World War II Daily: DDay to VEDay

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

November 17, 1944: Operation Queen in the Hürtgen continues - from 1st Army alone, 694 guns in an hour-long attack fire approximately 45,000 light rounds, almost 4,000 medium, and 2,600 heavy. In addition, hundreds of tank guns, 81-mm. and 4.2-inch mortars, plus a battalion of 4.5-inch rocket projectors contribute to the barrage. On the 9th Army front, another 552 field artillery pieces participate, raising the total in the two armies to 1,246. Despite the massive shelling, it begins to look less and less as if the mammoth preliminary bombardment has sufficiently broken the German forces will or necessary equipment. Just after daylight a platoon of tanks from the attached 745th Tank Battalion move to join Colonel Driscoll's infantry at Hamich, and in the afternoon tanks and infantry attack. By this time, however, the task of fighting the enemy overnight while trying to get into Hamich without tank support has depleted his forces - the day before there were about 160 men per rifle company; now, one company was down to a hundred men and the other two down to 60 or 70 each. About 70 percent of the casualties, Colonel Driscoll estimated, were from enemy shellfire, the rest from small arms fire. Neither tanks nor infantry could get into Hamich.

Soon after it becomes evident that this is the big Allied attack the Germans thought was coming, General von Zangen (new commander of the Fifteenth Army (alias Gruppe von Manteuffel)), cancels the impending relief of the 12th Division. Though Zangen had ordered artillery of the incoming 47th Volks Grenadier Division to reinforce the attack of the 12th Division's artillery, he directs that the 47th Division's other troops assemble as an LXXXI Corps reserve. A small combat team of the 116th Panzer Division, moving north from Huertgen, is to strengthen the corps reserve. These are the only immediate German orders at an army level directly affecting the sector opposite the 1st Division.

Throughout the day, Operation Queen proceeds as planned, though the Garman’s fight back fiercely and allow little progress: the US 9th Army attacks around Immendorf, Puffendorf, Apweiler, Siersdorf, Bettendorf, Heengen, Wuerselen, and Broichweiden and US 1st Army attacks around Donnerberg, Birkengang, Hastenrath, Scherpenseel, Eschweiler woods, Gressenich, and Hamich.

US 3rd Army continues its attacks in Metz and around Hackenberg, Klang, Metzeresche, Sansonnet, Frescaty airfield, Fort Queuleu, and Frontigny, while the US 7th Army captures Avricourt, Badonviller, St Die, and Corcieux and the French 1st Army driving against Belfort.

In Italy, the British 8th Army continues attacking Monte Fortino while US 12th Air Force aircraft provide ground support and attack transportation targets in the Po valley and at the Brenner Pass. US Navy destroyers Woolsey and Benson bombard German positions around Ventimiglia.

Pictured: The starkness of the Hürtgen Forest as the battle began to rage on November 17, 1944



Sherman tanks mounted with 105mm. howitzers open fire in a muddy field amid the Hürtgen Forest on November 17, 1944



Men of the 378th Infantry are shown on the morning of November 17 1944 entering Metz in pursuit of the enemy along roads strewn with abandoned equipment

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

November 18, 1944: Day 3 of Operation Queen - the bloody battle for the Hürtgen. Tanks are now deemed essential, so engineers blasted tank routes through the forest. Communications and logistics remain a problem, so the next day the attack pauses to allow re-supply and evacuation of the wounded. German reinforcements arrive from 344th and 353rd Infantry Divisions and resistance stiffens further.

The 4th Division's 8th Regiment is next to go in - the regiment ia given a ruined monastery a mile and a half into the forest beyond Schevenhütte as an objective. To reach the site, the soldiers have to pass through a thick belt of enemy mines and defensive positions. Air support and artillery have failed to eliminate the well-dug-in defenders, so when the 2nd Battalion of the 8th heads out, it enters a carpet of mines in front of an extensive wall of barbed wire. The first attacks cut down every rifle company commander, along with most of the platoon leaders and senior noncoms. A second attempt, begun with the addition of tanks, is expected to carve a path through the minefield and help breach the concertina wire, but mud and a deep slope bog down four of the five tanks. The remaining one does carve a pathway through the minefield, though it is unable to penetrate the wire.

Major George Mabry, who had received a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in recognition of his D-Day exploits, assumes command of the battalion, which even with 200 replacements still amounts to only 60 percent of the normal complement. Mabry personally reconnoiters the terrain, then leads an attack. The major notices indentations in the snow, which he reasons indicate mine locations. He digs some out with his trench knife to makes a safe passage. Mabry himself rushes several bunkers with a small group of soldiers, and his troops gain their objective. He receives a Medal of Honor for his valor.

Around Aachen, the British 30th Corps (part of British 2nd Army) coordinates assaults with the US 9th and 1st Armies as part of Operation Clipper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Clipper), attacking toward Geilenkirchen and capturing Tripsrath and Prummern. Julich and Duren are penetrated. Meanwhile, US 3rd Army advances approach the German border. Bouzonville on the Nied River is captured. Metz is entered from north and south by US XX Corps. US 7th Army attacks around Fremonville and Raon-l'Etape

Over Germany, US 8th Air Force fighters attack airfields and other targets, claiming 14 Me-262 jets destroyed on the ground, US 15th Air Force attacks Vienna and RAF Bomber Command sends 479 aircraft to attack Munster during the day, 285 aircraft to attack Wanne-Eickel overnight, and 21 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight.

In Italy, the US 5th and British 8th Armies spend the day regrouping while US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines and other targets throughout the northern Appenines and Po valley and US 15th Air Force attacks airfields in northern Italy.

