After Action Reports and Interviews |
80th Tank Battalion - April 1945 |
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HEADQUARTERS 80TH TANK BATTALION A.P.O. 258 U. S. ARMY
SUBJECT: After Action Report for April, 1945.
TO: Commanding Officer, CCR:, 8th Armored Division
APO #258, U.S. Army
In compliance with unnumbered Memo Hq 8th Armd Div dtd 6 Mar 45 re. "After Action Reports: attached inclosures 1 to 5 inclusive is After Action Reports for period 1 to 30 Apr 1945 for this battalion.
For the Commanding Officer:
S/F. J. Persons
F. J. Persons
1st Lt, 80th Tk Bn
Adj.
5 Incls:
Incl 1-S 1 Personnel par 1-7
Incl 2-S 2 Intelligence Par 1-4 incl
and annexes A & B
Incl 3-S 3 Operations par 1-4 incl,
Incl #1 and annexes A & B
Incl 4-S 4 Supply par 1-5 incl.
Incl 5-Command par 1-3 incl.
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AAR index
HEADQUARTERS 80th TANK BATTALION
COMMAND REPORT April 1945
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1. |
This unit plus attachments successfully completed all missions assigned by higher headquarters. Originally given the mission of advancing with zone towards Berlin, this unit reached Elsen, Germany and was assigned the new mission of driving the enemy into toe Ruhr Pocket in it's zone. Resistance encountered in this zone (Hirschberg, Lippstadt, Ebbinghausen, Horn, Schmerlecke) consisted of medium and heavy artillery, M4 and M5 tanks, self propelled guns, and small arms fire.
After regrouping of the unit, the mission assigned was to clear the enemy resistance north of the Ruhr River. Advance in the zone (Bremen, Ruhne, Waltringen, Wickede, Bentrope, Warmen, Frondenberg, Langschede, Bausenharen) was slow. The units left flank was constantly exposed to heavy fire from across the Ruhr River where the enemy had excellent observation and fields of fire. Although our losses were heavy, the success of the mission and enemy losses counterbalanced them.
Upon being relieved on 13 April 1945 by the 377th Regiment,95th Infantry Division, this unit was employed in screening and security missions. At the end of this period, the unit was holding the Oker, Goslar, Langalsheim, Lantenthal, Hahrenklee area, engaged in cleanng out scattered pockets of resistance.
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2. |
The combat efficiency of this unit was excellent. |
3. |
- Armored units should be assigned zones sufficiently large to allow for maneuver of elements.
- Closer liason between task forces under the same command is needed.
- Infantry and tanks advancing in a narrow zone should be used in the proportion of at least one company of infantry to every company of tanks.
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For the Battalion Commander:
S/P J Connell
P J CONNELL
Maj, 80th Tk Bn
Executive Officer |
AAR index
HEADQUARTERS 80th TANK BATTALION
S-1 PERSONNEL 1-30 APRIL 1945
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1. |
Inspections: |
Vehicle
Gas Mask and Assessories
Vehicle Medical Kits
Personnel (clothing and equip.)
Weekly arms inspections
Daily foot inspection |
24 Apr 45
24 Apr 45
24 Apr 45
26 Apr 45 |
2. |
Casualties: |
Non-battle Casualties - 41
Battle Casualties - 66
Number of above evacuated - 79 |
LIA 7
LWA 26
SWA 10
KIA 19
MIA 4 |
3. |
Prisoners of War: |
557 |
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4. |
Reinforcements: |
Officers - 1 Enlisted Men - 81 |
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5. |
Officer and Enlisted Men Gains and Losses: |
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Officers EM
Gains7 27
Losses7 101 |
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6. |
Officer Promotions: 4 |
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1st Lt Neil E Harlan -
1st Lt John S Kopper -
1st Lt Stanley Omdal -
1st Lt Charles M Reimer - |
O551538 Inf
O1019352 Inf
O555543 Inf
O555990 FA |
7. |
Strength Return for End of Period: |
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Officers - 35
Warrant Off - 3 EM - 679 |
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S/F J Persons F J Persons 1st Lt, Cav Adj |
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AAR index
80th TANK BATTALION
S-2 Unit Report April 1945
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1. |
Enemy occupying wooded area vic Hahnenklee (795668) offering no organized resistance but spasmodically fighting a harassing and nuisance action. |
2. |
Period 1 to 4 April. No enemy contact. |
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Period 4 and 5 April. Enemy fought delaying action with tanks. |
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Period 6 and 7 April. No enemy contact. |
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Period 8 to 14 April. Enemy fought delaying action and fired harassing fire across Ruhr River against which we could do nothing. |
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Period 15 to 23 April. No enemy contact. |
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Period 24 to 26 April. Enemy left roadblocks and made harassing attacks on our outposts. |
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Period 27 and 28 April. No enemy contact. |
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Period 29 and 30 April. Enemy laid harassing roadblocks and made harassing attacks on out outposts. |
3. |
Period 1 to 30 April disseminated information received from higher Headquarters and forwarded information received from Companies. |
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15 - 16 Spent in screening area Lamme. |
