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Battalion would occupy a town so quickly that the Germans would just wander in thinking it was still in
their hands.
B Troop, 6th Cavalry Squadron relieved us on the 25th and the Battalion, as well as the rest of
the 90th Division went back to a Corps Reserve area. The Companies were all billeted in the towns of
SENGERICH, ESCHEELD and REIFF. Here we remained for six days during which time movies were
shown, hot chow was served, captured weapons fired, and a Clubmobile and USO show put in an
appearance.
The Battalion was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for the Battle of the Foret de Mont
Castre, by Major General Rooks, CG 90th Infantry Division in a ceremony held March 2. The weather
on the day of the parade was indeed peculiar. It snowed practically up to the time of the parade and then
the sun came out. Just as soon as the parade was over, it started snowing again. Major General Rooks,
pinned the Unit Citation Bar on Colonel Bealke and a representative from each company. The Battalion
thus became the first unit in the Division to be awarded a Presidential Unit Citation.
On the 4th and 5th the Regiment, moving in Division reserve, crossed the Prum river traveling
over roads that were little better that seas of mud. The afternoon of the 6th found K and L Companies in
LISSINGEN preparing to force a crossing of the Kyll river so the 11th Armored could pour through to
the Rhine. The river crossing and securing of GEROLSTEIN, a large rail center was accomplished in
the face of light enemy artillery and sniper fire. However, an attack against the next town up the line –
PELM – had to be postponed until the 7th as a number of enemy armored vehicles could be seen moving
around there while our armor was still on the wrong side of the river waiting for a bridge to be built.
PELM was successfully assaulted at 0400 on the 7th, and the companies fanned out to secure the main
road leading east to the Rhine. Then everyone sat back and watched the 11th Armored Division roll by
for two days and nights. It was here that Captain Bryan became a Major.
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