World War II Daily: DDay to VEDay

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 8, 1945: On the western front: to the north, units of the Canadian 2nd Corps (part of Canadian 1st Army) capture Xanten. US 9th Army is attacking toward Wesel on its left flank while other elements capture Huck and Millingen - most of 9th Army is regrouping for the upcoming assault across the Rhine. US 1st Army’s efforts to reinforce the Remagen bridgehead continue. German bombers, including some jets, along with Artillery begin attacks on the bridge but fail to destroy it - traffic congestion proves a more serious handicap than enemy opposition. Elements of US 1st Army capture Duisdorf, Lengsdorf, Endenich, Odekoven, Lessenich, Messdorf, Waldorf, Ripsdorf, and Hungersdorf. US 3rd Army drives rapidly toward the Rhine against scattered resistance, taking Hungersdorf and Dollendorf, and seizing bridge intact over the Ahr at Ahrhutte while other elements take Bassenheim, Wolken, Rubenach, Kaerlich, Muelheim, Heidweiler, Naurath, Dierscheid, and Erlenbach. US 7th Army is being strengthened for mid-March offensive against West Wall.

Richard "Dick" Winters is promoted to the rank of major.

During the night, German forces from the garrisons in the occupied Channel Islands mount a raid on Granville on the west coast of the Cotentin Peninsula in France. One small US warship and 4 merchant ships are sunk. The raiders also free 67 German prisoners of war.

In the Allied-dominated skies above Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks various oil facilities with 609 bombers, Essen with 109 bombers, rail yards with 334 bombers, a chemical plant with 122 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 33 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Kapfenburg. RAF Bomber Command sends 312 aircraft to attack Hamburg overnight (the German vessel Robert Ley is heavily damaged), 276 aircraft to attack Kassel overnight, 39 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight, 33 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight, 17 aircraft to attack Hagen, Breman, and Osnabruk overnight, and 37 aircraft to conduct minelaying operations in rivers overnight. 1,200 Allied heavy bombers strike 6 benzol plants in Germany.

Soviet troops reaches the suburbs of Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland) and Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front pushes toward Danzig and Gotenhafen (Gdynia). German Army Group South continues its offensive around Lake Balaton and German Army Group E engaged around Sarajevo.

In Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets in the Po valley and US 15th Air Force attacks Verona.

In Switzerland, highly secret negotiations begin between Allan Dulles of the US Office of Strategic Services, Colonel General Heinrich von Vietinghoff of the German Army, and Obergruppenführer Karl Wolff of the German SS regarding the possibility of an early surrender of German troops in Italy.

Pictured: German prisoners captured by 78th Infantry Div. being marched over Remagen Bridge to POW camps in the west, March 8, 1945



Sign at the Remagen bridge, “CROSS THE RHINE WITH DRY FEET COURTESY OF 9TH ARM'D DIV”; March 8, 1945



US Soldiers crouch in shin-deep water during an artillery barrage along the Rhine River, March 8, 1945



On Iwo Jima, the forces of US 5th Amphibious Corps continue pushing northward with heavy fire support. Japanese forces are now all within one mile of the north end of the island. US 7th Air Force fighters support the Marine Corps’ operations. The first detachment of carriers leaves Iwo Jima for Ulithi.

Marines take cover on an Iwo Jima hillside amid the burned-out remains of banyan jungle, as a Japanese bunker is obliterated in March 8, 1945.

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 9, 1945: On the northern side of the western front, Field Marshal Montgomery issues instructions for crossing the Rhine north of the Ruhr. Germans abandon their Wesel bridgehead across the Rhine overnight, and blow the last remaining bridge. Canadian 1st Army mops up around Xanten and captures Veen. US 9th Army continues attacking toward Wesel on its left flank - capturing Ossenberg, Borth, and Wallach - and regrouping for the assault across the Rhine. Farther south, US 1st Army mops up around Bonn and works to expand the bridgehead across the Rhine at Remagen, where Erpel is captured. Bonn and Godesberg are captured by units of US 1st Army. Even farther south, toward Koblenz, US 3rd Army units reach the Rhine at Andernach, clearing the town.

Over Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks Kassel with 318 bombers, rail yards with 277 bombers, Frankfurt am Main with 410 bombers while US 15th Air Force attacks rail yards and bridges. RAF Bomber Command sends 159 aircraft to attack Datteln during the day and 92 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight.

On the eastern front, German troops launch an offensive toward Striegau, Germany (now Strzegom, Poland). German Army Group South continues its offensive around Lake Balaton with little success and German Army Group E engaged with 3rd Yugoslavian Army along the Drava River. Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front continues assaulting toward Danzig and Soviet 1st Belorussian Front continues attacking toward the Baltic near the mouth of the Oder River.

In Italy, US 5th Army occupies Monte Valbura and Monte Belvedere without opposition while US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, airfields, and other targets throughout northern Italy, including Mila, Cittadella, Ala, Santa Margherita d'Adige, La Spezia, Ghedi, and Lecco.