Pictured: Medal of Honor recipient George L. Mabry, Jr. Mabry was also a awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Purple Heart



GIs of the U.S. 5th Infantry Division enter Metz on November, 18 1944



US Army Pfc. Carl Anker, Pfc. Edmund Dill, and Sgt. Ted Bailey sharing the contents of the care package sent by Dill's wife for the Christmas holiday, November 18, 1944

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

As an aside - as you know I'm a WWII buff. I finally made it out to see 'Fury' today - it's a powerful film that follows both the dark side of humanity as well as the heroism I focus on when studying WWII. Truly one of, if not THE grittiest and unidealized war films I've ever seen. As Christopher Orr of The Atlantic said in his review, "In a sense, it succeeds too well in conjuring its own subject matter: heavy, mechanical, claustrophobic, and unrelenting."

It's not really a fun film, but it's a must see, imo. This one is going to take a while to process...

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

November 19, 1944: It’s Sunday, day four of Operation Queen, and the Allied progression continues, though slow and extremely violent. Allied forces advance all along the line. Forces of US 9th Army defeat a counterattack by German forces and occupy Geilenkirchen, north of Aachen while continuing to attack around Freialdenhoven, Setterich, Duerboslar, Schleiden, St Joeris, and Kinzweiler.

Company H, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division pushes forward through the dense forest (near Schevenhütte, Germany) when they are hit by a fierce German counterattack. 26-year-old Private First Class Francis McGraw single-handedly slows down the counterattack until it can be repulsed by the 26th IR. He is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions - the official Medal of Honor citation reads:
“He manned a heavy machine gun in a foxhole near Schevenhutte, Germany, on 19 November 1944, when the enemy launched a fierce counterattack. Braving an intense hour-long preparatory barrage, he maintained his stand and poured deadly accurate fire into the advancing foot troops, until they faltered and came to a halt. The hostile forces brought up a machine gun in an effort to dislodge him but were frustrated when he lifted his gun to an exposed but advantageous position atop a log, courageously stood up in his foxhole and knocked out the enemy weapon. A rocket blasted his gun from position, but he retrieved it and continued firing. He silenced a second machine gun and then made repeated trips over fire-swept terrain to replenish his ammunition supply. Wounded painfully in this dangerous task, he disregarded his injury and hurried back to his post, where his weapon was showered with mud when another rocket barely missed him. In the midst of the battle, with enemy troops taking advantage of his predicament to press forward, he calmly cleaned his gun, put it back into action and drove off the attackers. He continued to fire until his ammunition was expended, when, with a fierce desire to close with the enemy, he picked up a carbine, killed 1 enemy soldier, wounded another and engaged in a desperate firefight with a third until he was mortally wounded by a burst from a machine pistol. The extraordinary heroism and intrepidity displayed by Pvt. McGraw inspired his comrades to great efforts and was a major factor in repulsing the enemy attack.”

US 3rd Army completes the encirclement of Metz (now completely cut off from supplies and reinforcements) and the US 95th Division forces its way in, fighting street to street to eradicate the enemy. Farther south, French 1st Army forces reach the outskirts of Belfort as well as the Swiss border north of Basle and the French 1st Armored Division reaches the Rhine River near Strasbourg, France. British 2nd Army attacking around Prummern, Wurm, Helden, and Panningen and captures Geilenkirchen and the US 7th Army makes substantial gains and pushes toward Saverne Gap. British 12th and 7th Corps (parts of British 2nd Army) gain ground near Venlo.

In Italy, the US 12th Air Force conducts limited ground support missions and attacks on transportation targets in poor weather conditions while the US 15th Air Force attacks transportation targets in northern Italy.

In Washington, it is estimated that the cost of the war is now about $250 million per day. Looking for ways to fund World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the 6th War Loan Drive on this day. The Loan Drive flooded the market with war bonds intended to meet Roosevelt's goals of "immediately" raising $14 billion for the war.

Pictured: A M8 75mm HMC of the 82nd Armored Recc Battalion, 2nd Armored Division leads a column through Setterich during the fighting with the German 9th Panzer Division there.



Francis McGraw’s burial marker at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Liège, Belgium



Troops of 5th Infantry Division conducting a house-to-house search in Metz on November 19, 1944



Situation map from November 19, 1944

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

November 20, 1944: At 4th Infantry Division, two days have passed since 22nd Infantry Regiment crossed a small section of Road W. A battalion of the 8th Infantry has penetrated more than a mile past Road W and stands no more than a thousand yards from high ground in the vicinity of Gut Schwarzenbroich, the regiment's first objective. Yet the penetration is so slim that it cannot be exploited without a broader base of support. Despite small advances, a short stretch of Road W between the 8th and 22d Infantry Regiments still remains under German control.

For all the American supply problems, it was obvious from the relative ease with which the 8th Infantry and 22d Infantry had advanced that the enemy's overextended 275th Division was incapable of stopping the advance. For days, German commanders have been engaged in a frantic search for troops to back up the 275th Division. They have already used what was left of the 116th Panzer Division, but that is not enough. Soon, however, the volks grenadier division arrives in the Seventh Army's southernmost corps and begins to relieve the 353d Infantry Division. Though the 344th and 353d Divisions "had little combat value in the unusually bitter fighting of the Huertgen Forest," the Germans rushed first the 344th, then the 353d, to the forest.

When both American regiments renew their attacks to the east and northeast on 20 November, the effect of the German reinforcements is immediately apparent. Colonel McKee's 8th Infantry clears additional ground to the southeast in the direction of the interregimental boundary, but in the main effort toward Gut Schwarzenbroich, neither of two attacking battalions can gain anything. As night falls, the opposing forces are so close that enemy fire prevents the men from cutting logs for overhead cover on their foxholes - failure to do so in the forest was an invitation to death.

