APO #443, U. S. Army
1 April 1945
SUBJECT: Report After Action Against Enemy.
TO : The Adjutant General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
| Section I | Authority |
| Section II | Introduction |
| Section III | Report After Action Against Enemy |
| Section IV | Annexes |
ANNEXES: 1. Overlay, Operations, vicinity BELGIUM and GERMANY, 106th Inf Div
2. Personnel
3. Summary of Enemy Action
4. Supply and Evacuation
5. Military Government
6. Fragmentary Order No. 1, 106 Inf Div.
7. Fragmentary Order dated 062200 Mar 45, 106 Inf Div
8. Fragmentary Order dated 071000 Mar 45, 106 Inf Div
9. FO #4, 106 Inf Div, 141000 Mar 45
SECTION I - AUTHORITY
In compliance with par 10, AR 345-105, as changed by changes #4, this report by the 106th Infantry Division for March 1945 - 31 March 1945 is submitted.
SECTION II - INTRODUCTION
1. Command: During the time covered by this report the 106th Infantry Division operated under the following headquarters and commanders:
| a. | First U. S. Army | Lt Gen Courtney HODGES |
| b. | Fifteenth U. S. Army | Lt Gen L. T. GEROW |
| c. | V Corps | Maj Gen C. R. HUEBNER |
| d. | 106 Inf Div | Maj Gen D. A. STROH |
2. Composition of the 106th Infantry Division
a. Organic
| Units | Comdrs | ASN |
| 424 Inf | Lt Col Robert H. STUMPF | O-20707 |
| 106 Inf Div Arty | Brig Gen Leo T, McMAHON | O-10626 |
| 591 FA Bn (105 How) | Lt Col Phillip T. HOOVER | O-381163 |
| 592 FA Bn (155 How) | Lt Col Richard E. WEBER | O-19421 |
| 81 ENG C Bn | Maj Walter A. MARSHALL | O-355959 |
| 331 Med Bn | Lt Col Irwin NEIGUS | O-332539 |
| 106 Spc Trs | Lt Col Walter S. GLENNEY until 4 Mar 45 | O-328646 |
| Lt Col Orville M. HEWITT from 4 Mar 45 | O-15844 | |
| 106 Div Hq Co | Capt William W. NEAL | O-374734 |
| 106 Sig Co | 1st Lt Robert H. CAUGHMAN | O-1633111 |
| 806 Ord (LM) Co | Capt John W, DANIEL | O-505112 |
| 106 QM Co | 1st Lt John W. HEARNE | O-1317526 |
| 106 MP Plat | Maj William L. MOWLDS | O-163443 |
b. Atchd
Co A, 661 TD Bn ------ 1 - 3 Mar 45
3. This operation report covers the combat action for the 106th Infantry Division during the period 282400 February 1945 to 312400 March 1945.
4. Maps:
The following maps were used in the operatin:
GERMANY, scale 1:25,000, GSGS 4414-5502, 5503, 5504, 5602, 5603, 5604, 5605, 5702, 5703, 5704, 5705.
GERMANY, scale 1:50,000, GSGS 4507-20, 21
NE FRANCE & BELGIUM, scale 1:100,000, GSGS 4336-9, 13
3. Situation at 2400
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division Front Line: No change
4. Plans and Orders
a. Field Order No. 38, Headquarters V Corps, assigned a zone of action for the 106th Infantry Division bounded on the south approximately by the KYLL RIVER; on the north by the ridge along the general line; NEUHOF (0402) - HILL 643 (0902) - HILL 560 (1301) - HILL 583 (1401): on the east by the GLAADT RIVER and on the west by the present front line. This area is more than six miles in length from west to east and averaged about 5500 yards in width from north to south. Unless enemy resistance therein collapses, or become materially weaker that is now estimated, offensive operations by the 106th Infantry Division as at present constituted would be impracticable, especially if an advance were attempted from west to east across the existing cross compartments.
