History of the 49th Armored Infantry Battalion
April, 1945

  Apr. 1 - It is Easter today and we managed to have Church services - Catholic services at 1500 and Protestant services at 1600. At 1525, the Bn was alerted to move on a one hour notice. Col Roseborough returned from CCB with march order. Advance guard consisting of Co. B, 49th A. I. Bn, Co. B, 36th, 3rd Plat Co. B, 53td Engr, 1sr Plat. Co. B, 809 TD'S. TF, (advanced guard), Hq, 49th A. I. Bn, Co. A, 49th A.I. Bn, Hq Co, 49th, Hq and Hq Co. CCB, Co. B, 809 TD Bn (1 plat), Rcn plat 809TH Bn . This element is Task Force Roseborough. The column moved out at 1930 at 08 miles per hour. The I. P. is the crossroad just east of SELM. Traveled to SELM, I. P., KAPELLE AOLSTEDDER and at 2230 column was halted due to change in route. At 2240 Col. Roseborough met Col. Kimball however there was no change in our route. Stayed parked along road because of heavy traffic.

  Apr. 2 - Company Comdrs were given further instructions. Here we stayed parked along the road till 0750. Moving out again we hit BECKUM and did not get on the autobahn as previously planned. At 1045 message received from CCB that Tiger Tanks were moving north from LIPPSTADT. The 88 Rcn Sqrd leading the Div column of which we are a part of encountered 100 Krauts east of DELBRUCK. At 1045 the delay that held us up was overcome when the 2nd Armored Div cleared the crossroad intersecting our route of advance. At the head of our column were the 88 Rcn Squad is leading the column Lt. Tait and his billeting party were fired upon. It seems that the billeting party was sent out to pick billets far ahead of the column. Upon reaching the outskirts of NEUHAUS the billeting party started taking PW's that were willing to surrender. However, SS troops fired on our party and they were also supported by a tank firing from just the bridge in NEUHAUS. The billeting party started retreating leaving T/5 Volhauser dead with the 3/4 ton truck. Pfc Hoslyk, Cpl Jendrus, Hq Co, and Cpl Cardinale were unaccounted for. All this happened at approx 1030. Medics were called up closer to the head of the column so as to be in a position to aid the wounded. Again we were ordered to pass through CCA and continue the attack. Passing through the town of WESTERHOLZ, we continued to area short of NEUHAUS at 1635. Our mission is to cease PADERBORN. C Co reverts back to our command. Up to now they were attached to the 36 Tank Bn. The orders are to attack NEUHAUS with A Co on the left, Co B on the right. Adv along route dismounted. Two platoons of the 36th Tank Bn are to support A and B Co's. The road fork on the outskirts of NEUHAUS. When this is reached report will be made. C Co is to remain mounted and ready to support A and B Co's. Have to attack immediately because 88 Rcn Squad had troops in NEUHAUS and is receiving small arms fire and AT fire. Companies moved out and set up defense for it was getting dark. The attack is to continue in the morning. 15 PW's taken.

  Apr. 3 - At 0200 a counter attack was launched by 2 companies of SS troops and one company of the 15 Convalescent Bn on A Co's sector. Cpl Jendrus and Cpl Cardinale returned to tell us that they were PW's of the Germans. They had quite an experience, They said their treatment was good and in no way were they molested. CCB informed us that we would not move from our location till in the morning, Total PW's taken were 83.

  Apr. 4 - At 0300 everyone was awakened for we are to move at 1420 to GESEKE and be in Division reserve. Route traveled was town of SAND, ELSEN, BENTFIELD, KIRCHBOKE, HEILWINKLE, VERLAR and finally at 0800we arrived at GESEKE. Bn CP was set up in a hotel at 587384. The Bn presumably is to move at 1300 or close thereafter. Maps came in and they were 1/25000 scale. For the past three days we were working off a 1/100,000 map. Nevertheless we found ourselves able to bed down when night came.

  Apr. 5 - We are on the move again at 0915 leaving GESEKE. Our mission is to proceed to WICKINGHAUSEN and pass through CCR and continue the attack to the south. We passed through VERLAR, HASTE, ERSBECK, LIPPSTADT, south to WICKINGHAUSEN, arriving here at 1110, coordinates 402375. Again we were ordered to move to HELLINGHAUSEN. Moved from WICKINGHAUSEN at 1210 passing through OVERBAGEN. Upon reaching ELKENBORN we were again informed that it was an open city and no firing is to take place. There are 1500 wounded Jerries in the Hospital. All along our route of advance Jerry surrendered in groves, in groups of a company to smaller detachments. At 1530 we were ordered to set up in OSTINGHAUSEN. At 1910 Lt. Huls, Liaison Officer, brought in poop for us to send out strong outposts. A Company was sent to WESLARN. B and A companies ordered to send out strong patrols to make contact with the 95 Infantry Division. Capt Dugas, our S-3, is now a Major. T/Sgt Frazier of C Co. is a 2nd Lr. And General Devine wants to personally pin the bars on him tomorrow. Today our PW catch was 1420.

