FRED E. MOON
The 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated at Fort Benning, Georgia,
on the 15th of December, 1941, from the provisionally designated Fourth
Anti-Tank Battalion, 4th Motorized Division, which had just completed
its tests on maneuvers during October and November, 1941. The original
personnel, both Officers and enlisted men, came from the Third Battalion,
22nd Infantry Regiment, and Division Artillery, 4th Motorized Division.
Colonel Stuart Cutler, Infantry, who has commanded the provisional 4th
Anti-Tank Battalion during its tests, remained with the unit upon its
activation and assumed command under War Department Orders. He was formerly
Executive Officer, 22nd Infantry Regiment.
Under date of December 26, 1941, the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion
moved from Fort Benning, Georgia, via convoy to the newly constructed
Camp Gordon, at Augusta, Georgia, occupying barracks on 21st and 22nd
Streets between 4th and 5th Avenues. About the middle of February, 1942,
Colonel Cutler was relieved as Battalion Commander and given a new assignment
at which time Lieut-Colonel Conn of the 8th Infantry, 4th Motorized
Division, temporarily assumed command.
Under date of March 26, 1942, Colonel Lansing McVickar, Infantry,
assumed command of the unit and immediately proceeded in preparing it
for combat, by initiating vigorius training scheduled with special attention
to physical endurance and fitness. The Whole of 1942, was spent in intensive
training, maneuvers, endurance hikes up to 150 miles with full field
equipment, swimming instructions at Merry ("McVickar") Lake,
and physical tests by the Second Army. The battalion was the highest
unit in the Second Army physical tests, conducted during January, 1943.
The Battalion received its first M10 Tank Destroyers about the 15th
of Dec., 1942, and schools were promptly set-up, to learn their functions,
and application. During January, 1943, the battalion went to Camp Stewart,
Savannah, Georgia, and fired the three inch destroyer guns, the first
time, which was satisfactory. While at Camp Stewart, the unit fired
.50 caliber anti-aircraft fire on the camp range and was considered
by range officials, as the best ever fired at that range. During the
period from date of activation the unit has been attached to its parent
organization; the 4th Motorized Division under Major General Raymond
O. Barton. The two units looked upon each other, with family respect
and each held the highest regard for the other. During the first part
of April, 1943, the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion, was detached from
the 4th Motorized Division, who were preparing to proceed to the staging
area, and were attached to Headquarters, 3rd Headquarters Detachment,
Special Troops, Second Army at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
On April 15th, 1943, the unit departed in two serials; one via convoy
and one via rail to the maneuver area, in the vicinity of Gallatin,
Tennessee, where it participated in maneuvers, until June 19, 1943,
when it went into the assembly area North of Gallatin, Tennessee, in
preparation for the return trip to Camp Gordon.
During the period that the unit was in the assembly area, in the vicinity
of Gallatin, the new T/O was put into effect, reducing the enlisted
strength from 926 enlisted men to T/O. Men over then were transferred
to the Tank Destroyer Replacement Center, at Camp Hood, Texas.
On June 25, 1943, the serial returning via convoy, departed from vicinity
of Gallatin; the serial by rail having to wait in the hot Tennessee
sun, restricted to the vicinity of the railway station, until June 27th,
before transportation could be arranged for the return trip to Camp
Gordon, Georgia.
The battalion closed in its home station, on June 29, 1943, at which
time Colonel Lansing McVickar, relinquished command of the battalion,
to Lieut-Colonel William V. Martz, Calvalry, U.S. Army, reporting to
the Commanding General, Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas, for
assignment. The unit had been notified that movement overseas could
be expected about September, 1943, and the period between July 1, and
September 30, 1943, was spent in preparation for overseas movement.
Two weeks out of every month, were required to be spent in the field;
which was two weeks of hell insofar as the men were concerned.
Upon assuming command, Colonel Martz immediately established an officer
and noncommissioned officers club in the battalion area; started the
publication of the Panther, a weekly battalion newspaper; sponsored
dances for the enlisted personnel, and took special interests in all
athletic activities, with the unit.
The "Battalion Cemetery" will long be remember by all personnel
of the organization. The story behind the cemetery is this: A small
plot was fenced off adjoining 5th Avenue, and the policy was that every
man who was gigged for purely trivial military offenses, or not knowing
the fundamentals of his primary military training, he would be "buried"
by a formal ceremony, and his name plainly printed upon the white cross,
followed immediately by the offense; for instance Private York of the
Reconnaissance Company had the embarassment of being the first victim
for the battalion cemetery, because he could not correctly read a compass.
He was brought to the cemetery on a litter, followed by his platoon
and the company bugler who blew taps over him and a cross erected which
read: "PRIVATE YORK, RECONNAISSANCE COMPANY". 'HE COULD NOT
READ A COMPASS". Civilians passing the area, not knowing what was
happening, would stop, get out of their cars, and remove their head
dress, thinking that an actual funeral was being conducted. The cemetery
was dreaded by all and it done lots to further training and enforce
discipline,
The battalion, having participated in three major maneuvers, namely:
Carolinas 1941: Carolinas 1942, and Tennessee, 1943, and having completed
all phases of small unit training and antitank defenses, was alerted
on 12 September, 1943, for overseas movement.
