55th AIB History

On the 13th and 14th of September, 1944, two trains (one on each of those two days) left Camp Cooke, California, with the Battalion for a staging area, that of Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. The transfer took one week, and on the 19th of September, the unit detrained at that place, there to spend only one week. Passes were granted and a few remaining POM Preparation for Overseas Movement) qualifications -- gas mask chamber, boat drill and abandonment, final physicals -- were given. On the 28th of September, the unit went the short distance by train to the port itself (New York) where they embarked for an overseas destination, lifting anchor early on the morning of the 29th and joining a good-sized convoy that day.

The ship, later aptly dubbed the U-Know-Who for security reasons, was one of the largest in the convoy, carrying over 8,000 men, including the ship's crew. It was a U.S. ship, the U.S.S. Hermitage, formerly the Count Di Savoy of Italy. Somehow the Navy had been a magnet to a good many soldiers who bemoaned their fate of Army life; it was an ideal substitute for dusty parade grounds, rifle ranges and sandy, cold, barren places. However, reaction dwindled from partial acceptance of the Navy to complete rejection as these terra firma boys stole into the deep sea. To them, their brief trial had been fair. Though the ship's population surpassed anything the density per square mile census takers found in 1940 in the concrete cliffs of Manhattan, there were many interesting and unforgettable experiences to be had.

There was that one way traffic forward, aft, port, and starboard; there were two meals a day if you hadn't lost your compartment ticket, punched at the galley entrance; there was rigid blackout discipline at dusk . . . it wasn't like Louisiana maneuvers when you could cup a smoke on a march. The ship's "Scuttlebutt", a summary of the day's news was printed regularly. There were leisure hours at the rail provided you could elbow your path through motionless humanity. There was little seasickness. There were attempts (it couldn't be branded more than that) at deck calisthenics; there was daily abandon ship drill. Only the men of the 55th could tell you after ten days aboard why they wouldn't take a handful of well-preserved, fresh cashew nuts, or why they refused a well-intentioned Baker's chocolate bar when it was offered by a generous pal. There were religious services on Sunday, boxing matches on Monday, and the ship's orchestra almost every day. And everyone got lots and lots of sleep. They played cards and read books. It was just like that training film, called "Troopship", they saw not long prior to sailing. Damp, salt, sea air was a bitter enemy to weapons, so there were guns to clean every day.

There were long "bull" sessions; there was some restlessness and some tension,but the spirit was good. Mostly it was just out and out crowded; it was stuffy in the compartments on the lower decks. Rumors ran 50-50 as to where the ship would take them -- some thought France, others guessed England-- it didn't seem to make much difference at the moment which it was. There were no visible signs of any enemy activities, submarines in the area, or surface naval vessels during the entire trip. Reports had it that a submarine, or maybe several, were lurking around a couple of days before docking, but it is not for this record to more than mention it.

The "U-Know_Who" docked at the port of Southampton, England, on the evening of October 11th. The troops remained on board overnight, debarking early in the morning of the 12th, at which time they were taken by train a short distance inland, detraining at Tisbury, Wiltshire, and marching to their billeting area some two miles from that place. Units of the Division, for the most part, were billeted in individual areas; the 55th had a camp of its own, one of Nisson huts nestled in a low, wooded area adjacent to a small lake.

In time, equipment accompanying troops arrived and was unpacked. Regular garrison and housekeeping procedure was established, and within a short time the Battalion was busy making the most of its time by further readying themselves for combat, waiting until that time when they would be called. Vehicles were supplied and serviced; weapons were again fired; physical conditioning went on as before; Officers' and NCO's night schools were conducted; foreign, particularly German, maps were studied; German weapons were available to the unit for study and fire. Men were given passes to Bristol, Bath, and London.

A Post Exchange was opened; the local pubs had rivalry in the Exchange which sported beer. Truckloads of girls, brought in from surrounding villages, assured a dance at least twice and often three times weekly. The Officers' Club left little to be desired, everything considered. It highlighted many social activities during the Gifford stay. Regular religious services were conducted and movies were shown in the recreation hall. The autumn couldn't pass without news from the home grids, and the pigskin was likewise introduced to the muddy green of the camp. There was even fishing in the lake for the Izaak Waltons. The Red Cross girls wheeled in their clubmobile every week, pour hot coffee, and served doughnuts to the men.

During their stay in England, certain officers had the opportunity of visiting the western front for several days for the purpose of observation. The Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Frederick Hearn, was one of those to go. Traveling with other representatives of the Division, he flew to Paris and from there spent a week at the front. He subsequently reported valuable information to his assembled officers and enlisted men.

Movement orders from the United Kingdom to the Continent were received in early December. The plan was to ship the vehicles, with necessary maintenance personnel, separately from the men. On 13 December, all vehicles were driven from Fonthill-Gifford to Southampton where they were loaded aboard LST's. Officers and enlisted men followed, leaving the camp on 14 December, proceeding by rail on the short journey to Southampton. The Channel crossing was accomplished on a Royal Navy troopship, with date of departure from Southampton the 15th of December, and date of arrival in Cherbourg, France, the 16th of December. The strength of the Battalion upon departure from the United Kingdom was: 39 Officers; 3 Warrant Officers; and 979 Enlisted Men.

Our troops were trucked to an assembly area near Cherbourg, where they joined their already-arrived vehicles. On 17 December, the Battalion, mounted, moved to the vicinity of Rennes, France. They bivouacked in that area, an abandoned airport, until 21 December. That date was the horizon for combat. Under urgent pressure, a 350-mile march was completed across France. The weather was clear and cold.

They took a glimpse of Paris. They paused in retrospect as they passed on through France near those places made famous in the First World War --places where their fathers, brothers, and relatives fought and died; places which took them back to history books in school. They wondered if those who consecrated that ground were resting any easier . . . were the roaring tanks and racing half-tracks, where paternity left off in 1918, . . . .? They wondered.

Although not generally known at that time, the Division was to join in the great battle of the Ardennes at a crucial stage, the period following the German counterattack and breakthrough on 1 December. They neutralized a mounting German attack against the western bastion of Bastogne and relieved hostile pressure on the vital supply roads leading to the south of that city. Without the aid of the Division, the Allied cause could well have been critical.

The task was at hand. The history at this time concludes its great training period and enters on the new and dominating phase, its combat history.

23 December - On this date, the Battalion, after a mounted march of 353 miles from Rennes, France, arrived in the division assembly area in Camp Sissonne, France. Intermediate bivouac area en route were at Le Mans, France, 21 December, and at Rambouillet,France, 22 December. The Battalion closed in Camp Sissonne at 2150 completing a day's march of 143 miles.

24 December - Maintenance of vehicles, weapons and personnel was stressed in preparation for pending movement to advance division assembly area. Battalion reverted to control of Combat Command Reserve (CCR) this date. Camp Sissonne was a rest camp. Our men captured the spirit of Christmas at a local Red Cross canteen with coffee and doughnuts and a Christmas tree. Midnight Mass was held, as were general Protestant Communion services by the Division Chaplain. Opportunity was provided for a good rest and for cleaning up.

25 December - the Battalion made a 56 mile mounted march from Camp Sissonne to Guignicourt, France, closing in the assigned portion of the division concentration area at 1130. Christmas dinner with turkey was served to all men; the weather was clear and cold.

26-28 December - The Battalion remained in position in the vicinity of Guignicourt. Roadblocks and roving patrols were established and local security maintained. Unit further engaged in maintenance of personnel, weapons and vehicles. No enemy contact during this period.

29 December - The Battalion left the bivouac area in the vicinity of Guignicourt and marched to a mew assembly area one mile east of Ebly, Belgium closing at 2330.

