To you, the
Officers and
Enlisted Men
of the 313th
Engineer Combat
Battalion,
I dedicate
this book.
It is your
history -
your record
of achievement
written in
your sweat
and in the
blood of your
comrades who
made the "Supreme
Sacrifice".
It is a story
of victory
over almost
unsurmountable
obstacles.
Yours was
a fight against
the most terrible
of enemies
- terrain.
You transformed
mule paths
into supply-lanes,
capable of
supporting
the enormous
vehicles needed
to supply
so vast an
army as ours.
You cut roads
over the highest
of mountains
and through
the densest
of forests.
You bridged
rivers and
streams. You
did all these
things to
"keep
'em rolling".
It has been
an honor and
a privilege
to serve with
you. Wherever
I go and in
whatever I
do, your memory
shall be with
me always.
Officers and
Men of the
313th Engineer
Combat Battalion,
I salute you.
s/
James H. Green
JAMES H. GREEN
Lt. Col.,
C.E.
Commanding
...
a Division
is Reborn
It was a
blistering
hot day, the
15th of July
1942, the
day that the
313th Engineer
Combat Battalion
was activated
at Camp Gruber,
Oklahoma,
under the
command of
Lt. Col. Edward
G. Daly. Despite
the heat,
it was a memorable
day for those
who took part
in the exercises.
The number,
history and
the colors
of the 313th
Engineer Battalion,
which in 1917
had developed
a tremendous
record in
Alsace, where
it supported
the 88th Infantry
Division,
were taken.
With such
a great combat
record behind
it, the Battalion
had a great
deal to look
forward to.
The cadre
comprised
of fifty-two
Enlisted Men
from the Ninth
Infantry Division,
experienced
in Engineer
training.
By the end
of 1942, the
Battalion
was up to
full strength,
most of the
men being
selectees.
The Battalion
trained in
the wild country
of the Cookson
Hills around
Muskogee,
Oklahoma.
The men, fresh
from induction
centers, learned
the fundamentals
of combat
Engineering
and Infantry
tactics. They
became hardened
and disciplined.
The long
hikes, bridge
building at
Greenleaf
Lake and Battalion
alert exercises
in the summer
and fall of
1942 will
always be
remembered.
On the 5th
of March 1943,
Captain Louis
A. Thommen
assumed command
of the Battalion,
and on the
16th of March
1943, Lt.
Col. S. A.
Armogida assumed
command. On
the 18th of
April the
Battalion
took part
in the Division's
first formal
review and
acquitted
itself outstandingly.
The Battalion
was alerted
to receive
a "distinguished
visitor",
and the necessary
details were
arranged.
It was a complete
surprise when
the "visitor"
turned out
to be The
commander-in-Chief,
President
Franklin D.
Roosevelt.
A
Routine Job
For five
days during
May 1943,
when the Arkansas
River had
its record
breaking overflow,
endangering
the lives
of thousands
of inhabitants
of surrounding
towns, the
Battalion
interrupted
its training
and organized
for the task
of saving
lives.
All available
resources
and equipment
were mustered,
food and medical
depots were
set up, and
water purification
units were
established.
Officers and
enlisted men
risked their
lives in the
raging waters
to rescue
civilians
and livestock
stranded in
the lowlands.
For this,
the Battalion
received a
citation from
the Chamber
of Commerce,
Muskogee,
Oklahoma.
Citation
"On
the night
of May tenth,
the countryside
having been
inundated,
the Officers
and Enlisted
Men of the
313th Engineer
Combat Battalion
began an extremely
hazardous
rescue mission
accomplishing
the safe evacuation
of many marooned
civilians.
During this
and the succeeding
flood, which
began on May
twenty-second,
many civilians
who otherwise
would have
perished,
were brought
to safety.
The Officers
and Enlisted
Men of the
313th Engineer
Combat Battalion
also did highly
important
work, under
perilous conditions,
in the ferrying
of vital medical
supplies and
key personnel
across inundated
area, and
in the setting
up of food
supply depots
and the establishment
of water purification
units."
