History of the 49th Armored Infantry Battalion
March, 1945

Mar. 1 - March didn't roll in like a lion however the temperature was a bit cool and it rained. The Bn is still on ARSBECK awaiting orders. 8 PW's taken today. One was picked up wounded. Capt Potter rushed in to Bn Hqs shouting that a wounded Major General was out there. So Capt Look and Capt Potter went to get said PW. The PW turned out to be a Sgt-Major. We all had a good laugh. About 1530, seven PW surrendered to men of B Co. They manned a bunker about a mile NE of ARSBECK. They were from the 106 Festung Stam Bn. At 2330, we were alerted to move from ARSBECK at 0200. Col Roseborough, upon returning from a meeting at CCB, informed us that it was delayed until 1030, 2 March.

Mar. 2 - Moved from ARSBECK at 1416 following the 36th Tk Bn. The route from ARSBECK was MERBECK, NEIDER, KRUCHTEN, BRUGGEN, GENHOLT BRACHT, HULST, and KALDENKIRCHEN! On the southern outskirts of LOUISENBERG we spent the night. Our route was stopped due to the heavy traffic on the roads, blown bridges, at WANKUM & WACHTENDONK, and other obstacles.

Mar. 3 - At 0300 we were alerted for further movement at 0600. At 0700. We received a msg that we would not move any further that 9 Km beyond ALDENKERK. At about 1500 we started moving by leaps and bounds thru LOUISENBERG, HERONGEN, WANKUM, WACHTENDONK, and finally at 1805 we arrived in ALDENKERK and after gathering the civilians in one block, we billeted there.

Mar. 4 - Today is Sunday and a day of work. It has been a long time since we have had a day off. Restowage of vehicles took place. Nothing unusual has happened today here in ALDENKERK. At 2200 being on a one hour alert to move up we received a call from CCB to be prepared to move to aid the 35th Div being held up at a strong point at 143228. We are to move up and help them clear it up.

We didn't get the call to move until 0400. Moved out at 0430. The Bn minus A Co plus attachments moved out. We did not assist in neutralizing the strong point for that fell to the 35th Div. We made way to LINTFORT A1832. This town fell without much opposition at 1000. However, small pockets of resistance fought until about 1200. C Co engaged the enemy S of town and B Co north of town. The Bn proceeded to move to it's next objective which was RHEINBERG. A Co mounted with no opposition till they were stopped at A205250 where all hell broke loose. Enemy MG's, burp guns, mortars, and 88's opened up on all sides at 1400. A Co threw plenty of fire but the enemy had the advantage because he could pick off anyone that ventured to stick his head out of the vehicles. Finally dismounting and deployed 2nd and 3rd plat were ready to advance when the order to withdraw was issued. B Co in the meantime at 1600 dismounted 4000 yds SW of RHEINBERG then received the order to mount and move out and then passed through A Co and engaged the enemy in the town of WINTERSWICK. First platoon on the left, 4th platoon on the right and the 2nd in support.

The 3rd plat which was reorganized in LINTFORT joined the Co later. The 4th plat was held up by fire in vic of Brick Factory 217266 whereupon the 1st plat took up the fight on both sides of the road. In vic of 216270 the 3rd Bn 137th Inf Regt moved through the company at approx 1000. At 1400, C Co moved forward to aid the 36th Tk Bn in order of 1st, 2nd, 3rd Platoons to vic A265250. There they were pinned down by fire from the woods at A 200255. The Assault Gun Plat was brought up to support C Co by fire. C Co took the woods and then dug in and at 1900 were relieved by the 3rd Bn 137th Inf Regt. Our casualties were 97 with 21 killed. This also includes A Co which not under our control but was with the 36th Tk Bn. Relief was made by the 137th at approx 1930. Capt SMITH of B Co was killed by MG fire while leading his company in the attack. Lt. KUPRIS of C Co was killed by sniper fire. For the night the vehicles were assembled in the field A207244 and there we stayed in a tight formation. 254 PW's were taken.

Mar. 6 - Moved into area S of RHEINBERG. In billets along road from point 217250 to 216260. Again we are to move and support the 2nd Bn of the 137th Regt. We're to move and at 1930 however, plans were changed and we had a chance to bed down. B Co brought in 14 PW's.

Mar. 7. - We didn't move in any way to RHEINBERG as was anticipated. However all were alerted and ready to move. At 2200 the staff that was located at the 2nd Bn of the 137th Reg returned to tell us that we are to move out at a moment's notice. At 2220, Maj BROWN issued the Order. Troops are to move dismounted to RHEINBERG as soon as the reserve company of the 137th moves out. 22 PW's take today.