Pictured: A .50-caliber machine gunner keeps a BAR handy at Remagen on March 9, 1945



The finished treadway bridge at Ehrang. The bridge was inspected by General Walton B. Walker, Commander of the XX Corps, Third Army on March 9, 1945



63AIB troops and tanks attacking sniper positions in Andernach, Germany, March 9, 1945



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps succeeds in splitting the remaining Japanese defenses into two separate pockets as 3rd Marine Division breaks through to the coast in corps center, splitting enemy forces remaining on the island.

Following a one-man assault on enemy-occupied trenches and fortified positions, Platoon Sergeant Joseph Rudolph Julian is killed in action. He is awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism above and beyond the call of duty. Here is his citation:
“Determined to force a breakthrough when Japanese troops occupying trenches and fortified positions on the left front laid down a terrific machinegun and mortar barrage in a desperate effort to halt his company's advance, P/Sgt. Julian quickly established his platoon's guns in strategic supporting positions, and then, acting on his own initiative, fearlessly moved forward to execute a 1-man assault on the nearest pillbox. Advancing alone, he hurled deadly demolition and white phosphorus grenades into the emplacement, killing 2 of the enemy and driving the remaining 5 out into the adjoining trench system. Seizing a discarded rifle, he jumped into the trench and dispatched the 5 before they could make an escape. Intent on wiping out all resistance, he obtained more explosives and, accompanied by another Marine, again charged the hostile fortifications and knocked out 2 more cave positions. Immediately thereafter, he launched a bazooka attack unassisted, firing 4 rounds into the 1 remaining pillbox and completely destroying it before he fell, mortally wounded by a vicious burst of enemy fire. Stouthearted and indomitable, P/Sgt. Julian consistently disregarded all personal danger and, by his bold decision, daring tactics, and relentless fighting spirit during a critical phase of the battle, contributed materially to the continued advance of his company and to the success of his division's operations in the sustained drive toward the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His outstanding valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter conflict sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 10, 1945: On the western front, the last German forces are withdrawn from the pocket west of the Rhine between Wesel and Xanten, having lost heavily to the British and Canadian attacks. This means a successful end to Operations Veritable and Blockbuster. The US 1st and 3rd Armies link up near Andernach completing the Allied hold on the west bank of the Rhine everywhere north of Koblenz. US 9th Army continues attacking toward Wesel on its left flank, taking Buederich, expanding the bridgehead at Remagen, and regrouping for assault across the Rhine

Over Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks rail targets with 1,289 bombers and targets of opportunity with 43 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 155 aircraft to attack Scholven-Buer during the day and 60 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight.

On the eastern front, the German forces of Army Group South advancing around Lake Balaton encounter heavy resistance from Soviet air and ground forces of 3rd Ukrainian Front and make limited progress. German progress is also hindered by muddy conditions and a lack of fuel for the tanks and other vehicles. 19th Army of Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front captures Lauenburg and Soviet 1st Belorussian Front continues attacking toward the Baltic near the mouth of the Oder River. According to Soviet records, the Banska - Bystrica and Morava - Ostravka offensives start on this date

Over 25,000 civilians are evacuated from Kolberg in Pommern, Germany (now Kolobrzeg, Poland) by the Kriegsmarine.

In Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets throughout northern Italy, including Ora, Bozzolo, San Michele all'Adige, and Ceraino while US 15th Air Force attacks a railroad bridge with 191 bombers.

Seventy German POWs tunnel out of a prisoners of war camp at Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales; all are captured within a week, including two who are caught by an unarmed girl working with the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

Pictured: US Army soldiers T/5 William E. Thomas and Private First Class Joseph Jackson marking artillery shells as Easter presents for Adolf Hitler, March 10, 1945



Wittlich, Germany being invaded by American Army troops, March 10, 1945



Map depicting the Allied advance to the Rhine River in West-Central Germany and Belgium between February 8 and March 10, 1945



German civilians building a roadblock near the Hermannstraße S-Bahn station, Berlin, Germany, March 10, 1945



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps continues battering Japanese positions, making improved progress, especially on the right flank.

A Boeing B-29 Superfortress of the 9th Bomb Group comes in for a landing on Iwo Jima, March 10, 1945. Note P-51D Mustang in the foreground.



A Marine holds a helmet up on a stick to try to observe where a Jap sniper is firing from. The sniper did not fall for the ruse. Iwo Jima - March 10, 1945

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 11, 1945: US 9th Army ends push toward Wesel after taking Fort Blucher and regroups for an assault across the Rhine. US 1st Army continue expanding the bridgehead across the Rhine, capturing Leubsdorf, Ariendorf, Nieder Breisig, Rheineck, and Ober Breisig. Patton’s US 3rd Army is mopping up west of the Rhine, pushing toward the Moselle, and preparing to assault across the river.

In the Allied-dominated skies above Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks Bremen with 406 bombers and Kiel with 344 bombers. The bombing in Kiel damages or sinks a number of U-boats and ships: U-758 is damaged, Kriegsmarine minesweepers M-266, M-804, and M-805 are sunkamong others. US 8th Air Force attacks Hamburg with 469 bombers, sinking U-2515, U-2530, U-682, the unfinished U-2547 is damaged and six German merchant vessels are sunk. US 12th Air Force aircraft attack targets across the border from Italy for the first time. RAF Bomber Command sends 1,079 aircraft, of which three lost, to attack Essen with 4,700 tons of bombs during the day in its largest attack to date. RAF Bomber Command also sends 90 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight and 18 aircraft to attack Brunswick, Hannover, and Magdeburg overnight.

The Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front continues assaulting toward Danzig while the 5th Shock Army and 8th Guards Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front attack the isolated fortress city of Kustrin. Soviet forces move toward Gotenhafen, Germany (now Gdynia, Poland), endangering the civilian rescue effort there. On the Oder, Hitler visits the front for the last time.

In Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets throughout the Po valley and near Brenner Pass.

The first unexploded V-2 rocket landed in England, United Kingdom, but it was not retrieved and studied until 7 Apr, by that time other unexploded rockets had been found and many secrets of the rocket had already been uncovered.

Pictured: US 1st Army at Remagen Bridge, Germany, March 11, 1945



Men of Company B, 270th Engineer Combat Battalion, 70th Infantry Division, Seventh Army, lay corduroy detour to shorten the "Road to Berlin." Dated March 11, 1945



American GIs pass trucks destroyed by German artillery on March 11, 1945 near Remagen



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps continues pocketing and compressing Japanese positions.

Marines moving though the sulphur fields, on the northern end of Iwo Jima, where the Japs made their last stand. Iwo Jima - March 11, 1945



Seeking to rescue a Marine who was drowning in the surf at Iwo Jima, this sextet of soldiers narrowly missed death themselves when their amphibian truck was swamped by heavy seas. From left to right, back row, they are T/5 L. C. Carter, Jr., Private John Bonner, Jr., Staff Sergeant Charles R. Johnson. Standing, from left to right, are T/5 A. B. Randle, T/5 Homer H. Gaines, and Private Willie Tellie." March 11, 1945

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 12, 1945: On the western front, there is localized fighting as German 7th Army is counter-attacking against the Remagen bridgehead, though the attacks are repulsed by 1st Army. US 3rd Army mopping up west of the Rhine and begins the assault across the Moselle River near Koblenz, Germany. US 7th Army spends the day regrouping for new attacks.

Above Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks rail yards with 653 bombers and Swinemunde with 661 bombers - Kriegsmarine sub chaser V-2003 and minesweepers R-243, R-272, R-273, R-274, R-275, and R-276,along with German vessel Cordillera and four other vessels are sunk by the bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Vienna, Graz, Weiner-Neustadt, Zeltweg, and Knittelfeld with 790 bombers and 98 fighters. RAF Bomber Command sends 1,108 aircraft, of which two lost, to attack Dortumund during the day in its largest attack of the war. RAF Bomber Command also sends 81 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight.

To the east, First White Russian Front (Soviet 1st Belorussian Front) forces capture Kustrin, a German stronghold on the Oder on the eastern approach to Berlin, after prolonged fighting. Apart from a small area in the north near Stettin, the Soviets now hold the whole of the Oder-Neisse river line as far south as Gorlitz. Tother elements continue the reduction of German bridgehead east of Stettin. Troops of Second White Russian Front (2nd Belorussian Front) close in on Danzig and Gdynia, thrusting to Gulf of Danzig N of Gdynia. German troops cut off elements of Soviet 5th Guards Army in Silesia, Germany (now Poland) before dawn.

Heinrich Himmler signed orders to surrender concentration camps to the Allies, which contradicted Adolf Hitler's prior order.

Anne Frank dies in Belsen Concentration Camp.

In Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets throughout the northern parts of the country. Italian court convicts General Roatta, General Jacomoni, General Pariani, and others of war crimes, sentencing them to prison.

Pictured: First Lt. Edward L Jarcynski, a military policeman of the US 2nd Infantry Division, questions a 15 year old youth captured in Germany, March 12, 1945. Allied forces captured German POWs as young as 12.



Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, under repair



Anne Frank



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps continues making steady progress against the remaining Japanese pockets. 5th Marine Division is assisted by air, naval gunfire, artillery, and tanks as it continues its assault on final defenses of enemy - a network of mutually supporting pillboxes and prepared positions on the rough terrain of north Iwo Jima. Although little ground is gained, enemy positions are softened and many caves and pillboxes overrun. The Iwo Jima airfields are renamed South, Center, and North Airfields.

Fourth Marine Division post office, established in a canvas covered dugout on Iwo Jima, Japan on March 12, 1945

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 13, 1945: It’s Tuesday - today marks 40 weeks (280 days) since the D-Day Invasion at Normandy and the beginning of the liberation of Europe.

US 1st Army continues to meet strong resistance as it gradually expands bridgehead to northeast across the Rhine, taking Honnef and Hargarten and withstanding localized counterattacks. As planning for Operation Undertone continues, US 3rd and 7th Armies advance toward Rhine river. Elements of Patton’s US 3rd Army capture Bonerath, Holtzerath, Schondorf, Bergheid, and Greimerath.

