8th Armored Division - After Action Reports and Interviews

After Action Reports and Interviews

Combat Command R - April 1945

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HEADQUARTERS CCR
8th Armd Div
APO 258, U. S. Army

AFTER ACTION REPORT
FOR PERIOD 1 - 30 APRIL 1945

Part I

COMMAND REPORT

Part II

SECTION I - ADMINISTRATION

SECTION II - INTELLIGENCE

SECTION III - OPERATIONS

SECTION IV - SUPPLY

Part III

REPORTS OF SUBORDINATE UNITS

1. 80th Tank Battalion

2. 58th Armored Infantry Battalion

3. Company 'C' - 53rd Engineer Battalion

4. Company 'C' - 78th Medical Battalion

AAR index

HEADQUARTERS CCR
8th Armd Div
APO 258, U. S. Army

COMMAND REPORT
April 1945

1.	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
	During the period, operations consisted of securing objectives within zones as part of the 8th Armored Division in closing the RUHR Pocket North of the RUHR River. This mission was accomplished in a satisfactory manner. Upon relief from the RUHR Pocket 15 April 1945, the command performed guard duty and security in the BRAUNSCHWEIG and Harz Mountain Areas.
2.	COMBAT EFFICIENCY:
	Combat efficiency of all units during the period was excellent.
3.	COMMENTS:
	In this action the units of this command operated West and Southwest against a dwindling pocket of enemy troops encircled in the RUHR Area. The resistance offered consisted principally of artillery, AT, SP, mortar and flack fire; and action by a considerable number of enemy tanks and armored vehicles. There was a lesser amount of small arms fire. There were no counter-attacks.
	Reconnaissance of enemy positions and defense strong points was not thorough, although reconnaissance by fire was employed. Adequate reconnaissance would have expedited movement and in two cases would have obviated the need for deliberate attacks due to the small resistance encountered. However, all attacks when made were well executed and in accordance with approved tactical doctrines, especially as to coordination, direction, fire, and movement. Liaison from right to left in one instance was absent.
	Supporting weapons were well employed, especially tank guns, assault guns, and tank destroyers. The use of mortars was somewhat less efficient.
	In two cases, the infantry attack did not closely enough follow the artillery preparation.
	Enveloping action was employed in all instances, except one, within a large woods where direction could have been lost.
	Use of the tank-infantry team was excellent and resulted in reducing the casualties to a remarkably small number, both as to personnel and vehicles.
	Two task forces consisting of tanks, infantry, tank destroyers, engineers, anti-aircraft, artillery, and medical units were used. Throughout, the artillery consisting of from one to two battalions, was centralized and supported the advance accurately and promptly.
	Control of subordinate organizations showed marked improvement from day to day. This was directly attributable to profiting from experience gained.
	Air support was employed five times and was profitable in all cases. In one action, eight tanks were destroyed.

	S/Y. D. Vesely Y. D. Vesely Colonel, F. A., Commanding

AAR index

HEADQUARTERS RESERVE COMMAND
EIGHTH ARMORED DIVISION
APO 258, U. S. ARMY

S-1 Personnel
1-30 April 1945

1.	Inspections:
	a. Vehicle b. Gas Mask and Acc. c. Vehicular Medical Kits d. Personnel (clothing & equip e. Weekly Arms Inspections f. Daily foot inspections g. Sanitary

2.	Casualties:
		58th AIB 80th Tk Bn Hq & Hq Co Total
	LIA LWA SWA KIA MIA DOW Non-battle TOTAL	5 103 10 17 0 2 61 198	7 26 10 19 4 0 41 107	0 0 0 0 2 0 7 9	12 129 20 36 6 2 109 314

