On May first we moved to Haselbach, Czechoslovakia, our fifth country since landing in
Normandy. Fired 739 rounds, including our 150,000 one. There was snow wet and heavy, on the
second of May. The 358th was relieved by the 2nd Infantry Division, and we went back into Germany,
town of Lam, and later that day moved to Lohberg, Germany. Here was a real sight. Snow capped hills,
and heavily wooded. The town was a summer resort. On the third and fourth were entirely relieved by
the 2nd Infantry Division but before leaving the flak boys brought in a German lieutenant and two men.
They had a note to the American Commandant from their commander, asking to be allowed to surrender
to us. The outfit was part of the 11th Panzer, and finally the 359th received the surrender. Moved to
Tresdorf, Germany now in Corps reserve, but not for long. After a long move the next day we moved to
Paseka, Czechoslovakia, back in direct support off the 358th, with the 345th F.A. in support of us. The
90th was to make a bridgehead for the 4th Armored through a bad mountain pass. That was on the 5th
of May. On the sixth the armor had road priorities, and so by a process of infiltration we managed to
keep up with the infantry. The town of Untereichenstein was the stopover for the night. Shortly after
getting into position a large convoy of German vehicles came in town, driven by the surrendering 11th
Panzer. The last round fired by the 344th was at 1435 on German infantry, raising the total to 150,671.
On the morning of the 7th we got an order to cease all fire except when attacked. This order came from
both Regiment and Div-Arty. Around 1400 we moved to Schihebetz, Czechoslovakia. The war is over
they claim, but the Battalion was alert and ready to fire in any case. As we passed from Sudentenland
into Czechoslovakia proper the towns were bedecked in flower garlands, and the people all gave a grand
welcome as the “Yanks” came through. Almost like going through France again.
May 8th beautiful weather and holiday for all. There was happiness in the air in this small town.
People did all to make us comfortable. We were entertained royally. Band concerts, dances and drinks.
General Ernest talked to the officers. This day of May 8 was declared as V-E Day. Rumor had it that
we were to be occupational troops.
May 9th a recon party was sent out to inspect a new area, which was near the Danube and
Regensburg. In the afternoon townsfolk wished to express their gratitude of being liberated through the
means of a ceremony, at which time they presented a Czechoslovakian flag and medal to a Major
Lippard, acting on behalf of Colonel Conn, who was absent at the time.
May 10th we were alerted to move to the Northeast, for the 4th Armored was having trouble with
troops still out in front of them. Bivouacked in Kateun, where again we had a wonderful reception. On
the way to our new position we passed some Russian troops on the road, and also a large concentration
of P.W.’s with their equipment and vehicles strewn all over the few fields. Shortly after we hit the new
position several men were off to the Riviera, and a few days of true relaxation.
May 11th, 12th and 13th we started cleaning equipment and getting things organized.
Swimming and fishing were the main recreations, but there were dances in the various towns around
every night so the boys were having a pretty good time of it. On the 14th we lost several boys through
the newly announced point system, the lucky fellows: from Headquarters Battery 1st Sgt. Castello, and
Cpl. Standeford, A Battery, 1st Sgt. Gilbert and T/5 Gilbert Miller, from B Battery, Pfc. McLean: T/5
Salo from C Battery and M/Sgt. Wyley from Service, were the first group to leave. That afternoon we
left for our occupational area, a trip of 16 miles, ending up in a small steel town of Maxhutte, Germany,
just outside Burglengenfeld.
Thus ends the combat history of the 344th Field Artillery Battalion eleven months and for two
odd days since we landed in Normandy. France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Czechoslovakia
had felt our power and strength. From the hedgerows of Normandy, across the plains of France, through
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