THE CROSSING
Stealthily, and in complete blackout, the assault battalions of the 358th and 359th Infantry moved
shortly after midnight from their assembly areas to the preestablished boat stations. After a 400 yard
carry of the cumbersome boats over the open ground, the first waves crossed the rapidly rising waters of
the Moselle. The Moselle initially aided the assault by inundating the close-up enemy defenses on the
east bank, but the flooded condition of the river made the crossing more and more difficult. The assault
boats were tossed about by corks in a swirling water. Some capsized and went down with their crews
and cargoes. Footbridge cables could not be anchored and, to aid to the difficulties, the enemy began
dropping artillery fire and mortar shells on the near banks among the infantry waiting to cross and the
engineers struggling with the boats.
The Moselle River at Thionville in flood stage
. The same as when assault crossing was made.
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