Maneuvers
On 13 June
1943, the
Battalion
moved to the
Texas-Louisiana
Maneuver Area
by motor convoy.
Under fierce
conditions
of heat and
rain, the
Battalion
learned how
to act as
a coordinated
unit, and
how to properly
support their
Division under
all conditions
of terrain
and tactics.
The brilliant
leadership
of the Division
Commander
called forth
exceptional
efforts on
the part of
men and officers,
for the lightning
moves and
tremendous
Infantry thrusts
had to be
supported
adequately
and success
was the only
result countenanced.
The Battalion
constructed
trestle bridges,
repaired roads
and spanned
rivers to
keep the Division
going. At
the close
of the Maneuver
period, the
Division received
a "superior"
rating, and
the Battalion
takes pride
in its part
in earning
that reward.
Fort
Sam Houston,
San Antonio,
Texas
For its outstanding
maneuver performance,
the Division
was next assigned
to beautiful
Fort Sam Houston,
Texas, to
prepare for
overseas movement.
The tremendous
recreational
and entertainment
facilities
were available
and at the
disposal of
the officers
and men. Dances
were held
every night,
with San Antonio
belles as
partners.
Few went
sight-seeing
through this
historic city,
and as many
furloughs
and passes
were granted
as possible.
Also at this
post, specialized
training in
minefields
and demolitions
was performed.
Long marches
and other
hardening
exercises
assured that
the high standards
of physical
fitness were
not relaxed.
A short but
intensive
course of
rifle and
machine gun
training closed
the period,
and the Battalion
began to labor
over P.O.E.
[Port of Embarkation].
Where next?
Casablanca
On 25th
October 1943,
one platoon
of Company
"A"
departed with
the Division
advance detachment
for North
Africa, under
the command
of Major James
H. Green.
The next two
increments
left on the
1st and 5th
of November
1943, most
of the personnel
passing through
Camp Patrick
Henry, Virginia.
and landing
at Casablanca,
French Morocco.
After a short
stay at Camp
Don B. Passage,
the Battalion
embarked on
the delights
of a three
day journey
by 40 and
8's to a large
training area
near Magenta,
Algeria, high
in the Atlas
Mountains.
On the 26th
of December
1943, the
Battalion
was again
assembled
as a complete
unit, under
the command
of Major Green,
and the finishing
touches were
to be put
on to the
long months
of training.
St.
Denis du Sig
The Battalion
underwent
intensive
training in
certain of
the more important
aspects of
warfare. At
St. Denis
the men and
officers attended
Bailey Bridge
and Mine Warfare
Schools, participated
in Infantry
problems and
learned to
exist in the
field in cold
weather.
Meanwhile,
the Battalion
Commander,
Lieutenant
Colonel Armogida,
with five
officers and
twelve enlisted
men, joined
the Division
advance combat
detachment
and left for
the fighting
fronts in
Italy.
Combat!
The Battalion
on the move
again assembled
on the 16th
February 1944
at Piedmonte
d'Alife, Italy,
after bivouacing
one night
in Naples.
They were
soon to go
into their
first combat
zone. The
1st Platoon
of Company
"C"
accompanied
the 351st
Regimental
Combat Team
to the Cassino
front. This
platoon received
the baptism
of fire for
the Battalion.
The platoon
assisted in
road work,
laid mines
and erected
barbed wire
in front of
the Infantry
positions
below Cassino.
They were
relieved on
the 2nd of
March 1944.
The remainder
of the Battalion
during this
period was
receiving
the final
items of Individual
and Engineer
equipment.
Tools were
uncrated and
overhauled,
trucks and
vehicles were
checked and
put in combat
condition.
Preliminary
aerial photograph
studies were
made, and
combat maps
were issued.
The day was
slowly approaching
when the Battalion
was to move
into the line.