Mar. 8 - At 0420 orders were received to move the Bn to RHEINBERG. Bn moved out following order. C Co, B Co, and Hq Co. A Co was held in reserve at WINTERSWICK. Bn CP was set up in bldg at 213282 across the hall from 2nd Bn 137th Inf CP. Co C took the objective in OSSENBERG. However at a point half way in the town they encountered an open field and were pinned by burp guns, mortars, machine guns and artillery. They dug in and set up their defenses to hold until the enemy could be brought under artillery. A Co moved up at about 1900 to the area of the factory where they were held in reserve. Today we took 74 PW's.

Mar. 9 - The enemy is still holding up stubbornly. An attack was to come off at 0600 but as C Co moved out they were again pinned down by fire from the woods. At 2300, an order was issued for the following morning's attack on the woods North and Northwest of OSSENBERG.

Mar. 10 - C Co sent out a combat patrol at 0100 to the woods. Finding no enemy the rest of C Co moved into the woods at 0200. At 0100 the 49th AIB was put on the reserve by the 137th Inf Regt, under whose control we operated. The rest of the day was comparatively quiet. We are to move to the rear tomorrow. Everyone bedded down for a much needed rest.

Mar. 11 - A, B, C. Hq Co's moved out from OSSENBERG at 0700 on foot so as not to attract fire from artillery by our vehicles. The Bn assembled in RHEINBERG and at 0900 the march order was issued to all Co. Comdrs. The Bn is to move to vic STRAELEN, a distance of 29 miles. Column moved out at 1237 in following order: Hq Co, A, B, C, and Ser Co. At STRAELEN, the town was occupied so we had to move on and at 1615 we arrived at VENLO, HOLLAND! Here the Bn parked the vehicles in the town square. We had supper right in this area. Everyone enjoyed once more the pleasure of chatting with civilians and seeing pretty girls. Morale is high for it looks like it will be a rest period for us. VENLO is badly beaten up for it was liberated about 10 days ago. We were finally billeted in civilian homes approx 1930 in the SW part of town.

Est of casualties and damage inflicted on enemy for period covered:
    PW's taken --- 379
    Killed --- 70
    88mm knocked out --- 3
    120mm knocked out (mortars) --- 3
    81mm knocked out (mortars) --- 3
    Personnel carriers knocked out --- 4
    LMG knocked out --- 10

Mar. 12 - A day of cleanup and restowage of vehicles. Clearing away of all excess equipment that we have gathered in the past two weeks while we were at the front. Received 90 EM reinforcements today.

Mar. 13 - Maintenance and restowage and replenishing equipment within the Bn. Received 47 EM and one Officer.

Mar. 14 - Reinforced today with 27 EM and one officer. The whole Bn had the opportunity to cross a treadway bridge. The route taken was from VENLO to HERONGEN, WANKUM, AERBECK, GUFROTH and LOBBERICK. At approximately 800 800 meters directly west of LOBBERICK a treadway bridge that was erected by A Co of the 53rd Engrs was crossed by our Bn during a very dark night. A few mistakes were made but no casualties occurred and each vehicle made a successful crossing. Continuing to BRYELL, KALDENKIRCHEN and finally to our billet area in VENLO. At 2345 all vehicles were closed in.

Mar. 15 - A training schedule for our Bn has been provided on subjects like mine training, assault boat training and sand table. Today was a period of rest because of last night practice bridg crossing. Maintenance of vehicles restowage and care of individual equipment. Catholic Memorial services for our late dead was held today at 1500 in the civilian church.

Mar. 16 - Hq Co had inspection of vehicles and platoon instruction. Co A mine training under supervision of the 53rd Engr Bn. Co B had Assault Boat training also under tutorship of the 53 Eng. Co C orientation, crew drill and a short road march. Personnel not engaged in trng performed maintenance on weapons, vehicles and equipment. A movie was shown tonight at our Bn theatre which we call Paramount. The picture was "You Can't Ration Love".

Mar. 17 - Continuation of Trng and following Co schedules. Movie tonight at our theatre, "Song to Remember". It was in technicolor and enjoyed by everyone present. We are having civilian trouble at the movie house. Seems too many want to get in to see the picture so we restrict them from the first show at 1900 but allow them at the 2100 show.

Mar. 18 - At last a day of rest. No schedule to follow or early awakening. Everyone was allowed to sleep late. Breakfast was at 0900. Church services Catholic at 1000, Protestant at 1100. In the afternoon a lucky few of the Bn went to KREFELD to hear Lilly Pons and Andre Kostelanets.

Mar. 19 - Entire morning was spent on award ceremony. There were four awards and two commissions. T/Sgt William C. Lowry, 35124233, received the Silver Star and a 2nd Lt commission. Lt. Lowry is of B Co. Pfc John Bertolina, 32870523, of Hq Co received the Bronze Star. T/Sgt Lionel W. Cooke, 33096142, Hq Co, received the Bronze Star. Pfc Thomas W. Howard, 38043540, of Co C, received the Bronze Star. T/Sgt Edward J. Rutkouski, 36005430, of C Co was commissioned a 2nd Lt. In the afternoon Co B and Co C had a command inspection while Co A and Hq Co had company training on subjects such as handling PW's, looting, non-fraternization, map reading, message writing and maintenance.

