The report of the death of President Roosevelt was confirmed on the 13th, much to everyone's
sorrow. Just one more reason for knocking Germany to pieces, both Republicans and Democrats agreed
to that. We were still in general support of the 358th Infantry and reinforced by the 179th F.A.
Battalion. For several days we have been going through heavily wooded country. Many sawmills and
logging sections were seen tied into the fast running mountain streams, which were dammed to control
their flow for power and floating of cut timber to the mills.
April 16th the Battalion moved to Unter Ketzau, going around the town of Hof, already taken by
the 358th. Stayed here for two days, thus enabling the outfits following us to catch up. Lt. Mann and
Cpl. Mathis were decorated with the DSC while we were in his position. The 3rd Battalion, 358th sent a
task force into Czechoslovakia and erected to sign reading "You are now entering Czechoslovakia
through the courtesy of 3rd Battalion 358th Infantry Regiment" on the other side of this sign was written
the same thing in Russian one of our liaison planes accompanying the task force was lost on the trip.
When the plane was low on fuel Lt. Rizzo came down to gas up and in starting the plane again, it got
away from him, took off by itself and crashed. Not having time to salvage it or repair on the spot, the
men burned it and took off midst a hail of lead from a party of Germans that they had run into. The task
force was made up of I Company, 2 tanks, 2 tank destroyers and the I and R Platoon. Captain Foster our
S2 represented the 344th F.A. The T.F. reached the Czech border at 1000 and left to return at 1100. On
the trip 36 prisoners were taken. Moved to Kautendorf that night, supposedly back in the fight again,
but there was very little fighting going on. On the 20th we were joined by the 738th F.A. Battalion and
8 inch outfit. A Battery brought in prisoners, taken near their position. C Battery received two boys
from two of the divisions overrun in the initial phase of the “Bulge”. They had been on the long “March
of Death” and had finally escaped while being transferred from one camp to another. Their tales were
typical of all others. On April 22nd we moved to Schonfight, and still very little firing. There were
rumors that the war would soon be over, and naturally everyone hoped that that was the case. Mr.
Kadlecek, Personnel Officer had been up with us for a few days and finally left for his own department,
with beaucoup souvenirs. Captain Reddington went to 20th Corps Artillery and was replaced by
Captain Jones, acting S3, and Lt. Green as Assistant S3. On the 22nd two more moves, ending up in
Spielling for the night. The positions were near the concentration camp and crematory of Flossenberg.
Some of the officers and men went over to have a look at the place and brought back reports similar to
other stories; on horror and degradation that returned this “civilized” place to the dark ages.
The next-day saw us moving to Pleystein and after dark to Burkhartreuth, through several towns
that were still burning. One of which we had dumped a lot of the W.P. into, razing it completely. The
civilians stood around their burning houses with expressionless faces. War had come to them with a
sudden and devastating force. Those Germans would not forget us; the dead German soldiers that lay
along the roads were ignored as the flames crept closer to the huddled, twisted bodies. Interdictory fire
kept the Battalion base busy that night, more than 600 rounds were fired. On the 25th several flights of
bombers were heading back from raids over Czechoslovakia, when one fell out of formation and
suddenly blew up. Apparently the crew had bailed out for we picked up several and the 358th picked up
the remaining members, one being rescued from civilians who were about to molest him. Moved to
Schensee that afternoon. Day after day the prisoners were pouring in, having had enough.
On the 26th we moved to Tiefenbach and then to Trefelsteim. Expected to be in this position
awhile, supporting the 358th in a defensive position. Were joined here by the 244th F.A. for additional
support. A Battery captured a 35 piece German band intact. Stayed here the 27th 28th and 29th, on the
29th B Battery and one gun from the ack-ack fired on a house directly in front of them, where a bunch of
SS had been reported in hiding. On the 30th we moved to a new position just outside Waldmunchen.
 |
 |
 |