Carano
On the 5th
of March,
the Battalion
moved to Carano,
the "A"
and "B"
Companies
entered the
lines across
the Garigliano
River below
Minturno and
Castelforte,
where they
relieved the
10th British
Corps Engineers,
the primary
mission being
the maintenance
of roads and
trails.
A large amount
of minefield
cleaning also
had to be
done; minefields
which were
by-passed
on the advance
to the Garigliano.
Minefields
in the front
lines were
gapped so
that the Infantry
patrols could
pass through
them and into
German positions.
Mines caused
some casualties
during this
period. Captain
Willard R.
Skene, commanding
Company "B",
was killed
by an "S"
mine, Sergeant
Clyde S. Layton
of Company
"A"
was killed
by a Holz
or Italian
box mine.
Private James
S. Spiezo
died of wounds
received while
clearing an
"S"
minefield
and other
light casualties
were received
due to artillery
fire.
A trail was
constructed
up a mountain
side by Company
"C"
to provide
some indication
of difficulties
liable to
be encountered
in coming
operations.
Rest areas
were set up
in the rear
for the rotating
Company, where
showers, recreation
and entertainment
were provided.
Individuals
received Bronze
Star awards
during this
period for
rescuing wounded
comrades when
incoming shells
were crashing
all around
them. Towards
the end of
this period,
the Battalion
S-2 Section
made camouflage
surveys of
the Division
zone of action
and insured
reliefs and
other troops
movements
were made
in accordance
with the established
standards.
The secrecy
of the 11
May attack
was partially
insured by
this work.
Before 11
May, supplies
had to be
brought forward
to small Engineer
dumps, established
in each Regimental
sector. THe
night before
the attack
hundreds of
flares, anti-tank
and anti-personnel
mines were
removed as
well as barbed
wire obstacles.
On the night
of the jump
off the Engineer
Companies
were poised,
waiting to
open roads
and trails.
The attack
up the Ausente
River Valley
on the night
of 15 May
called for
widening a
river bottom
trail up to
Mt. Cerry.
Not only did
the Infantry
use this road,
but the FEF
[French Expeditionary
Force] which
was on the
right flank
immediately
poured tanks
and supply
vehicles through
the valley
on the same
road. The
congestion
was appalling,
but the enemy
was forced
back before
he could take
advantage
of the situation.
On the 21st
of May, in
the vicinity
of Fondi,
an air-strip
was constructed
for Artillery
liaison planes;
bulldozers
doing the
heavy work
and labor
the final
touches. Roads
were repaired
quickly and
efficiently
in and around
Fondi and
the main road
to Vallecorsa.
The Infantry
was moving
so fast that
Engineer work
at times had
to be halted
until by-passed
islands of
resistance
were removed.
The 1st Platoon
of Company
"C"
went out to
flush the
Jerries and
had a firefight
with a desperate
and well armed
party. They
forced them
to take cover
in a house,
where an Infantry
patrol took
over and captured
them.
"A"
Co's C.O.
Says ...
The enemy
continued
to hold the
mountains;
and once again
a supply trail
was badly
needed. Work
was started
at once by
Company "A"
and the rest
of the Battalion
followed shortly
to assist.
On the 26th
May the trail
was completed;
and on that
day the beachhead
met the troops
advancing
from the south.
The Battalion
moved to Sonnina,
at the edge
of the Pontine
Marshes shortly
after to wait
until the
hills to the
North were
cleared by
the Infantry.
On 27th and
28th May the
Battalion
constructed
an airstrip
near Sonnina,
where main
and subordinate
roads were
opened enabling
the Division
to move forward
to Priverno.
On the 31st
the Battalion
moved with
the Division
to Anzio and
became Army
reserve.
Company
"B"
Reports ...
The Division
moved to an
area near
Rome on the
2nd June,
where nine
Divisions
were massed
for the assault.
Company "A"
constructed
a trail to
Cichetti from
Cori for the
Division to
move over
since it was
barred from
Highway 6,
which was
carrying urgently
needed supplies
and ammunition.