30 December - The Battalion moved from the bivouac area in the vicinity of Ebly to Vaux Lez Rosieres, Belgium, closing at 1800.

31 December - The Battalion, Company C as advance guard, departed from Vaux Lez Rosieres at 0630 and moved mounted to the vicinity of Magerotte, Belgium. At 1000, the Battalion attacked from their position 1/2 mile NE of Magerotte with the mission seizing the high ground SW of Acul, Belgium. The attack proceeded NW through the Bois Des Gales De Magery to the objective. Battalion formation, Company C on the right, Company B on the left, Company A and HQ Company in reserve. No enemy contact was made during the advance to the objective. The Battalion received 8 casualties due to Anti-personnel (AP) mines during the movement through Bois Des Gales De Magery.

The objective was reached at 1200 and defensive positions were organized on the reverse slope of the objective. A definite threat to the defense of the objective was presented by hostile fire from the vicinity of Acul, Belgium.To nullify this threat to the security of the objective, an attacking force consisting of our Company C, less the 3rd platoon, and the 1st platoon of Company A 22nd Tank Battalion, attacked the village of Acul at 1300. Preliminary fire was placed on the village by the tank guns of the remaining platoons of Company A 22nd Tank Battalion, and the Battalion's heavy weapons. The attacking force encountered strong German resistance but pressed forward and secured the village at 1500.

Subsequent to reinforcement by our Company A, less the first platoon, the attacking force withdrew from Acul to the prepared defensive positions on the Battalion objective. A German force estimated as 4 tanks and 100 infantrymen counterattacked the Battalion's left flank i the zone of Company B at 2000. This counterattack was successfully repulsed and the German force withdrew. Further enemy action during the night was limited to sporadic mortar fire along the Battalion front line. Personnel losses during the period were 27 KIA; 67 WIA; and 19 MIA.

This date will be outstanding in the history of the 55th Armored Infantry Battalion. It was their first day of combat, their initial contact with the enemy, their baptism of fire. Patrick Murphy (A lost his life as he was placing his 57mm AT gun in action when an enemy shell exploded nearby. Melvin Dorsey (C) was killed by mortar fire during the afternoon. Many actions were the basis for awards issued later on Among these awards were three Silver Stars -- one to James Kesner (C) for adjusting fire of supporting tanks, aiding the wounded, and assaulting enemy foxholes; one to Everett Higgins (C) for assuming command of his squad after his squad leader had been mortally wounded; and one to Muirl Bailey (B) who, when our own artillery fell on our own position, leaped from his foxhole, made his way through fire to Captain Reimer to have him lift our fire. The Medical Detachment was recognized by two of its members receiving the Bronze Star Medal for their outstanding work. The recipients of these awards were Thomas Hill and Henry Maples. James Cahill (B) and Vito Nardiello (C) were each awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement on this date. Eighteen of the nineteen men missing, all from Company B, were members of a platoon which bore the brunt of the counterattack in the afternoon. It is supposed these were taken prisoner. Company C suffered the greater proportion of the casualties in this action.

1-2 January - The Battalion remained in defensive positions on the objective. Scattered hostile artillery, mortar, and sniper fire was received throughout this period. No additional casualties sustained.

3 January - The Battalion was relieved by 2nd Battalion, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 17th Airborne Division. Commanders and staff of the relieving unit were personally oriented by officers of the 55th regarding the defensive position of the sector. The Battalion was relieved at 1800 and was assigned the mission of forming a mobile reserve in support of the 194th. The Battalion moved to position 1/2 mile north of Magerotte in preparation to fulfill the assigned mission.

4-11 January - The Battalion remained on an alert status prepared to fulfill its mission as mobile reserve. Roadblocks and patrols, as directed by Combat Command B (CCB), were maintained and concurrent maintenance of weapons, vehicles, and personnel conducted.

12 January - The Battalion, as a component unit of CCR, was assigned the mission of supporting the attack of CCA in the vicinity of Longchamps, Belgium. In preparation for this mission, the Battalion moved from Magerotte NE to positions in the vicinity of Hemoroulle, Belgium.

13 January - The Battalion, remaining under control of CCR, marched from Hemoroulle to the vicinity of Longchamps with the mission of supporting attacking elements of CCA and protecting the Division's left flank. Company A relieved a battalion o f the 502nd Parachute Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. CCA attacked at 1000 with the Battalion furnishing supporting fire to the left flank elements of CCA. When the attack of CCA reached Bois De Nom De Falize, the 55th attacked north along the left flank, by passing Rouette, Belgium, and securing Fays and Fme De Menil Belgium in accomplishment of the assigned mission. Casualties for the period were two wounded.

14 January - The Battalion, as part of CCA, with the 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized on the right, was assigned the mission of cleaning Bois De Nom De Falize of all hostile resistance. The Battalion attacked with Company B on the right, Company A on the left and Company C in reserve. The attacking elements encountered heavy enemy fire from well-entrenched German positions. Company A, 42nd Tank Battalion, was then attached to aid the drive and the attack pressed vigorously forward, successfully accomplishing the assigned mission by 1600. Casualties for this action were: 21 KIA and 78 WIA. The Battalion was assigned to Task Force (TF) Stubbs at 1900 in preparation for subsequent missions.

Philip Fagan (A) was killed on this date, as were Wilburt Dunn (B) and Ernest Kruchten (B). Captain Riggs was wounded in the morning attack on Bois De Nom De Falize and was evacuated. 1st Lieutenant Eugene Johnson assumed command of Company C. Companies A and B suffered most of the Battalion casualties. Of the non-battle casualties, most of them were frostbite cases. Again many of the actions merited official recognition in the way of awards -- Hill Blalock, Battalion Executive Officer, was awarded the Bronze Star for personally maintaining control of the Battalion right flank and contributing materially to the coordinated, successful attack of the Battalion. Robert Phillips (B) was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding bravery in action (he assumed command of his platoon when his platoon leader, Lt. Ernest Kruchten, had been killed). Raymond Rigsby and Ray McBen of the Medical Detachment were awarded the Bronze Star for outstanding bravery in action as litter bearer and as an aid man respectively. Captain Huoy (A) was awarded the Bronze Star for action on this date (he maintained control of his company despite heavy losses in key personnel, and led his company to its objective through heavy enemy fire). Captain Reimer was awarded the same medal, based on action while commanding Company B (he continually exposed himself to hostile fire in order to lead the driving attack of his company, maintaining superior control which led to the successful completion of the mission of the company). Douglas Sammak (A) was awarded the Bronze Star when, while serving as a rifleman, he assumed command of his platoon after his platoon sergeant had become a casualty and successfully led it to a completed mission. Because of the heavy casualties within Company B, and because of the shortage of aid men, Anibal Fernandez, although a rifleman, assumed there duties of an aid man and contributed to the saving of life. For this action on 14-15 January, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

15 January - The Battalion improved defensive positions and patrolled the woods to insure the complete destruction of enemy forces. At 1400, the Battalion, under TF Stubbs, was assigned the mission of attacking and seizing the high ground four km SE of Bertogne, Belgium. The attack was halted 1,000 yards S of the objective and the Battalion dug in and organized the position.

William McNulty (A) was given the Bronze Star when, on this date, with his platoon pinned down by enemy small arms fire, he, as a squad leader, led his squad in a flanking movement into the woods from where the fire was coming. One enemy machine gun and three enemy machine pistols were captured and 45 of the enemy driven from the woods.

16 January - At 0800, the Battalion resumed the attack and seized the objective at 0930. At 1000, the Battalion was released from control of TF Stubbs and reverted to control of CCR. Companies moved dismounted to the Bertogne-Compogne road where they rejoined their vehicles. The Battalion then moved mounted east through Compogne in pursuit of hostile forces. The Battalion halted pursuit on order and assembled in the vicinity of Mabompre, Belgium.