In Haguenau, France, Technical Sergean Morris E. Crain leads his platoon in urban combat against german forces. He repeatedly braves hostile fire to lead and encourage his men, procure ammunition, and carry messages. When a house defended by some of his men comes under intense attack from German soldiers and a tank, he orders the men to withdraw while he holds the position alone. He is killed when the house is destroyed by German fire. For these actions, he is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor a year later. here is his citation:
“He led his platoon against powerful German forces during the struggle to enlarge the bridgehead across the Moder River. With great daring and aggressiveness he spearheaded the platoon in killing 10 enemy soldiers, capturing 12 more and securing its objective near an important road junction. Although heavy concentrations of artillery, mortar, and self-propelled gunfire raked the area, he moved about among his men during the day, exhorting them to great efforts and encouraging them to stand firm. He carried ammunition and maintained contact with the company command post, exposing himself to deadly enemy fire. At nightfall the enemy barrage became more intense and tanks entered the fray to cover foot troops while they bombarded our positions with grenades and rockets. As buildings were blasted by the Germans, the Americans fell back from house to house. T/Sgt. Crain deployed another platoon which had been sent to his support and then rushed through murderous tank and small-arms fire to the foremost house, which was being defended by 5 of his men. With the enemy attacking from an adjoining room and a tank firing pointblank at the house, he ordered the men to withdraw while he remained in the face of almost certain death to hold the position. Although shells were crashing through the walls and bullets were hitting all around him, he held his ground and with accurate fire from his submachinegun killed 3 Germans. He was killed when the building was destroyed by the enemy. T/Sgt. Crain's outstanding valor and intrepid leadership enabled his platoon to organize a new defense, repel the attack and preserve the hard-won bridgehead.”

Over Germany, US 15th Air Force attacks Regensburg with 569 bombers and RAF Bomber Command sends 354 aircraft to attack Wuppertal-Barmen during the day, 227 aircraft to attack Herne and Gelsenkirchen overnight, 50 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight, and 26 aircraft to attack Bremen overnight.

A British No. 617 Squadron RAF Lancaster bomber test-dropped a 22,000-lb Grand Slam bomb. After release from an Avro Lancaster B.Mk 1 (Special) bomber, the Grand Slam would reach near-supersonic speed, approaching 1,049 ft/s (715 mph). When it hit, it would penetrate deep underground before detonating. The resulting explosion could cause the formation of a cavern and shift the ground to undermine a target's foundation. Like Tallboy, Grand Slam was not originally designed to penetrate concrete roofs but it ended up being more effective against hardened targets than any existing bomb.

On the eastern front, the siege of Konigsberg begin as Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front opens new offensive against German 4th Army around Samland, Koenigsberg, and Heiligenbeil. Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front assaults Kolberg. The German offensive to the north and south of Lake Balaton, in Hungary, begins to lose momentum.

Heinrich Himmler abandoned his command with Army Group Vistula; he would later claim that it was due to sickness.

US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets throughout northern Italy.

Pictured: This Jagdpanther tank destroyer from Panzergruppe Hudel was one of three knocked out by a U.S. M36 tank destroyer on March 13, 1945 near Kaimeg-Ginsterhain, Germany.



Medal Of Honor recipient Morris E. Crain



The birthplace of Barnes Wallis's top secret weapon, the 22,000lb Grand Slam bomb, which created underground 'earthquakes' which could destroy targets without a direct hit. It was tested in the New Forest on March 13, 1945, making this huge crater



On Iwo Jima, 4th and 3d Marine Divions (of US V Amphibious Corps) continue to mop up and reduce small enemy pockets within their areas. 5th Marine Division encounters fewer pillboxes and makes relatively good progress on right flank. Since ridges in this area extend from the center of island to the west coast, the attack will be from east to west. Tanks, flame throwers, and artillery are again employed to flush enemy from concealed positions, but the tight quarters means no air support.

Marine artillerymen assume various poses as they stop up their ears against the concussion from a 155-mm howitzer in Iwo Jima, Japan on March 13, 1945

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 14, 1945: On the western front, the US 12th Corps (part of US 3rd Army) launches attacks south-east over the Moselle River, near Koblenz, and US 20th Corps expands its attacks from between Trier and Saarburg. To the north, US 1st Army continues to expand the Remagen bridgehead across the Rhine, attacking around Konigswinter, Aegidienberg, Rottbitz, Kalenborn, Lorscheid, and Notscheid. US 7th Army completes preparations for the new offensive.

In Neiderzerf, Germany, second lieutenant Harry J. Michael, serving in Company L, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division (3rd Army), is killed while hunting for an enemy sniper after single-handedly capturing two German machine gun emplacements, reconnoitering the area alone, and leading his platoon in two attacks which capture more enemy soldiers and materiel. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor - here is his citation:
“He was serving as a rifle platoon leader when his company began an assault on a wooded ridge northeast of the village of Neiderzerf, Germany, early on 13 March 1945. A short distance up the side of the hill, 2d Lt. Michael, at the head of his platoon, heard the click of an enemy machinegun bolt. Quietly halting the company, he silently moved off into the woods and discovered 2 enemy machineguns and crews. Executing a sudden charge, he completely surprised the enemy and captured the guns and crews. At daybreak, enemy voices were heard in the thick woods ahead. Leading his platoon in a flanking movement, they charged the enemy with hand grenades and, after a bitter fight, captured 25 members of an SS mountain division, 3 artillery pieces, and 20 horses. While his company was establishing its position, 2d Lt. Michael made 2 personal reconnaissance missions of the wood on his left flank. On his first mission he killed 2, wounded 4, and captured 6 enemy soldiers single-handedly. On the second mission he captured 7 prisoners. During the afternoon he led his platoon on a frontal assault of a line of enemy pillboxes, successfully capturing the objective, killing 10 and capturing 30 prisoners. The following morning the company was subjected to sniper fire and 2d Lt. Michael, in an attempt to find the hidden sniper, was shot and killed. The inspiring leadership and heroic aggressiveness displayed by 2d Lt. Michael upheld the highest traditions of the military service.”