On the 4th
June the Bare
Task Force
was established,
and Company
"B"
was made part
of it, with
the purpose
of expediting
its movement.
In the suburbs
and in the
city the civilians
crowded the
streets to
greet the
troops, and
for a time
the Company
disappeared
in Rome, emerging
triumphant
after the
part they
had played
in liberating
the city.
The
Sgt. from
Co. "C"
...
Bridging
equipment
for the Tiber
River was
unnecessary,
for the swift
moving attack
elements,
with Engineers
from Company
"B"
and Company
"C",
secured the
bridges intact
and carefully
inspected
them for demolitions.
Road
to Rome
On the morning
of the 5th
June a Company
"C"
reconnaissance
party was
returning
from the northeastern
section of
Rome and was
fired upon
from ambush.
In the ensuing
action Lt.
Conyers and
Lt. Phaff
were killed
and two enlisted
men were injured.
On the same
day the Battalion
moved into
the city and
partook of
the hospitality
of the jubilant
Romans and
bivouaced
there for
two nights
before the
supply of
"Off
Limits"
signs were
put to use.
The pleasure
was soon over
as the move
continued.
An explosion
occurred on
the 7th June
in the Battalion
Engineer Supply
Dump and took
the lives
of S/Sgt Harry
M. Orvis,
T/4 Elwood
B. Weibrich,
and seriously
injured three
officers and
twenty-five
enlisted men.
The Soldier's
Medal was
awarded to
the Medical
Officer and
two enlisted
men for their
valorous service
at this time.
The Ellis
Task Group
was formed
on the 8th
of June, with
Company "C"
as a co-partner
with the mission
of expediting
their attack.
Mines were
cleared and
by-passes
constructed,
generally
making movement
forward possible
in the face
of enemy demolitions.
On the 10th
of June the
Division was
relieved.
Two days
later the
Battalion
moved to Castel
Gandolfo,
where equipment
was overhauled
and replaced.
The nine-day
rest in that
area, livened
by the usual
bivouac operations
of improving
entrance roads,
ball and drill
fields, and
a chance to
visit Rome.
The Battalion
moved to Tarquinia
shortly afterward,
where it remained
in training
until it entered
the line on
5th July at
Pomerance.
Usual combat
duties were
resumed once
again. Roads
were heavily
mined and
the enemy
was well dug
in on the
high points
overlooking
the entire
roadnet. Volterra
was the key
to the position,
and from there
a great deal
of shelling
was received
on the Engineer
working parties.
Company "A"
constructed
an airstrip,
swept and
opened numerous
roads in this
sector under
intense artillery
fire.
On the 12th
July, Company
"B"
was bivouaced
near Liatico
in a group
of large buildings
on a hilltop.
Early in the
morning a
barrage of
shells struck
around the
area and two
of them hit
the house
in which some
of the men
were sleeping.
S/Sgt Robert
S. Mock, Sgt
Ralph E Perry
and Cpl Arnold
L Streett
were killed
when the shells
exploded in
the second
floor, burying
the men underneath.
At this time
waterpoints
were few and
far between,
for the weather
had been hot
and dry. Only
the largest
rivers had
sufficient
supplies for
the Division
and attached
units. Knowing
that the need
for water
was urgent,
the Battalion
continually
set up water
points which
had just been
cleared of
enemy resistance.
On the 15th
July, Captain
Paul R. Carrigg
and Lt. Luther
A. Smith of
Company "B"
were at an
Infantry CP
[Command Post]
when a heavy
caliber shell
crashed through
the roof and
exploded in
the room.
Captain Carrigg
was killed
instantly
and Lt. Smith
died later
of his wounds.
Company "A"
bulldozers
were constantly
filling craters
and clearing
the debris
from the streets
in the towns
of Libiano
and Legoli.
The Division
moved slowly
through the
mountains
toward the
Arno River.
The Battalion
kept widening
roads, constructing
by-passes
and culverts,
and sweeping,
sweeping,
and sweeping
for mines.
