reproduced at the national archives declassified 73 7 … · reproduced at the national archives...

REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED

.~-iiiiiliiiiiilliiiiiilliiifiii.,_llliiliiiil-iiiiiiliiiiliifi .... Authority N" fil D 73 50 J 7

S'ECRET By &_'A._NARA Date 8- l.J - f/ --~--. .---

Sheet No. b-96 (a) ' 19lst Tank Bn S-3 JOURNAL

No,

I

From 010001A December 1944 To 012400A Dec~mber 1944

Place Vicinity o~ BOUXWILLER

DATE TIME

Dec 1 I 0923

'0930 1200

·1205

1208

1230

1310 1445 1500 1545

' 1555 1618

1940

214.5

. 2206

INC.IDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS , ETC ·· .

Cloudy and cold. Visibility: Poor Col DOLVIN left CP for 79th Division and ·company A position~. · Capt BERNHARDT left CP for 179 Infantry sector. Col REYNOLDS telephoned Capt OVERMAN informing him he wanted one platoon of light tanks to work with 3rd Bn, 157th Infantry in woods vicinity OFFWILLERZINZWILLER. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP reported Company B engaged in ~ire fight with enemy tanks. Capt CALLAHAN notified by telephone to alert one plat for immediate movement and to report to CP for instrv.ctions." Capt CALLAHAN at OP informed of plans and instructed to move platoon to MUELHAUSEN where Capt BERNHARDT will meet him. Capt BERNHARDT le~t CP for l57th CP· Col DOLVIN back at CP. Col DOLVIN left CP for 45th Division GP· Capt BERNHARDT back at CP reported platoon of Co D that was to work with 3rd Bn, 157th Infantry had been relieved of assignment and was now back in OBERMODERN. Col DOLVIN back at GP. Lt RICKS at CP reported Lt ZUCCARO wounded in action, one tank hit (M4A3 tank w/76mm) Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt PRICE regarding advisability of moving Co D to vicinity NIEDERMODERN for preliminary reconnaissance of are of probable comm.i ttment. . L t WARD telephoned follow:tng report of operations for :period: Co B continued in support of '179th Infantry Regt. 3rd platoon supporting 1st Bn in woods at 90332·2 were reinforced by two tanks • Movement of vehicles held to minimum by close contact with enemy tanks. One tank hit and burned. No advance made. 1st platoon supporting 2nd Bn reinforced by 2nd section of 2nd platoon in close .contact with enemy ar.mort• No improv.ment of positions \ during period. Tv;o tanks remained in UERWILLER prepared to support 3rd Bn· Capt COBB telephoned follwwing operations for period: Co C continued in support of 180th Infantry Regt. 2nd and 3rd platoons remained in position. lst platoon supporting 3r0. Bn moved. from BITSCHOFFEN, NE to MIETESHEIM receiving bazooka fire en route.

SECRE,!

'~"E:j"""""""'o ic::"L"-:'A7ss=-=I:=F-=-=~.,E-~-------1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Auilimicy ~AIQ 7>50/7

'. !i! 9, E t). l • By_B_A_NARA Date--~-~'_:_'~

REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

No~

S-3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank ·Bn \

From OJ,QOOlA December J,944 To 012400A December 1944

Place yioinity of BOPXWIU-m£

DATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC.

Dec 1

2215

2230

Tanks made a dash through bazooka fire into to\vn and took positions there waiting until infantry caught up to them. At about 1300A tanks and ·infantry proceeded to end of town, encountering stiff resistance. Strong enemy counter-attack forced infantry to withdraw. Tank warned 9f withdrawal and moved back with infantry. Two tanks mired down at ~ 933304. Capt CALLAHAN at CP reported Oo D operations for period: Co D remained in OBERMODERN until 1200A, at which time one platoon moved in support of 3rd Bn, 157th to OFFWILLER thence to vicinity 865~5a. Upon arrival there they were informed infantry had situation under control. Tanks relieved of mission returned to OBERMODERN. Assault Gun remained in position at 866287 . Telephone message from G-3 requesting Col DOLVIN's prescence at meeting at 45th Division CP at 0900A received.

Effective strength as of 1 December 1944:

Officers 39 Warrant Officers 2 Enlisted Men 657

~A P??~A~ ~/cill~i.~~T-

Capt., 19lst Tank Bn S-3

DECLASSIFIED

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Auiliori~ ~NQ 7350/7 By '&_'A_NARA Date 8- 1) - //


•• SECRE~ ----.--~

' Sheet No. 497 (a) S- .3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank Bn

From 020001A December 1944 To 022400 December 1944

Place Vicinity of BOUXWILLER

No, DATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC' 2 Dec

'

0830 . 0846 0930

1027

1100

1155 1230 1235 1510 1530 1745

1800 1825

183,0

1900

1920 1925

1935

1950 1955

-

Cloudy and cold. Visibility: Good to Fair. Capt BERNHARDT left of Company B positions • Col DOLVIN left CP for 45th Division CP· Col D'OLVIN telephoned CP and requested that Capt CALLAHAN report to•him at G-3, 45th Division. Capt CALLAHAN was nmtified of above and left CP for d.IV~s~on.

Col DOLVIN back at CP with 45th Division plans for att~ck (Copy attached.) Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt BERNHARDT informing him of change in plans and instructing him to return to CPfor details. Capt BERNHARDT back at cp. Col DOLVIN left CP for 180th Infantry Regt. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Companies B, C, and D· Col DOLVIN back at cp. Col DOLVIN left for 179th Infantry Regt. Capt SANDLIN telephoned and requested that Col DOL VIN call him when he comes in.