Over Germany, and RAF No. 617 Squadron RAF Lancaster bomber commanded by Squadron Leader C. C. Calder drops a 22,000-pound Grand Slam bomb on the Bielefeld viaduct, breaking two spans. It is the first time the Grand Slam bomb was used in combat. Elsewhere, US 8th Air Force attacks rail yards and other targets with 1,061 bombers and targets of opportunity with 143 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Graz, Kniffelfeld, and Wiener-Neustadt. RAF Bomber Command sends 169 aircraft to attack Dattlen and Hattingen during the day, 33 aircraft to attack railway viaducts at Bielefeld and Arnsberg during the day with Tallboy bombs, 255 aircraft to attack Lutzendorf overnight, 230 aircraft to attack Zewibrucken overnight, and 161 aircraft to attack Homberg overnight. The Luftwaffe loses seven fighters defending against the Allied bombers.

On the eastern front, Soviets 2nd Ukrainian Front captures Zvolen in western Czechoslovakia. Meanwhile, in Hungary, German Army Group South (Wohler) renews its offensive around Lake Balaton, committing its remaining reserves to battle. The force is based on the 6th Panzer Division and consists of a mixed grouping of 200 tanks and assault guns which engage the Soviet 27th Army (Trofimenko). The Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front continues assaulting Kolberg while the 47th Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front attacks around Altdamm.

In northern Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets including Casarsa dell Delizia, Cittadella, Vipiteno, and Campo.

Pictured: An American soldier of the 2nd AD examines damage done to the front of an M4 Sherman tank by a German Army Panzerfaust during a test on March 14, 1945. The cement bags added to the front of the vehicle for extra protection were blown away from the point of impact. The enemy round passed clear through the transmission armor casting into the vehicle's lower hull



Medal Of Honor recipient Harry J. Michael



A photograph of the moment when the Grand Slam hit the Bielefeld railway viaduct in Germany the day after being tested in the New Forest.



Ethnic German survivors of the death march from the Polish city of Lodz arrive in Berlin, Dec 14, 1945. These are the only survivors of a group of 150.



The island of Iwo Jima is declared conquered by Chester Nimitz, noting that "all powers of government of the Japanese Empire in these islands are hereby suspended", but the fighting will continue.

The official flag raising at the American Headquarters on Iwo Jima immediately after Nimitz's proclamation of victory, March 14, 1945



Private George Phillips was standing guard as the other Marines in his unit were resting. A Japanese soldier tossed a hand-grenade toward the group. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Phillips sacrificed his life by smothering the hand grenade to save the lives of his fellow Marines. For this action, he was awarded his nation's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor. Here is his citation:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Second Battalion, Twenty-eight Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the fox-hole watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter hand grenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Private Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy hand grenade was tossed into their midst. Instantly shouting a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Private Phillips willingly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”



Private First Class Franklin Earl Sigler took command of his squad and lead them against a Japanese gun position that had been holding up the advance of his company for several days. He was the first to reach the gun position and personally annihilated the gun crew with grenades. When the Japanese began firing from tunnels and caves leading to the gun position, he scaled the rocks leading up to the position and single-handedly assaulted them, completely surprising them. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated and, crawling back to his squad, directed machine-gun and rocket fire on the cave entrances. In the ensuing fight three of his men were wounded and Sigler, disregarding the pain from his wound and the heavy enemy fire, carried them to safety behind the lines. Returning to his squad he remained with his men directing their fire until ordered to retire and seek medical aid. For his actions during this battle he received the Medal of Honor - here is his citation:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Voluntarily taking command of his rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, Private Sigler fearlessly led a bold charge against an enemy gun installation which had held up the advance of his company for several days and, reaching the position in advance of the others, assailed the emplacement with hand grenades and personally annihilated the entire crew. As additional Japanese troops opened fire from concealed tunnels and caves above, he quickly scaled the rocks leading to the attacking guns, surprised the enemy with a furious one-man assault and, although severely wounded in the encounter, deliberately crawled back to his squad position where he steadfastly refused evacuation, persistently directing heavy machine-gun and rocket barrages on the Japanese cave entrances. Undaunted by the merciless rain of hostile fire during the intensified action, he gallantly disregarded his own painful wounds to aid casualties, carrying three wounded squad members to safety behind the lines and returning to continue the battle with renewed determination until ordered to retire for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of extreme peril, Private Sigler, by his alert initiative, unfaltering leadership and daring tactics in a critical situation, effected the release of his besieged company from enemy fire and contributed essentially to its further advance against a savagely fighting enemy. His superb valor, resolute fortitude and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout reflect the highest credit upon Private Sigler and the United States Naval Service.”

