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On 1 September we arrived at the staging area, Portlane - Dorset. Here we boarded three LST's of the US Navy. After hoarding we delayed because of severe weather in the English Channel. See MAP D.
On 5 September the convoy left for France. The crossing was very rough and at one point the ship's captain (Lieutenant Junior Grade, US Navy) informed Major Clay that if the ship were to roll one more degree he was going to toss all equipment on the upper deck overboard. Many vehicles were loaded on the open deck and this would have been a severe loss.
On 6 September early in the morning and prior to daylight the 275th disembarked through the waters of Utah Beach. We were led a few miles inland to an assembly area vicinity of St. Germaine. While waiting further instructions the battalion was visited by a Colonel from III Corps Artillery who informed the battalion that they were now attached to III corps and that we should select an assembly near Benoîtsville and await further orders. The 175th did so on the afternoon of 6 September. We completed our basic load of ammunition and our pilots and planes having flown across the channel joined us. See MAP E.
Late in the afternoon of 19 September the 275th received orders to proceed to Coëtquidan, (Saint-Cyr-la-Lande) France (Napoleon's former Artillery Range.) The battalion did so arriving about daybreak on the 20th. Here we attached to the 34th Artillery Brigade. A few days later the 211th FA Group joined the Brigade and the 275th was then attached to the 211th. Brigadier General Uncles, CG of the 34th Brigade, suggested that the 275th, since we had lots of ammunition should spend a few hours in service practice which we did. See MAP F.
On the 27th of September all 2½ ton trucks of the 27th were organized into an unofficial transportation unit to assist in the movement of infantry units from Brest, France to Belgium. Captain Moss was placed in charge of the 275th Convoy and departed. The 275th trucks moved units of the 2nd Infantry Division to the vicinity of St. Vith and returned to Coëtquidan about 12 October.
On 15 October the battalion was alerted for movement to First Army in Belgium. After it was determined that the French railroad tunnels would not accommodate our M-7's and tanks we were given a highway routing and left by convoy early on 17 October.
SEE MAPS G THRU K.
17 October arrived vicinity Laval, France; Miles traveled - 76 (Map G)
18 October arrived vicinity Épuisay, France; Miles traveled 75 (Map H)
19 October arrived vicinity Estampes, France; Miles traveled - 77 (Map I)
20 October arrived vicinity LaForte, France; Miles traveled - 85
21 October arrived vicinity Stainte-Menehould, France; Miles Traveled - 81 (Map J)
22 October arrived vicinity Bastogne, Belgium; Miles traveled -93 (Map K)
On 23 October the 275th arrived and occupied battle positions in the vicinity of Medendorf, Belgium in the Losheim Gap area. The battalion was assigned to First Army, attached to VIII Corps and further attached to the 2nd Infantry Division. Our mission was direct support of the 18th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and general support of the 2nd Inf. Div. Arty. The battalion was under command of the Commanding General 2nd Inf Div. Arty. see Map L.
Combat Operations
The 18th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron was commanded by Lt. Col. Damon. Upon arrival in the area Capt. Moss reported to Col. Damon at the command post of the 18th in Manderfeld. The 18th were holding a defensive position 8000 meters in width along the Seigfried line from Losheim on the north to Kobscheid on the south. The 275th established and manned five observation posts along this line including OP's located at Afst, Krewinkel, Roth, and Kobscheid. See Map L.
The 2nd Inf. Div was commanded by Major General Walter Robertson. The 2nd Inf. Div. Arty. was commanded at the time of our arrival by Brigadier General George P. Hayes, a Medal of Honor soldier.
The three M-4 tanks of the 275th were placed in indirect fire position and used on occasion as an artillery battery. On several occasions individual tanks would be moved forward and employed to fire on and destroy German pillboxes along the Seigfried line. A heavy mortar fire reaction was always received from the Germans.
F Troop of the 18th Mechanized Cavalry was placed under operational control of the 275th since this troop was equipped with self-propelled 75mm howitzers. Therefore the 275th had, while in the Medendorf area, five firing batteries.
From the time we arrived at Medendorf until 16 December there was very little activity along this front. A serious shortage of ammunition resulted in little action by the Allied armies. The 275th was given a daily allocation which we were not permitted to exceed. Most of our firing was harassing and interdiction. Some l05mm ammunition excess to our basic loads was stockpiled near each howitzer section.
Since it was expected that we would be in this area for sometime, General Hayes on his first visit to the 275th directed that mess halls be constructed using slabs, etc. from the 2d Inf. Div sawmill. This was done.
Very little traffic and no lights were permitted during the hours of darkness.
On 8 December 1944 the 2d Inf. Div was relieved in place by the 106th Inf. Division commanded by Major General Jones. The Div. Arty. commander was Brig. Gen. Mahan. All communication wire systems, howitzers, and other crew served weapons of the 2d Div. were taken over in place by the 106th Inf. Div.
On the 16th of October 1944 Major Clay was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the United States. It should have been noted earlier that all officers of the 275th serving in a grade lesser than the authorized grade were promoted while the 275th was at Coëtquidan. This included O'Connell, Kelley, Shawhan, and Cleary.
On Thursday 14 December 1944 Brigadier General Mahan of the 106th Inf. Div. Arty. visited the 275th and toured the battalion area. Lt. Col. Clay discussed with General the VIII Corps Artillery firing demonstration scheduled for Sunday December 17 near Houflaize, Belgium. General Mahan authorized Lt. Col. Clay to attend and to depart on Friday the 15th for Luxembourg City.
16 DECEMBER 1944 { 3302 Rounds Fired }
0530 - Heavy artillery shelling of battalion OP's.
0600 - Enemy attacking along the entire front.
0700 - All OP's surrounded. "A" OP abandoned.
0900 - "B" OP under heavy attack, by artillery and mortar fire. Lt. Lawrence and Cpl. Dodson reported wounded. Dodson evacuated.
1000 - Two forward observer tanks of the 275th went forward to protect Roth. Four enemy tanks reported moving into Roth.
1030 - "C" Btry. OP at Roth reported surrounded as well as forward OP at Kobscheid.
1045 - Lt. Granacki's tank hit by anti-tank fire. Officer and two enlisted men taken prisoner. Two enlisted unaccounted for. One casualty on second tank. Second tank returned to battalion area. Forward OP at Merscheid surrounded.
1115 - Merscheid OP personnel returned to battalion area.
1500 - Forward OP at Kobscheid; "B" OP and "C" OP still conducting fire. Kobscheid OP has 25 prisoners. "C" OP (Lt. Bernhard) requests all possible artillery fire on his OP position in the schoolhouse at Roth. The OP completely surrounded.
NOTE: (During the day and early in the attack the 32nd Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance squadron was ordered forward to the 18th Cavalry area. These two cavalry units comprised the 14th Cavalry Group under the command of Colonel Devine and during the Battle were known as Task Force "X".)
1530 - TFX withdraws to a new position running through the battalion position area of the 275th.
1530 - All batteries informed to load and be prepared to displace.
1800 - Hq. & Hq. Btry., and "A" Btry., along with Service Btry. displace to the rear under control of Major O'Connell the battalion S-3. Occupied positions vicinity of Meyerode, Belgium. Units traveled by way of Schoenberg, St. Vith to Meyerode. See MAP M.
2000 - "C" and "B" batteries displace under control of Major Hoge battalion executive officer. Since the Schoenberg - St. Vith highway east of Schoenberg was occupied by the enemy Major Hoge's convoy traveled a different route. TFX displaced to the rear prior to this time.
NOTE - The log fails to mention the tremendous amount of firing done by the 275th during the day of the 16th of December. On the morning of the 16th the 275th had on hand nearly a double basic load of l05mm ammunition. Almost all of this ammunition was fired during the day of the 16th.
In the meantime Lt. Col. Clay had arrived in Luxembourg City on the 15th and was billeted by 12th Army Group in a downtown hotel. His roommate was the battalion executive officer of the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. "B" Btry. of this unit was later to be massacred near Malmedy. Just after dark on the 16th these two officers were sitting in their hotel room bemoaning the lack of any good food in Luxembourg when a driver from the 275th (believed to have been McCormack) knocked on the door and informed Col. Clay of the heavy firing in the Medendorf area and that Major Hoge thought Col. Clay should return to the 275th. After a brief search for his driver billeted in a hotel next door Col. Clay and the driver left leaving word for the unfound driver (believed to have been Murray) to return to the 275th the next day. Arriving in Bastogne Col. Clay stopped at the VIII Corps (Rear) to find out what was going on. No information available. A short way out of Bastogne on the Sky Line drive they ran into an MP road block. They were told to drive without lights and that it would be better to take the long route back to St. Vith through Vielsalm. Again using lights they proceeded to Villas and stopped at the 275th personnel section located with 106th Infantry Division rear. No news. When informed that Col. Clay was going to St. Vith the personnel Sgt. Melville Tant insisted on riding "shotgun". He was welcome. Again using lights they proceeded to St. Vith. Col. Clay was amazed by the traffic to the rear. Shortly before arriving in St. Vith lights were turned off. Col. Clay stopped at the 106th Inf. Div. Arty. CP and was informed by General Mahan that the 275th was displacing to the vicinity of Meyerode. Other than a severe battle, still believed to be local, no other information was available. The 275th was still in direct support (under command of General Mahan) of the 14th Cavalry Group.