·Col DOLVIN back at CP· Capt SANDLIN telephoned Col DOLliTN info·rming him of shange in boundary and time of 180th Infantry Regt attack tomorrow. Attack to jump off at 0800A. Col REYNOLDS telephoned Col DOLVIN regarding leav ing.one platoon, Co B up with 179th Infantry Regt. Radio message sent to Co B instructing them not to move from lst Bn before Cap·t BERNHARDT gets there. Capt BERNHARDT left for Co B positions. Capt SANDLIN telephoned Col DOLVIN and Col DOLVIN informed him he was leaving tanks in 179th sector overnight • . Capt COBB telephoned following report of operations for period: Co C remained in support of 180th Inf Regt. 1st platoon remained in position, two tanks at 928308. One tank in BITTENEOFFEN, of two tanks bogged down, yesterday one was retrieved. 2nd plat 1st section in BITTENROFFEN, 2nd section in seBEEL~CH moved at 1800A to BITTENHOFFEN· 3rd p1atoon 'moved from KINDWILLER to BITTENHOFFEN at 0700A. At 1500A they move·d into MIETESHEIIv'f . Lead tank proceeded to intersection in center of town where it was KOed by

enemy fire. Remainder of platoon in posi'tion along main road into tovvn. 2nd section of platoon firing into town .and high ground beyond town. Lt WARD telephoned Col DOLVIN reporting situation. Col DOLVIN t~h~¥foned Col REYNOLDS informing ·him he was ~ea~i~ 0c~Ra~ B in place for the night. -- ·--- .... -- ..

REPRODUCED ATTHE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIF~.,E.~ .. I ~--.. ......... ~ioiiliOiiilliiiiliiiiiililiiiiiiiiiiiiliiliiliilliilliiliii~ililililiiiili .. iliiiillliiililiiilliilililillliilliil .... Authority {\IN Q 72)0 /7

By &_/{_NARA Date :3- I.J - // 8 E ·c R E ~ --- .... --- ·-----·' ----- ---=-·

Sheet No • . 497 (b) S-3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank Bn

From 020001A December 1944 To 022400 December 1944

Place Vicinity of BOUXWILLER .

DATE TIME

2 Dec 2005 2340

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC~----Col DOLVIN left CP for l80th Regt. · Capt BERNHARDT telephoned following report of Co B operations for period: Co B continued in support of l79th Infantry .Regt. lst plat supporting 2nd Bn mov.ed from p4Jsitions at 902336 to 907340 meeting some enemy tank opposition and gaining observation on town of GUN~RECHTSHOFFruq. 3rd plat and lst section of 2nd plat supporting 1st Bn advanced to positions at 907325-909322 drawing enemy tank fire. Observed for artillery firing on enemy at 913327 and enemy armor coming out of GU:MBRECHTSHOFF.EN • At about 2100A 1st plat and one section of 2nd plat withdrew and moved to ·assembly .area in LA WALK prepared to support l~Oth Infantry Regt in morning.

Effective strenth as of 2 December 1944:


SECRET - ....... -- ......

