History - 49th A.I.B. - Company 'A'
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(Pages 44-46)

On the morning of April 21st the company left Blankenburg for the Harz Mountains. It was a cold day, and as we went further and further into the mountains, snow began turning the ground white. Proof of the wonderful job of our Air Corps had done was evident, throughout the march. The road side was lined with burnt trucks, wrecked tanks, shattered wagons and the stiff carcasses of horses. Equipment was strewn on either side of the road, as though each vehicle had been emptied, and its cargo scattered like confetti.

Shortly after noon, we reached the general area under our control, and the 1st and anti-tank platoons, together with Company Headquarters proceeded to Trautenstein. The 2nd platoon was ordered to Konigshutte, and the 3rd platoon took over Tanne. From these three towns, patrols were dispatched daily to search out the neighboring forests. Every day these patrols returned with the half tracks filled with prisoners, and abandoned equipment. Everything from Generals to Privates; horses to trucks; and pistols to cannon were discovered and either captured or destroyed. In addition to these patrols, the platoons manned road blocks on strategic roads, and acted as Military Government.

Shortly after noon, we reached the general area under our control, and the 1st and anti-tank platoons, together with Company Headquarters proceeded to Trautenstein. The 2nd platoon was ordered to Konigshutte, and the 3rd platoon took over Tanne. From these three towns, patrols were dispatched daily to search out the neighboring forests. Every day these patrols returned with the half tracks filled with prisoners, and abandoned equipment. Everything from Generals to Privates; horses to trucks; and pistols to cannon were discovered and either captured or destroyed. In addition to these patrols, the platoons manned road blocks on strategic roads, and acted as Military Government.

These Harz Mountains were second only to the Bavarian Alps as a hideout for high ranking officers and S.S. Troops. Great stores of equipment and provisions had been placed here, and plans had been made to hide in the endless forests until the proper time for an uprising. However the speed of the Allies advance prohibited the movement of sufficient troops into the area, and we were given the mission of destroying the 'booty' thus captured.

In typical American fashion the men combined pleasure with the serious tasks of war. Each store of equipment was methodically searched for souvenirs before we destroyed it. Every deer that foolishly exposed itself was met with a hail of lead, and as a result, 'A' Company's menus included venison nearly every day. Here again, we found signs of our constant enemy, the 116th SS Panzer Division.

This was the first time we had billets complete with electric lights. On our off time we were able to enjoy radio programs, the first we had heard since leaving England.

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With ever increasing interest, we watched the end of the war coming closer day by day. On the 7th May, we were relieved by the 83rd Division, and moved to Lauenforde, arriving May 8th. Just as the head of the column reached the outskirts of town, word came via our radios that it was over.

For a few minutes there was an outburst of joy, then there was a growing feeling of 'What Now?' When do we get home? Will we go to the C.B.I.?

For the first week in Lauenforde the company was billeted by platoons: the first platoon with schoolmaster Cone had one of the local schools, the second platoon was stopping over at Flynn's kindergarten, the third platoon had reservations at the Jamin convalescent home, while the anti-tank under billeting director Zietz also at Flynn's gave up the local cafe to headquarters section who opened up the Carder hotel with maintenance in the bridal suite. This however, was found inconvenient and difficult for company functioning. In a week Captain Carder announced the opening of Fort Carder. Formerly Fort Carder had been a factory for making ammunition crates. This work stopped immediately upon capture by the Allies. The Americans showed their ingenuity again in having the factory turn out bunks and foot lockers for the barracks which had been one of the warehouses. Now that a company unit had been established the manual was taken out and dusted. Mauldin's Joes and Willies once again became 'spit and polish' garrison soldiers.

In short time a garrison comparatively similar to Camp Polk days was established. S/Sgt. Vogel and the cooks had a mess hall operating as efficiently as any designed by the army, and with this there was also a training schedule constituent of army life. Close order drills and 'beaucoup' mile hikes were had quite often. The afternoons however, were usually taken up by organized athletics, consisting of baseball, softball, football, volley ball and boxing matches. Saturday inspections more than highlighted the weekend with Captain Carder.

The Weser River separated the two towns Lauenforde and Beverungen. A bridge crossing the river was destroyed by the S.S. -- U. S. Engineers constructed another, which was guarded by a post on either end. Many went fishing and swimming in the river until the health officer declared the water polluted for bathing purposes. Movies were held every night at Uslar and transportation was available by your favorite half track. Special service did an excellent job of entertaining the troops with movies and plays.

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This dry running for an army of occupation had gone far enough and the civilians began asking when the Tommies would take over the town. Within a week the English made an appearance and the 8th Armored embarked on a trek to Czechoslovakia.

There was not the element of surprise nor the secret aspect attached to this movement. At the scheduled time the company began a two day journey before the characters of Lauenforde had arisen. It was the first experience of many on the autobahn; after having driven on much rougher routes during combat the drivers enjoyed a good highway. The scenery was for the most part rustic and few cities were encountered. The first night was spent encamped on the side of the road in true gypsy fashion. Fires were built without infraction on the long time blackout and after eating victuals a-la K ration the scuttlebutts were started until bedtime. 'Hick' had smuggled a guitar into the caravan and music, western style, was had with Lt. Vernor on the accordion. At dawn the company was awakened and prepared to complete the journey. There was no regret on leaving Germany once overgrown by the weeds of Nazism.

Crossing the Czechoslovakian border was as an injection of new spirit. Waving, exchanging smiles, and greetings constituted a factor of the G.I's friendly relations policy. At the halts there was the usual sharing of K rations with the civilians met along the way.

A few miles outside of Pilsen, the home of Pilsener beer, the company met and relieved part of the Indian Division, the 2nd Infantry. In the town of Rokycany a group of men known to each other as friends with a mutual relationship, forged in the furnace of war, 'sweated out' the army's decision. Demobilization, repatriation, or the C.B.I.?

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