On September 13, 1943, the unit was instructed to send an advanced
party consisting of two officers and two enlisted men, to report to
the Commanding General, Port of Embarkation, Brooklyn, New York. First
Lieutenant Lee R. Barnes (in charge), First Lieutenant Louis B. Reich,
Technical Sergeant, Everard A. Taylor and Technician Fourth Grade William
R. Roe were selected and departed from Camp Gordon, Georgia, during
the afternoon of September 13, 1943, via rail for their destination,
arriving at the Port of Embarkation at Brooklyn on September 17th. During
the afternoon of the 17th, and the morning of the 18th, the party received
the routing physical examinations and inoculations prior to embarking.
In the late afternoon of the 18th, the party went aboard the Queen Mary
(a former British Luxury Liner). At 1130 hours, on the morning of the
19th, of September, the giant queen of the seas, slipped out of the
harbor, unescorted, and headed for her destination, unknown to all except
the Captain of the ship. Rumors ran high among the personnel aboard,
however, that the destination was England.
The troops aboard consisted largely of advance parties, of various
units alerted for overseas movement, which included the 2nd Infantry
Division; 29th Infantry Division, various Tank Destroyer Battalions,
Quartermaster and Trucking Battalions, General Hospitals, and Air Corps
personnel. The total personnel aboard, totaled over 16,000, about 250
Nurses and 100 German soldiers, who were being exchanged for totally
disabled Allied soldiers.
The voyage was completed in five days without event; docking at the
First of Clyde, Scotland, on the 25th of September, 1943. The majority
of the troops aboard were dispatched to various bivouac areas in England,
detachments from the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division,
65th Medical Battalion and 6th Calvalry, proceeded to North Ireland,
via the Irish Sea, port of Larne, Belfast then to Armagh where the party
was met by American guides, who took the parties to Gosford Castle where
they remained for several days. The 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion party,
after several days at Gosford Castle, were escorted to the battlalion's
future home; Derrygally and The Argory, County Tyrone, in the vicinity
of Trew-And-Moy Station. Every item of housekeeping equipment had to
be drawn prior to the arrival of the battalion; beds, straw, coal, electricity,
water, stoves, desks, showers, and sewage had to be arranged through
the British authorities. A detachment of enlisted men, under Lieutenant
Huie, 10th Infantry, 5th Infantry Division, were made available to prepare
the camp. The entire period from the date the advanced party arrived
at Derrygally, and The Argory, was spent in preparation of the camp,
under most adverse conditions, but which was accomplished prior to the
arrival of the battalion. Meantime, back in Camp Gordon, Georgia, the
battalion was making last minute preparations for the movement to the
port of Embarkation, and on September 19,1943, the battalion was tentatively
assigned to the V Corps, and attached to the 2nd Infantry Division.
Showdown equipment inspections were held daily. Colonel Kirkwood, the
Commanding Officer, 3rd Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second
Army, to whom we were attached, was in the battalion area continuously
checking on last minute details and preparations.
On September 26, 1943, the battalion was assigned to Headquarters
European Theater of Operations, and attached to the V Corps, U.S. Army.
On the 28th of September, 1943, Lieut-Colonel William V. Martz, the
commanding officer, call the battalion together and informed them that
they were going overseas, and that the night of the 28th would be the
last they could spend in their homes and impressed upon each officer
and enlisted men the essentials of secrecy. At 0800 hours on the morning
of September 30, 1943, Colonel Martz gave the command "Forward
March" that started the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion, to the
railhead, to the waiting trains, and to ultimate combat with our enemy;
the battalion closing at Camp Gordon, Georgia at 1045 hours on the 30th
of September, 1943, in two serials. At Washington, District of Columbia,
about 2400 hours on the 30th, the two trains were combined and arrived
at New Rochelle, Long Island, New York, in the rain, at 1620 hours October
1, 1943.
During the period October 1st, to 6th, the battalion spent at Fort
Slocum, Long Island, New York, in brick barracks, drawing items of equipment
which were short; receiving physical examinations and inoculations,
and passing in review each afternoon before the Post Staff, including
the WACs. All personnel were on a restricted status and no passes were
granted, during the period in which the battalion was at Fort Slocum.
On the morning of October 6, an advance party of five officers were
sent to the Port of Embarkation, to arrange for the embarkation of the
battalion, and at 0620 hours on the morning of the 7th of October, the
unit departed from Fort Slocum, enroute to the Port of Embarkation,
at Brooklyn, aboard the Harbor Boat "HORTON", arriving at
the Post, at 0930 hours, and immediately began to embark on the US Army
Transport "JAMES PARKER". On October 1, the battalion was
attached to the 2nd Infantry Division. Embarkation was completed during
the 7th, and at 0230 hours, on the morning of the 8th of October, 1943,
the JAMES PARKER, slipped out of the harbor in the still of the night
to join the other components of the convoy, at a rendezvous at sea.