CARL • BERNHARDT Capt., 19lst Tank Bn

S-3

REPRODUCED ATTHE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

~~~arJ.i Sheet No. 498(a) s-

DECLASSIFIED

Authority tJfl/ Q 7350/7 J' By &_'A_NARA Date 8-IJ - //

--···- -- . ·-· -------,.,,----~

19lst Tank Bn

To 032400A December 1944

Place Vicinity of BOUXWILLER and LA WALK

No. DATE TIME

j Dec 0001

. 0125 0211 0545 0600 08,30 0940 1040 . 1048 1130 1140

1145 1158

1200

1205

1210

1212

1216

1315

1.325 13.35 1400 1450

1500

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC. ·

Rain and cold. Visibility: Fair Received following message from Major HOLLIS: Line out. Unable to call. Little or no change in dis positions. HYDEN- and EEGES AG Plat wounded in action. Evacuated·. HOLLIS. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP· Col DOLVIN back at cp. Col DOLVIN left CP for 180th Infantry Regt sector. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for company B :positions. Bn CP and Hqs Co cleared area vicinity BOUXWILLER. Bn CP and Hqs Co closed in area in LA WALK· Col DOLVIN at CP. qol DOLVIN left. for 180th Infantry Regt. Col DOLVll~ back at cp. · Received message stating Serv Co moving at 1.300A to GRASSENDORF. Capt BERNHARDT back at cp. Capt S~~LIN telephoned Capt BERNHARDT informing

· him Co E would jump off in attack on MERTZWILLER. Requested tank support. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Lt WARDs posi.tions to move one platoon in accordance with above. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP reported Lt WARD sending one platoon up with Co E, 180th Inf Regt. Lt WA.~ at CP for details of occupation of ~ffiRTZ~ WILLER by Co E, 180th Inf Regt. Capt BERNHARDT te~ephoned S-3, 180th Inf for details of attack .was informed Co E would jump off in one hour. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt SANDLIN informing him that lst plat, Co B would be in support of Co E when they jumped off· Capt COBB telephoned Col DOLVIN reporting two tanks of Co C KOed. · No casualties. Col DOLVIN left CP for the 79th Division. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for B and c companies. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP. Capt SANDLIN telephoned Capt BERNHARDT regarding platoon of Co B that is to support Co E· Capt BERNHARDT informed him that platoon was supposed to be on the way. Major HOLLIS at CP reported activities to date as follows: 1st and ird plats, Co A attached to 315th Inf Regt. At llOOA, 29 Nov, lst plat supporting 2nd Bn and 3rd plat supporting 3rd Bn, jumped off in attack, advancing to and taking 2/3 of town of SCBWEIG§A~S~N~ ER~ining there , bot~ ~la~~ took up

.... ·- - -- ...., ~ .. i'\.. I

-----~~·-------·-----~·----~------------------~~~--------~~~~-----~~---·


, '

.a ·!£~!1:

DECLASSIF~.,E~ - . I A uth. ority tJfil Q 7 :Z 50/7 j By S._A_NARA Date 8- 1) - //

---........ , ..... .,. ___ --:- ·

qheet No .• 498(b) S-3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank Bn

No. DATE

3 Dee

From 030001A December 1944 To 0~2400A December 1944 .

Place Vicinity of BOUXWILLER and LA WALK

TIME

1555

1630 1845 1850

1905

1920

1930

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC. ·-----defensive positions, 2nd plat firing full combat load of ammo on known enemy positions in factory area vicinity of 004254· 2nd plat, Co A supporting 1st Bn, 314th Inf Regt jumped off in attack at llOOA 29 Nov advancing to· and taking objective, road junction at 012208, inflicting heavy casualties and assisting in capture of approximately 50 prisoners. Continuing the advance at ll30A, they moved to and took road junctions at 008214 and 020222, destroying one Mark IV tank at 014217. 3rd plat, Co D,supporting 2nd Bn 314th Inf Regt jumped off in attack, moving from HARTHAUSEN, north to road junction at 994217, thence east to trail junction at 006219. Encountered and engaged enemy tanks at this point, resulting in loss of one Co D tank and one Co D tank hit, later retrieved 3rd plat Co D and 2nd plat Co A now in assembly area at HARTHAUSEN (3 Dec) Capt BERNHARDT back at CP. reported Co C sector quieting down. Col DOLVIN back at cp. Major HOLLIS left CP for 79th Division sector. Lt WARD at CP reported following operations for period: Co B relieved of support of 179th Inf Regt to spt 180th Inf Regt closed in assembly area in LA wALK. at 9400A. Three tanks of 3rd plat remained in ·~ ~lace at 909322, prepared to spt attack on ENGWILLER. ~t OBOOA~ lst plat moved from L-~ WALK to ENGWILLER• remaining there is position to move in spt of infantry when called upon. At laOOA mission of supporting Co E in assault on 11ER'rZ"NILLER was given to them. Plat withdrew from ENGWILLER and moved to UEJERACH· At 1530A one section moved to 952291 remaining there on road block for the night. Capt C.lU,LA.HAN telephoned following report of days operations: 2nd plat Co D maintaing road blocks at 848341 and 840336. lst plat remained in OFF'NILLER· Assault Guns supporting Co D a·nd 45th Recon., fired 47 rounds. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt SANDLIN for ·information of plans. Capt SANDLIN said they were going to send one company of 2nd Bn into ~TZWILLER and wanted one plat of tanks Capt COBB telephoned following report of operat.ions for period: co C continued in spt of 180th Inf Regt. lst .plat moved into MIETESHETiv1 , remaining there on +oad blocks. ~nd plat moved from BITSCHOFFEN at 0645A

' moving tgrf ~~T:mS¥OFFEN at 0800A, continuing in spt -....--- .....

