740TH FIELD ARTILLERY BN
PRO AMORE PATRIAE (FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY)

WORLD WAR II DIARY

of MAJOR A. JAMES GORDON

MEMORANDA

McLeod and Davis -Capts. -333 FA Bn. Capt. Geo. Newton Jr. -965 FA Bn. -83rd Div. Major Wm. A. Roever -Hq. 17th AAA Gp., APO 654 Capt. Don Kerr -153rd FA Bn. -APO 230

N. Beasley -215 Montezuma Rd., Montgomery (6) Ala.

Calibration -Guns grouped for over, short and center Btry. at first. After firing and later calibration, necessary individual quadrant for each gun -different settings on G GT's. Registration -Bilateral charts good. Powder Lots -As many as 172 different lots in Bn. at one time, separate into receiving and keep supply one lot

ready for registration or adjustments. Use odd lots for unobserved and harassing missions. Powder Pits -Winter time better to have above ground, sand bagged and revetted. Face away from front. Personnel and Replacements -Be slow to promote to fill casualty vacancies. NCO's return and make overage

disadvantage to Btry. with valid vacancy. Mack Trucks -Are better as PM's than M4's -no limber trouble. But no Mack parts. Aiming Stakes -Wire lights with switch at gun -allows speed, prevents getting lost at night. FDC and Survey -Train extra men -especially FDC and have at least 2 Recons, for shifts. Build up Btry. FDC's

and let them keep data to date. Lateral communication.

Survey -Bn. does practically all work. Very little target area -surveyed in OP's and check points. Mostly position area work. Check ob. control against map. German Phones -Collect and use for Guard Posts, MG's etc. Wire Lines -Cross-country whenever possible. Signal Lights in FDC -Neon lamps over phones put in box to show which ringing. Lights -Kerosene lanterns and candles -keep supply. Trailers -Need lots -pick up.

1944

Monday, January 31st: Slept late. Left Monroe 1100, drove east to Vicksburg where crossed Mississippi on toll bridge. Continued on highway 80 to Jackson, Miss., there turned south on #49 to Hattiesburg. Signed in at Camp Shelby 1650. Bn. ready to move to LA maneuver area Thursday. I will handle rail movement extra men. Last meal at officers' mess tonight ... eat with batteries from now on. Edward Andrews has just taken over 559th Bn. and Schmid is Gp. Ex. Sleeping in Chestnut’s bed tonight. Col. Nealy back from leave tonight.

Tuesday, February 1st: Clear -warm. Spent the day getting pay matters cleared up, looking around area, etc. To movie with Col. Nealy after supper. Then tried to pack. Bed at midnight. Lampe and Blessing back from leave.

Wednesday, February 2nd: Clear -cloudy. Busy on details for train move. All packing finished in Bn. To town at noon -can store my car in Ford garage. Out for supper with Nealy, Lampe, Lord, and Blessing. Did more cramming and packing tonight. Sleeping on floor. Bed midnight.

Thursday, February 3rd: Rain. Up at 5 -raining until noon. Bn. left motor park at 8:40. I assembled my men for train movement in Rec. Hall, then found out our train was cancelled. We have been given 561st Hq. Btry. area -all property signed out to me, mess hall opened. Rations drawn, and we have one truck from camp pool. To town tonight for supper. Have about 225 men and 4 other officers including Capt. King, medics, Lts. Rogers, Worthen and Hirosh -Gp. Bed 11 p.m.

Friday, February 4th: Today we cleaned up area, cleared some officers on Gas Ration books, arranged for trip rations, saw transportation officer. Expect to leave now tomorrow night at 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 5th: Clear -warm. This morning went to transportation office and ticket office. Then to see Col. Brooks, camp Exec. about clearing inspections. Then picked up clearances for our officers and went to town. Stored my car at Ford garage, tried unsuccessfully to get gas books for our officers, got pants pressed, had lunch, and took bus back to Camp Shelby. We cleared all property and area. Took men to railroad in 516 Bn. trucks. Loaded and left at 5:40 (1730). Have 222 EM and 5 officers, 4 coaches, kitchen car and baggage car. Route -Gulfport, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Dequincy, DeRidder. Found pet pig in baggage car -gave to conductor.