17 January - The Battalion, under CCR, moved SE from Mabompre to the vicinity of Cobru, Belgium, with the mission of relieving the 502nd Parachute Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division and establishing a defensive position along the division front from Hardigny, Belgium, south to Bourcy, Belgium. The defensive positions were set up with Company B on the north (vicinity Hardigny), Company C on the center sector, Company A on the south (vicinity Bourcy), and Headquarters Company in support. Elements of the 602nd TD Battalion, 575th AAA, D Troop, 41st Cavalry, and Company C 56th Engineer Battalion attached to the respective companies with Company D, 22nd Tank Battalion held as mobile Battalion Reserve. The 490th and 491st AFA Battalions in direct support of CCR with Company C 41st Tank Battalion held as CCR reserve. The Battalion received its first group of reinforcements numbering 67.

18 January - Improvement of defensive sectors continued including digging in of positions, clearing fields of fire, and planning defensive fires. OP's, listening posts and patrols active in maintaining liaison with adjacent units on the north (194th Glider Infantry Regiment) and south (320th Combat Team, 6th Armored Division) and retaining contact with enemy forces.

Seven missing A Company men were members of a volunteer patrol led by John Morrison and were presumably captured. One wounded member of the patrol, Patrick Hanley, having been captured was left by the enemy and later joined our lines. Two of the patrol lost their lives and Edward Bergh made his way back.

19-20 January - Weather and visibility continued cold and limited with frequent snow flurries. Defense of the division front continued by improvement of all positions. Harassing mortar and artillery fire placed on enemy throughout the period. Machine gun position destroyed 1745, 19 January, and light vehicular casualties inflicted. Our casualties for the period: 3 KIA; 4 WIA; and 7 MIA. The battalion received 15 additional reinforcements.

21 January - The Battalion moved from Cobru to advance positions in the vicinity of Boeur, Belgium. Villages of Wandebbourcy, and Boeur, Belgium taken by the Battalion against light enemy opposition, and defensive positions established. Patrols sent forward of Buret but encountered no enemy opposition. Elements of CCA attacked through the Battalion positions in Wandebourcy and Boeur at 0830. The Battalion relieved of responsibility of supporting CCA in zone by the Commanding Officer (CO) CCR at 1230.

22 January - The Battalion engaged in maintenance of weapons, vehicles and personnel in the vicinity of Boeur and Wandebourcy in preparation for movement to a new assembly area.

23 January - The Battalion moved from Boeur and Wandebourcy to the vicinity of Magerotte, Belgium, closing at 1830. The Battalion received another group of reinforcements numbering 67.

24-29 January - Units engaged in routine maintenance. The Battalion received a group of 106 reinforcements on 25 January. Combat Infantry Badges and Purple Hearts were awarded on 26 January by the Battalion Commander. The Commanding General awarded Silver and Bronze Star Medals on 27 January. All new crew-served weapons and individual arms were test fired and properly zeroed.

Among the awards by General Kilburn was the Silver Star to Battalion Commanding Officer, Lt.Col. Hearn, for gallantry in action during 20-21 January by personally leading his troops forward, under adverse weather conditions, to a newly assigned defensive sector offering complete protection to the remainder of the Division in the rear. Charles Sandler was also awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in leading a patrol for six miles, under adverse weather conditions, minefields and difficult terrain, permitting the remainder of the Battalion to advance without casualties. Service Company, was awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for meritorious service from 15 November 44 to 15 January 45. This award was based on outstanding devotion to duty of its personnel, superior inspection ratings, no record of disciplinary action or courts-martial, and no venereal cases during the period. On the 28th of January at Freux, the men appreciated their first showers since leaving he United Kingdom The vast majority of the reinforcements were fresh from the States, few of them having received little more training than that prescribed for mobilization.

30-31 January - Continued maintenance of vehicles, weapons and personnel. Preparations made for pending Tank-Infantry training problems. The Battalion was also alerted for a possible move to comply with the new reconstitution of the Division combat elements.

Our losses during this period included: 51 KIA; 151 WIA; and 26 MIA. Material losses included the following: two M3A1 Halftracks; one M2A1 Halftrack; one M-8 Assault Gun; one M-8 Armored Trailer; one 1/4 ton truck; and one 57 mm Anti-tank (AT) gun.

1-3 February - Units billeted in Magerotte for rehabilitation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and personnel. Training was conducted as outlined in Training Memorandum #1, with emphasis being place on tank-infantry coordination. For this training an interchange of the respective B Companies was effected with the 22nd Tank Battalion. The 55th was alerted 3 February for probable departure to new assembly area on 4 February.

4 February - The Battalion departed from Magerotte at 0700 and marched mounted 43 miles to an assembly area in the vicinity of Steffeshausen, Belgium, closing at 1330.

5 February - The Battalion left the assembly area at 1300 and marched mounted four miles to the concentration area one mile east of Stupbach, Germany, with the mission of relieving the 63rd AIB and attacking to penetrate the Siegfried Line. The unit closed at 1600 and final preparations were made to initiate and accomplish the mission.

6 February - The Battalion moved mounted from the concentration area to forward assembly area 1/2 mile west of Heckhuscheid, Germany. The attack jumped off at 0500 and by 0830 the objective, the high ground one mile SE of Heckhuscheid was secured. The unit organized defensive positions on the objective where all elements were subjected to to heavy artillery and mortar fire. Two German tanks were taken under fire in B Company's zone. Our Casualties for the operation were: 13 WIA and 1 MIA.

7-8 February - The unit remained in defensive position on the objective under continuing heavy artillery and mortar fire. Patrols were active in maintaining contact with the enemy and liaison with adjacent units ) 41st Cavalry and 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division on the east; 21st AIB on the west).A system of relief was initiated on this date enabling companies to obtain, by platoons, hot food, dry clothing and rest. Our casualties for the period: KIA and 14 WIA.

Captain George Reimer was wounded on the 7th, and 1st Lt. Alden Harwell became the commander of Company B. Captain Theodore Nelson (HQ) was wounded seriously on the 8th and evacuated to the United States. 1st Lt. John Lombard was his successor.

9-11 February - The Battalion continued to hold its objective under heavy fire, and contact and liaison patrols were maintained. heavy mortar, assault gun and artillery fire were placed on German positions and targets of opportunity. Units were alerted for relief and preparations were made to turn the Battalion sector over to the relieving unit.

12 February - The Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battalion, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, and departed Heckhuscheid at 0030, marching mounted to an assembly area one mile east of Stupbach, Germany, with the mission of forming mobile reserve for the 63rd AIB as part of CCR. Company C moved to Burg Reuland, Belgium, for a 24-hour rehabilitation period.

13-14 February - The unit engaged in maintenance of weapons, vehicles and personnel. Companies A, B and Headquarters moved to Burg Reuland for a 24-hour rehabilitation period. Our casualties for the period were: 1 WIA.

15 February - The unit engaged in preparations for relief of the 63rd AIB. The Training Film "Subject Germany" and companion entertainment feature was shown to the troops. Relief of the 63rd was completed by 16000 and the Battalion CP moved to a German pillbox two miles east of Stupbach.

16-17 February - The unit occupied defensive position along the line of Burg-Lutzkampen, Germany, and harassing German small arms and artillery fire was received during the period. The unit was alerted to attack the Siegfried Line on 18 February.

1st Lt. James Kendall left his staff post to become CO of Headquarters Company. Battalion S-1 duties were taken over by 1st Lt. Richard Winand, and 1st Lt. Richard Neilson became Liaison Officer. Captain Archibald Marcereau left Service Company on 16 February to become CO of B Company.

