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AFTER ACTION REP(H T
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629TH TANK DESTRO~i3N ~ 847 11
JULY AUG 44 00 41
THIS DOCUM~T IS tHE l-ORPERTY OF AND SHOUlD B RETURNED TO
THE CLASSUmD DOCUMENT SECIION INTELLIGENCE DIVISION S-2
BUILDH7 T-5t T-~782) bull
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2 A uguat 1944
StJBtBOT Report Atter Action Against EneIY - Period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 19-
TBRU bull Coaaanding otficer M Tank Deatroyer ~oup APO 230 U S Arllf3
TO bull The Adjutant General waahington D C
1 During the period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944 this battalion -a attached to and operated under 3d Tank Deatroyetr Group in V Corps ReserV8
The battalion beca_ operational 2 July 1944
2 Indirect tire miicna wre perfor_d in support at 1st US Infantry D1via1on Artillery and 5th US Infantry Division Artillery trcm 8 July 1944 to 23 July 1944
a Guna 1 n pon t1 on duri ng per i od No of Guns HqContro111pg IIlClusiw Date
12 1st biT Irty 8=14 July 1944 12 5th DiT Arty 15-23 July 1944
b Number or conoentrationa tired - 128
o bull Number at r QlM expended - 1891-d Type ot Fire
(1) Barraaaing - 57 (2) Interdic tion - 18 A
( 3) De tructi1on - 25~ (a) No oredit olaimed for destruotion ot targeta Other
unita tired on targets s1Bu1taatau81y
3 Anti-Tank mialiona were performed trom 6 July 19 to 22 July 1944
a Thia battalion tOOk up static positicna coring rQlW ~lDershyab to armored attack
b 110 armer encCNntered
o Ho direct tire _ deUwred by th1a unit during Jaly
4 lliaoellall8oua
a Battalion tratecl br tQlr (4) M aircratt
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After Action nepOle---(contd)
(1) Destruction ~laiJIed or on ~ (i) FW 190 by cal 50 AA nnbhine-~un fire
~- CL-r do- C LCRD (Ait lA(TD) djutant
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l-iEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DESTIIOYER BATTALION
AlO 230 u S AW4Y
24 ~eptember 1944
ljBJECT Report middotftermiddotfter middotction Against nemy - Period 1-31 ugust 1944
lHRU Commanding Ufficer 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup
10 Adjutant ueneral lIashington u ~
1 Juring period 1-31 itugust 1944 this bttalion was aStligned to irst U~ ~rmy trnd attched to ~orps Jivisions and uroups as followsl
a 1 Aug - 7 Aug 1144 - attached to II ~orpa with further attachment to 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup in v ~orps reserve
b 7 Aug - 25 ~ 1944 - attached to IIU ~orps with further attachment as follows
u) 7 Aug to 13 -ug 1944 attached to 30th infantry Jivision l2) 13 Aug to 15 ~ug 1944 attached to 1st ank Jestroyer ~up l3) 15 Aug to 25 ~ug 1944 attached to 9th lniantry ~ivision
c 25 Aug to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to II ~orps with furtber attachment as follows
25 ~ug to 29 Aug 1944 attached to 3rd lank Jestroyer uroup 29 ~ to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to 5th Armored Uivision ~ith ~ further attachment to lQmbat iolDllIand l-A-) 5th Armored Uivis- ~lJ ion
2 ~o indirect fire missions were performed durine the period covered by this report
3 ~ti-tank missions performed 8-31 ampugust 1944 as followsl
a 8-13 ~ugust 1944 this battalion operated in direct support of the infantry elements of the jOth Lnfantry uiviaion taking under direct fire en~ armor emplaced machine guns emplaced mortars and anti shytank artillery l88mm guns) and spearheading local attacks for 30th lnfantry uivision between ~ bull tSarthelsq and omagny in the lkoortain llrance) sector
u) ~estruction andor damage claimed against eD4iIIQ equipment and installations
(a~ Mark vl tank damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 b l~--k II tank destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - 5 ~- ~~__~u ~tIW)~lc) lwlark I tank ~- - - - - - - - - - 1 ld) ~rk IV destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - shy 11 e) ~k IV damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shyIt) ~k 111 destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1
- 1 shy
(g) ~erSonne1 carrier ( ~ track) destrofed - - - - - - 5 (h) Anemy ~ destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 i) ~emy OP destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 j) Machine guns destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 (k) Aonemy stroll8 point (manned by 10 men) destroyed- - 1 ~1) Aocket ~auncher destro~ed- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (m) lame throwers destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
(2) ~fect of enemy action against this battuion
k-101s destroyed (by mortar fire) - - - - - - - - -1 ~10s damaged (repairable) - - - - - - - - - - - -6 k-Ss destroyed ~hit friendly unguarded unmarked unreported mine field and subs~uently taken under enemy fire) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 M-S1s damaged ~repairable)- - - - - - - - - - - - -1 t-ersonllel casualties (1) Killed - - - - - -6 (2) ounded- - - - - -54
Jotal - - - -60
b 15 ~ to 25 ~ 1944 this battalion provided anti-mechanized deshyfense for 9th Infantry uivision fianks
Patrol of hq ~ and ~con ~o captured three (3) prisoners (2 officers 1 private soldier) - vicinity kagny-le-Uesert l~ enemy annored or anti-mechanized action encountered during this period
c Z1 Aug to 31 ~ 1944 this battalion reinforced e1ements of iombat ~ommand (-A-) 5th ~red uivision on march ~ from Paris to repyshy
eu-velois rance
io -A- attached to ask t~rce - ~urton-~o -B- attached to ampsk orce - IIBoxleyshy
(a) ~o -~- took five (5) prisoners in vicinity of repy-eushy~alois 31 August 1944
(3) lio~ 11(- held in reserve and marched with ~ombat Iiomnand - shytrains
(a) Attached to and joined -iombat liommand -H- 5th AlJlIOred uivision at Daron rance
or the ~ding Officera
~e~ ALAN clOB6 Capt t (TJJ) ~utant
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629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
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RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
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APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
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RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
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i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
IIESTIUCJEIJ -8 -
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
_
-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
- 3 shyY2 ___ _
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
- 6 shy
B
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~
RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
- 7 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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Hqa 629th TD B 911000 Maroh 1946
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J February 1945
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1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
Lt Co]bull Inf (TU) GOLul3nclin
IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
t
~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
- - - - -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
1
1
middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
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Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
~ l
~gampOf til imiddot
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
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After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
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3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
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After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
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of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
I
~
i
12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
I
- - - ~f
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~ ~
- 1
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Ii --
l
J
t
middotf
I
I
--
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2 A uguat 1944
StJBtBOT Report Atter Action Against EneIY - Period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 19-
TBRU bull Coaaanding otficer M Tank Deatroyer ~oup APO 230 U S Arllf3
TO bull The Adjutant General waahington D C
1 During the period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944 this battalion -a attached to and operated under 3d Tank Deatroyetr Group in V Corps ReserV8
The battalion beca_ operational 2 July 1944
2 Indirect tire miicna wre perfor_d in support at 1st US Infantry D1via1on Artillery and 5th US Infantry Division Artillery trcm 8 July 1944 to 23 July 1944
a Guna 1 n pon t1 on duri ng per i od No of Guns HqContro111pg IIlClusiw Date
12 1st biT Irty 8=14 July 1944 12 5th DiT Arty 15-23 July 1944
b Number or conoentrationa tired - 128
o bull Number at r QlM expended - 1891-d Type ot Fire
(1) Barraaaing - 57 (2) Interdic tion - 18 A
( 3) De tructi1on - 25~ (a) No oredit olaimed for destruotion ot targeta Other
unita tired on targets s1Bu1taatau81y
3 Anti-Tank mialiona were performed trom 6 July 19 to 22 July 1944
a Thia battalion tOOk up static positicna coring rQlW ~lDershyab to armored attack
b 110 armer encCNntered
o Ho direct tire _ deUwred by th1a unit during Jaly
4 lliaoellall8oua
a Battalion tratecl br tQlr (4) M aircratt
- lt
After Action nepOle---(contd)
(1) Destruction ~laiJIed or on ~ (i) FW 190 by cal 50 AA nnbhine-~un fire
~- CL-r do- C LCRD (Ait lA(TD) djutant
I F-y v
L bull
l-iEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DESTIIOYER BATTALION
AlO 230 u S AW4Y
24 ~eptember 1944
ljBJECT Report middotftermiddotfter middotction Against nemy - Period 1-31 ugust 1944
lHRU Commanding Ufficer 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup
10 Adjutant ueneral lIashington u ~
1 Juring period 1-31 itugust 1944 this bttalion was aStligned to irst U~ ~rmy trnd attched to ~orps Jivisions and uroups as followsl
a 1 Aug - 7 Aug 1144 - attached to II ~orpa with further attachment to 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup in v ~orps reserve
b 7 Aug - 25 ~ 1944 - attached to IIU ~orps with further attachment as follows
u) 7 Aug to 13 -ug 1944 attached to 30th infantry Jivision l2) 13 Aug to 15 ~ug 1944 attached to 1st ank Jestroyer ~up l3) 15 Aug to 25 ~ug 1944 attached to 9th lniantry ~ivision
c 25 Aug to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to II ~orps with furtber attachment as follows
25 ~ug to 29 Aug 1944 attached to 3rd lank Jestroyer uroup 29 ~ to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to 5th Armored Uivision ~ith ~ further attachment to lQmbat iolDllIand l-A-) 5th Armored Uivis- ~lJ ion
2 ~o indirect fire missions were performed durine the period covered by this report
3 ~ti-tank missions performed 8-31 ampugust 1944 as followsl
a 8-13 ~ugust 1944 this battalion operated in direct support of the infantry elements of the jOth Lnfantry uiviaion taking under direct fire en~ armor emplaced machine guns emplaced mortars and anti shytank artillery l88mm guns) and spearheading local attacks for 30th lnfantry uivision between ~ bull tSarthelsq and omagny in the lkoortain llrance) sector
u) ~estruction andor damage claimed against eD4iIIQ equipment and installations
(a~ Mark vl tank damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 b l~--k II tank destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - 5 ~- ~~__~u ~tIW)~lc) lwlark I tank ~- - - - - - - - - - 1 ld) ~rk IV destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - shy 11 e) ~k IV damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shyIt) ~k 111 destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1
- 1 shy
(g) ~erSonne1 carrier ( ~ track) destrofed - - - - - - 5 (h) Anemy ~ destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 i) ~emy OP destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 j) Machine guns destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 (k) Aonemy stroll8 point (manned by 10 men) destroyed- - 1 ~1) Aocket ~auncher destro~ed- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (m) lame throwers destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
(2) ~fect of enemy action against this battuion
k-101s destroyed (by mortar fire) - - - - - - - - -1 ~10s damaged (repairable) - - - - - - - - - - - -6 k-Ss destroyed ~hit friendly unguarded unmarked unreported mine field and subs~uently taken under enemy fire) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 M-S1s damaged ~repairable)- - - - - - - - - - - - -1 t-ersonllel casualties (1) Killed - - - - - -6 (2) ounded- - - - - -54
Jotal - - - -60
b 15 ~ to 25 ~ 1944 this battalion provided anti-mechanized deshyfense for 9th Infantry uivision fianks
Patrol of hq ~ and ~con ~o captured three (3) prisoners (2 officers 1 private soldier) - vicinity kagny-le-Uesert l~ enemy annored or anti-mechanized action encountered during this period
c Z1 Aug to 31 ~ 1944 this battalion reinforced e1ements of iombat ~ommand (-A-) 5th ~red uivision on march ~ from Paris to repyshy
eu-velois rance
io -A- attached to ask t~rce - ~urton-~o -B- attached to ampsk orce - IIBoxleyshy
(a) ~o -~- took five (5) prisoners in vicinity of repy-eushy~alois 31 August 1944
(3) lio~ 11(- held in reserve and marched with ~ombat Iiomnand - shytrains
(a) Attached to and joined -iombat liommand -H- 5th AlJlIOred uivision at Daron rance
or the ~ding Officera
~e~ ALAN clOB6 Capt t (TJJ) ~utant
0-2- lP
111- bull bull j
~
629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
bull
RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
Of
~1rmiddoti _uiV ampIt ______________+A
--
I
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shy 1 bull tl) V
f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
~
APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
I
- 1shy
RESTamp1CTED bull
I~
CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
-shy
RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
middot
i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
IIESTIUCJEIJ -8 -
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J9 ~J z1 1r 7 D 81 S 0 ~I i FRoM O()OlJ Ocr 194-1- -fo os~30 CCT 1944
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
~1
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
- 2 shy
3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
- 5 shy
After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
~
0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
bull bull
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347 Xx
1~29S 18 700
1 I
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~rtz1if 700
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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FQr the CO~~Bndins ~eneral
1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
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31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
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(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
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lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
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0 1
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20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
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Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 1 Off 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 16$ 0 0 0 3middot 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 110 II 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 d) 00 0 1l6 0 0 0 0 0 0lJ
14 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 01i g sect1 0 0 0 0
17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 018
19 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 020 0 S i 0 It2l 0
0 0 1 0 022 0 23 0 O 0 0 0 0
Oll 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Om 0 8 g
i 0 0 0 0 1 Q 0 Q 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
_ 0 0 Q 16 0 19ft 45 ]I(mw During the JIODtb of ebruampr7 thi organisation drew Clabullbull I SUpplies t1Ola
the 82d Airborne Diviion through the 15th ot reblUl7 at 1Ib1ch tiae it becam detached tlQlll the 82d A1rborne Divie10D and renrted to III Corp control and drew all Clabullbull I supplie trom Kailhead 130 On the 21st ot Febnarr this orshygwzation s detached tromIII Corp and attachecl to m Corps 99th Division at which time it startec1 drawinl Cla bullbull I supplie 1rOIl the 99th lDfant17 DivisiOD
Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
This orgampD1sat101l turned in 3 11 ton 616 -rao tNat and 1 Car alWDred utUit7 JI20 to the 26th Ordnance Co
Bade 10ada of Clbullbullbull I III V npplie are ma1na1De4 at aU timebullbull Boada were Teq bad due to
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
~ l
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
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middotEM 1 3
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0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
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After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
- S shy
i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
I
~
i
12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
I
- - - ~f
c--- 4
~ ~
- 1
( 0
-L ~
Ii --
l
J
t
middotf
I
I
- lt
After Action nepOle---(contd)
(1) Destruction ~laiJIed or on ~ (i) FW 190 by cal 50 AA nnbhine-~un fire
~- CL-r do- C LCRD (Ait lA(TD) djutant
I F-y v
L bull
l-iEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DESTIIOYER BATTALION
AlO 230 u S AW4Y
24 ~eptember 1944
ljBJECT Report middotftermiddotfter middotction Against nemy - Period 1-31 ugust 1944
lHRU Commanding Ufficer 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup
10 Adjutant ueneral lIashington u ~
1 Juring period 1-31 itugust 1944 this bttalion was aStligned to irst U~ ~rmy trnd attched to ~orps Jivisions and uroups as followsl
a 1 Aug - 7 Aug 1144 - attached to II ~orpa with further attachment to 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup in v ~orps reserve
b 7 Aug - 25 ~ 1944 - attached to IIU ~orps with further attachment as follows
u) 7 Aug to 13 -ug 1944 attached to 30th infantry Jivision l2) 13 Aug to 15 ~ug 1944 attached to 1st ank Jestroyer ~up l3) 15 Aug to 25 ~ug 1944 attached to 9th lniantry ~ivision
c 25 Aug to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to II ~orps with furtber attachment as follows
25 ~ug to 29 Aug 1944 attached to 3rd lank Jestroyer uroup 29 ~ to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to 5th Armored Uivision ~ith ~ further attachment to lQmbat iolDllIand l-A-) 5th Armored Uivis- ~lJ ion
2 ~o indirect fire missions were performed durine the period covered by this report
3 ~ti-tank missions performed 8-31 ampugust 1944 as followsl
a 8-13 ~ugust 1944 this battalion operated in direct support of the infantry elements of the jOth Lnfantry uiviaion taking under direct fire en~ armor emplaced machine guns emplaced mortars and anti shytank artillery l88mm guns) and spearheading local attacks for 30th lnfantry uivision between ~ bull tSarthelsq and omagny in the lkoortain llrance) sector
u) ~estruction andor damage claimed against eD4iIIQ equipment and installations
(a~ Mark vl tank damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 b l~--k II tank destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - 5 ~- ~~__~u ~tIW)~lc) lwlark I tank ~- - - - - - - - - - 1 ld) ~rk IV destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - shy 11 e) ~k IV damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shyIt) ~k 111 destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1
- 1 shy
(g) ~erSonne1 carrier ( ~ track) destrofed - - - - - - 5 (h) Anemy ~ destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 i) ~emy OP destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 j) Machine guns destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 (k) Aonemy stroll8 point (manned by 10 men) destroyed- - 1 ~1) Aocket ~auncher destro~ed- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (m) lame throwers destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
(2) ~fect of enemy action against this battuion
k-101s destroyed (by mortar fire) - - - - - - - - -1 ~10s damaged (repairable) - - - - - - - - - - - -6 k-Ss destroyed ~hit friendly unguarded unmarked unreported mine field and subs~uently taken under enemy fire) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 M-S1s damaged ~repairable)- - - - - - - - - - - - -1 t-ersonllel casualties (1) Killed - - - - - -6 (2) ounded- - - - - -54
Jotal - - - -60
b 15 ~ to 25 ~ 1944 this battalion provided anti-mechanized deshyfense for 9th Infantry uivision fianks
Patrol of hq ~ and ~con ~o captured three (3) prisoners (2 officers 1 private soldier) - vicinity kagny-le-Uesert l~ enemy annored or anti-mechanized action encountered during this period
c Z1 Aug to 31 ~ 1944 this battalion reinforced e1ements of iombat ~ommand (-A-) 5th ~red uivision on march ~ from Paris to repyshy
eu-velois rance
io -A- attached to ask t~rce - ~urton-~o -B- attached to ampsk orce - IIBoxleyshy
(a) ~o -~- took five (5) prisoners in vicinity of repy-eushy~alois 31 August 1944
(3) lio~ 11(- held in reserve and marched with ~ombat Iiomnand - shytrains
(a) Attached to and joined -iombat liommand -H- 5th AlJlIOred uivision at Daron rance
or the ~ding Officera
~e~ ALAN clOB6 Capt t (TJJ) ~utant
0-2- lP
111- bull bull j
~
629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
bull
RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
~
APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
I
- 1shy
RESTamp1CTED bull
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
1 - poundfter ctiun epo-rt 2 - TOlll1Gl for Je ~emiddotmiddotlbflr 1 -j44
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
J
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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emy S i tu~ tic Feb 195 to 052~OO Feb 1945
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- InYl 04 shyID llc Auju tnt General Iar Departuont ~Jashington 25 ) c (l1ru GIWlli1C1s)
1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
Lt Co]bull Inf (TU) GOLul3nclin
IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
1
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middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
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------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
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~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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l-iEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DESTIIOYER BATTALION
AlO 230 u S AW4Y
24 ~eptember 1944
ljBJECT Report middotftermiddotfter middotction Against nemy - Period 1-31 ugust 1944
lHRU Commanding Ufficer 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup
10 Adjutant ueneral lIashington u ~
1 Juring period 1-31 itugust 1944 this bttalion was aStligned to irst U~ ~rmy trnd attched to ~orps Jivisions and uroups as followsl
a 1 Aug - 7 Aug 1144 - attached to II ~orpa with further attachment to 3rd lank ~estroyer uroup in v ~orps reserve
b 7 Aug - 25 ~ 1944 - attached to IIU ~orps with further attachment as follows
u) 7 Aug to 13 -ug 1944 attached to 30th infantry Jivision l2) 13 Aug to 15 ~ug 1944 attached to 1st ank Jestroyer ~up l3) 15 Aug to 25 ~ug 1944 attached to 9th lniantry ~ivision
c 25 Aug to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to II ~orps with furtber attachment as follows
25 ~ug to 29 Aug 1944 attached to 3rd lank Jestroyer uroup 29 ~ to 31 ~ug 1944 attached to 5th Armored Uivision ~ith ~ further attachment to lQmbat iolDllIand l-A-) 5th Armored Uivis- ~lJ ion
2 ~o indirect fire missions were performed durine the period covered by this report
3 ~ti-tank missions performed 8-31 ampugust 1944 as followsl
a 8-13 ~ugust 1944 this battalion operated in direct support of the infantry elements of the jOth Lnfantry uiviaion taking under direct fire en~ armor emplaced machine guns emplaced mortars and anti shytank artillery l88mm guns) and spearheading local attacks for 30th lnfantry uivision between ~ bull tSarthelsq and omagny in the lkoortain llrance) sector
u) ~estruction andor damage claimed against eD4iIIQ equipment and installations
(a~ Mark vl tank damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 b l~--k II tank destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - 5 ~- ~~__~u ~tIW)~lc) lwlark I tank ~- - - - - - - - - - 1 ld) ~rk IV destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - shy 11 e) ~k IV damaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shyIt) ~k 111 destroyed- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1
- 1 shy
(g) ~erSonne1 carrier ( ~ track) destrofed - - - - - - 5 (h) Anemy ~ destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 i) ~emy OP destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 j) Machine guns destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 (k) Aonemy stroll8 point (manned by 10 men) destroyed- - 1 ~1) Aocket ~auncher destro~ed- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (m) lame throwers destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
(2) ~fect of enemy action against this battuion
k-101s destroyed (by mortar fire) - - - - - - - - -1 ~10s damaged (repairable) - - - - - - - - - - - -6 k-Ss destroyed ~hit friendly unguarded unmarked unreported mine field and subs~uently taken under enemy fire) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 M-S1s damaged ~repairable)- - - - - - - - - - - - -1 t-ersonllel casualties (1) Killed - - - - - -6 (2) ounded- - - - - -54
Jotal - - - -60
b 15 ~ to 25 ~ 1944 this battalion provided anti-mechanized deshyfense for 9th Infantry uivision fianks
Patrol of hq ~ and ~con ~o captured three (3) prisoners (2 officers 1 private soldier) - vicinity kagny-le-Uesert l~ enemy annored or anti-mechanized action encountered during this period
c Z1 Aug to 31 ~ 1944 this battalion reinforced e1ements of iombat ~ommand (-A-) 5th ~red uivision on march ~ from Paris to repyshy
eu-velois rance
io -A- attached to ask t~rce - ~urton-~o -B- attached to ampsk orce - IIBoxleyshy
(a) ~o -~- took five (5) prisoners in vicinity of repy-eushy~alois 31 August 1944
(3) lio~ 11(- held in reserve and marched with ~ombat Iiomnand - shytrains
(a) Attached to and joined -iombat liommand -H- 5th AlJlIOred uivision at Daron rance
or the ~ding Officera
~e~ ALAN clOB6 Capt t (TJJ) ~utant
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629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
bull
RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
Of
~1rmiddoti _uiV ampIt ______________+A
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
~
APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
I
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RESTamp1CTED bull
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
-shy
RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
middot
i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
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tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
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22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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0 0
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24 25
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0 0
0 0
0 0
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26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
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Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
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(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
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icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
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2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
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Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
This orgampD1sat101l turned in 3 11 ton 616 -rao tNat and 1 Car alWDred utUit7 JI20 to the 26th Ordnance Co
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
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-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
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0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
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After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
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3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
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After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
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of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
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II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
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middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
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middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
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12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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(g) ~erSonne1 carrier ( ~ track) destrofed - - - - - - 5 (h) Anemy ~ destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 i) ~emy OP destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 j) Machine guns destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 (k) Aonemy stroll8 point (manned by 10 men) destroyed- - 1 ~1) Aocket ~auncher destro~ed- - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (m) lame throwers destroyed - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
(2) ~fect of enemy action against this battuion
k-101s destroyed (by mortar fire) - - - - - - - - -1 ~10s damaged (repairable) - - - - - - - - - - - -6 k-Ss destroyed ~hit friendly unguarded unmarked unreported mine field and subs~uently taken under enemy fire) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 M-S1s damaged ~repairable)- - - - - - - - - - - - -1 t-ersonllel casualties (1) Killed - - - - - -6 (2) ounded- - - - - -54
Jotal - - - -60
b 15 ~ to 25 ~ 1944 this battalion provided anti-mechanized deshyfense for 9th Infantry uivision fianks
Patrol of hq ~ and ~con ~o captured three (3) prisoners (2 officers 1 private soldier) - vicinity kagny-le-Uesert l~ enemy annored or anti-mechanized action encountered during this period
c Z1 Aug to 31 ~ 1944 this battalion reinforced e1ements of iombat ~ommand (-A-) 5th ~red uivision on march ~ from Paris to repyshy
eu-velois rance
io -A- attached to ask t~rce - ~urton-~o -B- attached to ampsk orce - IIBoxleyshy
(a) ~o -~- took five (5) prisoners in vicinity of repy-eushy~alois 31 August 1944
(3) lio~ 11(- held in reserve and marched with ~ombat Iiomnand - shytrains
(a) Attached to and joined -iombat liommand -H- 5th AlJlIOred uivision at Daron rance
or the ~ding Officera
~e~ ALAN clOB6 Capt t (TJJ) ~utant
0-2- lP
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629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
bull
RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
Of
~1rmiddoti _uiV ampIt ______________+A
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
~
APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
I
- 1shy
RESTamp1CTED bull
I~
CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
-shy
RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
middot
i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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J9 ~J z1 1r 7 D 81 S 0 ~I i FRoM O()OlJ Ocr 194-1- -fo os~30 CCT 1944
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
- 2 shy
3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
- 5 shy
After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
~
0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
1 I
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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FQr the CO~~Bndins ~eneral
1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
1 - poundfter ctiun epo-rt 2 - TOlll1Gl for Je ~emiddotmiddotlbflr 1 -j44
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------ ---~--~=---~---l
~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
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lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
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0 1
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20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
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Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 1 Off 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 16$ 0 0 0 3middot 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 110 II 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 d) 00 0 1l6 0 0 0 0 0 0lJ
14 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 01i g sect1 0 0 0 0
17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 018
19 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 020 0 S i 0 It2l 0
0 0 1 0 022 0 23 0 O 0 0 0 0
Oll 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Om 0 8 g
i 0 0 0 0 1 Q 0 Q 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
_ 0 0 Q 16 0 19ft 45 ]I(mw During the JIODtb of ebruampr7 thi organisation drew Clabullbull I SUpplies t1Ola
the 82d Airborne Diviion through the 15th ot reblUl7 at 1Ib1ch tiae it becam detached tlQlll the 82d A1rborne Divie10D and renrted to III Corp control and drew all Clabullbull I supplie trom Kailhead 130 On the 21st ot Febnarr this orshygwzation s detached tromIII Corp and attachecl to m Corps 99th Division at which time it startec1 drawinl Cla bullbull I supplie 1rOIl the 99th lDfant17 DivisiOD
Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
This orgampD1sat101l turned in 3 11 ton 616 -rao tNat and 1 Car alWDred utUit7 JI20 to the 26th Ordnance Co
Bade 10ada of Clbullbullbull I III V npplie are ma1na1De4 at aU timebullbull Boada were Teq bad due to
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
~ l
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
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middotEM 1 3
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0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
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After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
- S shy
i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
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~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
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~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
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SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
I
~
i
12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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629TH TANK DESTH)YER BATTALION Oc+ APO 230 US ABliY
6 No~ember 1944
Su13JECT After Action Repoz1
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington D C
lHRU Commanding General 2d Infantry Division AFO 2 U S Army
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for the period of October 1944
GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TO) Commanding
Incl 1 - Resume of Operations bull 2 ~ After Action Repo~t
bull
RESTI~iCTm )
HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
I
RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
Of
~1rmiddoti _uiV ampIt ______________+A
--
I
oJ on ~- ~-
shy 1 bull tl) V
f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
~
APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
I
- 1shy
RESTamp1CTED bull
I~
CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
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i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
~1
f
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~ - I +
~
IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
- 2 shy
3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
- 5 shy
After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
_
-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
J
- 1 shy
RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
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0 0
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31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
t
~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
1
1
middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
bull
- G shyI
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~
middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
-J tJ( I 4 1---shy
bull
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
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Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 1 Off 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
~ l
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
- S shy
i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
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Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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HEADQUAR1ERS 629JH TANK DlSTROlliR rlAlTALIOamp
APO 230 us AR1Y
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RESU1E Or OPERArIOl~S
At the begirming of this period the battalion las u t to cieci to tle 20th Infantry Division whose front line sector extended fron Dasburgrenbull anl (P 8363) north to rirandschcid G-ermany (p 9807) lhe iirin- cc-panics e~cn with a reconnaissance -latoon were supporting tile respective Coroat CorL~1cS tiving direct fire support to the infcntry units dna in(irect lire al~Dort to the artillery depenuing on the particuiar actor ciJjnJ~ Gn( Sei~fmiddotEci L1e
lhe cOlJpanies of the battalion reved north ~iti the ~ivisi0n or 4 middotmiddotI~c 5 October to the vicinit of El3enborr Bel[~iur ihen ~re i)ivi~ion front exshytended from coorcirutcs 020700 0 020000 Co~~nie[ rl n(i C ~middotocd middotti L- bullbull (ir respective Combat Cormancls in lalllling ell cetlils Ior triO ~C-VC bull ~n 1 so~ fortifications in th~t sector Ail personnel knev all etpil 01 tr ~ c--middot~ion HOlever the uttacl lts calleuroci 0_1 All firing COJPCiELmiddot imiddotc un or-t(d cae artillery units -ith ircL(ct fire for the reiinlt-Y 0 iw~L n 1 location
On 2( October 19U il b~ttL2middotmiddot~I O(l icrti1 l nOlmiddotth iil -l Lr
to the vicil or ll~ middottnue ~(rr[alY ihere tne uivL cr 1~~middotC ~te~ccci
from coordinates 01535G to 000280 lhe firinc cop~nie3 ent ino ~eil positions Detail reconnaissance ilS iQue by the CO~ipltnes 101 inciirect fire positions to support the aivision urtillery units Tile rec)nlissClnce plashytoons recormoitered the area ont-he north or left sector ror routes and G~ positions for protection against any enemy arrored tiuUt fror] lhe vicnitmiddot east of Aachen Genniny ~lso for routes to the southest
The BJttalion VIampS relieveci fro attaCilllcnt to V COTS ~rCl -ne 28th Infantry Division on 30 Cctober 194L~ and subsecuen~ly attaci1CQ 0 nIl Corps and the 2d Infantr Division he bttcr ocillG in he vicinity ai St Vitil Belgium The battalion COllpleted the llove on )0 Cctober 19h middotth iie i-i-rlpound corpanies occupying indirect firing positions on the ciivisLcn ~rcnt fro coordinates 069038 to 910745
During the period two pillboxes Yere badly darled and 597 indirect fire missions were fired expending a total of 48Z1 rOlnns oi ~iwrl tion
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
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APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
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HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
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RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
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3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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FQr the CO~~Bndins ~eneral
1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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emy S i tu~ tic Feb 195 to 052~OO Feb 1945
441 125000 Sheet No 550 amp 5604
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Hqa 629th TD B 911000 Maroh 1946
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J February 1945
- InYl 04 shyID llc Auju tnt General Iar Departuont ~Jashington 25 ) c (l1ru GIWlli1C1s)
1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
Lt Co]bull Inf (TU) GOLul3nclin
IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
t
~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
- - - - -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
1
1
middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
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Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
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JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
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~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
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--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
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Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
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----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
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l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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f~m CTED 6291lI TANK DiSTllOlER BATTALION
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APe 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION BEfORT
1 BNElY SITUATION Feriod 1 October 1944 to 5 0 ctober 1944bull
a Units in Contact Eneny forces on our northern flank (left) consisted of the
78th Infantry Battalion the 1030th Security Battalion the 2nd Company F A Ds Reich and an Infantry Fortress Battalion On our inunediate front were3 cOll~panies of the 36th Marsch Battalion the Panzer Ren Battalion Das Reich and the 3rdBattalion of the Regiment Der Fuhrer These units were part of the 2nd SS Panzer Grenadier Division
The oes Battalion of the Heg~ent K Wegelin 273rd Antiaircraft nit 1 conpapy of the Combat Team Fleckenstein 2nd Panzer Ren Battalion and
the 304th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 2nd Panzer Division occuDied DOsitions on our right or southern flank bull
b There riere no eneruy reserves locatedin a sector vmere they could be used to effect our ndssion or situation
c Enemy activity VTas confined to small scale patrol activity durine the hours of darkness and harassing artillery fire on the roads used by our v~hicles
d All companies and battalions Iere under strength having about one half their authorized strength A snmll number of replacements had been received 1orale from observance of PW s was fair The enemy conshytrolled the high ground to our front and had observation of our IlOVements in clear weather~ 1ost of our front line positions were ImOim by the enelllY
e Plans open to the enemy for attack vlere confined to patrols at night Their high eround was defended from pillboxes and trlinches also by dug-in antitank euns All routes of approach to their positions were covered by direct fire or by observed artillery fi~e
Per~od 6 October 1944 to 26 October 1944
a Units in Contact Enemy forces on our northern (left) flank and inmediate
front consisted of the 77th Infantry Replacement Battalion and the 412th InfantrJ Training Battalion operating under the KG Von Rochow Regiment On our southern flank v-as the 276th Infantry Battalion under the 276th Infantry aegiment
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RESTamp1CTED bull
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
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RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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emy S i tu~ tic Feb 195 to 052~OO Feb 1945
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J February 1945
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1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
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IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
-l shy
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
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t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
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Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
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JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
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~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
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~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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CESliiClW Both the Von Rochow Regiment and 276th Infantry Regiment operated as a part of the 526th Infantry Training Division
b The only reserve was the 1st company of the 412th Infantry Training Battalion which was later moved up to the line to replace the 1st company of the 276th Infantry Battalion Thus the boundary between the 412th Battalion and 276th Battalion was moved south approximately 2000 meters
c The enemy directed light artillery fire on roads used by our vehicles Small scale patrols were sent out during darkness
d The estimated total strength of the units in contact was 1500 men including reserves Their morale was just fair The officers nad to use ~eprisals to keep their rlen from deserting The men were told that our negro troops would slit their throats if they surrendered