Sunday, February 6th: Cloudy -rain. Many stops and layovers. Finally arrived DeRidder 0530 (1730) -no trucks to meet us. Fed sandwiches and got to bivouac area at 11 p.m. about 8 miles east DeRidder. All in bed except Col. Nealy. Glad train trip is over. Lt. Rogers did good job -Lt. Worthen no good. Blew up my new air mattress and to bed at 2330. Capt. Stottart killed Thursday when jeep went off bridge.

Monday, February 7th: Cloudy. Up at 0500. Our Gp. supports 44th Div. -this begins a 10 day Flag exercise. We moved to positions and CP vicinity Deer Creek, then I went to Gp. Hq. to report on train trip. Not much doing today. Our 7-1/2 ton Mack prime movers bog quickly in this wet ground. Tonight Bn. moved forward at 1900 to positions near Shiloh Church – "C" Btry. stuck getting in and out.

Tuesday, February 8th: Cloudy, rain at 1700. Stayed Shiloh position all day -except "C" Btry. moved from temporary position to another half mile south -getting stuck in process. Col. Field down on Nealy last night for "C" Btry. affair. FDC busy all day until problem called off at 1400 -word reached us at 1500. 44th Div. Arty. commander paid us a visit to CP. Not much for me to do -slept until 5:30 this morning. Col. N. to town for bath when problem called off. I ate supper and laid in pup tent out of rain. Maneuver promises to be rough.

Wednesday, February 9th: Clear -moderate. This morning got Lt. Rogers, went to rear echelon and on to town for money order to return ration money. Problem on again at 2 p.m., but not much work for us until dark when we got many fire missions to last through the night. Made another trip to rear after mess. Working as OR on high burst adjustment, simulated, and up until 3 a.m. -took umpire down thru batteries to check security. Lt. Basham cracked up 559th plane today. Shiloh Church positions.

Thursday, February 10th: Cloudy. Busy all day. Back to Group Personnel section, stopped for mess at Service Btry. We fired all day off and on. Still at Shiloh Church. No further advance tonight.

Friday, February 11th: Cloudy -cold. Problem continued this morning. We received orders to move and cleared Shiloh Church positions about 1400 -some trucks stuck but eventually all out. Moved to Dry Creek Village where "C" Btry. had just bogged down in field when order came problem over. We continued west to bivouac area near Gp. CP, I went on to rear echelon area to move them tomorrow 15 miles west Leesville. Pitched tent and to bed 2330.

Saturday, February 12th: Cloudy -cold. Up 0500. 11 QM trucks to move our rear echelon. Were 45 minutes late. Loading somewhat disorganized -especially "B" Btry., but we were in time to fall in at tail of Bn. as it passed junction highways 171 and 52. Arrived new area at 1200 without accident. We now support 92nd Div. colored troops. Bivouacked and waiting developments tonight. I took detail back to rear echelon area east DeRidder to police -returned 2300.

Sunday, February 13th: Cloudy -cold -rain. This morning we cleared IP northwest of Caney at 0900 and moved south and west about 2-1/2 miles to positions along highway 21. Dug in guns and prepared for defensive. Hard rain about dark. At 1930 got warning order and moved out at 2300. Whole group moved 15 miles SW of Burr Ferry -pitch dark, rain, hard going. I moved Bn. when Col. jumped gun and got into 559 column. Arrived new area about 0230 to wait daylight -heavy rain and hail. 559th turned over one gun and one jeep. Our "A" Btry. left one truck with broken tie rod; "B" left one with clutch out and one gun with lost travel lock. "C" kitchen left behind.