b. The zone is bisected by three principal streams, the LEWERT, GRUSDELL and SIMMER RIVERS, all of which flow from north to south. These streams flow in valleys as much as 300 feet deep at their southern ends and constitute serious obstacles for a west to east advance. Including that west of the LEWERT, there are four distinct north and south ridges between these streams, each of which constitutes a strong defensive position if attacked frontally. Each, on the other hand, is susceptible to flanking action from the north. The degree of enemy organization on these positions is unknown except for the presence of prepared positions of the SIEGFRIED LINE on the ridge east of the GRUSDELL, and on the southern end of the ridge west of the GLAADT.
c. For the purposes of reference, certain terrain features within the zone will hereinafter be referred to as follows:
(1) CADILLAC. The ridge between the WILLSAM and LEWERT RIVERS on which a portion of the front line is now located.
(2) BUICK. The ridge between the LEWERT and the GRUSDELL RIVERS as follows: Hill 575 (0898) - Hill 578 (0899) - Hill 605 (0800) - Hill 646 (0702).
(3) FORD - OLDS. The high ground between the GRUSDELL and SIMMER RIVERS. FORD RIDGE extends as follows: Hill 610 (1097) - Hill 588 (1099) - Hill 629 (1001) - Hill 640 (0902). This high ground is sufficiently extensive from west to east as to warrant the assignment of another name, OLDS, to the following area: BAASEM (1197) p Hill 594 (1199) - Hill 590 (1101).
(4) HUDSON - PONTIAC. The high ground between the SIMMER and the GLAADT RIVERS. HUDSON RIDGE extends as follows: Hill 555 (1396) - Hill 570 (1498) 0 Hill 550 (1400). This area is sufficiently extensive to warrant the assignment of the name PONTAIC to the following position: Hill 516 (1496) - Hill 537 (1496) - Hill 549 (1598).
d. Plans for the complete occupation of CADILLAC by employing either SPARTAN (an advance southeast along the MERTESROTT RIDGE (0699) towards FRAUENKRON) or VIKING (an advance through the zone of action of the 87th Infantry Division to the east; thence to the northeast for the capture and occupation of the FRAUENKRON area), or both, are already in progress and could probably be accomplished by one battalion.
e. It is probably that BUICK, FORD, OLDS, HUDSON and PONTIAC could not be captured or occupied by less than one infantry regiment, advancing in each instance from the north for the successive capture of BUICK, FORD, and HUDSON. OLDS and PONTIAC could probably be captured by an advance from the west, respectively from FORD and HUDSON. Action of this type would require not less than two regiments, one to continue occupation of the captured position and one to capture and occupy the next successive position to the east.
f. The following plans were considered for further study and possible recommendation to the Commanding General, V Corps:
Phase 1. Relieve the 424 Inf on CADILLAC (after the complete occupation of that ridge) with a regiment of the 69th Infantry Division either attached to the 106th Infantry Division or operating under its own division.
Phase 2. Employ the 424 Inf to attack and occupy BUICK from the north, holding this position defensively temporarily, facing east.
Phase 3. Relieve the 424 Inf on BUICK with one regiment of the 69th Infantry Division.
Phase 4. Capture and occupy FORD with the 424 Inf by offensive action from the north as soon as the 9th Infantry Division is in possession of Hill 661 (1003).
Phase 5. Attack with the 424 Inf to the east for the capture and occupation of OLDS as soon as the 69th Infantry Division is in possession of Hill 595 (1203) and the 87th Infantry Division is in possession of Hill 590 (1195).
Phase 6. Relieve the 424 Inf on OLDS with one regiment of the 60th Infantry Division.
Phase 7. Attack and occupy HUDSON with the 424 Inf operating from the north as soon as the 69th Infantry Division is in possession of the ridge: Hill 582 (1401) - Hill 581 (1501) and the 87th Infantry Division is in possession of the high ground southwest of STADTKYLL (1495).
Phase 8. Attack and occupy PONTIAC by advancing the 424 Inf from the wewt as soon as the 69th Infantry Division is in possession of the high ground north and northeast of DAHLEM (1599).
4 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division CP - HUNNINGEN (974006).