Rumors ran high and speculations were in order, as to our destination;
the majority favoring England.
The James Parker, the former U.S.S. PANAMA, of the Panamanian Steamship
Lines, had been converted into a troop ship with a normal capacity,
of about 3000 men. Several other units occupied space on the James Parker,
including an Engineer Regiment, consisting of about 3000 men, and officers
which made available space limited, especially as to housing and feeding
accommodations which were critical. There were some twenty seven large
transports in our convoy, in which it was known the 2nd Infantry Division,
was traveling. The convoy was escorted by the U.S. S. Battleship Arkansas,
and fifteen destroyers. The Arkansas sailed just to the left of the
James Parker, throughout the voyage, which was a good morale builder
for the lads aboard, most of them who had never seen the Atlantic, in
fact, any ocean before starting the voyage to Europe.
On the morning of the 13th of October, the convoy encountered a severe
storm in the North Atlantic, which lasted for three days and nights.
Life boats were torn from the ship; furniture torn from the walls, and
the kitchen, which was in the hold was topsy-turvy, and it was necessary
for the personnel, aboard to eat sandwiches for the three days. During
this storm, Private James E. Hughes of Company "A" was on
duty in the ships bakery, as assistant baker, when a large 55 gallon
drum of oil weighing about 300 pounds broke loose from its lashing,
and was rolling toward a soldier who had been pinned down by a bread
rack, which had fallen upon him, interposed his leg between the barrel
and the soldier, preventing it from crushing him, but prevented serious
injury or death to the other soldier, for which deed he was later awarded
The Soldier's Medal.
At 0800 hours on the morning of the 17th of October, some one shouted
"LAND" and every one rushed upon deck and the shores of Ireland
could be seen in the distance. We continued to sail down the Irish sea
during the day; the convoy splitting one half going toward Belfast,
North Ireland, and ours continuing down the Irish Sea to the South.
At 2230 hours on the 17th of October the James Parker anchored in the
Harbor of Liverpool, England, where we stayed the remainder of the night.
At 1700 on the 18th of October the James Parker steamed into the docks
of Liverpool, where it was welcomed by the American Band assembled on
shore. Debarkation was not started until the afternoon of the 19th,
when Lieut-Colonel Martz and his staff walked down the gangplank; being
the first member of the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion to embark upon
foreign soil. The battalion completed debarkation at 0630 hours and
were transported by trucks to Aintree Station in Liverpool, where it
entrained for Northern Ireland in two serials, the first serial leaving
Liverpool at 1945 hours and arriving at Stranrear, Scotland, at 0305
hours the following morning. The unit detrained and marched to a British
Transit Camp about two miles from the railway station, where it remained
for the remainder of the night.
At 0700 hours and after having a typical English military breakfast
consisting of week semi-hot tea, 1 slice of semi-raw fat bacon, and
half-cooked navy beans, with "NO SECONDS". It was hard on
the men because of the fact that they had not been able to obtain a
good meal for two days and the amount issued each man by the British
was far less than enough for the hungry, physically fit men of our organization.
At 0830 hours, on the morning of the 20th of October, the battalion
marched to the docks at Stranrear and boarded a commercial steamer in
military service by the British Government for Larne, Northern Ireland.
The trip of only two hours duration, was extremely rough; partly due
to the normal roughness of the Irish Sea and partly to the flat-bottomed
transport. Several men of the battalion suffered from seasickness during
the entire voyage across the Irish Sea; among them worthy of special
mention are Captain Little, our Surgeon, Captain Witherspoon and Corporal
Spernak (Andrew My Boy).
The transport docked at Larne at 1400 hours, on the 20th, where we
were met by Lieut. Reich of the advance party and who had made arrangements
for dinner at an English military station just outside the city limits,
the type of food being about the same as that at Stranrear, Scotland.
At 1500 hours, the first serial departed from Larne via rail for Trew-and-Moy,
Northern Ireland., which was our final destination, arriving there at
2300 hours. The battalion was greeted at the station by Lieut. Barnes,
Technical Sergeant Taylor, and Technician 4th Grade Roe. The men began
detraining immediately, lined up and marched to their permanent home
in Northern Ireland; Derrygally and the Argory, which was about a mile
from the railroad station, closing in camp at 2400 hours on the 20th
of October, 1943.
The advanced party had the camp well established and furnished and
a hot meal was awaiting our arrival. You should have seen them GIs eat!
Best of all was mail from home was in camp and was distributed that
night, and the moral of the men, even though fatigued as they were,
went high.
The following morning, a survey of the location revealed that the
camp was divided into two distinct sectors; Derrygally House on one
side of the Black River and The Argory on the other; both owned by a
retired British Statesman about 87 years of age, by the names of Barnes,
who with his son aged about 37 years, and servants resided at the Argory.