e The enemy was capable of launching a counterattack streneth not in excess of one battalion in the direction of F0209 and F0206 Small nieht patrols were used for limited objectives The terrain to our front was favorable for the enemy to defend from pillboxes and prepared fortifications
Period 27 October 191~ to 31 October 1944
a Units in Contact On our northern flank enemy forces consisted of the 275th
I A~ Repoundiment 20th GAF Fortress Battalion 3rd Battalion of 943rd Infantry Regiment and 496th Infantry Regiment formine the 275th Infantry Divisionbull To our ~lmediate front opposing forces included the 275th Fusilier Battalion 16th Panzer Engineer Battalion 5th GAF Fortr~ss Battalion l412th Fortress Battashylion 275th Eneineer Battalion KG Trier 328th Infantry Battalion 24th GAF Fortress Battalion and 73rd Engineer Battalion These units are under the 275th Infantry Division On our southern (right) flank there was the 1st Battalion of the 1055th InfantI~ Regiment 9th GAF Fortress Battalion and 2nd Battalion of the l055th Infantry Hegiment all a part of the 89th Infantry Divisionbull
b There were no enemy reserves that could effect our rnissioh c The enemy was defending his positions- from both concrete forts
and open fortifications qll along the line Our forward roads were subjected to harassing artillery and mortar fire Small patrols were sent into our lines during the hours of darkness No aggressive action was taken by the enemy and there was no indication of reinforcements d The estimated combined strength of the regiments and battalions mentioned above is approximately 6300 men The food and water shortage made IlJOra1e poor lhe enemy had no knovledge of our situation
e Enemy forces were not adequate enough for an attack1 and there were no reserves to use for a counterattack One plan open to the enemy was to use patrols at night and get infonnation about our unitS as to strength and nosition The enemy intended to defend his high groundmiddot frQlll cover positions and had routes of approach covered by fire ~ome routes were also mined
For disposition of enemy units see attached overlays
- 2 - 1RfSTRICJlD bull __ bull ~w I _ _ _~
HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
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RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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emy S i tu~ tic Feb 195 to 052~OO Feb 1945
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J February 1945
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1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
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IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
-l shy
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
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t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
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Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
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JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
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JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
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~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
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~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
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----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
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l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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HEADQUARTERS 629JH TANK DFSTROTtili BA~TA1ION
lPO 230 u bull s Af(ly
2 OWN SITUATION~
a On 1 October 1944 the 28th Infantry Divisions front line covered the sector from Dasburg Germany (p (55622) lortl1 to 8rsnscheiu Gcrf131Y (p 983813) The firing companies of this battalion nere supporti11i~ the combat teams of the oivision on that front COLpanr A -1 th the ll0th COlOd t Team Company B vrith the l12th Coubat leml and Corupan C ith vl~e lOCjtf Collbat Teal On the 3rd 4th and 5th of Octooer 19) the bttalion oved north to vicinity of CpoundlLP Elsenborn BelGium (K 905085) vhere the fir~n companies again supported the regimental combat teams Cornny S in sUJshyport of the 112th Combat Team on the southern fhnk ano ConJr C surshy~rting the 109th on the northern flcmk ltoIlP~ry A initialiy supported one battalion of the 110th Combat Teorn in a diversionary ~ttac to the north and east The irurediate aivision front etei~ded froI K 023032 north to K 035700 On the 26th October 1944 the batblion OVCcl north i ttl LrlEshy
28th Infantry Division occupying positions in vicinit~ ai lullrtshutte GermalV ~K 030342) the division front extencing from F CO)22C to Cl~35(j Thi~ unit was relieved frOLl attachIimiddot~nt to V Corps and ~8ti1 I~dcn-r- ]ivisioL on 30 October lnd attached to the VII CorJs 2nd 20 Inicmiddotntry JivLion ith headnURrters at st Vith BelCiwn (p 8553(0) The front lines 0 middot je 20 Infantry Division e)tended from P 910745 north LO L C89038
b Ihe bottalion Cf Yins located at the follOifl~ r)h CC3 lI~ Loe
liionth 1 Octooer to 5 October 191 in vicinit of W~Lcrdre Lueomiddot)ur (p 785t1) 5 October to 25 ( ct-ooer 1914 at C2S~ iLcnoon Be iu (i SltC-G~2r) 25 October to 30 October 19U t tlartsbutte GerLny 0 Slt2Sn))( _G 31 October 191L at Andler b(dlum (p 9069(6) bull
c Durinpound this period Lhe llllf1[ colp~nies 00 in CiOSC COOl irishy
tion hith the front line iniintrr units rurris1in~ UiCCL c C -=~~ red supporting 2nd reinforcing the iires of Dvi~iowl idd Ai~ll~~r llS
ieconnaissQnce CoIJpany under bltlttclion control crolJcd ~cconnsmiddot ~ce rUssons for the firil1[ cOI~anies securiI- iniOrr3tion on lods oYives and possio1e oircct ond iniirect fire osiLols
d DuriI1pound the period frOE 1 C ctobe 19i~+ Co 5 ( cob8r =~hJT()~~1=middot A ~rith the llOth Infantry orb~~t Tc3i iu~nishcd ciect asset a1 ~~~ 0rt and ~nti-rech~l1izc -1 protection in twir 0l-erlion~ in viciriit~ oi L=- Gerrny Corpon J reiruorceu tlc ries of t[-e lGth A li_n~ ~2Oshy
sill[ ission~ on GeurorTn ~ositions n viciniti o~ Kc~i CO~ ~ C middot C-~ one platoon ina rovinpound [WI asscnLent cnc one ~lJcJn~ ili(ct ~~e0shysiticns su~porIJ t1C l()()trl InfurLryr vldLit~ c SiL __ ~-
I o
RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
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RESll~iCTED
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~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 5 fii
31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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emy S i tu~ tic Feb 195 to 052~OO Feb 1945
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- InYl 04 shyID llc Auju tnt General Iar Departuont ~Jashington 25 ) c (l1ru GIWlli1C1s)
1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
Lt Co]bull Inf (TU) GOLul3nclin
IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
1
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middot1Qmiddot~4i4NPlffl_1 ipJI4~bull4 ~~~
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
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JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
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Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
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Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
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J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
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ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
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l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
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Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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RESTRICTED During the period 5 October 1941 to 25 October 1941bullbull CoLnics s C _ portill6 the llZth and l09th COL1bltt Tearls rcsrectivel conduct au -middotcC reconnaissance of Sicffried Line osiLions in ~he ciJ~e~vl cOicbt --~cfls sectors and farJliarized nll necessary persormel ith Ue 100 tr~ -ct they were to takemder iile in su)ort of the irucntlr in tilCil c01te~-1__8d
attack The plans of the Coriolt Cornnd vele to att-lc~lt in coluJ1 of j-~10n on an extremely narrow front to secure initcl b-e-k-ilou 2011-(s Lo (-3shytions were carefully reconnoitered 2nd re2Jceo ell in dv~lce 8n was to secure the rlllte to varou illooxes not2f~ri1[ 2 0 t tor oi 1 i~ - SP 5 of the r811(e ~nd loc2tion t nhich time the SF b5 s oula Iire uict fire on these installations Corp8l7 A inici[lly StllOltcG une oattaljor of the llOth Infantry in their diversionary attack Lilr01lpoundh ll1C cavlr~ SCleen
on the divisions north flank afterHarcis revertinr to the uission of renshyforcing the fires of the 10fth F A Company A ~-s sined a riC3s~on of reinforcing the fhe of a raedilun o A battalion and to reconnoiter nci familarize persormel with direct fire --ositions on the rint soutn-lclt nc-th flank of the division to repel hostile counterattacks lith gtlllor ~raining was conducted by B amp C Coapanies with Infantry writs showirl-- them cltpabili ties and limitations of SF Tank Destroyer neapons neconnaissance COj~)~ny made route recormaissance of tne area for use prilnarily by COL1l-any A J1rin~ the period 25 October to 30 October 1944 the firing ccnpanies recormoitered inqirect fire positions toreinforce the 28th Infantry Divisions fLes Units were to operate under the control of the loath F A hlch ras to provice observation and target assignments for the three writs In ampeidition Companies A Band C were to estnblish and L8intain liaison ith Lite 112th 110th and l09th Combat leaJl1S respectively in oreier to koep able~_ 2t of the situation and in order to advise the COllpany Conunanders on po~sible eJ10~1ient of their units as the telrain and tacticcl situ~tion recuir~d IrUtl ciirect lire support of the inf-1ntry via s not contelJlplated nuE to~ile nature of terran Reconnaissance COIIpany reconnoitered ltr-ea 10 est alone the avi~~C froTt rd north chartine )ossiblle routes to over whiah to move trcck-lilJmiddotinpound vehicles and direct fire eun positions to counterattack enc~y armored thrusts On 30 October and 31 October 1944 the battalion oved from an a~sembly position in vicinity of llulartshutte Germany lK 928341) to indirect fire ositions in support of the 2d Divisions light artillery battalions COimy A in support of the 15th F A with one platoon available to the 9th Infcmtry 101 n~ -urcct fire missions they Illly h[lve in their sector COIlpany B in SU)lort of the 37th F A bull dth one platoon available to the 23ru Infsntry nd Coupcmy C in supshyport of the 38th F A llith one platoon available for ciirl)ct rirt~ 1i3SiOlls in the 38th Infantry RegiJnental sector Indirect fire llositions ere occupied and organized by the firing copanies iontact was made lith the infantry regiments concerning use of the platoon raade Lvailable to then on call
e All combat vehicle losses nave been replaced All key p~rsonnel losses replaced Morale excellent Combat efficiency excellent
f During the period 1 October to 5 October 1944 damages ere imlicLcd upon the enemy positions in the Siegfried Line two pillboxes beil1 heVily damaged one of which according to reports received from friendly pnlols
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
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10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
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3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
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fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
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After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
- 2 shy
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After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
- 5 shy
After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
_
-shyRESTRICTED
t
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
J
- 1 shy
RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
- 3 shyY2 ___ _
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
- 5 shy12224J 7
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
- 6 shy
B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
- 7 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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0 0
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11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
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0 0
0 0
0 0
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26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
t
~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
-l shy
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
bull bull
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 1 Off 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 16$ 0 0 0 3middot 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 110 II 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 d) 00 0 1l6 0 0 0 0 0 0lJ
14 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 01i g sect1 0 0 0 0
17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 018
19 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 020 0 S i 0 It2l 0
0 0 1 0 022 0 23 0 O 0 0 0 0
Oll 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Om 0 8 g
i 0 0 0 0 1 Q 0 Q 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
_ 0 0 Q 16 0 19ft 45 ]I(mw During the JIODtb of ebruampr7 thi organisation drew Clabullbull I SUpplies t1Ola
the 82d Airborne Diviion through the 15th ot reblUl7 at 1Ib1ch tiae it becam detached tlQlll the 82d A1rborne Divie10D and renrted to III Corp control and drew all Clabullbull I supplie trom Kailhead 130 On the 21st ot Febnarr this orshygwzation s detached tromIII Corp and attachecl to m Corps 99th Division at which time it startec1 drawinl Cla bullbull I supplie 1rOIl the 99th lDfant17 DivisiOD
Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
This orgampD1sat101l turned in 3 11 ton 616 -rao tNat and 1 Car alWDred utUit7 JI20 to the 26th Ordnance Co
Bade 10ada of Clbullbullbull I III V npplie are ma1na1De4 at aU timebullbull Boada were Teq bad due to
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1 lI-dtta t~ 1 - I Ail ontr~1~~I~Jt~n ~ tMI ~otb fit 15Ul1b 1945s __
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The following image(s) lnay be of poor qual i ty due to the poor quality of
the original
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
- S shy
i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
I
~
i
12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
I
- - - ~f
c--- 4
~ ~
- 1
( 0
-L ~
Ii --
l
J
t
middotf
I
I
RESTRICTED was filled ldth enemy dead upon their exami~tion Unknown number ot dead caused by direct fire on enemy persoonel was observed throughout this eotor Eighty-eight indirect fire harassing niissions were fired with a total aIIIIIlQshy
middotnition expenditure of 612 rounds During this period roving gWl tactics ~ere employed against enemyoositions firing from positionsmiddot on sevenig Hill into German positions and installations on Kopp or Hill 515 German Barracksmiddot in this area Were destroyed to the extent of making them untenable fOr troops It was found that by indirect firo precision adjustment on pillbox installashytions at distapces up to 5000 to 6000 yards considerable damage was effected by adjustment with HE and switching to TI05 fuze when registration was completshyed and firing for effect commenced 5 October to 25 October 1944 intense preparations resUlted in all personnel being thoroughly familiarized ~th the parts they v~re to take in the attack of the Siegfried Line east of Elsenborn with gunners and gun commanders thoroughly familiar with precise targets to I
be fired on and well rehearsed in the signals indicating lifting fird Trainshying by infantry and tank destroyer units in forming assault temas resulted in complete understandine by each individual of his part in the operation This thorough preparation for the attack resulted in complete confidence of the unit in their ability to perform the tasks assigned to them Harassing fires reinforcine the 28th Division Artillery resulted in the expenditure ot 4215 rounds of amrnunition in 509 harassing missions completedmiddot It was found during this firing that the accuracy of the 3-inch gun aided forward observers and OPts in taking under fire pin-point targets using a minimum of ammunition with excellent effect being secured Artillery forward observers wer~ very enthusi~stic ith the accuracy of the fire delivered by the units in indirect fire ~ositions From the 25th October to 30th October 1944 after rnoving to new positions in vicinity of Llulartshutte Gennany (K 928341) units conducted Lntense reconnaissance to locate indirect fire )ositions Liaison was esshytab~ished with the Regimental Combat Teams by the firine companies in ordermiddot to insure complete understanding between all froces and to make possible an effective Dove fro~ indirect fire positions to direct fire support of infantry unit s requiring such support (ompany-C had conpleted movement into indirect fire positions and position survey was completed prior to relief of attachment to the ~8th Infantry Division and V Corps of this unit On the 30th of October 1944 the battalion moved from the asselIlbly position in vicinity of lulartshutte Germany (Ie 928341) tq indirect fire positions selected in coorshydination witn the 2d Infantry Divisions lieht F A battalion commanders in the st Vith sector Complete organization and oCCupat~on of positions reshysulted in units being prvpared to fire missions given them on 31 October 1944shyCompanies B and C made arrangements with the 23rd anci 38th Infantry t(egimental Combat Team Comrnnnders for the employment of one platoon in each regimental sector to be used as roving gun position Reconnaissance of concealed routes of approach and comprete familiarization of personnel with targets to be fired upon was made on the 31st October 1944 Arrangements for 50 rounds HE ammunition per gun had been made by light field artillery units to be delivered to units upon arrival at gun positions
------_--------_ shy~
~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
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RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
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i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
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IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
- 2 shy
3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
- 5 shy
After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
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I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
_
-shyRESTRICTED
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
J
- 1 shy
RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
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WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
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0 0
0 0
0 0
11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
0 1 at
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
0 0
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0 0
0 0
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31 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iotal 23 1i13 Of 11 W 0 7EM 0 15 llbullbull 1 Off
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
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(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
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1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
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Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
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Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
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Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
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0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
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After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
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After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
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F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
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3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
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After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
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order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
i
l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
Incl
Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
a
I
~
i
12~194S
shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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~lEST~-~~Li UJ HEADQUARTERS
629nI TANK DESTROYER BATTALION APO 230 US ARMY
AFTER ACTION ruroRT
3 ADMIlUSTRATlVE
Casualty Replacement amp Prisoner Annex 1-31 October 1944
WIA KIA MIA N-BC REPLACEllrENTS PRIsONERS 0 bull 0 w 0 ~l) ELi 0 ~ ar 0 0 Eli 0 t) ampt 0 YO W
1 -None None None 1 0 0 None
n n n2 0 0 0 n 3 n II 2 0 1 II II II II4 1 0 0 bull 5 II 0 0 0 n 6 II II 0 0 1 II 7 II 0 0 0 n 8 If n 0 0 0 n 9 If n II 1 0 0 abull
10 n n n 0 0 0 n 11 n If If 0 1 0 If
n 012 n 0 15 a n II II n13 0 0 0 n n n14 2 0 0 bull
15 bull bull 1 0 1 II n II II16 1 0 0 n
-17 II If If 0 0 0 n n II18 n 1 0 0 0 n
If II 019 3 0 If If II n20 0 1 0 n n 0 0 n21 0
22 If If 0 0 0 n II 1 0 0 If23 n II
If II n 0 n24 0 0 n n n 0 It25 0 0
26 If II n 0 0 0 n
Zl n n 0 0 0 n 28 n n II 0 0 0 It
n If~ 1 0 0 n n middotIt 0 0 030 n n II n31 0 middot0 0
TOTAL None None None I 14 2 18 None
-shy
RESTRICTED jJ- 6 shy
middot
i 1
3 ADyenDiIsTBATlVE (continued)
At the beginning of period covered by report battalion VIas 17 Enlisted Wen and 1 Officer understrength During the rllORth of October 1944 18 Enlisted Men and 20tficer replacements were reshyceived At the close of the period battalion was 7 Enlisted Men understrength due to evacuation ot non-battle casU2lties Reshyquisitions for tank destroyer replacements were filled by 9 taQk destroer Bnllsted Ken assigned trom replacement pool 2 Tank destroyer Enlisted Ken transferred from 28th Infantry Division 7 casual tank destroyer Enlisted Men returning to duty (Members ot this unit previously ~vacuated tilrough nledical charmels ~d subsequently dropped from rolls of battalion)
Commanding Officers during period covered by this report (no changes during period)