The 25th day
of July the
Division had
reached the
Arno River
at Montopoli.
On the 27th
of July the
Battalion
was relieved
and returned
to the vicinity
of Volterra
where it stayed
until the
end of August.
On the 21st
of August,
Company "B"
moved to Livorno,
where, with
the 350th
Regimental
Combat Team,
it stayed
in reserve
until early
September.
Static
Front
On the 1st
September
the Battalion
moved to an
area about
four miles
South of Florence,
where waterpoints
and showers
were installed
and new supply
routes were
opened. The
19th and 20th
of September,
the Battalion
moved North
to Scaperia,
checked its
equipment,
and prepared
to aid in
the attack
on Bologna.
The first
task was to
get the Division's
supplies to
the forward
troops on
Highway 6534
from Scaperia
to the Firenzuola-Imola
road. Company
"B"
bulldozed
and blasted
the Frena
Trail through
to the Santerno
River. Company
"A",
with its equipment
loaded on
mules, pushed
down the trail
and onto the
main road,
sweeping and
repairing
demolitions.
Hell
is the Word!
Company "C"
operated an
assault boat
ferry which
moved rations
over the River
and casualties
back. A part
of the Company
was working
across the
River towards
Castel del
Rio, where
their work
was halted
by heavy shell
fire.
At this point
the Division
changed direction
of its march
and moved
North towards
Sassoleone,
where the
roads were
narrow and
the enemy
had prepared
many demolitions.
It took a
great deal
of work to
keep these
roads usable.
Large quantities
of rock were
hauled to
the fills
and spread
on the roads.
By-passes
and Bailey
Bridges were
constructed
and general
maintenance
continued
all along
the MSR [Main
Supply Route].
The
Men in the
"Line"
On the 20th
October the
Battalion
was alerted
to fight as
Infantry.
Plans were
made and were
ready to go
into operation,
but the call
did not come.
Meantime,
work continued
on the supply
trails to
Mt. Grande
and the village
of Fernato.
On the night
of the 25th
of October,
heavy rains
caused a flood
in the Torrente
Sillaro, washing
out culverts,
bridges, and
quantities
of equipments,
including
trucks, jeeps
and trailers.
Many times,
during operations,
the Battalion
kitchens and
personnel
were subjected
to artillery
fire, but,
as always,
they moved
forward with
their respective
Companies,
preparing
and serving
hot meals.
The performance
of these hazardous
and exhaustive
duties was
done in a
manner which
reflects favorably
on the high
degree of
training and
efficiency
of the Battalion
Messes.
Company "B"
constructed
a breeches
buoy and a
footbridge
on 26th October
to handle
the essential
traffic. The
mountain trails
became impassable
for any but
foot troops
and mules
and were very
difficult
even for them.
"Mines,
Mines, Mines":
Teller, "S",
Holz, and
Schu's, were
continually
causing casualties.
Experiments
were run to
determine
the feasibility
of blowing
paths across
mine fields
using rocket
projectiles,
but it always
reverted back
to sweep,
sweep, sweep
and probe,
probe, probe.
Orders from
higher Headquarters
to get tanks
to the top
of Mt. Grande
sent most
of the battalion
to the roads
and trails.
Rain complicated
matters, and
on one day
only 2 tanks
out of 5 negotiated
the steep
slippery slopes.
Vehicles
were stopped
by blown bridges,
and most always,
these demolitions
were covered
by small arms
and self-propelled
guns. At times
it was impossible
to get dozers
to the sites
until the
Infantry had
cleared the
resistance
out.
For the rest
of the month,
the Battalion
labored on
the main trail
from San Clemente
to Farneto,
laying logs
for corduroy,
Sommerfelt
track for
a base, and
shoveling
tremendous
amounts of
riverbed rock
onto this
in order to
obtain a firm
footing for
vehicles.
October 31st,
Lt. Col. Green,
then Major,
assumed command
of the Battalion.
