Information on Battle of Stein, Germany

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 4, 2015

When I first told Mr. Geiser about the camps, I found out that he had been given the Bronze Star for actions in Stein, Germany. Since I had not known about his Bronze Star, I wanted to find a little bit of info on the battle around Stein. However, I could not find any sites or sources that talked or mentioned about the battle around Stein. Is it possible that someone could help me find some info on the battle? I appreciate it everyone!

Dave

Slipdigit · Jan 4, 2015

Looking at the map, Stein is deep in Germany and the battle you are asking about probably was a rather small affair and was probably over rather quickly. Your best bet will probably be to look at the AAR or official unit history of the formations he was a part of.

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 4, 2015

That is probably what the case is. I do have the after action reports of the 253rd I'll probably look into that now that you mention it.

Takao · Jan 4, 2015

Operations Reports for December '44 - April '45:
http://www.63rdinfdiv.com/files/253d_Infantry_Regiment_Operational_Reports_History_.pdf

822nd Tank Destroyer Battalion AAR for the month of April 1945(supported various units of the 63rd ID, including the 253rd IR):
http://www.tankdestroyer.net/images/stories/ArticlePDFs/822nd_AAR_Feb_1945-16_pages_includes_casualties_awards_promotions_and_officer_roster.pdf

822nd Tank Destroyer Battalion AAR for the month of April 1945(supported various units of the 63rd ID, including the 253rd IR):
http://www.tankdestroyer.net/images/stories/ArticlePDFs/822nd_AAR_April_1945-18_pages_includes_casualties_awards_promotions_and_officer_roster.pdf

*99 cents for the Kindle edition(appears to be the only edition available.(Don't worry though just look for the "Free Kindle Reading App" and enter your e-mail or mobile phone number to get the link to download)*
"The Battle of Buchhof and Stein am Kocher: The story of Second Battalion 253rd Infantry Regiment. (Blood and Fire in World War II Book 1)"
http://www.amazon.com/The-Battle-Buchhof-Stein-Kocher-ebook/dp/B00MQZSNEM

"Battle Between the Jagst and Kocher Rivers"
Same book, but different previews
https://books.google.com/books?id=TdJvOoGneKEC&pg=PA63&lpg=PA63&dq=%22253rd+Infantry+regiment%22,+Stein&source=bl&ots=kSv4E5SQHc&sig=a0ZW48LgoEz5ESNgFkON8rJwQSk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NdepVMOqCcKlNvGMgWA&ved=0CD0Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://books.google.com/books?id=7-x8AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=%22253rd+Infantry+regiment%22,+Stein&source=bl&ots=O9b6b-DHNh&sig=kjJvij9MQzOyRtjkNiKX2GcIRc8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NdepVMOqCcKlNvGMgWA&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q&f=false

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 4, 2015

Thanks Takao!

Takao · Jan 4, 2015

Lots of photos over on Fold3:
http://www.fold3.com/image/294379519/

Forgot to add...
"The Battle of Buchhof and Stein am Kocher: The story of Second Battalion 253rd Infantry Regiment. (Blood and Fire in World War II Book 1)"
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Battle-of-Buchhof-and-Stein-am-Kocher/301088606722884

Takao · Jan 4, 2015

Welcome!

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 4, 2015

I really think this stuff will help! Thank you very much Takao!

Takao · Jan 4, 2015

I aim to please. Enjoy!

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 5, 2015

I have found some interesting stuff on the 63rd AAR. There are pages where its a little hard to read, but i will manage .

TD-Tommy776 · Jan 5, 2015

Presidential Unit Citation for the 2nd Battalion, 253rd Infantry:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Army Forces of the United
States, I have today awarded

The Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for Extraordinary Heroism to the 2d Battalion, 253rd Infantry Regiment.

The 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment is cited for outstanding and gallant performance of duty in action against the enemy from 4
to 12 April 1945, in an area between the Jagst and Kocher Rivers northeast of Heilbronn. Germany. It was in this area that the enemy
committed his best available troops in defensive along open ridges; giving them almost perfect observation and fields of fire. The
Battalion was at an additional disadvantage due to severe dispersion of supporting fire. Early dawn on 4 April the 2d Battalion crossed
the Jagst River at Untergreisheim and quickly secured a bridgehead. The enemy employed a series of sharp counter attacks before the
battalion could consolidate, using devastating firepower of tanks directed at individual fox holes and penetrated forward defensive
positions. Inspired by the courageous leadership of the Officers, these counter attacks were all beaten back. Assisted by the 1st
Battalion, they then enlarged the bridgehead, but were still unable to establish a vehicular crossing over the Jagst River for two days
due to intense and accurate artillery fire. Finally, on 5 April, a bridge was completed and some armored assistance was secured. On
the evening of 5 April, three tanks were lost as the attack continued. On 6 April, against extremely heavy opposition, troops of the 2d
Battalion captured the town of Buchhof. Two enemy counter attacks followed causing heavy casualties within the Battalion, but both
attacks were beaten back. With only about 50 percent effective combat strength, the Battalion made ready to resume the attack on 8
April. the 2d Battalion was to secure the high ground overlooking Stein Am Kocher. Again it met formidable resistance, but pressed
the attack home with determination. Even after the tank support withdrew because of casualties and heavy fire, the 2d Battalion
fought its way forward. The cost in casualties was high but the tough core of SS resistance was broken. By this time the effective
strength of all line companies was whittled down to about 50 men. Four Company Commanders had been killed or wounded, most
companies had only a few Non-Commissioned Officers left and they had no company officers left. It took courage and determination
of the highest order to continue the attacks, particularly after the leaders were gone and especially after the tank support withdrew.
The 2d Battalion was relieved on 10 April, but with very little time to rest and regroup; the battalion was ordered to attack to the south
to cross the Kocher River. Though its ranks were thinned and its key personnel gone, the 2d Battalion had the spirit, determination
and punch left to continue the attack and make new gains, reaching and crossing the Kocher River to pursue the badly mauled 17th
SS Division. Oppossing the Battalion during these battles were two regiments of the 17th SS Division, the 17th SS Reconnaissance
Battalion and the Battalion Bitche. Reinforcing these elements were young, fanatic Nazis, former members of the 12th SS Division and
Hitler Youth. During this operation the 2d Battalion suffered 280 casualties: 54 killed in action; 211 wounded in action; and 16 missing
in action. But the 2d Battalion, with great determination and heroic achievement, ripped the fanatic 17th SS Division to shreds and
caused it to withdraw from the fight, thus preventing the enemy from gaining time to prepare the Danube defenses in the National
Redoubt area. The achievement of the 2d Battalion, 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division is a credit to all its officers and
men and added a glorious page to the history of the American Infantry.(Letter Hq DA, 22 March 00)
Click to expand...

Smiley 2.0 · Jan 5, 2015

Thank you Tommy! you guys have been a great help to me in finding all this information and the information that helped me identify The camp Mr. Geiser liberated. You have no idea how much your help has meant to me!

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Information on Battle of Stein, Germany

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