Bn Clldr Lt Col Glenn Cole CO Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins C o Co A Capt Charles M GrimshnVI C o Co B Capt Edwin H Stewart C o Co C Capt Edward A Ryan C ( Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris C o ~ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia
- 7 shyRpoundsrrmn -- P
3 AD1INISTRATIVE (continued)
All supplies with the exception of ordnance su~yp1ies were drawn tOUb~1 the 28th Infantr7 JliYision SUFply Officer I3jor itcls of ordnance equilyeniient were handled through V Corps Ordnance rvo 1-8 vehicles were receiveci on Zl October 1944 from the 526th Ordnance Conpany on allocation frOtl V CoPps On 29 October 1944 eleven (11) motor cycles ore turned in to the 257th Orclna1ce Company Uotorcycles are not used by this organization due to the tactic~ situation and the muddy condition of the roads TO 18-25 and COJlponents ltated 15 llarch 1944 authorize i-ton vehicles instead of lllotorcycles These authorshyized t-ton vehicles have not yet been made available
Three )[-8 vehicles were received from the 526th Ordnance C)j(ipanr- on 30 09tober 1944 on V Corps allocation Tvlaquogt half-tracks (1-2) which YleIe substitutes for lL-8s fonnerly turned in on V Corps order were turned in to ordnance on 30 October 1944
Injectors for the diesel motors on the U-lO have not been available for sane time The lack of new injectors is becoming critical in the maintenance of our U-10Is
All directives issued by higher headquarters in resard to requisitions
for anti-fr~ze solution have been complied withe ~o date no anti-freeze has been received
Ihe gas ~d oil supply and the basic load of ammunition is replenished daily as requirect by the situation
Roada usedmiddot by the organization supply vehicles are generally good except in t natlter when they are somewhat slippery due to being covered with mud
~~cdGLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
IIESTIUCJEIJ -8 -
t bull I to ttbd Pi _ $ rttthht 05 -0shy
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HEADQUARTIpoundRS 629TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
APO 230 us ARk~
20 0 ctober 1944
SUBJECT Report AfterAfter Action Against Enemy Period 1-30 September 1944
lHRU Commanding General V Corps APO 305 (Attention Historical Officer)
u S Amy
TO The Adj~tant General Washington D C
1 During the period 1-30 September 1944 this battalion was asshysigned to First U S Army and attached to V Corps with further attachshyments (for operations only) as follows
a 1-13 September 1944 - 5th Armored Division and further attached as follows
(I) 1-5 September 1944- Company C attached to Combat Comniand Rbullbull
b 14-30 September 1944 - 28th Infantry Division
2 Indirect fire missions as follows
a Company A fired 62 missions (445 rds) harassing fires
3 Battalion perfonned direct fire missions constanUl during period inflicting losses against the enemy as follows
lark V Tank 2 Mark IV Tank 1 AT Gun 3 Shennan 11-4 Tank (placed in action
by the enemy) 1i track personnel carrier 1 Pill boxes 84 Houses containing enemy personnel 10 Barracks 3 Observation posts 1 Machine gUns 2
For the Commanding Officer
~C~Capt FA (TD) Adjutant
~1
f
_~ -l t_~~-
~ - I +
~
IampDQ~RTERS
629TH TANK DESTR OYER BATTAL ell APO 230 US ARllY
5 Deceuber 1944
StBJEOT rRnsmitt91 of ~tter Action Report
] J Co~nd ing Gmera 1 B3rci Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TU The AJjutant Gdaeral~ war Department washington 25 D O
1 TrET~T1itteci IJ9rewith is tm After Action Report or this L~ tt l lion for t~ month of ~ovember 1944
4Lc ~IENN oom Lt 001 Int (TD) C OlIIIland inamp
Inc is s ResWllt of Operatio1S Ensmy s i tua t em om 81tuation Suoply Admi nistra tj on with AIUlSIt OTerhy of Enemy Situation
1 - _~ - ~L~ 1st Ind bull 4~J i~ ~~ ~ c ~~J l-TY ]1110 Al~O 8) us ~rmy 20 December 194h
TC Cor-rmiddot ~- iknral VIII Corx APO 3Ub US lrrny
6 Inels
tar Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUME OF OPERATIO~S
ThroJghO1t n m)nth of NoveIWer tlris battalion attache to tm 2d Infantry Division and op6rlted against tle Sie~fried Line between Wi1wrspelt anci Auw Gernany The tank destroyer oompanies roinfarce~ tM 2d Infantry Division Arti nry wi th indireot fire The 1I8jori ty or those firl)s rmiddot) hare JSinglJHi interdictory beyom the range of division arti ll~ry we(lonl C~rA~y A fired from positions in the vicinity of u~middotJ Gerrrnny 0on[f~Jr B fired trom tm -ioinity of Wintorspelt Jermarw lnd Compmy e fired from tm vicinity of Oberhscheid Germany
lJ1 sewrql W0Gion~ h~k destroyer platoons of cantnnies A and C werll mo~l into posiiitions along tre line held by the inf~ntry and direot f 1)3 were olac~J In pil1toxes observation posts and machine gun mata ~)tiJJ rec)r11lissance was TIlde by platoon l1lders ani ~un oommanliers fGlr t~se miStjioas Tl~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani lrti ll~ry i1 the respective sectors
DuritltS the poriod the activity of Reconnnhsanoe Company was oonshyfi~d to pi-~nt1er tOrk strenGthening arxi improvenent of brjdges nd imshypOV(ll1f~~~ of rods to tl-e comjXlny inatallations
r - 1 shy
fter Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion November 1944
RESUWE OF OPERATIO~S
ThroughO1t tlst m~nth of NoverOOer tlris battalion attache te the 2d Infantry Division and operated against tle Sie~frieci Line between Whtcrspelt anci Auw GerllWlY T~ tank destroyer oompanies reinfarceci thtt 2d Infantry Division Arti Hery wi th indireot fire The lIBjori ty ct thCS6 riros wtr-3 hareJ3ing ~Ulci interdictory beyonri the range of division ar tillry wee on~ ClIlp~~y A fi red from pos~ti ons in the vicinity of fumiddotN Gerlllny CUTl[fll R fired from tm -rioinity of Winterspelt Germa~ lnd Gompmiddotmy e fired from t m vioinity of Oberhscheid Geruny
01 seVtlrq1 o0oaSlon h~k destr~rer platoons of canpanies A ana C MHtt mo~l int posi~ons along t~ line held by the inflntry and direot fi T)l I ere 0 1a (~~ J m pi1 H uxe s ob ser va ti on gtos ts and l18ch ine gun nEt s ts bull )middot)t9UmiddotJ rec)rl1llSSance was IlIde by platoon llders ani un oommanciers fQr t~se miSHiollS T~ firing was coordinated with the infantry ani uti llry igtl the respective sectors
Dlri~ the por ted the activity of Recomnfssance Company was conshy[-i ~d to pi L~neer tOr k s trenGtheni ng alyeni impr ove nent of br klges flnd tmshytl-OVOJrel~ of rods to t~ complny installations
r - 1 shy
After Aotin Rep-t a29th Tank Destroyer Battalion No~mber 1944
1 ENMY SITUATION
a Un~ts in Contact ~neray forces on our northern flank (left) consis ted of the 7th
Fortress Bltta1ion and the 454th Retllacement and Trainine Battalion These units are part cpound tle 347th I~ar)try Division On Qa- iumediate front are the 1st ana 2m battalions cpound the 295th VG Regt ttl 1st and 2nd battalions at the 294th VG Regt 3rd Fortress E9thlion 1st ald 2nd battalions of th3 293rd VG Regt and ore battlllion of Elginee rs with tm 3rd battalion of the 293rd VG Regt in reserve Th3 above uits are part of the 18th VG Divisjon
n8~ unit s located on our southe rn flank (right) W3re the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 1Q57th Iniantry Regt the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 1058th In1entry Regt Tha l818th Engineer Battalion and the 2nd battalion of t~ 1058th Infantry Regt Ire stattored itmlediately behim these front li18 forces All southern flank units were I1rt of the 9lst Infantry Division
b The majority of the enemy reserves conisteo of SIJllll units of squad or platoon si~e These units covered all good rootes Wlich would be uti1i~ed by our TDs in the event of A breakthrough onthejr front lina forces
c Enemy activity was contined to patrolling dur ing hours of poer visibility Artillery fire of a harassing 9nd interdictory nature was placed on routes being used by our vohic las Observed 75mn and 105nm fire was phced on the route from Sohonberg to Obersc ho id Oompany 0 of this organization being looated at the latter town
d A small number of replaoements were beiIl recehed by the enemy forces on our front Morale amon6 mas t un1 ts was 900r due to foolaquo a IJi ~ter shertages and improper treatment from their officers and lIJGOmiddots The enemy controlled SOIre high grcu nd to our front permit tint observa ti on on our fr ant 1 im movelm nt s dur int olear we a ther A few of our front line pas i ti ons we re known to th e ene ~
e Plans ope to t~ Ene my for a ttack and 0 runtera ttack vere 1i mited to niGht pa troIs They defended their high gIQlnd pos itions frOM defi laded Oositions and dug-in entrenchnents ontbe southern flank On tre imal9diate front am northern fluk pillboxes and forts were in 8uitllb)fl conditigtl to be manned fer defense The rcutes of approach to these positions -ere oovered by direct fire or by prepared urti llery comeclrations
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3
_
After Aotion Repert 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion NoveJligter 1944
2 am BITUATION
Il During the period 1 ~ovember 1944 to 30 NCNember 1944 the unit was attaohed to t he 2nd hlfantry Division wno were holding a lilP running from P955815 to P910745 to W30S40 to 1D60900 Companies A 8 amp C reinftrced the f ire of the 15th FA I 37th FA and 38th FA respect ive] y
b The battllion CP was located at Andler Belgium ooordimtes P96659067 Reconnaissance Company was located at P9714~130 and Headqmrters Company at F96209105 both in Be 16ium COIlfamp~ A was looated at 100359005 Company B at P90758025 and Canpany C at P98188574 all in Ger_ny
o Tbi 15th FA Battalion VltlS coated at P993885 the 38th FA Battalion at P973865 and the 37th FA Battalion at P904709 Otblr dimiddot1sona1 troOps and attaohed troops in vioinity
d Tm unit w18 ge~rally employed in secondary mission reinforoing the fires of division artillery harassing and interdiction fires being the prilllary enployment of t1-e weapons Torgets assigned tm unit 1If8re for tnt most part well beyond the range at tblt divisional artillery Direct fire was also plaoed on eneUlyen pillboxes OPs and DaChi~ guns The employment of A and C Companies in this role _s quite extensive exoellent result bei~ obtai~d seainst the targets fired apon in tmir respeotive areaa
e All combat wuo1e 10s8ea have been replaoed All key persomel 10sae were replaoed Korale waa excellent Combat efficienoy was CODshysidered excellent
f During this poriClli 1669 harassing and interdiotion missions were t red expe aline II t ata 1 of 20 101 r au nds ot ammuniti on Fifty-three Oorpe and DiTialon Tar masieD resulte4 in aJllllUnition expenditure of 629 rounds of aJIIIlUllition NiDeteen tarts or opp tulliV _re taken under fire with an ammunition expenditw-e of 327 rounds of aJIDUnition litty-three registratiolll were tired requirl~ 579 round ot uanunitlon 2S68 rounds or lB and APe alllllUnition were fi nul 011 4l1reot t1 re tareta whioh oOllpri 2 _ohifIJ GUll Mats 2 woode area ocoupied by owr 2 companie opound intantry 68 ooncrete pillboxe aDll 79 hou ct8 town waa fire upon by 8 gUD8 or cae unit with lDA affeot that the ne~ a uppoei a oowterattaok a belnc bullbulle and lai down ortar ar tillery and aohlaun 11re r bull a iDg hi derus be FPL txoelleDt reault were obtained in alaost all direot tire aibullbull iona
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After Action Repcrt 629th Tank pestroyer Battalion November l~4
3 SUPPLY
All supplies wi th the exoeption of ordnance i tams were drawn trough the 2d Infantry Division Supply orrioer Major items of ordnance equipshyment were handled through VIII Corps Ordnance Offioer
One ear half-track M2 was turned in to the 526th ()-finanoe Company as axee S8 Fi -e (5) cars armored uti 1ity 1420 were drawn on let US ArllY a llocation due t 0 chl~e in Tlo clc E
To date this battalion ms received approxiJlBtely half of the anti shyfreeze compound it will require to meet 1st U S Army speoifications
Tre bas oil lnlti ammunition supply wae replenishet ciaily as required ~Jr the situation
Reads over which the bnttalion operated during tm period were generally good Duri~ tNil early part of tie middotperiod approximately two inches of snow fell throughout the area in which tie battalion operateci making trallSparshytat-ion difficult r a a three-day periOli
Supp 1y routes west of Canpany C (between battalion OOJDnaM post am company C cOlll1and post) NVf of Bleialt Germany were ccwere4i by enemy harassing and interdiotory fires No other routes to CompaDY CIt installashytions were avai lab However supplies were transports without injury to personnel r naterie 1 bull
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_
A(t~r Aotion Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Nawmber 1944shy
4 AIJ4INlSTRATION
During the perioo c over by this report all adminiatration I preshyoessed throU6h 2d Infantry Division to whioh this battalion was attached on VI II Cor ps order
At the beglll1ing of tm period the blttalion was seven (7) enlisted lMn understren~th de to evaouation of tettla am non-battle casualties During the period one (1) enlisted man yen8S injured in battle onlt (1) off leer ayeni seven (7) enlisted non-batt le Oampsua Ities were e vaouated Of these OYJ (1) officer and two (2) enlisted nen returne4i to duty through rredical orn~els
~ (1) offic5r a nd ten (10) enlisted rep laoements were recei veci during th pricxi from souroes 8S follows
2d Infantry Division - 5 enlisted men 3rd Re~)1aoement Depot - 5 enlisted nen 1 offioer
Pursuant to letter eadquarters First U S Army subjeotl Advame Issue of Officer Replacenent Persorme 1 file 200 3 ReplaoellBnt (AGeL) dated 15 ~middotjovlirnber 1944 this crganizati on vas authorized to acquire fotr (4) officers a ho Tab Ie of crganization stre~th On verba 1 authori zashytim of 2d Infantry Divisiol and in aoocrdance vi th thll policy reo~nded ~ letter leadquarters Twelfth ArlTy Group suh1otr Battlefield AppointshyTlents rile 2-01 (G-P) dated 9 O(tocer 1944 three (3) direot appoin~ ments to Grade of se~ond lieutenant frcm aInOn( the enlisted personnel ~re recolTUl1ied in liew of reqaisitioninc additional offi~ers
COPml1ill-l orric~ rs dlr i~ peri ad covered by reportl (no han~cs dur Lng per ioo)
( 5n Gmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole
Cu iii Co - Cn pt fltranc is H Dobbi ns CO ~~~n Co - (1 pt ~Iarq L Harr is u Co A - Ca pt GhJ de s M Gr imSM W
8 ~o D cart Edwin H stewart 0 Go G - ~a fmiddot~ Fd ward A 5 ian
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After Aotion Report 629th Tank Destr ~er Battalion~ Novenber 1944
4 AmdINISTRATIVE (0 cnt)
Casualty Replaoemsnt and lrisoner Annex~ 1-30 Novemer 1944
Day of Pis Month 1rIA KIA MIA N-B Captured Rep lace msnt s
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ 3 0 ~ 0 0 C 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 5 ~ 0 C 0 C ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 7 0 ~ ~ ~ (5 2 e ~ 0 0 1 (5 0 g 0
~
0 0 i orr (5 (5
o 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 II (5 (5 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 ~ (5 (5 t
I (5 C 0 C 0 C Ii 0 ~ l (5 ~ ~ Iil t 011 IS 0 0 ~ (5 (5 ~ t~ 0 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 r7 - 0 (5 0 (5 (5 5 I~ t (5 (5 1 0 C Isect 0 C 0 ~ C C ) 0 0 (5 0 0 toll 21 (5 (5 (5 0 0 C
22 0 0 0 (5 0 0 2~ (5 (5 0 0 C 21 (5 (5 (5 C 0 (5 I) (5 0 0 1 0 (5 28 (5 (5 (5 0 (5 C 21 C 0 0 C ~ 0 28 0 (5 (5 (5 C 21 (5 a 0 0 a c o (5 (5 (5 (5 C0 fatal 1 0 0 7 III 1 ott 0 12 Ill 2 ott
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1~29S 18 700
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t~~~~~~~gtRS 830 I~FANTRY mVISIOl 8ijl~~TJqo ~~~Jl~APO
TO Cormnanding General Hq VII Corps U S Army APO 307
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FQr the CO~~Bndins ~eneral
1(f~18 j or AnD Asst Adj General2 r1cls
1 - poundfter ctiun epo-rt 2 - TOlll1Gl for Je ~emiddotmiddotlbflr 1 -j44
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~ARTERS 629TH TANK DESTBOYER BATTALION
APegt 230 us ARltY
1 January 1945
SUBJECT Xransmittal of After Action Report
lHRU Commanding General 83rd Infantry Division APO 83 U S Army
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D C
1 Transmitted herewith is the After Action Report of this Battalion for the month of December 1944
GIIiID~ OOLE Lt Col In (ID) Commanding
1 Incl bull After Action Report
_
-shyRESTRICTED
t
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
RESUliE Ql OPERATIONS
For the period 1 and 2 December 1944 the battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division The destroyer companies were supporting the infantry regiments and light artillery battalions of the Division in the area of Kobescheid Bliealf and Winterspelt Germany 1259 rounds of 3 HE anlIlunishy
tion were fired on 36 missions On 3rd and 4th of December 1944 the battalion was in assembly position in vicinity of Hauset Beleium all units except Company B getting an Ordnance check
From 5 to 24 December 1944 the battalion was attached to trie 83rd Infantry Division Each destroyer company with the attached Reconnaissance Platoon was attached to the respective Infantry Regiments These unit aided materially in the successful attacks by the Infantry Regiments on the tovms of Grasshau strass Gey Lendersdorf Gurzenich ReIsdorf and Birge1 Gennany By 19 December 19h4 all units had reached the Roer River from Gurzenich to a point just north of Winden Germany
The battalion was relieved of attachment to the 83ru Infantry Division on 23 December 1944 and was imInediate1y attached to the 75th Infantry Division On 24 December the battalion moved into the 75th Infantry Division area in vicinity of Ocquier Belgium The destroyer companies uth the attached Reconnaissance Platoon were attached to the Infantry Regiments as on previous occasions
Damage inflicted on the enemy consisted of the aestruction of 12 ~G nests 1 mortar 14 OPs 22 strongpoints 8 Mk VI Tiger Tanks 1 rr~torcycle 1 ~ V Tank 1 half-track vehicle 1 scout car and 1 SP gun of the capture of 124shyprisoners and the killing and wounding of an unkno n number of enery personnel
J
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RESll~iCTED
~-
~ CES1~ICTED After Actio Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
1 ENEMY SITUATIONs
a Units ill Contacts December 4 to December 24 North to South lat 2ni Srt 7th co~anies of 1st battalion of 942nd
Infantry RegiDent 1st company of 8th Paratroop RegUent 2nd battalion of comshybat tea ABltL 1st ana 3ra Fusilier cOllipanies of 3ti3r FUsilier battalion 5th compauy ot 942_ Regi~nt 2nd 6th ana 7th c cmpaniesmiddot of 943ra Re gUe nt and 13th 14th oo~nies of 1st battalion of 98lst Regillellt 1st ana 2nd batta lions of 941st Infantry Regilllult These units are in tile 353rd Infantry Division except for he 1st oompa~ ot 8th Paratr oop RegiJl8nt Remnants of t~ 1st bltJ tta lion 1057th RegiJlSnt 9lIIl 2D1i battalion of the 1058th RegimJnt 3rd ccpany 191st Field 2eplaceshyDent battalion 217th battalion of assault guns 5th 6th and 7th companie s of 2 battalion ot the 6th Paratroop Regient and t~ 3rd Paratroop 0ivision ~ra also pre 88m on the front
New ientitioations during periots 56th anti 14th co~anies 942nd Infanshytry Regimeat Headquarters 3rd 4th and 5th companies of 943rd Ret~iDlfjnt 12th company ot 6th Paratroop RegiDent 1st 2m 3rd ~m 5th companies of 115th Yolks Grenaier RegiDlBnt and 47th Infantry Division 1st and a arm co~any of 943ra Infantry Regiment 47th Fusilier battalion 3rd and 4th C Clllpanies of 8th Regtent 3rd Paratroop Division 3rd oompany 682nd AT battalion 2n co~ pany of 50lst Fortress AT battalion of 104th Infantry Regiment of 47th Iruantry DiTisioJlbull
b Resergess Most any division of the 6th Panzer Army could be conunitted as lttaokiDg foroe in our seotor east of the Roar River The 1st SS in tre Zulshypion area (F2333) anti the 12th SS Hitler Jugeuti area of Euskirche II (F3229) are both likely oounterattaoking foroes
o SnellY AotiTity Ntueroua night patrols mny of platoon size infiltratshye4 through our lines espeoially in the Tioinity of Gey A coultterattaok of 00shy
aUf she laumhe4 at IStrass was suoce ssful in oer-running wr positions and outtshying ott our toroes The attack was oOliposeti ot infantry supporte by 3 tanks anti luooetieel in the aestrIJtioJ of three tank aestroyers and inflicte4i oasualties on all perlomel exoept for the platoon leaGier and two enlisted ~ n The en8lY oontinually plaoed haraSSing anti interdiotory fire on roais use by us fer hauling suppliel and laiti tiow oomentrateti fire in O8y Strass Gur~enioh anti SOhafberg EJII)~ opposition resisting our aTames consiateti of small arJl8 ~p guns and mortar tire H9 tought from previously d~-in positiona bunkers aIJli houses until we owr-ra hisdetensiw poaitiolll
ti Eatiate of En1IY Strength anti Moralel Three different divisions vere in front of our aeotor anti all line units strength was depleteti Sone units cOlllposishytioJl bei~ exhausted to such an extent that merely reJUlanta remill9ti New units being ooaaitteti to oontinue the stro~ defensiw action often absorbed t~ se remshy_ntl
e Conoluaion81 The ell8Jq is oapable of oontimling the defense of his pre sshyent frontline positions an any plan of attaok is open to the enemy In our seoshytor he oaoeuaterattaok w1th air infantry and armor at any seleoted spot am at a ti_ ot his own ohoosing Our frontline positions were known to the enemy tlloughshyout the periOli anei as soon as we hati taken and mopped up an area enellyen art illery
ooentrations were laiti UpOJl our_ps~ tiOllS ~ ~ ~j +
---y-shy( ~ RESl iiiCTED
Atter Aot1ea Repcrt 629th aDk oatre78r Battal1oa Deoeaber 1944
1 biMY SITUATION (Ooati)
a Units iaOontaot l)eoellber 2 to Deoeber nat IV frot line - P4586 P886 P5087 P5288 P558895 Unts 5th
ani 6th oOlllpaDies of 2_ SS pz DiTideJl 25th ani 26th pz Greiier ReSiJets aDli 3rd SS Regwat of 2nd SS Panzer DiTisiolh IHeellta of the 560th Volks areiier DiTisioll 60th aM 156th Panzer arenaier Rei_at ani the 16th Pan~er Dirision
b Resers The knoWl1 reers ani1able for u-iiate oo_itat 1a our ector are the reiniDg eJeEnt ot tbI 25th hazer Grenadier Regt au the 9th an 12th Tank Regiments of the 2ni SS hazer DiT1aioa Any ot the ele_nts ot the Panzer DiTisions (not eo_itte) located ia tnt preseat area ot the breakthrough eould be co-ittbullbull on our tront
o EnallY AotiTity AttMoks by iatatry au tanks ot battalioll streDgth ill the Tioinity ot Granciuen1l anti Kanhay haw been emerciae by the eaelV Ia the Tio1nity ot Sachot the e1V took ainata ot a 1000 yard gap lett i our li_s an 1nfiltrate 300 to 400 troOps These tros lauDei an attaokasainst An oo~any CP anll utilized s_l1 aru ohiat gUll aortar fire i pressiDg their attaok The allOUnt ot artillery tire ellOoutare in this eotor has bee slisht
d Ene Capabilities and Morale Em~ aora1e is gooa aM TOry little knowshyledge of uur situation is known Their plan ot attack will probab ly IIIampterialize along the road net of 14aDhay ana Gra__nil Infantry arllOr air or any coabi shyation can be e~ loyed in aD3 torce aJlll at any ti the enellY _y choose with hie ult1te goal be1llg the Meuse RiY8r