3.	Prisoners of War:
	58th Armd Inf Bn 80th Tk Bn Hq & Hq Co, CCR TOTAL	1443 557 14 2014

4.	Reinforcements in Period:
	58th Armd Inf Bn 80th Tk Bn Hq & Hq Co, CCR TOTAL	Officers 8 1 2 11	EM 137 81 3 221

5.	Gains and Losses for the Period:
		GAINS		LOSSES
	58th Armd Inf Bn 80th Tk Bn Hq & Hq Co, CCR TOTAL	OFF 11 7 2 20	EM 130 27 5 162	OFF 5 7 1 13	EM 88 101 7 196

6.	Promotions:
		BATTLEFIELD
		1st Lt to Captain
	Ralph J. Elias	O1317381	Inf	58th AIB

		REGULAR PROMOTIONS
		Major to Lt. Colonel
	George Artman	O21342	Inf	58th AIB
		Captain to Major
	Wellington Smith	O322744	Inf	Hq, CCR
		2nd Lt to 1st Lt
	Robert B. Dixon Neil E Harlan John S Kopper Stanley Omdal Conrad P Plomin Charles M Reimer Roger M Scaife Victor R Sawicki	O1311377 O551538 O1019352 O555543 O1307458 O555990 O1017729 O1317429	Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf FA Inf Inf	58th AIB 80th Tk Bn 80th Tk Bn 80th Tk Bn 58th AIB 80th Tk Bn 58th AIB 58th AIB

		BATTLEFIELD APPOINTMENTS
	Richard R Barnum Perry R Burchett Joseph P Eder Russell J Legried Joseph L Mailly	O2012129 O2012130 O2012131 O2012132 O2012190	Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf	58th AIB 58th AIB 58th AIB 58th AIB 58th AIB

7.	Strength Return for End of Period:
	58th Armd Inf Bn 80th Tk Bn Hq & Hq Co, CCR TOTAL	OFFICERS 40 35 18 93	WO 3 3 1 7	EM 1001 679 77 1757

