paulus- hofen. BACU1 moved from Milda to NE of Landshut.
XIX TAC had bad weather and canceled flying.
Apr 29
In the Third Army's III Corps the 14th Armored advances to the Isar river to force a crossing at Moosburg. In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored is attacking SW towards Passau.
In the Third Army's XX Corps 13th Armored Divisions advance to the Isar river and secure bridgeheads at Platting.
XIX TAC in total of 233 sorties claimed 452 motor vehicles,
Apr 30
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division drives southeast on the Corps right flank with CCA on the left and CCB on the right to Wegschid.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 13th Armored Division is crossing the Isar river at Platting.
In the 563rd and In his April Historical report, Lt. Charles A. Stewart reported the following in his summary to accompany the activities that were reported for the month:
"Before a move takes place a party goes to the area of the next proposed site to pick the best spot for the radar and to get the best results. The party also picks out a bivouac and a check is made to see if the area will be safe enough to move into and while making such a trip Capt. Glassow, Company Commander of Com- pany C and Capt. Salfen the FDP3 Chief Air Controller who is at- tached from the 312th FCS, captured 5 Germans at the Giessen site. Two hugh trailers were picked up by the Company C Motor Pool Sergeant in the vicinity of Giessen. These proved invaluable in moving across Germany. One was used to haul most of the Company supplies and things that are not used constantly and left on trail- ers, saving the trouble of unloading trucks and finding storage space for the items that were on the trailers.
End of Report
XIX TAC finished up the month with 175 sorties claimed 107 motor vehicles, 67 locomotives,588 railroad cars, and 4 planes 277 railroad cars, 28 armored vehicles and tanks, 60 locomotives and 9 planes on the ground damaged or destroyed.

 

May 1945
May 1
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division drives from the Austrian border to the Klein Meuhl river and seize bridges.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 13th Armored Division finishes crossing the Isar river at Plantting and drives toward the Inn river to search for crossing sites.
In the 563rd Company A moved from Kurnach, Germany to Kalsing, Germany and immediately went into operation thus becoming the forward echelon of the company. The other half of the FDP was still operating out of Grinegen, Germany. This method of operation was called "Split Operation" and now appeared to be normal procedure. Company A was the first to employ this movement and because it was accomplished so successfully the Battalion adopted it as another type of movement by which the FDP's could advance. The other types of movements are; "Movement Intact" and "Leapfrog". The "Split" is by far the most difficult because two complete FDP's must be maintained by the same number of personnel that ordinarily work one FDP. In this case of Company A this procedure has been going on for several months with all it's attendant hardships. FDP1 also moved LW1 to and all GO1 Ground Observer Posts to Groingen. BACU1 moved to Furth. BACU2 moved to Bayreuth. FDP2 moved LW2 and all GO2 Ground Observer Posts Bayreuth. FDP3 moved LW3 and all GO3 Ground Observer Posts to Ansbach. GO4 moved all Posts to Pommer.
XIX TAC restricted from flying by bad weather XIX TAC flew 113 sorties, claiming 13 motor vehicles, 10 locomotives, 93 railroad cars and 14 horse drawn vehicles damaged or destroyed.
May 2
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division drives south to ford the Muehl river at Neufelden.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 13th Armored Division and the 80th Infantry Division driving southeast toward the Inn river and reach the north bank.
In the 563rd Company B moved to Petersglain. Company C moved to a location adjoining the Airdrome Air Base at Ansbach, Germany. The 364th Fighter Group was operating from this Airdrome. This move was slow because of detours, however FDP3 was operational at 1550 that day, Ground Observers were immediately set up for perimeter security for Company C area. FDP3 moved LW3 to Thielenh- ofen. XIX TAC General Order 33 arrived at Battalion Headquarters awarding the Bronze Star Medal to Lt. David R. Schultze for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 20 September 1944 to 1 April 1945 with the following citation:
"Lt. Schultze has displayed outstanding skill and deep devotion to duty as commander of a Ground Observer Platoon, whose mission has been that of reporting from forward positions hostile aircraft and enemy ground targets of sufficient military value to warrant destruction by fighter bombers. Lt. Schultze has at all times demonstrated aggressiveness, courage, leadership and disregard of his own personal safety and has been highly instrumental in the valuable information furnished by his platoon on enemy ground and aerial targets from advance positions with Infantry and Artillery observation posts."