REPRODUCED AT THE NAl'IONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED

t-:.~-..-....,...__,..,..~~j-·llillifllillililllil-llilliM _____ Authority {\!AIQ 7350/7 By &_/zNARA Date {3-1)-f/

Sheet No :~ 499( a) S-3 JOUR!tAL 19lst Tank Bn

N'o, , DATE

4 Dec I

l I !

From 040001A December 1944 To 042400A December 1944

Place Vicinity of LA WALK

TIME

0630

0650

0905

0915

1030 1110 1200 1240 1300 1330 '1425 1430 1450

1455 1525

1715

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC.

Rain and cold. Visibility: Poor Lt ST.~LETON (S-3, 180th Inf) telephoned Lt NANGLE for information of three tanks which were to meet infantry for attack on Gill!BRECHTSHOFFEN. Lt NANGLE telephoned Lt STAPLETON and he informed Lt NANGLE that the tanks had passed him on way up. Capt CALLAHAN telephoned Col DOLVIN ·reporting situation on his sec~or. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt COBB, who reported Co C had 5 tanks in 8illl$RECHTSHOFFEN ( NIEDERBRONN) Capt BERNHARDT left CP for B and C Companies. Col DOLVIN left CP for 180th Inf and Co B· . Cql DOLVIN and Capt BERI\THARDT back at cp. Col DOLVIN left for 45th Division cp. Capt BERNHARDT left for Co C positions. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP. Col DOLVIN back at cp. Lt WARD at cp. .Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt SA1~LIN for information of plans. Capt SANDLIN informed him there was nothing definite as yet. Capt COBB at op. Received telephone message from Capt SANDLIN informing Col DOLVIN that plans to go into GRIESBACH will go ·through. Capt CALLAHAN telephoned the following report of operations: Co D continued to patrol left flank of division in connection with 45th Recon. Sector was extended to NE to include ZINSWILLER· 2nd plat was relieved on roadblocks by elements of 45th Recon and moved to reserve position in OF~VILLER· 1st Plat remained in OFFWILLER until dark at which time they began patrolling road between OFFWTLLER and ZINSWILLER for the night . ·

. 1725 Lt WARD at cp. Reported following operations for t he period: co B continued in spt of 180th Inf. 2nd section of 2nd plat remained on roadblock at 952291; balance of company in UBERACH. Recon of routes into MERTZWILLER and GRIESBACH was made in preparation for attacks on these towns.

1730 Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt SANDLIN for information on the possibility of pulling Co 0 back. Capt SA}IDLIN said he would call back.

1731 Capt SANDLIN telephoned Col DOLVIN and informed him that Co c, less one plat, could pull back to BITSCHHOFFEN. One plat would remain in MIEDESHEIM·

§.~QRE!

REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DEC~A~SIF~.,E~ ~ . I Authority NfV Q 7?50} 7 j

......,---~-----lifoiiiiliiililill~~---..---------~ By fi_'A_NARA Date 8- 1_:} - /f : ........ ~.,..~-- . ~-,....--~

SEORiilT _,__., __ ~ Sheet-- No .• 499(b) s-3 JoumtAL 19lst Tank Bn

From 04000'1A December 1944 To 0424.00A December 1944

Place Vicinity of LA WALK , .

No, DATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC~ ~----+-~---+----~----------------~--------~------~----~------

4 Dec 1732

1733

2006

001 DOLVIN telephoned Capt COBB and informed ~im of the foregoing. Capt 90BB gave the following report of operations: Co C continued in ·spt of 180th Inf. lst plat moved fram vic MIET.ESHEIM to vic of GUMBRECHTSHOFFENNIEDERBRONN at 0600A remaining there for day. 2nd plat two tanks moved from vic 927334 to GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERBRONN. 3rd plat, two tanks remained in UTT.ENHOFFEN, three tanks moved from MIETESHEIM ta vic 940314 remaining there for night and returned to MIETESHElM at daylight. Assault Guns remained ·in spt of Co D and 45th Recon. Radio mes'sage from Major HOLLIS as follows: "No change in· disposition. Making reoon to support 313th Regt tom.ol'row.n



. o.AA _/) t:;;o?.h..---JA-.~ CARL-W. -BERNHARDT Capt., 19lst Tank Bn

S-3


SECRET __ _,.,... __ Sheet No. SQ9 (a} S-3 JOURNAL

Authority N'NQ735Q/7 j. By E__ftNARA Date 8-1 J - //

-····- . - ----··~- -----

19lst Tank Bn

From 050001A December 1944 To 052400A December 1944 I

Place yicini ty of LA WAI.K

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS) ETC. -----Cloudy, cold, and rain. Visibility: D~od to poor. Col DOLVIN and Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Co B sector~ Capt BERNHARDT back at CP reported onttank, Co B, hit mine. Attack has progressed to south half of :MERTZWILLER. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt COBB~ Capt COBB re-ported Co C had closed in BITSCHHOFFEN·

Col DOLVIN back at cp. Col COLVIN left CP for Co A positions. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Co B positions. Major HOLLIS at, CP reported no change in status. No aq~ivities other than making recon for 313th Inf Regt. Capt BERNHARDT back at cp. Col DOLVIN back at CP. Major THOMPSON (lst Ar.md Gp) telephoned Major HOLLIS regarding status report. Capt CALLAHAN telephoned following report of operations for period: Co D with 45th Recon continued patroling left flank of 45th Division sector. lst plat extablished road blocks at 884356 and 870353· 2nd plat remained in OF~VILLER. AG plat remained in ~pt Co D.

1900 Major HOLLIS left CP. 1908 Received telephone communication from 180th Inf stating

'Tank·Destroyers will fire star shells over GRIESBACH tonig.ht and requesting our tanks spt by firing on any observed targets.

1910 Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Col RETI~aDS regarding status of Assault Guns. Was informed AGs are to remain in · spt of 45th Recon and Co n.