By nightfall the terrible price the 4th Division's two regiments had paid in the five-day attack that has yielded only 1.5 miles of penetration is apparent - some rifle companies are down below fifty effective soldiers, several have only one or two officers left. The hardest hit unit of either regiment was the south-wing battalion of the 22d Infantry, which has had to attack and defend the regiment's open southern flank. That battalion has been reduced to the size of a company. For the two regiments the toll in battle casualties alone is about 1,500, and several hundred more men had been evacuated with respiratory diseases, trench foot, and combat exhaustion. Although replacements begin to become a daily addition to the front lines, they never replenish the number of fallen men, and days and weeks will pass before they might approach the fallen in experience. The 4th Division is eventually so badly affected by casualties it has to be pulled from the front lines to recover and rebuild.

Nearby, US 9th Army captures Gereonsweiler, Ederen, Freialdenhoven, Niedermerz, and Aldenhoven and US 1st Army remains heavily engaged in Hürtgen Forest. German forces resist US 19th Corps attacks near Julich. Elements of US 3rd Army continue the siege of Metz as other elements capture Dieuze to the east and prepare to attack across the Sarre. US 7th Army crosses the Sarre and the Meurthe and pushes toward Saverne Gap. The French 1st Army is fighting in Belfort, reaches outskirts of Mulhouse and clears territory along Swiss border around Basel.

Over Germany, the Allied air forces continue to dominate the skies - US 8th Air Force attacks Gelsenkirchen with 61 bombers,Munster with 93 bombers, and Blechammer with 190 bombers while RAF Bomber Command sends 183 aircraft to attack Homberg during the day, 43 aircraft to attack Koblenz overnight, 63 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight, 14 aircraft to attack Homberg overnight, and 14 aircraft to attack Castrop-Rauxel overnight.

In Italy, the British 8th Army takes Castiglione after a minor battle and while US 12th Air Force bombers are grounded by inclement weather conditions, a few fighters attack targets around Modena, Parma, and San Felice de Benaco.

For the a last time, Hitler leaves the Wolfsschanze Headquarters for Berlin, Germany.

Pictured: Soldiers from the 22nd trying to dry out a blanket, Hürtgen Forest



S/Sgt Peter Andrews, 22nd Infantry, 4th Division, examines "pole charges" containing 20 1/2 pound blocks of TNT which are being used to blow up German pillboxes



Map of front movement in the Hürtgen Forest



American infantrymen of the 95th Inf Div patrol in search of snipers, Metz, France, November 20, 1944

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

November 21, 1944: Tuesday - today marks 24 weeks (168 days) since the D-Day Invasion in Normandy and the beginning of the liberation of Europe.

The 121st Infantry Regiment (part of 8th Infantry Division) is deployed in the Vossenack area and given the mission of pushing up the road to the town of Hürtgen. The only difference this time (compared to the previous failed attacks by the 109th and 12th Infantry) is that the 121st Infantry is assigned a combat command from the 5th Armored Division to reinforce the attack once it penetrates the initial forward German defense lines. The attack by the 121st Infantry is immediately stopped in the Wilde Sau minefield, which has been continually refreshed by German engineers. This allows the German 7th Army to concentrate eight artillery battalions on the 121st Infantry, firing an average 3,500 rounds a day on the American troops. During this stalemate and barrage of artillery, Staff Sergeant John Minick voluntarily leads a small group of men through the minefield, single-handedly silencing two enemy machine gun emplacements, and engages a company-sized force of German soldiers before being killed while crossing a second minefield. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor - the official Medal of Honor citation reads:

“He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual conflict with the enemy on 21 November 1944, near Hurtgen, Germany. S/Sgt. Minick's battalion was halted in its advance by extensive minefields, exposing troops to heavy concentrations of enemy artillery and mortar fire. Further delay in the advance would result in numerous casualties and a movement through the minefield was essential. Voluntarily, S/Sgt. Minick led 4 men through hazardous barbed wire and debris, finally making his way through the minefield for a distance of 300 yards. When an enemy machinegun opened fire, he signaled his men to take covered positions, edged his way alone toward the flank of the weapon and opened fire, killing 2 members of the guncrew and capturing 3 others. Moving forward again, he encountered and engaged single-handedly an entire company killing 20 Germans and capturing 20, and enabling his platoon to capture the remainder of the hostile group. Again moving ahead and spearheading his battalion's advance, he again encountered machinegun fire. Crawling forward toward the weapon, he reached a point from which he knocked the weapon out of action. Still another minefield had to be crossed. Undeterred, S/Sgt. Minick advanced forward alone through constant enemy fire and while thus moving, detonated a mine and was instantly killed."

Elsewhere, British 2nd Army continues its attacks near Venlo but suspends operations in Geilenkirchen-Linnich sector. US 1st and 9th Armies meet firm resistance from German forces west of the Roer River. The US 3rd Army continues the siege of Metz while other elements gain ground near Saarebourg. US 7th Army continues pushing toward Strasbourg and St Die.

Over Germany, the US 8th Air Force attacks Merseburg with 200 bombers, Hamburg with 349 bombers, Osnabruk with 166 bombers, and various targets of opportunity with 422 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 160 aircraft to attack Homberg during the day (escorted by Fighter Command), 283 aircraft to attack Aschaffenburg overnight, 273 aircraft to attack Castrop-Rauxel overnight, 270 aircraft to attack Sterkrade overnight, 138 aircraft to attack the Mittellland canal overnight, 123 aircraft to attack the Dortmund-Ems canal overnight, 29 aircraft to attack Stuttgart overnight, 26 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight, and 19 aircraft to attack Worms overnight. The Luftwaffe loses 86 fighters in daylight operations in defense of the Reich and occupied territory against Allied strategic bombing.

In Italy, the battle for the Gothic Line of German defenses continues as forces of the British 8th Army open new attacks toward Faenza and US 12th Air Force aircraft provide ground support and attack transportation targets in the Po valley and at the Brenner Pass.

Hitler arrives Berlin where he will live in the Reich Chancellery and its underground bunker.