  Apr Apr. 6 - Alerted at 0930 to move to BAD SASSENDORF, await clearance from 95th Div, then swing south to cut off the German escape route from SOEST. Route of march, OSTINGHAUSEN, WESLARN, SE to RR track, SW to BAD SASSENDORF; SE to main road, S to APMUNDEN, hit main road to ELSEN, down to MULLINGEN, GELLINGSEN, ERINGSEN, MENINGSUN, north to AMPEN. Order of march was B Co 49th, B Co 36, 53 Engineers, Hq and Hq Co and trains, A Co and TD's. At 1450, CP at BAD SASSENDORF. Halted here because we were not allowed to pass the 29 Grid line. At 1700 we again moved out on our mission to AMPEN. At 1815 head of column stuck at MULLINGSEN by estimated dug in Company of Infantry and supported by a battery of 88mm. At 2030 MULLINGSEN was cleared but the troops retreating from SOEST are coming into contact with our elements between MULLINGSEN and HIDDENGSEN. They have 2 tanks and 4 88mm and dug in infantry. 65 PW's taken today.

  Apr. 7 - At 0600 B and A Companies made attacks on BEUESINGSEN and ELSEN. There were 12 88mm there. Few were knocked out. We heard that SOEST was cleared of enemy. Ordered once more to move out and take the town of WERL. The 95th Infantry Division will be on our right.. Order was issued and we moved out at 1405. Route taken; RALLINGSEN, SIEVERINGEN, GIRLINGEN, BLUEMENTHAL, and then north into WERL. All along our advance thousands of released PW Russians, French, Belguans, and Poles are streaming eastward. Many have been released by our rapid advance. Once they are freed their first aim is to crowd the highways and byways for their homeland. At 1815 head of column struck opposition at 174263. It was mortar fire. Four tanks were reported at 135240 at 1900. Artillery was brought up to fire on it. Shortly thereafter artillery was called to stop so as to allow approximately 150 Krauts to surrender.
    At 1950 A Co received S/A fire and machine gun to their front. However everything is being brought under control. We are to have the troops mount up and pass right through the S/A fire overrunning these positions so as to get to BLUMENTHAL, outpost it and be prepared to attack WERL at the first hour of daylight. A Co at head of column struck opposition they could not bypass because the enemy had bazookas along the road leading to BLUMENTHAL. A Co was stopped at RJ, south of BLUMENTHAL. PW's taken 424.

  Apr. 8 - This morning A Company is to attack from the east to BLUMENTHAL. B Co is to attack from the south. CCB at 1030 decided that the progress is too slow and they want the 49th to break contact with the enemy and move to WEST ONNEN, 157285 and there to pass through the 36th Tank Bn and continue the attack on WERL from the east. A Co is taking a beating but not from the enemy. The men are tired and exhausted. Few men have already been brought back broken mentally. They feel that they are fighting the war alone and no one is helping them. Order of march to WEST ONNEN is following order; B Co + a plat of tanks, Hq and Hq Co., Engrs and A Co. Head of column moved out at 1300 and closed into WEST ONNEN at 1350. B Co was alerted to move and support Van Houten of the 36th Tank Bn. 14 PW taken.

  Apr. 9 - At 0605 Bn Hqs, Hq Co, 809 TD platoon and 1 plat of B Co 36 Tank Bn, moved to WERL. A Co moved with CCB and was used as their security company. From WERL we moved to HOLTUM 087280. Our forward elements can't really make contact with the enemy for he is continually falling back to west. To all indications the enemy will make his next stand at UNNA. Hundreds and hundreds of Russians, Poles, French, Belgium, Czechs, Slavs and every other nationality forced to labor by the Germans are looting, roaming and heading to their homeland. It's a pitiful sight to see the ragged, desperate and hungry plight they are in. However, deep down in their hearts, though almost starved and physically broken, they know they are free men once again. Moved out from HOLTUEN and moved to HAMMERDE at 053279 at 2230. Hq and Hq Co closed in. The 809 TD's and one platoon of Tanks were left behind. They were brought up however and no harm was done. 16 PW's taken. 9 reinforcements received today.