The command post was established in the servants quarters, in the courtyard
of Derrygally House, where it remained the entire period, the unit was
stationed in Northern Ireland. The camp consisted of Nissen Hutments
and adequate space was available for the entire unit. The officers quarters
were established in Derrygally House; except that the Reconnaissance
Company occupied the Argory across the river, which housed most of the
entire company. Both houses were the old castle type, with over twenty
rooms in each, located in the typically Irish Hills. The scenery was
beautiful but the climate terrible, due to continual rain. The neighboring
towns were Moy, three miles distance; Dungannon, the most frequented
by the men, 10 miles distance and Armagh, Headquarters of the 2nd Infantry
Division was 10 miles distance. Taxicab service was immediately established
from Derrygally to Dungannon, with a fee to ten shillings each way (Two
Dollars to you).
The camp was formerly occupied by members of the 5th U.S. Army who
had departed for the invasion of Italy and was in a pretty run-down
condition, and the task of rebuilding the camp fell to our lot, which
was immediately begun on the following day after our arrival.
On October 22, 1943, the battalion was relieved from assignment to
the V U.S. Army Corps, wand was assigned to Headquarters European Theater,
of Operations and attached to the First U.S. Army. Lieutenant C.C. Smith
(R.A.), 263rd A.T. Battery (R.A.), Castle Camp Gilford, Partadown, Northern
Ireland, was assigned as liaison officer between the 654th the Tank
Destroyer Battalion and his unit.
Upon establishing camp, the battalion entered into a phase of intensive
physical training, small arms training, scouting and patrolling, map
reading, identification of enemy aircraft and vehicles, and long night
hikes in the darkness of Irish nights; where darkness is darkness. The
climatic conditions in Northern Ireland is one thing which the men,
most of them form the sunny south, could not become accustom; it rained
at least twice daily, when it failed to rain the whole twenty four hours.
Passes for twenty four hour periods were granted to visit Belfast and
other nearby cities. The Red Cross cooperating with the Army, had established
sleeping rooms in the larger cities for the men on pass, with a fee
of fifty cents per night. Hotel accommodations were hard to get otherwise.
The men found the Irish to be friendly and respectful, but very odd
from our standards of living. They were difficult to understand at first,
but as time went by we had no trouble in understanding their language,
and many of our own men were picking up the Irish terms of "Aye,
Aye Old Boy" "Sure it is old Boy".
The city of Dungannon was the principle city frequented by men of
the battalion; chiefly, because there were no other soldiers in the
vicinity and because, taxicab transportation to and from the city was
available. Acquaintances were made quickly among the population and
it was not long before the men of the battalion were being invited out
to Irish homes for dinner, parties, dances, etc. Several of the men
married Irish girls during the battalions period in Northern Ireland,
and others are looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland after
the conclusion of the war to wed the girl of their choosing.
Thanksgiving Day was one of the few beautiful days which we observed
while in Northern Ireland. Turkey was served to all the companies and
a party was given in the officers quarters for their guests, which included
American Nurses and British ATC Girls. Close liaison was established
between the unit and all units in the area, both American and British.
Rigorous training schedules were being enforced in preparation for the
great day. All the men were in first class physical condition and very
little sickness prevailed during the entire period the unit was stationed
in Northern Ireland.
At Christmas, a party was sponsored by the battalion for the benefit
of the children of Moy, County Throne, Northern Ireland; armored vehicles
being decorated and paraded through the streets, a Santa Claus with
presents. The Irish children will never forget the X-Mas party extended
them by the battalion. This done lots in furthering good will of the
unit in the locality. Letters of appreciation continued to reach Headquarters
for several days after the holidays..
On 23rd of November, 1943, the unit was attached to the 2nd Infantry
Division with Headquarters in Armagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
To further good-will between our British Allies and with a view to
learning something of their tactics, weapons, methods of training and
environments one officer and five enlisted men from the battalion were
placed on special duty with the 263rd Anti-Tank Battery (RA), Castle
Camp Gilford, Portadown, Northern Ireland, for a period of ten days;
likewise Lieutenant C.C. Smith (RA) 263rd Anti-Tank Battery (RA), from
the same station along with five enlisted men from the British Army
were sent to the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion for the same period,
which resulted in a further understanding between the two units of the
Allied Army.
On 20th of February, 1944, Captain Henry R. Vanderipe, Commanding
officer of Company "B", was relieved from assignment with
the battalion and transferred to a noncombatant branch of the service
as the result of physical disability. He was later assigned to the Military
Police and assumed the duties of Assistant Provost Marshal in the London
Area.
On 21 February, 1944, Captain Charles C. Madden, Commanding Officer
of the Reconnaissance Company, was relieved from assignment with the
unit and ordered to the 10th Replacement Center in England for reassignment.
On 24 December , 1943, the battalion was assigned to Headquarters
European Theater of Operations, attached to the First U.S. Army, and
further attached to the XV Corps. On 17 January, 1944, it was assigned
to XVC Corps, attached to 5th Tank Destroyer Group. During January 1944,
the battalion set up a school for the indirect fire study, under the
supervision of the Commanding General, 2nd Division Artillery, Brigadier
General Hayes, Major Jamison, 1st Lieut. Vaught, 1st Lieut. John F.