17th DECEMBER 1944 { 7 Rounds Fired }
0001 - Lt. Col. Clay arrived at Meyerode from Luxembourg. Hq. & Hq. Btry along with "A" Btry. were in position. No contact with or information of the enemy. No observers in position or with supported units. Col. Clay asked Lt. Demos to proceed to St. Vith and on towards Schoenberg and, using due caution, contact the enemy if possible.
0330 - "C" & "B" Batteries
arrived and occupied firing position. Lt. Demos returned with information that
the enemy had occupied
Schoenberg but that the
Schoenberg - St. Vith road was
still open. Col. Clay visited Col. Devine and Capt. Moss at the CP of the 14th
Cav. Gp. Permission was requested to shell
Schoenberg and other areas. Col.
Devine refused to permit any firing since there were "friendly"
units still in these areas. We were not to fire under any circumstances.
0900 - Col. Clay again visited Col. Devine requesting
permission to fire. Again refused. Service Btry. ammunition train arrived and
replenished the firing batteries with l05mm ammunition.
1000 - Col. Devine directed the 275th to displace to the vicinity of Ober Emmels. TFX was going to withdraw to the rear, regroup and counterattack. See MAP M. The 275th was to support the attack.
1030 - The 275th closed in and took up firing positions vicinity Ober Emmels.
1400 - The 275th was directed by Col. Devine to place all M-7 howitzers in direct fire road block positions. Col. Clay refused and directed Captain Moss to so inform Col. Devine. (Note Col. Devine did not have command or operational control of the 275th. We were under command of CG 106th Inf. Div. Arty.)
1405 - Col. Clay departed for CP of 106th Inf. Div. Arty. As Col. Clay walked in the door of the Fire Direction Center of the 106th Inf. Div. Arty. in St. Vith, Gen. Mahan entered from another door. He said "Clay, what is your trouble?" Col. Clay replied "General, I am mad as hell. There are Germans all over the place and Col. Devine will not permit us to shoot." Before General Mahan could reply a Captain standing in the corner of the room said "Col. Clay the 275th is now attached to the 7th Armored Division." Col. Clay replied, "Where is the 7th Armored?" The captain said, "They are on their way into St. Vith. General Clarke, CG of Combat Command B is now at the 106th Inf. Div. CP." Col. Clay then asked, "What is your authority?" The captain replied, "I am the liaison officer from VIII Corps artillery." General Mahan then said, "Clay, does that solve your problem?" I replied, "Yes, it does." Prior to leaving Col. Clay, who by now had recognized the captain from Camp Phillips Kansas days, talked briefly with the captain. During the conversation the captain said, "Col. Clay you have authority to fire any time and any place you wish -- the more the better. Please give my regards to all the members of the 275th." Col. Clay departed. We were now under command of the Commanding Officer, 7th Armored Division, Brig. Gen. Bruce Clarke.
1430 - Col. Clay searched for General Clarke. (It was later determined that General Clarke was along the St. Vith-Vielsalm road assisting CCB into St. Vith.)
1500 - Col. Clay returned to 275th CP. Found howitzers had taken up road block direct fire positions. Col. Clay rescinded the instructions and ordered the howitzers back into firing battery positions. Called Captain Moss back to 275th CP. Col. Clay told Moss to report to CCB CP and to maintain liaison with General Clarke and CCB. Find out how many forward observer parties CCB wanted and where.
1600 - Moss informed 275th of number of forward observer parties and location where each was to report. CCB occupied defensive positions east, north-east, and north of St. Vith as their units arrived. By dark the forward observers were in position and communications established with all forward observers and CCB.
1800 - Considerable light from fires forward of battalion CP. Troops could be seen moving across the forward area. Enemy or friendly? Unknown. Since these troops might be enemy (It was well known by this time that there were enemy units operating in the rear areas.) Col. Clay ordered all classified material destroyed by burning. At about this time a suggestion was made that the 275th withdraw to the rear. Col. Clay did not agree. There were enemy troops all around. We could destroy the enemy by firing in almost any direction. Our orders were to support the 7th Armored Division. The 275th battalion position area was very near the left flank positions of CCB. During the battle several enemy attacks were made in this area and the 275th did considerable firing in support of these units.
1900 - Captain Knox and Shawhan arrived from Vielsalm where Service Btry. was located. Ammunition, gasoline, and rations in short supply. Most First Army supply points had been abandoned. Shawhan remained with the battalion and Knox returned to Vielsalm.
Although no oral or written orders were ever received the mission of the 275th beginning at this time and terminating upon arrival of the 434th Armored FA Bn. was direct support of CCB. We were attached to CCB and under operational control and command of General Clarke.
2400 - Firing in support of CCB.
18 DECEMBER 1944 { 925 Rounds Fired }
0800 - Col. Clay visited the CP of CCB, Seventh Armored and talked to General Clarke (first meeting). General Clarke was sitting on an unmade-up army cot eating scrambled eggs.
0100 to 2400 - Many severe local attacks on the CCB perimeter by the enemy. The 275th was firing almost continuously. Gasoline, rations, and ammunition continued in short supply. Service battery continued to do a great job in locating ammunition. During this period Brig. Gen. Robert W. Hasbrouck, Commanding General of the 7th Armored Division was given command of the units in the Vielsalm - St. Vith area. In addition to the Seventh Armored this command included all remaining elements of the 106th Inf. Div. (basically the 424th Inf. Regt. one l05mm howitzer battalion, and one l55mm howitzer battalion), CCB 9th armored division and the 112th Inf. Regt. of the 28th Infantry Division.
Because of the shortage of rations and because of the heavy fighting the 275th went on a schedule of two cooked meals per day.
19 DECEMBER 1944 { 890 Rounds Fired }
0800 - Considerable enemy activity in our direct front. Since CCB was slowly being forced to the rear Col. Clay requested permission of General Clarke --through Captain Moss -- to displace to the rear. Permission was granted to move to the vicinity of Hinderhausen.
1000 - Battalion displaced to Hinderhausen. Severe fighting and almost continuous firing by the 275th throughout the day. This displacement was made under anti-tank gun and machine gun fire. Displacement completed at 1100. See MAP M.
1800 - The 434th Armored Field Artillery battalion (7th Armored unit) under command of Lt. Col. Dubisson arrived. The 275th now came under operational control of the 434th. The 275th had had considerable casualties. It was now necessary to use everyone available as a forward observer including the battery commanders. The 155mm Howitzer battalion of the 106th Inf. Div. Arty. arrived and was placed under control of the CO of the 434th.
Upon arrival in Hinderhausen the 275th was in short supply with respect to ammunition and gasoline. The Executive officer of the 434th visited the 275th requesting assistance with their gasoline problems. We were unable to help because of our shortage.
2400 - 72 hours completed in support of CCB, Loss of equipment light. Considerable abandoned equipment, trucks, etc. was acquired by the 275th. The abandoned l06th Inf. Div. PX warehouse in St. Vith was "wide open". Therefore no shortage of cigarettes.
20 DECEMBER 1944 { 2166 Rounds Fired }
0800 - Sector of fire reduced because of additional artillery support. Sgt. Major Dixon of the 275th was sent to the CP of the 87th Reconnaissance Squadron in San-le-St. Vith as a liaison officer. It was necessary that the 275th be fully informed at all times of the plans and intentions of neighboring units.
Orders issued by General Clarke that all artillery battalions would retain 1000 rounds of artillery ammunition on hand at all times. "This 1000 rounds could only be expended upon order of General Clarke."
The 275th continued to fire almost continuously throughout the day.
2400 - Ammunition supply improved through the day as a result of the 275th ammunition train working with the 7th Armored Division trains. First mail arrived this date since 16 December.
21 DECEMBER 1944 { 1588 Rounds Fired }
During the night of 20-21 December the battalion area was subjected to approximately 40 rounds of enemy artillery fire. One large shell struck the battalion message center, No injuries.
The 275th continued to fire throughout the day.
1530 - General Clarke visited the CP of the 275th. Talked to Hoge, O'Connell and Clay in the road vicinity of CP.
1600 - Since the battalion was serving only two hot
meals per day, we were at dinner at 1600. Hoge, O'Connell, Shawhan, were
eating their evening meal when a considerable amount of small arms fire was
heard in the vicinity of "C" Btry. Captain Shawhan took off like a shot on
foot for "C" Btry. Col. Clay returned to the battalion FDC and talked to "C"
Btry. Executive officer. Lt. Reynaud and later to Captain Shawhan who was
now in the "C" Btry. gun position. It was reported that the small arms fire
into "C" Btry. position was coming from the woods about 100 yards to their
rear. Col. Clay called CCB and informed General Clarke of the situation.