Pictured: US troops entering the Hürtgen



Staff Sergeant John Minick



Members from the 607th Tank Destroyer Battalion (attached to the 95th Infantry Division) loading their gun on the outskirts of Metz



M8 Greyhound from 30th Infantry Division moves out from from Kinzweiler, Germany, November 21, 1944

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

November 22, 1944: In the Hürtgen, the Germans continue to resist fiercely and to fall back slowly from one line of fortified positions to the next. Defensive enemy armor (dug-in with a prepared field of fire) is common. The attack of the 8th Infantry is delayed waiting for supporting armor, support that fails to arrive. The attack by the 1st Battalion begins at 9:30, with supporting fire furnished by the 2nd Battalion. The 1st Battalion stubbornly fights its way forward against strong resistance and succeeds in reaching the edge of its objective, Jagerhaus. At 11:20, the 3rd Battalion starts moving along the axis of advance of the 1st Battalion, then works back to the southeast, creating a partial encirclement of the enemy and resulting in the destruction and capture of large numbers. The area to the southeast is then considered clear.

The 12th Infantry moves to assembly areas to the north of the new division right (south) boundary. It closes there by 12:15 as division reserve. The 22nd Infantry’s objective is the road junction just short of Grosshau. The 1st Battalion feigns several false attacks after 8:00 and, it appears accomplishes its mission of distracting the Germans from the attack of the 3rd Battalion further to the north. The 3rd Battalion moves shortly after daylight. German mortar, artillery and small arms fire are everywhere but the advance continues and several machine gun positions are overrun. By 1:35 PM, the attack pushes to a point where the road junction is under direct fire. The battalion consolidates its positions to cut the roads. Direct artillery fire is taken from the western edge of Grosshau, which is within sight. A small enemy attack is repulsed by the 2nd Battalion at 9:05. At 9:50 the 2nd Battalion attacks to the east and immediately encounters stubborn resistance, including fire from two dug-in, self-propelled guns. Slow progress is made and despite high casualties, the battalion continues to advance until the left flank is approximately 500 yards to the southwest of the 1st Battalion - after which the positions are consolidated.

Operations of the US 9th Army and the US 1st Army secure Eschweiler, but the 1st Army is under attack around Kommerscheidt and Vossenack. Forces of the US 3rd Army capture Metz, although several of the surrounding forts refuse to surrender. US 7th Army forces take St. Die as others approach Saverne. The French 1st Army occupies Mulhouse, after defeating a counterattack by German forces. Canadian 1st Army continues clearing Walcheren Island, attacking along the Maas, and attacking around Moerdijk and shifts boundary to take over Nijmegen sector from British 2nd Army.

Over Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks Hamburg with 280 bombers, Mittelland canal with 204 bombers, Sterkrade with 134 bombers, Neumunster with 254 bombers, Duisburg with 65 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 64 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Vienna, Moosbierbaum, Kapfenberg, and other targets. RAF Bomber Command sends 738 aircraft to attack Gelsenkirchen during the day (escorted by Fighter Command), 48 aircraft to attack Gelsenkirchen overnight, 235 aircraft to attack the Mittelland canal overnight, 128 aircraft to attack Koblenz overnight, and 18 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight. The Luftwaffe loses eight fighters in daylight operations in defense of the Reich and occupied territory against Allied strategic bombing

In Italy, the British 8th Army attacks around Monte Chioda, Monte Pratello, and Monte Testa while the US 5th Army captures Monte Monsignano. US 12th Air Force aircraft attack Brenner Pass and provide ground support, the US 15th Air Force attacks Bolzano, and US Navy destroyer Plunkett bombards German positions around Ventimiglia.

In Canada, the Army High Command threatens to resign if the government does not impose conscription to send soldiers into overseas battle. Later that evening at a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister King announces that the request for volunteers for overseas duty had failed. With a risk of District Officers Commanding threatening to resign, the only option left is mandatory conscription. The cabinet agrees to set a limit of 16,000 troops, defense Minister Andrew McNaughton recommends to Cabinet that all 16,000 conscripted soldiers be sent to fight in Europe.

Pictured: A heavy German infantry gun firing in defense of a U.S. attack on 22 November 1944 in the Hürtgen forest



British infantry in action in the streets of Geilenkirchen



Situation map from November 22, 1944

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

November 23, 1944: In the battle of the Hürtgen Forest, the Germans continue to stubbornly resist the advance of the 4th Infantry Division by firing over the numerous mine fields, wire entanglements, and road blocks. Once the advance shows signs of slowing down, the enemy counterattacks fiercely with near full platoon strength due to reinforcements. Four vicious counterattacks are repulsed. The 4th ID continues the attack to the northeast in the direction of Duren and despite strong resistance by a variety of weapons of war (small arms, machine guns, artillery, mortars, mines, booby traps and well defended bunkers), secures important terrain. The 8th Infantry attacks at 8:40 with the 2nd Battalion and after the capture of a number of unarmed prisoners, is able to move toward its objective. Once again supply problems delay the attack and the 3rd Battalion is unable to move before 9:00. A slow advance continues and good progress is made. However, due to extremely heavy enemy fire, the 1st Battalion is unable to move forward, held in check throughout the day.

The 12th Infantry moves its 1st Battalion to a forward assembly area at 9:45. An hour later, the 2nd Battalion initiates an attack to the east - a mine field is encountered soon after but the battalion crosses the main north-south road by early afternoon. In the late afternoon, the battalion is stopped short of its objective by additional mines and enemy resistance, and the troops dig in for the night.

The orders to the 22nd Infantry wareere to consolidate positions, to clear the rear areas and routes forward, and to secure four key trail and road junctions. A small task force organized by the 1st Battalion moves eastward at in the morning to clear the road, it is completed early that afternoon despite heavy artillery and mortar fire. Enemy pressure on the northern flank of the 3rd Battalion increases during the morning but no ground is gained by the Germans. Enemy mortar and artillery fire continue to pound the battalion area. By noon, the 2nd Battalion has readjusted its lines and controls the trail junction. The battalion continues to take very heavy enemy artillery fire.