18 February - The Battalion moved to the forward assembly area 1/2 mile north of Berg, Germany,closing at 0530. The 63rd AIB, as the leading battalion of CCR in the attack, jumped off at 0630 after heavy demolitions had blasted a gap through the "dragon' teeth". By 1130, the 63rd had secured objectives #1 and #2 and the 55th, in a column of C, A, and B Companies, moved forward to the attack. C Company jumped off the LD and attacked south to seize and hold objective #3. Companies A and B, supported by the 2nd and 3rd platoons of B Company, 22nd Tank Battalion, moved 800 yards to the west and attacked south astride the main road to Leidenborn, Germany. The attack formation was a column of Companies A and B. The attacking elements were subjected to heavy fire from covered emplacements but pushed vigorously forward and the leading elements entered Leidenborn at 1630. Leidenborn was occupied and positions were consolidated by 1730. The attack and subsequent consolidation was supported by Company C from its position on objective ##, and a TF consisting of HQ Company Machine Gun Platoon; 1 Platoon from Company C, 602nd TD Battalion; and 1 Platoon from Company B, 56th Engineer Battalion, dug in on the high ground south of Lutzkampen, Germany. Company C 56th Engineer Battalion, rendered valuable aid to the participating elements throughout the attack. The Attacking elements in taking the objective destroyed or neutralized 19 pillboxes. Our casualties for the period were: 2 KIA and 14 WIA. Captain Marcereau was wounded and evacuated during this action and 1st Lt. George Hughston took command of B Company.

19 February - The Battalion was given the mission of seizing Herzfeld, Germany cleating all enemy resistance from emplacements SW of Leidenborn and securing a line south of Herzfeld, running generally east and west along the Primer River. Companies A and B, with C Company in reserve, jumped off at 1330 and by 1500 had taken and secured the town of Herzfeld, Germany. By 1700, after destroying or neutralizing 23 pillboxes, the entire area had been swept of German resistance and defensive positions were organized. Strong outposts were maintained and elements of A Company were assigned the mission of protecting the bridging activities of Company C, 56th Engineer Battalion. Our casualties for the period were: 1 KIA and 23 WIA. 39 enemy prisoners were taken.

The first battlefield commission in the Battalion was made this date when T/Sgt Robert Phillips, platoon sergeant in Company B, doffed the chevrons and donned gold bars.

20 February - The Battalion was assigned the mission of seizing and occupying the town of Roscheid, Germany and clearing all pillboxes in the zone. The jump-off time was 0730, with Company B plus the 1st Platoon of LB Company, 22nd Tank Battalion, attacking SW, skirting north of Herzfeld and clearing pillboxes in their zone. Company A plus the 3rd Platoon of Company B 22nd Tank Battalion attacked west to capture to capture Roscheid and moved NW to clear pillboxes in their zone. C Company followed A Company to mop up. The Companies reached and secured their objectives by 0930 and set up a defensive line with A Company on the right, B Company in the center sector, and C Company on the left. The support by fire role in this operation was handled by the HQ Company Assault Gun, Machine Gun, and Mortar Platoons, and by the direct fires of the 492nd AFA Battalion, with the task of mobile reserve being assigned to elements of the 602nd TD Battalion. Our casualties for the period were: 3 WIA. 26 enemy prisoners were taken.

22 February - At this point, the remaining obstacles to the securing of the Division objective (Reiff, Germany) were the ridged and high ground south, SW, north, and NW of Eschfeld, Germany, and the high ground south and east of Eschfeld. In accordance with this plan, the Battalion jumped off at 0730 from positions east of Roscheid. Company B on the left flank attacked through Eschfeld, cleared the town and seized the high ground south of the town. C Company attacked to the west of Eschfeld and seized the high ground south and west of Eschfeld. A Company followed C Company and seized the high ground west and NW of Eschfeld. Supporting the attack were the 1st and 3rd platoons of Company B, 22nd Tank Battalion, and the 492nd AFA Battalion. By 1000, Eschfeld was taken and at 1045, all terrain objectives were secured and the green light was given for the 63rd's attack on Reiff. The operation netted a total of ten bunkers cleared and 74 PWs. Positions were consolidated and liaison patrols with CCB on the right and the 63rd AIB on the left were maintained. Mortar and artillery fire fell on the position during the attack and after the reorganization. The Battalion's service installations displaced forward from Burg Reuland, Belgium to Lutzkampen, Germany. Our casualties for the period were 7 WIA>

23 February - The Battalion having been pinched out the preceding day, drew all units off the line and billeted them as follows: A Company in Sevenig, Germany; B and C Companies in Eschfeld: HQ and HQ Company in Herzfeld, Germany; and Service Company in Lutzkampen. The Battalion received 50 reinforcements on this date.

24 February - The Battalion remained in the billet area and continued rehabilitation and maintenance of weapons, vehicles, and personnel.

25 February - The Battalion departed at 1300 and closed in the new area at 1530. The Battalion was billeted as follows: A Company in Gruflange, Belgium; B Company in Brach, Belgium; C Company in Maspelt, Belgium: HQ and HQ Company and the Medical Detachment in Lascheid, Belgium; and Service Company in Burg Reuland, Belgium.

26 February - The Battalion remained in billet area engaging in rehabilitation and maintenance of weapons, vehicles and personnel. Movies were shown nightly to the troops. 110 reinforcements were received on the 26th. The Unit, as a component of CCB, was alerted on the 28th for movement to a new assembly area on 1 March. During this month, one enlisted man, S/Sgt. Douglas Sammak(A) left for the United States for preparatory college training, having been accepted as an alternate candidate to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Losses for February included 5 KIA and 93 WIA. 187 PWs were taken.

1 March - The Battalion, as a component of CCB, departed billet area at Burg Reuland and marched 35 miles to an assembly area three miles NW of Prum, Germany, closing at 1100. The Battalion, plus one company 22nd Tank Battalion, one Company (less 1 platoon) 705th TD Battalion, one platoon 56th Engineer Battalion, one 155mm SP Gun, and one platoon A Battery 575th AAA Battalion was designated TF Chico under the command of the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Hearn. This TF was alerted to attack on 3 March with the objective of seizing and holding Lissingen, Germany. The Battalion remained in the assembly area the balance of the day and light enemy artillery fire was received on its position throughout the afternoon and night. Our casualties for the period were: 1 KIA and 2 WIA.

2 March - The Battalion remained in the assembly area preparing to carry out its assigned mission. Light harassing fires were received intermittently throughout the period.

3 March - The Battalion moved from its assembly area three miles NW of Prum at 0700 and marched dismounted through Prum, crossed the Prum River and continued on to the LD one mile east of Dausfeld, a total distance of five miles, closing at 1015. The Unit regrouped on the LD and jumped off at 1345. The attacking forces, after meeting resistance varying from light to bitter, halted at 1700 and consolidated for the night along a line 2 1/2 miles SE of Weinsheim. Enemy mortar and artillery fire during the period ranged from medium to heavy. Captain Charles Huoy (A) was wounded and evacuated during this action, and 2nd Lt. Eugene Been assumed command. Our casualties were: 2 KIA and 37 WIA. 20 PWs were taken.

4 March - The Unit jumped off mounted at 0800 from its overnight defensive positions 2 1/2 miles SE of Weinsheim with the mission of establishing a defensive position on the high ground west of the Kyll River and patrolling vigorously forward against determined opposition and by 1800 had advanced six miles and seized and consolidated positions two miles NE of Budesheim. This advance was made in freezing weather with snow flurries. Our casualties were 35 KIA and 1 WIA. 18 German prisoners were taken.