Monday, February 14th: Rain to clear. In area south Burr Ferry today. Tactical situation off about 8:30 a.m. until tomorrow morning. We dried out after heavy rain this morning early, sent some to town for showers, rounded up balance cadre, brought some equipment left behind last night. I stayed in area all day -got a little sleep, much needed after being up all night. Clear at noon, but cold.

Tuesday, February 15th: Cloudy -cold. Problem not tactical until 1500. In to Leesville and Camp Polk at 1100 got goggles, fatigues and gloves -back to area (south of Burr Ferry) about dark to positions 5 miles south near Knight. Bad traffic jam. I stayed behind to get "A" Btry. vehicles out of mud, got up to new CP about midnight. Opened my valentine box from D.B. and fire direction crew ate it. Staying up tonight on FD watch -raining and my tent not pitched.

Wednesday, February 16th: Slept an hour in Blessing's tent last night -got in Chestnut’s when I called him at 0530 this a.m. All guns out of mud and in position today. Col. Field inspected slit trenches etc. this afternoon not good but corrected. Bed 11 p.m. tired.

Thursday, February 17th: Rain. Position about 1-1/4 miles north of Knight all day. Problem apparently over about 3 a.m., but we sat all morning waiting for 92nd Div. CG to inspect us. He never came. At 1300 we started moving batteries out to road and finished at 1600. Had to do much pioneer work on road, but not much trouble. We learn tonight we are finished with Flag exercises. Will stay here all tomorrow, then move north for 4 day maneuver with 75th Div. -defensive work. Rained off and on until noon. Warm this afternoon. I dried my bed roll which I packed wet this morning. Bed 2200. 92nd Div. gave us very little to do.

Friday, February 18th: Cloudy -showers -cold. No move today -remained just north Knight. Up at 6:30 and took detail over to Firing Battery area to police and clean up after former occupants. Left at 1000 for DeRidder with Col. Nealy. Took shower in Mrs. Shennan's room -enjoyed it mightily, then haircut, lunch and back to Bn. about 1430. 92nd Div. on the road all day. We will probably stay here all tomorrow on the break and move to new area north of Leesville Sunday. Letter from Maj. Brown today -he is now with 65th Div. at Shelby. Raining tonight.

Saturday, February 19th: Rain -moderate. No more today -no passes for town. Rain this morning. At ten p.m. Group put out order to move in the morning. Bed 11:30.

Sunday, February 20th: Rain a.m. -cloudy. Rain last night and some during morning. We furnished 24 Route Markers from "B" Btry. 558th moved first, we passed IP at 0755. I tailed column. Considerable motor trouble on 185 mile march from position near Knight -Burr Ferry -Jasper, Texas, Many, LA, Kisatchie and new positions about 5 miles W. Kisatchie. Last 5 miles in blackout thru deep mud. It will take all night to get thru it. We are attached to 75th Div. for this phase of maneuver. No supper except a sandwich. I am working getting traffic by deep mud.

Monday, February 21st: Misty -warm. Worked in the mud all night. Last of our column across the big hole about 6:30. I walked to CP -found guns and trucks in the ditch all along. 2 "A" Btry. guns went into wrong position and got out this afternoon. Position is on Peeson range. No sleep at all last night, but got 4 hours this afternoon which were when the batteries were all in but one. "C" Btry. gun left back on highway. On watch tonight 11:30 to 0100; slept balance night in Turner's tent.

Tuesday, February 22nd: Partly cloudy -warm. All guns in position, dug in and camouflaged by noon. Ate lunch with "C" Btry. Service moved back from position on road. Found Capt. Lewis of 730 FA Bn. -visit with him. Canard had my car out with mess kit in it -missed supper. Pitched my tent tonight -had some rain. On watch

10:30 to 12:00.

Wednesday, February 23rd: Rain -warm. Showers in morning -heavy rain tonight at 6 p.m. 75th.Div., to which we are attached, being pushed back today -Col. and BC's out on Recon. but they waited too long and about dark tonight we got word to remain in position and be sacrificed. Very few officers understand employment of heavy artillery. I arranged for detail to go to Camp Polk tomorrow to draw property. Bed at midnight -stretched out on ground. Found Capt. McComb, who was at Sill with me, is Group umpire.