US 9th Army captures Bourheim, Lohn, Pattern, and part of Merzenhausen but German forces deliver strong counterattacks. US 3rd Army continues to battle, making limited progress.

On the right flank of the German line, the 15th Army falls back in Holland. Meanwhile, the German 7th Army launches attacks on forces of US 9th Army. To the south, French troops of US 7th Army reach Strasbourg. The British 2nd Army continues closing to the Maas River from Venlo northward.

Over Germany, the US 8th Air Force attacks Gelsenkirchen with 134 bombers
while RAF Bomber Command sends 168 aircraft to attack Gelsenkirchen during the day and 61 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight.

In Italy, the British 8th Army captures Monte Ricci and continues to push across the Cosina River while US 12th Air Force fighters conduct limited sorties due to poor weather conditions.

Pictured: US soldier fighting for every inch of ground in the Hürtgen Forest



US troops liberating a small village in the Hürtgen Forest



Battalion Aid Station personnel readying casualties for evacuation farther to the rear

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

November 24, 1944: The German forces in the Hürtgen Forest spend the overnight hours laying more mines, building barriers, and digging defenses which they then defend until forced to slowly fall back to each successive line of defenses. It also becomes evident that under the cover of darkness the Germans have brought up replacements (likely remnants of units almost totally wiped out), which serve to absorb the brunt of 4th Infantry Division’s first attack during the day.

The 12th Infantry Regiment on the right and 8th Infantry Regiment on the left advance slowly throughout the day against a stubborn enemy in heavily wooded terrain which is made even more difficult du ego the near-constant rain.

The 8th Infantry is ordered to continue the attack in the direction of Duren by 8:30. Company B, 1st Battalion, is unable to continue forward movement until 10:00 due to heavy artillery and mortar fire, in addition to extremely heavy small arms fire from the well entrenched German forces. Soon after 10:00, Companies B and C, 1st Battalion, push forward and reach the objective, there they are relieved by the 3rd Battalion. The 2nd Battalion advances slowly, meeting heavy machine gun and small arms fire in addition to artillery and mortar fire. By the end of the day, it has captured a large number of German POWs, weapons and equipment.

The 12th Infantry continues the attack with the 3rd Battalion - it advances rapidly and by late morning is moving onto its objective. The 2nd Battalion reaches its objective and by noon has firm control. Only a few hours later, 2nd Battalion makes contact with the 121st Infantry (8th Infantry Division). The 1st Battalion cleans up enemy groups in the rear areas and establishes contact with the 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron.

The US 1st Army continues to be heavily engaged in Huertgen Forest, while the US 3rd Army captures crossings over the Saar River, about 25 miles north of Saarbrucken and is attacking around Orscholz Line, Tettingen, Butzdorf, Oberleuken, Hilsprich, Postroff, Kirrberg, and Baerendorf. French 2nd Armored Division captures Strasbourg, France while French 1st Army captures Grosmagny and Petit-Magny while Germans maintain pressure around Mulhouse. US 7th Army attempts to push forward and reinforce Strasbourg but the Germans continue to make strong counterattacks around Sarrebourg. The British 2nd Army is closing to the Maas River from Venlo northward

In Italy, the British 8th Army crosses the Marzeno River and pushes toward the Lamone River while the US 5th Army captures Monte Belvedere but later loses it to German counterattack.

Pictured: Sgt Mike Ala, 4th Infantry Division, Hürtgen Forest



V Corps rocket launchers pounding German positions in the Hürtgen



Part of the forest completely destroyed by artillery ‘tree bursts’

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

November 25, 1944: As the US troops continue to slowly advance through the Hürtgen , they find the German resistance to the 8th and 12th Infantry Regiments stubborn and effective. Small arms, mortars and artillery are utilized and a number of self-propelled assault guns are used with good results against the 22nd Infantry Regiment. The Germans are overrun by 12th Infantry in its zone of advance and the resulting confusion and ineffectiveness on the part of the Germans made it apparent that once the main line of resistance could be breached, lack of leadership, poor contact and incompetent troops made the enemy a “pushover”.

The intermittent rain has made the few roads and trails into a muddy mess which hinders the advance - it is almost impossible for the tanks and tank destroyers to keep up with the advancing infantry.

The 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, attacks to the southeast, shortly after it repulses a small counterattack by 40 to 50 German infantry, then continues the advance and by late afternoon, has successfully captured its objective. The 3rd Battalion strengthens its previous positions and patrols.

The 12th Infantry attacks at 8:00 and makes good progress through the thickly wooded and hilly terrain, facing light resistance from the disorganized Germans. It succeeds in seizing its objective and from that position is able to assist the attack of the 5th Armored Division on Hürtgen. The three battalions then mop up small pockets of German troops they by-passed earlier.

The plan of the 22nd Infantry is to attack with 2nd and 3rd Battalions, without artillery preparation in hope of surprising the enemy. The 3rd Battalion is to envelope Grosshau to the north, and the 2nd is to reach the edge of the woods at the southwest. The 2nd Battalion, delayed by the attached armor unable to negotiate the poor roads, attacks at 8:20 and the 3rd Battalion at 7:45 and both battalions encounter heavy resistance immediately. The advance of the 2nd Battalion is fiercely contested but by late morning they are on their objective, the edge of the woods overlooking Grosshau. By 8:45, the 3rd Battalion makes it to the high ground and pauses for reorganization (and movement of the armor) before assaulting the town of Grosshau. Just before noon it attacks across the open field leading to the town. The enemy reacts swiftly with very heavy, aimed fire and stops the attack, destroying four tanks and two tank destroyers. Further attempts are repulsed and by mid-afternoon, the battalion has dug in to the north after suffering heavy casualties.