The 738th Signal Air Warning Company monthly historical report, for the records, FDP5 reported that from September through May FDP5 handled about 2,000 missions. So far no record is available to show the consolidated number of missions handled by FDP1, FDP2, FDP3 and FDP4.
XIX TAC weather situation kept the XIX TAC from flying a great deal. Sixteen sorties were flown with no claims made for the day.
May 3
In the Third Army's XII Corps the 11th Armored Division drives toward Linz.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 65th and 66th Infantry Divisions and the 13th Armored Division are diverted from southeast to east in order to establish contact with the Russians as soon as possible.
In the 563rd LW2 moved to Petersglaim. Company A rear FDP unit was located at Gronengen and moved to join the forward unit at Kalsing and stay overnight. This was a 160 mile trip.
XIX TAC Unfavorable weather again prevented a large number of sorties. Flying 149 sorties XIX TAC claimed 56 motor vehicles, 4 locomotives, 47 railroad cars, 1 bridge, 6 buildings damaged or destroyed.
May 4
In the Third Army's XII Corps The 11th Armored Division was attacking Linz, Austria and was attempting to contact the Soviet forces. Although the AAA fire kept the XIX TAC from Linz the fi- ghter bombers struck northwest of Linz and artillery was brought foreword to assault Linz.
In the Third Army'x XIX Corps the 5th and 90th Infantry Divisions are preparing an attack to clear out the passes into Czechoslovakia through which the 4th Armored Division will attack toward Prague.
In the Third Army's XX Corps the 71st Infantry Division is on the left, the 14th Infantry Division is in the center and the 5th Infantry Division is on the right are speeding to the Traun River and taking Wells and Lambach with bridges at both cities.
In the 563rd Company A moved FDP1 on their last operational move and traveled 160 miles to join the forward unit at Kalsing. They had spent the night there. Early in the morning they were on the road again to travel another 50 miles to Vohenstrauss, Germany about 8 miles from the Czechoslovakia border and consequently on the border between the U.S. and the Russian troops. Operation were resumed early the same day. On May 8th FDP1 rear ceased operating and moved from Kalsing to Vohenstrauss, Germany. FDP1 also moved LW1 and GO1 Ground Observer Platoon To Vohenstauss.
XIX TAC flew 150 sorties, claiming 426 motor vehicles 10 tanks and armored vehicles, 25 locomotives, 231 railroad cars, 11 gun positions, 16 buildings, 42 horse drawn vehicles and 1 roundhouse damaged or destroyed.
May 5
In the 563rd BACU2 moved to Bischofshausen. BACU3 moved to Vohenstrauss.
XIX TAC Bad weather canceled air activity.
May 6
In the 563rd Company B moved with FDP2 and all GO2 Ground Observer Posts to Salzbach. LW2 to Petersglaim.
XIX TAC Weather conditions made air activity impossible.
May 7
On May 7th the German high Command surrendered all land, sea and air forces unconditionally to Allied Forces. The surrender act was signed at Reims at 0140 Hours to become effective at 0001 Hours on May 9th. Upon receipt of this news in the field all offensive operations were halted and organization of defensive positions were initiated.
On May 7th this message was sent by Gen. Weyland to his units:
"The following is a paraphrase message from SHAEF
1. Unconditional surrender of all German land, sea, and air forces in Europe to allied Expeditionary Force and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command has been signed by a representative of the German high Command at 01:41 Central European time, 7 May under which all forces will cease active operations at 0:00 hours 9 May.
2. No release will be made to the press pending an announcement by the heads of the three governments. All informed down to and in- cluding Divisions, Tactical Air Commands and Groups, Base Sections, and equivalent.
3. Due to difficulties of communications there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops full defensive precautions will be taken. Effective immediately all offensive operations by Allied Expeditionary Forces will cease and troops will remain in present positions. Moves involved in occupational duties will continue. Weyland"
On May 6th in the XII Corps area the 4th Armored Division advanced northeast into Czechoslovakia unopposed to Pisek. On the right flank of the XII Corps the 11th Armored patrolled deep inside of Soviet territory without making contact with the Red Army.
In the 563rd there was a meeting held at Ninth Air Force head- quarters to discuss Tables of Organization and Equipment needs for Signal Air Warning Units and the following were ordered to attend.