1940 Capt COBB reported following operations for period: o·o o, relieved of spt of lst Bn, l80th Inf, assembled night of 4-5 Dec in BITSCHHOFFEN· One plat remained in reserve position in :MIETESHElli .

2000 Lt WARD at CP reported following operations for period: Co B spt 2nd Bn, l80th Inf moved into MERTZVITLLER at 0600A. lst Plat moved in on road from w. )rd plat on road from s. The Jrd tank of the 3rd plat hit a mine at 961285 blocking the road. one m~ killed in action. Considerable tank and artillery fire encountered in MERTZWILLER. At l)OOA eny column was

. sighted moving along road at 975292· Artillery fire directed by tanks disperse~ it. 2nd plat remained at 950293 until 1700 A then withdrew to UBERACH.

2200 Major LORD telephoned Capt ~KAGGINI informing him that the AG plat was to remain in spt,of 45th Recon.

S :E: C R E T - ·--- -- .....


She,et ·No. 500(b)

No•

5 Deci

I \ · . 1

-s-.3 ·JOURNAL

"i>ECLASSIFI?E~ - . I Authority Nfl/Q. 72)0/7 j ~~ By £_1\..NARA Date 8-1) - //

·~···~·-P---~

19lst Tank Bn

From 0500QlA December 1944 To 052400A December 1944

Place ___ v~~~·c~· ~;·n~i~t~z~· -o~f~LA~~W-A=I=,K~------------~--~~--

lNCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, E~C• __ ....._ __ Effective strength as of 5 December 1944:

Officers · 37 warrant O~ficers 2 Enlisted Men 645

SECRET ------..

• BERNHARDT 19lst Tank Bn

S-3


-------~ ~-~

DECLASSIF~E~ I ·~illlliifll·ijiilii/l~iiiiiilfiliiliifiilliiiiiiiiiiii1ililiili-~liiill-illllllj Authority N£1/Q 7350/7 jllil:iiUI~-

By B_A_NARA Date f?-1.~ - /j g ·~g~g_,t ' Sheet No' ,20l(a} S~.3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank Bn

' .

~o. DATE .

6 Dec

i '

Froni 06000U D.\9C~m}?ef 1944 T.o 062400A December 19'44

Place Vicinity of LA WALK

TIME

0925 0950

. 1005 1235

1315 1320 1323

1327

1345

1355

1405

1430 1550

1630

1635 1655

1800

1830

INCIDENTS; MESSAGESj ORDERSt ETC.

Cloudy and cold. Visibility: Limited. Col DOLVIN left CP for 180th Inf Regt. Col DOLVIN back at cp. Col DOLVIN left CP· for 45th Division • Major THO~~SON at CP discussed administrational problems relative to reports and sch.ool. Also discussed a plan for eqlilipiimg '.tank crews with pistols. Major THOMPSON left cp. Col DVl..ViN back at Cl-'. Capt ~\ROT telephoned Co C and informed Lt RICKS that Col DOLVIN wants Capt COBB to report to the CP He also informed him that "Lessons Learned" were dUE to.night. · Capt COBB at cp. He was informed by Col DOLVIN that he would continue maintenance and have his company in good shape for coming operations. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt SANDLIN for information on last nights shoot. Capt SANDLIN informed him that the Tank Destroyers were ordered to move out and thenceforth nothing happened. Capt SANDLIN informed Capt BERNHARDT that a plan to keep fire off the bridge at MERTZWILLER was shaping up. He said that he might call for t~nks to create noise in 3rd Bn, 180th,

· sector tonight. Capt ·BERNHARDT received a radio message from the Assault Gun plat that they needed gas. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Serv Co and informed Capt WALTZ of the above. Capt COBB left CP. Major HOLLIS at CP reported he is assembling all units rwith him,e:x:cept the '2nd plat of Company A, at BRUMATH· Capt SANDLIN telephoned Capt BER}JF~T and informed him that a counter-attack was in progress in the

· to~rn of MERTZWI-LLER •. He asked Capt BERNHARDT to cheek and make sure that the tanks were making a stando

Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Co B positions. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP telephoned Capt SANDLIN informing him that tanks had not withdrawn and were still in spt of the . infantry. ~t WARD at CP reported Co B continuing spt of 2nd Bn, ~80th. No ch~~ge in disposition of tanks. Six tanks ~n MERT~WIILER maintaining road blocks. Balance of Co in reserve in UBERACH. Capt COBB telephoned following r~ort of operations ~or period: Co C less one plat remained in assembly area . in BITSCHHOFFEN. 3rd. plat moved into position vic MIETF@¥~ ~'1E¥00A 5 Dec to fire on targets of - ·- ._---

, REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED

~iiiliilliilliilii!illilliil!ilil.._iiiiiii!~iliillllililiiiililillliiiiill!liliiiiiiiiii ... ~ Authority {\/fi/ Q 7 3 50 J 7

No,, ......_

·-------- -~ --~

By L'JlNARA Date 8-1 J -// gl,Sl~~t s-J .~oumtAL. 19lst Tank Bn

From 060001A Dece~ber 1944 To 062400A December 1944

Place· Vicinity pf LA WALK

DATE !NC~DENTS, MESSAGES, ORPE~St , ~.TO~...;..· ----

6 Dec 1 pportunity in GRIESBACH area. At 2200A star clusters ad not been fired so tanks returned to MIETESHED~.

1900 apt CALLAHAN telephoned following .report of operations or period: Co D continued to patrol lett flank of ivision sector with 45th Recon. lst plat remained n roadblocks at 884356 and 870353· 2nd Plat remained

·n reserve in OFmVILLER· Assault Guhs in spt of Co D d 45th Reeo n made r-e·oon for ne\1 positions.

1920 [ajor HOLLIS reports that Co A minus 2nd plat plus rd plat Co D assembled in BRDW~TH closing at 1700A •

. 2nd . plat ,remained in HARTHAUSEN. Assault Guns remained in vie. of BATZENDORF. Plans and recon being made 2nd l~t to spt 314th. 3rd plat to spt 315th. 1st and

3rd plat Co D to spt 313th. 1925 Capt IERNHARDT telephoned Capt SANDLIN (S-3, 180th)

or tomor~ows plans. Nothing has been planned except regrouping on the west side of the river.