  Apr. 10 - At 0400, attack order on UNNA was issues. At 0615, B 36 and B 49 were approaching Task Force Van Houten. Mortar Plat and Assault gun plat in support. At 0923, B Co moved out and at 0955 B Co was 900 yards from STOCKUM. At 1200, air power was brought on UNNA. Starting one very large fire. They moved along without any opposition until to a point one mile from UNNA, 992265. There at 1830 they ran into what was beginning of a counter-attack. Artillery was called upon immediately and the plat of TD's were sent up. Two SS men captured gave out the information the city of UNNA is ringed with dug in positions and numerous flak pieces, also 2 Tiger Tanks protected by a dug in company of infantry at 987265. Col. Roseborough through personal observation has spotted dug in positions extending from 990263, 993260, 994260, 001263. At 2250 Col Roseborough sent back word to bring up the rest of the elements left behind. A Co to remain with CCB as security. Going to HELLWEG and getting there at 2400, coordinates 003268. PW's taken 15 today. Today we received 7 more EM replacements.

  Apr. 11 - Today we were reinforced with 25 EM and 3 officers. The officers are 2nd Lt. Ralph Badagliacca, O1332458; 2nd Lt. John P; Flynn, O1332481; 2nd Lt. William K. Vaughan, O1053407. At 0410 we received orders to hold present position and support by fire the attack on UNNA by TF Poinier from KESSELBUREN and TF Goodrich on road running into UNNA. After UNNA is taken we revert to Corps reserve. At 1500 received to move out to assembly vic SIDDINGHAUSEN. Route, STOCKUM Highway and SIDDINGHAUSEN. Order of March B-49, B-36, Hq and Hq Co, 49th plus medics, A Co 49, and trains. A Co came from HEMMERDE to join us and was relieved of security for CCB. At 1755, Bn closed into SIDDINGHAUSEN and the plan for CCB to move to vic HANNOVER and protect the XIX Corps south flank. Contemplated that we will not move till some time after 1200 tomorrow. All the maps scale 1/25000 and 1/50000 were turned in to CCB and maps 1/100000 all the way to BERLIN were received in return. We took 57 PW's today.

  Apr. 12 - Received 6 EM reinforcements today. At 1100 we were alerted to move and at 1301 head of column moved out reaching the IP at 1306 and the column clearing IP at 1327. Order of march was Rcn Platoon, Bn CP, H.T, B Co. B Co 36th Tank Bn, A Co , Hq Co and Service Co. Route taken; SIDDINGHAUSEN, WERL, SOEST, EIKELAH, GESEKE, HALSEN, HEITWINKLE, ANREPPEN, BENTFIELD, ELSEN, NEUHAUS, SENNE, HOVALHOF, SLEWECKLE, AUGUSTDORF, NIENHAGEN, SETMOLD, CAPPEL, GROSSENMARPE, BARNTRAP, ROKRER, GR. BERDEL, TUNDERN, DORRY, HANENSTEIN, BERSTORF, EIZE, BURGSTEMMIEN,HILDESHEIM. We did not stay here but continued on to EINUM, BETMAR, KINKLER, FORMSEN, DINGELBE, BETTRUM, and HIMSTEDT, SOHLDE, BARBECKE, BROISTIDT, BEICKENSTADT, SOINNGEN, UFINGEN, NORTENHOF, (crossed pontoon bridge), STETERBURY,THIEDE and GR STOCKHEIM. A Co was sent to IMMENDORF to occupy the town and vicinity thus relieving the elements of the 2nd Armored Division.

  Apr. 13 - Finally at 0830 head of column reached WOLFRNBUTTLE, a distance of 161 miles. The whole column closed in at 0845. We are to send out patrols and reconnoiter roads and guard all prisons, hospitals, armories, warehouses, etc. At 1300 these patrols were sent out by Hq Co, B Co, and Co B 36th Tank Bn.

  Apr. 14 - The Commands CCR and CCA are to relieve us and we will move to city of HALBERSTADT, route to be taken is GR DENKTE, SEINWENSTEDT, REKLUM, HESSEN, DARDESHEIM and finally to HALBERSTADT. H Hour is 1300 but it has been changed that we do not move until later. Head of column moved out at 1445, followed out the route until we reached ATHENSTADT, then south to DERENBURG. Closed in DERENBURG at 1800, coordinate 185680. Outposts wer set up for all around defense. We are very close to enemy positions. At 2145 an estimated 6 man patrol with Burp Guns and panzerfaust hit one of our outposts (A Co., at BENZINGERODE, 160642). One tank was hit, believed knocked out, two men slightly injured, all accounted for. At 2230 all was peaceful again.