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RESTRICTED Atter Action RepOrt 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Dec-nber 1944
2 OWN srTUATION
a Period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 front lines generally Kobescheid (L029899) B1ie8lf (P967832) Winterspelt (P915903) Germany Period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 unit in assembly position visinity Hauset Belgium (K825356) Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Gurzenich (F086440) to Bogheim (F085371) along Roer River GeZJDampIl7_ Period 24 December 1944 to 31 Decsnber 1944 Hotton (P3788) So1 (p416898) Grandmenil (P529O) l4anhay (P533902) Tri-1e-Cheslaing (p546915) Belgium During period 4 December 1944 to 24 December unit moved forward with the 83rd Infantry Division units from the Hurtgen Forest to the Boer River
b During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 this unit was attached to 2nd Infantry Division by VIII Corps with Company A supporting
9th Infantry Regiment and 15th FA Battalion Company B was eupporting 23rd Infantry Reg1ment and 37th FA Bn Company C was supporting 38th lnlantry Regiment and 38th FA Battalion During the period 3 December 1944 to 4 December 1944 units under battalion control awaiting arrival ot 83rd Intantry Division in that area Period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 Unit was attached to NIl Corps and further attached to the 83rd Infantry Division with companies attached to infantry units as follows I Comp~ A with the 1st Ren PlatoGD attached to the 329th Infantry Regimept Company B with the 2d Ren Platoon attached to the 330th Infantry Regiment Company C with the 3rd Ren Platoon attached to the 331st Infantry Regiment Period 25 December 1944 to 31 December 1944 unit _s attached to the 75th Infantry Division Company A and 1st Rcn Platoon attached to the 289th Infantry Regiment Comparw B with 2nd lien Platoon attached to the 290th Infantry Regiment Comptn1 C ldth 3rd Rcn Platoon attached to the 29lst Infantry Regiment On 28 Deqember 1944 1st Platoon ot Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battal1on
c Not applicable
d During the period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 Companies A B and C suppOrted the 2d Infantry Division reinforcing tbe tiresot the light artillery battalions Period 3 December 1944 to 4 Declmber 1944 unit was in assembly position getting an ordnance check Period 5 December 1944 to 24
bull December 1944 unit be~ operation with 83rd Infantry Division with Company B attached to the 330th Infantry Regillent moving on the 5th to firing posishytions vicinit7 F025384 Company moved in close coordination throush Grasllhau to ilie Bast of strass A vigorous German counterattack on strass was reshypulsed On the 9th December Companies A and C moved to aS8em)ly positions at K986412 and K989392 respectively Company B fired on SP guns with no visible damage Companies A and C attached to the 329th and 331st Intantr7 Regiments respectively CompanY C supported 331st at-tack on Gey with direct fire following along with intantry through Ge7 to Kutterath (n04399) Berzbuir (n0241o) and Lenderadart (K113415) On 12 December 1944 CompalV A moved with 329th tnfantry Reg1ment towards Gursenich (1090446) and
RpoundSTRIC1D bull _ ~ bull bullbullbullbull11lt ____---__-
After lction Report December 1944
2 OWN SITUATIOlh (Conti d)
Ro1sdorf (Kl05442) and Birge1 (K090425) By 19 December 1944 all units were along Roer River with all enemy forces on the East bank of the river from Gurzenich (K090441) to just North of Winden (Kl13388) Unit relieved by units of 772nd T D Bn (T) on 241200 and prepared to move to VII Corps sector vicinity Marche (P296836) Unit moved 250230 from vicinity Gressenich (K990427) to vitfinity Ocquier (P345035) and was attached to the 75th Inf Div Company A was attached to 289th Infantry Regiment Company B to the 290th Infantry RegiJDent and Company C to the 291st Infantry Regiment the 289th and 290th Infantry Regiments being attached to CCB of the 3rd Armored Di vishysion 1st Platoon Company A was attached to the 509th Paratroop Battalion to 8Upport mop up action around Sadzot (P475895) on 28 Decanber )944
e During period 1 December 1944 to 2 December 1944 a total of 1259 rounds of 3 HE ammunition were expended on harassing fire in support of the 2nd Infantry DivisionArtillery totaling 34 harassing missions and 2 counterbattery missions l~o missions observed so damage inflicted on enemy was not known During 3rd and 4th December 1944 unit was not in contact with enemy During period 5 December 1944 to 24 December 1944 the following damage and casualties were inflicted on the enemy On 11 December 1944 Company C destroyed one (1) Machine Gun nest and one (1) mortar one (1) OP and two (2) strongpoints wounding 12 Germans and killing unlmown number on 12 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B assisted in stopping strong enemy counterattack on strauss knocking out two (2) 11k VI Tiger Tanks and killing and unding an unknown number of enemy The 3rd Ren Platoon fired into a house wounding and ldlling an unknown number of Germans and taking 12 prishysoners The 2nd platoon Company A on 14 December 1944 fired on pillboxes and hedgerows killing three (3) and taking prisoner 40 Gemane Company J and C fired on MG nests and strongpoints destroying two (2) lGs and neushytralized 20 strongpoints One PW taken in this action on 15 December 1944 During 16th December 1944 Company A destroyed one (1) OP in steeple and one (1) Ma killed fifteen (lS) enemy and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners Companies A and C on 17 December 1944 destroyed six (6) kG nests and ten (10) suspected OPs and captured twenty-eight (28) prisoners and one (1) 88tUll AT Gun On 18 ~ecember 1944 Companies A and C destroyed two (2) Opts one (1) motorcy1ampl and two (2) buildings burned a haystack ith snipers in it captured fourteen (ll~) prisoners and Idlled or tQunded an estimated two hundred (200) Germans Two hundred and ninety (290) ronnds of 3 HE reuuced charge were fired by 3rd Platoon of Company B on harassing fire r~ssions for the 322nd FA Bn During period 25 December 1944 to 31 Decellber 1944 the following actions occurred On 27 December 1944 1st Platoon of Cof1pany A destroyed one (1) Mk V Tank and one (1) half-track Iith enemy personnel In addition eleven (11) enemy infantry were killed On 28 December 1944 3rd platoon Company B destroyed one (1) eneoy scout car and personnel Company A CP group and 1st platoon engaged in fire fight dth enemy who had moved throueh a gap of 1000 yards in the infantry lines from 0230 to 1100 killing a kno~n twenty-five (25) enemy destro~ed two (2) MGs and preventshying a further penetration until 509th Paratroop Battalion were sent in as foot troops Six (6) Uk VI King Tiger tanks and one (1) SF gun and Jrany
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C bull RES I ulTfn After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Bat(alion December 1944
2 OWN SITUATION (Cont d)
small anna were abandoned in Grandmenil by enemy and were destroyed by 2nd and 3rd platoons Company A On8 December 1944 one (1) prisoner was taken by 3rd platoon Company B
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B
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RESIRICTED After Action ae~rt 629th Tank Dest~yer Battalion December 1944
3 SUPPLY
All supplies with the exception of Ordnance items were drawn through the 83rd Infantry Division through the 24th of December at which time this unit was attached to the 75th Infantry Division and drew supplies through that organization Ordnance items were drawn through the VII Corps and the 599th Ordnance Company~
This organization was given a 100 Ordnance overhaul with the exception of Company B which was committed and therefore DDabl to take advantage of this service
Two (2) Cars Armored Utility M20 and three (3) Trailers Ammunition MIO were drawn on army allocation due to change in TIE
Seven (7) Carriage Motor 3- gun WO were drawn on Corps allocation to replac~ combat losses
The gas oil and ammunition supply was replenished daily as the situation required
Roads were generaily good
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Deoember 194-i
4 ADdINISTRATION I
During the period covere by this report administration was processed through the following higher heaciquarters to which ~his battalion has been a ttacheti
24 Infantry- Division 1 to 2 Deoember 1944 83 Infantry Division - 3 to 22 December 1944 75th Infantry Division - 23 to 31 December 19-i4
Authorized strength ani status at beginning and eni of perioci are as follows I
Strength Strength Authorized as ot as of
Strength 1 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944
Offioers 39 36 34 warrant Officers 2 1 1 Enlisted Men 607 607 584
Total amp48 644 619
(GaiDS ~n losses of per olDIe 1 during peri are notei i casamp1ty ReplaceJll3J1t ana PrisODer AlllI8x)
Requbiti0J18 utea 12 Deceab~r 1944 froa sew (7) elit_ 13 Deceaber 1944 f fir 0 (1) otfior (2 Lt Iester R Saitll( elyraquo 17 DeoeaOer 1944 tOr tweuty-o (21) list 20 Deoeaber 19 two (1) efficer all 21 Deoeaber 194 for tcur () enlist_ middot_re subllilte to 1st U S ArIq Th fo11ew1wg replaoeaente _18 reoeiYe4 thrughThiri Replaoeent Depot
Offioers 1 (Requ1sitiOD No 21 20 I)eceJllber 19 Ell1iste Men - 10 oasuals tormer _mbers et thiB battalion
om (1) of 1Ihoa was appl1e agai8st Battalion Requisition No 18 12 Dec~aber 19~ 9 reshyturns VOCG GFRS
Enliste Men - 6 _w replaoe_nta applied against BattalioR Requisition No 18 12 DeoeJlber 1944
The following Battalion Requisitions haw neat yet bee1l fillebullbull
No 19 (13 Dec 19-i4) for 0 (1) offioer No 20 (17 Dec 1944) tor twenty~one (21) enlistebullbull_ No 22 (21 Dec 1944) ~or tour (4) enliste ~e_
If) - 8 shy
WI 2S2 IfS1RlClED
- REST ~~iCrED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion lJeeember 1944
4 ADkINISTRATION (cont d)
Three re~endations for battlefield appointment of enlisted men to 2d Lieutenant submitted during the previous period were returned vdthout action from 2d Infantry Division upon relief from attachment to that organizatio~ and subsequently resubmitted through 83d Infantry Division
~aster Sergeant Carl J DePanicis 33041502 Staff Sergeant Chester T Yachna 33023476 Staff Sergeant John J Barsie 20321554
Commanding Officers during period covered by report
Bn Cmdr - Lt Col Glenn Cole 00 Ho Co - Capt Francis n Dobbins 00 Ren Co - Capt Harry L Harris 00 Co A - Capt Charles L Grjnshaw 00 Co B - Capt Edvdn H Stewart 00 Co C - Capt Edward A Ryan (1 Dec 1944 - 311200 ilec 1944) CO Co C - 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta (311200 iec 191-4 - Jl24u( Dec 1CjLJ)
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II
iL~ bullbulli~ rED After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion December 1944
4 ADkINISTRAlION (cont I d)
Qasualty Replacement and Frisoner A1I1ex 1-31 December 1944
Day of Lonth -IIA KIA UA H-B Captured Replacements
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 346 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 10
U Wl Off
U
1DJ 0 0
0 0
0 0
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11 1 Off 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 13 5amp1 7amp+ 0 0 0 0 14 1 Al 0 0 4ni 0 0 15 3EM 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 EM 0 0 0 0 0 17 ml Off 0 0 0 0 0 18 3li14 0 0 0 0 6Di 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 lJf 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 Off
24 25
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26 3EM 2Ek 0 1 ~ 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 lE) 0 0 0 0 29 30
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J February 1945
- InYl 04 shyID llc Auju tnt General Iar Departuont ~Jashington 25 ) c (l1ru GIWlli1C1s)
1 iroll[gtJit tell llClei th i [3 After Action Rcort for this bull
Lt Co]bull Inf (TU) GOLul3nclin
IncL 1 _ Atcr AcLol ~~eort cor ollth of J nury 19L5 1 - 3middottLlOll T0ltrn~1 for olltll ot JnulJ 1945 1 - JOll112~ FLc 101 LonLl 01 J~llln 1)) -0shy
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945
a Units in Contact On January 1st the front lines were approximately 5688 to 6093
Eleuents of four divisions lrere present along the front from north to south 9th 5S Panzer Division 560th Volksgrenadier Division 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of the 12th Volksgrenadier Division On January 4th two new units the 27th and 48th Volksgrenaltiier RegiIaents of the lzth Volksgrenadier Division
made their appearance on the front On January 5th 6th and 7th no contact VlaS I1ade lmiddotdth the eneny Units in contact on January 8th were the 19th and 20th Panzer Grenadier Reeiments of the 9th Panzer Division the 9th SS Panzer Recon Battalion and the 89th Volksgrenadier Regiment of 12th Volksgrenadier Division New identifications revealed the presence of the 751st RegiJnent of the 326th Volksgrenadier Division Front lines on the lOth of January shySouth of ReDle and Bihain (640843) (657838) (664850) (690848) On January 11th a new unit the 1st Battalion of the 27th VoJkagrenadier Regiment was identi shyfied and on January 12th the 53i-d Nebelwerfer Regiment of the 4th Nebeblerfer Bricacle V1DS identified in our sector On January 15th the 409th Volksgrenadier Artillery Dattclion was identified Front lines were East of Honyelez and West of Boviny (7082) hest of Courtil (7081) On January 20th there was no change of units in contact and the front lines were East of Cierriux East of Bovigny and East of COUltil FroIn January 21st to February 1st there was no contact iith the enemy
b Reserves Durine the first part of the period the lOth SS Panzer Division
11th 5S l-anzer Division nnd 15th Panzer Grenadier Division were available for el[lloyrlent on our sector of the front On January loth uncommitted elements of tne 9th SS Panzer Division were used by the enemy to reinforce his lines in the Petite Lallelir (6583) area No contact since January 7th was made Ydth the 1st and 12th SS Panzer Divisions They remained unlocated in the buldge and could be employed as reserves On January 12th the 1st SS Panzer Division 14enshytified in front of our area in readiness for committment Elements ot tae 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division were identified on our left flank on JanUamp17 16th and the rernainine eleJlents of tids Wlit oould be used for immediate reaerv in our areabull On January 18th the presence of the llth Panzer Division on the 3ZCl1rrIrT tront was definitely confirmed eliminating the poasib lity of thia DtT1a1on being employed as reserve in our sector
c Eneray Actiyity From the 1st to the 5th of January opposition to our advaD oonshy
sisted mainlyof small arms mortar and artillery fire On Januampry 8th eDllQ erlpldlyed tanks and SP gwl8 and defended from buildings which he used 1Onamp points Artillery fire WltlS placed on villages and road J_cUons Wb1ob FtIooP8 were cara~ed to use In the Bihain and tite lanamplir eeotor the Cl- JtHor1ecl to offensive tactic8 oounterattacldng trequentJ7 witb taDke ancl 1nt~
The eneDtY maintained strong relistano OIl J~ Uth 111 ut Langlir and Bihain area using tanks artllleq and and At guDII to our advance --nts re sub3cted to h-17 ~ abal 31DS_
Atter ActiQn Report 629tn- Tank Destroyer Battalion for nibuth of January 1945 (Conti d)
c IpIy Actiyity (contd) continued use of mines alOll( our roads of advance and on road blocks On January 15th the en~ kept up his defensive action by counterattacking with tank and infantry tealrs On January 16th our Tank Destroyers EIloountered anti-tank and mortar fire in Honyelez and could not travel on the road leading into this town except at niCht as Ol~ ciirect fire weapons had it covered Enemy also placed heavy mortar aIyeni artillery interoiction fire on tbis road Eleven of our tank destroyers were dama~ed by ea~ action during this period
4 Strength and lbOrale bull Throughout the operation elemsnts of the Divisions opposing us were
equal to approtinately one to two legiments or Volksgrenadier troops and Engineer and Panzer Grenadillr forces Fron the 8th or January WltU the close of tllt opershyation the ~llecIY had one to two cocpanies of tanks spread along the front
EnSlY morale _ god at the beginning of the period but declined towards the close of the period
e ~~~bilities a To def~ rdgh ground using dug-in positions and houses as strong point thereby delaying our advance
(b) To oounterattack with ap-)roximately 1 oompany of iniantry and a platoon or tanks Howevdr due to the wall placed artillery fire of the 83rd Division Artillery the ooWlter attacks re almost always broke~ up before even getting Wleier way On January 11th the enemy assembled in woods southeast of B1ha1n and launched an attack at 08)0 against 9ur lines in Bihain Slight pene trationa were JDade but the attack was corta1ned b7 093OA
(c) 10 attack with acme of hi reaervedivisiona through our sector t~ ga1i1 poaion 01 the lJanhay - GrandmenU road net The terrain was quite tavorable to an operation or th1 type but the lack of supplies JDBinl) gaaoline lOl hi UIIIOl amp1yen1 vehicle plus the constant threat of our units breaking thro~h n-r the peampim1na at the bulge preyented the eney trom ~aking the initiatLve in th1 cl1Hotion
(lt1) stabllsb road block lq mines and employ artUlel7 and m~ tU tire t h1Dcler 011 forward JlDYact Veltq little eD4IIV patrol actiYl ty s preYalent caampr~ the ~lod
ltagt and (el) lIVe ~ capaNUtiea that the enI eIIIployed to ertT ext_t i
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~~~
iraImarT 1945 ( COD d)
bull
(P~)-GrandlaenU bull Period 8 J8ll1arY 1945 to
gtl~~l run thence ~ lb4aoutheast ptOgress1ve)y to a line Bo~ez 5~60)-Bo~ (P705840)shy~ (P699830) and point 3 kUOmatera aouthwest of Courti1 BeJgium Period
ZlJaR11ampZ7 ~94 to 31 January 1945 ~battalion was not in contact with enemy Qgt feriodl January 1945 to 1Janvsrr 1945 an CP--P396003 Co A shy
Co Qp4519l0f ll 4499102amp 39SS70)3amp~2Q9001attachelt1 Recon Plat 451910 Co B--Co CP396922 lBW8822S406883 attacheltlRecon Plat396922 Co 0-shy
CoOP 538949 10 533915 2C 5489l4i3C53~9l2i attached Xecon Plat38949 lacon Plat 538949 Recon c~l99006~ Period 7 Jaswary 1945 to 22 J anUampl7 1945 BnOP-P613920Co A--co CP618890l ~ 615889 a 623895 3A 631En7 attacaeci
aeOOD Plat 618890 CO B-CP 550911 18545917 ~ 605903 3B 546916 attached-001 Plat 5509U CO c-Qraquo 603903 10 6l4S9l 2C 595905 3C6Q3903 attached Becon Plat 603903 Then south and southeast a8 attack progressed pericxi 23 Jaiwag 1945to30 January 1945 entire battalion in assembly position vicinity
Deuc Bys Belgi1lll (p488958) 31 January 1945 unit moved to assembly positlDn Vicinity L1gneuwille BelgiUll Bn CP at P199945 i Co A- 806984 Co B- 805993 Co C 779006 Recon Co 807985 Hq 00 777007
c Not applicable d During period 1 January 1945 to 7 January 1945 battalion was reshy
lieved of attachinent to the 75thInf Div and ron lB Corps and attached to the m Corps and subsequently to the 83rd In Div Unit moved to reglmental assemshybly areas for subsequent attack to south Co A as attached to 329th In Regt Co C to the 331st Int Regt and 00 B temporarily in division reserve Period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945- In the ear4r part ot the period severe fightshying occurred Vicinity Bihain (635850) Petite Langllr (650850) and WOods begt east of last point Enemy amplJlyen)r and infantry attacked our lines At Bihain Co C aided materially in stopping the attack in this vicinity by destroying e~ tanks and dispersing balance At Petite Langlir Co A put direct fire on a building behind which an enemy tank was in position holding up our advance Tank withdrew but no visible damage intlicted During this time losses by enemy action and mechanical failure resulted in platoons of 00 B being attached to 329th In Regt and 331st In Regt 1st Platoon of Co B supporting the 331st In attack south through Langl1r fired on suspected tank and infantry -concentrashytion along edge ot woods resulting in great loss to enemy Attacking to the southeast through the woods little resistance Was met Wltil reaming theix)1ms ot Honyelez (705S60)Bovigny (705840) Courtil (699830) The enemy holding high ground ~ the front and nank placed direct tire on these positions reshysulting in sane loss to us Advance continued on to Rogery (735855) and Bebo (754825) when units on flank caught up to our advance 00 C located south ot CourtU shot up enemy infantry strongpoints and broke up several tank-infantq counterattacks On 22-23 January 1945 unit was relieved by- elements of 638th 10 Bn as infantry elements were being relieved by 84th In Div During the period 23 January 1945 to 30 January 1945 all units ere engaged primar~ h maintenance ot equipment ~ training of drivers and gunners for IDs On
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~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 1945 (contd)
-
2 Olm Situation
ci (contlCi) 30 Janu1ry 1945 mit Iloved to us~eIibly position vicinity of Ligneuville and became a port of ti1e lVIII Corps [illd lias alerted for lilovement to 82d Airborne Division area to becolle opera tional rlth thel~l
e Combat efficiency is considered very satisfactory due to loss of
persltgtrmel and run down condition of combat vehicles
f During period 1 January 1945 middotto 7 January 1945 units were relieved ~nd Hade several nifht ll~rches until closed in regimental and battalion assembly arebS l)urin~3 period 8 January 1945 to 22 January 1945 the following eaemy matshyeriel 1ere destroyed or captured Six (6) Mark V tanks four (4) Mark IV tanks tYrO (2) hlf-tracl~s three (3) general purpose vehicles one (1) 2Ornm flak gun tlNO (2) 881m antitank guns si- (6) strongpoints six (6) houses used as defendeci positions five (5) machine Gun nests and took five (5) prisoners of war aLso ldlleu an undeterrained number of enemy During period 23 January 1945 to 30 Jnluary 1945 unit trained suificient drivers and gunners to complete the crews for all thirty-six (36) TDt s Hovever ordnance could not repair or replace all vehicles prior to recorlIdtt~ent All vehicles in unit were completely checked by bull rwchnnics for 2nd and 31d ech8lon maintenance Those found deficient were rampshypaired or sent to ordn2nce Period 30 January 1945 to 31 January 1945 unit preshypareci to reenter cOl~bat
- ~ ~- ~
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of January 19~ 5 (contI d)
3 Aduinistration
During period covered by report a~tinistration was processed ~rough the follorin hiler headqULrters to lhlch this batto1ion has been attached
15th Infntz- Division 1 to 2 Jlmuary 1945 83ru Infntry Jivision 2 to Jl January 1945
Autl bullbull trcl middotth )t~middotcnth I~et let
~31 reWmiddot1I of 5 of Increaso l)cclease jC
20 Jn Sd- h l I u Iv 1 -l ( ~ 0 iO ~ C IJ li
liQ l Co 11 11Q 12 1 JJJ J 1 109 - - - - 2 i i Recon Co 7 - llQ 5 - 11 b - Iva 1 - - - - 3
Co A 0 124 4 lll 4 - ll2 5 1)4 Co G- O - 4 - bYlt - 115 1 9
Co g 11 U 12) - li8 1 5-e- - shybull1)led Jct 1 - 15 i 1 - 12 - - -
