THE BATTALION PLAN
The part the 1st Battalion, 358th Infantry was to play in this overall picture of the reduction of
fortress Metz, was that of reducing Fort Koenigsmacher. This fort was an important point in the
northern portion of the Metz defenses, and a part of the Maginot Line group.
The 1st Battalion, 358th Infantry was relieved from its present mission of containing a portion of
the salient around Metz. It moved back to an area of barracks in near Morfontaine, France, along with
the rest of the regiment. Here in this area, from 3 November until 7 November, training was conducted
on dry run river crossings, boat loading and methods of paddling in conjunction with the engineers.
There, training was conducted on the assault of fortified positions and areas. The old fortifications of
the Maginot Line, in that area, were used in conjunction with this training. The battalion was refitted in
equipment, all lost or destroyed equipment replaced and all weapons put up to perfect working order.
During this period of training, the men, and the larger part of the officers did not know for what specific
mission they were being trained. The general conclusion was a river crossing and attack of a fortified
position to tie in with the training being taken.
It was not until the last day in this area that maps, aerial photographs and large-scale engineer
sketches were issued down to all levels, which designated Fort Koenigsmacher as the task before the 1st
Battalion, 358th Infantry. This was 7 November. The crossing date had been set for some time prior to
daylight 9 November. This was during the night D+1 for the overall XX Corps operation.
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The regimental plan was to cross the 1st Battalion on the right at the town of Basse Ham, over
which Fort Koenigsmacher looked, and take that fort by storm. The 3rd Battalion was to cross opposite
Koenigsmacher (not to be confused with the fort of the same name). The 2nd Battalion was to remain in
reserve, initially, until the town of Koenigsmacher had been taken, then cross and relieve the 3rd
Battalion who would contain the town. After the regimental plan was known and extensive
reconnaissance accomplished, Lt. Col. C. A. Lytle, then Battalion Commander, issued this plan.
The battalion would cross in four waves, the first wave being made up of two platoons from each
of the two assaulting rifle companies, A and C. The second wave would consist of the company
headquarters group of each of the assault companies, the attached engineer unit, the reserve platoons of
the two companies and attached heavy machine gun platoon. The third wave was made up entirely of
Company B, along with the battalion command group. The fourth wave was to be composed of
Company D, Headquarters Company and the Medical Detachment.
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Each unit, upon reaching the
enemy shore, was to have a particular job to do. It was felt by the Battalion Commander, that the town
of Basse Ham would have to be taken along with the fort since it could be such a thorn in the side, if
bypassed. This would also leave an open right flank for the Battalion, as well as the division. The town,
in itself, would provide an excellent base from which to operate on the fort. It also provided a perfect
setup for the aid station to care for the wounded, of which there were many, as later proven. It was on
the suggestion of Captain McEvoy, the battalion surgeon, that the plan to move the battalion surgeon
and aid station across with the fourth wave was incorporated with the original planning. This was done
only by the 1st Battalion. It was later proven that this was a very wise move.
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It was further planned to have Company A assemble on the railroad tracks. It was a definite
feature that could not be bypassed. Company C was to turn right upon crossing, and capture Basse Ham
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