Baker, from the 12th field. Artillery Battalion were designated as instructors.
Classes were conducted three nights per week in Derrygally House for
all officers and first Three Grade enlisted men. Later during the period
of instruction Major Jamison, Lieut. Vaught and lieut. Baker were relieved
and replaced by Captain Merrill Younger, 12th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Infantry Division and Captain Hugh Parkin, XV Corps Artillery, as
instructors.
On 29 January, 1944, one officer and twelve enlisted men were sent
to the A Range at St. Johns Point, Northern Ireland and fired AA until
12 Feb. 1944. ( Hq. Co.) On 7 February,1944, on officer and sixteen
enlisted men from Headquarters Company fired AA fire at St. Johns Point,
Northern Ireland, until 12 February, 1944. Co. "A" fired indirect
fire from M10s at Benbane Head Range, Northern Ireland from 24-28 February,
1944, under supervision of Artillery instructors.
Headquarters Company sent five enlisted men to Anti-Tank Range at
Busmills, Northern Ireland, who fired direct Anti-Tank fire from February
25-28, 1944. Co. C fired direct anti-tank fire at Benbane Head Range,
Northern Ireland, from February 27th to March 1, 1944, inclusive.
On March 3, 1944, the Reconnaissance Company sent fifteen enlisted
men to Benbane Head Range, Northern Ireland, who fired 37mm anti-tank
fire until March 8, 1944. On 9 March 1944, the Reconnaissance Company
fired 37 mm anti-tank practice at Broughschane Range, Northern Ireland,
until 16 March, 1944.
On 15 March, 1944 two officers and eleven enlisted men fired at Broughschane
Range, a .50 caliber anti-tank fire until 18 March, 1944.
Co. A fired direct anti-tank fire at Broughschane Range from March
15- 18, 1944. Seven enlisted men fired .50 caliber anti-tank fire on
Broughschane Range from March 22-25. One officer and four enlisted men
fired anti-tank fire at Broughschane Range from March 21-27, 1944 both
of the above were from Headquarters Company. One officer and eleven
enlisted men from Headquarters Company fired .50 caliber anti-tank fire
at Broughschane Range from March 29-30, 1944. Reconnaissance Company
fired 37mm anti-tank fire at Broughschane Range from March 30-31, 1944,
inclusive.
On March 31, 1944, all personnel at the various ranges and detached
service elsewhere were ordered to camp. Rumors were high that the long
awaited invasion of Europe was at hand, but instead, everyone was routed
out of bed at 0300 hours on the morning of April 1, 1944, in their best
clothes, convoyed to Armagh, Northern Ireland, where the entire 2nd
Infantry Division, and all other neighboring units were assembled to
hear a speech by a distinguished visitor. At 1000 hours, Lieutenant
General George Patton, Jr., appeared, inspected the troops, and made
an address which include frank statements about the enemy in the presence
of shocked British Aristocrats, among them, and concluding he said "Veterans
of the Third U.S. Army, remember this: If you can't stick the son of
a bitch in the ass, shoot him in the ass as he runs away." At 0800
hours on the 3rd of April, General Patton inspected the battalion area
at Derrygally, in the cold Irish rain. He shook hands with First Sergeant
George Barnausky and First Sergeant Owens and wished them God Speed.
He complimented Colonel Martz on the appearance of the camp and the
military bearing of the men and assured him that he felt even tho the
unit was small, it would definitely make a showing when committed against
the enemy. ( no truer words were ever spoken.)
On March 29 Co. C fired direct anti-tank fire on Broughschane Range
until April 1, 1944. Co. B. fired indirect fire at Collin Top Range
from April 7-8, 1944, and from 19-23 April at Benbane Head Range. April
3 Co B fired indirect fire at Sperrin Mountain Range for one day only.
Company A fired indirect fire at Collin Top Range from 21-23 April and
direct fire at Bush Hills April 23-25, 1944.
On 24 March, 1944, Major General Haislip, CG, XV Corps, accompanied
by Colonel Jacoby, Commanding Officer, 5th Tank Destroyer Group, inspected
the battalion at Derrygally Camp with satisfactory results.
On 27 March 1944, Brigadier General Hayes, CG, 2nd Division Artillery
visited and addressed the officer at Derrygally Camp at 1300 hours.
As can be determined from the records the majority of the months of
January, February, March, and April, 1944, were devoted to indirect
fire study, range firing, hikes, small problems, drawing equipment and
other final preparations prior to entering combat.
On 20 April, 1944, Major General Haislip, Commanding General, XV U.S.
Army Corps, Third U.S. Army, formally presented the Soldier's Medal
to Private James E. Hughes, of Company "A", 654th Tank Destroyer
Battalion, for Heroism aboard the U.S. Army Transport JAMES PARKER on
14 October, 1943, while at sea. A formal ceremony was held on the parade
ground at Derrygally with music furnished by the 6th U.S. Army Cavalry
Band.