Bll ViAi 39 2 iNl 1 ~J) 39 1 an 2 6) - shyror bImiddotcaiawli 01 (111 jJ1~ lousoa ot poraonnel se Clpulsx lignlaelOt arnl l~riQiir Ntlh9S) ( ttCl~o()
lmiddotmiddotrlOacl rc lti~ tiolll ~~t 1 Jnnuary 194~ for ono (1) olflcer (2G Lt l~lt(Jr bull ~ th - v - middotv~~crlj nJu4Jc( tbullilS unit WOUl)ltcN onCl oYauat~) 1~ ~ --lt1( ij calImiddot~ 00 uOO 17 ianuary lJJ1 for tirtoon (lS) enl1ated Ir~ 4 ttJ(O (uct Ijt ~ An bull
_~(ril~ r~oc~bullm~ rcmiddotcL~VJd thlVuh )ci Hoplncoooont Uepot
1 (farilaCC 41A1n3t (ur 110 nl113lt1 apinat) wut rouiait1ona)
icdlowi r~ wH roo middotici tiona hllve rampgtt been tUlecb toi t 01 hv 2 13 JIUIUlJ7 194~ tor 2d Lt Ie I llllitib (onlj) UJt ~Olt lio J 11 J~JUA17 1945 tor 15 enlJatecl_
iolJcnring nwultl endotelt ltOIl reco1vbCl battlel1el4 appointment 2cl Lta J)lt Carl J lJoPan1c1 jIl ))041S02 sSgt Cheater T Yacbna ASIi ))023476sset John J Bara1e _ 20321554
sst Tbow R J)onovUl rOQlllllltadecl tor bat-ute1u appointt 2cl Lt llt J Lt Anthony G eovatta reOClfllDOlldecl tor bat-tletielcl proIIDtSQD to Captaa
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for ronth of January 1945 (cont d)
3 bull Adr~nistration (cont ci)
AwnrdI and De9QtatiQns rngde through period
l~ Asecti AiiNW G~GRAL ORDER~ 1st Lt Anthony G Belak 0-1175u39 Bronze Star Sec 1 00 3 83d In Div
ciated 13 January 1945 l~t Lt Iiorgtcc I Lltb O-lt2430 Bronze st~ iSet Chester X Yachna 33023476 Bronc star If
Cl J3l1(~S h Koill~ 35582249 Silver Star Sec 1 GO 5 83d In Div dated 18 January 1945
1 J~es ) l~evitt Jr 357~640 Silver Star 14 Glor~e ~u~inson JZ306262 Bronze Star Soc Ill GO 5 83d lnf Div
dnted lb January 1945 CJ John k Aprilal1te 32033063 Silver star Sec 1 CD 9 83d Inf Div
(Po sthU~usly) dated ~ January 1945 Joe~h A Blatnik 33036419 S7-t bull
T 5 Jues H leitzlcr 3117505 CIl iolcr U Rensor 345005118 Srt 6card f waa 33415769 bull bull bullbull Pte Lnul C Barber 11085093 bull Pte Georte C laringcr 35683706 bull bull 15 Victor lahoney 33036gt)2 Silver star Sec II 00 9 S3d Inf Div
dated 23 January 1945 r4 Boor E Johna 33036258 ptc Vincent DeFnlco Sr 3ll4b360 bull bullbull Pvt Walter F _ 33008995 bullPte nt~ K lcCreory 37422184 bull Sf Lawrence Loott1er J3036u08 Bronze Star Sec III CD 9 S3d Inpound Div
dated lt3 January 1945 Sgt I~ea w R1charcl80n Ir 3ltl54Z16 bull bull bull Sltt Jamea P Jordan 12YJ6247 Bronze Star Sec Ill (I) ~6 83d Inf Div
datec1 30 January 1945 Sact Jetbro H PUaDd 3304l696 SIt AltHc1 J L1p1n 33aol39 Bronze star Sec II (J) 16 83d Int DiY
dated 30 Januampr7 1945 Lt 0Dl O1-ODle 0-19917 Oak Leat General Order 83d lIlt Div
Clueterto datec1 30 January 1945 Bronae star
1m QIdr Lt Col Glenn Oole W (X) Hq 00 capt Francia H DobbiM fA (X) Ren Co Capt HaJT1 L Harril rA (X) 00 A Capt Charlel K Grilubaw Int (X) Co B Capt IclwJIl H ~ fA CI) Co C lAt Ltbullbull~ G at- AUI (X) Ked ht Otptdraquo~4~~ bullbull0
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After Action Reort 629th rank Destroyer Battelion for Ilonth of J nnuary 19h5 (co~tl d) ~
J AWrini sJratioru (conti d)
CASUALlY l~LA~A~l AbU i hI)(l~H OF middot~Ali Ahlf~
DAY bullbullIA KIA LIA hB P bull bullJ iWLAQ~W lS J 0 0 0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 Q 0 1 0 0 Ii 0 Q 0 1 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 L 0 Q 0 2 0 10 g 0 0 Q 2 0 0 2 J 0 0 0 0 0 10 J~
li
2 J 0
0 2 0
0 0 0
1 J 1
0 0 0
00
J 0 0
lJ 0 0 0 - 0 0 l11 1 0 0 1 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 0 5 0 1 1pound 0 0 0 0 0 0 l~ l2
Q 1
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
12 1
20 0 0 0 1 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 2~ 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 2Iashy 0 0 0 2 0 8 ~~ l Q 0 1 0 ~ 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 fl 0 0 0 0 0 0 jOoW 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 O ~l
0 0
0 0
0
deg1 1 J
0 0
1 0
iUik J~ 2 0 31_ 0 ~2
Duri1[ the Jonth 0 Janultlry tilis organization drevT all suplies through the 83rc Ini1ntrl -Division iitt the cmiddotception of Orcinogtnce i tel~s All controlled and lajor ites Here UCG1m on VII Corps allocations DS follows Six (6) CarriaGes Lotor J Gun l~O vere Ul~1hl1 on VII Cors Allocations s re~Lcel~cnts lor cOIT_oat losses one (1) Truck iton lJl4 111c11 middotCs drcm on VII Cor)G Alloc~tiGn cs reshyphceent lor oae (1) lruck ~ton LX~ ~lic11 middotas evacuated by 559th Crcncnce Co-ml1Y All otb~r Ordmnce itcns Here llrn-11 irOlt the 59th Orcirl[nce COIpmy One (1) Cr 2lorco Utilit~r 120 W05 ciralTl on First Anr aocation This vehLcle middotrcs alloc~ tuci lue to clOrltes in rlj Blt1sic locis of Clcss I III lt~nd V sup lic3 -ere kept on h~nd at alJ tiIes Road kcre GCllclltl~r iOOLl rltiouLl1 covereQ 1ith sno nne ice
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After ActLon Re)ort 629th Tanl( Destroyer Battalion for lonth of January 19l~5 (conti d)
-- Durine thic period the battalion experienced an exceedingly laree number of flechJnical failures ith the 1-10 Destroyer Throughout the entire period there Herc alClYs frol five to eight destroyers in ordnance for repairs due to l~lech)nic~l iilurcs In apny cases the repairs accorlplished by ordnaIce were unstila ctory cs the destioycrs were unable to male the trip froo ordnance back to tile battalion -ithout breuking dom It is believed that most of the diffishyculty is llue to ~lle act that the clestroyers have seen approdmately seven months of continuous corlbt service Rnu to the fact that Army has ro working schewle vhereb~r Tank Destroyer Battalions are brOllght back and Given a thorough periodic orcL1)nce refit There 810 also intiications that there is a lack of parts wthich h311pers repair b~ ordnmce units
G1ENN cxnE Lt Col In (TD) COErllttnding
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middot shyHEADQUARTERS
629poundH TANK DESlBOYER BATTALION APe 230 US ARMY
3 March 1945
SUBJECT After ACtion Report
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D c (Thru Channels)
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of February 1945
~~a GLENN OOLE Lt Col Inf (TD) Commanding
Incls bull 1 - Resume of Operations for month of tebruary 1945 1 - After Action Heport for lllonth of February 1945 1 - Battalion Journa+ for month of february 1945 -
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
RESU1l OF OPERATIONS
For the period 1 to 19 February 1945 the battalion was attached to the 82d Airborne Division The three destroyer companies were supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Paratroop Regiments and the 325th Glider Regiment furnishing direct fire support and anti-tank protection During this period nineteen 19) stronepoints Vlere neutralized six ~ 6) pillboxes one mortar with crew and one ~l) Pxkw V ~2th crew were destroyedbull
The battalion was in III Corps Reserve from 20 to 24th oebruary 1945 reinshy
forcing the fires of the 400th FA Group Jhis firing included fourteen 14) registrations and sixty-two (62) harrassing and interdiction and three (3) mT missions A total of 3291 rounds of ammunition were eJq)ended
Frorl 25 to 28 February 1945 the battalion was attached to 99th Infantry Division of the VII Corps The unit was not in contact with the enemy during this r-leriod
une enlisted man Ssgt Thomas H Donovan Company A received battlefield ap_lQintment as Second Lieutenant Itour enlisted men and one officer receivedmiddot the Bronze star kedal
The strength of the battalion at the end of the period was two enlisted men one iarrant Officer and one Officer below authorized strength
Atter Action Report 629th middotJank Destroyer Battalion Ior month of February 1945
1 Enemy Period 1 to 5 February 1945
a Units in Contact 9th Panzer Division 3rd 4th 5th and 8th companies of the llth
Panzer Grenadier Regiment Elements of the 33rd Panzer Regiment and 3rd company of the 9th Anti-tank battalion Uso 89th Volksgrenadier Division 1st and 3rd companies of the 991st Volksgrenadier Regiment and 1st and 3rd companies of the 189th Anti-tank battalion The 3rd Parachute Division and the 3rd and 4th comshypanies of the 8th Parachute Regiment The following are non-divisional units 1st and 4th companies of Sich battalion l06th lest Stamm company 88th Stamm company and 1075th Sich company (For disposition of units see overlay)
b Reserves Inmediate reserves which could affect our mission were approximately
one battalion of infantry and 1 COllpany of tanks available for use in our sjctor c EnemY act1yitx
The enemy laid mines in road b~ds and along shoulders of roads used by our troops to reach enemy strongpoints tie used high velocity anti-tank fire from dug-in and well concealed positions Launched small counterattacks in the vicinity of Udenbreth and Neuhof
d EnemY Strength and Morale 3 Volksgrenadier Divisions 2 Panzer type Divisions and one Parachute
Division were not up to Tic and operating at approximately half strength Enemy morale was fair and they had practically no knoldedge of our situation Freshyquently enemy troops were given the mission of occupying a certain strongpoint or sector of high ground only to discover upon arrival that our troops were already in possession of the places which bears out the fact that the enemy had very poor infonnation concerning our front lines
e PlanS oPen to enemYJ To defend and utilize conmanding ground as strong points Continue
fighting a delaying action using pillboxes and dug-in anti-tank guns To counterattack with a torce ot approximately a battalion ot infantry supported by a company ot tanks northwest ~ direction to Neuhof and Udenbreth Terrain was tavorable tor patrols ot sguad or platoon size who could attempt to take PWs and attain our units strength amplld various positions through reconnaissance
li)JE From the 6th to the 28th February 1945 there _s DO contact with the enemy
-l shy
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion tor-~nth ot February 1945
2 OWN SITUATION a During the periocl 1 February 1945 to 5 February 1945 the front lines
extended tramllanderfe1d (LOO8933) to Lanzerath (LOO2964) to Neuhof (F044024) to Udenbreth (F046lt)34) Ge~ During period 6 February 1945 to 25 February 1945 front lines ran along the Roer River from (1112090) to (F096370) During periocl 25 February to 28 February 1945 tront lines were not applicable as unit was not in contact with enemy directly or indirectly
b During period 1 February to 5 February 1945 Battalion CP was located in vicinity Hostald (P981986) During period 6 February 1945 to 7 February 1945 Battalion CP located p609855 vicinity Regne Belgium During period 8 February to 16 February 1945 Battalion CP was located at K$70323 vicinity ot Raeren Belgium During period 17 February to 19 February 1945 Battalion CP located at Vossenack Ge1ll18llY (F034328) During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion CP was at Paustenbach Germany(K970258) During period 25 February to 26 February 1925 Battalion CP located at lhimister Belgium (X678301) During period 27 February to 28 February 1945 Battalion CP at lYeisweller Germany (X994484)
c Unit was attached to the 82d Airborne Division from 1 February to 19 February 1945 supporting the 504th 505th and 50Sth Para Regts and the 325th Glider Regt During period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 Battalion was in III Corps Reserve reinforcing the fires ot the 40Sth FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 unit was attached to VII Corps and to the 99th Inf Div
d During the period 1 Februampr7 1945 to 19 February 1945 the units of this battalion furnished direct fire support and anti-tank protection to the units of the 82d Airborne Division in their operations against the en~ During the period 20 February 1945 to 24 February 1945 the battalion in III Corps reserve turnished reinforcing artillery tire to the 408th FA Gp During the period 25 February to 28 February 1945 battalion was attached to the 99th In Div The 99th Inf Div was in VII Corps reserve and no contact was made with the enemy
e Combat efficiency at the end of period was approaching excellent with the arrival of M36 destroyers and sufficient replacements to bring unit up to normal fighting strength
f During the period 1 February 1945 to 19 February 1945 a total of nineteen l19) strongpoints were neutralized six 6) pillboxes weredestroyea or neutralized one (1) mortar with crew and one ll) Pxkw V with crew were desshytroyed and ten l10) PWs were taken and turned over to the infantry During the period 20 February to 24 February 1945 the battalion reinforced the fires of the 40Sth FA Gp firing a total of fourteen l14) registrations sixty-tM) (62) harnJashysing and interdiction and three l3) TOT missions expending a total of 3291 rounds of ammunition During period 25 rebruary to 28 February 1945 unit prepared for future operations with the 99th In Div training drivers and gunners in available t time Maintenance and care of equipment was also stressed
- 2 shy
Atter Action Report 629th rank Destroyer Ba~taliOD for JIIOIlth of Febraal7 1945
3 AdministraUoa
a During period covered by report adndn1astration was procesased throuah the following higher headquarters to which tb1s battalion was attacheell
82d Airborne Division 1 to 18 February 1945 III Corps - 18 to 22 February 1945 99th Infantry Division - 22 to 28 Februiry 1945
b Authorized
~
strength and status at beginning and end of perioda
Auth Strength Strength Net Net Strength as of as of Increas Decrease
llgb ~~ at feb ~~ o vo ELi OleO EM ovo DI 01) DI 01) ElL
Hg amp lig Q2 1J ~ llO IJ 1 102 1~ tQ2 t -Bloon Qg 1 - JlP 6 - 108 6 -J91 1 Qg nAIf 6 -124 ~ - 112 ~ -Ill 1- ~ Qo ~It 6 -1~ 2 - ll~ 6 -16J 1- 8 Qg ItQD 6 -t~ 1 - ~8 6 -~~ ~ 1 shyled ~et 1 - ~ 1 - 12 1 -- 1~
BN TOTAL 39 26OZ 36 1 577 38 1 605 J- 29 - 1
bull(For breakdown of gains and losses of personnel see Casualty Reinforcement and Prisoner Annex attached)
All requisitions for pre~ous period filled except for 1 Officer requisishytioned by name
Personnel requisitions submitted during period
No4 (4 Feb 1945) - for 1 officer (2nd Lt John C Haldane lIOunded casual returning to duty)
No5 (17 Feb 1945)- for 2 officers (1st Lt WilliamJ Vann and 2nd Lt Lester R Smith wounded casuals returning to duty 13 Enlisted Reinforcements
No 6 (26 Feb 1945)- for 1 elUisted reinforcements requisitioned by name All personnel requisitions for period filled except for two (2) officers
recuisitioned bj ncre and one enlisted ~~ - Follo~ing named enlisted ~ received battlefield appointment as 2nd Lt1
Company A
Batt1efied proLction reooncended during previous period still pendingl
1st Lt Anthony G Covatta to Captain
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of February 1945
3 Administration (Cont1ct)
Awards and Decorations made through period
l1Alib IWJE A2i AI4ARIJ GEllliliAL ORDER
T4 John n luli 33036154 Bronze star Sec IV GO 18 83d In Div dated 1 February 1945
Pfc Joseph J Savoir 12035005 Bronze star II II
llajor James A Deer ~0411791 Bronze star Sec VI GO 13 28th In Div dated 13 February 1945
T4 Charles J L~llch 20322185 Bronze star If bull ItT5 Albert E Yasechko 33415697 Bronze star n II
The statement in the January After Action Report to the effect that Sgt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 reported in J flIluary After Action Report received the Bronze Star per Sec II General Order No 16 Hq 83d In Div dated 30 January 1945 is in error Corrected to read Sgt Alfred J Lipin received the Silver Star per same General Order
Cocmanding Officers during Period Covered by Report
Bn Qndr Lt Col Glenn Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Francis H Dobbins FA 00 Rcn Co Capt Harry L Harris FA 00 Co A Capt Charles M Grimshaw Inf 00 Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C 1st Lt Anthony G Covatta AUS (Xl ed Det Capt Domenico A Savoia MC
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Uter Action aeport 629th Tank Destroyer Bdtalion for month ot February 1945
3 T Ntrationl (Cont d)
CASUALll BlPL4QBIQIT AND PBISONBR OF WAR ANW
DAY m KIA KIA NB PW REPLACDiENTS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 1 Off 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Oll 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Om 0 8 g
i 0 0 0 0 1 Q 0 Q 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
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Clas II III IV supplies were dram flOII IraJ depot dur1Dg the entire period All controlled anc1 major items ot Ordnance equipaent were drawn throup DIll VII Corpa on allocatioue
Six (6) Car aZIIIOred utility K20 and 6 Camprr1ace ~tor ~ K36 are drawn on rirst Artq allocationa
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HEADQUARTERS 629TH TANK DiSTiiOY~ BATTALION
APO 230 us ARkY
3 May 1945
SUBJ~CT After Action Report
TO The Adjutant General W(Thru Channels)
ar Department J Washington 25 J D c
1 Transmitted here~~th is After Action Report for this organization for the month of April 1945
i lt~~
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Inols 1 - Resume of Operations for Month of April 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of April 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for month ot April 1945
_
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After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
RESlUbullE _OF OPERATIONS
The battalionwas attached ~o the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period It WaS assigned to the First US Amy to 17 April 1945 at which time it was asshysigned to the Third US Army for the remainder of the period
In the period 1 to 3 April e1~ents of the battalion supported the respective infantry units of the ciivision in the lOOpping-up operations following the 7th Armored Division in its advance eost of- the Vieid River From 4 to 17 April elements of the battalion supported the respective infantry units in operations against the eneoy in the Ruhr pocket One platoon suppo~tcd elements of the 7th Armored Division in its sector on the right or northeast flank of th~ 99th Infantry Division
On 18 and 19 April the battalion made the 300 mile march vdth the Division from vicinity of Ruhr Pocket in First-Army Sector to the Third Army Sector in Bavaria The destroyers had some mechanical eoggie wheel and track trouble but all vehicles were r~paired and joined their respective companies within two cla7a after the main el~ents completed the move
For the remainder of the period the infantry units were supported in the rapid advance in southeastern direction to ~he Altmuhl Danube and lear Rivers r~spectively
Reconnaissance Company was usually attached to one of the infantry regiments for screening the regimental sector for stragglers and to keep the liberated Allied F~Vs in their respective places
During the period the follovdng enemy materiel was destroyed Three (3) Jadgpanther tanks one (1) Mk VI tank two (2) Jik IV tanks sixteen (16)- GP vehi- cles two (2) FA pieces one (1) 40mm AA glUl eight (8) 200m JA guns t190 (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles two (2) YGs two (2) ammo trailers and forty-four (44) strongpoinu destroyed Forty (40) wagons eighty (80) horses three (3) HIT vehicleft th~ee (3) GP vehicles anct 5300 enenqr troops were capturedmiddot An unknown number of enemy were killed and wounded
A total of 42 rel)lacements were received One rm WaS recommended for battleshyfield promotion to middotSecond Ueutenant Three officers and one lDL received the Bronze Star and one EM received the Silver Star
One 11-32 tank recovery vehicle was received from Firat US Arm1 tea replace a T-2 which YJaS evacuated as unaerviceable _ Three -ton vehicle were leOe1ve4 from Third US Army as replacements
Atter Action Report 629th Tank Deatroyer Battalion tor month ot April194S
1 lNiiIa Periocl 1 to l6 Aprll 1945
a Urdts in Qontagja Artlllery- aDtiaircratt signal and anti-tank unit plu a wide aeshy
sortment of other such units usually COIlpampny ar battaliod strength aiRed on our front Elements of major Wlite contacted were the 176th Infant17 Division l30th Panzer Lehr Division 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division 338th Volk Grenadier Divishysion 22nd Antiaircraft Diviaion116 Panzer Division and 3rd Paratroop Division At no time WI8 the front linea static HoweVer at the close at the period at which time all reaistance in the eastern halt or the Ruhr pocket ceased the farthest line of advance our troops had reached wa81 A--963112 to Gerlingeen(A-9509) to Ackenbrock and (A-9508) to A-930rt73
No contaot was made wit~ enemy ire- 17 April to 23 April amp8 this organization was moving to another sector and after arrival wa~ getting ready for future operations
En~ opposition encountered during period Q4 April to 30 April again consisted largely of miscellaneous replacement Units elements of 17th and 38th II Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 352nd Infantry Division On April 24th the front lines were T7426~ - T723630 - T740590 - T749581 - T7l0575 - T690555 - T665547 and at the close of the period the e~ front lines extended along the southern bank of the lsar River
b Reserv From 1 to 16 April the ene~ had no reserves whatsoever at his disshy
posal and possessed a definite lack of armor He was compelled to employ troops of every branch and category available to him in defense of the Ruhr pocket
From 24 to 30 April the en~ had available reserves in the form of hastily refitted as Panzer Grenadier and Yolks Grenadier troops However the majority of these troops were battle-weary due to constant frontline dut7 for months without rest
c EnSY Actifity For the period 1 to 16 April small arms machine gun and mortar fire
were mainly employed by the enemy to repel our efforts in diminLshing the Ruhr pocket Scarcity of armor and SP glU1S prevented much heavy caliber shelling At frequent intervals artillery fire on a large scale harassed our troops as the encircled enemy attempted to use up his supply of ~munition on hand rather than have it captured Counterattacks to gain lwted objectives were Wldertaken on a stnall scale usually consisting of a company of infantry supported by 4 or 5 tanks All such a~tacks proved unsuccessful and our well placed artillery fire quite often halted these counterattacks before they got underway Enemy air activity was negligible and patrolling ani mine laying were of a sporadic Dature and ineffective
F~ 24 to 30 April strong resistance was encountered from dug-in ini antry Who insisted on bitterly defending each town with good support from tanks spotted in well qefiladed positions An increase in artillery fire was noticeable in support of Battalionsize counterattacks and small groups of infantry holding out in well prepared positions Batteries of roving guns eng~ged in placeing Jire on our supply and cOllJnunication terminals and on important road jWlctione also in harassing our troops at night and earlyoniing Due to our tncessant pressure and emplmyment of armor and mechanized infantry the enemy was unaole to establish or maintain a specific line of defense and at the close of the per10d our troops continued to advance
- 1 shy
-----_ -
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
1 bY (continued)
d Rnemy atreifh pi meril Frommiddotmiddotl to rApril the e~ encircled in 11 pocket ~d Only those