Throughout
the month
of November
the Battalion
built revetments
on the main
supply route,
laid large
minefields
for the winter
defense line,
along with
barbed wire
entanglements
for the Infantry's
secondary
positions.
Floods were
frequent and
five Bailey
Bridges were
constructed,
all the work
being done
under difficult
combat conditions.
The primary
mission for
December was
to maintain
the existing
routes of
communication
within the
Division zone
of action.
Work began
on the main
road to Caccanello,
from Baccanello
to the East,
and from Savazzo
to the West.
The roads
and parts
of the side
trails had
to be done
at night.
The
Winter Line
The Division
shower point,
Engineer operated.
was hit by
heavy artillery.
A gas and
diesel fuel
dump next
to it caught
fire, and
large explosions
occurred before
the fire could
be brought
under control.
Christmas
was quiet;
the men took
time off for
Christmas
services in
the morning
and returned
to their work
in the afternoon.
The New Year
found the
Battalion
committed
in a fairly
static position.
While in previous
periods road
work was made
difficult
by muddy conditions,
now the ground
was well frozen,
and the resulting
hard surfaces
lightened
the work,
with the exception
of removing
some thirty
inches of
snow. On the
8th of January
1945, a group
of men from
Company "B"
were working
with mines
in preparation
for the installation
of a field
that night.
The mines,
about two
hundred, were
loaded on
the truck,
and the men
were just
beginning
to open the
boxes when
the mines
exploded.
Fourteen men
were killed
and eighteen
were wounded.
Two trucks
were completely
demolished,
and the houses
in which the
personnel
had been living
were blown
down by the
force of the
explosion.
Let's
relax Soldier
... Montecatini
is the Right
Spot
The 12th
of January
the Battalion
was relieved
and returned
to the rest
area at Montecatini,
where for
ten days the
men and equipment
were rehabilitated,
and some specialized
training was
carried on.
Montecatini
before the
war was a
well known
resort town,
having many
recreational
facilities;
indeed a paradise
for anyone
coming off
the line.
Hotels, villas,
mineral baths,
Red Cross
Club, and
dancing every
night.
On the 23rd
January the
Battalion
was back on
the line once
again. The
new sector
was quite
different
as far as
the Battalion's
past history
is concerned;
there was
a hard surface
main supply
road running
through the
center of
the Division
area.
Because of
the weather,
lateral roads
were hard
and easily
cared for.
The highway
sector started
three miles
below Monghidoro
and ended
at the front
lines North
of Sabioni.
On the 14th
of February
the Battalion
was awarded
a meritorious
service unit
plaque for
exceptionally
meritorious
conduct in
the performance
of outstanding
services.
This was the
first award
of its kind
given in the
Division and
the first
to be awarded
in this theater.
On the 3rd
of March,
the Battalion,
minus Companies
"A"
and "C",
moved from
its forward
position in
the vicinity
of Livergnano
to an administrative
bivouac area
near Barberino,
Italy. Company
"A"
moved to Montecatini,
attached to
the 349th
Infantry Regiment,
while Company
"C"
remained in
a forward
position near
Monzuno in
support of
the 351st
Infantry Regiment.
On the 11th
of March,
Companies
"A"
and "C"
joined the
Battalion,
and it is
worthy to
note that
this is the
first time
the unit had
been together
as a Battalion
since the
latter part
of June 1944,
when it was
undergoing
training at
Tarquinia,
Italy. This
month, in
which no movement
was anticipated,
was devoted
to a period
of rest, rehabilitation
of men and
equipment
and intensive
training,
culminating
in a Division
Review on
the last day
of the month
at the Florence
Airport. After
the ceremony,
the Battalion
was blacked
out, along
with the rest
of the Division,
and the Companies
rejoined their
Regimental
Combat Teams
for coming
operations.
Breakthrough
On the 4th
of April the
Battalion
moved to one
of the most
active positions
of the Italian
winter front
in the town
of Monzuno.
Company "A"
had preceded
the rest of
the Battalion
by two days
as support
for its Combat
Team.