  Apr. 15 - Took 27 PW's today. Patrols were sent out mounted and dismounted to catch any Krauts wherever they are to be found. The Krauts are still in the general area of the woods to our south. He holds the towns of HEIMBURG and BLANKENBURG. Patrols are sent out every 2 hours during the day. Patrol No. 1 in 'A' Co's sector is mounted during daylight hours and dismounted at night. It's mission is to make contact with patrol from the 3rd Bn of the 330 Inf Regt at RJ 135696 at 1400, 1800 and 2200. At 1425, two sections of Recon platoon were sent out with following mission: one section to contact 3 Bn of 330 Inf Regt, to the SW to find out their troop disposition, and the other section was to follow road running South out of DERENBURG and contact patrol of 88 Recon, which was reconnoitering woods to east of road. Both sections accomplished their mission. At 2200 patrol was sent out around outskirts of BENZINGERODE by 1st Plat 'A' Co. It reported seeing Germans on south edge of town but no actual contact made. At 2400, B Co outpost encountered an 8 to 10 man patrol with AA and panzerfausts. They withdrew to WESTERHOUSEN suffering 2 casualties. The following men were decorated by Brig. General Devine today at 1000: Our Battalion Commander, Lt Col Morgan G. Roseborough received the Silver Star; Major C. P. Brown, the Bn Executive Officer, received the Bronze Star; Pfc Elmer H. Geibel of Co 'A', received the Bronze Star.

  Apr. 16 - In the morning, outpost was placed on ridge south of their position which still allowed them to perform their mission. At the same time harassing enemy patrols with A/W entered WESTERHOUSEN and fired on B Co from their sides. At daylight, A Co sent out two squad patrols to clear the woods vic 2066 of enemy patrols. Started out at north tip of woods working it's way down. As it advanced it extended it's front. At 1450 patrol made contact with 3 Bn 330 Inf Regt at RJ 135645. Today we had a Lt. From Corps Hqs check some individuals that came here from BERLIN with two truck loads of records. They were part of a staff from Ministry of Economics. Later on we cleared out the records from the cave and with said personnel we placed them in town at City Hall. At 1900, A Co sent out a patrol to check the woods again, Returned from patrol at 2210. PW's taken todat, 23. B Co is evacuating their own PW's for they are in the town of WESTERHOUSEN. They had 13 of the 23 taken today. At 2100, Sgt Lauterbach with 3 men set up an ambush at the factory where Displaced personnel staying there claim 55 men come to at times and tell Russians to get food for them from the town.

  AprApr 17. - 34 PW's taken today. The result of Lauterbach patrol was negative. Nothing occurred there to cause any concern. The patrol sent out to make contact with the 2 1/2 ton trucks that were ambushed returned for they did not contact the trucks at 0300. During the early morning 2 civilians tripped one of B Co's trip flares. One civilian was killed and one wounded. At Sgt. Pepi's Hq Co outpost 3 Krauts were fired upon, killing one and wounding another. This happened at 0530 in the morning. Patrols sent to reconnoiter woods at 2166 by A Co. They met little resistance and took care of it. At the SE part of these woods there are approximately 75 to 100 men dug in. A Co, encountered this opposition. A/A, A/W, and Mortar fire was received. We suffered a few casualties. The TD platoon was sent up and returned at 1905. C Co that has been with the 36 Tank Bn was called upon to get in position vic 226670. Tanks of B Co 36 Tank Bn are also in same place. Mission is to hold tight for tonight and tomorrow morning. C Co will jump off and attack the enemies from the left flank.

  AprApr, 18 - Today we received two Officers as reinforcements: 2nd Lt. Arthur J. Jamin, O1052010, went to A Co. and 1st Lt. Philip R. Morean, O424650, went to Serv Co. Orders confirming oral discussions given Col Roseborough were brought in by Ln Officer Lt. Huls. Oral orders were issued by CCB Comdr. Col Burba in reference to C Co attack in the morning. 0900 everything set for us to attack with C Co. All they are waiting for is the air strike on the HEIMBURG forest 2463. Air is to drop gasoline, inflammables and bombs. Artillery is to support all this. The air strike came off at 1530. Forward CP at 224672 was closed and CP at DERENBURG was the CP from which all functioned again. C Co set up a cloverleaf defense in the southern sector of the DERENBURG woods 2165. A Co was brought back to DERENBURG in Bn Reserve. Evening comparatively quiet. A Co accounted for about 40 dead Krauts. PW catch for today was 13 PW's.