2. OPERATIONS
a. 424 Inf: Continued to maintain and improve defense positions; extended zone of active patrolling. Established three outposts - (057985), (064008), (058015).
b. 106 Div Arty: No change.
c. 81 Engr Bn: Continued maintenance of roads and barrier system in division sector. Operated gravel pit for battalion units.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division Front Line: No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
a. Letter of Instructions, V Corps, 041900 March 1945, made certain changes in the mission of the Corps and its division. Changes which materially affected the 106th Infantry Division were those which required the 69th Infantry Division to occupy a much larger frontage, and to hold the extreme right (south) flank of its sector, adjacent to the 106th Infantry Division, with the 69th Reconnaissance Troop only. These changes eliminated the possibility of employing a regiment of the 69th Infantry Division in the zone of the 106th Infantry Division for the accomplishment of the various plans discussed on 3 March. The readjustment made necessary by these changes also materially weakened the left (north) flank of the 106th Infantry Division. This weakness was accentuated by the removal from division control of one tank destroyer company, and the substitution therefore of one tank destroyer platoon under operational control only.
b. The excellent progress made by the 87th Infantry Division on 4 March resulted in their establishing strong forces along the high ground south of the KYLL RIVER, and materially decreasing any threat against the right (south) flank of the 106th Infantry Division, including the possibility of a major hostile threat through LOSHEIM (0396).
c. Extensive patrolling activities during 4 March resulted in the capture of a considerable number of prisoners f war and indicated that the Germans had withdrawn to the east at least as far ad the western edge of BUICK, and possibly as far as FORD>
d. In view of these changed circumstances, it was decided to advance the 424 Inf on both its left (north) and its right (south) flanks on 5 March. Such advances could probably be made with no opposition and would result, on the north, in securing contact with the 69th Infantry Division in the vicinity (075025) and in materially shortening the line on the south by occupying the MERTESROTT RIDGE (0699), thus securing contact with the 87th Infantry Division between the southern end of that ridge and SCHEID (0696). The ridge was to be occupied by operation SPARTAN. The battalion thus freed would then be available as regimental and division reserve. Since the major threat, is any, now appeared to be on the left (north) flank, this battalion was to be moved to vicinity (030020).
e. In order to ascertain the strength and degree of occupation of BUICK, it was planned to patrol vigorously to the east on 5 March, with the intention of continuing the advance to BUICK on 6 March, either by an advance by the reserve battalion from the north down the ridge, or by an advance by both front line battalions to the east if opposition on BUICK appeared to be so weak as to warrant such action.
f. A tank destroyer platoon, under operational control of this division effective 051100 March 1945, was placed in position to cover the LOSHEIM ROAD, but it was planned thereafter to move it into mobile reserve northeast of LOSHEIMERGRABEN (0198), so as to meet a threat from either flank.
g. These plans were transmitted by oral orders or expressed in Fragmentary Order No. 1, 106th Infantry Division, 042100 March 1945.
5 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division CP - HUNNINGEN (974006).
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Advanced its flanks, shortening the lines; secured ground and consolidated present positions. Conducted vigorous patrolling to the front. 2d Bn established physical contact with 347 Inf on the right; 3d Bn with 272 Inf on the left. 1st BN closed into position vicinity (030020) at 052230 March 1945.
b. 106 Div Arty:
2d Plat, Co B, 661 TD Bn: Placed under operational control 106th Infantry Division 051100 March 1945, in direct fire position (027997).
c. 81 Engr Bn: Continued maintenance of roads and barrier system in division sector. Operated gravel pit for battalion units. Co C (-) supported advance of 424 Inf.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
a. 106th Infantry Division advanced flanks, shortening the lines; consolidated present positions; and established new contact with units on right and left flanks.
b. Division Front Line: Cos I, L, E, and G, 424 Inf, (075024) - (067007) - (-60975), respectively.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
6 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division CP - HUNNINGEN (974006).