On April 21, 1944 Brigadier Ernest, Commanding General, 1st Tank Destroyer
Brigade, accompanied by his Aide, Lieut-Colonel Cadenhead, visited Company
"C" at Collin Top Range, Northern Ireland, and witnessed the
company firing indirect fire, with which he was completely satisfied,
and indicated so to Colonel Martz.
On 22 April, 1944, Brigadier General Ernest accompanied by Lieut-Colonel
Cadenhead, inspected the unit in garrison at Derrygally Camp, and indicated
to Colonel Martz the Commanding Officer of our unit that moving day
was not far in the future. General Ernest expressed satisfaction as
to the efficiency of the battalion upon completion of his inspection
and held a personal interview with each staff officer of the battalion
at the company post.
On 23 April, 1944, Lieut-Colonel Martz was directed to report to the
Commanding General, XV Corps, located at Portadown, Northern Ireland,
at 2000 hours, where he was informed that the unit would participate
in Problem "JERK" (which was the movement of the XV Corps
form Northern Ireland to Southern England).
On the morning of 25 April, 1944, the unit was informed by Colonel
Martz that the battalion would participate in Problem Jerk, which they
of course knew nothing about. Captain Alexander Kaufman, Dental Corps,
and T5 Frechette of the Medical Detachment were transferred to the 8th
Infantry Division. April 25 and 26 were spent in packing and closing
out all business at Derrygally and The Argory. Battalion was relieved
from XV Corps and assigned to XX Corps and 4th Tank Destroyer Group,
26th April, 1944. At 0700 hours on the morning of 27 April, 1944, the
Command Post Group, Headquarters Company, Company "A" and
Company "B", departed from Derrygally, Northern Ireland, in
two serials; one via convoy and the other via rail, both elements arriving
at the Port of Embarkation in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at 1300 hours,
and immediately began embarking upon LSTs. Embarkation was completed
at 1700 hours, except that one officer (Lieut. McNaught) fifty-two enlisted
men (including the Sergeant Major) and twenty-six vehicles could not
board the available LSTs due to inadequate space and reported to the
Railway Transportation Officer at Belfast for transportation. At 1700
hours the first contingent steamed out of Belfast Harbor and headed
South destination unknown. The first contingent, or serial including
the command post was in command of Lieut-Colonel Martz; Major Robert
I. McKesson, Battalion Executive Officer, being left at Derrygally Camp
to bring the remainder of the Battalion to its destination when transportation
was available. At 1000 hours on 28 April the convoy of LSTs dropped
anchor at Swansea, Wales, where they spent the night aboard ship and
started debarking the following morning at 0700 hours, splitting into
two columns; one wheel column traveling overland in command of Captain
Edwin H. Berry, II, Battalion S-3, and the other traveling by rail in
command of Colonel Martz.
On 30 April, 1944, both serials closed in the assembly area at Welford
(?) Park, Berkshire County, England, without incident. Meantime back
in Belfast the stranded personnel for whom no transportation was available
were sweating it out; cut off form the unit and restricted to an SOS
Camp, consisting mostly of Negroes; but, back at Derrygally Camp the
Reconnaissance Company and Company "C" who formed the second
and last serial were living the life of Reilly; eating chicken, pork
chops, steaks, enjoying two and three movies each day and doing nothing
but participating in athletics. Some life for those joes!!!
On 30 May, 1944, the "Lost detachment" at Belfast were notified
to take all their vehicles to the Docks during the afternoon, and at
1700 hours elements of Company "C" and the Reconnaissance
Company began to arrive. We were alerted at 0300 hours on the morning
of 1 May, proceeded to the Port and begun embarking, which was completed
by noon, except for three vehicles and enlisted men of the "lost
detachment" who had no place in the convoy and had to remain in
the SOS Camp for an indefinite period, but were lucky enough to find
space on board an LST which was incompletely loaded with the 654th Tank
Destroyer Battalion. After embarking the convoy of five LSTs steamed
out into the Irish Sea and anchored until 1700 hours when they steamed
south, arriving at Swansea, Wales (after battling a storm all the way)
at 0230 hours on 3 May 1944. The other serial of the Reconnaissance
Company and Company "C", under Major McKesson, remained at
Derrygally Camp for the time being.
On 4 May, 1944, debarkation begun at 0700 hours in the rain and the
convoy under Captain D . L. Benton, Jr. departed from Swansea, Wales,
in the cold (and it was cold) rain for Welford Park, England , at 0800
hours, traveling overland, arriving at Welford Park, England, on 5 May,
1944. The remaining serial under Major McKesson, traveled via rail,
departing from Derrygally Camp, Northern Ireland, on 07 May, 1944, to
Larne, Northern Ireland, where they embarked, sailed down the Irish
Sea to Swansea, Wales, traveled by rail to Welford Park, closing in
the assembly area on the night of the 9th May, 1944.
Upon arrival in the assembly area, Major McKesson was transferred
from the battalion to the V Corps Artillery, and departed from Welford
Park for his new Station on the 10th of May, 1944.