AAR index

HEADQUARTERS CCR
8th Armored Division
APO 258, U. S. Army

S-3 Report
1 - 30 April 1945

1.	Front Lines at End of Period: None (see inclosure #1)
2.	Location of Troops at End of Period: See overlay accompanying S-3 Periodic Report of 29 April 1945.
3.	Information of Adjacent Units and Supporting Troops: See Par. 2.
4.	Operations for the period:
1 Apr 45	Received Oper Inst #20 from 8 AD at 0230 giving Routes of March to SELM. GERMANY. Oper Inst #6 CCR designating serials and Order of March was issued (serial #1 - CCR Reserve, Serial %#2 - TF WALKER, Serial #3 - TF ARTMAN). Column crossed IP ar 1505 and closed SELM, GERMANY 1745. 4th Plat Co C-739 Med Tk Bn (Sp) detached and reverted to parent orgn, 1st Bn-290 Inf Regt reld from atchd CCR. 2 Plts Co C-53 Armd Rngr Bn reld from atch 80th Tk Bn and reverted to parent orgn. 473 AAA Bn reld from atchd 80th Tk Bn.
2 Apr 45	CCR left vic BEORUM, GERMANY at 1330, At 1700 verbal orders from CO CCR actuated by new overlay from 8 AD were given to continue march vic BENTFELD, and assemble there. CCR was still enroute at end of day.
3 Apr 45	At 0400, CCR received instructions to attack and secure ELSEN and relieve pressure on CCB. TF Walker closed ELSEN at 0915. Tr C-88 Rcn Sq reld atchd CCR at 1050. At 1000 received Warning Order to be ready to move by 1500, At 1415 275 AFA Bn atchd CCR. CCR crossed IP at 1500 to SW with mission of securing line of RUHR RIVER, seizing bridges and small bridgeheads. TF ARTMAN captured WECKINGHAUSEN, GERMANY. CCR closed vic LIPPSTADT prepared to defend S and W.
4 Apr 45	TF ARTMAN advanced at 0630 against light AT fire. TF WALKER teamed with TF ARTMAN to take a woods NW of STRIPE. Both TF's preceded against artillery and mortar fire in zone. Towns of STRIPE, VOLLINGHAUSEN, OVERHAGEN, NORDORF, and EBBINGHAUSEN, GERMANY were captured. 275 AFA Bn reld and Tr C-88 Rcn Sq atchd CCR.
5 Apr 45	Both TF's proceeded to attack at 0600 against light resistance. TF ARTMAN reld by CCA at 1430 and TF WALKER by CCB at 1500. Towns of KLIENE, HORNE, SCHMERLECKE, and SERINGHAUSEN were captured. CCR moved to LIPPSTADT for maintenance of equipment and rehabilitation of personnel. At 1100, Col YARROW D. VESLEY assumed command of CCR. 405 AFA reld from atchd CCR. Oper Inst #22, 8 AD received 1130, directing CCR to go into Division Reserve.
6 Apr 45	At 0840, 1 Plat 809 TD Bn plus 1 Sect-Rcn Plat-58 AIB sent to SCHMERLECKE to cover road to W. At 1800, a phone message from 8 AD directed CCR to outpost all roads N and E of SOEST. 58 AIB was given this mission. At 2100 telephone message from 8 AD, advised CCR that 95th Inf Div had captured SOEST. VOCO CCR to 58 AIB to remain in place to assemble at BAD SASSENDORF to await further orders.
7 Apr 45	At 0800, VOCG 8 AD to move from LIPPSTADT to SOEST. This was accomplished at 1245. Tr C-88 Rcn Sq reld from atchd CCR. TF ARTMAN given verbal orders to occupy positions along MOHR RIVER, to secure positions of left flank of CCB. At 2145, TF ARTMAN was instructed to establish a bridgehead at DELECKE. TF WALKER was enroute to SOEST.
8 Apr 45	405 AFA Bn placed in direct support CCR. TF ARTMAN moved to position on right of TF ARTMAN and both TF's prepared to take Obj 'B' which was the road between WERE and WICKEDE as directed - Oper Inst #23, 8 AD. CCA reld TF ARTMAN at DELECKE at 1045. TF ARTMAN advanced on NIEDERENSE and HOINGEN, securing both towns. TF WALKER proceeded thru light artillery and small arms fire to capture PARSIT and BREMEN, remained in a position to protect right flank of TF ARTMAN. At 1540, FO #1 of TF WADDLE was received directing 8 AD to advance W in zone above RUHR RIVER to Ready Line and then hold, ready to advance again.
9 Apr 45	Oper Inst #24, 8 AD received and directed CCR to continue attack W in zone. CCR attacked at 0545. At 1100, Maj Walker, Commanding Officer, 80 Tk Bn was wounded and evacuated. Maj. Connel assumed command. Direct tank, mortar, and artillery fire from S of river slowed the advance of TF WALKER considerably. TF ARTMAN advanced thru artillery and mortar fire to capture VIERHAUSEN, SCHLUCKINGEN, and WIEHAGEN. Tf walker secured WALTRINGEN.