Thursday, February 24th: Camp Polk. Cloudy -mist -warm. Up at 3:30 -much trouble getting details up from batteries -finally left CP at 6:50 instead of 5 a.m. -stopped many times by both Reds and Blues, but finally got into Polk about 10 a.m. We have a very nice area -barracks for officers and men, gas heat etc. Maj. McDonald has been here making arrangements. Had a good bath this evening, put on clean fatigues and enjoyed supper at one of the Armored outfit messes. Didn't bring my Val Pac in -had to buy suit of underwear and pair socks. Bed early -raining tonight.

Friday, February 25th: Camp Polk. Rain -cloudy. Considerable rain last night -showers during day. Walked to mess. Various jobs during day, saw movie after supper. Bn. came in earlier than expected -about 9:15. Bed at midnight.

Saturday, February 26th: Camp Polk. Cloudy -showers. Hard rain last night. Up at 6:30. This day spent in getting Bn. settled and starting cleaning. We are to have tomorrow to rest. Trucks go to Shelby for baggage on Monday. Went up to officers' club with Nealy and Lord for very poor supper. Rumors are plentiful as to how long we stay here and when we will go to P.E., but nothing at all definite.

Sunday, February 27th: Camp Polk. Windy -cloudy -warm. Up at 7:30. We are still eating with batteries ... had breakfast at Hq. Went to church, wrote letters, walked down to signal office to send wire for release my car when Waller goes for baggage. Supper at 5:30 -movie tonight.

Monday, February 28th: Camp Polk. Cloudy to clear -showers. Warm today, windy, showers until noon. Still cleaning property and not finished. I inspected mess halls, guns etc., drew up house rules, checked on garbage and trash. Bed 10 p.m. Chestnut told me today Col. Nealy gave me only VS on efficiency report because I "talked behind his back".

Tuesday, February 29th: Camp Polk. Partly cloudy -cold. Up at 4:30. Waller got off with baggage detail for Shelby at 0530 -14 trucks and maintenance for both Bns. and Gp. I inspected mess halls and field ranges, wrote endorsements, etc. This afternoon we got word that we are alerted -training to be completed by 21st of March. Expect to leave here April 1st. XXI Corps called to cut order on Lt. Hilden and warn of transfer Waller, George and Walcutt who are put on attached unassigned list. Had school on mines tonight … Runden in charge.

Wednesday, March 1st: Camp Polk. Clear -cool. Busy day -worked personnel status report and took to XXI Corps IG, L. Col. Damas, this afternoon. We are getting ready for various inspections, etc. Went to hospital and go back day after tomorrow for eye examination. Stayed in room and read tonight.

Thursday, March 2nd: Camp Polk. Clear -warmer. This morning we had a visit from Brig. Gen. Hines, XXI Corps Artillery. I worked more on personnel lists and went to see Col. Damas again this afternoon. He was pretty tough about our troop average. School tonight.

Friday, March 3rd: Camp Polk. Partly cloudy -moderate. Reported hospital S. Camp 0800 for eye examination -must go back next Wednesday. We had ordnance inspection this morning. I turned in old and drew new wristwatch. Managed to trade my compass for a better one. From 2 until 5 we took a robed march -whole Bn. Did 10 miles with light packs in 2 hours 30 minutes -10 minute break after 5 miles. Went with Col. N. to officers' club South Camp for supper. Waller came in from Shelby with my car last night.

Saturday, March 4th: Camp Polk. Rain early -clear -warm. Shower before daylight but clear by 10:30 a.m. Had meeting this morning on TE 21 inspection, various AGO and other inspectors around. Nothing much after noon but I was on duty. Group late with inspection forms. On second check we find our march yesterday was

11.4 miles. Bed early tonight.