General Clarke wanted to be informed of future action. Hoge departed for
"C" Btry. Two 76mm M-4 forward observer tanks were dispatched up
the road past "C" Btry. to reconnoiter. Col. Clay talked to the 87th Recon. CP
and informed them of the firing situation. The 87th asked that we he careful
since they had patrols in the area to the rear of their CP and the 275th CP. Captain Cleary, "B" Btry. CO, was asked to form an infantry
patrol of about 25 men from his battery. Proceed on foot to the woods in
rear of his battery and proceed carefully towards "C" Btry. and to determine
all be could of the enemy. Sole mission locate the enemy and secure
information. About this time General Clarke called inquiring about the
situation. Col. Clay informed him that a considerable amount of firing was
going on; that one of the tanks had been hit by panzerfaust fire (Lt.
Watsons tank); that "B" Btry. was making a sweep; and that we needed assistance. Clarke said 'Hold
on -- under no circumstances displace or give up the position. I will send you
six light tanks to help out." Shortly the tanks arrived. The platoon
commander refused to attack without infantry support to suppress enemy fire.
Col. Clay talked to the platoon commander and informed him that we were
turning our howitzers ("C" Btry.) around and would fire several volleys into the
tree line using time faze at zero fuse setting. That we would assist the
tanks by using "C" Btry. soldiers as infantry firing small arms fire into the
tree line while his tanks assaulted the tree line. The platoon commander
agreed to this. The attack was made and the enemy dispersed - - the firing
ceased. One house was hit by "C" Btry. howitzer fire and exploded as though full
of ammunition.
(De Cooper received the following email message from
Ray Edwards, "C" Battery veteran, who lives in
Florida.
"... I also
wanted to mention that the photo you show of the field where C Btry. was
attacked by the SS [see
"275th Veterans Revisit Europe 30 Years Later"]
was the same place where there was a farm house two or three hundred yards
to our left flank. We kept seeing what we believed to be German troops all
around the farm house and w e wanted to fire on them. However the brass was
reluctant to permit it because, they thought that " A" Battery or one of the
other batteries had a patrol out. As soon as it was cleared , we moved
our tank (M7)
off line and turned it facing the farm house. The gunner,
Brooks, and I sighted through the barrel of the howitzer and we fired a round
at the farm house, point blank. Needless to say it completely
destroyed the farm house.")
Col. Clay called General Clarke and informed him of the outcome. At this time General Clarke informed Col. Clay of a senior commanders meeting in the CCB CP at Combach at 1930. By this time it was about 1830.
1900 - Col. Clay accompanied by Capt. Shawhan departed in the dark for CCB CP. Clarke discussed the situation with all of his commanders. Clarke then called General Hasbrouck, CG of the 7th Armored Division. Although the continued holding of St. Vith appeared hopeless it was agreed to continue to delay, fighting every step of the way as CCB withdrew to the rear. General Clark ordered that listening post Observation Posts be maintained continuously throughout the night on the ridge line (very low ridge) immediately to the front of the 275th and all other artillery positions.
2100 - Clay and Shawhan returned to 275th.
2300 - Several American enlisted men and at least one officer, a Major from the 7th Armored who had been captured between St. Vith and Vielsalm the previous day entered the 275th CP area. The Major was interviewed in the fire direction center. He stated that they had been prisoners of the enemy battalion of the Gross Deutschland Regiment which had attacked "C" Btry. earlier in the afternoon and evening.
When the 275th resisted and fired their howitzers into the woods the enemy withdrew and the American captives were able to escape. They had been in hiding after escaping until entering the 275th CP area.
Shortly after the firing had ceased in "C" Btry. area a German Lieutenant from the Gross Deutschland Regiment was apprehended by "C" Btry. He had been shot through the throat. He was treated by Captain (Doctor) Kelly, but died. Prior to his death this German officer stated that his unit was a battalion from the Gross Deutschland Regiment and that they were attempting to rejoin main units of the German Army.
2400 - "B" Btry. forward observer (Lt. Shanahan?) last heard from this date. Lt. Neil Clark and his forward observer party, who had been manning the OP at Kobscheid. returned through the German lines this date. Casualties and deaths light in attack on "C" Btry. Ammunition supply critical, rations and gasoline adequate. One of "C" Btry. perimeter guards was killed early in the attack on "C" Btry.
22 DECEMBER 1944 { 224 Rounds Fired }
0800 - Observers withdraw from St. Vith. (It is hoped that what was meant by this entry was that the observers of the 275th withdrew from St. Vith as their support units withdrew.)
Battalion alerted for possible move by CCB. (Note the 275th after displacing to Hinderhausen had along with engineer troops and other units of CCB, worked on unpaved road from Hinderhausen to Commanster. This road was prepared for use as an alternate route). Enemy armor was observed forward of battalion area.
The death of Lt. Kelsy, a forward observer, was reported. Kelsey and his party had been moving forward by jeep to establish an OP.
0900 - General Clarke called Lt. Col. Clay with orders to begin displacement to Commanster by echelon beginning at once. The displacement was completed at 1200 hours. Movement was over the previously prepared road. Battalion position area was adjacent to that of 434th Armored FA Bn. and also adjacent to CP of CCB. See MAP N.
As Col. Clay arrived in position area he was met by General Clarke who was interested in condition of road used by 275th in movement from Hinderhausen. Col. Clay reported that he was last man of 275th out of Hinderhausen and that he had traveled by jeep and that the road was passable by tanks and other combat vehicles.
Col. Clay visited CP of CCB and discussed personnel and equipment replacement problems.
Although the 275th was registered and ready to fire throughout the day, very little firing was done by the 275th. Col. Clay discussed this matter with Lt. Col. Dubisson of the 434th which was doing considerable firing. The 275th would be used if needed.
2200 - Orders received through CCB to displace at once by battalion through Vielsalm to vicinity of Rencheux. Weather had turned cold during the day and evening. Roads were frozen in most cases. Considerable battle noise to the right of our route of March (this would be along a line from St. Vith to Vielsalm) and tracer ammunition could be heard and seen throughout the march to Vielsalm. One M-7 pulled to the right to permit a truck traveling to Commanster to pass. The M-7 broke through the crust. Although Col. Clay and Shawhan used all tow vehicles available to extricate the M-7, it could not be extricated. The 105 howitzer was destroyed and the M-7 abandoned. Col. Clay proceeded to pass the column (most battle noise and firing was forward of our column). Col. Clay was standing along the route of March at a street corner in Vielsalm when an American Major approached, stuck a 45 pistol in Clay's ribs and said, "Identify yourself." Col. Clay informed the Major who he was. The Major said, "Prove it." Col. Clay replied, "Ask one of the drivers of the passing vehicles." It was "A" Btry. passing at the time. The first driver stated that he had never seen Col. Clay before. Luckily the second driver called Col. Clay by name. The gun-toting Major was the S-4 of the 7th Armored Division Artillery. Col. Clay asked where his CP was and since it was in the area, just around the corner, visited the Div. Arty. Cp. Here Col. Clay met Colonel Orville Martin, Commanding Officer of the 7th Armored Division Artillery for the first time. The situation was discussed. Col. Clay was informed that all element of the 7th Armored and all attached units were being withdrawn across the Salm River and through the lines of the 82nd Airborne Division. The mission of the 275th was General Support of the 7th Armored Division Artillery. We were to provide a liaison officer to Colonel Martin's CP and also a liaison officer to one of his Direct Support battalions (the 440th or 48th). Col. Clay then departed for Rencheux. All during this time the city of Vielsalm was subjected to sporadic artillery fire by the enemy. Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Salm, Col. Clay and his driver, Edward Avery, were stopped by an 82nd Div. soldier armed with a bazooka. He told Col. Clay to proceed. Col. Clay started to question the soldier as to why he was not asked for identification. The soldier said, "Proceed you SOB or I will shoot." Clay did not hesitate.
23 DECEMBER 1944 { 674 Rounds Fired }
0300 - Battalion closed in and occupied firing
positions in the Rencheux area. Liaison officers dispatched to 7th Armored Div. Arty.
and to Direct Support Battalion. 275th registered using a forward observer
from the supported 7th Armored Battalion. The noise of battle and the
evidence of tracer ammunition continued in abundance throughout the night.
The major units defending the Salm river crossing at Vielsalm were CCB and
CCA of the 7th Armored attempting to hold the escape routes open for CCB,
and the attached units.
See MAP O.
0800 - Firing batteries of 275th were shelled by enemy artillery. Batteries displaced to alternate position in the same vicinity. The 275th responded to calls for artillery support throughout the day.