On 15th April
the offensive
began, and
from then
until the
end of the
month all
four Companies
and the CP
traveled separately
and moved
as the situation
warranted.
The extremely
swift movements
of this phase
were reminiscent
of the days
just prior
to the capture
of Rome, however,
the complexion
of the work
necessary
and the manner
in which it
was performed
were entirely
different.
To begin
with, the
Division was
in the mountains
and had to
fight its
way to the
plains. At
the outset
of the battle
a large number
of minefields
had to be
neutralized
and German
demolitions
in the roadnet
had to be
repaired.
Within three
days the Infantry
had reached
the flats
of the Po
Valley, and
a very complete
roadnet neutralized
the German
attempts to
impede the
advance by
destroying
bridges and
making road
craters.
The
Po
It was not
until the
Po River was
reached that
the first
major engineering
obstacle was
encountered.
Companies
assisted attached
Engineers
in ferrying
Infantry and
light Artillery
across. Company
"B"
ferried all
of the 350th
Infantry Regiment
personnel,
and in addition,
constructed
a footwalk
across a demolished
railroad bridge.
Some difficulties
were encountered
in making
the fastest
possible use
of the Infantry's
footcrossings.
Bridging and
ferrying equipment
was late being
brought to
the river,
and even then
it was found
that it was
not complete,
and much time
was lost.
Field expedients
were rapidly
constructed,
and although
they were
operable,
they were
not as satisfactory
as the standard
equipment
would have
been.
A multitude
of other jobs,
large and
small, were
undertaken
and carried
out by each
of the Companies
to move their
Regiments
and attached
Artillery
to the most
forward positions.
The mere fact
that the Division
was able to
move from
twenty to
forty miles
each day indicates
the able and
efficient
manner in
which the
Engineers
operated.
Task
Force
A Task Force
was formed
on the South
bank of the
Po River by
elements of
each unit
in the Division,
and supporting
Tanks, Tank
Destroyers,
and Artillery
from the Fifth
Army.
This Task
Force was
to take the
cities of
Verona and
Vicenza. The
extremely
rapid movement
of this force,
which necessitated
by-passing
pockets of
Germans, resulted
in sharp firefights
in which the
Engineers
were called
upon to operate
as Infantry.
Company "B"
on a motor
march, received
the full brunt
of an enemy
counter-attack
against the
Task Force
column. Company
"C"
too, received
a similar
attack. One
man from each
Company was
killed in
each these
engagements.
The enemy
suffered high
casualties,
and large
numbers of
prisoners
were captured.
On the 26th
of April 1945,
Major Robert
C. LaCroix,
then Captain,
assumed command
of the Battalion,
in the absence
of Lt. Col.
Green, who
had been hospitalized
by a shell
fragment wound
while assisting
the Infantry
to cross the
Po River.
Reconnaissance
... An Important
Job
Immediately
the Battalion
moved in the
wake of the
advancing
Infantry,
the S-2 Section
kept reconnaissance
parties well
to the front,
so that Division
and higher
Headquarters
could be appraised
of the road
situations.
These parties
also assisted
the 643rd
Engineer Combat
Battalion
in the selection
of river crossing
sites.
With the
cooperation
of the Division
Artillery
Commander,
personnel
made reconnaissance
flights in
liaison airplanes
in order to
bring the
very latest
information
to the Battalion.
These flights
enabled reconnaissance
to be made
in areas not
yet liberated.
It's
Here ... Victory
at Last
On the 30th
of April the
Battalion
was bivouaced
in the vicinity
of Bassano,
within sight
of the foothills
of the Alps
Mountains.
The first
indication
of the collapse
of the German
military might
came on 2
May 1945,
when it was
officially
announced
that the German
Armies in
Northern Italy
and part of
Austria surrendered
unconditionally.
The destructive,
lightning
offensive
which began
of 15th April
brought to
an abrupt
end the "Battle
for Italy".
The lettered
Companies
were operating
with their
Combat Teams,
and were scattered
throughout
the Division
sector.