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 15, 1945: On the western front, US Seventh and French 1st Armies of the US Sixth Army Group begin Operation Undertone - an attack stretching along a 45 mile line from Saarbrücken, Germany to a point southeast of Hagenau, France. The objective is not only to clear the Saar-Palatinate but to establish bridgeheads with forces of the Sixth Army Group over the Rhine between Mainz and Mannheim. The US Third Army of the 12th Army Group is to be limited to diversionary attacks across the Moselle to protect the Sixth Army Group′s left flank. US 1st Army captures Schweifeld, Lorscheid, and Notscheid but is unable to further expand the Remagen bridgehead in Germany due to enemy resistance.

After Private First Class Silvestre S. Herrera’s platoon came under heavy enemy machine gun fire from the woods, forcing most of the men to seek cover, Herrera charged the enemy stronghold single-handedly, firing his M1 rifle from his hip and ending the threat with a pair of grenades. Eight enemy soldiers threw down their weapons and surrendered. Later hat afternoon his platoon was attacked and pinned down by a second enemy stronghold, protected by an extensive mine field. Ignoring the danger Herrera again single-handedly charged, seeking to draw fire away from his comrades. A mine exploded and shattered one leg below the knee. Staggering up on his good leg he stepped on a second, severing that leg below the knee. Still Herrera laid machine gun fire while kneeling, allowing members of his platoon to skirt the mine field and capture the enemy position. For his bravery he was awarded the Medal Of Honor - here is his citation:
“He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners.”
After the war, Herrera returned home. He died at his home in Glendale, Arizona, on November 26, 2007 at the age of 90.

Above Germany, 276 US 8th Air Force bombers dropped 25,000 incendiary bombs and 6,000 high explosive bombs on the German army general staff headquarters at Zossen, Germany. US 8th Air Force also attacks Oranienburg with 467 bombers and targets of opportunity with 78 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Vienna, Klagenfurt, and rail yards with 470 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 188 aircraft to attack Bottrop and Castrop-Rauxel during the day, 16 aircraft to attack railway viaduct at Arnsberg during the day with Tallboy bombs and Grand Slam bombs, 267 aircraft to attack Hagen overnight, 265 aircraft to attack Misburg overnight, 54 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight, 27 aircraft to attack Erfurt overnight, and 16 aircraft to attack Mannheim overnight.

On the eastern front, Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front begins an offensive near Ratibor, Germany (now Racibórz, Poland). Soviet 4th Tank Army launches a main attack against the Germans in Silesia, Germany (now Poland). Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front attacks around Samland, Koenigsberg, and Heiligenbeil while Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front attacks around Gotenhafen (Gdynia) and Danzig. Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Byelorussian Front continues assaulting Kolberg. The German Army Group South offensive collapses and Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front prepares to launch new offensive against German Army Group South.

Albert Speer writes a letter to Adolf Hitler in an attempt to dissuade him from destroying German infrastructure. This letter would be presented to Hitler three days later.

In northern Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets.

Pictured: An Infantryman of the 301st Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, US Third Army, guards a group of German prisoners in a house in Schillingen, Germany. March 15, 1945



Medal Of Honor recipient Silvestre Herrera



B-24M Liberator “Second Chance II” of the 328th Bomb Squadron, along with other 8th Air Force bombers, approaching their bomb run over Zossen, Germany, March 15 1945



During a heavy air raid on the town of Hagen/Germany on March 15, 1945 a bomb smashed the thick walls of the air raid bunker in the Körner Strasse. Almost 400 people died.



On Iwo Jima, US 5th Amphibious Corps continues to engage the Japanese forces which are now confined a small area in the north-west of the island.

A wrecked M4 Sherman tank showing a shell hit on its outer wooden timbers, Iwo Jima, Mar 15, 1945. The island’s terrain made tanks largely ineffective.

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 16, 1945: On the western front, it’s the second day of Operation Undertone, and indications that the Germans are only fighting as a delay of the inevitable increase everywhere except, again, on the two flanks. It seems particularly apparent in the zone of the XV Corps, where all three attacking divisions improve on their first day′s gains. By nightfall, both the 3rd and 45th Divisions are well across the German frontier, scarcely more than a stone′s throw from the outposts of the Siegfried Line, and the 100th Division has begun to come along side. Fighter-bombers of the XII Tactical Air Command are again out in force. The decimated and increasingly demoralized German forces appear to be no match for Patton’s US Third Army troops. US 3rd Army pushes across the Moselle River toward the southeast, attacking into outskirts of Koblenz and US 7th Army captures .....e, Zinswiller, Oberbronn, and Mertzwiller.

US 1st Army expanding bridgehead across the Rhine, attacking around Konigswinter, Hovel, Aegidienberg, Kalenborn, Vettelschoss, Strodt, and Honningen. British 2nd Army is regrouping and preparing for an assault crossing of the Rhine.