2020 mjor HOLLIS left cp • . 2050 ecei,ved following radio message from Lt ST JOHN:

equest B.aker rations for Able Co as of this date." t. ZOETEWAY notified·· .of above request.

2115 Col REYNOLDS called regarding assembling Co B and supporting 157th Int.



S E C R E T -------

·~~ .CARL • BERNHARDT · Capt.,. 19lst Tank Bn

S-3


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Auilioci~ NNQ735QJ7 By B._/{_NARA Date 8-1 J - // 1-i"*IIIIIG!!;r-7,

NOt DATE

7 Dec

·S-.3 JOURNAL ·19lst Tank Bn

From 070001A December 1944 To 072400A Dec6Inber 1944

Place Vicinity of LA WAlK and 922339.

j ·TIME , INCIDENTS, :MESSAGES, ORDERS, · ETC. ------l 0900

0910

P912

0916

0935 ~012

. ~015

~110

~145

,..205

!L206

~210 1320 1350

. 1420 14ll-5

1445 1555

1620 1635

Rain and cloudy. Visibility: Limited. Capt SANDLIN telehpned Capt BERNHARDT infor.m~ng him that Col REYNODS haa just called him regarding moving Co B tanks and tha·t he was agreeable, e:x:cept that he would like those tahks in lower end of MERTZWILLER to r remain there until dark. Col REYNOLDS telephoned Col DOLVIN informing him he ·could move Co B immediately. Col DOLVIN stated he would probably pr~fer leaving tanks in ~RTZWILLER until dark, it not being desirable to move them in daylight. Two platoons, Co B are to go with 157th, one with 179th. CQl DOLVIN telephoned Lt SMITH 'fnformi~g him of above

.. and instructing him to have Lt WARD report to CP. Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt SANDLIN informing him that he would leave tanks in ME!{TZV\TILLER, but would start moving them out as soon as it was dark. Col DOLVIN left CP for 45th Division and 157th Inf Regt Col DOLVIN telephoned Capt . BERNHARDT instructing him to move Co C at 1300A to SCHILLERSDDRF or ZUTZENDORF • Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt COBB informing him of the above instructions. Lt WARD at CP was instructed by Capt BERNHARDT regarding moving Co B OBERBRONN. Col DOLVIN back at CP with plans of 157th Infantry's offensive. Capt HARRll~GTON telephoned Capt BERNHARDT informing him that Col O'BRIEN wanted a representative of the Bn and the CO of Co B at his CP at 1300A. Capt BERNHARDT informed ;r.,t. WARD of above and that he

·would be going there himself. Capt BERNHARDT left for 157th Inf CP· Received Operations Instructions, 45th Div, No.26 & 27· Col OOLVIN left CP for l57th Inf • . Capt COBB at CP reported Co C closed in ZUTZENDOR], • Bn CP " cleared area vic. LA W..ALK. Capt BERN'HARDT back at cp. Received 45th Div F.o. #60. Bn CP closed in area vic GUM~RECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERBRONN (922339) Hqs Co closed in area vic GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERB~ONN· Col DOLVIN back at CP instructed Gapt BERNHARDT to go to Co B and inform Lt WARD that he is not to move tanks from MERTZWILLER until relief of 2nd Bn, 180th is completed. Also to make certain that one platoons ~oves up into 179th Inf sector.

S E 0 R E. T - ·- ~ _....,......,

I, . ·'

. ' .;: Sheet NO;' 292(b)

I • S-.3 .JOURl~AL

DECLASSIFIED

Authority (\/AfQ7350/7 J By 3_/z_NARA Date 8-t ]-// i

·· --- -rgJ_-st··-TtrnrLm~

No. DATE

7 Dec

J

From 070001A Decemoer 1944 To072400A December 1944.

Place Vicinity of LA WALK and 922339 •.

1'IME '.

1645 1710

1900

1930

1945

. 2002

:INCIDENTs·, MESSAGES, ORDERS, . ETC ·~

Capt BERliffARDT left for Co B positions. Lt GAURINO at CP reported AG plat iB position at 892349· Capt BER1~T back at cP reported he had cont~cted CoB and that· the 2nd plat was supporting 2nd Bn, 157th Inf., 1st plat will spt 1st Bn, 157th Inf, 3rd plst will spt 179th, is now in reserve. Capt CALLAHAN reported by telephone the following operations for period: Cili D continuted guarding left flank of Div sector, with 45th Recon. 1st plat maintained roadblocks at 884356 and 870353· 1st section 2nd plat moved to roadblocks at 885361, 2nd section remained ·in OFFWILLER. AG continued in spt. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned ·Capt ;HARRINGTON regarding periodic report Capt HARRINGTO~ informed him it need

. not be submitted before 0800A daily. · Received telephone~~essage from 120th Engineers statin€ that their tankdozer was stalled in OBER1[0DERN and

'requesting our ma"intenance pikk it up and repair it. Capt BERNHARDT informed them we would do so.

' '

Effective strength ~s of _,.·072400A Dec 44:

Officers Warrant Officers Enlisted rvlen

SECRE'l' _ . ..,......, ... ~ .....


S-3

·'

REPRODUCED ATTHE NATIONAl; ARCHIVES

~ lst -ll! m S-3 JOURNAl! Sheet NO'• 5.03 (a) •

From 080001A December 1944 To 082400A December 1944

No·.

Place Vicinity of GUMBREOHTSHOF}j'1ill-NIEDERBRONI\f

DATE - T~

8 Dec 0845 0915

·1005

1150 1440 1515 1635 1658 1659

1730

1740

1940

2110

2210

---·-

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC~

Rain and cold. Visibility: Limited. · Capt BERNf~T left CP for Co B and 157th Inf.

Col DOLVIN left CP for Co B and c. . Capt BERNHARDT ba0k at CP reported Co ·B sector receiving heavy artillery fire; advance held up for the time being. 2 tanks of 2nd plat with thrown track Col DOLVIN back at CP. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Co B. Col DOLVIN left CP for 45th Div. Capt BERNHARDT back at OP . Col DOLVIN baek at CP. Radio message to Capt COBB instructing him to report to CP. lst Sgt DUDEK telephoned report of Co D operations stating: Co D continued patrol of left flank of division sector, maintaining road blocks at 870353 and 885361. One section of ~:rid plat·remained in reserve at OFFWILLER. Assault Gun plat in position at 89a349, fired 61 rounds in support of operations. Fired on and KOed enemy SP gWl at about 9~0-~91)., Capt ~~ffiDT telephoned Capt WILLIAMS for tomorrows plans and was informed they we:re not yet decided on. Capt COBB at CP was briefed on plans for su~port of 180th in plans for Dec lOth. Reported following

