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The difficulty in establishing a defensive position, at night, is clearly brought out here. Adequate fields
of fire cannot be cleared until daybreak, and then it may be too late.
In concluding, I would like to quote the Commendation received by the Commanding General,
90th Division, from the Commanding General, Third U.S. Army:
"The capture and development of your bridgehead, over the Moselle River, in the vicinity of
Koenigsmacher, will ever rank as one of the epic river crossings of history."
LESSONS
1.
Exploit every possibility and probability before attempting a major operation, over a
river, during the area's rainy period.
2.
The element of surprise always works for those who employ it, regardless of the size or
the scale of operations.
3.
Orient every man on his mission and explain, as thoroughly as possible, the situation, in
order that he may more intelligently accomplish this mission.
4.
Where the operation is of a specialized nature and employing additional troops in close
support, such as engineers, ample training time is necessary to permit of understanding and proper
coordination between the units.
5.
In this instance, fewer men in the assault boats would have made better progress in
crossing the river; however, it would have been at the sacrifice of what tactical unity there was.
6.
Standardized methods common in the attack, allows the enemy to learn your habits and to
prepare for your operation.
7.
Every effort must be made to allow for sufficient daylight reconnaissance, when on either
the offense or defense, and to include, if possible, all unit Commanders.
8.
Wounded should be evacuated as expeditiously as possible.
9.
Medical installations should always be located along routes of evacuation and be readily
accessible.
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