Shortly before dusk Col. Clay was informed by Col. Martin that the 7th Armored CP and the 7th Armored Div. CP were displacing. The 275th was to remain in position and to continue to support the 7th Armored Div. Arty. until all units scheduled for withdrawal across the Salm River bridge at Vielsalm had withdrawn and the 7th Armored Engineers blew the bridge.
2200 - 275th liaison officer reported the bridge blown and the 275th displaced to Amtmount arriving at approximately 2200. Batteries occupied positions and were laid to cover the Vielsalm area. Direction of fire 1600.
Shortly after this time, Col. Clay received a phone call from XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery. In general the conversation went like this, "Where have you been for the last week? What is your direction of fire? Change your direction of fire to 3200. Report to XVIII Airborne Corps Arty. Hqs. without delay."
Col. Clay departed but stopped on the way at the 7th Armored Div. Arty. CP. Informed the S-3, Major Joe Safer, of conversation and orders of Corps Arty. Safer picked up the phone and repeated Col. Clay's instructions to someone. He then hung up the phone and said, "Col. Martin is at XVIII Airborne Corps Arty. He says disregard all instruction from Corps Arty. except direction of fire. Go back to your battalion and get some sleep. We will see you in the morning."
24 DECEMBER 1944 { 164 Rounds Fired }
0800 - Battalion not firing. Ammunition, rations, gasoline in good supply.
0900 - Col. Clay attended meeting at 7th Armored Div. Arty. CP. All battalion commanders of 7th Armored Division Artillery present along with arty. staff. Lt. Col. Dubisson of the 434th; Lt. Col. James Milner of the 489th; Lt. Col. Hart of 440th; Col. Martin began the meeting by congratulating the 275th on their fine work during the battle of St. Vith and particularly their work during the withdrawal over the Salm. We were informed that he and General Hasbrouck were aware of our supply, equipment, and personnel shortages and that the problems were being worked on. We were informed that the battle was not over and that plans were now being made for the recommitment of the 7th Armored probably in the Manhay area. We were to have our reconnaissance ready for immediate departure. After again congratulating the 275th he dismissed us. Each of the battalion commanders also congratulated the 275th. On their return to the 275th CP, Col. Clay and Avery were strafed by an enemy jet plane.
1100 - Battalion and Btry reconnaissance parties departed to select positions north of Manhay.
1500 - Battalion arrived Harre, Belgium. Occupied firing positions. Battalion just forward to the 7th Armored Div. Arty. CP. Mission General support of 7th Armored Div. Arty. reinforcing the fires of the 489th Armored FA Bn. The final effort of the German offensive was anticipated to be in the Manhay area. See MAP P.
1900 - Under cover of darkness the Germans attacked in strength.
2400 - Using the Manhay highway as their main axis of attack. One German unit was using American tanks (previously captured) and attained some surprise as a result. The attack almost over-run the 489th Armored FA Bn. and "A" Btry. of the 275th. A final direct fire head to head, tank against tank, and anti-tank guns occurred in sight of the 489th Bn. position along this main highway. Lt. Neil Clark and his forward observer party were over-run but not captured. Only as a result of the personal attention of General Hasbrouck was this attack repulsed.
25 DECEMBER 1944 { 672 Rounds Fired }
1000 - Lt. Neil Clark and his party return to the battalion area having for the second time returned during darkness through enemy lines.
1200 - Aircraft Liaison pilots (Breeden & Forester) return to battalion with two aircraft. Pilots had been missing since 17 December. Original planes destroyed at LaRoche. to prevent capture.
1500 - Friendly attack opened to retake Manhay. Attack led by a separate airborne infantry battalion ["...the 517 PRCT - 2nd Battalion."] commanded by Lt. Col. Richard Seitz. The 275th fired a creeping barrage in front of the Abn. Infantry which followed at a distance of 50 yards. This closeness surprised Col. Clay. Dick Seitz later explained, "We knew we would have some casualties from your artillery fire but the casualties would be less than from enemy weapons if his battalion were to follow the barrage at a greater distance." He was correct and Manhay was retaken.
2400 - Continuing attack progressing slowly. Supplies good.
26 DECEMBER 1944 { 1188 Rounds Fired }
From the time the battalion arrived in the Harre area until about the 1st of January, the 7th Armored Division Artillery which had several, perhaps ten or fifteen, attached artillery battalions fired almost continuously to break up all assembly areas south of Manhay. These were pre-arranged time on target missions fired upon direction of 7th Armored Div. Arty. All the battalions were firing in such a manner that all shells landed on the target simultaneously. Also during this period, the artillery battalions were using the new VT fuse for the first time. Once in a while this VT fuse would explode the shell high in the air prior to reaching the target. On a cold, clear winter night with all battalions firing the noise and sight of these few prematurely exploding shells was thrilling.
Christmas rations including turkey arrived. We had a good meal - the first time in several days.
27 DECEMBER 1944
{ 1323 Rounds Fired }
28 DEC
{ 2132 Rounds Fired }
29
DEC
{ 1614 Rounds Fired }
30
DEC
{ 507 Rounds Fired }
31
DEC
{ 380 Rounds Fired }
THROUGH 2 JANUARY 1945
No change in position or mission. Heavy firing continued through most of period. Little enemy activity in our immediate area. Possible enemy parachute (airborne attacks were a threat throughout the period.)
1050 - Bn. alerted for movement to assembly area in the rear.
1200 - Movement of battalion began to Aywaille, Belgium. Battalion was in rest and maintenance area.
Six enlisted and two officer replacements received.
1400 - Orders received from XVIII ABN CORPS ARTY for battalion movement to Basse Bodeau. Mission General Support of 82nd Abn. Div. See MAP Q.
1530 - Battalion began move.
1800 - CP Opened Basse Bodeau. Bn. in support of 82nd Abn. Div. attack on Vielsalm, reinforcing fires of 151st l05mm towed FA Bn. from 106th Inf. Div. Battalion commanded by Phil Hoover.
No change.
No change. Bn. receiving intermittent enemy artillery fire.
8 JANUARY 1945 THROUGH 11 JANUARY 1945
No change.
1000 - Battalion relieved from 82nd Abn. Div. mission.
1100 - Battalion began movement to assembly area Verviers, Belgium. Attached to 7th Armored Division and V Corps.
2300 - Arrived Verviers. See MAP R.
Awards received in accordance with General Order #12, Hq. 7th Armored Div. Dated 11 January 1945.
1730 - Bn. Commander called to 7th Armored Div. Arty. for conference with Col. Martin. Bn. alerted for movement.
1000 - Bn. displaced per 7th Armored Div. Arty. order to Walk, Belgium - Mission reinforcing fires of 434th FA Bn. (This was the beginning of 7th Armored Division operations to retake St. Vith.) Gas, rations and ammunition in good supply. See MAP S.
No change. No firing.
1600 - Bn. displaced to Thirmont arriving at 1930. Occupied firing positions. See MAP S.
1800 - Bn. position subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire approximately
83 rounds.
2400 "C" Btry. halftrack damaged by landmine.
0700 - Col. Kelley, Regimental Commander from 30th Inf. Div. visited 275th CP. Greatly disturbed that 275th had occupied area after dark and set out aiming posts causing enemy to shell the area and his regiment. Col. Kelley was a very famous soldier and later an instructor of Col. Clay's at Leavenworth. Knowing that this regiment had gone through a very severe battle on the preceding day, the 275th position area contained many US and enemy dead, Col. Clay made no comment. The Colonel left.
Phase 1 of the attack postponed for 24 hours. Area was again shelled receiving about 80 rounds.
Battalion firing as targets received.
1000 - Col. Martin visited 275th CP & FDC. Staff Sgt. E. L. B. Breckinridge commissioned a 2nd Lt. of Artillery in the road in front of the CP during Col. Martin's visit, Col. Clay pinned on the bars.
0850 - Col. Clay called to 7th Armored Div. Arty. CP.
1000 - Bn. alerted for movement.
1300 - P0 reports only rear elements in Born.
1500 - Battalion displaced to Dillsburg. Four prisoners captured by Sgt. Moore of Service Battery. See MAP S.
2100 - Fired on enemy battery at coordinates 8700-9162.
2300-2345 - Fired 187 rounds on Born by direction of 7th Armd. FDC?
Battalion continued firing in support of attack.
0840 - From WRING (Wring was code name of 7th Armored Div. Arty.) Fire each piece one round separately at Wallerode concentration. Testing for short rounds. (The infantry and armor of CCB was attacking. The 275th was firing an artillery preparation. Some of the rounds fell among friendly troops) Each round fired in the test was reported on target.
Throughout the day the 275th continued firing in support of the attack on St. Vith. Fired about 1000 rounds.
Firing in support of attack continued.
1000 - Col. Clay visited Wring and Wooten (434th) returned at 1100.
1030 - Major Hoge visited Vielsalm returning at 1400.
Fire missions received from Lt. Dean and Lt. Schnulle. Firing continued in support of attack by CCB on St. Vith.
1800 - "C" Btry. displaced to vicinity Neider Emmels. See MAP S.