Above Germany, US 15th Air Force bombers dropped 300 bombs on Vienna, Austria, many of which landed in the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which was the world's oldest zoo. 2,000 animals out of 3,500 in the zoo were killed. US 12th Air Force aircraft attack targets across the border from Italy. RAF Bomber Command sends 293 aircraft to attack Nuremburg overnight, 236 aircraft to attack Wurzburg overnight, 56 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight, and 24 aircraft to attack Hanua overnight.

On the eastern front, the Soviet forces in Hungary, of 3rd Ukrainian Front, have regrouped following the attacks of Army Group South around Lake Balaton and begin an offensive against the northern flank of the recently won German salient. The Hungarian 3rd Army takes the brunt of the initial assaults and is soon in taking a pounding. German forces began falling back from the front lines at Kolberg, Germany (now Kolobrzeg, Poland) as Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front continue to push. Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front opens offensive against German 6th Army between Szekesfehervar and Mor.

Heinrich Himmler, having abandoned his command with Army Group Vistula three days prior, checked himself into a sanatorium at Hohenlychen, Germany so that doctors there could treat his influenza. When Heinz Guderian came to visit him, he would request Guderian to carry his letter of resignation as commanding officer of Army Group Vistula to Adolf Hitler.

In northern Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets, sinking Kriegsmarine minesweeper R-14, unfinished U-boats UIT-6, UIT-7, UIT-8, and UIT-9 (ex Italian) at Monfalcone.

Pictured: Private W.G. Lourie examines a German Jagdpanther which was put out of commission by the first shot from an Ordnance Quick-Fire 17-pounder gun of the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, in the Reichswald; Germany - March 16, 1945



Soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion milk a cow in Germany, March 16, 1945



GIs of the 1st Infantry Division in the streets of the German city of Remagen on March 16, 1945



Iwo Jima is officially secured, though US V Amphibious Corps continues attacking Japanese positions on northern tip of the island.

Pharmacist's Mate First Class Francis Junior Pierce, assigned to the 4th Marine Division on Iwo Jima, bravely helps in caring for wounded Marines and becomes one of four corpsman to receive the Medal Of Honor during the battle. Here is his citation:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the Iwo Jima campaign, 15 and 16 March 1945. Almost continuously under fire while carrying out the most dangerous volunteer assignments, Pierce gained valuable knowledge of the terrain and disposition of troops. Caught in heavy enemy rifle and machinegun fire which wounded a corpsman and 2 of the 8 stretcher bearers who were carrying 2 wounded marines to a forward aid station on 15 March, Pierce quickly took charge of the party, carried the newly wounded men to a sheltered position, and rendered first aid. After directing the evacuation of 3 of the casualties, he stood in the open to draw the enemy's fire and, with his weapon blasting, enabled the litter bearers to reach cover. Turning his attention to the other 2 casualties he was attempting to stop the profuse bleeding of 1 man when a Japanese fired from a cave less than 20 yards away and wounded his patient again. Risking his own life to save his patient, Pierce deliberately exposed himself to draw the attacker from the cave and destroyed him with the last of his ammunition Then lifting the wounded man to his back, he advanced unarmed through deadly rifle fire across 200 feet of open terrain. Despite exhaustion and in the face of warnings against such a suicidal mission, he again traversed the same fire-swept path to rescue the remaining marine. On the following morning, he led a combat patrol to the sniper nest and, while aiding a stricken Marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid for himself, he directed treatment for the casualty, at the same time maintaining protective fire for his comrades. Completely fearless, completely devoted to the care of his patients, Pierce inspired the entire battalion. His valor in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”

Pierce returned home after the war and eventually became deputy chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department in 1972, retiring in 1982. Francis Pierce died of lung cancer in 1986.

President Harry S. Truman presents the Medal of Honor to three former servicemen, in ceremonies at the White House, 25 June 1948. Recipients are (left to right): Lieutenant Commander Jackson Charles Pharris, USN (Ret); Pharmacist's Mate First Class Francis Junior Pierce, USN; and Staff Sergeant John R. Crews, U.S. Army.

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 17, 1945: The Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine River, at Remagen, collapses under the combined strain of bomb damage and heavy use, twenty-eight American engineers trying to strengthen the structure are swept away to their deaths. US Army engineers have built several other bridges nearby and the advance over the Rhine continues. USN LCVP craft also ferry troops across the Rhine near Remage. US 1st Army continues expanding Remagen bridgehead against reduced resistance, capturing Honningen, Hausen, and Solscheid. To the south, Patton’s US 3rd Army offensive over the Moselle River takes Koblenz and Boppard on the left flank of the drive while farther forward, the Nahe River has been crossed. US 7th Army attacks around Zweibruecken, Bannstein, Sturzelbronn, Baerenthal, Philippsbourg, Dambach, Neunhoffen, Niedersteinbach, Niederbronn, Reichshoffen, Woerth, Gunstett, and in the Hagenau forest.

Eisenhower warns population of Mannheim and Frankfurt to evacuate.

Over Germany, 1,260 Allied heavy bombers hit 2 synthetic oil plants in Germany while 650 medium bombers attack the rail system. US 8th Air Force attacks Bohlen with 152 bombers, Molbis with 127 bombers, Jena with 71 bombers, Erfurt with 51 bombers, Hannover with 146 bombers, Munster with 170 bombers, Ruhland with 214 bombers, Bitterfeld with 138 bombers, Plauen with 125 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 81 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 167 aircraft to attack Dortmund and Huls during the day, 39 aircraft to attack Nuremberg overnight, and 38 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight.