From the 563rd Maj. Maurice E. Byrne
Capt. Mac (NMI) Ray
From the 312th Maj. Noble L. Hull
Capt. William Y. Brown
May 8
XIX TAC flew 9 defensive patrol missions over the U.S. Third Army front.
From May 8th through the end of the month the FDP's were op- erating from 0500 Hours to 2200 Hours daily. During that period preparations were being made for Information and Education programs by each Company. Team sports were organized with every man participating. The companies lacked textbooks for the education programs but courses were improvised.
May 13
On May 13,1945 General Weyland made this commendation:
1. A report of the tri annual administrative inspections of all units of the XIX Tactical Air Command, as of 30 April 1945, rates the 563rd Signal AW Battalion the highest of all units in the command with an overall rating of superior.
2. I wish to commend the Commanding Officer, Battalion Inspectors, and all the officers and enlisted men of the battalion Headquarters and subordinate units whose hard work and attention to duty have made this superior attainment possible.
O. P. Weyland
Major General
May 15
On May 15, 1945 Maj. Byrne and Capt. Ray were put on temporary duty with the headquarters of the Ninth Air Force Headquarters to attend a discussion of organization and equipment for Tactical Con- trol centers for future units.
May 18
BACU1 was set up at Neuwnburg.
May 19
On May 19th Capt. Thomas J. Slattery, the Commanding Officer of Company A was presented the Bronze Star Medal. The presentation was made by Col. Harry A. French, commander of the 19th Tactical Control Group (Prov), with Lt. Col. William L McBride commander of the 563rd Signal Battalion in attendance. The medal had been awarded on previous orders (see award on March 28th).
May 20
On May 20th BACU2 was assigned a mission with the 362nd Fi- ghter Group near Straubing, Germany. This was in connection with a program for training of pilots and the applications of new tac- tics with BACU units. BACU2 was set up at Irlbach. BACU3 was set up at Frankfurt.
June 1945
Jun 6
Upon recommendation of their Company Commander the Good Con- duct Medal was awarded on June 5th to 52 men of Company C.
Jun 6
On June 6th to 2 men of Company B; on June 8th to 31 men of Company in Headquarters Company and 10 men of Company A and on June 10th to 32 men of Company B.
Jun 12
On June 12th XIX TAC, on General Orders 49 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to S/Sgt Virgil L. for meritorious service in connec- tion with military operations against the enemy from 17 July 1944 to 1 may 1945.
Jun 13
On June 13th Capt. Arthur G. Root, Jr., assumed command of Company C. Capt. Glassow was transferred to Headquarters Company and appointed Battalion S-3.
Jun 14
On June 14th the Good Conduct Medal was awarded to 10 more men of Company A and 22 more men of Company B and on June 18th to 10 more men of Company A.
Jun 20
On June 20th Col. French sent this letter to the 19th Tactical Control Group:
To All Officers and Men of this Group:
I desire to tell you that I am proud to have been your com- mander. Truly you have justified that pride by your outstanding achievements as a Tactical Control Group.
As I relinquish command I am aware of the hugh debt of gratitude which I owe to you. I can never repay that debt but I shall always remember that group of officers and men who gave their all toward the successful completion of our mission. Yes, your accomplishments have established a high, perhaps unattainable, standard for any Group which may try to emulate your proficiency. You did much with little means of doing it.
Although it was with pride and gladness that I served with you, it is now with a sense of sadness that I leave you. I would prefer to remain with you until you are back into the United States, but mine is not the choice. Then as I go,l may I in all humility say, "Thanks for everything you have done for mae and may our friendship not cease with this parting."
Harry A. French
Colonel, Air Corps
Jun 22
On June 22nd the Bronze Star Medal was awarded by the XIX TAC on General Order 55 to the following men:
Capt. Arthur T. Engell for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 15 July 1944 to 1 May 1945.
M/Sgt William A. Hunziker for meritorious service in connec- tion with military operations from 1 June 1944 to 1 May 1945.
Tech/Sgt Chester R. Kasczynski for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 1 June 1944 to 1 May 1945.
Jun 23
On June 23rd Company B with FDP2 and LW2 moved to its final bivouac at Pommer, Germany near where the 738th Signal Air Warning Company was also bivouacked and about 4 miles from Battalion Headquarters.