  Apr. 19 - Rather a quiet morning. At 1200 a patrol from the 4th Cav. Group made contact with our B Co at WESTERHAUSEN. Radio contact was established with this group immediately. Most activity in the afternoon was to observe th activity of the enemy in HEIMBURG. A Co had two OP's at 163645 and 188666. Mobile reserve was set up in DERENBURG in case enemy troops in HEIMBURG move toward us to the north. The reserve consists of 2 platoons Inf from A Co., mounted on one platoon of TD's and one platoon of Tanks. PW catch today was 62 Krauts.

  Apr. 20 - This morning at 0300 a medical column with leadlights blazing consisting of a 1 3/4 ton truck, 3 ambulances and three 2 1/2 ton trucks was on its way to the 20 Field hospital, coming in from the east. They were mistaken for an enemy column and a lot of firing took place. However no casualties occurred. Everyone was awakened and informed that there was a counterattack and the Krauts were in town and we were surrounded. This proved to be through a closer scrutiny not more than a medical column. All relaxed when they found out the true picture. Our mission as part of CCB is to clear and occupy SW part of woods, take HEIMBURG and BLANKENBURG. Lt. Cone and his platoon moved out at 0630 with 2 squads, one in lead, the other following towards HEIMBURG. There wasn't much opposition, just scattered burp gun fire which his men took care of quickly. B Co moves out a platoon from WESTERHAUSEN west to a position 260606. Here they set up protection for a column of tanks from the 36th Tank Bn., who took up firing positions there. At 1020, Lt. Cone occupied the high ground overlooking HEIMBURG (Hill 277). At 1110, all of A Co was on Hill 277. An air strike occurred at 1145, then they set up loudspeakers to convince the city of BLANKENBURG to surrender. A Co took the town of HEIMBURG without any opposition and A, B, and C Companies prepared to get into position to attack BLANKENBURG. At 2000 the resistance in BLANKENBURG ceased and the 49th prepared to move in. PW's started coming out of the town surrendering. At 2100 the 49th was in BLANKENBURG sitting up in billets and gathering up PW's. PW's taken for the period of 1500 20 April to 1600 21 April was 970. Also we had captured 26 horse drawn wagons and 54 horses.

  Apr. 21 - Most of the day was spent gathering up PW's. They came in in large groups and small groups, surrendering in all parts of the city. We received orders that we are to occupy, govern, and control this area for the duration. This was received orally and more orders are to follow later. This so far is just hearsay and may not be true. At 1500 two squads of A Co and some tanks were sent out to see if they could capture a German General Staff Officer. Col Roseborough and Capt Look took off with them. We did not know what was happening until at 2030 when the Col and Capt Look returned to let us know that they were unsuccessful and the General involved was Kesserling. It seems when his orderly did not return at 0900 that morning he took off but left a few of his staff behind to talk surrender terms. This is how we got the story. Our PW bag was the biggest we have had yet. When we finally got our count of the PWs we took to the CCB cage it was a round figure of 970 plus horse drawn wagons and 54 horses, and an undisclosed number of small arms, panzerfaust, machine guns were gathered up. We are to move at approximately 1200 tomorrow to the town of RUBELAND. We are to occupy an area assigned to us.

  Apr. 22 - Moved out from BLANKENBURG at 0800 in the following order: 1st Plat A Co, Plat Co B 53rd Engrs, A Co, Co B 36th Tank Bn Hq and Hq Co, 49th AI Bn, medics and maintenance. B Co moved alone to their assigned area by route HUTTENRODE, RUBELAND, and ELBINGRODE. The battalion and Headquarters Co. set up defenses in ELBINGRODE. Derv Co and the CP of the Co B, 36th Tank Bn are also set up in this town. A Co is at TROUTENSTEIN plus one platoon of Co B, 36th Tank Bn. B Co CP and one Plat of 36th Tank Bn are situated in WERINGERODE. B Co has one plat in BENZINGERODE, one platoon in MICHAELSTEIN, and one at HEIMBURG. The 36th Tank Bn and our Co CP are situated in HASSELFELDE, and they govern, patrol and occupy the area on our right to the east. On our left we have the Combat Command R. PWs are still being brought in by all companies. For today we have taken 31 Krauts.