5 March - The Battalion was relieved on positions held from the previous day two miles NE of Budesheim by the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, and alerted to attack NW, seize the town of Neider Bettingen and establish a bridgehead east of the Kyll River. The Battalion was assembled in the rear of the position from which relieved, but because of the slow progress of adjacent units and the presence of blown bridges in the zone of advance, was unable to proceed on its mission and remained in the assembly area during the balance of the period. Our casualties were 1 KIA and 2 WIA. Two prisoners were taken.

6 March - The Unit jumped off at 730 from the assembly area two miles NE of Budesheim. The attack moved north through Oos, Kaltenborn, by passed Roth on the north and reached Neider Bettingen at 1115. The order was issued to cross the Kyll River and establish a bridgehead east of Neider Bettingen. The Battalion, under withering fire and against bitter resistance, waded the Kyll in waist deep water at 1330 and dug in to hold its shallow bridgehead. Elements of the 4th Infantry Division accomplished relief of the Battalion by 1830 and our troops were drawn back into Neider Bettingen for the night. During the advance into Neider Bettingen and while crossing the Kyll, our troops were subjected to exceedingly heavy and accurate artillery and mortar concentrations as well as sniper and small arms fire. The Kyll River was the last natural barrier before the Rhine River. Our casualties were: 7 KIA; 32 WIA; and 6 MIA. Twenty more prisoners were taken.

7-9 March - The Battalion, with the objective of driving to the Rhine, departed Neider Bettingen at 2000 on 7 March, and moved via Kalenborn_Budesheim-Lissingen to the Kyll River, crossing at Gerolstein. The attacking elements then passed through the 90th Infantry Division's bridgehead and advanced north to Prum, NE of Kelberg, where Company B was attached to CCA, east to Hirten, north to Weyburn, NE through Wehr, Glees, and Burgbrohl and thence to Neider Lutzingen. The high ground NE of Neider Lutzingen, overlooking the town of Brohl, ferrying site for escaping German troops crossing the Rhine River, and occupied by the Battalion along with the 22nd Tank Battalion. 2nd Lt. Eugene Been was KIA in action near the Kyll River, leaving 2nd Lt. George Eisslstein in command of Company A. Two men were killed, 12 were wounded and 10 were missing as a result of this period's action. The Battalion took 508 prisoners.

This date marked the beginning of some of the most spectacular advances made by the 55th. The Battalion was participating in a large scale breakthrough and exploitation of a completely confused Wehrmacht. Thousands gathered along the muddy roads with hands overhead to surrender. This was something new to the men; never before had they experienced the feeling of such a grand superiority in strength. They had read about the mad dashes through France in the summer of 1944; they were living them now. For two days and two night the column moved forward, sometimes at a snail's pace, and again and more often with lightening speed. Important in a larger picture was the linking up of the 11th Armored Division and doughs of the First Army, closing a huge pocket and cutting off six German Divisions west of the Rhine. there was no front line any longer.

10 March - The Battalion, reinforced by one company of the 22nd Tank Battalion and one company of the 21st AIB, substituting for our own B Company, was given the mission of clearing Brohl. The attack was launched at 0800. Small arms and automatic weapons fire were encountered and overcome and by 1000 the town had been cleared. The Battalion was relieved at 1800 by elements of the 2nd Infantry Division and moved to Neider Lutzingen and Ober Lutzingen to billet for the night. Casualties incurred were two WIA; 16 German prisoners were taken.

11 March - At this point the only remaining enemy resistance was stragglers banded together and hidden in the woods east, west, and north of Neider Lutzingen. The Battalion was assigned the task of clearing these points and at 1300 Companies A and C, supported by elements of the 22nd Tank Battalion and the heavy weapons of HQ Company, began its mission. By 1500, against very light resistance, the wooded areas had been cleared. Casualties were 2 KIA and 2 WIA. 233 Germans were taken prisoner.

12 March - The 2nd Infantry Division, having assumed responsibility for the Battalion sector, the Battalion was moved to the Division concentration area and billeted in Kempernich. Upon arrival at Kempernich, the Battalion reverted to CCR control. One man was wounded and nine prisoners taken during the day.

13-16 March - The Unit remained in billet, engaging in maintenance, training, and recreation. Company B rejoined the Battalion on 13 March. The Division was relieved from assignment to the VIII Corps and assigned to the XII Corps with the mission of crossing the Moselle River at Bullay, passing through the 89th Infantry Division's bridgehead and attacking SE to seize crossings over the Rhine River in the vicinity of Worms. The Battalion, still under control of CCR, was alerted 16 March to move behind the Combat Commands, following them by bounds.

17-18 March - The Unit moved from Kempernich at 0030, 17 March and marched mounted 35 miles behind the Combat Commands reaching Alfen at 1000. The Battalion, under CCR, each to move forward by bounds on the route of CCB, prepared to support either CCA or CCB and clean up any by passed resistance. The Battalion moved from Alfen at 2150, crossed the Moselle at Bullay and marched 35 miles to Hahn, closing at 0330, 18 March. The Combat Commands were advancing rapidly and at 1400, 18 March, the Battalion moved from Hahn and marched mounted to an assembly area in the vicinity of Lauffersweiler, closing at 1530. Casualties during the period were 1 KIA and 11 WIA. Seven prisoners were taken.

19 March - The Battalion departed Lauffersweiler at 0915 and marched mounted nine miles to an assembly area in the vicinity of Griebelschied, closing at 1400. CCR, in addition to following the Combat Commands by bounds, had the mission of protecting the Division's south flank. At 1600, the Battalion moved from the assembly area and marched 23 miles to an assembly area in the vicinity of Meisenheim, closing at 2030. One platoon of A Company was dispatched to Gangloff to guard approximately 1500 POW's. 98 enemy prisoners were captured.

20 March - CCR was assigned the mission of clearing towns in the Division zone and guarding POWs. The Battalion and the 22nd Tank Battalion were organized into five Task Forces, each with a platoon of tanks and a platoon of infantry.These TFs moved out at 0800 and by 1045 the towns of Jeckenbach, Breitenheim, Odenbach and Adenbach had been cleared. At 1100, the operation was canceled and the unit moved to Rockenhausen, closing at 1830. Enroute to Rockenhausen, Company C was detached from the column to attack the woods and high ground west of Becherbach. The attack, supported by HQ Company Assault Gun Section was initiated at 1400 and by 1530 all hostile forces had been cleared from the area.

21 March - The Battalion, with one company of the 22nd Tank Battalion attached, was broken down into three tank-infantry task forces with the mission of clearing hostile resistance from the towns of Alsenz, Oberndorf, Mannweiler, Collin, Steckweiler, Steingruber, Siekirchen, Wurzweiler, Gerbach, Scheebergeerhof, St. Alban, Gaugrehweiler, and Bayerfeld. The operation began at 1430 and by 1800 the towns had been cleared with 61 prisoners taken.

22 March - The Battalion was again given the task of clearing villages in the vicinity of the assembly area and at 0830 the TFs, as organized the previous day, moved out. The villages of Gutenbacherhof, Kriegsfeld, Ruppertkecker, Marienthal, Insweiler, Schwolsweiler, Hochstein, Foldenstein, Imsbach Alsenbruck, Langmeil, and Lanscheckerhof were cleared by 100 and the companies returned to the assembly area. To insure complete clearance of enemy from the zone, B and C Companies sent combat patrols through towns previously cleared, while A Company cleared the woods north of Imsbach, a suspected concentration area for fleeing Germans. 49 prisoners were taken.

23 March - The Battalion remained in the assembly area in Rockenhausen, dispatching strong combat patrols to towns previously cleared to check enemy who may have infiltrated into them from the woods. 14 more prisoners were taken.

