THE XX CORPS PLAN
The XX Corps plan for the carrying out of its portion of the Third Army plan is well pictured in
Field Order #12, Hq. XX Corps, APO 340, U. S. Army – portions of which “I quote”
F O 12
(Map B)
2. XX Corps attacks on D-Day, to encircle and destroy the garrison of METZ fortified area, and
to seize bridgehead over the Saar River via SAARBURG. To reconnoiter in force and seize
crossings over the Saar River intact. Prepare to resume attack to the NE.
D-day: to be announced.
Formation, boundaries and objective operations overlay
3. a. 5th Infantry Division
(1) On Corps order, attack to seize high ground (overlay) making main effort on right.
(2) Within zone block all routes of withdrawal from Metz and prevent any enemy
reinforcement of the Metz Garrison.
(3) Establish and maintain contact with 90th Infantry Division and XII Corps.
(4) Protect bridgehead over Moselle River with minimum force, coordinating with 95th
Infantry Division for use of one motorized battalion of that division for bridge protection
purposes, on Corps order.
b. 95th Infantry Division
(1) On Corps order, relieve elements of 10th Armored Division containing enemy
bridgehead west of Mozelle River.
(2) In coordination with 90th Infantry Division make vigorous demonstration of crossing
Mozelle River via Uckange commencing at 1500 hrs on D-day and continuing for a
minimum of 15 hours. Troops will cross the Moselle River during this demonstration.
Demonstration will build up and not be permitted to taper off until time of cessation.
(3) In conjunction with demonstration via Uckange reduce enemy pocket east of
Mazieres to the Moselle River both efforts to be so coordinated as to create the indication
of a major attack.
(4) Vigorously contain enemy within zone. Maintain constant pressure on enemy, and
rapidly follow up any enemy withdrawal.
(5) On Corps order attack and seize the city of Metz.
(6) Be prepared on Corps order to assist 5th Infantry Division in protection of bridgehead
over Moselle River with one Infantry Battalion, motorized from 95th Infantry Division.
c. 90th Infantry Division
(1) Under cover of darkness, night of D/D+1 pass through Task Force Polk and cross
Moselle River in vicinity of KOENIGSMACHER, coordinating with 95th Infantry
Division demonstration via UCKANGE.
(2) Seize high ground making main effort on the left (E) flank.
(3) On Corps order pass 10 Armored Division, 83rd Infantry Division, and 3rd Cavalry
Group (reinforced), (in order listed) through bridgehead over Moselle River.
(4) Within zone prevent enemy withdrawal from Metz area, and in conjunction with 10th
Armored Division prevent enemy reinforcement of Metz garrison.
(5) Establish and maintain contact with 5th Infantry Division, 10th Armored Division and
83rd Infantry Division.
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