Jun 24
On June 24th 10 more men of Company were awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Maj. Maurice E. Byrne was transferred to the 100th Wing Headquarters as Wing Radar Officer in the Wing Signal Staff Section.
On June 24th the 738th Signal Air Warning Company was dis- banded and company B took over the MEW equipment formerly operated by the 738th Signal Aircraft Warning Company who functioned as FDP5.
Jun 25
On June 25th Capt. Thomas J. Slattery was transferred from Company A to Battalion Headquarters and appointed Battalion Ex- ecutive Officer. Lt. Richard T. Goncher was appointed Commanding Officer of Company A until June 26th when Capt. John Nolan was transferred from Company B to Company A and appointed commanding officer of Company A. Also Capt. John A. Easton was transferred to Company B and named Company Commander.
Jun 26
On June 26th the Bronze Star Medal was awarded to the fol- lowing men on XIX TAC General Order 57:
M/Sgt Charles E. Pollina for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 15 July 1944 to 1
May 1945
Sgt Raymond F. for meritorious service in connection with military operations from 1 August 1944 to 1 May 1945
July 1945
Jul 3
On July 3rd XIX TAC issued General Order 59 which awarded a Meritorious Service Unit Plaque to the 563rd Signal Battalion with the following citation:
The 563rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, for outstanding performance and devotion to duty during the period 13 January 1945 to 28 March 1945. This organization, because of it's superior knowledge and performance of tactical operations, superb training, technical skill, spirit of cooperation, aggressiveness and resourcefulness accomplished outstanding achievement relative to Aircraft Warning Service to the XIX Tactical Air Command through- out the continental campaign. The superb efficiency and relentless efforts of all members of this command contributed materially in making possible the brilliant and successful onslaughts by aircraft of the command against the enemy during the normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns. The accomplishment of this mission was extremely diffcult and hazardous during the latter stages of the campaigns because of the rapid advance which necessitated constant leapfrogging of equipment and personnel. That Battalion was able at all times to furnish early aircraft warning to fighters and the fighter bombers as well as invaluable information on enemy ground targets reflects highly upon the 563rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion and is worth of the highest traditions of the Military service
By command of General Saunders
Jul 12
On July 12th General Order 129 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to the following men in recognition of meritorious service in con- nection with military operations against the enemy as follows:
1st Lt. Will McAdam for action from 15 August 1944 to 1 May 1945
1st Lt. Allen B. Reppert for action from 1 November 1944 to 1 May 1945
M/Sgt George Kustudich for action from 1 November 1944 to 1 May 1945
S/Sgt Donald E. Anderson for action from 1 December 1944 to 1 May 1945.
S/Sgt John M. Boguslawski for action from 1 November 1944 to 1 May 1945
S/Sgt Marion P. Hobgood for action from 15 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
Sgt Joe B. Ross for action from 15 September 1944 to 1 May 1945.
On July 14th Lt. Richard T. Goncher took command of Company B upon the departure of Capt. John Nolan who was transferred to the 19 TCG as communications officer. Later Lt. Hubert W. Scott, Lt. Willfred T. Smith, Lt. Wesley J. Howard, Lt. Will McAdam and WO. Carl H. Gantzhorn were also transferred from Company A to the 19th TCG.
Jul 15
On July 15th XIX TAC General Order 131 awarded the Bronze Star Medal to Officers and Men of the 563rd Battalion in recognition of meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy as follows:
Capt. Mac (NMI) Ray for action from 10 July 1944 to 8 May 1945
1st Lt. Joseph J. Faro for action from 1 Jun 1944 to 1 May 1945
1st Lt. Robert S. McSpadden for action from 1 June 1944 to 1 May 1945
1st Lt. David A. Pritchard for action from 1 June 1944 to 1 May 1945
1st Lt. John J. Reynolds for action from 15th July 1944 to 1 May 1945
1st Lt. Robert O. Schurke for action from 15 July 1944 to 8 May 1945
1st Lt Robert K. Slaven for action from 1 August 1944 to 1 may 1945
1st Lt Clarence A. Wetherill for action from 15 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
WO. Vernon O. Mills for action from 1 November 1944 to 1 May 1945
Tech/Sgt Joseph G. Bates for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
S/Sgt Frederick B. Dillman for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
S/Sgt Herman Messinger for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
Tech/3rd James S. P. Bowler for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
Sgt Robert J. Norton for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
Tech/5th John R Patillipo, Jr. for action from 1 July 1944 to 1 May 1945
Unfortunately the citations accompanying all the above dec- orations were not included in the unit history. These citations all now reside in the 201 files of the individuals concerned and also in the files of the Headquarters 563rd Signal SAW Battalion .