24 March - The Unit departed the billet ares at 0800 and marched 12 miles to a new assembly area in Kircheim-Bolanden, closing at 1330. The Division was relieved from assignment to XII Corps and assigned to XX Corps, which was maintaining a defense of the west bank of the Rhine, 125 miles of which were in Allied hands, and supporting Third Army bridging operations. A 24-hour maintenance period commencing at 120 was given.

25-28 March -The unit remained in billet and engaged in maintenance, rehabilitation, and recreation. The Division Commanding General presented awards and decorations on 26 March at a Battalion formation. Bill Basso (A) received a battlefield commission on the 25th, the second enlisted man in the Battalion to thus promoted. On 27 March 1st Lt. George Hughston took command of Company A and 1st Lt. Gerald Norman left Company C to take command of Company B. The Division was relieved from assignment to XX Corps and again assigned to XII Corps on 28 March.

29 March - The Unit departed the assembly area in Kircheim-Bolanden and marched 67 miles, via Nierstein and Darmstadt, to a mew assembly area in the vicinity of Hainstadt, closing at 2130. The Rhine River was crossed without event at 1530 under a screen of smoke.

30 March - The Battalion, still a component of CCR and with the mission of supporting CCA or CCB on call, left the assembly area in the vicinity of Hainstadt at 0715 and proceeded to the vicinity of Budingen where it was released to CCA at 1100 and directed to move to Roth via Ruckingen. Upon arrival at Roth, the Battalion was given the mission of cleaning out the woods and seizing the high ground north and NW of Roth. By 2000, the objective had been seized and the position consolidated. Artillery and Anti-tank fire received sporadically during the period. the Unit reverted in place to the control of CCR at 2300.

31 March - The unit departed the assembly area and marched mounted 52 miles to a new assembly area in the vicinity of Reichlos, closing at 1900. Our casualties for the month of March were: 29 KIA; 104 WIA; and 16 MIA. 1,460 German POWs were taken.

1 April - The Battalion, operating as a component of CCR, was at Reichlos, Germany at the beginning of this period, having closed there the previous day. The Division was attacking NE in the direction of Fulda with combat command abreast. CCR, following CCB on the lift, was prepared to support either combat command. At 0800, the Battalion moved east and north, via Hauswurz, Giesel, Schlitz, and Hunfeld, to Unterweid, closing at 1545. En route it was attached to CCB and upon arrival at Unterweid, was given the mission of clearing the woods NE of the town. The mission was accomplished by 1810 and in accomplishing it, four enemy trucks and four multi-barreled mortars were destroyed. Defensive positions were set up for the night on the high ground north and east of the town. At 2200, the Battalion reverted to CCR. In addition to the enemy losses in material, 13 PWs were taken. Battalion strength as of 1 April was 28 Officers and 1123 enlisted men.

2 April - The Battalion remained in Unterweid, furnishing B Company as convoy protection for Division Trains while elements of HQ Company evacuated Allied prisoners liberated by CCA at Grimmenthal.

3 April - The Battalion, less B Company, departed the assembly area at 0900 and moved to a new assembly are in the vicinity of Steinbach-Hallenburg, closing at 1730.

4 April - The battalion, less B Company (attached to Division Trains) and Company C (attached to 22nd Tank Battalion) and with C Company 22nd Tank Battalion attached, was given the mission of clearing towns and areas from Steinbach-Hallenburg north of Schmalkalden, west to the Werra River, east and south to the axis Walbach-Metzels-Christes. Three task forces, each containing a platoon of tanks and one of infantry, were formed and the mission was begun at 0830. Attacking forces were recalled at 0930 as CCR was given the mission of capturing Zella Mehlis. Two TFs were organized, one under command of Lt. Col.Hearn and consisting of A and HQ Companies, 55th AIB, and C Company 22nd Tank Battalion. The other was made up of A and B Companies, 22nd Tank Battalion, and C Company, 55th AIB under the command of Lt.Col. J. T. Wingard. These TFs, formed into tank-infantry teams, moved out from Steinbach-Hallenburg at 1300. The only enemy resistance encountered by the attacking forces consisted of three undefended road blocks which were by passed by the tanks and reduced by the infantry. Lead elements entered Zella Mehlis at 1630 without opposition. The Town was cleared by 1800. Company A was reformed and sent NE on the Oberhof road to clear it and make contact with CCB. Two extensive undefended road blocks, each 50 yards or more in depth, were reduced before dark. A third extensive road block was encountered but it was decided to wait until daylight to remove it and the company withdrew to Zella Mehlis for the night. Three small arms factories were taken under guard in Zella Mehlis and a perimeter defense set up for the northern half of the town. Three enemy prisoners were taken.

5 April - At 0800, A Company, resuming its mission of contacting CCB at Oberhof, reduced four defended road blocks, knocked out one 75mm SP gun and contacted CCB in Oberhof at 100. Company B, having rejoined the Battalion on 4 March, was dispatched at 0800 to clear towns west of Zella Mehlis on the Zell Mehlis-Meiningen axis with one platoon of C Company to clean the woods on either side of this axis. After Benshausen and Schwarza had been cleared, the mission was canceled and the attacking forces held at Schwarza. CCR had been given the mission of capturing Meiningen and the airport in the vicinity thereof. In order to form two balanced TFs, our C Company was exchanged for C Company of the 22nd Tank Battalion. One force was designated TF Hearn and the other TF Wingard. The plan was to attack with the two TFs abreast, TF Wingard on the left. TF Wingard moved at 1130 with TF Hearn following at 1200, initially on the same route. TF Hearn proceeded through Schwarza where B Company joined the column, and then toward Meiningen via Kuhndorf and Helba. A road block defended by small arms and mortar fire was encountered two km east of Helba. This block was reduced and a 75mm SP gun destroyed in the vicinity of Helba. The forces then proceeded into Meiningen, encountering only SA and sniper fire at the outskirts. The Battalion was relieved in Meiningen by the 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. Relief of the Battalion was accomplished by 2000 and the Battalion returned to Zella Mehlis, closing at 2300. The 55th had two men wounded and took 619 prisoners.

6 April - The Unit remained at Zella Mehlis, sending platoon-sized patrols to Suhl, Oberhof, and Steinbach Hallenburg. At 1300, a task force, consisting of C Company, less one platoon, plus two assault guns of HQ Company, was sent to Grimmenthal to protect a bridge. This TF ran into dug-in enemy infantry and AT fire in the vicinity of Ober Massfeld and lost one assault gun to enemy action. The balance of the Battalion remained in Zella Mehlis performing maintenance. Two men were killed, four wounded , and 3 were missing.

7 April - The Division zone had been shifted south and the Battalion was ordered to move at 0730, via Schwarza and Grimmenthal, to an assembly area west of Themar. In an exchange of companies with the 22nd Tank Battalion, the unit received their C Company for its B Company. The Battalion, moving behind the 22nd, closed in Leutersdorf at 1030 and for the balance of the day patrolled the Vachdorf-Leutersdorf area. 32 prisoners were taken.

8-9 April - The Unit remained in the Bachdorf-Leutersdorf assembly area continuing patrol and maintenance activity. The Battalion was alerted to move the morning of 10 April, at which time the Division would renew the attack to the SE to capture Coburg and Neustadt. CCR was to follow CCA with this Unit as its lead element.

10 April - The Battalion departed assembly area at 1100, moving behind CCA and the 41st Cavalry. The column moved via Themar to Hildburghausen, thence south via Steinfeld, Streufdorf, and Rudelsdorf to Rodach. Rodach was entered from the north by the 22nd Tank Battalion and from the south and west by the 55th. The Battalion cleared a 3 km radius from the town, taking an arc south of the main east and west road through the town, while the 22nd cleared a similar arc north of the road. The Battalion closed Rodach at 1830 and set up a perimeter defense for the southern half of the town.