2010 - Hq. & Hq. Btry. and "B" Btry. displaced to vicinity Neider Emmels. See MAP S.
2100 - "A" Btry. displaced to Neider Emmels. See MAP S.
No change in positions. Firing continued on designated concentrations on order from WRING. Battalion fired several counter battery missions.
0925 - Lt. Col. Clay visited 254th FA Bn. (155mm Tractor Drawn). Ate lunch with CO 254th.
1330 - Lt. Col. Clay returned.
0900 - Battalion alerted for movement.
1230 - Battalion began march Vervier assembly area. Arrived Andrimont (near Verviers) 1740. See MAP R.
Maintenance of equipment.
Awards in accordance with GO 3, 7th Armored Division. 0900 - Lt. Col. Clay departed for V Corps Artillery in Eupens.
1100 - Lt. Col. Clay visited 9th Inf. Div. Arty. Purpose of visit to V Corps Arty. and 9th Inf. Div. was to secure a delay with respect to attachment to 9th Inf. Div. on 2 February.
1300 - Lt. Col. Clay returned. Bn. to move to 9th Inf. Div. on 2 February.
1400 - Col. Martin of 7th Armored Div. Arty. visited Bn. Orders to 9th Inf. Div cancelled. Bn. to remain with 7th Armored Division.
Awards presented in accordance with 7th Armored Div. GO's by Col. Martin as follows:
| Lt.Col. | Clay | Bronze Star |
| Lt | Elwell | Purple Heart |
| Lt. | Neil Clark | Silver Star |
| Captain | Frank Brundage | Silver Star |
| T/4 | John Gordy | Purple Heart |
| T/4 | Joseph Ferro | Purple Heart |
| Pfc. | Noren L. Green | Purple Heart |
| George 0. Robertson | Purple Heart | |
| Orlen M. Sealands | Purple Heart |
Lt. Col. Clay visited 7th Armored Division Arty.
1115 - Battalion began movement to Lammersdorf to support 78th Infantry Division in attack on Roer River dams. Battalion remained attached and under control of 7th Armored Division. See MAP T.
No change. Heavy artillery fire in support of 78th Division attack.
1400 - Battalion displaced from Lammersdorf to Strauch, Germany. Continued harassing fires on enemy infantry. See MAP Roer Dams.
No change. Continued firing harassing fires.
Lt. Forester awarded Air Medal.
Col. Martin, CO 7th Armored Div. Arty. arrived at 1445. Departed 1500. Roads not in condition for heavy vehicle movement.
No change. Little Activity.
1100 - Lt. Col. Clay visited Service Btry. to present awards.
1515 - Major General Hasbrouck visited 275th CP. Departed 1530.
1545 - Lt. Col. Clay returned from Service Btry.
No change.
1930 - Per CO 7th Armored Div. Arty. this battalion detached from 7th Armored Division and V Corps. Prepare to move 20 February.
0930 - Lt. Col. Clay departed for 7th Armored Div. Arty. and V Corps.
1200 - Lt. Col. Clay returned. 275th assigned to Ninth Army.
0930 - 275th began march to Ninth Army area. Advance party preceded battalion. Battalion marched by battery at 15 minute intervals.
1500 - 275th arrived and closed into Aphoven, Holland (Germany) area. Battalion attached to 35th Inf. Div. reinforcing fires of 216th FA Bn. See MAP U.
No change. Preparing for attack over the Roer River.
0245 - Battalion began firing in support of 35th Inf. Div. attack.
0830 - FDC & Firing batteries displaced to
Schleinden. Hq. Btry. remained at Aphoven.
See MAP U.
No change.
Battalion preparing to support Task Force Byrnes (Burns) composed of the 320th Inf. Regt. (35th Inf. Div.), 771st Tank battalion. The 275th was in direct support with the 216th (l05mm towed) FA Bn. reinforcing the 275th. Instructions stated no kitchen trucks (275th disregarded this instruction).
1400 - Battalion displaced from Aphoven and Heinsburg. "C" Btry. and FO tanks with 771st Tank Battalion.
2030 - Arrived Millich. Battalion not firing. Miles traveled - 12. See MAP U.
0700 - Continued forward movement with task force.
1900 - Arrived Kaldenkirchen. Miles traveled 25. See MAP U.
0730 - Captured two prisoners. 50 more want to surrender. Located in barn near US anti-aircraft battery. Turned PW's over to AAA.
1430 - Battalion took up the march again with Task Force.
1630 - Arrived Venlo, Holland. See Map U.
1800 - Displaced from Venlo in support of Task Force.
2000 - Arrived Straelen. Occupied position of CP opened. See MAP U.
0730 - On the march with task force.
1230 - Arrived Nieukerk. Batteries in position. CP Opened. See MAP U.
2nd Lt. E. A. Markley assigned battalion survey officer; Captain P. F. Hallbach assigned as Hq. Btry. Commander; Capt. Lecrone assigned as battalion liaison officer; 1st Lt. A. G. assigned as battalion S2, Captain Howard W. Moss assigned as Battalion Executive Officer.
0830 - Major A. G. Hoge departed for E. T. 0. Headquarters on TDY to States.
0930 - Battalion on march in support of task force.
1030 - Arrived Peters, Germany. Firing positions occupied and CP opened. See MAP U.
1800 - Displaced to Dachsbruck. Batteries in firing position and CP opened, at 1930. See MAP U.
1930 - One FO tank hit by enemy anti-tank fire. Lt. J. J. Fox and Cpl. Ryan wounded and evacuated.
1600 - Battalion displaced from Dachsbrück. Arrived Bruxhof firing positions occupied and CP opened 1700. See MAP U.
Task Force operations ceased on 7th. Battalion now reinforcing fires of 2l6th FA Bn.
1030 - Battalion began movement to Milligen. CP opened and firing batteries in position at 1055. See MAP U.
0600 - Battalion now attached to 75th Inf. Div. in place.
Little activity.
Battalion alerted to attachment to 30th Inf. Div.
0900 - Battalion commander ordered to 30th Inf. Div. CP. 30th Inf. Div. preparing for Rhine crossing. 275th to participate with assault units in training for assault crossing.
Per msg. no.16 Hq. XVI Corps, dated 12 March 1945, 275th attached to 30th Inf. Div. effective 0600 14 March 1945.
0745 - Battalion moved to the rear to join 30th Inf. Div. at Haaren for Rhine River assault training. See MAP V.
1225 - Arrived Haaren. Miles traveled 54. Battalion being instructed in loading and unloading vehicles on and off Landing Craft Tank.
Battalion engaged in maintenance of vehicles. Amphibious training, 5 former members rejoined, 5 reinforcements arrived.
1900 - Battalion began night march forward to Rhine River.
17 MARCH 1945
0545 - Battalion arrived Pumpro, Germany. Firing batteries occupied firing positions for Rhine preparation. FDC and CP set up in Pumpro. Miles traveled 60. See MAP V.
Enemy shelled battalion area.
Battalion engaged in registration under direction of 30th Inf. Div. Arty.
Battalion received letter of commendation from CG, 7th Armored Division commending Lt. Col. Clay and the battalion on fine support rendered the 7th Armored during the battle of the Ardennes during the period 16 December 1944 to 20 January 1945. Letter indorsed by V Corps, First US Army, Ninth US Army, XVI Corps and Corps Arty. and 30th Infantry Division and 30th Div. Arty.
1415 - Brig Gen. Lewis, CG 30th Inf. Div. Arty. visited
this Hqs. on tour of inspection,
Departed
1430.
1400 - Major O'Connell, Bn. S-3, visited firing batteries. Returned 1600.
1900 - Personnel section displaced from Echt to Straolen. Arrived 220300 March 45.
2400 - Weather warm, observation good, circulation excellent.
Air liaison airstrip located approximately one mile S.W. of Alpen. Map +
1400 - Captain Moss went to airstrip. Flew one sortie. Returned 1600.
1830 - Bn. Commander departed for CP 30th Inf. Div. Arty. for Bn. Commanders meeting. Returned 2115.
2400 - Weather warm and clear. Roads good.
0930 - Lt. Demos went to airstrip. Made a recon flight. Returned at 1130.
1300 - Lt. Col. Clay went to 30th Inf. Div. Arty. Returned at 1530. Battalion in direct support of 30th Inf. Div. assault regt. Attack to begin 020024 March 1945 when 30th Div. will cross Rhine. Artillery preparation to begin 0100 hours 24 March. Div. objective 10,000 yards east of Rhine. Main objective of 21st Army Group to meet Russian armies on northern plains of Germany.
0100 - 275th begin firing with 26 other artillery battalions in support of 30th Inf. Div. assault of the Rhine. One hour preparation laid down. Lt. Tonks, FO captured 80 prisoners.
0900 - Capt. Moss went on reconnaissance of Rhine crossing site regarding crossing of this battalion. Returned 1020.
1400 - Capt. Moss departed on recon of crossing site. Weather good, roads good. Rations, gas and Ammo good.
