| History - 49th A.I.B. - Company 'A' |
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(Pages 29-31)
THIRD PLATOON ACCOUNT
The third platoon under T/Sgt Curtis followed the second platoon at a close, interval. Volleys of sniper's shots alerted all as they passed peeps and tanks burning and out of action in a field. Suddenly a constant chatter of automatic weapons, punctuated by heavier detonations of mortar and artillery, covered the spearhead. The dirt road greatly reduced the speed of the vehicles and the column was practically at a standstill. Here a prize to German gunners, half tracks received concentrations of small arms fire, ineffective on tanks which were now drawing high velocity 88 fire. Visibility was low and the enemy, already dug in, had all the advantages of an ambush.
Many were killed and wounded in the tracks while returning fire. Finally the order was given to dismount. The first, second, and third rifle squads moved across an open field into a patch of woods cleared by the second platoon firing rifle grenades into it. Simultaneously the three squads entered the woods with the second platoon entering it from the left. The fourth and fifth squads, suffered heaviest casualties in the platoon, but organized a chain security on the flanks. Some, although seriously wounded, participated in this action.
The first, second, and third squads established contact with the second platoon and organized an assault formation in the wooded area. The enemy now began laying a ladder of mortar rounds on the woods; one came close enough to the fourth squad's track that it knocked out Sgt. Trotta's turret and gun mount. The drivers remained in their vehicles and gave the platoon overhead fire support; although in a withering 'Crossfire and in plain view of the enemy themselves. Due to great percentage of loss in company strength the order for withdrawal was passed down the column. Captain King led an organized withdrawal of the second, third, and anti-tank platoons for reorganization to the town of Strommers, just outside another approach to Rheinberg. T/5 Brooks drove his vehicle, handicapped by a bad transmission, in one gear back to the assembly area, with some wounded men.
At the point of reorganization, platoon strength was reduced by casualties from fifty-five men to thirty-four. The platoon, now reorganized into three squads, was ready for another attack on Rheinberg when the 137th Regiment of the 35th Division relieved 'A' Company of the 49th. The company less the first platoon remained here in support of the 137th until the 8th of March.
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At the designated houses outside of Rheinberg, the second, third, and supporting Anti-tank platoons were reunited and prepared to bed down for some sleep, but not before S/Sgt. Vogel and his crew, who were also under fire during the day, fed a welcomed hot 'chow'. The evening was not completely quiet as Jerry sent over an occasional 88 into our area. The next two days were spent in resting, recuperating, and reorganizing for another movement.
On March 8th, the company, minus the first platoon moved and billeted in Rheinberg preparing to spend at least one night there. But at dusk on that day orders were received to move on foot into Ossenberg. The march was only a short one, but under constant enemy 88 and mortar fire which inflicted several casualties. Reaching Ossenberg, the company found cover in cellars and waited until morning. In the morning, the second, third, and Anti-tank platoons moved out to attack the town of Borth. As they approached 'C' Company's most forward position, Jerry opened with 88's and 20 MM fire across the route of march. Immediately they sought cover in buildings held by 'C' Company and a bit later withdrew to 'B' Company's area since an attack was impossible without artillery support.
During the day P-47's hammered at the enemy's positions, effectively reducing resistance. However, the company continued to wait, resting as much as possible. The following day they remained in the same position ever watchful and alert. In the evening of 10th of March, orders were given to move at 0700 hours the following morning back to Rheinberg. From there began the most enjoyable ride in many weeks to a rest area in Holland.
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It was not until the Division had been relieved, that the overall picture was learned. 'After Action' reports show that the foremost elements of the task force had battered through the first two enemy defense lines before being stopped. There was a sizeable enemy force facing the task force: The 106th Festungs Battalion; 20th Parachute Regiment; 7th Parachute Division; 1225th Infantry Regiment; 190th Infantry Division; and one unidentified Panzer Grenadier Battalion. Among the enemy weapons were: Four Batteries 200 MM guns; Four 120 MM mortars; Six or seven Self-propelled 75 MM Anti-tank gun; and One 150 MM gun. Despite the odds that had faced us, we had driven a wedge through the famed 'Wesel Pocket', and had been instrumental in paving the way for the 'Crossing of the Rhine'.
We left Rheinberg about noon on the 11th of March en-route to Venlo, Holland, for a rest. We arrived in Venlo about 1600 hours and were fed chow in the City Square. For the first time we got an idea of the starvation policy of the retreating Germans. Everyone from nine to ninety crowded around the kitchen trucks, their eyes silently begging for food. There was undoubtedly less garbage that night than ever before in Sgt. Vogel's career. Immediately after chow, the company moved to the outskirts of town and there billeted in private homes. The next morning we received thirty-seven reinforcements who pretty well filled the gaps in the line platoons.
Most of the fourteen days spent in Venlo were used for rest and relaxation. There was a little training, especially for the first platoon which was composed of all the reinforcements with just a skeleton of initial men remaining. The rest of Merrill's original 'Marauders' were reassigned to other platoons.
Once again the Q.M.C. was 'on the ball' and had showers set up about 10 miles out of Venlo. If it had been just a little warmer, we could have used the lake beside the showers for our bathing, but we hadn't become quite that rugged yet. Showers, clean socks, hot food, and a comfortable bed, by this time luxuries to us, were to be had quite often.
Our nights were spent writing, going to the Battalion Theater, or patiently wooing Dutch Maidens. A few passes began to come through to Paris, London, and Valkenberg. PX rations came in bunches, including coke and even a ration of brandy. It seems that no one believed the brandy very strong, however even the loudest scoffers regained consciousness by noon the next day.
The days were warm and clear. Reavy, with his customary energy, hustled up a softball team. The supply crew came through with footballs, softballs, and mitts for the sports minded boys.
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