11 April - The Battalion moved from Rodach at 1400 and closed at Einberg at 1800. Here, it became a part of CCA and as part of a task force under the Battalion CO, was alerted to move at 0715 on 12 April behind a cavalry point to cut the Kronach-Lichtenfels road and be prepared to move on Kronach. The TF make-up was: the 55th less B Company which was attached to the 22nd Tank Battalion; Company A 56th Engineer Battalion (-1 platoon); A and C Companies, 22nd Tank; and one platoon, 750th TD Battalion. The 276th AFA Battalion was placed in direct support of this TF.

12 April - The Battalion (part of TF Hearn), moved at 0745 behind CCA's cavalry screen (1 troop). At Gesthunghausen the cavalry encountered enemy resistance which it was unable to overcome. The TF then passed through the cavalry and cleared the town. The column then reformed with the cavalry again in front. At the road junction SE of Theisenort, the cavalry proceeded south to Kups while the TF continued north to Kronach. En route to Kronach, C Company cleared the towns of Medlitz, Leutendorf, and Beikheim after the column had passed through them. Kronach was taken at 1415 after road blocks and SA fire had been overcome. A force consisting of C Company, 55th, C Company 22nd, and one platoon, 705th TD was given the mission of securing the high ground SE of Kronach. The force, under Major Hill Blalock, completed its mission at 1815 when Hills 410 and 513 had been occupied and the town of Weisbrunn cleared. Elements of CCR took over the defense of the north side of Kronach at 2015 and the balance of our troops moved to the east to protect the town from that direction. Orders were received to resume the attack at 0700, 13 April, attacking SE via Rugendorf and Lethenthal to capture Kulmbach. We had two men wounded and took 115 German prisoners.

13 April - The TF moved from Kronach at 0700, preceded by 10 minuets by the I&R Platoon. The force encountered and destroyed an undefended road block in the vicinity of Unter Rodach and advanced without resistance to Lebenthal where the CCA cavalry troop, which had been operating on the right flank, was contacted. The cavalry troop, leading the advance since Lebenthal, reduced a defended road block near Ober Prubach, and Kulmbach was then entered without resistance at 1140. The town was cleared, all around defense set up and a CP established there for the night. Orders reconstituting the CCA task forces were rescinded and the Battalion was directed to remain in Kulmbach, perform maintenance and continue to guard factories. 141 prisoners were taken.

14-17 April - The Battalion remained in Kulmbach guarding factories and performing maintenance. On 17 April, Captain Reimer reported back to Company B after his period of hospitalization.

18 April - The Unit moved at 1800 from Kulmbach to an assembly ares in the vicinity of Neudrossenfeld, closing at 1900. B and C Companies were attached to TF Wingard in preparation for the attack south to seize Grafenwohr. TF Hearn retained our A Company; A Company, 22nd Tank Battalion; one platoon of tank destroyers; and one platoon of engineers.

19 April - TF Hearn moved from the assembly area at 0900, following TF Wingard to Pressath. En route the force cleaned out the towns of Plossen, Lammershof, Mockersdorf, Neustadt, Fuchendorf, Preissach Burkhardsreuth, Hub, and Zintlhammer.

20 April - The Unit, located in Pressath, was given the mission of clearing woods SE of town and finding and seizing a German ammunition dump reported to be located therein. The clearing force, consisting of A and C Companies, one section of HQ Company machine gun platoon, one squad of HQ Company mortar platoon and the I & R Platoon, discovered and seized the dump at 1500. The dump extended over an area of approximately one square mile and contained chemical warfare as well as light and medium artillery ammunition. The Battalion CP displaced to Grafenwohr at 1500.

21 April - The Unit, with attachments remained at Grafenwohr guarding installations and the ammunition, performing maintenance and providing defense of the southern half of the town.

22 April - The Battalion, still operating as TF Hearn, moved from Grafenwohr at 0800 behind TF Wingard and marched mounted 25 miles to Weiden. The Unit was given the mission of clearing Weiden while TF Wingard moved on toward Nabburg, objective for the day. Weiden was cleared at 1500 and the TF moved on, coiling for the night at Pfreimd. Surrender of 500 Hungarians was negotiated during the night. 559 POWs taken.

23 April - The Unit departed Pfreimd at 0745 and marched mounted behind TF Wingard to the vicinity of Neider Murrach where it established a PW cage t handle the large volume of PWs. The Battalion moved from Neider Murrach at 1500 and proceeded to Cham, closing at 2000. Another 175 Germans were taken prisoner.

23 April - The Unit lift Cham at 1230 and marched mounted behind TF Wingard to an assembly area in the vicinity of Viechtach, closing at 2000.

25 April- The Battalion, as a reserve task force for CCA, moved from Viechtach at 1230 and closed in Grafenau at 1830.

26 April - The Unit moved from Grafenau behind TF Wingard and marched mounted 15 miles to Furholz, closing at 1900. 210 more prisoners were captured.

27 April - The Unit in Furholz dispatched a task force consisting of one platoon A Company and one platoon 705th TD Battalion, under command of Captain Kendall, on a road reconnaissance to find suitable routes to the SE for Division use. The TF moved approximately 12 km to Jandelsbrunn, encountered no enemy resistance and found all routes in that area unsuitable for use. The remainder of the Battalion was engaged in maintenance.

28 April - The Battalion remained in Furholz and again dispatched Captain Kendall's recon TF to the SE. The TF moved through Gsengst to Breitenburg where it encountered stiff resistance from 200 enemy with AT, panzerfausts and SA. the TF lost one M-18 tank destroyer to enemy AT fire and withdrew, retuning to Furholz at 1800. Casualties for the period were 1 KIA and 4 MIA.

29 April - The Battalion was still at Furholz and when the Division headquarters at Freyung was threatened from the north, a task force of one company of infantry, one company of tanks, and one battery of artillery under command of Major Hill Blalock was sent to Kreuzberg. This force was relieved at 1800 by elements of CCR and proceeded to Wollaberg where it assembled for the night in preparation for the next day's operations.

30 April - The Battalion departed Furholz at 0730 and, as the lead task force of CCA, moved via Waldkirchen, Jandelsbrunn, Stubhauser and Kashberg to the vicinity of Wegscheid, where heavy enemy resistance, consisting of dug-in infantry,AT, SA, and AW fire was encountered. The type of resistance encountered and the limitations of the terrain ruled out an armored attack, so our infantry assaulted the town. The town was cleared and a defensive perimeter set up around it by 2300. During this action, two 88mm guns, four 75mm AT guns, one SP AT gun, four 20mm AA guns, and one 40mm AA gun were destroyed. Our casualties were 1 KIA and 10 WIA. Material losses included five medium tanks.

1 May - the Battalion TF crossed the IP at Wegscheid at 0800 and against no opposition, crossed the border into Austria at Kramerschlag at 0830. A defended road block and resistance were encountered near Peilstein. The resistance was overcome, and Peilstein entered and passed through at 1130. In the vicinity of Diendorf, SA and panzerfaust resistance was encountered from the woods and high ground north of the road. This resistance was overcome by 1800 and the TF pushed into Oepping where it halted for the night and set up a defensive perimeter around the town.The main north and south road, used by the Germans to withdraw to the south, was cut east of Oepping. The Battalion, during this attack, destroyed four 88mm and three 40mm guns. We had 4 KIA and 8 WIA during this action. Captain Hughston was wounded on this date leaving 2nd Lt. Henry Kieling in command of Company A.

2 May - The Battalion departed Oepping at 0645, moved generally SE and encountered enemy resistance one mile north of Rohrbach. This was overcome and Rohrbach was entered and cleared by 0900. Neufelden was reached without opposition at 1300. Here the bridges across the Muhl River were found blown but the TF was able to begin fording the stream at 1700 after Company A 56th Engineers had prepared the approaches. A and C Companies had previously crossed dismounted to establish a small bridgehead. Fording operations continued to the close of the period.750 enemy prisoners were taken.