troops who exiated in the pocket_at his disposal Of these troops none were up to full strength nor were they adequately equipp~d with yossible the exception of l3Oth Panzer Lehr Division The morale of the enemy troops was fair
From 24 April to 30 April the allied linkup in Central Gerruany left the majority of remaining enemy armor sa troops and good infantry divisions in the southern portion of GermampQy These troops displayed eatreme fanatical reshysistanQein relinguishi11g any territory whatsoever and their morale appeared to be good
e Plans Open to the Enemy Period 1 to 16 April 1945 (1) To break out of the Ruhr pocket and linkup liith his forces to
the east thus permitting a means of supply and reinforc~~ent Ttds he attempted without success
(2) To employ a strict defensive action vdth intentions of delaying our advance in hopes his troops from the east might eventually break tru-ough to him This policy he applied until he realized his efforts were useless Then he surrendered the remainder of the forces in the ~uhr pocket
Period 24 to 30 April 1945 (1) To hold the bulk of his armor in reserve and defend from strongshy
points and towns with infantry and self propelled guns employing Sl~ll affiS and mortar fire on a large scale and artillery on a small sCQ)e This he did to sorne extent
(2) To infiltrate trined agents into our lines for espionage and sabatoge purposes in order to aamper our co~nunication and supply This he pracshyticed on an increasing degree
(3) To fll back and 1onn his lines along a natural riefense barrier This he attempted to do at the D~nube ldver but failed to stem our advance and at the close of the period the enemy Vias attempting to maintain a stable line of deshyfense along the Isar River
- 2 shy
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for D~nth of April 1945
2 OVJN SITUATluN a During period 1 April to 3 April no definite front lines existed
The division to which the unit nas attached Vias mop~ing up behind an azmored division 4 April to 17 April front lines fere on the Southern part of the Ruhr pocket in vicinity of Arzfeld (G495684) northwest along the Lenne River cn the south to its jUlction withmiddot the huhr River 18 April to 19 April the unit was engaged in the road moverr~nt from the Ruhr pocket area of the First A~ sector to the Southern flank of the Third Arnry in Bavaria 20 April 1945 to 23 April 1945 the unit was not in contact with the enemy 24 April to 30 April the front ruoved very rapidly over the Altmuhl Danab and lsar Rivers in a southeasterly direction on a line running from Schwbach (T386867) to Landshut (U255025)
b During period the Battalion CP was located as follos 1 April to 3 April at Grusen (0052677) From 4 April to 6 April at Arfeld (G495684) 7 April to 9 April 1945 at Wingeehausen (G382749) 10 April to 11 April at Hundesossen (G328818) 12 April at Serkenrode (G2349OO) 13 April and 14 April ~t Allendorf (G152985) 15 April to 17 April at Sundwig (B027083) Part of 17th 18th and 19th April enroute to Third Army area 19 April to 22 April at Obr Schleichach (0-051540) 23 April at Schwabach (T386867) 24 April at Hi1poltstein (T5l8711) 25 April at Greding (T643561) 26 April to 28 April at Altmarmstein (T870409) 29 April at PfaffeIyeniorf (U084144) and 30 April at lltdor (U220046)
_c The Battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division with Oompanies A B am C being attached to the 393rd 394th and 395th Infantry Regiments respectshyively Reconnaissance Co operated for the most part under Battalion control In serveral instances it was attached to one of the Infantry Regiments to screen rear areas
d From 1 April to 3 April the companies were engaged in supporting mopshyping-up operations ot the Division in Vicinity of Grusen (G852677) From 4 April to 17 April the unit was engaged in supporting 99th Infantry Division Operations in liquidation of the Ruhr Pocket During the period 17 April to 23 April unit moved from Ruhr pocket area to assanbly area on the Seventh U S Army-Third US Army boUIyeniary in the vicinity of Obr-Schleichach (9-051540) During period 24shyAprU to 30 April 1945 the unit supported Divisions attack to the southe~st from Bwabach (T)86867) to LaDishut (U2S502S)
e Combat efficiency for the month was excellent with the exception of the periocl 17 April to 19 April When many combat vehicles were not operational due to minor mechanical difficulties bad track or suspension trouble caused by forced march of over 300 miles in less than two days
f The period proved very lucrative in enemy pers~IUld captured or killed uad materiel captured or destroyed A 8UD1nampry of the results follows most of which occurred prior to the assigrment of this unit to Third U S Army Since the
I change in bullbullbulliganent to Third Army ampector the resistance haa been practically i negligible ~JDat~r1el de~tro7eda Thre (3) Jadgpanther taRks one (1) 14k Imiddot
I ~ tank t_ (2) 14k IV tanka e1xte (lp) GP Vehicle two (2) FA pieces one
_JlI~- M gun e1allt (8) ~ AA g~ ~~ (2) HIT vehicles t~ee (3) motorcycles lilt t_ (2) traUe~~ alyenl the ~x-dctioll ot forty-tour (44) atro~ints wbiob _re ~efecl~hou In add1t1on fort7 (40) wagons eighty (80)
un~~middot (3) HI ~oLbullbull three (3) Vehicle and 5380 PW wwJ captured _Lft_~Ml auUer ~ _re 1cW1K
~
1
bull I
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of April 1945
3 Administration A~sigIlIi1ents attachments personnel prorrotions Awards andmiddot
aecorations
a List of assigJwents and attachments
99th Infantry Division (III Corps)(lst US Army) 1 April to 17 April 1945 99th InfantrYpivision (III Corps)(3rd US Army) 17 April to )0 April 1945
(Auth Troop Assignment Letter No 101 12th Army Group 19 April 1945 confirmery VOCGof 17 April 1945)
b strength status at beginning and end ofmiddotperiod
Auth strength Strength Net Net Strength as of s of Increasemiddot Decreased
HQ amp Hg Co Reean Co
1 Apr 1945 o yO EM o Q EM IJ 2 liO 13 1 108 70110 6 o 107
30 Apr 1945shyo )O EM
13 bull 109 40 llO
OyQ 0 0 0 0
middotEM 1 3
o )1) l)1
0-0middot 0 2 0 0
Co A 60124 6 0121 5 0 126 0 0 5 1 0 0 Co B~ 60124 6 o J 11 5 0 126 0 o 12 1 0 0 Co c 6 0 124 6 o 122 6 0 123 0 0 1 0 0 0 lied Pet 1 0 15 1 0 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 BN TOTAL 32 607 38 1 586 3lt 1 607 0 022 4 0 1
(See casualty reinforcer~ent and prisoner annex for breakdown) (attached)
No peroonnel requisitions were submitted but nineteen (19) enlisted reinshyiorceLents who nere received by the 99th In Div were tran~ferred to this unit Lith~ut requisition 20 received fran 3d Reinf Depot on previous months requishysitions
~lo ~niilled persorme1 reqcisitiona 0re ouvt~nding
I SSgt AdelIpoundl I Taracko recornmende-d for battlefield appointment to 2d Lt 11
IiAWarusect and I22corgtiousect JUPile during period II
~ ~ MN AWNgt) QENERAk PROM 1
1st Lt Floyd H Dikeman 0-1822864 Bronze star Sec II 00 60 83rd Inf Div I dated 23 Karch 1945
Capt Francis H Dobbins D-ll66046middot Bronze star Sec I GO 23 99th inr Div j I dated 1 April 1945 I
Cpl Clarence E Austin 33008982 Silver star Sec I GO 46 82cl AB Diy dated 3AprU 1945 j ~
SSgt Charles L Lohr 33050650 Bronze star Sec 1 CJQ 51 82cl ~V~~f Iciatecl S Apr1J 194it -lt~
Capt Edwin H steWart o-ll66425 Bronze Star Bec II qil 28~11d~D1v ~tcl1SprUi94S ~
~
-4shy
middot3 - - ----~ 1middot11amp-- ___ lt~middotImiddotIdmiddot middotmiddot__
bull bull - 1
After Action ReJort 629th Tank Destroyer 3attalion lor ionth of April 1945
J Adfiinistrationj (C0nt 1d)
ConuJaooing Officers duriru OJrioci Covered b-y~ renort
Bn Codr Lt Col GleIm Cole Inf 00 Hq Co Capt Fr~ncis n Lloooins FA 00 Ren Co From 1 April to 15 April 1945Capt Earry L Harris fA
From 15 April to 30 April 1945 1st Lt Flopd H DikernanAUS 00 Co A Capt Cnarles L Grimshalf Inf Co Co B Capt Edwin H stewart FA 00 Co C C~pt Anthony G Govatta AUS 00 led Det Capt Domenico A Savoia ~C
CASUALTY
DAY WIA KIA NB Pii 1 o o o o 0 o 2 o o o o 0 o 3 o o o 1 Off 0 o 4 o o a 1 0 20 5 o o o 1 0 o 6 o o o 1 0 o 7 2 o o o S o o o 1 0 o 9 1 o o o 0 o
10 1 Off 3 EM o o 1 0 o 11 o o o 1 0 o 12 o o o o 0 o 13 1 o o 1 0 o 14 o o o o 0 o 15 o o o 1 0 o 16 o o o 1 0 o
o o o o 0 o o o o o 0 o
19 o Q o o 0 o 20 o o o o 0 o 21 o o a 1 Ofr 0 o
o o o o 0 3 23 o Q o o 0 o
o o o o 0 o 25 o o o 1 0 18
1 Q o 1 0 o o Q o 1 0 o
28 o o Q 2 Q 1 Q Q o 2 0 o o Q bull 0gt 1 0 o
- S shy
i
middot
After Action report 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion or month of April 1945
3 AWni pl stration (continued)
i - DurinB the month of April all Class I supplies were drawn from the 99th Infantry Divisionf Classea II amp IV supplies were also drawn through the 99th Infantry Division Until this unit QS transferred from First U S Army to Third
V S Army on April 17 1945 all major and controlled items of ordnance ~
equipment were drawn on either Corps or Amy allocation After that date all major items of orduace equipment Vlere securecl JJ7 requisition through normal ordnance attachment Classes III amp V supplies were crawn from Army dumps
One - vehicle tank recovery M32 was drawn from First u s Army as replacement for a T2 evacuated as unserviceable Three - truck 14 ton 4 x 4 were drawn as replacement for unserviceable vehicles
Basic loads of Classes I III and V supplies were maintained at all times
Roads were generally good although there were not many ~or roads available duri~ the latter part of the month The flow of traffic was slowed down at many points because of the number of one-way bridges in use
- 6 shy
I ~
t
F- - -~------- --- ~---- ---------~----I L~ Ir
~ -
(0
1
bull
3 June 1945
SUBJECT After Action Reportbull
TO The Adjutant General War Department Washington 25 D (Thru Channels)
c
1 Transmitted herewith is After Action Report for this organization for the month of May 1945bull -
J~amp GLENN COLE Lt Col In (TD) Conunanding
Incls 1 - Resume of Operations for konth of May 1945 1 - After Action Report for month of May 1945 1 - Battalion Journal for ~onth of May 1945
CUI8lFJCAlIOJ( CHANGED TO I CANCELLED
~ IDJUT~~ DOWNOMDmci cOaDhl IEZ ~~lkk~ I
I
11llt
After Action Rerort 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion for month of May 1945
~SlJl~ OF OFERATIONS
The battalion was attached to the 99th Infantry Division for the entire period No contact was made with enemy forces However some prisoners lryere captured in the areas occupied and screened by the respective companies
On 3 LciY 1)il~5 the battalion occupied a part of the city of Landshut GrDny to rlaint~dn 12w and oreier Check points nnd ~atrol~ liere established to erforl that nission
Cn 10 Luy 1945 the battalion arrived in the vicinity of Gelunden am lIain Cer 3ny to OCCUr-r a sector of the 393rd Infnntry Reswentt s sector Each C8-~~nv vms assincd lt1 sector of tlC Kreis of Gcnunden for the purpose of Lintainil1t 121 ln~ order Check points 3nd pJtrols were organized for 3ctccr=-~ tllC cis~l~ coo persons and evacuees nnd for Guarding brid[es opd G~l ~rr~unitiol1 On 17 l3y Roconnaissol1ce ColTpany 135 detailed us the -~u1rc co~ ~middota~lJmiddot fOl C proosed 00 ITan POw camp The POWt be8an the construction of tre ca~) larkin under civilin n foremiddot~en
I _~
After Action Report 629th Tank Destroyer Battulion for laonth of i~Jr 1945
1 EI~Y Period 1 to 31 May 1945
a Units in contact During the entire pcrioG thcre vms no conta ct hatsoever beteen
the enemy poundorces and combat units of this battalion
b Reserves The en~ had no norrl reserves at his uisposal
c Enepy Activity Period 1 to S- Lay 1~)45 Groups of fanatic eneLJ forces TiGre holding out in various onu
ddespread localities defendinc bitterly from tOlns Dnd encDcing in guerillL tJtC Tmrfare fror~ densely lOaded areas The oull~ of Lis forces Vjere in rctrcct and there llaS no deterriincd defense offercd b the cnemJ~ 3nrnere elonc the rvnt SF guns cnd artillcrJ- fire l]S Tlr0ctiCJll~r nil but s~ll rrs ~nti 10tCrs c (re elployed on 8 larGe scale
d Enerv strenrth and rOlle Due to an extreraelr flcid front there ~cs no rcns of detcrrir~nz
the cnei~yl s strergth ljl1Y of ~is troops iere i01~or~nt of tr-c si~u-ion (1(
progress of the ar The lzJorit~ of tile troops ~middotner or sur isec1 ~( tu~ticn since they had been in rctrcJt for ~~cks ~n( th0ir nor~c ~~ncd ~roL f-ir to roor SS troops rlaintained t-e hi-hcst ccrce of fIorle nc coniitutcd tl1C stiffest line of resistance encountered by our forces
c Plans Open to the EnenlY
The enemy was in a cOfl-lete state of Cisortler t-ilicl coulCn t 2SS8_~le ~ fiSLting force large eno1l[h to hold for lone in 8n one Lrec UG scctGn ~ is troops on Gn incrc-isn= sc[le tc-~licc tc (clte ~is r rLc ~1( a6 I-middotc~ li-~lc nml~__ ~~~e s to tgtlC loc2 tior of our forces nd ~lso 0 t-8 loc tiol cpound ( ci Lis on units His firwl ~nu totl cefcct ~s incvilt-l -l ~~e ~middot~~s ~middotO-82C3S to i1ev81t it
- 1 shy
-~ --=-shy
2 bull 011 5IlUAIICN a On 1st alia 2d Lr~ 19~5 TJIC il~Ct li11CS middotmiddot-cl~e ~~(~~ 2tLmiddot ~-CJ ~~lG _Cl-~S
of ti1e battalion on tlle Olt B3 1 oi t~lc In~ ~~middot8r (~ 0725) ~v~l- Durin[ ~8rioC 3 ~~~y to 7 l=~~y 1915 b3ttDl~Cjr ~lt s _=-nt~r~l~ Li lt~l(~
order in L- nusllut G0r-L f1~ (~~5615) Cc ( L~ 11 5 uni t ~~ ~(-~t~1 OV to 0 C c--~~ t~l1middotl orCQ in vi cnit- of GcnLen ~~ L~irl L n (~jSI704v) ~rrivir~~ t~-c =( 2 - =- ~ FrOI-~ 10 lay to 31 Lmiddot 1(15 lnits middotLc~e 20 c t c in ~ c~ri t ~f G~ ]K C~ ~ ~ n G~~ -
b en 1st Jnd 2lti y 19~5 jlttalion CF -S loc~~c ~~t GiC_U31
(23~6955) fror 3 1~y to 7 l~~middot 1945 3t Lcn~shut (U2~~5) on ~ L ~ lS = Eich5tCltt (T520J95) on ) L0 1945 t AllSLXiCl (TO~5035) u~~ i~o 10 _~ lS~S 0 31lay 1945 at Gellun~en aliLain (397GhO) Gcr~ny
c Not a~middotp1ic3ble All unit er0 c)f)r2tin~ liLl it elrLs of le SIt~ Infontry Division
d On 1st and 2ci lc~- 1945 units sUlJPorted inIontry in tlcil ott3cl to the southeast fror Landshut GtllLny (l256015) Frol~3 - to L2~ 14-5 Cluts naintained law and order in Lnndshut GCl~ snJ- Frov ) ~ to 10 JltY Slt5 writs moved from Landshut to Gerlunden 10 1_[Y to 31 G- 1945 Zlits occ~~)i--d ~e2 in Vicinity of Genunden am ~ain as occupotional troops est~olis~lir cllCc~oi1ts GUClrd posts ampnd patrols Also screen0u party le~ ders 3 rrcstinc ~~lOS e ~lo ~ere
suspected of security threats
e Conbat efficiency of tile Battalion at close of plrod - Sil~elior
f Operations for the period resulted in St7 P~IS oeinc taken culil1pound period All vehicles were thorol16hly checked by tlaintenonce An ordnance ins~)ecgtshytion of small anns optical equip1ent ond all ordnance cqui~t~ent ccept ve~iicles was completed
(III C-=-~)3
Aut~ S~~cnth ~s Stren~th ~s ]ict i~gtt S-llClth of l 1 - 1L5 of 31 1i 15 I~clciO D-cle~sc
~---------~~)()K-~EL~__--~Q---I~middotpound)~~iI~___---~Qr-JmiddotIN~-lill-___~Q__middotitl()--~Lmiddot ~~ Hq ~ H~ Co lj 2 110 13 1 109 13 1 III 0 0 2 U 0 0 Recon Co 1 0 110 k ( 110 5 0 112 1 0 2 0 0 0 Co A 6 0 124 5 0 126 5 0 127 0 0 1 0 0 0
6 0 12k 5 0 126 5 0 130 0 0 4 0 0 0 Co C ( 0 121k 6 0 123 6 0 124 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 0 IS 1 0 11 1 0 15 0 C 2 GOO
2 607 34 1 607 35 1 619 1 0 12 0 Q 0
(Soe Cc sualty reinforcement end Prisoner Annex for Brecl~Qoim) (attacned)
One persormel rec~uisi tion for one officer ( corT~unications officer) ~nd one iorrrnt officer (L(linte~nce snd Rep~lir Auto Ass t) unit requisition No 1$ c~~t~C 25 LjJ 1945 subrittcd - not filled
The fo11Qiir~ nclLco officers retorraenued for promotion to 1st Lieutennts
2d Lt Cdrl J DePunicis 0-1999868 2c Lt Ci16Gter T Yacnno 0-1999869 2c Lt John J Barsic 0-1999861
Tile fdlloline naIred enlisted man received battlefield appointment as 2d Lt 1 1
Ijstaff Sergeant Atlar~ I poundaracko ASN 20)20797
The follmiing na~led enlisted nen recQrrmended for battlefield nppointments to 2d Lieutenant
staif SerLeDnt Alfred J Lipin ASN 33201739 Co A Staff Sergeant Walter E Masters -ASN 350Z]4Cfl Ren Co
bull
~ - 11qItibull 0-shy
I
~- JIir (6~7th Tnnk Destroyer Battalion for month of MaY 1945After Action Report
3 ADLn~ISTRATION (continued)
AWillS Alill llliOOrlATluNS LAilE DUHING PlJUOD
~ ~
lajor Garland D Kite
1st Lt Thurston COl~ill
Sgt John R Bullock
Cpl TI10zra s E 1~cQuire
Pic 1 itche11 J Tluczek T4 Fie
Robert E Burgess Louis K Kaziol
Fvt Roal G Cox 3rt John E Brocl
C1)1 J 01111 Collucci
rn m 1 )
bull Rocer K Billy H
Zirllmen-=-~an TOi~ns
Pic Joseph Barl~osli st Allen D FielJs
secttl
0-281156
0-516857
35722964
31136150
36562257 35596993 36764076 39169043 35722939
326]2829
36990192 35583623
J21913C~ 33047439
Amiddot~tARD
Bronze star shy
Silver St~r
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze ster Silver star
Bronze Ster
Bronze stor Bronze Star
Bronze stcr 13ronze str
GENUlAL OiIDE~iS
Sec IV GO 33 99th In Div dated 3 May 1945 Sec III 00 89 83d Inf Div dnted 5 May 1945 Sec II 00 46 ~9th In Div Da ted 23 lay 1945 Sec IV 00 46 99th Inf Div dated 23 llay 1945
II II II
n n If II
II II II II
n II n II
Sec I GO 47 99th Ini Div dated 25 May 1945 Sec IV 00 l1-7 99th Inf Div dated 25 Lay 1945
n tI u Sec I GO 4fj 99th Inf Div ddted 26 rcy 1945
II n It Sec III 00 32 82d Airborne Div dDted 2J 12Y 1945
CCllJUmiddotDING OrFIC~~ JJlihll~G h~~~lOlJ COV~LD BY r~t-C~T
Bn Crldr CC Hq Co CO Hcn Co CO Co A CO Co B CC Co C CC Jcr Dot
Lt Col Glcm Cole Inf C3~)t Frrrcis H Dobbins FA 1st Lt Flomiddotd II DDo3n AUS C~pt Chnrles L Grirsh3Y Iu c~pt Echln H Stel-Drt FA c~pt Anthony G CovttD AUS Cat Dp_CliCO A s~ oio L C
- 4 shy
t~~
middotf ) m~- After Actiun RC~-olt 629th Tnnl~ Dcstro~cr TIttalion for Lonth oi 115
J AD1JIISTrlATluN ( continued)
CASLALlY I~LAC~~hT ALD FiUtiUlru1 OF IIAt Ad~M
DAY aA KIA LIA HE f rlCJ-UCE ~ITS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C C 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 C Iv
~ 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Q 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 (
t 0 0 0 0 0 Q
lQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
)u 12 0 0 0 C 0 0 ~ r) 0 a 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0l~ 0 0 0 0 0 0J~
JQ Q 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0~2
18 0 0 0 0 ll 0 0 0 1 0 0
~a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0=1 Q
0 0 0 0 0 02~ )1 Q 0 0 0 0 0 ~~
2L Q 0 0 0 V r 0
0 0 0 0 0 0Z~ ~6 0 0 0 0 0 0
)0 0 0 0 0Z1 ~3 0 0 0 2 0 0 ~2 0 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 0 ~ 0 J 31 0 0 0 0 0 0
During the J~onth of L~~r all C135s I su~-lics iere crnYn fron t~e ~Sth Inf Div
Classes II and IV sU)~lies vere ciral11 fro1 t~( SJ9th 1r1 Jiv ~it t~c emiddot~cction of ordnance equi~L~ent ihich li~S draln frol~ the 3h63t Uniwnce co gtCnmiddot C1Gsses III cnd V supTJlies Here dravn fror~ Art (~UJjllS
Blsjc loa~s of Classes I III 3nG V sU2Llie3 re 3rt-inc ct Dll t~es FrDcticDllJ~ all ro8us usee Yiere l ajor 1olt(s [Inti these in roou cocQition Duril1( the lonth 6 ~-ton trucls -ere GrClmiddotn as initil issue rnd 1 carrice
Lotor TU 05 draffi as a couEland velicle lelacirlb car Ar~orcd iilit L20
1+ ~-
H~wQUART~HS 629TH IAiJ~ ~~SXil~)Xcl1 j~11flALI0I~ -----middot~AFb 403 U bull s AtfLY
1 July 1945
H6SlLE OF OP~liATIOUS FOB LOhTH OF JUI~ 1945-The battalion rouained attCJchcd to the 99th Infar~try Division for
this pcniod IIovevcr on the 29th of June 1945 the battalion Yas reshylievld of attclcldent to XlI Corps and attached to XV Corps rerlampining in the Third ArI~
Conpnies of tho batt21ion occupied tmns in the Kreis of Gc~uncen ~nd 1~[Iint~-]incd uclrci ~)osts 011 certain rnilrold ampnd hith-iay briu[es and c1eck1)oints on the wain rO~ic3s at the edce of the Kreis Civiliwns end ciiscfllt red soldiers -ero checked at the check points for passes etc
Reconnaissance COl~lx]ny perioncci ~~uarci for the GerJ~n PO_- Car1p at GCiluncien 3ncimiddot jor P ltietails vorkinc on c1c~n up jobs in tOVITIS of errueld ~fnd Geuunden ond on railrod in Gct11lnden PO W1del civilian sUJervision accoLlished Lost of the ork on the construction of the -shyKmiddotJ Camp rhich has 2 CB-C city of 600 pirsonnel Food is supJlied the PUI Cuup by the Kreis of GOIlunden
ampch cOlllpan~y conciuctJd trLininl throughout the Jeriod SUiiicient tile i~~ s allo-lted for recreational a ctivi1i05
Tilird I~12tooll l~cconnaiss1nce COJcn~r 1[lS Cttac11ed to tle J95th Infantr~y Hl~inent for 7 eriod 1 June to 8 June 1945 bull-i th 18 Gsion of EurciinZ tl-c Russiln F~ ~nd u~splB ceci )(~rsonllel C~i~p ~t iilcUlccen G0ru- n~y bull
1 FJr~~ 20
__ _____ _______bull
r(- ~-- --- - - -----~--~ ~
LT 0WHf L Battalion lJ01jiU~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or~Qnlzat10n--------------------------
L r oms (Dutc rnd hl ur) 0001 1 June 1945 T) s (Dote find h)ur) 2400 1 June 1945 ~lcc( Gemunden Germany
A
___________ _ ___ _h __ ___---________bullbull ___bull __ _~_bullbull ______
) - C ~ -- Jnc1ccntr ntJf~~gtGCS nrdors ntc uctiCn taken
CoJapanies A B cUll C naintained checkpoints and road patrols Co A ~ick~d up 34 dislrcad personnel ~nd 7 PWs Co B picked up 19 F~~s Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding 400 PWs and constructirJpound P~ enclosure at Gernmden 3rd Recon platoon atta ched to 395th Inpound Regt Guarding Hussian Pkis and displaced pursolmel camp at flildflec~en Gcnnany
bullAll companies were cleaning their respective areas and pershyiorraing motor nnintennce
The i01101ii1lK officers promuted to grade of 1st Lt per par 8 ~ 149 Headquarters 31Q U S Army dated 31 1ay 1945
2nd Lt Carl J lJefanicis 0-1999868 FA (lD) 2nd Lt Chester T Yachna 0-1999869 FA (Til)
cJthel Clear dna Sunny
c
bull F rl =~O
11 ~
rn~j (--1tshy rd Jrs I rtc uct i n t~th r
_____ T ______~~ 0________ bull __ bull _____ ~ bullbull shy ____ ~ __ ~ __ ~ _____ _
Or ~middotn ia t i1r_sect~9_-11-Jsectl_ p_eEr9J_cJ_13~tjialion ~~ll (L~-t nd l~~) 0001 2 June 1945 ~ (Ucte rmiddot~r~ 1)1 ) 2400 2 June 1945 ~ls((~ GeInunuen Gen-any
-------------------___ - _ bull _-___ --__---__--__-shy~------
COLpanies A B 3lU C middotele nlannill checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 2 fG 3 displaced persorme1 and 11 Gel an Civilians Co B picked up 1 SS solJier Co C picked up 1 P~i llecon Co ~s guarding 400 pws am conshystructing r (~~locure at Gei~unden G0rlimiddotany 3rd Itccon platoon attacilcd to 395th In ReLt guarding liussian p~v c nu uisplaced personnel cali1p at i~ild1lecken Gurlany All cOTpaucs rerc clcnning their respective areas and perfonnine rl1otor Laintenance
1st Lt Garl J bull L)cPnnicis 0-1999868 relieved of duty itll Co C clnd lac8d on temporary duty rdth Hq Co llith duties as Battalion I amp E Officer cipecial Service Officer Athletic 01ficcr and Recreation Oificer
middotcather Clear and Swmy
FJr-t 20
JOTEIL Battalion JO~Jj~i~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Or middotan lZ ll t 10n - -- - - - - - - - - -- -- --- - - - ---shy
~ 2rom (Date and hJur) 0001 3 June 1945 TH (Dote And h~ur) 2400 3 June 1945 lacc Gepoundlunden Germany bull
bull ~
Jnoirlcnts~ mo~sc~es ~rdars etc aotion taken
in (lIlt ---- --_--- - ----------- _- -------- ------ -- _- ---- --_-----shy