Our new location was in a one time English Park bounded by woods and
a highway running from Newbury to Wickham. The weather was a little
different from Northern Ireland insofar as rain was concerned, but at
that, we still had plenty.
The principle town for recreation was Newbury, but soon after we were
established passes for forty-eight hours duration only were given for
London and most every member of the battalion spent at least one pass
in London sightseeing.
The construction of the camp was immediately begun, pyramidal tents
being obtain by Colonel Martz for the men and a large hospital ward
tent obtained for the command post, the post exchange, and recreation
hall.
On 30 April, 1944, the battalion was assigned to the Third U.S. Army,
attached to XV Corps, 4th Tank Destroyer Group.
On 17 May, 1944, the battalion was assigned, or rather attached to
the 35th Infantry Division, who had just landed from the States and
established in the vicinity of Travistock, England. The battalion considered
thoroughly trained and ready for combat, and in the assembly area at
Welford Park., did very little training during its stay at that station.
Small group training continued, waterproofing schools, communications
schools, bomb disposal instructions, identification of enemy aircraft
and vehicles were stressed the necessary guard and camp duties comprised
the major duties during our period in that assembly area.
At 1200 hours on June 5, 1944, the unit was alerted at 0815 hours
on the morning of 6 June, 1944, the news blared out the announcement
of the landings on the coast of France. All passes were cancelled and
the unit restricted to the limits of the area. On Jun 10, Master Sergeant
Moon, Warrant Officer Woodrugg and Technical Sergeant Taylor attended
a course of instructions conducted by the Staff of the Third U.S. Army,
at Travistock, England, for the 35th Infantry Division, for a period
of three days, outlining the essentials of administration in combat.
On 18 June, 1944, the battalion commander and staff reported to the
Commanding General, 35th Infantry Division, for instructions prior to
embarking for the continent, and on 19th June, the advance detail consisting
of 1st Lieut. Gomer D. Hughes, Tech 4 Grade Charles W. Pittman and Tech
5 Grade Thomas M. Quaranto, departed from Welford Park, and reported
to the CG, 35th Infantry Division, at Travistock, England. The period
from the time the advance party joined the 35th Infantry Division on
June 19, 1944, to date of departure was spent in drawing and replacing
items of equipment, modifying M10s and armored cars, marking clothes
and final processing prior to entering combat.
On 28th June, 1944, Captain Henry A. Giedd, company commander of Headquarters
Company was admitted to hospital and 1st Lieut. Lee R. Barnes, assumed
command of the company.
Under date of July 5, 1944, the commanding officer was advised that
the unit would depart from Welford Park on 7 July, 1944, for the marshalling
area in the vicinity of Weymouth, England, and on 7 July, in a pouring
rain, the battalion started to move out of the assembly area at Welford
Park at 0628 hours. The convoy traveled through Marlsborough, Warwick,
Salisbury, Dorchester, Weymouth, in the rain the first echelons arriving
at the marshalling area at 1400 hours, a distance of 107 miles from
Welford Park. The command post, Headquarters Company, Company "A"
and Medical Detachment were established in area D-10 and Companies "B","C"
and Reconnaissance Company in area D-8.
Quarters in pyramidal tents were available with permanent mess halls
being maintained by colored personnel of the SOS. Recreation facilities
were available in the manner of a library, moving pictures, ball diamonds,
etc. All personnel were restricted to the area which was enclosed by
barbed wire and conversation with civilians of any category was forbidden.
All members of the battalion were warned of enemy air activity within
the zone and to be on the lookout for German butterfly bombs which were
frequently dropped in the area during the night by enemy planes.
LST assignments were immediately made upon our arrival and items of
equipment necessary which could not be obtained at Welford Park were
drawn, during the period. The weather during our stay was rainy and
cold and the mud miserable. The day of 8 July was spent in accomplishing
motor maintenance. The men enjoyed good chow, showers and a movie during
the day, but rain prevailed throughout the day.
On 6 July 1st Lieut. Gomer D. Hughes, Tech 4 Grade Charles W. Pittman
and Tech 5 Grave Thomas M. Quaranto, landed with the command post of
the 35th Infantry Division at Omaha Beach, where the Division command
Post was established in the vicinity of Fallot, France.
On 5 July, just prior to the organization departure form Welford Park,
Colonel Lansing McVicker, the units former commanding officer, who was
then in command of the 9th Tank Destroyer Group, visited the battalion
and renewed acquaintances. He was very well pleased with the appearance
of the battalion and upon his departure expressed his opinion that it
would make a definite impression upon the enemy.
At 0100 hours, 9 July, 1944, the 3rd platoon, Company "A",
under 1st Lieut. Eugene Martinez and Staff Sergeant Jack P. Davis, departed
from the area, in the ran, at 0400 hours, for the RDRP #8, a distance
of 14 miles, where they embarked on USA LST Number 1168, for France,
remaining in the harbor until in the early hours on the 10th where they
sailed for the continent.