Forces of US 1st Army, to the southeast of Aachen, continue their advance while the US 9th Army is engaged around Bourheim and Koslar. US 3rd Army opens attacks toward the Sarre and continues to assault Oscholz Line. British 2nd Army completes clearing west bank of the Maas from junction with Canadian 2nd Army southward and the US 7th Army is clearing Strasbourg area.

Over Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks Merseburg with 671 bombers, Bingen with 254 bombers, and begins utilizing 36th Heavy Bombardment squadron for electronic counter-measure operations and jamming German ECM systems. RAF Bomber Command sends 68 aircraft to attack Nuremberg overnight.

In Italy, the British 8th Army is fighting across the Marzeno River, the Montone River, and the Lamone River. US 12th Air Force bombers are grounded while fighters conduct 53 sorties against transportation targets.

As Hitler calls upon all German citizens to fight and tells the German troops: The war will now decide whether the German people shall continue to exist or perish.

Pictured: Engineers repair a muddy road in the Hürtgen Forest



US Army Pfc. W. J. Kessler, Pfc. J. L. Proffitt, Pvt. B. Narter, Cpl. T. J. Barnewski, and Pfc. J. Stoll handling Christmas packages from home for their artillery unit, Germany, November 25 1944



Hitler Youth members on march in a German city, en route to volunteer to join the military, 25 Nov 1944

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

November 26, 1944: The US 4th Infantry Division continues its push into the Hürtgen, though the Germans have centered their defense around well dug-in tanks and artillery. Between the fire power of these guns and supplemented by small arms, and mortar, the Nazis present a formidable defense. The 4th Infantry Division maintains its previous positions throughout the day, using the day to straighten the lines, clear rear areas and secure favorable terrain in preparation for the impending attack (in conjunction with the 8th Infantry Division and the 5th Armored Division) to take Kleinhau.

The 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, moves forward in early afternoon to relieve the 2nd Battalion. The 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, has to attack at early in the morning in an effort to straighten the main line and establish contact between all elements. The advance is made under extreme conditions - heavy woods, steep slopes, icy streams, and great distances to carry supplies by hand - but the Battalion reaches its objective by late afternoon and begins to assist the 8th Infantry Division by fire. The battalion takes numerous POWs.

No major attack is made by the 22nd Infantry, though Grosshau is pounded by 81 mm high explosive mortars as well as by artillery fire. Company C, 1st Battalion, attacks to clear the woods just west of Grosshau and meets stubborn resistance. By late afternoon, they reach their objective, but just before dusk an enemy counterattack (with an estimated 75-100 men and four tanks) hit Company C. The attack is fierce and was preceded by a heavy barrage of artillery and mortar fire. Company C is driven back to its positions of the night before, sustaining heavy casualties. A patrol of the 3rd Battalion moves out after dark to investigate Grosshau - the first attempt is hit by heavy concentrations of mortar but on the second attempt, they reach the outskirts where they remain, observing and listening.

The US 1st Army continues attacking in the Hürtgen, capturing Weisweiler (to the west of Cologne). US 9th Army, still engaged around Bourheim and Koslar, attempts to push toward the Roer despite facing heavy German resistance. US 3rd Army attacks across the Sarre and captures several forts around Verdun and US 7th Army captures Steige and Ville.

French 1st Army continues attacking around Burnhaupt while being counterattacked around Mulhouse.

In the skies over Germany, Allied air forces continue to leverage air superiority to attack German infrastructure. US 8th Air Force attacks Misburg with 300 bombers, Altenbeken with 118 bombers, Hamm with 266 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 130 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 75 aircraft to attack Fulda during the day (escorted by 103 fighters) and 278 aircraft to attack Munich overnight. The Luftwaffe loses 138 fighters in daylight operations defending German and occupied territories against Allied strategic bombing.

In Italy, the British 8th Army is stalled by rain and flooding along the Lamone and Montone Rivers while US 12th Air Force bombers are grounded (due to the weather) while fighters support ground operations and attack transportation lines.

Germany begins V-1 and V-2 rocket attacks on Antwerp, Belgium. RAF Spitfire fighter bombers attack two suspected V2 rocket sites. A German V-2 rocket strikes the crowded Woolworths store on New Cross Road, in Deptford, central London, England, killing 160, seriously injuring 77, and injuring 122 others.

Himmler orders destruction of evidence of mass killings at Auschwitz.

Pictured: Battery A, 18th Field Artillery Battalion (US 1st Army) reload the 16 tubes on each of their CCKW rocket launchers on November 26, 1944



US B-17 Flying Fortress bombers strike rail lines over Germany, November 26, 1944



Situation map of the western front, November 26, 1944



Overview map of the Siegfried Line Campaign

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

November 27, 1944: Americans troops from the 1st Army advance a mile and capture Frenz, 14 miles inside Germany and 25 miles short of Cologne, while men of the 3rd extend the front inside the Reich to 19 miles at the western fringe of the industrial Saarland. Lt. Gen. Hodges' troops also push into Hürtgen at the edge of the forest. German resistance is fierce; the enemy's artillery and antitank fire is especially heavy. The weather is relatively clear allowing the overwhelming Allied air power to support the infantry and tanks. Hürtgen is 27 miles southwest of Cologne.

Lt. Gen. Patton's 3rd Army fights through Maginot line fortresses southeast of the new penetration into Germany, moving within four miles of the Saar border, attacking Saarburg, Falck, Dalem, St Avold, Seingbouse, Honskirch, Altwiller, Wolfskirchen, Eywiller, Gungwiller, and Durstel. 7th Army troops widen the Strasbourg corridor to almost 15 miles and pour through the Saales pass to open a new route to the French city at the Rhine, attacking around Obernai, Barr, Erstein, Le Hohwald, and Selestat. They are within eight miles of another clean break through, the Vosges mountains in the Saint Marie pass east of St. Die. Heavy fighting continues in the Aachen sector where the U. S. 1st and 9th armies continue to press towards the Germans' Roer river line from Julich to Duren, nine miles to the southeast. Improving weather permits Allied air support.

