orders from the 3d Army Corps changed the zone of action of the 90th Division, and assigned the
national highway from Stenay to Montmedy to the 89th Division, on our left. Still later in the night, at
about 1 A. M., it was necessary to make still further changes.
Field Order No. 21, 90th Division, as finally issued, explained the plans for November 11 as
follows: The first mission of the Division would be to assist the 89th Division in crossing the Meuse at
Pouilly and by pontoon bridges between Inor and Stenay. This mission was to be carried out by the
179th Brigade by pressing the enemy and seizing any ground possible between Stenay and Baalon. The
89th Division was to attack at daybreak and capture the heights east and southeast of Inor. When it had
succeeded in this task, the second mission of the 90th Division would be undertaken, namely, to advance
in liaison with the 89th Division against the heights overlooking the Chiers River.
The 180th Brigade was to perform this second mission. It moved up before daylight of the 11th,
in readiness to advance when the time came. The 1st Battalion relieved the 3d Battalion, 357th Infantry,
about midnight and had its jump-off positions prepared. The 2d Battalion was in support and the 3d
Battalion in reserve. The 359th Infantry was formed up in the Bois du Chenois, with the 3d Battalion
leading and the 2d and 1st Battalions in support and reserve respectively. The principal force of the 89th
Division crossed at Pouilly, although two battalions went over on the foot-bridge opposite Villefranche,
which had been built by Company E, 315th Engineers.
The Germans’ artillery severely gassed Mouzay during the night of November 10-11, despite the
presence of about six hundred civilians. General O’Neil was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his efforts
on behalf of the population. The headquarters and troops located in the town suffered, as did also the
men of the 180th Brigade, who were moving forward into position. Major J. W. F. Allen. 3d Battalion,
360th Infantry, was among those evacuated.
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