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Consolidated positions in front line battalions and set up outpost lines. Numerous strong patrols sent out in division zone as far as 13 north-south grid line found few enemy and met no resistance except some mines and extreme road conditions. Contact was maintained with the 272 Inf on the left and was established with the 6th Cav Rcn Sq on the right. Main roads in rear of present positions cleared of mines. Eight PWs were taken including sis Russians from a German labor battalion.
b. 106 Div Arty:
2d Plat, Co B, 661 TD Bn: Moved to assembly position (014995).
c. 81 Engr Bn: Continued maintenance of roads and barrier system in division sector. Operated gravel pit for battalion units. Engineer mine-sweeping detail was furnished 424 Inf to expedite road clearance in zone of 424 Inf for future operations and to assist in patrol activity.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
a. No change from previous day.
b. Division Front Line: No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
a. Extensive patrolling throughout 6 March indicated that the enemy had withdrawn to the east as far as the GRUSDELL RIVER and possibly beyond the SIMMER RIVER. Reports received from the 69th Infantry Division on the north also indicated that major withdrawals had taken place on their front. Progress of the 87th Infantry Division on the south has been very rapid.
b. The 69th Infantry Division planned to launch an attack late on 6 March for the occupation of the high ground north and south of OBERSCHOMBACH (1205) and to continue the attack on 7 March southeast toward GAHLEM (1599) thus pinching out the 106th Infantry Division, whose zone of action limited its advance to the east only as far as the SIMMER RIVER.
c. The following tentative plans were announced orally to key commanders and staff officers:
(1) BUICK. TO be put in operation on 7 March if the 69th Infantry Division made progress to the east on 6 March but had not reached the OBERSCHOMBACH line by the morning of 7 March. The 424 Inf was to occupy BUICK with not to exceed two battalions, advancing along the ridge from north to south in column of battalions, the present reserve battalion (1st) leading.
(2) FORD. To be put in operation on 7 March if the 69th Infantry Division had seized the OBERSCHOMBACH position on 6 March or had advanced beyond it. the 424 Inf was to occupy FORD with not to exceed two battalions and BUICK with one battalion. FORD to be occupied by moving thereto from the north in column of battalions with the present reserve battalion (1st) leading. If time permits on 7 March, continue the advance for the occupation of OLDS with not to exceed two battalions and FORD with one battalion.
(3) The artillery was to displace forward on 7 March for the support of either plan.
7 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. 1st Bn, 424 Inf, vicinity NEUHOF (045023) marching east to regulating point, followed by 3d Bn. Front line elements 2d Bn, 424 Inf, (067003) - (060980).
b. Division CP - HUNNINGEN (974006).
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Advanced in zone occupying and consolidating present front line positions until pinched out by elements of 69th Infantry Division driving south and elements of 87th Infantry Division and 6th Cavalry Group driving east. Established new contact with elements of 6th Cavalry Group vicinity (128967). Conducted active patrolling east to SIMMER RIVER. 2nd Bn vicinity (088007).
b. 106 Div Arty:
(1) 591 FA Bn: Moved to new positions east of NEUHOF (0502) closing at 071212 March 1945.
(2) 592 FA Bn: Moved to new positions north of BERK (0901) closing at 071500 March 1945.
(3) 2d Plat, Co B, 661 TD Bn: Platoon, less security section, moved to new positions vicinity (043027).
c. 81 Engr Bn: Cleared roads of mines, abatis, and craters in general support of division. Maintained barrier system in division sector. One platoon of Co C attached 424 Inf, in direct support.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
a. Division reserve in position vicinity BERK. Conducted active patrolling east to SIMMER RIVER.
b. Division Front Line: Generally along the high ground in zone between BERK and the SIMMER RIVER.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
a. Upon reaching OLDS during the afternoon of 7 March, the 106th Infantry Division was pinched out by the 69th Infantry Division advancing across its front from the north and northwest. Forward elements of the 69th Infantry Division reached the boundary between the First and Third Armies during the afternoon. Oral orders received from the Commanding General, V Corps, directed that the 106th Infantry Division consider itself relieved from tactical responsibility and begin a period of rehabilitation in its present sector, preparatory to moving to a training area to the west.
b. Necessary preparations were put into effect for rearrangement of the division with administration, comfort, maintenance and training as primary objectives.