Macario Garcia of Company B, 22nd Infantry Regiment earns the fourth of five Medals of Honor that are awarded to 4th Infantry Division Soldiers in WWII. García was the squad leader of his platoon which found itself engaged in combat against the German troops in the vicinity of Grosshau, Germany. Realizing that his company could not advance because it was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, Garcia, on his own initiative, went alone and destroyed two enemy emplacements and captured four prisoners. Despite being wounded himself, he continued to fight on with his unit until the objective was taken. This is his official citation:
“Staff Sergeant Marcario García, Company B, 22nd Infantry, in action involving actual conflict with the enemy in the vicinity of Grosshau, Germany, 27 November 1944. While an acting squad leader, he single-handedly assaulted two enemy machine gun emplacements. Attacking prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approached only through meager cover. His company was pinned down by intense machine-gun fire and subjected to a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and with his rifle killed three of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his company, a second machine-gun opened fire and again the intrepid soldier went forward, utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed three more Germans, and captured four prisoners. He fought on with his unit until the objective was taken and only then did he permit himself to be removed for medical care. S/Sgt. (then Pvt.) Garcia's conspicuous heroism, his inspiring, courageous conduct, and his complete disregard for his personal safety wiped out two enemy emplacements and enabled his company to advance and secure its objective.”

Above Germany, US 8th Air Force attacks Offenburg with 325 bombers, Bingen with 148 bombers and oil targets with 460 fighters. US 8th Air Force fighters claim 94 Luftwaffe fighters downed while escorting the bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 169 aircraft to attack Cologne during the day, 351 aircraft to attack Freiburg overnight, 290 aircraft to attack Neuss overnight, and 67 aircraft to attack Berlin overnight. The Luftwaffe loses 80 more fighters while attempting to protect Germany from the RAF bombers.

In Italy, Allied forces pause to regroup.

In Hanbury, near Burton-on-Trent, England, a mistake by an armorer at an underground bomb dump triggers a massive explosion as 4,000 tons of bombs detonate at once. The blast instantly gouges a 12 acre hole in the ground and the tremors are picked up by seismograph in Geneva, Switzerland and Casablanca, French Morocco. Forty people are killed in the blast, which also causes a nearby reservoir to collapse and six million gallons of rubble-filled water to pour down into the bomb dump, killing 27 men working in the offices on the surface. The blast represents only 10 percent of the explosives in the dump - if the entire amount of bombs had gone off, it would have caused a bigger explosion than the atomic bombs later dropped on Japan. Today there is still a crater a quarter-mile wide and 100 feet deep at the site which is sealed off because of the unexploded bombs still lying beneath the surface.

Pictured: Men of the 18th FA reload rockets in the Hürtgen Forest



The remains of one of the heavily fortified Nazi pillboxes near Rollesbroich



Staff Sergeant Macario Garcia being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman

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

November 28, 1944: Tuesday - today marks 25 weeks (175 days) since the D-Day Invasion at Normandy and the beginning of the liberation of Europe.

The 8th Infantry of the 4th Infantry Division improves its previous positions and conducts rigorous patrolling to the northeast and south in a quest for more information regarding the German troop, continuously clearing the area.

The 12th Regiment fills the large gap existing between the 8th and 22nd Regiments. The 1st Battalion attacks early, with the 2nd Battalion in support, and immediately engages in a fire fight. The German resistance is quickly eliminated by the northward advance along the road by the battalion. No further resistance is encountered until late in the afternoon when a strong point is encountered. The 1st Battalion holds up there for the night. The 3rd Battalion continues to support the attack of the 22nd Infantry and the 5th Armored Division.

The 22nd Infantry sends a small task force of the 3rd Battalion to seize the high ground to the east. By mid-afternoon, the task force (two platoons) reach the objective and clean out small scattered pockets of enemy. Any movement by the 1st Battalion is followed by a mortar barrage. Plans are made to seize the high ground northeast of Grosshau as the Nazi resistance in the Grosshau area continues to be extremely heavy.

The US 9th Army clears Juelich and closes up to the Roer River, while the US 1st Army attacks around Inden, Lammersdorf, Frenzerburg Castle, Langerwehe, and Juengersdorf and captures Hürtgen. US 3rd Army is engaged around Falck, Farebersviller, and Berg and US 7th Army attacks around Erstein and Barr. French 1st Army reaches Burnhaupt, pocketing LXIII Corps of German 19th Army in Alsace

In the skies above Germany, RAF Bomber Command sends 316 aircraft to attack Essen overnight, 145 aircraft to attack Neuss overnight, and 75 aircraft to attack Nuremberg overnight.

Elements of US 442nd Regimental Combat Team relieve US-Canadian 1st Special Service Force in the Alps on Franco-Italian border.

In Italy, British 13th Corps of US 5th Army captures Casoal Valsenio and Monte Taverna - all unopposed, while US 12th Air Force aircraft provide ground support and attack transportation targets in the Po valley and at the Brenner Pass.

Allied forces begin to operate the port in Antwerp, Belgium.

Pictured: Troops from the 83rd Division moving in the Hürtgen Forest



German POWs in the Hürtgen

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

November 29, 1944: In the battle for the ‘dark and bloody ground’ of the Hürtgen Forest continues with 4th Infantry Division advancing against German fox holes and bunkers constructed and reinforced with logs and earth in the northern sector. In the southern sector, the enemy defense is based on strategically located machine gun nests and considerable mortar and artillery fire. As elsewhere, the approach paths are heavily mined and obstructed with wire and fallen trees.

