connection, the lack of reserves available for rapid utilization and concentration in the 3rd Battalion
zone was cogently reflected by the heavy casualties sustained by the unit.
The very nature of the dense Foret de Mont Castre required a high degree of leadership in all
echelons in order that aggressiveness of individuals and units, particularly when those units’ flanks were
exposed, would be maintained. The personal example of the Battalion Commander was exemplary. The
desirable effect, however, was made only on those troops in his immediate vicinity.
When the 3rd Battalion effected contact with the enemy, advances were made only by forceful
assaults utilizing hand grenades, or by individuals creeping forward through the undergrowth in order to
fire upon the enemy from extremely short ranges. Control by the battalion and company commanders
was impossible. Consequently the fight developed into combat by small units and individuals. Thus the
principles of aggressiveness, initiative, and personal courage were demonstrated by squads and
individuals to be the integral components which finally resulted in the accomplishment of the battalion
mission.
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