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20 - 30 Spent in screening area Goslar. |
4. |
The weather for the major part of the period was overcast and cold with occasional days of fair but cold weather. |
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S/ William J. Gregg
William J. Gregg
Capt. 80th Tk Bn
S-2 |
AAR index
80th TANK BATTALION
S-3 Operations 1 - 30 April 1945
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1. |
Front Lines at end of period: See overlay, Inclosure Number 1. |
2. |
Location of troops: See overlay, Inclosure Number 1. |
3. |
Information of Adjacent Units and Supporting Troops:
a. At close of period 80th Tank Battalion (-) 'D' Company continued Screening, Guarding of important installations and Patrolling from positions and within area shown on overlay - Inclosure Number 1. |
4. |
Operations: |
(1) |
01 April 1945 - 80th Tank Battalion (-), with the following attachments - 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 2 platoons 'C' Company 809th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1 section 'C' Battery 473rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, 2 platoons 'C' Company 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion relieved from defending positions east of Langenbochum, Germany at 1130. Moved to Bork, Germany closing into new area at 1645. Upon departure from Langenbochum, 'A' Company 290th Infantry Regiment was relieved from attached to this Battalion. Upon arrival at Borg, Germany, 2 Platoons Company 'C' 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion, 1 Section 'C' Battery 473rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion were relieved from attached to this Battalion. 'C' Troop 88th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) attached to 80th Tank Battaliom at 1645. |
(2) |
02 April 1945 - At 1030, 'D' Company 80th Tank Battalion was attached to Division Trains. At 1330, 80th Tank Battalion (-), plus 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 'C' Troop 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (Mecz), 2 Platoons 'C' Company 809th Tank Destroyer Battalion departed Bork, Germany enroute to new concentration area vicinity Senne, Germany. |
(3) |
03 April 1945 - 0400 Task Force Walker was ordered to seize and hold Elsen, Germany. At 0845, Elsen was completely occupied, 1630 Task Force Walker departed Elsen, Germany enroute to Hirschberg, Germany with the mission of holding positions along Ruhr River and to repulse any possible counter-attack by German Armies pocketed there. 2225 Task Walker closed into Lippstadt, Germany. |
(4) |
04 April 1945 - 0600 Task Force Walker departed Lippstadt, Germany enroute to Hirschberg, Germany. 0730 1 Platoon 'C' Company 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion was attached to Task Force Walker. 0750, Task Force encountered enemy tank fire. Stiff resistance consisting of enemy direct fire, artillery, small arms and bazooka fire was met throughout the day. Artillery used to good advantage on Norddof (398-362) Germany. At close of period, Task Force Walker was closed into new area Ebbinghausen (372-357) Germany. |
(5) |
05 April 1945 - 0600 Burgomeister of Horn (35-35) Germany arrived at C.P. to surrender town. By 0915, Horn, Germany was completely occupied by Task Force., also Burgomeister from Schmerlecke (35-30) and Seringhausen (34-31) (Both in path of advance) surrendered without resistance. 1330, Task Force Walker was relieved by Combat Command 'B', Task Force Walker moving into concentration area Westernkotten (434-375) Germany as Division Reserve. |
(6) |
06 April 1945 - Task Force Walker remained in Westernkotten, Germany performing maintenance and awaiting further orders. |
(7) |
07 April 1945 1045 - Task Force Walker departed Westernkotten Germany enroute to Soest, Germany closing into new area at 1245, and remaining there for remainder of period. |
(8) |
08 April 1945 - 1130, orders received to move out, seize and hold Bremen (155-230) Germany. Artillery and small arms fire encountered by Task Force (source Bremen) but all resistance ceased at 2045. Artillery placed on Rhune (155-241) Germany and town was occupied at 1915. |
(9) |
09 April 1945 - Task Force Walker continued on mission to seize and hold ground north of Ruhr River in zone. Enemy tank fire, and mortar fire met prior to occupation of Waltringen (13-23) Germany. Town was occupied at 0925. Heavy fire encountered throughout this period, coming from across Ruhr River and town of Echthausen (across river), Germany. Enemy fire received from Wickede, Germany causing slow progress. At 1135 Task Force Commander, Major Austin E. Walker became casualty and was evacuated. Major Phillip J. Connell assumed command of Task Force. At end of period, Task Force remained in position. Artillery laid on Wickede (08-22) Germany, during night in preparation of an assault on that town next day. |
(10) |
10 April 1945 - 0700 Wickede (08-22) Germany entered by 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, supported by 'D' Company 80th Tank Battalion. By 0730, town was completely occupied. Heavy fire received by our elements, coming from Hohenheide, Germany. Fire also received from across Ruhr River throughout day. 1005 Bentrop and Warmen Germany occupied. Air support bombed and strafed enemy positions across Ruhr River. |
(11) |