8 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. No change.
b. Division CP - HUNNINGEN (974006).
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: In compliance with Letter of Instructions No. 14, Headquarters 106th Infantry Division, 8 March 1945, units were redisposed vicinity BERK (093991) with a view towards facilitating administration and providing comfort and shelter for the troops. All units provided their own security.
b. 106 Div Arty"
(1) 592 FA Bn: Battalion, less Service Battery, closed in new assembly position vicinity MURRINGEN (9802) at 081325 March 1945. Service Battery closed vicinity MURRINGEN at 081724 March 1945.
(2) 2d Plat, Co B, 661 TD Bn: Reverted to control of 69th Infantry Division effective 081400 March 1945.
c. 81 Engr Bn: 1st Plat, Co C, was relieved from attachment to 424 Inf at 081745 March 1945. Battalion continued patrolling of division zone reporting condition of roads, bridges, minefields, and obstacles. Completed two ten-ton bridges, one vicinity BERK, the other vicinity FRAUENKRON (073977). Conducted Mine and Booby Trap School.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
a. 424 Inf in bivouac vicinity BERK; other units , no change.
b. Division Front Line: Not applicable.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
9 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600:
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation and training.
b. 106 Div Arty" No change.
c. 81 Engr Bn" Maintained and marked roads cleared of mines in division sector. Operated division showers vicinity BULLINGEN (950020).
3. SITUATION AR 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
10 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
Per VOCG, First U. S. Army, 10 March 1945, and Troop Assignemtn No. 30, Fifteenth U. S. Army, the 106th Infantry Division was relieved from assignemtn to First U. S> Army and assigned to Fifteenth U. S> Army effective 10 March 1945.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation and training.
b. 106 Div Arty: No change.
c. 81 Engr Bn: Continued patrol of roads and bridges in division area and posted signs on roads cleared of mines. Operated division showers vicinity BULLINGEN (950020).
3. SITUATION AT 2400
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None
11 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No Change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Patrolled within the division area for the purpose of locating and apprehending unauthorized civilians and German soldiers in uniform or civilian clothes.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Assisted in patrolling division area.
c. 81 Engr Bn: No change.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
12 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Cleared roads of mines in regimental sector. Continued patrolling in division area.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization, rehabilitation and training. Assisted in patrolling division area.
c. 81 Engr Bn: No change.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
13 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Continued patrolling in division area.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Assisted in patrolling division area.
c. SITUATION AT 2400.
Billeting party, for impending divisional move, at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
14 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Continued to patrol division area.
b. 106 Div Arty: Continued reorganization, rehabilitation, and training. Assisted in patrolling division area.
c. 81 Engr Bn: No change.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
Plans were completed for division move from BULLINGEN, BELGIUM, to ST QUENTIN, FRANCE. Route: LIEGE - NAMUR - MONS - CAMBRAI - ST QUENTIN. Details for move included in FO #4, (Annex No. 9), Headquarters 106th Infantry Division, 141000 March 1945.
15 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
Head of 106th Infantry Division (less elements moving by rail) Mtr Clm at IP (950020). Elements moving by rail enroute to ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 106 Inf Div: CP opened at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE at 2230.
b. 424 Inf: Conducted Mrt and rail movement to ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 106 Div Arty: Conducted Mrt and rail movement to ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
d. 81 Engr Bn: Conducted Mrt and rail movement to ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
Special Troops and elements 424 Inf, moving by Mtrs, in ST QUENTIN, FRANCE; other units enroute.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None
16 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
a. 106th Infantry Division, less 1st Bn, 424 Inf, at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE. 1st BN, 424 Inf, moving by rail, still enroute.
b. Division CP - ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Regt, less 1st Bn, engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE. 1st Bn, moving by rail, still enroute.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
Division now located at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
Detailed plans for training in ST QUENTIN area commencing 19 March 1945 were included in Training Memorandum No. 3, Headquarters 106th Infantry Division, 16 March 1945.