On the eastern front, German troops evacuate Kolberg, Germany (now Kolobrzeg, Poland) as the Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front attacks Kolberg. The Soviet 4th Ukrainian Front ends its unsuccessful attacks around Morava Ostrava while Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front continues battering the German 6th Army, German 6th SS Panzer Army, and Hungarian 3rd Army.

In northern Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets in poor weather conditions.

Pictured: Ludendorff Bridge shortly after the collapse, Remagen, Germany, March 17, 1945



Soldiers of the US 3rd Army walk in a debris-laden street of Coblenz, Germany,following capture of the city on March 17, 1945, after fierce street fighting. When the last group of German soldiers tried to surrender in the face of overwhelming U.S. advantage, Gestapo and SD men inside a nearby building opened fire of them.



Troops of the 80th US Infantry Division advance cautiously down a ruined street in the German city of Wadern, March 17, 1945. Resistance in urban areas remained stiff until the very end of hostilities, causing immense damage that could have been avoided in the absence of maniacal Nazis.



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps continues mopping up small pockets of Japanese - the pockets are confined to such a small portion of northern Iwo Jima that artillery support of 5th Marine Division is impossible (the pockets are in an area roughly 700 yards long and varying from 200-500 yards wide). Despite being completely outmatched, a vast majority of Japanese forces refuse to surrender.

Marine litter bearers place a Japanese prisoner on a litter to be carried to the rear, while another Marine covers a cave entrance with his automatic rifle at northern Iwo Jima, Japan on March 17, 1945. According to the Marine Corps, this prisoner gave up when he couldn’t hold out any longer after ten days without food or water.

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

March 17, 1945: The Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine River, at Remagen, collapses under the combined strain of bomb damage and heavy use, twenty-eight American engineers trying to strengthen the structure are swept away to their deaths. US Army engineers have built several other bridges nearby and the advance over the Rhine continues. USN LCVP craft also ferry troops across the Rhine near Remage. US 1st Army continues expanding Remagen bridgehead against reduced resistance, capturing Honningen, Hausen, and Solscheid. To the south, Patton’s US 3rd Army offensive over the Moselle River takes Koblenz and Boppard on the left flank of the drive while farther forward, the Nahe River has been crossed. US 7th Army attacks around Zweibruecken, Bannstein, Sturzelbronn, Baerenthal, Philippsbourg, Dambach, Neunhoffen, Niedersteinbach, Niederbronn, Reichshoffen, Woerth, Gunstett, and in the Hagenau forest.

Eisenhower warns population of Mannheim and Frankfurt to evacuate.

Over Germany, 1,260 Allied heavy bombers hit 2 synthetic oil plants in Germany while 650 medium bombers attack the rail system. US 8th Air Force attacks Bohlen with 152 bombers, Molbis with 127 bombers, Jena with 71 bombers, Erfurt with 51 bombers, Hannover with 146 bombers, Munster with 170 bombers, Ruhland with 214 bombers, Bitterfeld with 138 bombers, Plauen with 125 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 81 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 167 aircraft to attack Dortmund and Huls during the day, 39 aircraft to attack Nuremberg overnight, and 38 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight.

On the eastern front, German troops evacuate Kolberg, Germany (now Kolobrzeg, Poland) as the Polish 1st Army of Soviet 1st Belorussian Front attacks Kolberg. The Soviet 4th Ukrainian Front ends its unsuccessful attacks around Morava Ostrava while Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front continues battering the German 6th Army, German 6th SS Panzer Army, and Hungarian 3rd Army.

In northern Italy, US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines, supply depots, and other targets in poor weather conditions.

Pictured: Ludendorff Bridge shortly after the collapse, Remagen, Germany, March 17, 1945



Soldiers of the US 3rd Army walk in a debris-laden street of Coblenz, Germany,following capture of the city on March 17, 1945, after fierce street fighting. When the last group of German soldiers tried to surrender in the face of overwhelming U.S. advantage, Gestapo and SD men inside a nearby building opened fire of them.



Troops of the 80th US Infantry Division advance cautiously down a ruined street in the German city of Wadern, March 17, 1945. Resistance in urban areas remained stiff until the very end of hostilities, causing immense damage that could have been avoided in the absence of maniacal Nazis.



On Iwo Jima, US V Amphibious Corps continues mopping up small pockets of Japanese - the pockets are confined to such a small portion of northern Iwo Jima that artillery support of 5th Marine Division is impossible (the pockets are in an area roughly 700 yards long and varying from 200-500 yards wide). Despite being completely outmatched, a vast majority of Japanese forces refuse to surrender.

Marine litter bearers place a Japanese prisoner on a litter to be carried to the rear, while another Marine covers a cave entrance with his automatic rifle at northern Iwo Jima, Japan on March 17, 1945. According to the Marine Corps, this prisoner gave up when he couldn’t hold out any longer after ten days without food or water.

Re: WWII: European Theater daily - 1944 (was Normandy Daily)

Wow, Cuda, FANTASTIC photos, thank you!