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Subject: For Services Rendered
Date: Sat., 29 Dec 2001
By: (copy supplied by Bob Bishop, A-7)
For Services Rendered
August, 1945
Pilsen, Czechoslovakia
Note: The following Company 'A' History was broadcast on "Radio Pilsen". This Radio Station was under the control of our Army Of Occupation after hostilities.
....So, to 'A' Company of the Seventh Armored Infantry Battalion, a unit member of the Eighth Armored Division, we dedicate this program for services rendered.
In April 1942, the Seventh Armored Infantry Battalion was activated at Fort Knox, Kentucky. For two years, it lived through the normal routine of training employed by the Army in the preparations of units for overseas service. There were the Maneuvers in Louisiana and Basic Training at Camp Polk. To the men, it seemed as though the day would never arrive when they would be in combat and justify themselves as soldiers.
Finally, on November 1,1944, the 7th A.I.B. arrived at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, secure in the knowledge that the day had finally arrived to take that much awaited, the much worked for, overseas trip. November 7th came, and the men of Company 'A' waved good-bye to the Statue of Liberty, then turned their faces toward new lands and new experiences. Yes, Company A's destiny was now in the hands of God.
Eleven days later, on the 18th of November, the Troopship HMT Samaria, carrying the Seventh Armored Infantry Battalion, arrived at Southampton, England, thence to Tidworth where another program in advanced combat tactics was launched.
In January 1945, the 7th A.I.B. left England for Le Havre, France, and from there, made its memorable march into combat against the enemy...an initial movement which resulted in glories and honors being heaped upon it's shoulders as a unit and upon the shoulders of its members as individuals.
The time, ...0400 hours of Sunday Jan. 2lst,l945...the place, Nennig, Germany. The occasion ...the introduction of 'A' Company of the 7th A.I.B. into mortal combat against the enemy. The situation was most critical as the 11th Panzer Division was making a tremendous threat against the security of American Troops in that cold, bleak sector of the Ardennes. Company 'A' was given the mission to spearhead the initial attack at this "Switch Position" of the Siegfried Line for the "Thundering Herd".
Men who had read of combat, but who had never actually seen the enemy, were pitted in mortal combat against one of the best and most seasoned of German Divisions. It was tough, and there was no glory there. There is no glory in meeting death face to face. No glory in seeing your buddies drop around you with fatal wounds...no glory in the realization that the next one might be you. It is at times like these that you realize just how very beautiful life really is, and you fight tooth and nail to hang onto that life.
For six days it was so. Attack...counterattack...casualties...young faces had very suddenly grown old...and then suddenly, just as it began, it was over. Roll calls were taken, and the story of this brutal six days experience was pieced together. The score for Co. 'A' was that over 65% of its entire personnel were on the casualty lists.
Technical Sergeant Richard W. Peters of Co. 'A', is a typical example of the men with whom we fought. He received the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the towns of Nennig and Berg, Germany, during the time of Jan. 21-26,1945. Sergeant Peters was wounded during the second day of combat. Disregarding his injuries, he led his men of the third Platoon in the capture of enemy Pill Boxes west of Berg, where he sustained further shrapnel wounds of both legs. He continued to lead his men in the capture of Berg until he finally collapsed. His leadership, boldness, and devotion to duty were largely responsible for the success of the offensive. Such actions reflect credit upon himself and the Army of the United States. He entered the service from Philipsburg, Penna. General John M. Devine, C.G. was later privileged to bestow a Direct Field Commission of 2nd Lt. upon Dick Peters.
There were many well earned Citations awarded to members of this unit. 7 Silver Stars, 20 Bronze Stars, and more than 100 Purple Hearts, all to this one Company 'A' that during the five months spent in Action against the enemy, earned for itself, 3 Battle Stars, Three Major Campaigns in just five months!! This is combat record of which it can be we11 proud.
The time has come when Co. 'A' of the 7th A.I.B. is being dissolved. Her members, loyal to the last man, who have lived together for so long, who have played together, who have fought together, realize that their days of being together have come to an end. These men realize also, that even though the Company is disbanded, it will live together in their memories and in their hearts. These men whom they knew so well, who laid down their lives on the Fields of Battle, will never be forgotten.
These men sweated through three Major Campaigns under the Guidon of this Unit. They may travel to the four corners of this earth, and may fight under the colors of different organizations, but they will never, in their hearts, belong to any other than Company 'A' of the Seventh Armored Infantry Battalion.
In years to come, they will think back to the time when 1st Sergeant Benny Marr, holder of the Silver Star for Gallant Action against the enemy in Germany, was the number one Enlisted Man in their Company A.
They will think back and remember the seven Company Commanders under whom they fought in the European Campaigns - six different Officers who were lost to them in, and during the various fortunes of war.
And so, to Company 'A' of the Seventh Armored Infantry Battalion, a unit member of the Eighth Armored Division (Thundering Herd), we salute you for "Services Rendered", wherever you may travel, whatever you may encounter, always remember that the blessings of God will be with you at all times.
Respectfully yours,
Cpl. William F. BOPP, Bugler
Company 'A', 7th A.I.B.,
8th Armored Division
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