0400 - Bn. displaced from Pumpro. CP closed.
0647 - Battalion crossed Rhine River. No accidents. No
enemy action.
(Note:
We crossed on a floating bridge. Crossing was delayed for one
hour because of floating objects upstream which could have been enemy
demolitions. First vehicle of the 275th was Bn. Commander’s jeep)
0700 - Arrived Spollen, Germany. Miles traveled 3.
Miles east of Rhine 1.8.
See
MAP V.
0900 - Captain Moss on reconnaissance. Returned 1000.
1000 - Concentration overlay received from 118th FA Bn.
(Note: the
275th was now reinforcing the 118th of the 30th Inf. Div.)
1430 - Captain Moss on reconnaissance. Returned 1530.
1600 - Bn. displaced forward.
1630 - Bn Survey Section reported in with two prisoners.
1715 - Bn. arrived Gutshorf, Germany position forward of the infantry and was suppose to have been occupied by our infantry. (Note: There were still enemy troops in the area although our infantry had swept through the area. Shortly after dark, perhaps 1900, a 30th Inf. Div. company commander rushed into our CP wanting to know why we were occupying his companies first objective in his night attack. Our position was well known to the 118th FA Bn., 30th Inf. Div. Arty., and should have been known to the infantry regt. we were supporting. See MAP V.
1700 - "B" Btry. reported in with 7 PW's.
2400 - Weather, roads and circulation good.
0730 - 3 PW's brought in by Hqs. Btry.
1210 - Bn displaced forward from Gutshorf.
1255 - Arrived and occupied position vicinity Mühlen. Seven prisoners taken by advance party. See MAP W.
1400 - Captain Cleary and Lt. Demos on reconnaissance for new positions. Returned 1525.
1400 - Lt. Col. Clay departed for 118th FA Bn.
Returned 1525.
Note: Plans were being made for
an infantry, tank attack during the night supported by the 275th.
1700 - One round (dud) landed in "C" Btry. area. 5 rounds landed in Hq. Btry. area. 75mm. Bn. 17.9 miles east of Rhine River.
2400 - Weather cloudy with little rain. Observation poor.
0100 - "C" Btry. strafed by enemy plane. No casualties.
0430 - "B" Btry. brought in one prisoner.
0700 - Personnel section moved from Straelen to Alpen.
1430 - Lt. Demos, Lt. Elwell, Lt. Markley and survey party went on reconnaissance for new position vicinity Buhlenberg. Area not cleared of mines and being shelled. Party returned 1700.
1603 - Bn. detached from 30th Inf. Div. and attached to 8th Armored Div. per message CG 8th Armored Div. effective this date.
1700 - Lt. Col. Clay departed for 9th Armored Div. Arty. Hq. Returned 1730.
1920 - Lt. Col. Clay went to 8th Armored Div. Arty. Hq. Returned 2015. (As recalled the meeting was 8th Armored Div. Hq. and Gen. Devine did the speaking reference the coming operation).
Weather fair. Circulation good.
1215 - Departed Mühlen Germany. Arrived new position at 1300. CP opened
1300 - Coordinates RA-393-348. Bn. in General Support of CCB 8th Armored Div. reinforcing fires of 405th Armored FA Bn.
1010 - Departed position. Arrived new position Kirchkellen 1030. CP opened 1030.
1210 - Departed Kirchkellen. Arrived new position Kühberg 1310. CP opened 1310. 8 reinforcements received (5 new, 3 former)
1615 - CO 8th Armd. Div. Arty. visited CP (Colonel Holt) Departed 1630.
2400 - Weather cloudy and rainy.
0820 - Lt. Col. Clay & Lt. Demos on reconnaissance. Returned 0930. Per msg. XVI Corps dated 27 March 1945 this battalion detached from 30th Inf. Div. and attached to 8th Armd. Div.
1545 - Bn. displaced from Kühberg enroute to new position. Arrived and CP opened 1605.
2400 - Weather clear, observation good.
0800 - Lt. Col. Clay went to 405th FA Bn. Returned 0830.
1104 - Captain Moss on reconnaissance. Returned 1200.
1240 - Bn. departs position area. Arrives new position. Kol. Berlich 1400. CP opened 1240. See MAP X.
2400 - Weather fair.
0730 - Col. Clay and Major O'Connell departed for 75th Inf. Div. Hq. Returned at 0930.
(Note: Late on 31 March probably sometime around 1800 to 2000, the 275th was informed that the 8th Armd. Div. was being relieved by the 75th Inf. Div. Lt. Col. Clay asked CO 8th Armd. Div. Arty. as to status of 275th. Was informed that although the 8th Armd. had requested the 275th, we were now attached to 75th Inf. Div. Lt. Col. Clay elected to wait for instructions from the 75th Inf. Div. When no instructions were received 75th by morning of 1 April, Lt. Col. Clay elected to inquire).
1015 - Departed Kol Berthlich enroute to new position vicinity Drewer Nord. Arrived and CP opened 1045. See See MAP Y.
(Note: Lt. Col. Clay called upon the CO of the 75th Inf. Div. Arty. Bn. we were supporting around lunchtime. Was requested by the CO to accompany him to a meeting at the Infantry Regimental CP. When we arrived we were invited to lunch. The Assistant Division Commander, a Brig. Gen., was present. During lunch the plan of attack was presented. One infantry battalion supported by one tank company and one firing battery from the 275th).
(Note also: It appears the 275th was a lost Battalion at this time since it appeared that the 75th Inf. Div. was unaware of the attachment of the 275th. This is confirmed by messages received the next day -2 April).
Note: Upon Lt. Col. Clay's return "B" Btry. was selected to operate with the task force and Captain Cleary informed.
1745 - Bn. reconnaissance party departed.
1830 - Bn. (-"B" Btry.) departed from Drewer Nord arrived at new position 1945 and CP opened.
Weather clear.
Note: Throughout this day, confusion reigned supreme. Throughout the night of 1-2 April "B" Btry. had been supporting the task force. The remainder of the 275th was reinforcing the organic battalion of the 75th Inf. Div. Just after daybreak the 275th (minus "B" Btry.) occupied positions vicinity Marl, Germany. As we were setting up the FDC a Lt. Col. S-3 of 75th Inf. Div. Arty. walked into our FDC and said, "Div. Arty. is moving in here." He also stated that as he was leaving his former CP location he had glanced at an incoming message which said the 275th belonged to the 8th Armd. Div. He knew nothing else. This Lt. Col. Magnusson was later an instructor with Lt. Col. Clay at Ft. Sill. He also lived beside Lt. Col. Clay. On Several occasions he was reminded how not to do things as a result of foul-up although the families were good friends for many years.
Upon receipt of this "rumor" an officer was dispatched to XVI Corps many miles to our rear to acquire instructions including the location of the 8th Armd. Div. Meanwhile, the 275th started moving to the rear. A meeting place was agreed upon so that the officer visiting Corps could meet the 275th with instructions. I believe the officer going to Corps was Captain Moss.
1015 - Battalion departed from Marl, Germany.
1900 - Arrived Selm, Germany.
Note: When we left Marl we were moving to the rear. Sometime we met the officer with instructions from Corps and were able to pick up the march route of the 8th Armd. Div. and join the tail of their column. Apparently we were instructed to join the 8th Armd. Div. route at Selm. We had no information on the situation or where the 8th Armored was headed for.
2000 - Departed Selm.
1200 - Arrived Delbrück, Germany. See MAP Y.
(Note: Sometime during this night march Lt. Col. Clay found Col. Holt CO 8th Armd. Div. Arty. standing along the road. He apologized for all the confusion and his happiness that we were OK and with the column. Permission was requested to go into bivouac for the remainder of the night and rejoin the next morning. Because of the fluid situation Col. Holt reluctantly denied this request).
Weather during the night was rainy, roads and circulation were poor. 118 miles traveled.
1230 - "A" Btry. reported 3 prisoners.
1620 - Bn. departed Delbruck. Arrived Lippstadt 2100. Miles 12. See MAP Z.
(Note: we were off the maps used as firing charts. Bn registered by FO. See MAP Y.)
Msg. received from XVI Corps dated 31 March relieving Bn. from 8th Armd. and assigning Bn. to 75th Inf. Div.
1630 - Bn. departed Lippstadt arrived Weckinghausen 1700. Miles 4.3 Evidence of this location having been used by Germans as a tank maintenance point. See MAP Z.
2000 - Captain Moss went to 405th FA Bn. Returned 2030.
0900 - Captain Moss went to XVI Corps
1620 - Bn. displaced to Horn arriving at 1655. Miles 4.7. One prisoner taken by "B" Btry. MAP Z.
Weather cloudy.
0630 - Hq. Btry. reported in with 4 prisoners.
0900 - 10 civilians brought in. Suspected Volsturm. Turned over to MP's.
1230 - Bn. departed for Lindenthal. Arrived 1350. Miles 13.9. MAP Z.