On 4th May,
Battalion
Headquarters
became part
of a small
Task Force
whose mission
was to move
through the
mountains
into the Northern
part of Italy
in a maneuver
designed to
get in back
of the First
Paratroop
Division,
which was
not complying
with the surrender
terms.
This would
disrupt any
chance of
their retreating
into Northern
Italy and
Southern Austria.
The CP was
established
at Rio di
Pusteria where
it remained
until the
8th of May.
Bolzano
High in the
Alps
On the 8th
May the Battalion
moved to Bolzano,
where it remains
at the close
of the month.
On 10th May
Lt. Col. Green
returned from
the hospital
and assumed
command of
the Battalion.
Companies
"A",
"B",
and "C"
remained attached
to their Regimental
Combat Teams,
in various
sectors, and
assisted the
evacuation
of German
prisoners
and equipment
to designated
locations.
The long
anticipated
victory had
now become
a reality,
and the question
of "What
Next"
remains the
main topic
of conversation.
With the
cessation
of hostilities
in the European
Theatre began
the tedious
task of computing
points, and
countless
other statistics
in this respect.
Much time
was devoted
to training
and organized
athletics,
with after
duty hours
spent in rest
and recreation.
Officers and
men enjoyed
four day leaves
to Stresa
and Alassio.
Moving
Once More
... Rezzato
The Battalion
moved from
Bolzano to
Rezzato, about
15 miles from
Lake Garda.
The lettered
Companies
also moved
South with
their Regimental
Combat Teams;
Company "A"
to San Eufemia,
Company "B"
to Modena,
and Company
"C"
to Ghedi.
300,000
Germans -
POW - A Big
Job ...
After the
variety of
jobs was taken
care of, the
Companies
settled down
to a somewhat
routine schedule.
Their main
job is Engineer
duties in
the administration
of the Modena
and Ghedi
POW Camps.
Ghedi was
formerly a
large airport,
now transformed
into a gigantic
POW Camp.
company "A"
constructed
a beach at
Lake Garda
and a German
Hospital at
the Verona
Staging Area.
companies
"B"
and "C"
carried on
with their
normal duties
in administration
of POW Camps.
Due to the
Division policy
of transferring
men with low
scores, the
Battalion
has had almost
a complete
turn-over
of personnel.
The morale
of the men
is high and
that the Battalion
will continue
to support
the Division
in every operation
is evident.
Casualties
- Killed in
Action
Bernhard,
Stephen V,
S/Sgt
Bowsh, John,
Pvt
Brooker, Arnold
L, Pvt
Burke, Pearle
Clair, S/Sgt
Carrigg, Paul
R, Capt
Colgrove,
John W, Pvt
Conyers, Harry
D, 2Lt
Crain, Everett
E, Cpl
Delmore, Thomas
J, Pvt
Dionne, Paul
E, T/4
Gormley, Thomas
M, T/5
Gould, Byron
K Jr, PFC
Grosso, Carmine
J, Pvt
Gutkowski,
Erwin J, PFC
Hernandez,
Joe A, Pvt
Kanaskie,
James J, T/4
Kuntz, Donald
C, PFC
Layton, Clyde
Stormes, Sgt
Lester, Charles
N, Pvt
Macias, Manuel
E, PFC
Maryzak, Frank
J, T/4
Ming, James
T, PFC
Mock, Robert
S, S/Sgt
Orvis, Harry
M, S/Sgt
Parrotte,
Jules V, T/5
Pekins, Robert
E, PFC
Perry, Ralph
E, Sgt
Phaff, Herman,
1Lt
Pulling, Robert
H, Pvt
Roberts, William
A, Pvt
Skene, Willard
R, Capt
Smith, Luther
A, 2Lt
Spiezio, James
S, PFC
Streett, Arnold
Leroy, Cpl
Warszewicz,
Walter J,
T/4
Weibrich,
Elwood L,
T/4
Young, James
V, S/Sgt