· oper.ations: Co C remained in assembly area in ZUTZENDORF . Lt WARD telephoned f ollowing report of Co B operations: for period: Co B relieved of spt of 180th Inf night of 7-8 moved to spt 157th Inf. 1st plat in spt of 1st Bn moved to OBERBRONN at lOOOA, remaining there prepared to move on call. Platoon was not called.for and preparations were made to spt Co B, 157th ·on morning

· of 9th Dec. ·2nd plat supporting 2nd Bn, jumped off at 0720A moving to vic 915394 where enemy roadblock was encountered. Two tanks trying to by pass road bloc. threw tracks and remainder of platoon were held up at that position. At 1600A enemy SP gun was spotted at vic 940404 and fire from Assault Gun plat directed on it destroyed it. 3rd plat supporting 179th Inf remained in reserve in Gill~BRECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERBRONN· Received radio message from Capt WALTZ stating: Co C 1-14Al was completed and picked up this P .M.; remaining Co C M4Al in for new engine will be completed at l600A , tomorrow,. l CoD tank in for · tran$mission completed at 1200A tomorrow, Co _B M4Al in for interphone has been repaired and ,should be ready by l400A tomorrow. TWo

SECRET ----·---- ...

' REPRODUCEDATTHENATIONALARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED

-~~---.. ----~~~----·-·Authority tJJVQ 7350}7 By /LflNARA Date 8-1 j - // ~ -!ftR~I

- --~· ··---- - .__,.. '

Shoet No-.· 503 (b) S-3 JOURNAL 19lst Tank Bn

No,

From 080001A December 1944 To Q82400A December 1944

Place Vicinity of GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERBRONN

DATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC • .

8 Dec

23.30

replacements not received, should be ready py 1600A. Please have crews report here at 1.300A tomorrow. Received following radio message from Major HOLLIS: 2nd plat, Co A, in HARTBAUSEN, .3rd plat in WEITBROCFI. 1st plat, Co A, and .3rd plat, Co D, in WEYERSHEIM· Will attack tomorrow. Rear CP will remain in BRUMATH.

Effective strength as of 08 December 1944 :

Officers 40 · Warrant Officers 2

Enlisted Men 635


S.- 3


SECBE!J.' ......... _.., .... __ Sheet ~o • S94 ( a) S-J JOURNAL 191st Tank Bn

;· . I

From 090001A December 1944 T~ 092400A December l944

Place Vicinity of GmvffiEECfiTS~OEEEN-NIE~ERBRONN

DATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ]!!TO;

9 Dec 0920

1010

1230 i620 1650

1735 1740

1950

2000

2012

2020

2045

2120

Cloudy and cold. Visibility: Limited. Capt COBB at CP was instructed to make recon of area of operations pending. Col WICKHAM (Chief· of Staff, 45th Div) telephoned Col DOLVIN advising him' of meeting at Div which Col DOLVIN is to attend, at 1300A. Col DOLVIN left CP for 45th Div cp. Col DOLVIN back at CP. Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Major THOMPSON advising him General ·SREDRICKS had informed Col DOLVIN that Bn was to get back the tanks we have at Group School. Major THOMPSON stated he would check and call back. Ca,pt BERNHABDT left CP for Co B·positi·ons. Major THOMPSON telephoned Capt MAGGINI informing ·him that three of our tanks at school would probably be returned tomorrow. Col DUVALL telephoned Col DOLVIN coordinating plans for Co C and 180th Inf Regt in attack tomorrow. Major THOMPSON telephoned Col DOLVIN regarding tanks at sehool imforming him three tanks would definitely be returned to us tomorrow. Requested Col DOLVIN inform Col DOHR of above as he could not get in touch with h~1 Col AUSTIN (645 TD Bn) telephoned Col DOLVIN regarding plans for attack tomorrow, giving locations for meet·ing both sections of TDs working with Co c. Lt RICKS at CP was informed of above details and reported Co C remained in assembly area in ZUTZENDORF througout period also made recon of area of tomorrow's attack. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP reported following operations , for period of Co B: Co B continued spt of 157th Inf ' Regt. 1st plat spt 1st Bn moved to 928392 at 0830A; tanks were held up at that point by over pass blown into road. At about 1700A platoon moved into NEERBROI~ taking positions 929392 for the night. 2nd plat remained in pesitions at 919395, blocked by road block which had not been cleared at close of period. Tanks disabled there by thrown tracks yesterday were recovered. 3rd plat, relieved of spt of 179th Inf Regt, moved to OR'ERBRONN. / Capt CALLAHAN telephoned following r~port of operations Co D continued to maintain roadblocks on left flank of Div. 1st plat at 884356 and 890353, 2nd plat at 885361 and one section in reserve in OFFWILLER· AG plat in position at 892349 prepared for general support of attack tomorrow.

SECRET -.. ...... - .........


~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Auiliorizy ~A1Q 7350/7

No.

By S_A_NARA Date 8- t) - // ----............. .....,.._.~,

\

S•) JOURNAL

Froiil 090001A December 1944 To 092400A December 1944

Place Vicini tz of GUIVIBRECH~~OFFEN-NIEDERBROJ::W

J)ATE TIME INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDE'RS.._ ET:C.

9 Dec 2210 Major HOLLIS telephoned following report of operations on 79th sector: 2nd plat, Co A advanced to outskirts of HAGENAU. 3rd plat, Co A, inactive · during period

