THE ATTACK ON NOVEMBER 1
A DESCRIPTION of the thrust of the 360th Infantry is the most logical starting-point of the narration of
the attack of November 1. The 3d Battalion, commanded by Major J. W. F. Allen, which was to make
the assault for the regiment, took up its position for the jump-off just north of the road leading northwest
from Bantheville, at the point where it loops around the northeast corner of the Bois de Bantheville. The
2d Battalion in support, and the 1st Battalion in reserve, were in position in the Bois de Bantheville and
the sunken roads to the east of the woods. Some casualties were suffered from an enemy heavy artillery
fire which opened about midnight. The regimental P. C., located in a light shelter in the Bois de
Bantheville, suffered a direct hit about 1:30 A. M. There were twenty-six casualties in the regimental
headquarters detachment during the night. The American artillery bombardment, which opened at 3:30
A. M., also brought down an enemy counter-preparation.
H hour was 5:30 A. M. No sooner had the assaulting wave debouched from its cover when a
terrific machine gun fire poured into the lines. Particular trouble was experienced from the direction of
Grand Carré Farm, which was well situated on the top of the open ridge. Despite the thoroughness of
our magnificent artillery barrage, many enemy gunners found cover in the shelters in the vicinity of the
farm and came to the surface again in time to catch the advancing infantry.
But the men of Companies I and K, forming the assaulting wave, were not to be daunted.
Particularly heroic was the conduct of the 2d Platoon of Company K, which succeeded in capturing the
Grand Carré Farm, thus putting out of action the enemy guns which were holding up the entire line. Led
by Sergeant Frank B. Losscher, who was awarded the D. S. C. for this feat, this platoon maneuvered to
the right of the strong point, and by the use of rifle and rifle-grenade fire and hand-grenades forced the
garrison to yield. Seventy Germans were rounded up in one dugout, and fourteen machine guns were
captured.
Lieutenant Wylie Murray, Lieutenant James H. Crosby, and Lieutenant John Sieber were
wounded during this fighting. Lieutenant Murray later died of his wounds. Lieutenant Fleming Burk,
commanding Company D, which was maintaining liaison with the 89th Division, was wounded,
Lieutenant Alfred L. Jones taking command in his stead. Lieutenant Patrick Edwards and Lieutenant
Mason Coney, of the regimental machine gun company, were evacuated.
After capturing Hills 300 and 278 the battalion halted on the intermediate objective for thirty
minutes, in accordance with the field order. This delay in the operation afforded the enemy a breathing-
spell during which machine guns and light artillery were concentrated on the battalion front. At 8: 30 A.
M. an attempt was made to resume the advance, but the line was halted by a withering fire. Twice again
a start forward was made, but the result was so ghastly that the line was halted, the men taking refuge in
shell-holes, and the situation reported to regimental headquarters. Colonel Price ordered the 2d
Battalion to take up the advance. The battalion was led by Major Hall Etter, who, as a lieutenant, had
been regimental adjutant at Camp Travis. On coming to France he was made operations officer, and just
before the Division left the St. Mihiel sector took command of the 2d Battalion, Captain Lyman
Chatfield succeeding him as operations officer for the regiment.
The advance got under way at noon. In order to avoid the open ground south of Andevanne, now
being swept by enemy fire, Major Etter maneuvered the battalion to the west through the Bois
d’Andevanne, and went forward into the Bois Carpiere, north of Andevanne. The advance was made
with such rapidity that enemy machine gunners were captured in position, together with their guns. The
closeness of the fighting in this wood is illustrated by the extraordinary experience of Sergeant Alfred
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