(70 Years Ago with the 37th Tank Battalion) 10/31/1944 0645 This morning “B” Company left at 0645 to join “C” Company of the 10th Infantry Battalion to make the attack on the Siegfried Line model. The tanks began their systematic and scientific destruction of pillboxes and the “dry run” was concluded by a critique by Major Hunter in which tank, infantry, and tank destroyer company commanders, plus various staff members, and some platoon leaders gave their views on the problem and their suggestions for improving the technique. The men returned from the three (3) day pass in Paris, Everyone reported a fine time. The duffle bags were brought to the area allowing the men to get new clothes, etc. This afternoon “A” Company went through the Siegfried Line model as “B” Company had done. A company commanders meeting was called for 1830. The main topic of the meeting was the general plans for the coming offensive given by Colonel Abrams and then his plan for employing the Battalion. It was announced at the meeting that Colonel Clarke was relieved and was taking a command in the Seventh Armored Division. This news was received with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow by all who have served under him; joy because official recognition had finally been taken of his magnificent achievements; sorrow because we had lost the best Combat Commander we have served under to date. 11/1/1944 The day began with the usual duties after one of the coldest nights we’ve had. Mass was held in the area at 0900. Men were taken to the showers and movies. The Officers of A and B Companies held a critique with the Officers “A” Company of the 53rd Armd Inf Bn, and C Co of the 10th Armd Inf Bn respectively on yesterday’s assault on the Siegfried Line model. Today the Battalion had its greatest loss when the news came that Col. Abrams was being taken from us to assume command of Combat Command “A” – Thus Col. Clarke’s departure was a double loss to this Battalion. There are no words to express the sentiments of the Officers and men of the Battalion as they realized that the man who had led them and trained them, some for over three and a half years, was parting company. Nothing more need to be said because no one outside of the Battalion could understand it, anymore than those in the Battalion could fail to understand it. 11/2/1944 The usual bivouac duties were carried out this morning along with showers and passes to Nancy. A meeting was called for 0900 for all Officers at which Col. Abrams bid his farewell to the Battalion. At 1030 the Battalion was placed on a one hour alert prepared to repel and expected enemy counter-attack in the vicinity of the boundary between the 26th Inf. Div and the 35th Inf Div and Major Hunter was called to a meeting at CCA for instructions. Upon his return the Rcn Platoon was sent out to reconnoiter various routes and assembly areas and orders were given to the Co. Comdrs In the event we were employed, Rcn, Co “D” and the Assault and Mortar Platoons would proceed at once to secure the assembly areas and register in. The remainder of the force would fall in the order A, Bn Comd, C/10, Plat of A/23, B, C, and A/53. Capt. McMahon and Capt Stroup, reconnoitered the assembly area and selected OP’s Mr. Lubrano arrived at 1000 to pay the troops, take PTA’s and Allotments. Major Hunter attended a meeting at CCA Headquarters late in the evening
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 22:02:28 +0000
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