10 Apr 45	CCR attacked W in zone at 0545. TF WALKER proceeded against heavy artillery 88 velocity fire to the edge of STENTROP, five enemy tanks were knocked out. TF ARTMAN advanced 7000 yds quickly in a wide formation to secure FROMERN. BAUSENHAGEN, SCHEDA, BENTROP, WAMEN, and FROMERN were captured.
11 Apr 45	At 0400, Lt Col Crittended assumed command of 80 Tk Bn. CCR advanced at 0700. TF ARTMAN proceeded under small arms fire to BILLMERICH. TF CRITTENDEN met light resistance in driving S to FRONDENBERG. HOHEN, WILHELMSHOHE, FRONDENBERG, and BILLMERICH captured. At 2330, CO 2nd Bn 194 Glider Regt reported to CO CCR and atchd CCR.
12 Apr 45	Both TF's proceeded under light resistance to vicinity OPHERDICKE. TF CRITTENDEN was bothered by usual artillery fire S of river. OPHERDICKE, HENGSEN, OSTENDORF, ATTENDORF, and DELLWIG were secured. At 1100, 2nd Bn 194 Glider Regt crossed LD, advanced 500 yds and was withdrawn and detached from CCR. 1 Plat Co C-53 Armd Engr Bn reld from atrchd 58 AIB and 1 Plat reld from atchd 80 Tk Bn, reverting to parent orgn.
13 Apr 45	TF ARTMAN reld 1200 by elements of 95 Inf Div. TF CRITTENDEN sent patrols to SW to cover zone and contact elements of 95 Inf Div. At 0900, Maj Breen reported and assigned duty as Asst S-2 CCR. At 1630 telephone message alerted CCR to move by 140700. 959 FA Bn reld from atchd and 275 AFA Bn atchd CCR.
14 Apr 45	Leading elements crossed IP at 0715, traveled E towards BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY throughout day.
15 Apr 45	CCR closed vicinity DENSTORF, GERMANY, at 0800 after traveling 187 miles. Performed maintenance on vehicles, weapons, and equipment. 405 AFA Bn detached CCR. Oper Inst #30 from 8 AD received directing CCR as part of 9th Army Reserve, with mission of administrating and police of OFFLAG #79, 2 enemy airfields, and all other installations in our assigned area which included the city of BRAUNSCHWEIG. CCR S-5 being responsible for operations of PW Camps of Allied Personnel.
16 Apr 45	Continued police of area and maintenance of vehicles and weapons.
17 Apr 45	Police of area and maintenance continued. 1 Plat Light Tanks 80 Tk Bn, sent to TOONERVILLE for protection of Div Trains. Hq CCR moved from DENSTORF to BRAUNSCHWEIG, closing at 1930.
18 Apr 45	58 AIB was directed per VOCO to guard 8 German hospitals in BRAUNSCHWEIG and allow no German medics to circulate in the city of BRAUNSCHWEIG. Co C-78 Med Bn to supervise medical inspection of German Hospital patients and personnel, especially PW's.
19 Apr 45	At 1530 CCR was put on 5 hour alert by 8 AD. Usual police maintained.
20 Apr 45	At 0749, 58 AIB proceeded to vic ATHENSTEDT as Div Reserve. Rest of CCR went to vic ASPENSTEDT and closed 1830. Co A 80 Tk Bn and Co A 58 AIB reverted to parent orgn. Co C-809 TD Bn reld atchd 58 AIB and atchd 80 Tk Bn. 58 AIB moved to WESTHAUSEN at 2000 and on arrival was atchd CCB.
21 Apr 45	At 0700, 8 AD sent a Warning Order. At 1515, 80 Tk Bn was sent a VOCO to move to GOSLAR immediately. At 1730, 58 AIB atchd CCR and ordered to move to ATHENSTEDT, closed there at 2048. 80 Tk Bn closed GOSLAR at 1945.
22 Apr 45	Oper Inst #32, 8 AD received. Assigned new area to CCR upon CCR's relief of 1st US Army elements in that area. Purpose was to occupy and govern area. Co C-53 Armd Engr Bn, Co C-809 TD Bn, Btry C-473 AAA Bn (-1 Plat), and Det 130 Ord Maint Bn reld from atchd CCR. 58 AIB ordered to sweep and clear all woods, screen and administer all towns in zone. CCR closed new area (CLAUSTHAL-ZELLERFELD) at 1645. Relief of 1st Army elements completed at 2000.
23 Apr 45	Co D 80 Tk Bn, assigned mission of outposting Hq CCR Area and move vic CLAUSTHAL-ZELLERFELD, ordered to guard telephone, telegraph, banks, and large laboratories at Berg Academy in vic CLAUSTHAL-ZELLERFELD. Screening of personnel and guarding important installations in areas was conducted by all units. 58 AIB took 65 PW's.
24-30 Apr	Patrolling of area, screening of personnel and vital installations were conducted during this period.