During the month many of the men were on leave and on pass. The activities available were many, such as seven day leaves to the U.K. and the French Riviera; three day passes to Brussels and Paris and attending I and E schools in Paris. In this way some of the men got to see Italy, Czechoslovakia and Belgium. In addition to this each company had their own I and E program and were teach- ing such subjects as Photography, Radio repair, Mathematics, Blue print reading, French language and others. Some of the companies also had courses in English, Journalism, History, Art 'appreciation and Motors. The men conducting these classes did a good job with very limited means in many cases there was no textbooks or training material. Going on at the same time were athletics and inter unit competition in softball and volleyball. Company C reported that they had 8 softball teams and 6 volleyball teams.
The FDP's were also involved in orientating the Pilots on the functioning of the radar and control system. All the BACU units were on duty with Fighter Groups on guidance control of the close support units.
Capt. Arthur Root was named Battalion Executive Officer, Lt. Guttenberger was named Battalion S-1 and Lt. David Schultze was named Battalion motor officer. Lt. Robert K. Slaven was named Commanding Officer of Company C after Capt. Arthur G. Root was transferred to Battalion Headquarters. Later in the month Lt. Guttenberger became ill and was sent to an evacuation hospital and Lt. James D. Tate took over as battalion S-1.
Jul 23
On July 23rd XIX TAC General Order 134 was issued disbanding the 563rd Battalion, effective on 2359 hours on the 20th of July. Personnel of the 563rd Signal Battalion were transferred to and absorbed by the 566th Signal A. W. Battalion. The equipment was to be absorbed into the Air Force stocks.
On July 23rd the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion was disbanded
Aug 6
On August 6th an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
Aug 9
On August 9th an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.
Aug 10
On August 10th the Japanese government offered to surrender
Aug 14
On August 14th accepted the surrender terms.
Aug 18 On August 18th the French Croix De Guerre was awarded to Maj. Byrne for exceptional services or war, rendered with bravery, in the liberation of France, The citation was of the Order of the Division, with Silver Star. The decoration was ordered On Decision 1045 by Gen. Charles DeGaulle, president of the provisional French Government.
Aug 30
On August 30th the occupation of Japan began which was delayed since August 28th because of a typhoon.

 

There are another 126 pages with more first hand accounts and Biographies which I'll post later. Enjoy!

 

No problem, although I think I picked up a virus. Not on the computer- me. Spent the last 38 hours in bed with a cold. I'll go through the rest and try to get more posted in a day or two.

 

EPILOGUE
Maurice E. Byrne
Editor
What happened in the battalion after May 7, 1945 is sketchy to me because shortly thereafter I was transferred to the Headquarters 100th Fighter wing. Gen. Sanders had been designated by Supreme Headquarters to command the Wing landing the tactical air forces on the proposed assault land on the Japanese mainland. I was put on planning and preparation of troop and equipment requisitions as Wing Radar Officer. We worked on the plans until we heard about the A-bomb. That ended everything. We were at Camp Chesterfield at Rheims at the time and awaiting orders. When the end came we were given leave and shipped down to Cannes for "R & R". Several weeks later we were on our way home. Also about this time the 19th Tactical Control Group was organized from men in the 563rd Signal and 312th Tactical Control Squadron. Both the 100 Wing and the 19th TCG personnel at that time were unaware that the other was to be part of the assault team.
A number of officers and men of the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion were transferred to the 19th Tactical Control Group and here is a narrative of that unit.