A 0330 hours, 10 July, 1944, the 3rd platoon, motor maintenance section
and security section, sailed for France, and at the end of the period
were enroute to France. The remainder of the battalion were alerted
at 0100 hours on the 10th and began movement to RCRP #8 at 0330 hours,
a distance of 14 miles from the marshaling area. The command post group,
Headquarters Company, Company "A" ( less 3d platoon, motor
maintenance and security which had previously sailed) began embarking
on USA LST # 516 at 1500 hours; Company "C" began embarking
on USA LST #2 and the Reconnaissance Company on LST Number 1425 at 1045
hours. Co B began embarking on USA LST #975 at 2030 hours, and the convoy
of LSTs steamed out into the bay at 1700 hours and anchored for the
night; less the LST upon which Company "B" was sailing which
did not complete loading until the following morning. One vehicle, the
T2 wrecker from Company "B" fell out of the convoy due to
mechanical failure and had to be left at the marshalling area, along
with Tech 4 Grade Mroczka, Tech 5 Grade Huddleston, Tech 5 Grade Matteson,
Tech 5 Grade Trocher, and Pvt 1cl Carter. At 0500 hours the battalion,
less company "B", in convoy with 15 other LSTs steamed out
of the Harbor at Portland, England, into the English Channel, with France
as their destination.
The trip of 83 miles was uneventful and the weather during the crossing
was excellent, the channel which is generally rough was calm, and no
enemy activity either from the water or air was encountered. The men
ate with the crew during the voyage and hot coffee was available in
the galley throughout the trip at all hours.
At 1545 hours on the afternoon of 11 Jul, 1944, the coast of France
came into view over the horizon and everyone aboard rushed out on deck
to get the glimpse of the land on which we were to fight, die and liberate.
As we approached the harbor the mute evidence of the fight on "D"
Day was evident. Battered and half-emerged ships of all descriptions
were visible which had sunk or put out of action as the American Army
rushed ashore on 6 June, 1944. German knocked-out pill boxes, dug-in
on the hills overlooking the approaches to the shore could be seen,
but U.S. Army vehicles were running to and fro by the hundreds on shore
and a camp atop of the hill could be seen with the Stars & Stripes
proudly flying. The beach into which we were headed for debarkation
was "OMAHA BEACH", at which place one of the bloodiest fights
of the landings on "D Day" was fought. Part of the beach consisted
of high steep cliffs, part a gentle slope from the hills which had been
studded with German pill boxes made of concrete and reinforced with
steel. It was evident what had to be accomplished by the initial assaulting
American troops prior to demolishing those concrete pill boxes as artillery
fire would not effectively destroy them, it being necessary to blow
them apart with satchel charges. It was also evident by the number of
ships in the harbor that the Luftwaffe was an item of history, as both
to the right and left, as far as the eyes could see were ships of all
nature unloading implements of war and troops without interference.
At 1730 hours after bull-doziers had piled sand around the ramps of
the LSTs in our convoy, Colonel Martz and his staff debarked, being
immediately followed by other components aboard.
Debarkation was complete at 2015 hours, and the convoy less Company
"B" (who was left in the harbor at Portland, England) and
the 3d platoon of Company "A", who had landed previously,
began movement inland to a transit camp, a distance of 3 miles from
the beach, closing in the transit area at 2300 hours, and occupying
areas D-1,2,3 and 4, where they spent the night. During the night at
the transit camp, enemy planes attempted to bomb the beach but were
driven off by violent antiaircraft fire from American Batteries. Its
funny how troops with no combat experience could be so dumb, after all
their training, as to rush out into the open, which we did that night,
to witness the aerial attack and AA fire. Not one man had a foxhole
or protection in any form, and we were at that very moment in range
of artillery fire.
Upon arrival at the transit camp, the 3d platoon of Company "A"
was in camp awaiting our arrival, having arrived and debarked at Omaha
Beach at 0330 hours 11 July , 1944. The 35th Infantry Division to whom
the battalion was attached had been committed to combat on 8 July and
were then north of St Lo in contact with the enemy awaiting our arrival.
At 1030 hours the battalion was alerted for movement to the front
lines the following morning, and Colonel Martz reported to the 35th
Infantry Division command post. Upon debarking the battalion was detached
from the Third U.S. Army and XV Corps, and was attached to the First
U.S. Army and XIX Corps, but remained attached to the 35th Infantry
Division.
Colonel Martz returned to the transit area at 0100 hours, followed
by Lieut. Hughes the battalion Liaison Officer, who had landed with
the Division command post on 6 July, swearing that a sniper had took
a "pot shot" at him between the division command post and
the camp. Colonel Martz immediately called a conference of all company
commanders and staff and made plans for occupying positions, beginning
at 0400 hours on the morning of the 12th July, 1944.
At 0300 hours on the morning of 12 July, Company "B" completed
debarkation and moved to the transit camp at 0800 hours, after the battalion
had departed form the area, and were alerted for movement to the front
immediately. The gun companies were attached to the following units
of the 35th Infantry Division upon debarkation, Company "A"
to the 219th Field Artillery Battalion; Company "B" to 161st
Field Artillery Battalion and Company "C" to 127th Field Artillery
Battalion.