3 May - The Battalion completed the river crossing at 0200, enlarged the bridgehead on the east bank, and resumed its advance to the SE at 0730. The column coiled in the vicinity of Emmersdorf at 1100 whiled a reconnaissance was made of roads to the SE and a road block in the vicinity of Bauer was removed. The advance was resumed at 1300 and the column proceeded unopposed to the vicinity of Rotten Egg. There the column was halted at 1600 by a blown bridge and lack of a suitable by pass. Our C Company and C Company of the 22nd were attached to TF Wingard, which moved on Gramastetten via Herzogstadt, and the remainder of the Battalion assembled for the night near Rotten Egg. 164 prisoners were taken.

4 May - The Unit left the area NW of rotten Egg at 0815 with the mission of clearing the woods and high ground east of the town, seizing the town of Walding, and clearing the woods NE thereof. The assigned mission was completed at 1145. Elements of the Battalion in the vicinity of Rotten Egg received heavy artillery fire throughout the period and the attacking elements received SA, AW, mortar and artillery fire in the vicinity of Walding. Two of our men were killed and 12 wounded in this action. 416 enemy prisoners were taken.

5 May - The Unit moved from Rotten Egg_Walding area to Gramastetten, thence NE behind TF Wingard on the CCB route to Hellmonstodt, NE to Reichenau, and then south to Schwarzendorf. At this point, Linz had surrendered to TF Wingard and the Battalion was given the mission of returning to Reichenau and setting up a defense there for the night. The Battalion closed in Reichenau at 1800.

6 May - The Battalion remained in Reichenau performing maintenance. A patrol, consisting of one platoon of infantry, one platoon of cavalry and one platoon of tank destroyers was sent NE to Windhaag. The patrol captured an enemy military train at Summerau and destroyed sixteen 105mm howitzers, ten 120mm mortars, six nebelwerfers, three multi-barrelled 20mm AA guns mounted on railroad cars, two tank destroyers, and three trucks.

7 May - The Unit remained in Reichenau performing maintenance. A patrol was sent NE to Freistadt.

8 May - The Battalion remained in Reichenau performing maintenance. A patrol was sent NE to the vicinity of Schwandtbuhl. B and C Companies reverted to Battalion control from TF Wingard. A Company 22nd Tank Battalion returned to its parent unit. A troop of the 41st Cavalry contacted the Soviet forces at Amstetten at 1550 on this date to make the Third Army's first link-up with the eastern ally. Our losses for the month were 12 KIA; 51 WIA; and 13 MIA. We also lost one M4A3 Assault gun; one M-18 Tank Destroyer; and 5 Medium Tanks. 4,101 prisoners were rounded up.

At no time during this final campaign was the enemy able to put up a determined resistance. Hitler's regime crumbled everywhere. Big things were happening. Hamburg fell. Bremen and Munich fell, In Italy, the American Fifth and the British Eighth Armies broke through causing the surrender of all enemy forces in Italy and western Austria. The Russians realized a dream commenced long ago -- entry into Berlin.

The final formal surrender of all enemy ground, sea and air forces took place on 7 may, taking effect at 0001, 9 May 1945. At that hour World War II in Europe was officially over. On that date, the 11th Armored Division was the easternmost unit of all Allied Forces on the western front. The final G-3 report tersely read as the results of operations: "Contact established with Russian forces to complete all assigned missions ETO World Was II. Captured estimated 12, 451 PW's (i.e. 11th Armored Division)." Victory was no secret nor surprise to the members of the 55th, partly because it was anti-climactic. They had heard radio reports which rung true and they knew they had crossed Germany and were probing deep into Austria. A glance at any battle map told them the Third Reich was "kaput". The big battle was over. The only thing that would prolong the war, an action that would occur in our Army ares, was the indication that the enemy might sing a swan song in the national redoubt, a rugged, mountainous region extending into Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Austria. But it didn't happen.

May 9th was quiet in the Battalion area. There were lights and fires until midnight, but emotions were on the sober side. Of course everyone was happy. Perhaps it was difficult to believe and that spirits would rise as the realization of victory penetrated more deeply. Or perhaps the transition to peace had begun long ago to their thinking.

The weather was warm and it was relieving not to hear guns booming, rifles cracking, mortar and artillery shells bursting, and motors roaring. It was good to relax in the sun, to drive or walk through a wooded area, not too mindful of the enemy. And you could stand on a skyline to the heart's delight. No enemy reaction.

Victory was not without cost. Although engaged for less than five months with the enemy, the 55th suffered heavy casualties. Six officers and 115 enlisted men gave their lives to their country. Twelve enlisted men died as a result of wounds sustained in action, one died as a result of an accidental shooting, and one death resulted from natural causes; the others were killed in action. There were no suicides or gas casualties. Additionally, the 55th suffered the following casualties: 229 slightly wounded in action;120 seriously wounded in action; 168 slightly injured in action; 38 seriously injured in action; 24 self-inflicted wounds; 62 non-battle wounds; and 78 non-battle injuries.

Including those who had been evacuated and hospitalized and subsequently returned to duty, the Battalion, during its combat period, received a total of 14 officers and 1.082 enlisted men, all reinforcements.

At Reichenau, Company A served as a security element, while Company B was busy rounding up the hordes of prisoners, disarming them, and turning them over to the Russians.k More security was provided by Company C which sent out patrols and collected stragglers.

On 18 May, the Battalion moved forty miles, mounted, to Rohrbach, Austria, at that time our of the Russian occupation ares. A survey was made and physical and manned road blocks were set up, one of which was spotted at the junction of the German, Austrian, and Czechoslovakian borders. The rifle companies moved to nearby Aigen and, in addition to operating road blocks, moved a sizable number of displaced personnel. The command post was established in Rohrbach.

On May 30, the colors flew at half-mast before the assembled Battalion on the parade ground. It was Memorial Day, doubly significant in 1945 for the 55th. the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Hearn, in library silence, read that long, impressive list of officers and enlisted men who had given themselves for our victory. A firing squad fired a volley. A bugler sounded Taps. Troops passed smartly in review. It was at this ceremony that Combat Infantry Streamers were attached to the guidons of A, B, C, HQ, and Service Companies. To be eligible for the distinction of flying this white, swallow-tailed streamer, sixty-five percent of each company were combat infantrymen, and proudly wore the symbolic badge of one. The 55th Armored Infantry Battalion earned battle participation credit for three campaigns in its European World War II combat period. These campaigns were: Rhineland Campaign; Ardennes Campaign; Central Europe Campaign.

On 9 June, the 55th moved again to the south and west to Ried.Austria,a quiet, small town, undamaged by war, close to the Bavarian Alps and Salzburg, and not far from the Hitler hideout at Berchtesgaden. Immediately, two perimeter road blocks were established, one at Kirchheim and another at Geirsberg. In addition, a third one was set up in Ried itself. In the town, and ammunition dump, the city jail, a hospital, and a house storing SS records came under our guard. Two roving patrols operated, one through our entire zone of responsibility, and the other, a night patrol, in Ried. A training schedule had long been in effect and continued during the Ried tenancy. Considerable time was devoted to athletics and to information and education activities.

In June, the 11th Armored Division opened two recreation centers near Gmunden, Austria, one for officers and one for enlisted personnel. The purpose was to provide a brief recreation and relaxation period to all troops. Games, swimming, boating, tours and movies were a few of the attractions. Passes and furloughs on a quota basis continues, allowing men to visit Paris, the United Kingdom, and the Riviera.