2400 - Weather rainy and cloudy.
1924 - Bn. departed enroute to Drewer. Arrived 1435. Miles 2.1. MAP Z.
1500 - Bn. departed Drewer. Arrived Suttrop 1525. Miles 5.4. See MAP Z.
0730 - 2 officers, 15 enlisted on pass to Paris
1135 - Bn. departed Suttrop. Arrived Hirschberg 1200. Miles 6.1. See MAP Z.
2400 - Weather clear & warm.
1240 - Lt. Col. Clay went forward on reconnaissance. Returned 1700. Bn. now in support of Task Force Faith per msg. XVI Corps dated 10 April 1945.
1330 - Reconnaissance party departed.
1845 - Bn. displaced to Lattenburg. Arrived 1915. Air strip at Hirschbery. Service battery and personnel section at Lipstadt. See MAP Z.
1515 - Bn. departed Lattenberg enroute to Kessenbüren. Arrived 1900. Miles 44.3.
See MAP Z.
Ammunition, gas, rations OK. Weather cloudy.
Ammunition, gas and rations OK. Weather cloudy.
0730 - Two officers, 13 enlisted on Pass to Paris.
1555 - Bn. displaced from Dessenburen. CP closed. Service Btry., Air Strip, and personnel section departed Worl.
Weather cloudy.
1440 - Bn. arrived at assembly area Wolfenbüttel.
Miles 185.1 See MAP AA.
Note: Col. Holt, CO 8th Armd. Div. Arty.,
arrived at 275th CP in the late afternoon. Needed a favor. Apologized for
asking. The 3 organic Armd. FA Bn's of the 8th Armd. were out of gasoline. Was
the 275th operational? If so the 275th was to take off immediately on a night
march in support of CCB, 8th Armd. Div. commanded by Lt. Col. Burba (a Field
Artillery Officer). Lt. Col. Clay agreed to do so immediately after the troops
ate the hot meal now being prepared. Col. Holt agreed and departed happy.
1800 - Reconnaissance party departed for new position area.
1825 - Bn. departed Wolfenbüttel. Weather cloudy.
0630 - Bn. arrived Hausneindorf. Miles traveled 57. See MAP BB.
1600 - "B" Btry. at Schladeleban. See MAP BB.
1806 - Lt. Elwell, Lt. Markley departed with recon party. Returned 1945. Personnel section at Wolfenbüttel.
2000 - 2 officers & 14 enlisted returned from Paris. Battalion activated two years ago today.
0900 - Bn. minus "B" Btry. displaced to Schladeleban. Arrived 0930. 4.4 Miles. Weather clear.
1800 - Service battery and personnel section at Groningen. Weather clear and warm.
1315 - Bn. departed Schladeleban. Arrived Wedderstadt 1435. See MAP BB. Service battery and personnel section at Halberstadt. Weather clear & warm.
1330 - Departed Wedderstadt. Arrived Harisleben 1420. Bn. in bivouac. See MAP BB.
2400 - Weather clear and warm.
1300 - Departed Harisleben. Arrived Derenberg 1345. Miles 12. See MAP BB.
1630 - 2 officers & 15 enlisted returned from Paris. Weather clear & warm.
0300 - 3 prisoners brought in.
1030 - Major Hoge and Battery Commanders left on advance party to Rittmannshausen. Weather rainy. Rations OK.
0645 - Battalion departed Derenberg for Rittmannshausen per 8th Armd. Div. Arty. order dated 21 April 1945.
1400 - Battalion arrived Rittmannshausen. Miles 90.
Mission: Assist military government
(Note: Battalion still attached to 8th Armd. Div.)
Outposts established in outlying towns in compliance with instructions 8th Armd. Div. Arty.
Weather rainy.
No change.
No change. Weather clear.
No change. During this period frequently individuals and groups, suspected former enemy soldiers, were picked up and processed.
0810 - Bn. Comdr. visited 7th Armd. Div. Arty. Returned 1230.
1230 - Col. Holt, 8th Armd. Div. Arty. Comdr. visited CP. Ate lunch and departed at 1300.
Sgt. McHale Serv. Btry. selected for furlough to US.
First Lt. Neil Clark awarded Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal. Capt. Cleary awarded Silver Star.
One "A" Btry. and one "B" Btry. man selected for 7 day furlough on the Riviera, France.
No change. Routine activities.
Ira Trunell selected for furlough to US.
1255 - Col. Clay and Major O'Connell departed on inspection of battalion area. Returned at 1515.
Routine activities
Two officers and 15 enlisted departed on pass to Brussels.
0800 - Germany surrendered in N.W. Germany, Holland, and Denmark.
1020 - Major Hoge went to "B" Btry.
1045 - Lt. Col. Clay visited 8th Armd. Div. Arty. Returned 1523.
Per directives of Ninth Army, 275th was preparing for rotation and movement to the Pacific Theatre. Maintenance of equipment, training and preparation for Inspector General's inspection.
1630 - Announcement made by General Eisenhower's staff of unconditional surrender of all German troops.
0730 - 35 enlisted, 2 officers left on pass to Heerlen, Holland.
V. E. Day
2 officers, 15 enlisted returned from Brussels.
Cecil Teems, Serv. Btry., applied artificial respiration to 8 year old German boy who grabbed hot electric wire. Boy recovered.
Routine activities.
0940 - Major Hoge went to "A" Btry. and Service Btry. Returned at 1145.
2400 - Per Secret Msg. CG VII Corps, 12 May 1945, this unit alerted for overseas movement during next 30 days. Relieved from all duties and instructed to devote time to military training and preparation for movement. Movement instructions to follow.
Note: In addition to the above a message to Bn. Comdr. 275th (Eyes of Bn. Comdr. only) was received which contained specifics regarding future operations. The only question it did not answer was whether the battalion was going direct to the Pacific or through the US with 30 days leave. At the same time, but not in writing, Lt. Col. Clay was informed of a probable change of assignment to CO of an Armd. Div. Arty. for the invasion of Japan.
Bn. sports program initiated.
As part of training a firing range was selected and Service practice initiated.
"B" Btry. on Service Practice.
RR Train starting operating between Rittmannshausen and Gottingen.
This unit reorganized per G.O. #150, Hq. Ninth Army dated 10 May 1945.
Throughout this period the battalion continued to pick up former German soldiers.
"C" Btry. on Service Practice.
Lt. Gen. Collins, CG VII Corps and Brig. Gen. Devine, CG 8th Armd. Div., with Col. Holt, CO 8th Armd. Div. Arty. visited OP during service practice.
(Note: Gen. Collins was most unhappy. We were using a non-tactical OP. Gen. Collins growled at the Lt. firing the problem. The Lt. stood up (I believe it was Breckenridge) with all his medals, turned around, and Gen. Collins quieted down. Then he growled at Clay because "C" Btry. was out of sheaf (sheaf crossed-guns not properly laid).
Lt. Gen. Collins left in a huff. Col. Clay sent O'Connell and probably Brundage down to get "C" Btry. problem corrected.
(Further note: Many years later, 1948 or 1949, in Puerto Rico at a reception at the Governor's residence where then General Collins, Vice Chief of Staff, US Army and I were both guests I recalled to Gen. Collins his visit to our OP and reminded Gen. Collins that it always pays to think before you speak.)
Continued evacuation of displaced persons.
Col. Clay, Major Hoge, Captain Hallbach present at parade in honor of Gen. Devine, CG 8th Armd. Div., who was promoted to Major General. 50 enlisted men participated in the parade.
At a reception after the parade Lt. Col. Clay apologized to Gen. Devine for events occurring the previous day during General Collins visit. Gen. Devine Said, "Clay, don't worry about it. Gen. Collins has a habit of speaking when he should be silent."
Continued evacuation of DP's.
Routine training and security activity. Lt. Hamsher visited Hq. Ninth Army.
Per Troop Assignment number 6, Hq. Ninth Army dated 11 May 1945, para12, this battalion relieved from attachment XIX Corps and attached to VII Corps effective 11 May 1945. Lt. Hamsher visited Hq. VII Corps.
"A" Btry. on Service practice.
Power failure throughout area until 1830.
0500 - Lt. Col. Clay and Lt. Demos went on pass to Brussels.
Hq. Btry. personnel - small arms practice on German range at Gottingen.
0900 - 48 point men (men with 85 points or over) released from this battalion and transferred to 183rd FA Bn.
1600 - 19 replacements arrived from 183rd FA Bn.
No change.
2130 - Col. Clay, Lt. Demos returned from Brussels.
No change.
30 enlisted men received from 5th Armd. Div. and 30 enlisted men received from 7th Armd. Div.
No change.
0800 - Major Hoge departed for Edersleben to arrange billeting for battalion. Returned 1800.
1000 - Relieved from 8th Armd. Div. and attached to 224th Group VII Corps Arty.
2100 - Lt. Hamsher returned from London.