17 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
18 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
19 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
20 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
21 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
22 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
23 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
24 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
25 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
26 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
27 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
28 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
29 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
30 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
31 March 1945
1. SITUATION AT 0600.
No change.
2. OPERATIONS.
a. 424 Inf: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
b. 106 Div Arty: Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
c. 81 Engr Bn Engaged in reorganization at ST QUENTIN, FRANCE.
3. SITUATION AT 2400.
No change.
4. PLANS AND ORDERS.
None.
For the Commanding General:
Lt. Colonel, A. G. D.
Adjutant General
DISTRIBUTION:
| 1-5 AG, Washington | 17 81 Engr Bn |
| 6 AG, 106 Inf Div | 18 331 Med Bn |
| 7 CG | 19 Hq CO 106 Inf Div |
| 8 Asst to Div Cmdr | 20 Sig Co 106 Inf Div |
| 9 C of S | 21 806 Ord (LM) Co |
| 10 G-1 | 22 106 QM Co |
| 11 G-2 | 23 106 MP Plat |
| 12 G-3 | 24 CO 106 Sp Trs |
| 13 G-4 | 25 Mil Govt |
| 14 Div Historian | 26 Ln O |
| 15 424 Inf | 27-33 Extras |
| 16 Div Arty |
Annex #3 (Summary of Enemy Action)
to Ltr Hq 106th Inf Div, 1 April 1945
Subject: "Report After Action Against Enemy"
PERIOD 1 MARCH 1945 - 31 MARCH 1945 (Incl.)
The 106th Infantry Division was in contact with the enemy from 1 March to 7 March (Incl.). Only on the first day of the period was there any aggressive enemy activity, when at least five patrols (2-5 men) were reported operating to our front. Evidence of enemy withdrawal was noted from the beginning of the period. Our patrols found unoccupied bunkers, unoccupied artillery emplacements, and unoccupied foxholes, especially in the northern portion of our sector. Observations and reports of enemy activity indicated that he had withdrawn his northern elements behind his extensive minefields generally along the N-S LEMERT Stream while continuing to occupy his strong positions in the S.
At the beginning of the period, the 78 VGR of the 2 VG Div was identified as the unit to our front. The 77 VGR had moved out of our sector at the end of February into line S of the 18 VG Div which was in position S of our sector. PWs taken by our troops and by the 87th U. S. Inf Div reported the tactical attachment of the Elms of the 26 VG Div to the 18 VG Div.
By the early morning of 4 March, the enemy evacuated the pillbox area in the southern part of our sector except for one group. A concentration of Arty and Mort fire coincided with this withdrawal. To the North and in the Center of our sector, our patrols drove deep into enemy territory across LEMERT Stream and contacted scattered groups of enemy, SA and Arty fire along the N-S ridge line W of BERK. PWs taken by our troops evidenced the fact that members of the 1075 Sicherungs Bn and 2 Co, 106 Fortress Bn, were left as a rearguard, while the 78 VGR drew back behind the second line of bunkers in the vic of BERK.
The advance of the Division on the 5th met with only slight resistance, consisting of some Arty, Mort and AW fire. On the 6th there was scattered contact with small patrols and stragglers. The major units were reported in delaying positions E of DAHLEM. Our units encountered numerous minefields (most of which had been previously reported by patrols), booby-trapped road blocks, craters and abatis. Enemy demolitions effectively interfered with motor movement on the major W-E roads and along the lateral roads. Bridges and culverts were found demolished throughout the area. By the end of the day, our patrols had driven well beyond the second line of pillboxes to SIMMER Creek. By the 7th our troops occupied the high ground between BERK and SIMMER Creek, encountering minefields, roadblocks and demolitions throughout the zone. Small scattered enemy groups were cleared out in taking our objectives.
During 8-14 March there was no contact wit any units of enemy. Small numbers of deserters and stragglers, some in civilian clothes, were picked up in the area occupied, including some found in the course of screening civilians in BAASEM.
On 15 March the Division moved to a rear area for reorganization and training.
Page last revised
09/16/2016
James D. West
www.IndianaMilitary.org
jimdwest@centurylink.net