invariably followed by savage enemy counter-thrusts. Often the assaulting troops found
themselves face to face with counterattacking enemy armor and infantry before they had had
time to consolidate their gains and prepare any type of defense. During the 6th and 7th when the
enemy launched a series of particularly heavy counterattacks which almost succeeded in carrying
through to the rear areas, the mortar platoon of Company “M” alone fired over 6000 rounds of
ammunition. Cooks, drivers, anti-tank and service personnel were organized into a provisional
company and put into the line to plug up gaps between the seriously depleted battalions. By dark
of the 7th, the combined remnants of companies “C” and “K” had repulsed a total of 14
counterattacks supported by tanks during the day. Hand to hand fighting was raging in the “I”
and “L” Company areas. These companies were surrounded and cut off from the rear and were
being attacked from all sides. Lack of ammunition finally forced the surrender of the major part
of these units.
On the 11th, the 2nd Battalion launched a flanking attack to the southeast, breached the
enemy defenses and drove ahead 500 yards. Pressure applied on three sides forced the enemy to
withdraw completely during the night of the 11th. This engagement had so weakened the enemy
that a withdrawal from ground which he could not afford to lose was necessitated. By the same
measure, this was the most costly engagement of the war for the 357th. During the six bloody
days a total of 851 casualties, including 166 dead, were sustained by the Regiment.
The Division advance to the south continued against scattered resistance, and by the 14th,
the Regiment had reached the Seves River. Here the advance was held up temporarily by order.
Further offensive action was to be resumed on order from Corps, at which time the entire VIII
Corps was to jump off as part of a general offensive. The invasion of the continent was now in
its 39th day and the Germans still had strong forces and effective defenses surrounding the entire
perimeter of the Allied positions. A coordinated effort would be required to break out. Attacks
ordered by Corps were repeatedly postponed as a result of continuing inclement weather. As it
later developed, fair weather was most essential from the standpoint of the air activity which was
to precede and support the attack.
In the meantime, the Regiment remained in its position north of the Seves River near
Nay. Aggressive patrolling and the volume of enemy artillery and mortar fire received indicated
that the enemy maintained strong forces and formidable defenses on the southern bank of the
river. Savage artillery and mortar duels accounted for casualties on both sides.
 |
 |
 |