INTERVIEW

Unit: CCA
Source: Major John R. Sheridan, S-3, CCA
Interviewer: Capt. Joseph Vasta
Place and Date of Interview: 211000 Apr 45, Wernigerode, Germany

Major John R. Sheridan, S-3, CCA, 100021 April 1945, Wernigerode, Germany to Capt. Vasta.

Task Force Poinier passed through the 30th Infantry Division lines and took the town of IMLOH without much trouble by 0730 hours 28 March. Then he proceeded up the road to DORSTEN. A blown bridge stopped him. The engineers were called to work on it but they were prevented from doing so because they were under enemy observation and fire.

Later that afternoon, Task Force Poinier found a bypass and continued on, mostly dismounted. They moved to a line (452388 to 463387) where they were held up by enemy fire. The progress was slow. It was decided that Col Crittendon with his small task force move to the road (shown by an arrow on the overlay) to relieve the pressure on Task Force Poinier.

All the above action had been to contain the enemy below DORSTEN. When orders came that DORSTEN was to taken, Task Force Harris (Inf Bn 290 Inf) was ordered up on the line and the task force absorbed Task Force Crittendon. Task Force Harris went up with three companies abreast. By 0735 hours, 29 March, they had the southern outskirts of the town and were working on the south edge of the town itself.

When the pressure was relieved from them, Task Force Poinier was able to move forward again. Their restraining line was Grid 40. They reached the restraining line and then prepared to move east.

JOHN R. SHERIDAN
Major, S-3,
Combat Command A.