Corlpanies A B and C were manning checkpoints and road ptrols Co A picked up J PWs and 13 ciisplaced personnel Co B picked up 9 Pils Recon Co las guarding 400 PWs and constructing Pi enclosure at Gemunden Gerc~ 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395th In Regt guarding Russian PWs am displaced personnel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
Pe~sotulcl of all corup~nies attended $holving of tilln rrTwo Down One to GOn Remainder of day was spent on cleaning of areas and perfoming motor nlaintenance
~ieather Clear and Sunny bull
bull
________ ____
bull tI ~
action
Fjrm 20
JOTJRH1L Battalion JOJiWj~L
Or efln izat ion pJll_ TaPllt-D~_sy~_Battalion Froms (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 4 June 1945 TOI (Dote Rnd hour) 2400 4 June 1945 ~11ccc Gemunden Germany
--------------- - __- ~ -- ---------- shy1
Tili) ~ C 0
H ~ 0 _____ lttlmiddot ~ ----i= b ~
H ~l taken ______ - _ ~in_____ nut t~~ -- _ ___ __-__~ ~_ _~_+ _ L bull ___ ______ ~_ _~ - ___
Con1panies A B and C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW and 1 riisplaced person Co B picked up 25 PiS Co C picked up 2 PWs Hq Co picked up 1 58 PW (Frenchman) Recon Co guarding 375 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Genuany 3rd Recon platoon attached to 395thInf Regt guarding Russian Po~ and displaced personnel camp at ~tildflecken Germany
All companies improved condition of areas and performed motor maintenance
wieather Clear and Surmy
- - ~ - ~ oj
bull I~ bull
Battalion
Or - 1n i zat i 0 n _6_2J_t3__T_~~_ P~t_l~~e_r_ 23_talion
r C11 (Gutc ~nd tJ Jr ) 0001 6 June 1945 I (DDte tmiddotn(Jmiddot blur) 2400 6 June 1945 1cc0 Gemunden Genuany
----------~--- ---- --- -___ _-----_---shy(I tmiddot
~middotI [ C bull _ r -J +
-- -- - - ----~t1 ~ ~~
$ 1-
in ( l~t ------~- -------- __ a shy -- - ~ -- --~ - bull ------ - - - -_ _-shy~----- --- - - ---_- - shy
C01p~nies A Band C continued marming checkpoints Ql1C road patrols Co A picked up 2 Phs 3 displaced personnel cnd 25 GcrGan civilians Co B picked up o F ~s Rccon Co Guarding 345 PWs and construc1Zlg f li enclosure at Gemunden Gemany 3rlti Recon Platoon 3ttacieo to 395th Inf Regt guarding Russian PW and (isplaced pLrso1mel camp at Wildflecken Gennany
All companies were cleaning their respective areas perfondng motor raintenlnce Cn(i ell[a[ed in organized 2thletics
jeather Pnrtl~r cloudy llith sporadic slUlshine
bull I
J( tT~rf L Battalion JmiddotC~jJ~~L
Or an izati-Jn-Q~~h-r~~_ll~sectQy~_Ba-ltalion u 1Clnl (wte fnd h)ur) 0001 7 June 1945
TH (Doto (Ind Inur) 2400 7 June 1945 ~lccf Gemunden Gerrrany
------------~--- ---- --shy7ii) ( Cl
r-I ( () ____bullbull~_____~ r-4 +-
fmiddot 1 s -~
in r Ilt t~ ----~-------- _ --- - ---~ _ _------ ---~ - -- -- _- ---_ --__- ---------shy shy
Companis A Band C continued lanning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 23 Gertan civilians 1 displaced person and 3 soldiers Co B piGked up 18 PIS Co C picked up 1 PiJ ~econ Co glllrding 345 Ps and conshy
structing P1 enclosure at Gemtinden Germa~ 3rd Recen platoon attacked to 395th In Regt guarding Russian and displaced personnel caflp at lildflecken Germany
All companies improved appearance of areas performed motor stables anti usucl camp duties
weather Cloudy and raining
~
r
Forni 20 i
JOuR~TIL BattalionJOURNAL
629th Tank Destroyer i3attaUonOrganizatlon--------------------------
Ft-om (Date flnd hlur) OOOlS Jlme 194gt To I (Date Rnd hour) 2)PJ 8 June 1945 ~la~o Gemunden Germaqr
------- -_ -----------Clbull
Tile Z
- M Inoidents moes~ges orders eto aotion -~ takenmiddot
~n ---- Out r~5 -r - ____ __bull ___ - __n_-_ _- __ _______bull___ --_ _______
Companies A B and C marming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 PWs and 15 Gennan civilians Co B picked up 4 PWa ~con Co guarding 345 PW~ and constructing PW enclosure at GemUIyenlen Germa~ 3rd Recon Platoon relieved of attaChment from 395th Int Regt and returned to company area at Hollrich Ge~bull
All companies were Cleaning respectiva areas performing motor maintenance heard I amp E lecture on Amer1ca~s place in the Pacific also they engaged in athletics
Weather Partly clouqywith~ittle sunshine
q
to
F r] 20
acticn
tToUnHt~L
Battalion JOURUi~L ~---
OrGan i zat i0n _6_~_tJ _t~r~ te_str1le~ J~at~alion orom (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 9 June 1945 Tl) s (Dote Rnd h0ur) 2AOO 9 June 1945 ~ ~oce Gemunden Germa~
--__-------- -------_ -- -~ --------------~--------~---CI
bullbullbull fIiIi) I~middot~
( U -1 F 0
_ ir- + ---- - bull - bull -----~ t ~i
~ I-l taken ~ ~_ ---~
i~______~~J _ _ ____ __ ____ c_ -- __a_ ____ _ ____ ___ _ _____
Companies A Band C rnanning che~kpoints and road patrols Co A ~icked up 1 PW 4 displaced personnel and 15 Gcrll~an civilians Co B picked up 10 PWs Hecon Company Guarding 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany bull
ill companies continued on motor maintenance and cleaning of areas Afternoon was spent as off time Jor recreational TJurposes
0900 Lt Col Cole (13n Cradr) departed for 99th Int Div for rrleeting hitlJ Division Comrmnder Heturnea at 1230
le3th~r Cloudy rith ~radic sunshine
bull bull
Fr1 20
J0~JIn-Tf L Battalion JOlU1ili~L
Or ~~ln i zat i vn - 2~2-p_1sect~_lJ~sect-r9y~r_B~tta1ionl)
rcm (Date ~nd h)ur)OOOl 10 June 1945 To (Dote Ftnd h1ur) 2400 10 June 1945 ~ lace Gemumen Germany
--------__------ -__bull --- --__-_ ---------- shy(~ ~G
r-I r= c ~ gt Tnci(1~ntf ~ltJtSC~fS tIrciors otc uctiCn
---~ ----M ~ ~~
J takon-
- --~ --- ----- ~- -----_ -~--- - -- __ _---- _shy--~- -~-
Coltpanies A Band C manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 P~( 1 displaced personnel ~nd 8 German civilians Co B picked up 1 PW Co C picked up one Fr Recon Co guarding 338 Pws and constructing Pi enclosure at GemwlCien Gen~ny
The follo~dng nored enlisted men appointed to the sroce of 2d Lt and asgd to companies as indicated
Alfred J Lipin 0-2028855 CoA 81ter E lasters 0-2028857 Recon Co
The follovring nan18d Et a~iarded the Silver star per S~c I GO No 58 Hq 99th In Div dated 10 June 1945
Sgt Jarles P Jordan 12036247 CoO Pic Jack R bull Emery 13044476 Coe
~ieather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
II
JOURHtL Battalion JOffilru~L
or~anization~~~~~~~~~~J(~~_~~~alion r omf (Dutc rnd bJ ur) 0001 11 June 1945
Tl) I (Dote Ptnd h1ur) 2400 11 June 1945 ~lace Gemunden Germany
-----------------_ __ _ -------------------ltI
Ti10 Inoidents mo~sc~cs nrdors etc action
taken
--~----------~- -~------- - --- -- -- ~- ~--------
Companies A B and C continued manning checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PW 10 displaced persollnel and 3 fomer Italian soldiers Co B picked up 11 PWs Recon Co guarding 338 PWs and constructing P~I enclosUe at Gemunden Germany
The following named W were relieved from assigllllent to this Battalion per par 1 SJ 152 Hq 99th Inr Div and were s8signed in grade to Separation Stations in the United states
Pvt bull Melvin M H)llson 20344909 Plc Joseph J Savoir 12035005
SSgt Jethro E Pilam 33041696 s~t Ronald H Robertson 36216640 T4 Hugh T Scanlon 18082272 Sgt Homer C )faudlin 62644lS
- All companies conducted wees on close order drill interior guard duty and motor stables A B and C companies held gun crew drill for 14-36
Weather Cloudy with sporadic sunahille
Iv
-Ai
JOURN L
~~~~i~~~OURlJiIL
Organization_sect~~F_J~~_P~_~t]le_~~~alion From (Date ~nd ho ur) 0001 12 June 1945 To (Date Rnd hour) 2400 12 JUne ~945 1600 Gerounden Germany
------1---------------middot--- --shy(I
~Ti~()
Tncidents mo~scges~ nrdors etc act~on taken
-~ _ -_ ----__ _- ---- _---_ _-__- --- -_ - _-_1-_-- __
Companies A B and C continued marming checkpoints and rond patrols Co A picked up 1 PW onu 12 Gen~an ciVilians Co B picked up 2 PWs hecon Co guartling 338 PWs and constructing PW enclosure 2t G3~l1Ul1den Germarv
All can~anies conducted classes in close order drill interior guard dutJ~ (iiscussion and eJq)lanation of all military covernlent Rules regulations and lo11S Firing companies also conducted Gun crew drill for li-36
leather Clear and Surmy
----
I
JOtIRH1L Battalion J01jH[Ji~L
Oretinizati0n_sect~~P_~~_P~~~27~_~~~~alion From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 l June 1945 To J (Date Rnd h)ur) 2400 13 June 1945 ~I1oc( Gemunden Germany shy
------- ------------- -shyr
rnmiddot lr~~ 1 r1o (~ U
~I E== 0 llt ~ +gt Incidents mOfsc~es~ nrdors etc action-----_---01 fmiddot- -1 ~ 1-) taken
_n ________~l~~~L__ _ - -_ -_ --- --- - -=----- - ~----- --_-- _ _- - - _ ___- -shy
Companies A B and C manned checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 4 soldiers g civilians and 5 displaced personnel Co B picked up 4 PWs Recon Co Guarding 350 Phs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Germany
The follm~ng named enlisted men presented the Silver star by Lt Col Cole Battalion Commander bull
SGt James P Jordan 12036247 Co C Sgt John-R Bullock 35722964 Co C SGt John Emiddot Brock 35722339 Co C Pfc J [l clc R Eraery 13044476 Co C
rrlC folloliing n3Lled enlisted uien presented the Bronze 3t0r by Lt Col Cole Battalion Comrsnder
H BurgesEiPvt Robert ~ 35596993 Co C Cpl ThOliJaS ~ 1cGuire 31136150 Co a
Pfe Louis Kozial 36764076 Co C T5 Billy H TOVins 35533623 Co C Pfe -To ~eph BDrl~or-ski 32191309 Co C s~t Allen D FiElds 33047489 Co C PiC Litchell J i1uczek 36562257 Co C l-vt HO-21 G Co 39169043 Co C ClJl John Callucci 32632829 Co C Pvt Hogt~r K poundiCl2lern3 n 36990192 Co C
62SJth T D Bn is relieved of assigment to III Corps and ottachcct to XII Corps effective 13 JlU1e 1945 Unit still rej~incd 3tt~lcLed to 99tl1 Ini Div 3nd 3rd Arm~v
All COLXllUCS ccnc~uctin8 clEsses in close order drill int8rior 1lCrd (-cut Discussion cnd c~lanation of all lilit(r~~ ~-overnLcnt rul8S ni regulations A B anci C cOLpalu2s con6ucting classes on 2llll crew drill for 1-36
c
~~ -- --~ ~- shyI I bull gt- - - -- shy
bull
JOTIrUlL Ea~ ~~1_~91~~rO~j(i~~L I
629th r~~ Dcstrocr BattolionOr~unlzatlJn-----------------~-------
- r em _(Dutc rnd h ur) OOl 14 June t945 J-) (Dote nnd b)ur) -~hOO 14 June 1945 lacO GC41undeG Gercany
------------------- ____ c bullbull
----------------t-- shy
shy( 0 ~
rl r 0 ~ -J -J rnci~~ntf ~0tSr~0s nrdors ~tc fl$tirn---- ---~ pound - ~
~ t$kon ~____~i~r2- __ 0_ - ---_-- _- - - --_ -- --- -- _ _ - - --- - ----+-- ---shy~--
I
I
i
C0~-_rries A 3 31yJ C contnucd llnning checkpojfnts - 10~ j iJ3trols Co A l~tc~d U~) 14 Gcr n ci~ilians lt~(~ 3 olcicrs Co B pichd up 1 P~ Co C picked 3 r s ~tcon Co bull tr(~~_r10 332 Pi] lnd construqting F Ii 01~cloE-Jle t GenL~ildcn Ger Gny
~l~L co~-pltlriCs conciuctod clnsses on close order drill 211u1 0[ arrc discussion of rules 2nd regulations of ilit~ry ~overnuent lnd interior guard duty~
4 Il ne C COi-JJlues also conducting clas~)es ort inuirect fire ond use of instrument at gun posi4tion
----_--------------shy
j
-- l io -~
~ w
bull ~
~-
~ ~ ~ t~ J - ~ ~
~middota~middot - bulll~__~d~ -iji~e~J_~t~~1~1~~~ti~_~b - ~------~--
-~---~ ~~- -~~--- --------~-----~~~- --- - --- shy
------- __-----------__---+--
FClrm 20
JOURIU L Battalion J01JRNtiL
Ornoan izatiun__6~_tA_ta_~p~~tox~Iltttallonu
Fr om ( Dato nd ho ur) 0001 lS June To (Dnte Rnd mur) 2400 1S June laoe Gemqncien Germany
il
TilO ~
- rncirlcnts~ mu~sc~s 0rdors~ eto
in --_------ -_-_shy-Companies A B am c continued manning checkpoin road patrols Co C picked up 3 PiMs Recon Co g 332 Pmiddot~s and constructingPW enclosure at Gemunde
All companies conducting classes on close order manual or arma interior guard-duty and performe stables shy
Weather Clear and_ SUDXl7
945 945
s and rding
GerI1aIl1
Form 20 bull c
t~~IJQ-_L 1 ~ --t JO~ ~ bull
J middot(~~_~-atlIQI1middot
middotJVmiddotmiddoti YrDlU fDatetbUZ)middotmiddotOOOl UJuu f~ 101 (DRta IUICImiddot bs~) ~middot16 Jue laco ~D~~lt
~ I
j shyI
~--------------_I-------------~--------------------~--~-----
~Time to Q
~ ~$ Inciderate molUtage It nrd8l8 eto------mt f-t ~
Out ~ ~_i_________-__ii___in
I
ecpanies A B am C oontinuecl manning checklraquo1nt road patrolsbull Co l picked up 7 PWs and ~ cent1spla per80rmel 00 B picked up 1 PWRecon Co JZ1UILM1npound
middot332 PWs am co~struct~ PW enclosure t lieZltlunaelH GezwalJ1
0900 -Lt COl Cole (Bn air) departed tor 99th Diy tor meeting with Division Connander
Returned at l23O
Weather C1ear and Sunrv
-j - $
~ -lt
J1
)
I
Fmiddot)rm 20
JomUTI L Battalion JO~RNhL
Oranizat i0n 9~Jtt llyen p~_S~r9yer_ JJlljifllonu
rom (Dato ~nd hour) 000l 17 JWle To ( Onte fnd h)ur) 2400 17 June lao Gemunclen Germa~
----I __l_____ ___bull ------~-__________~--(l
lt-ofTili t-~
() U r~ ~ 0 Jnoiclcnts mo~sn~~g nrdors otoi ~ +gt-----------j4 [~ 11 J W
in iut t~~ shy_----------- --- - ---- ----- - _ -----_ _--_- -~ - ---- -__+_shy
Companies AJ Band C continued lllanning che~_bullbullil
and ro~d patrols Co A picked up 3 PWs and civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recon Co 332 Fis and co nstructing PW enclosure at UeltnUllaEtn~ Germany
~~eatner Clear and Sunny bull
bull
JOURNf L Battalion JOlJHfiL
Or~anizativn__Qg2~h_~~-P~~~~lr_~~talion u
r~-Tili) j- bullbull
(1 U r-f E 0
r- +gt----------~~ [ ii Ji
~~___~ut ~___ shy
From (Date ond hJur) 0001 18 June 1945 To (Date Fnd h0ur) 2JOO 18 Jupe 1 71acc Gemunden GeDmanY
45
ianIncidents mo~sc~es nrd~rs ~to ac ta en
- -_ - ____ _- - --__----___-- _bull_- -----~---I I
ointsCOipuues AJ B and C continued manning of chao 3 nd road patrols Co A picked up 5 -Genan civ Co B picked up 3 PHs Recon Co guarding 332 PW ]nd constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden Ger bull Connanies conducting exercises on close order 2nd rlaIlual of arms
Jeather Cloudy dth sporadic sunshine
-
Farm 20
r ~Timo ~ ~--------_-
in Out ~
Pf8 am conatructiDg P enclosure at ouaden One Recon Plat SUamprcled displa0e4 pVsoanel ~oaCl8Cl train at Csuzden GelllalQ
Coupnlea coDClucrtJDc Gltrc1_ 1Daloae orcler 1
Danual at anw star etabl aal radJo ODUlilLoD of 90108 setbullbull
I
bull
JOURlUL Battalion J01Til~L
Organizati~n-2~~b_ti~_U~rJBIi~on From (Date end hour) 0001 19 June To (Dote Ind hour) 2400 19 June 1 slace Gtmunden Germampn7
--------shy ------- ---------------j---Inoidents moaa~8 nrdora etc
companies A~ B and C continued manniDg ch8oiampjWIoampUiI
aal road patrols Col picked up 25 German ~~oIoCU_ boon Co middotDUJ~IdmiddotbaCo A pickecl up 2S-Oermaa c1viliana
I I I
I
~
~ _
~~~lt ~ --~ gttmiddot -
SoC
J~ bull ~1~~
S1t~ ~ ~i ~
h middot~rmiddot13tmiddotimiddotmiddot~~~~l~tii~
II
Form 20
JOtJRUILmiddot Battalion JOURNAL
i 6~middoth Tank D bullbulltPOV1Ir tl t+middotmiddot1 on_Organzat1on--~~----------~---~-~
From (Date and h~ur) COOl 20 June To (Dote flnd blur) 2JIX) 20 June ~laoo Gemunden Ge~
~ -------__-__---- ~--------------------+---bull(I ~Ti1f) lt1gt0 r-t S C- -lt11 Tnoidrnte ~OFSa~eS nrd~rs eto E-~ ri Jc Q
in Out ti rn ~ _ _- ------ -~--------~ _ _- -- ----o----- - shy
Companies A B and C continued manning che_IV~~gI and road patrols Co A picked up 1 PYi and 5 ~Jrrna~ civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Recoil Co PWs and constructing PW enclosure at Gemunden
Companies conducting exercises on close order and manual of arms Organized athletics were out
Weather I Clear am sunny
Yir1 20
JOtrruU4L Battalion JOUdNbL
or~anizati0n_~~~_jla~_p_e~~9~~F_~~~alion r Oln (Dtltc tlnd hJ ur) 0001 21 June 1945 To I (Dote find hour) 211)0 21 June 945 ~lacc GemundenJ Germany
bull _______u __________________~--~ _ ( i shyrn bull
f1-1 ~1i) I E~ 0
ltt) -1 +gt Tncirkntr 1tJ~scr-cs IIrdors oto oti n-- -middot--middotmiddot-middot---middot+C [~ 21 ak~~
in Out t~ ----------bull~- - ---~ bull- ---- - --_______ _ __- ---_- -- - middotmiddot_middot4 _middot-- bull_shy
Companies A Band C continued manning che~ints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German ciVilians and 2 Austrian civilians Co C picked up 5 P~s Recan Co guarding 403 PVis and constructlna PrJ I
enclosure at Gemunden Gemany I
All Companies trained in close order drill aI1Cf luanual of arrs lr~otOl stables and organized athleti~s being bull carried out
I
The99th Inf Div Inspector General visited th$ I
Battalion for inspection of supply records eltjrupany records and areas occupied by c0~panies of th battalion
~Jeather Cloudy vith light rain
bull
JOURIUL Battalion JOUPJi~L
Or ~an ization-_Q22tll_tampQkDutmxcJlampftal1oll U rom (Dato end llgt ur) 000l 22 1shy
To ( Dote flnd hour) 2JIXJ~ JUIMt I lace Gemunden~ Ge1maDl I
obull -------- __-------------- --shyTi1t) Z
CD 0
rt ~5 Jn~idents mo~seges IIrdora eto------4 H Ji Jot W
in 0ut r~~---- ----- -~----- ----------------~~ -- ~ ----~-----shy Companies A B ani C continued marmiDg and road patrols Co A picked up 7 GersaD and 2 Austrian Civilians Co B piokecl up 2 Recen Comp~ guarding 403 PWs
~ companies conducting tratp1na 1n J and close order drill
weather Cloudymiddot with ~t ra1Da ~
I
bull
nanual etics
limiddot-r1 20
JOLT1TfL Battalion JOi1middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer BattalionOrampunlzat10n------------------------- shy rom (Dutc ~nd hJur)
T)I (Dote FInd h1ur) lcc( GemWlden Germany
-----------------~ ~
------ m -~
1shy
j ~ti) C) ~ M e 0
+---------i fmiddot 1 s ~J taken
in ( lIt r~~ ----------- - --___----- ---~-- ------- ---- --- _--- shy
Companies A B am C continued L1anning checkpo road patrols Co A picked up 8 Geruan civili 2 Bulgarians Recon Co guarding 403 PWs at GernartY
0001 23 June 2400 23 June
actisn
All companies training in close order drill a of aDllS Regular camp duties and organized atl being carried out
0900 - Lt Col Cole (Bn Cndr) departed for 9 1 InC Div for meeting with Uivision Oorumander
Returned at 1230
Weather Cloudy with light rains
-
----
~f~~~I~tl~S ~ -
I
_J
middotOr~iat1o~_9__1NtlP~_BampUallD Fronu (Dato fUld 1(lgtur) 000l ~ laue 1945
To (Dnte And mur) 2400 24 June 1945 laoo GemundenJ GermaIl7
_ I
-----~----~~-----------
1no1derrts moe~eges rrdar8~ etc action ~ taken in Out iamp ---- --- ~--~--- ---_- -- ~-----shy
Companies A B and Ccontinued manning checkpoints and road patlOlsmiddot Co A picked up 1 PW and 2 German civilians Co B picked up 5 PWs Co C picked up 2 PWs Recon Co guarding Pis in Gemunden Gennany
All companies conductd training in manual of arms and clos8 order drill and performed in organized athletics and motor maintenance
Weather Cloucent1 with light rains
FiJrn 20
JOtlUJIL Battalion JOUllNAL
Ornanization_sectl~l_1llPc_P~_sjJl)Y~r_raquoJdltjaliono
Frome (Date vnd h~ur) 0001 25 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h1ur) 2400 25 June 1945
~ lace Gemunden Germany
_------_-------_ __ _- ------shy(
~nTili)
J
Inoidents mo~scgcs ~rdors etc aotion taken
in (ut r~---------- _ - __-- ~--~~------~ ---__ ---_ _--- --- _- -- _---- _-- shy
eon1panies A Band C continuedmarming checkpoints alu road patrols No prisoners taken during period Hecon Co suarding 403 Pis at Gemunden Germany
All companies maintaining training program ani reG ular camp dutie s bull
1Jeather Cloudymiddot with sporadic stUlshine bull
~ shy
bull --
JOTJRlftL Battalion JOUf~l-~L
Or (1n izatiJn __ P2J~1lJ~~_Pjts-T_oY~r_11ajtalion u 7rnn (Vltc rnd r)ur) 0001 26 June 1945
T) s (veto rnd h)ur) 2400 26 June 1945 ~ lcc( GeLlunden GerI1Ony
---------------- __--- -- shy- ---------------------- shy
m- ~~ J 11) C
rl F 0 n -1+ Tncifrntr ~0~SCrCS ~rdors eta uctic-n--- --
------~ ~ -1 takonh J
Cor1panies A Band C continued flarming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 3 GerI~an civilians Co B picked up 2 Pis and 3 displaced persons Recon Co continued to guard POVi ca-p and PO~~T vOrk details
All com~anies perfonned drill on manual of anus for similar l[eapons and close order drill Motor mainshytenance las perfollned as usual Organized athletics vrere actively engaged
station List No 93 Hq XII Corps US Arry dated 24 June 1945 shos the 629th T D Bn in category II
~middot~eather Cloudy with sporadic sunshine
r
----
i 0
igt I
JOmnTl L Battalion JOtiiUlbL
Or~anizativn_9~~-1~V~lP~_Battalion U From (Dilto rnd hur) 0001 Zl June 1945
To (Dote flnd b)ur) 2400 2f June 1945 = lace Gem~en Gema~
------------------_ ------------ shy-
Tio ~
~ Inoidents mo~s~~sl nrdors etc acti0n ---~ taken- S-t
in (ut ~l - _-- -----_ - _-___ _--- _--- --_ _---_ -----
Companies A B and C continuedmiddot manning checkpoints am road patrols Cb B picked up 2 PWs Co C Picked up 3 PWs Racon Co guarding PWs at Gemunden Gerj~any
All companies continued the drill on manual of arms am close order drill )lotor stables are performed aM organiaed athletics were conducted
Weather Clear am sutlllY bull
f lt -
~ j~~I~~~~
middot~middot_=c---=-c~---=-__ ----- iiItfJ~iUlllj~_-middotj~i~It~i~1
~
JOURlTIL Battalion JOUilllAL
Orga~ization~_-JIHW_II~al1ol1
I From (rtG end b~US-) GOOl bull Jime194S Totmiddot (DAte andmur) 2400 28 1945 laocOcUlden GerunT
bull
------------~~---$---middot---middot~4-~--~~-middot------------middot--~-------------shy(I bull ~Time r-t Ino1Clents TlO~sdges ordors etcmiddot aotion
--------~ taken in Out ~
- -_ ---- -~ ---- _-- __1_____ -- ~- ----- shy
Companies A B ao1 C continued mamaine cIe$po1i1ta and road patrols -Co A picked up S Germu CiiJiana 3 soldiers and 1 suspected SS Co B picked up 2 PWa 00 C picked up 2 Pis
~ companies COMucting trai mrag program and organized athletics
Weather Clear am SUllD1
JOmuuL Battalion JOU1NAL
oreanizativn--~~~_~~_~~~~l~_ija~~on From (Date ~nd hJur) 0001 2J June 1945 To ( Dote Rnd hHu) 2400 29 June 1945 Ilocc Gemundenmiddot Germany
-----_---------- __ _ __-_-shy -------=--shy(-
m ~ j l1i) (~ U
~ E () Jnoicknts 1llOfsc[es nrdors Eltc aotion----~-----~ ~~ ~ M taken~l
in (ut t~--------------- - __- _ -----~- ~- -middot~middot--middot-middot-middot middot6~-- ------ ---- -_-_--shy
Cor1panies A Band C continued matming checkpoints and road patrols Co A picked up 5 German civilians and 1 PW Recon CO guarding 419 PWs at Gemunden GerL~ny
All companies practiced for battalion parade Lotor stables and organized athletics were conducted
bull TeleGram l~essage received from 3rd U s Army The 629th T D Bn was relieved of attachment to XII Corps and ~ttached to XV Corps efrec~ive as or 0900 29 June 1945bullbull
ileather Clear and sunny
bullp) rl 20
J00lRiTfL Battalion JOlJ~~ middot~L
629th Tank Destroyer Battalion Orran1zat1on-------------------------shy
ront (Duto ~nd hJur) 0001 30 June 1945 To (Dote FInd h)ur) 2400 30 June 1945 ~lucc GemW1den Gerrnany
bull______________ _h__________________________
p~
----middot---middot--middot ---~7M ~-~ ~ s taken_~
i_n_______ ~l~t r ___ _
ConpanicG A 3 and C continued manning checkpoints cnc r08d patrols Co A picked up 6 divilians and 1 1lt Recon guarding 4J-9 Phs atmiddot Gemunden Germany
All conpEnics conducted tr[Jining and perfomed in oreanized athletics
OIecther Clear am sunny
--I f () n r- +gt action
--
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l~~UAhTEnS 629TH 11lhK ~~THUYampi DIr l~IOl~
~o 403 U s ~~~y
12 July 19~5
TO The Adjutant General middotGr Department Washington 25 D C ( Thru Chumals)
1 FOlViarded hereYiith is ResUlae of Operations for the month of June 1945
GLENN OOLE Lt Col In (TO) COOtmndiIlfit shy
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Resunw of Operntions Dail~~ Journal s
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shyt The Ac1jutaDt 0eneNl war ~~ 25 I C (~ (hantl)
1 rorarctd 81th 18 of 0pent1Ga8 ttll the 01 rUDe 1945 u 4
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