Mar. 20 - Training continued as per Co schedule. Co A had a command inspection, B Co had Assault Boat, Firing of BAR's, and AG, light machine guns in vicinity of LOBBERICK. Co C had mine training. Today brings the end of assault boat and mine training scheduled by the 53rd Engrs.

Mar. 21 - Men are still going on pass to FALKENBURG, LIEGE, PARIS, MAASTRICHT and BRUSSELS.

Mar. 22 - This morning at 1130 we had another award presentation ceremony. Presentation was made to the following men: Lt. Blansett from A Co received the Bronze Star; Pfc Croft of A Co received the Silver Star; 1st Sgt. Sweeny, Bronze Star; Pvt. Zuccarella, Silver Star; T/5 Jenkins, Bronze Star; Pfc Seekins, Bronze Star; Pvt Higgins, Bronze Star; Pfc Cantor, Bronze Star.

Co C: Silver Star awarded to T/Sgt McFayden, S/Sgt Rogers, and Capt Clark. The Bronze Star was awarded to the following personnel of the Medics: Capt Grogan, Capt. Pfister and T/4 Doyle, S'Sgt Wheatley of Bn Hq was awarded the Silver Star. At 1000 a tentative field order and overlay for movement from VENLO was received from CCB. In the afternoon the following training took place; Hq Co, parks and organized athletics; A Co, mortar and machine gun training; B Co weapons training; C Co, parks.

Mar. 23 - Hq Co had mine training and platoon instruction; Co A had organized athletics, platoon instruction test firing of weapons; Co B had a road march and platoon instruction; Co C had mine training and conference on night attack. All companies had one half hour of chemical warfare training. Passes are still being issued to men and it is getting high time we move again for the big and final punch.

Mar. 24 - Today we were placed on 2 hour alert so it is expected that very soon we shall move. It looks like we will move a great distance and it is felt that the last and final drive to Berlin is near at hand. The Bn had typhus booster shots today.

Mar. 25 - Today was a day of rest and no training schedule was had. Church services were held for Catholics at 1000 and Protestants at 1100. The rest of the day was spent resting and relaxing for the trying days ahead.

Mar. 26 - Due to fire, we lost T/5 Ralph L Cordray, 37517355. At 0145 he was awakened to go on guard. He filled a Dutch kerosene lantern with gas and lit it. The result was an explosion and fire, burning him to death. Flames spread rapidly, thereby not allowing anyone to evacuate the victim in time to save him.

Pvt Mezzanotte was hurt in the knee when a bullet fired by Pvt Michaud pounced back from a metal sheet 1 1/2" thick. Pvt Michaud was testing the penetrability of his M-1. This happened when both were on bridge guard 5 miles north of VENLO.

At 1600 the Bn in another ceremony at the soccer field on the outskirts of VENLO were presented the Combat Infantry Badge. The Div. Band was present for martial music.

At 2100, Capt Gregg, Tn officer, brought in the order that we would move at 2353. The I. P. is at HEROUGEN 2353.

Order of march to be Hq, Hq Co, 1st plat Co. B. 53rd Eng., Co B, Co B 36th Tank Bn, Tr. B 88th Recon Squadron, Hq and Hq Co, CCB. Route, VENLO, HECONGEN, WAUKUAM, WACHTERDOUP, FIEUKEAK, SEVELEN, HORSTGEN. At HORSTGEN the assembly area billeting party was to guide troops.

Bn moved out at 2326 at 10 miles per hour. Upon reaching the IP were delayed for 1 1/2 hours due to CCA still being on the road.

Mar. 27 - Moved again at 0130. However, upon reaching our destination we did not stop but continued on to the Rhine River, crossed the Rhine River via WALLACH, across a treadway bridge at approx 0600. Continued east to billeting area. Arrived there at 0730. Coordinates 266356, Farms called Heikenskath. Again we move on. Capt Dugas gave march order to Co. Comdgs of our Bn and attached units at 1830. Advance guard consisting of Rcn Plat, Co. B 49, plus B Co 36th Tank Bn plus mortar plat, A Btry 399, 1 plat 809 TD, Tr B 88 Rcn, Main body, Hq 49 forward Comd Gr CCB, A Co 49th, AG plat, Hq Co 49th. Next serial, 399 FA, Hq, Hq Co CCB plus remainder of Co. B 53 Engr. This serial is Task Force Roseborough.

