| 1. |
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Assigned missions of direct tank support to 58th Armored Infantry Battalion and reinforcement of 405th Armored Field Artillery Battalion successfully accomplished. The reconnaissance in force definitely determined presence of enemy. |
| 2. |
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Combat efficiency of troops employed was excellent throughout. |
| 3. |
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Unit less detachments was employed as a mobile reserve and was not committed as a whole. |
| 4. |
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Miscellaneous comments: |
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a. |
Tank Recovery Vehicle must operate directly behind the attacking echelon to retrieve vehicles immediately after they become disabled to prevent additional damage from enemy action. This is particularly true in event the tank is disabled by mines and not by enemy fire. The light tank company must have a recover vehicle to support it. |
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b. |
The light tank company should have a tank dozer as well as the medium companies. |
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c. |
All medium companies should have blackout tents for use as fire direction centers when firing at night. |
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d. |
Present air compressors in tank companies should be exchanged for a smaller type because of lack of transportation. |
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e. |
Medical Detachment should have two (2) half tracks, one (1) in place of the 3/4 Ton and one (1) for cross country evacuation. |
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f. |
The light tank company should have an additional stove for cooking because of the increase in it's personnel. |
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g. |
Additional tank should be given to battalion headquarters - One for Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and S-3. |
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h. |
T/O rank of battalion adjutant should be a captain rather that a lieutenant. Headquarters Company maintenance sergeant should be a technical sergeant rather than a staff sergeant. |
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i. |
Three CW operators should be assigned to each set rather that two and a fraction per set. |
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j. |
Seven field phones should be allotted to each medium tank company to be prepared for communication in event assault gun platoon or any additional firing platoon is attached to the company. |
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k. |
Both the mortar and assault gun platoons should have wire and field phones. A minimum of four (4) for the mortar platoon and three (3) for the assault gun platoon. |
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l. |
Both the liason officer and battalion S-4 should be allotted 1/4/tons. |
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m. |
Personnel should not dismount around tanks or lead tanks on foot where mines are suspected. |
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|
 S/ Austin E. Walker
Austin E. Walker
Major, 80th Tk Bn
Commanding
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