down, directly onto the position without harm to the observer. The job then, was the first, eliminate the
observation post. The attack could not move on until this had been done. This phase of the attack was
spearheaded and organized by Lt. Neil and Lt. Patrick from Company A and Lt. Martin, with the
attached engineers. Each of the A Company officers led assault teams assisted by Lt. Martin. Under
cover of fire from the remaining troops of company A they would place a seventeen pound charge of,
the then new explosive, Composition “C2" at the base of these O.P’s. This very potent explosive had a
devastating effect on the structures, as well as, inhabitants. The western portion of the fort was worked
on for the remainder of the day in the same systematic method as above described. The observation post
on the west edge of the fort, as well as, the sally and shelter points of this portion of the fort, were
neutralized throughout the day. Company A attacked and overran about one third of the fort. The
Germans would merely withdraw into the inner portions of the fort and call down devastating mortar fire
on the attackers. This forced withdrawal to the cover of the original positions in the trenches. In this
murderous hail of mortar fire throughout the day, 40 casualties were assessed. During the day Captain
Denning, Company B Commander had been killed. Captain Campbell then a lieutenant, took command
of the company. Company B had not made a great deal of progress on the south of the fort. It was
ordered to move from its present position, around to the west of the fort, and join Company A, where the
greatest progress was being made. This was to be accomplished during the night of 9-10 November.
56
(Map E)
The first day saw the town of Basse Ham fall to Company C. Companies A and B successfully
reached the fort and had begun an assault. The technique of blasting the Germans out of their
stronghold had been learned. This technique was to be used to great advantage the following day. The
aid station that had crossed and set up in Basse Ham was paying dividends. The casualties, from the
first day, were heavy and serious.
The supplies of ammunition, plasma, medicine and food were planned on the assumption that a
bridge would soon be installed. The Moselle River was, initially, a help in that its risen condition
inundated the enemy positions on the riverbank and also permitted the assault waves to float over the
normally exposed mines. It was now becoming more of a formidable foe than the Germans. During the
day the water had expanded from its normal 300-350 foot width to, from 600-800 feet and by noon had
reached widths of 800 yards. The engineers had started their bridging operations, first working in knee
deep water, in hip deep and then in waist deep water. Finally the current became so wicked bridging
operations were ceased completely.
Six battalions of infantry were across the river, fighting the enemy’s armor and fortified areas
with hand carried weapons. The waters continued to rise until the entire flat area, from the railroad
tracks on the east side of the Mozelle, to the edges of Garche, Koeking and Cattenom on the west side of
the river were flooded.
57 (Map E)
This was a condition that existed for the division as nightfall came. The battalion was low on
ammunition, explosives have been expended, rations had to be had, the aid station had to be replenished
with plasma and all medical supplies. The wounded, some in serious condition, needed to be evacuated.
The tremendous job of resupply was started, as soon as, nightfall began. This was done by the battalion
drivers, company drivers, supply personnel from all companies and any attached engineers available. It
was carried out under the direction of Lts. Sheridan and Martin, the battalion motor officer and Battalion
S-4 respectively on the west shore and Lt. Autrey, S-3 on the east shore. It was a tortuous job in the
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