0640 - Major Hoge and advance party departed for Edersleben.
0650- Battalion began administrative march to Edersleben.
1030 - Advance party arrived Edersleben.
1130 - Battalion arrived Edersleben. 80 miles. See MAP DD. "A" Btry. at Voigtstadt. "B" & "C" Batteries at Öberroblinges "Svc Btry" at Louisement
1 JUNE 1945
1800 - Lt. Col. Clay and Major O'Connell attended dinner with CG VII Corps at Corps. Returned 2030.
(Note: Journal is in error, the dinner was with Brig. Gen. Williston B. Palmer, CG VII Corps Arty. (Col. Andrew O'Meara was the Executive Officer) and his staff at Corps Arty. Hq. It is believed that Major Hoge rather than O'Connell attended the dinner.)
1300 - CO, 224th Group visited this unit on inspection. Very upset with us for permitting German women to work in kitchens. Departed 1500.
Continued training and maintenance.
Usual activities. Weather warm and pleasant.
Maintenance & training.
No change.
1800 - Lt. Col. Clay and Major Hoge attended a reception for Major General Collins at VII Corps Hq. in Leipzig. Returned 2400.
Note: I believe we traveled with the CO, 224th FA Group, Gen. Collins was departing for the Pacific Theatre.
Usual activities.
1500 - Lt. Demos visited VII Corps Arty. Returned 1700.
Usual activities.
Members of the 275th visited concentration camp at Buchenwald.
0730 - Major Hogue visited VII Corps. Returned 2030.
Unclassified TWX from CG, Ninth Army 102150B to CG VII Corps (Urgent) move by motor & rail 275th Armd. FA Bn. to arrive Camp Lucky Strike, St. Valéry , France by 15 June 1945. Rail destination St. Valéry (St.-Valéry-sur-Bresle). Advance detachment precede unit at least 48 hours, reporting to Camp Lucky Strike. Unit to carry complete copy of status report. Permanent change of station. Carry 5 days rations to arrive destination with two days rations on hand. All equipment over housekeeping equipment necessary for bivouac and minimum essential equipment as described in part 5 ETO-POM-RED dated 19 May 1945 will be turned in to points designated in Sec. I Memo. 236 this hq. dated 7 June 1945. Unit will advise CG Twelfth Army Group, CG Normandy Base Section, CO Camp Lucky Strike & this Hq. departure estimated time of arrival, and actual closing time at destination for both rail and motor elements.
0730 - Major Hoge visited Hq. Ninth Army. Returned 1300.
1230 - Advance Detachment departed for St. Valéry .
1330 - Lt. Col. Clay and Major Hoge visited 224th FA Gp. Lt. Demos promoted to Captain.
Note: The journal is incomplete. We were unable to secure any help or advice from Ninth Army or Corps. (VII Corps was gone and I believe they were replaced by XXII). One member of the staff had visited Leipzig to determine availability of flat cars to move tracks to Metz, France and passenger carrying rail cars to move personnel to St. Valéry . The turn-in points for our equipment were scattered all over France including Cherbourg. The instructions were impossible to carry-out and meet the 15 June deadline for St. Valéry .
Alternate solutions were found to all problems other than the "tracks" prior to morning of the 12th. Convoys with equipment to be turned in to various supply points departed on the 11th and 12th with instructions to meet us in St. Valéry on the 15th: Lt. Col. Clay was aware that the 224th FA Gp were equipped with many old 2½ ton trucks. The 275th had many almost new 2½ tons. Lt. Col. Clay offered to turn in trucks of 224th and give them our good trucks if they would provide drivers to return trucks from St. Valéry since it was prohibited to turn in trucks at St. Valéry . The CO of the 224th agreed and this solved the problem of transportation to St. Valéry . What to do with the tracked vehicles? Hopefully the 7th Armored Div. Arty. would guard these vehicles at Leipzig for us until they could be loaded.
0640 - The personnel convoy departed Edersleben enroute to Lucky Strike in charge of Major Hoge.
0640 - The tracked vehicle convoy departed Edersleben for Leipzig in charge of Captain Shawhan and accompanied by Lt. Col. Clay, Capt. Shawhan and Lt. Col. Clay stopped at 7th Armd. Div. Arty. CP. Lt. Col. Safer, now the Executive Officer was present. We asked for help in guarding the tracks at Leipzig. Col. Safer gave the task to the 434th AFA whose reply was "Anything for the 275th," Shawhan took the track column on to Leipzig. Col. Clay departed to rejoin the personnel column.
2230 - Arrived bivouac area at Euschirchen. Map +
0530 - Departed Euschirchen.
1550 - Arrived Cambrai, France bivouac. Map ++
0345 - Departed Cambrai.
1220 - Arrived Camp Lucky Strike - LeHavre, France.
Battalion being processed for return trip to US.
(Note: Many units, including the 274th AFA and the 18th Mech. Cav. Recon. Squadron, were in Lucky Strike and surrounding cigarette named camps awaiting transportation to the US. Most had been in the area for 15 to 20 days.)
Advance party departed for US.
Unit processing for trip to US.
Awaiting port call. Processing completed.
(Note: On this date Lt. Col. Clay and Captain Demos visited LeHavre for purpose of a hot shower. After showering and putting on clean clothes began a tour of the Port Battalion Hqs. The only person we saw was a Staff Sgt. working on loading plan at a drafting table. We talked and found the Sgt. was preparing a loading plan. He stated that he had a problem since no one had given him any information as to who (what unit) would perform ships detail including guard, and KP. Lt. Col. Clay volunteered the 275th. The Sgt. asked if the 275th was ready. Lt. Col. Clay replied in the affirmative. The Sgt. then asked if the bus's were at our street intersection at 063023 June the 275th would be ready and waiting to load. Lt. Col. Clay replied, "Yes we would." The Sgt. said, "The buses will be there at 0630.")
Staff and Battery Commanders informed to be ready to load buses at 0630 23 June 1945.
0630 - Departed Camp Lucky Strike for port.
0845 - Arrived port at LeHavre.
0930 - Boarded Santa Maria. 275th assigned ships details. Lt. Hamsher ships adjutant; Sgt. Tant, Sgt. Major; Sgt. Price 1st Sgt. of Troops. Lt. Col. Clay CO of troops.
(Note: about 1000 or 1100 a Colonel from the Infantry Division in charge of the processing operations at Lucky Strike and the other cigarette named camps came aboard looking for the battalion commander of the 275th. He was furious with respect to the 275th being on board. Lt. Col. Clay was aware that he had skipped channels and that we were on board without written orders. Lt. Col. Clay explained the situation, i.e., the conversation with the Sgt. and the buses. The colonels comment was, "If time permitted, I would unload the 275th and prefer charges against you" and then departed.)
2300 - Sailed from LeHavre aboard the Santa Maria for home.
We had a calm pleasant voyage. No incidents. Lots of good food except we had breakfast at 0800, lunch at 1200, and dinner at 1600.
Was it a rumor that the Captain was Miles Standish and the 1st Mate was John Alden?
3 JULY 1945
0810 - Docked at Boston Harbor (One year and one day after embarking for England from New York. We sailed on the 2nd of July 1944.)
1145 - Debarked and boarded train for Camp Miles Standish.
1340 - Arrived Miles Standish. Battalion began processing for furloughs.
(Note: the personnel of the 275th were not permitted passes and were confined to Miles Standish)
4 JULY 1945
Battalion personnel assigned to various trains for travel to reception centers near home.
(Lt. Col. Clay was CO of Troops (Train Commander) for train going to Camp Atterbury, Ind. Passed within 30 miles of my home.) (It was a hot, dirty, dusty, train trip with no hot water.) As a result I informed all the troops that shaving in cold water was not required. When we detrained at Atterbury we all looked like some of Mauldin's characters. We were briefed and given our leave orders. I thanked the WAC Captain who briefed us for the good briefing and said I had a question. "Is it permissible to shave, shower and change clothes before we depart Atterbury and where can we get a good meal? As a result of my questions we were told to take our time, where to shave, shower, and change clothes, etc.)
Lt. Col. Clay's train departed Miles Standish about 0600. Arrived in Atterbury about 2000 on the 6th of July.
10 AUGUST 1945
First contingent of 275th returned from furlough to Camp Bowie, Texas.
11 AUGUST 1945
Second contingent returned from furlough.
12-17 AUGUST1945
Battalion drawing new equipment and training for deployment to Pacific.
On 17 August 1945 message received stating that 275th was being inactivated.
20 AUGUST 1945
275th relieved from assignment Hq. & Hq. Det. Fourth Army Troops and attached to 432nd GA FA Group.
22 AUGUST 1945
Last contingent of men returned from furlough.
23 AUGUST 1945
Lt. Col. Clay relieved from assignment to 275th Armd. FA Bn. and assigned to 274th FA Bn. Major O'Connell and Lt. Hamsher transferred to 274th the same date.
8 SEPTEMBER 1945
275th inactivated