"The Headquarters group of the 19th Tactical Control Group was activated under a bulk allotment. This unit consisted of 25 Officers and 57 Men and it was activated on 9 July 1945 at Erlan- gen, Germany by the XIX Tactical Air Command, the next higher headquarters with the unit itself located at Igensdorf, Germany. The unit was commanded by Lt. Col. William L. McBride, 0171839, who was scheduled to become executive officer when Col. Harry A. French, 022906, joined the unit as Commanding Officer. Col. French was then assigned to XIX Tactical Air Command and had already proceeded this unit to another destination in the Pacific. The majority of the Officers and men came from the former organization of Lt. Col. McBride, which was the 563rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion. It is interesting to note that while it was generally known that this unit was destined for the Pacific, a good number of the personnel volunteered their services to be with their command- ing officer with whom they hadserved all of their overseas time. On the 16th of July 1945, the group moved via truck convoy complete in ten days to Camp Detroit, Rheims, France. It was in Camp Detroit that the unit was again processed, equipment drafted and packed, and the unit made ready for further overseas duty. After a stay of something like a week or 10 days, the unit was ordered to Calas staging Area, located at Versailles, France to await the port call.
The equipment was loaded in gondola cars on the French Railway and all personnel except those necessary as drivers and assistant drivers of the vehicles proceeded to Calas. On August 14,1945 port call was received and the unit embarked abroad the USS General Breckenbridge for the maiden voyage to the Pacific, a trip to take about 45 days. On August 15,1949 the ship sailed into the blue Mediterranean. On the third day out, radio orders were received to divert the ship to pier 88, New York City, due to the surrender of Japan. The ship arrived and the unit debarked on the 24th of August 1945. Personnel immediately proceeded via rail to Camp Kilmer, New Brunswick, New Jersey, where they were again shipped to the Reception Station nearest the individuals home for a 45 day R&R period. Orders were issued for the unit to reassemble at LeMoore Army Air Force Base, and later were changed for assembly at Fresno Fairgrounds, Fresno, California which was a sub-base of Camp Pinedale. Practically all the personnel were discharged at their respective Separation Centers at the termination of their 45 day R&R and temporary duty at their homes. Only 3 officers and 2 men reported to the Fresno Fairgrounds. Those reporting were sent to their separation Centers pending discharge from the service. Lt. Col. McBride left on 6 December 1945. Capt. Robert O Schurke, 01644757, and Capt. Mac (NMI) Ray both left the unit on 10 December 1945. (See Editors Note 23 below).
An explanation of why there are some gaps and some uncer- tainties in this history. After the war the War Department put a hold on all official records such as Morning Reports so that they could not be accessed. This was to preserve the right of privacy of the people mentioned in reports. Very few of us were in contact after the war. I got one letter from Col. McBride. He was discharged as a Col. and was in command of a Reserve Unit training unit in his area, which was near Boston, Mass.
The 100th Wing headquarters officers including Maj. Byrne came back to the U.S. from Marseilles, France via the "Marine Raven" one of the new U.S. troop transports so as to arrive at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on September 4,1945. The Raven was a small ship and carried the 100th Fighter Wing Officers and the Nurse Corps of a nearby Field Hospital. Maj. Byrne was released and back to home town, (Boise, Idaho) and his old job as Power Engineer for the Idaho Power Company. I continued in the Reserve program and had a mobilization designation of G-4 and ChiefTechnical Officer at the Fort Huachuca (AZ) Signal Proving Ground. Before giving some biog- raphy on some of our higher command it should be said that the troops that supported Patton's Third Army turned out to be the cream of the forces available. In their subsequent performance, at all levels, the units functioned in his flamboyant stykle with boldness and skill. In retrospect it is edsy to see that he had men that turned out to be exactly what he wanted. The men proved that they were the right men at the right time.
[Editors Note 23--- I surmised that Lt. Col. McBride kept Capt. Schurke and Capt. Ray in order to finish up the administration and property turn in of the unit as I presume that Capt. Schurke was the adjutant and Capt. Ray the Supply Officer. Long after the war I got feed back of a few but not any way all of the 563rd men transferring to the 19th Tactical Control Group and Sgt Robert Norton told me that he was one of those. Also there was mention that Capt. Slattery was the Group Communications Staff officer and Capt. Nolan was the Assistant Communications officer were trans- ferred to the 19th TCG on July 14th. Firstly Lt. Scott, Lt. Smith, Lt. Howard, Lt. McAdam and WO Gantzhorn also joined the 19th TCG on July 16th. The unit history stated that almost all the 563rd "A" `team were transferred to the 19th TCG. Also many men were transferred to the newly organized 431st Fighter Control Squadron.