11 April 1945 1945 - Major Phillip J. Connell relieved of command, Lt. Col. William S. Crittendon assumed command. Artillery concentration laid on Hohenheide (031-210) Germany at 1200. 1350, Frondenberg was captured and occupied. Hohenheide also taken. Hohenheide fired upon by enemy artillery at 1915. |
(12) |
12 April 1945 - One battalion 194th Glider Infantry12 April 1945 One battalion 194th Glider Infantry Regiment 17th Airborne Infantry attached to 80th Tank Battalion at 1000 and relieved at 1100. At 1100, Task Force Crittendon received orders to hold present positions, vicinity Langschede, Germany until relieved. Enemy fire encountered throughout period, coming largely from positions across Ruhr River. |
(13) |
13 April 1945 - Outpost at Langschede forced to withdraw due to heavy enemy fire. Artillery laid on town and at 1410, Langschede was cleared. C.P's were set up. At 2330, Task Force Crittendon was relieved from holding positions by 377th Regiment, 95th Infantry Division and placed in Ninth Army Reserve. Battalion concentrated in Bausenhagen, Germany. One Platoon 'C' Company 809th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attached to 80th Tank Battalion at 2330. |
(14) |
14 April 1945 - 80th Tank Battalion plus 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion departed Bausenhagen, Germany at 0640 enroute to Heiningen (93-90) Germany. |
(15) |
15 April 1945 - 80th Tank Battalion (plus) closed area Lamme (846-115) Germany and Wedtlenstedt (825-118) Germany. Given the mission of screening and posting security. |
(16) |
16 - 19 April 1945 - 80th Tank Battalion Plus 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion carried on screening of area, guarding of vital installations, maintenance of vehicles, radios , weapons and personnel. At 1030 April 19, 'A' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion was relieved from attached to 80th Tank Battalion and 'C' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion was attached to 80th Tank Battalion. |
(17) |
20 April 1945 - 0700 'C' Company 58th Armored Infantry Battalion relieved from attached to 80th Tank Battalion. 'A' Company 80th Tank Battalion reverted to Battalion control, 'C' Company 809th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to 80th Tank Battalion. 0800 Battalion (plus) departed Lamme, Germany and closed Braunschweig, Germany at 0900 to relieve 58th Armored Infantry Battalion in outposting in guarding of hospitals and valuable installations. At 1430, 80th Tank Battalion (plus) was relieved from positions of guarding hospitals and valuable installations by 2nd Battalion, 66 Regiment, 2nd Armored Division. 1445, Battalion (plus) departed Braunschweig Germany closing into Strobeck (210-755) Germany ay 1830. |
(18) |
21 April 1945 - 1500 Company 'C' 809th Tank Destroyer Battalion relieved from attached. 1700, Battalion departed Strobeck, Germany and closed into Goslar (849-712) Germany at 1945. |
(19) |
22 April 1945 - 'C' Company 80th Tank Battalion attached to CCR. Screening of assigned areas started, also guarding of vital installations and all avenues of approach. |
(20) |
23-30 April 1945 - Screening, guarding of important installations, avenues of approach including towns of Goslar (84-71), Langsheim (78-74), Lauthenthal (75-66), Hahnenklee (79-65), Oker (88-70), Astfeld (80-73), Bocksweise (79-64), Wolfshagen (78-71) plus all woods in area assigned by CCR. At close of period, Battalion (-) remains disposed as per paragraph 1. |
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HEADQUARTERS 80th TANK BATTALION
S-4 Supply 1 - 30 April 1945
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1. |
Supply:
See Administrative Order #5,Hq,8th A.D.
See change # 1, Administrative Order # 5,Hq.8th A.D.
See Administrative Order #6,Hq,8th A.D.
See change # 1, Administrative Order # 6,8th A.D.
See change # 2, Administrative Order # 6,8th A.D. |
2. |
Transportation: Does not apply. |
3. |
Evacuation: Same as par 1 above. |
4. |
Roads and Circulation: Same as par 1 above. |
5. |
Salvage and Captured Material: Our losses for the month include seven tanks M4A3, 75mm guns; three tanks M4A3, 76mm guns; two tanks M4A1, 75mm guns; one tank M4A3 75mm gun; of these two tanks M4A1 75mm guns were repaired by Division Ordinance Supply and returned to service. Two trucks 1/4 ton, one Half-track M3A1 and one Trailer 2-wheel 1-ton cargo were beyond repair and turned in for salvage. Received the following replacements, three M4A3 tanks with 76mm guns; three tanks M4A1 with 76mm guns; four tanks M4A1 with 75mm guns; two trucks 1/4 ton and one Half-track M3A1. Enemy losses due to our action for the month have been three tons of assorted rifles and small arms these have been turned in to ordinance. Four 20mm Multiple mounts these were destroyed in place. Six tanks Mark 5 which were destroyed and left in place. One railroad gun, large caliber, this was left in place but damaged beyond repair. A large assortment of factories and works which contained food stores, engineers supplies, and critical metals and chemicals, all of which was reported to higher headquarters for their disposal, The food stores were removed from the factories and turned over to S-5 for feeding displaced persons. A large amount of enemy ammunition has turned over to Division Ammunition Supply. There are still large amounts of enemy equipment in our area but this is being rounded up and placed into use by the Military Government or turned in to supply channels. |
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S/Eugene Gottesman
EUGENE GOTTSMAN
1st Lt. Inf.
S-4
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