The 8th Infantry attacks (along with the 1st Battalion) at 8:45 and the 2nd Battalion at 9:00. The German resistance continues to be heavy throughout the day, with many machine guns firing along the mined and booby-trapped firebreaks and trails along the eastern edge of the Hürtgen Forest. Heavy mortar and artillery fire is also encountered. A small counterattack is repulsed by the 1st Battalion and by noon both battalions succeed in capturing the German positions occupied the previous night. At 9:30 the 3rd Battalion moves forward and becomes involved in a fire fight - after several attempts to push through it, the battalion is ordered to consolidate their positions for the night.

The 12th Infantry attacks (along with with the 2nd Battalion) at 8:00 and the 1st Battalion at 8:30. The advance is initially slowed due to the constant danger of mines and booby traps - at 10:30, the 2nd Battalion encounters an extensive hidden mine field and the 1st Battalion becomes involved in a fire fight at a German strong point. By the end of the day, the two battalions succeed in capturing the high ground overlooking the town of Gey,

After an artillery preparation, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions attack just before noon. The 3rd Battalion moves against relatively light resistance until mid-afternoon (when it is a mere 300 yards short of its objective). At that point the German defenses stiffen stiffened and in accordance with orders, the 3rd Battalion secures for the night. The 2nd Battalion, attacking east from Grosshau, encounters machine gun fire and increasing mortar and artillery fire, so by early afternoon the battalion is only 300 yards beyond where they started and moving slowly. Even with the arrival of an armored support unit, the 2nd Battalion is unable to push further and digs in for the night by late afternoon. The German fire on the forward positions (200 yards west of the woods) is intense.

Elsewhere, the US 9th Army continues pushing to the Roer River, the US 3rd Army attacks toward the Sarre while the US 7th Army attacks around Tieffenbach, Haguenau, Erstein, Barr, Andlau, Liepvre, and Le Bonhomme.

Allied air forces continue to leverage air superiority to pound German infrastructure as the US 8th Air Force attacks Misburg with 391 bombers, ltenbeken and Bielefeld with 296 bombers, Hamm with 294 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 47 bombers while RAF Bomber Command sends 311 aircraft to attack Dortmund during the day 30 aircraft to attack Duisburg during the day, and 67 aircraft to attack Hannover overnight. The US 15th Air Force attacks Linz overnight

In Italy, three Brazilian battalions attack Monte Castello (~35 miles southwest of Bologna) early in the morning. The poor weather precludes air support and by the attached three platoons of US tanks. The attack is repulsed later in the afternoon. The British 13th Corps of US 5th Army captures Fontanelice (unopposed) and US 12th Air Force bombers are grounded while fighters attack transportation lines in the Po valley and Brenner Pass.

Pictured: Sign left by 28th ID warning of mine fields



Schevenhutte, Germany in 1944 and in 2012



German POW being escorted in the town of Hürtgen

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

November 30, 1944: The Germans begin a major withdrawal from Alsace-Lorraine before the drive of the U.S. Third and Seventh Armies on the southern sector of the Western Front, while to the north Canadian troops are already a mile inside Germany after a regrouping of the forces along the Nijmegen front in Holland.

On the southern end of the front, the French First Corps traps a sizable German force between Mulhouse and Belfort. More than 30 towns are freed, and a steady stream of POWs are taken.

Lt. Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd Army moves forward on a 35-mile front, 26 of those miles inside Germany. Patton's men pass beyond the larger section of the Maginot Line, though they have not yet come up against the Siegfried defenses.

The 95th Division, meeting strong artillery and mortar fire, is only 3+ miles southwest of Saarlautern after a two-mile advance, while the 80th Division makes further gains on the road to Saarbruecken after throwing back a tank-led Nazi counter-attack.

Other units cross the border at a point southwest of Saarlautem, and farther south mechanized cavalry enter the outskirts of Sarre-Union.

Troops and tanks from 1st Army aclear the villages of Hurtgen and Kleinhaus and continue northeast to Grosshau, where they fight from house to house, a consistent feature of the battle in this sector. To the north, infantrymen are still working to clear the Germans from the eastern parts of Inden and Lamersdorf.

4th Infantry Division casualties from November 1944:
KIA (killed in action): Officers = 42, Enlisted Men = 390
MIA (missing in action): Officers = 10, Enlisted Men = 245 (Many of these were later listed as KIA)
SWA (seriously wounded in action): Officers = 20, Enlisted Men = 318
LWA (lightly wounded in action): Officers = 133, Enlisted Men = 2,895
Total: Officers = 205, Enlisted Men = 3,848 (Only the month of June had more casualties)
Prisoners Captured: 1,757

Over Germany, the US 8th Air Force attacks Bohlen with 68 bombers, Zeitz with 132 bombers, Merseburg with 417 bombers, Hamburg and Neunkirchen with 284 bombers, Lutzkendorf with 169 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 149 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Munich and Innsbruck. RAF Bomber Command sends 60 aircraft to attack Bottrop during the day (escorted by Fighter Command), 60 aircraft to attack Osterfeld during the day (also escorted by Fighter Command), 9 aircraft to attack Duisburg during the day, 576 aircraft to attack Duisburg overnight, and 53 aircraft to attack Hamburg overnight. After the Luftwaffe loses nine more fighters attacking Allied bombers, and angry Goering insists Luftwaffe fighter pilots will no longer be allowed to take parachutes with them when attacking Allied bombers (in order to stiffen their fighting resolve).

In Italy, the British 8th Army attacks toward Casa Bettini and captures Albereto. German forces counterattack British 13th Corps of US 5th Army and capture Casa Nuovo. US 12th Air Force aircraft attack transportation lines and other targets throughout northern Italy.

Pictured: An American artillery emplacement in the Hürtgen Forest



Hürtgen Forest Situation Map, late November 1944



Pvt Walter Prsybyla of B Btry, 37th Field Artillery Regt, US 2nd Inf Div writing Christmas cards for friends and family from an artillery ammunition storehouse, Heckhalenfeld, Germany, 30 Nov 1944