COMPANY "C" 18TH TANK BN
APO 258, c/o P.M., New York, N.Y.

4 March 1945

SUBJECT: Combat Intelligence Report
TO: S-2, 18th Tank Bn.

On 27 February 1945 left Schulberg, Holland, enroute to Hilfarth, Germany. Crossed the Roer River at 2400 and proceeded to Wegberg, Germany, arriving at 1800, 28 February 1945. Halted until 0500, 1 March 1945. Proceeded to Amern-St. Gerog, Germany; objective attained at 1600, 1 March 1945. Pushed on to Lobberich, Germany, arriving at 2000. As the Advance Guard neared the town, it was held up by a road block covered by small arms fire. Battalion attacked at 0615, 2 March 1945. Objective attained at 0900.

The Task Force was then reorganized. Company "C", 18th Tank Bn was made a part of the Advance Guard for CCA, 8th Armored Division. The Advance Guard, commanded by Capt. Chapman, consisted of two platoons of Troop A (88th Cavalry), one medium tank company (Co. "C", 18th Tank Bn), one platoon of engineers, one battery of artillery (Battery C, 398 F.A.), and a platoon of TDs. The Advance Guard pushed through Hinsbeck, Germany, without resistance and on to Wachtendonk. Here advance elements encountered small arms fire. A section of tanks were called up to neutralize the positions. The Section command by S/Sgt. Levi L. Barnes (ASN 32139121) moved up to the town. When he dismounted to get his orders from Capt. Chapman, Sgt. Barnes was wounded by sniper fire. Tec/4 Lawrence Swinehart (ASN 35550993) assumed command of the tank, and as he moved forward to secure a bridge in the town, his tank was knocked-out by enemy bazooka fire. There was two casualties: Pfc Williams C. Ehlert (ASN 16125360) and Tec/4 Swinehart. The Section was then ordered to withdraw.

It was decided to send a platoon of medium tanks through the town followed by a platoon of infantry mounted in half-tracks. An artillery preparation was laid on the town, and the tanks moved in. The tank commanded by the platoon leader, 2d Lt. Daniel A Buechner, III (ASN 0-533833), was knocked out by enemy bazooka fire. There was one man killed (Pfc Ted E. Maddox, ASN 34536699) and one man seriously wounded (Tec/4 Lee F. Teenie, ASN 35550993). The tank stayed in position while two platoons of infantry dismounted and entered the town on foot, under cover of fire from the tanks. When the infantry entered the town about twenty enemy soldiers surrendered. The tanks were called up but could not advance beyond a blown-out bridge. The infantry secured the town alone. At 0900 3 March 1945 the tanks were relieved by CCB.

s/ CLAUDE D. BLEVINS, t/ CLAUDE D. BLEVINS,
1st. Lt. Inf.
Commanding.