Mar. 28 - We were to move at 0800. However, due to heavy traffic we were held up finally moving out at 0935 to take up CCR positions allowing elements of 19 and 13 Corp to move into our position. We were again stopped and dispersed our clan each side of the road in the fields and woods in area north of BRUCHAUSEN A 3235. CP at A324352. About 1630 it was decided we would set up for the night. CCB informed us that we would not move until 0800 tomorrow. However, at 2115 we received an order to be prepared to move at 2300. Col. Roseborough left for CCB to receive the order. Co. Comdrs received march order from Makor Brown. Order of march, C Co that reverted back to our control, B Co, Hq Co, and A Co. Until now C Co was attached to 36th Tank Bn. Moved out blackout to area vic 420365. Two miles NW of KIRCHELLEN. Pvt Boats was killed while on duty as driver forcontrol. The peep he was driving struck a mine and he and the other occupant, Capt Stout of CCB, were killed. This information was received by Major Brown at 2150.

Mar 29. - At 0300 we arrived at our destination. Major Brown again issued the attack order. It has been ordered by General Eisenhower that the town of DORSTEN is to be taken this morning, Our Bn is now a reserve of CCA. Should the units confronting the enemy find DORSTEN a hard unit to crack, the 49th is to be committed. Probable march route from present location N to BESTON, then NE along road directly east upon DORSTEN. Co C and Co B prepared to move dismounted along road with A Co following. If the town of DORSTEN is taken we are to be prepared to move east again. At 0650, the Bn moved out dismounted in a single file, route march formation in following order; C Co, B Co, A Co, mortar plat attached to C Co, and machine gun plat. Positions were taken in the same order along road running EW from 435390. At 0655 Ln established with CCA by Capt Gregg. At 0800, companies were in position awaiting further orders. At 0900 Brig Gen Carlson of CCA ordered Col Roseborough to take the town of DORSTEN. Last message from Col Roseborough was at 1045 and he and C Co went into DORSTEN without any trouble. Order of attack was C, B, and A Cos. Mortar plat with C Co, plan for Bn to occupy entire town of DORSTEN at 1100. Col Roseborough called that he reached objective and was moving forward. At point 467406 in DORSTEN due to enemy artillery one shell resulted in the death of 2nd Lt Lybrand and Pfc Hart and casualties of 2 officers and 2 EM. Lt Rimple was hit in the shoulder and arm. Lt. Wingerder was slightly wounded. All are of C Co. The casualties were evacuated. Bn CP moved forward to farm at 440393. Arrived there at 1400. Moved again to other side of tracks and set up in a house at 441394. Also at 1300 we were reverted to CCB control. C Co has one plat at 470407 and another at 470403. At 1930, Co I and F Co of 290 Inf, 75 Div passed through the plat and set up defenses just beyond them. These elements are present to protect the 9th Army Engrs putting in a bridge across the Canal. At 2200 eleven PW's were brought in to the CP and put in a room in the cellar under guard overnight. No PW cage was set up as yet.

Mar. 30 - At 1030 there were an estimated 20 Jerries counterattacking eastern part of DORSTEN where L Co is at. They occupied the houses at 479403. To support L Co, the mortar plat of Hq Co brought fire on these houses. At 1145, L Co most forward elements located at 479402 and I Co at 479404. At 1200 the 399 AFA was placed in direct support of our Bn and a FO was dispatched to I Co, L Co of 290, and C Co of 49th. At 1230, Major Threadcraft brought information that CCB might pass through CCA positions and move on. If this is done, 49th will have attached as following; one plat TD's, one plat of Eng, and B Co of 36th Tank Bn. Our infantry attachments will remain in place when we move. At 1600, Bn received info that we would be relieved at approx 1800 by elements of 75 Inf Div. We plus attachments will move to an area vic KIRCHELLEN to regroup and reorganize. Area to be reconnoitered by 88 Recon. At 1030 counterattack was brought under control. Arty and mortar file placed on houses occupied by Jerry and pinned them down. Later through intermediary of a civilian we were able to get 15 PW's from these houses, time 1530. They were identified from the 416 Hvy Inf Repl and Trg Bn. Today we billeted a lot of Poles, Russians, Belgians and French soldiers who were PW's. CIC and AMG took care of these for us. There were approx 25 French soldiers and an undisclosed number of displaced personnel. At 1800, Gen Carlson was at our CP telling us we would be relieved by the 18th Tank Bn and one Company of Inf. Moved out after relief was completed. Moved out at 2143 and arrived at SCHULTEN, KOLONIE, NE of GLADBACH 475323. PW's taken today were 35.

Mar. 31 - Left SCHULTEN KOLONIE at 1700 rather hurriedly and reached WESTERHALT at 1900. There we received orders to move back to DORSTEN area, cross the Canal and proceed east through SYPRAMSDOZ, HOLTERN, OLFEN, SELM, and finally to area A846480. Arrived here April 1 at 0700.