~ will work in woods east of HAGENAU tomorrow, 1st plat Co A and 3rd plat, · Co D ad vane ed through BISCHVVILLER. SP now at vVEITBRUCH. Capt VfflSLOSKI evacuated to hospital, Lt ST J OHN now in command co. ~·

..

Effective strength as of 9 December 1944;

Office.rs Warrant Officers Enlisted Men

SECRET ...... --- .-. ~ ...

39 2 _.

632 .

~ Capt., 19lst Tank Bn

S-3

Sheet No. 505(il -...... _

No, DATE

10 Dec

SECRE!r - ........ ,..., --s- .3 ·JOURNAL

DECLASSIFIED

Authority NNQ 7350/7 By $_-ftNARA Date 8-1 J - //

t 9J:. S:$:, ("~ati~·,?Bn

From J.OOOOJ.A Decem:b~r 1944 To l02400A R_ecE!mber -l9Lc4

Place vicinity of G!Jlv1BRECHT8HOFFE11-I'JIEDEBEgONN

Tl:ME

0710 . 0820 0840 0920 0930

0940 1126 1152 1230 1240 .

1305 1530 J.5 .32·

1540

1545 1700 1830

INCIDENTS, MES'SAGES, ORDERS, ETC~

Cloudy, rain,and cold. Visibility: Limited .. Capt COBB at CP reported one tank bogged down. Capt BERNHARDT left CP for Co B positions. Col DOLVIN left CP· for l80th Inf cp. Col DOLVIN back at CP. Col DOLVIN· telephoned Lt REYNOLDS instructing him to bring T-2 section to CP area. · Col DOLVIN left CP for Co C position. Capt BERNHARDT baek at Qp. Col DOLVIN and Capt COBB at CP· Capt BERNHARD~ left CP for Co B. Capt SANDLIN telephoned that Co C tank, mired down, ., cqul~ now.be recovered. (T-2 section had already left on this mission.) Col DOLVIN left CP for Co C positions.

. Capt BERNHARDT back at CP. . Lt CARR at CP reported Major HOLLIS needs ~n officer to replace Lt THOMPSON who has been injured;also needs a gunner and assistant driver for Co D's platoon. 1 Capt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt i~LLJL~ for information ~ regarding plans fQr Co D· / ! Col DOLVIN back at CP reported Co C across river. 1 Capt COBB at CP. ! Capt CALLAHAN telephoned Capt BERffliARDT regarding 1 ·moving 2nd plato on to 79th sector to relieve· 3rd plat. · Capt BERNHARDT told him he would check with l79th Inf and let him know if it was okey. Capt CALLABJU~ reported follcwil~ operation for period: 1st platoon moved from ZINZWILLER to NIEDERBRONN, made recon of roads northwest out of NIEDERBRONN as far as vicinity 90540'6, encountering enemy mine field and took two prisoners. Reported mine field to 3rd Bn, 'l79th Inf and were ordered to. report to l79th Hqs. Platoon now in ZINZWILLER. · 2nd plat made no ehange in disposition.

1840 Received telephone message from l80th Inf changing time of attack from 0700A to 0800A.

1850 Gapt BERNHARDT telephoned Capt vVILLI.AlAB regarding rotating Co D platoons. Capt WILLIAI\IIS said it would be okey if plat from 79th sector would be in l79th sector by lOOOA.

1855 Capt B~ni[RJ)T telephoned Ca~t CALLAHAN informing him l

of above. Capt CALLAHAN will send Lt HOFF1~ with 2nd platoon.

1950 Received following radio message from Major HOLLIS: [Lt SMITH seriously wounded in action. SIEBERT now commanding 2nd platoon. Sgt DAVIS killed in action.

~ -~ Q.B.!!


Sheet No. 505 (b}

No .• DATE 10 Dec

SECRE¢' .. ...,....,._ __ S-3 JOURNAL

DECLASSIFIED

A"th~c;ty /{/1/Q 7350/7 j By '&_f;cNARA Date 8-1 J -//

. . ~..,..,..,..

191Y·s.t ; 'rank B.n

From lOOOOlA December 1944 .Tq 102400A Decemoe:r 1244 ' 1 • ..... .~ ·

Place Vicinity of GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN-NIEDERBRONN

INCIDENTS, MESSAGES, ORDERS, ETC.

T/5 CONN and Pvt UTESH serious~y wounded in action. Progress slow today. CP will move to l~IENTHAL tomorrow. .

' ~

;2010 ~t}~AR~mKOW telephoned following report of Co B opera~ions: Co B continued in spt of 157th Inf. 1st

! 2222

lat in spt of 2nd Bn moved up road 936389-949460, .ere ~eld up temporarily by fire 'on road, reached .inf positions in time to help repulse counter-attack. One

· section moved forward with inf balance remaining in re~erve at 949460. 2nd plat moved in NIEDERBRONN remaining there in reserve. 3rd plat supported 3rd Bn ,

oved from .NIEDERBRONN to 949460 remaining there on alert. · Capt COBB at CP reported following operations for period: Co c supported 180th Inf. 1st ~lat jumped off at 0530 from GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN with 3rd Bn· Lead tank was stuck at 940356; second tank continued through ' factory area, crossed creek (944359) and proceeded through town with infantry. Stuck tank was ~ecovered and joined lead tank in position at 951368. 2nd sectio:t:

oved from OBERBRONN, met infantry at ~35373 and ' · proceeded into town with Co L· At 21001 tank moved to

969379 for night. 2nd platoon remained in GUMBRECHTSOFF]IT~ in reserve until 1630 then crossed river to

positions at 945357 for night. )rd plat, 1st section oved from GUMBRECHTSHOFFEN to 942340. At 1600 moved

to bridge crossing a~ 944358 then moved south to GUNDERSHOFFEN, contacted Co C then moved to positions 1

t 970357· 2nd section at 1100 hours moved from 1

UMBRECHTSHOFFEN with infantry mounted on tanks, crosseq river and proceeded south to GUNDERSHOFFEN taking 35 ·

, prisoners. Co A was contacted at 943348. 2037 p~tdliext following message from Capt BERNHARDT: 11 D Co

·sending 2nd pla·t to replace 3rd plat tomorrow morning. t BOHON will be at your location early tomorrow to 1

bring third platoon back." Message sent to lv1ajor HOLLIS J

Effective strength as of 10 December 1944 :

Officers 38 ~ Warrant Officers 2 Enlisted Men 629

, • BERNHARDT SECRET Capt., 19lst Tank Bn ..... ·- - - - -- s-3'

reproduced at the national archives declassified 73 7 … · reproduced at the national archives...

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