  Apr. 23 - Bn CP still at ELBINGRODE. Service Co. had the PWs clean out the school building and will occupy it as their headquarters. All companies are sending out patrols searching for Jerry, road blocks and making route reconnaissance. Today our PW haul was 122. There were 13 Officers and 1 Lt. Col. who was a Regt Commander and whose Regt was destroyed. Believed to be the 77 Volksgren Regt of the 26 Volks Gren Div. One major, a Bn Commander of the above mentioned regt, one Division maintenance officer, one traffic control officer, 4 administration officers and one Division band officer. A total of 73 were tken by Recon and MG patrols in the woods. They were from the 26 Volks Gren Division, and believed majority of it has been destroyed and the remainder disbanded. Also captured were 4 trucks and two civilian automobiles, Most of the personnel were administrative troops and carried no weapons. In out PW catch today we found the following units: Gren Repl and MG Bn 11 Leipzig, Potsdam Div, Flak Div 246, 5 Para Div, 16 Motorized Div, School VII Driving School, Gr Regt 1054 Potsdam Div, Signal Regt 502, 1st Pioneer Trng Bn.

  Apr. 24 - Today Headquarters and Bn Headquarters moved from ELBINGRODE to RUBELAND leaving at 1405 and arriving at 1430. Prisoners are coming in from all companies. Today again we had 83. One Major belonging to the General Command IX Army Corps. His duties were that of Adj. Another Major of the German Air Force, his duties were that of Ex-O of the Supply Corps in the Luftwaffe, one Captain of a Signal Company. Other units identified were: Pz Signal Repl Bn 26. Today we received 30 reinforcements. The rest of the day was spent setting up installation for the period that we will stay as occupational governing and patrolling forces.

  Apr. 25 - Nothing unusual happened today. Patrols are still bringing in PWs by the score. All Company Commanders have assumed the command and are officially Mayors of the respective towns they stay in. PW haul for today is 42.

  Apr. 26 - Patrols are still maintained and all checks are made on reports from civilians which prove to be of value in apprehending PW and undesirable German personnel. All railroads will have road blocks set up and dug in guards by tomorrow. Had 35 PWs today. Nine were evacuated at 1500, twenty six remaining behind and being utilized cleaning up for us.

  Apr. 27 - Duties continue as usual. Five men of our battalion left for CCB at 1300, then they are to leave for the dear, good old U.S.A. They are to have 45 days at home plus travel time. The five men were: 1st Lt. Richard F. Blansett, A Co; 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Meech, B Co; and three enlisted men all of A Co; S/Sgt Wm A Gilcrist, Cpl Anthony J. Cardinale, and Pfc _______. The PWs we are taking in now are being put to good use. They are kept busy cleaning up the installations to make them more livavle for us. Today er had 31 PWs.

  Apr. 28 - Prisoners are still coming in from all outposts. Patrolling, governing and occupying is maintained. CIC is helping us with the screening of all individuals. Had 21 prisoners evacuated today.

  Apr. 29 - At Hq Co road block at 062563 about 0200, Pfc C. W. Seitz and Pfc J. R. Batina were confronted by two Jerries. They halted them and gave them a quick frisk. While Seitz was making a call to get transportation to take the 2 Krauts to the PWE, one flipped a piston he had strapped to his wrist. Batina rushed him and knocked the hand that held the pistol upwards and fired one shot in the air. Batina struggled a few seconds with this said Kraut and as they broke apart, Seitz shot him right in the chest with his carbine. The other Jerry was kept at a safe distance. The wounded was evacuated and the other taken to the PWE. The CIC functioning here at RUBELAND with our help uncovered a Lt. Col. from the Luftwaff. He was an engineer and worked experimentally on Rockets fired from the ground and from aircraft. He was given special attention because he is of value to SHAEF Intelligence. Our prisoners for today give us a total of 42. B Co at WERNINGERODE has an orchestra playing for their elements every night after supper and from reports of many the band is terrific and a high moral factor for the men. Looks like our orchestra will be getting organized again. Will be good to hear the old band playing familiar American music.

  Apr. 30 - Service Co., while practice firing their weapons into the woods today, had 15 Krauts surrender, They just came out of the woods in the usual position of hands over the head. It seems they thought they were discovered and fired upon so they just wandered out and gave up. One of the outposts of Headquarters Co. received a sniper shot. The bullet landed right at the feet of the guard. A thorough search of the woods from where the shot was fired proved to no avail for no one could be found.