Sunday, March 5th: Camp Polk. Partly cloudy -warm. Up 7:30. Got TE 21 forms from Group and distributed to batteries. Went to church. Took a walk after dinner -nothing else. Wrote Maj. Ferguson about a mess kit.

Monday, March 6th: Camp Polk. Cloudy -showers. Went to South Camp this morning to get car tag, laundry, leggins, shoes, etc. Dinner at officers' club. This afternoon we got supply paragraph from movement order. Town tonight for supper with Chestnut. Got tetanus shot.

Tuesday, March 7th: Camp Polk. Clear -cold. Today I again worked on the average and had many conversations with Col. Damas. Late afternoon we got word 19 of our cadre failed test and were on the way back -we must replace them and that will tear everything up again. Mailed income tax return. Officer’s school tonight.

Wednesday, March 8th: Camp Polk. Clear -cool. To hospital early and finished eye check -will get 2 pair of glasses, one bi-focal. Out to range to throw hand grenade just before noon. Our cadre substitutes were tested

here today, all passed and we got them on the way at 1615 this afternoon. Drew a pistol and holster from Hq. Btry.

Thursday, March 9th: Camp Polk. Clear -cool. Busy all day -transferred 9 men to QM Truck Co. here on post send three to Claiborn tomorrow. Had malaria film tonight, then went to very poor movie.

Friday, March 10th: Camp Polk. Cold -rain. Cloudy, slow rain most of the day. This morning we shipped out 4 more of our average. Then I went out and shot pistol -qualified as sharpshooter with 80%. Air demonstration after dinner, then to finance office to convert Bn. fund to Treasury checks. Cleaned pistol tonight, wrote letters. 559th taking AGF test again -not doing so well.

Saturday, March 11th: Camp Polk to Lake Charles. Partly cloudy. Nothing special this morning and a quiet afternoon. Got a haircut. Left camp 5:15 and Leesville at 6:15 with Chestnut -got to Lake Charles about 7:50 luckily got a room for Chestnut and a bed for me in sample room at Charleston Hotel. To Bat Gormerly's for supper. Bed midnight.

Sunday, March 12th: Lake Charles' to Camp Polk. Clear -warm. Up 8:30 -breakfast at Majestic Hotel. Drove out to see Bruce Choate, then to Roy Payne's who has a beautiful place on Prien Lake, about 6 miles from town. Back to Majestic for dinner, then to see Clyde Stewart at West Lake ... developed his wife and Mrs. Chestnut were old friends. Got back to Camp at 10 p.m. Lake Charles a beautiful place with azaleas, camellias etc. in full bloom.

Monday, March 13th: Camp Polk. Cloudy. Full day. Inspected mess halls, got books of funds in for inspection tomorrow, worked on list men for transfer -we are getting rid of 10 excess noncoms. Chestnut left today for 9 days leave.

Tuesday, March 14th: Camp Polk. Fog -cloudy -warm. This morning I got all Bn. fund books in order and delivered to XXI Corps. Afternoon inspected barracks, made up list for leaves, went to South Camp to apply for gas to send car home. Called Shreveport early this morning trying for room Saturday night -no luck. We got movement order today. Advance party goes 16th.

Wednesday, March 15th: Camp Polk. Partly cloudy. Col. Nealy left after breakfast for 3 days leave at Lake Charles. I checked on disposition of trucks, read movement order, went to hospital to see about eye patients, took laundry and cleaning. Postal officer over about APO cards. Our readiness date moved up to 25 March.

Thursday, March 16th: Camp Polk. Rain during night and until 10 a.m. Today things are moving -our priority has stepped up and we got plenty of attention. Started turning in property and drawing new clothing. Got the official notice changing our date -559th not included until they finish part of AGF test again Sunday. Talked to Chestnut at Okmulgee and Col. Nealy at Lake Charles. Had school tonight.

Friday, March 17th: Camp Polk. Clear -warm. Busy all day. Col. Nealy came back about 2 p.m. Advance party left just before noon. Men from Hq. Btry. took command car to Alexandria last night -wrecked on way home -Lt. George gave permission.

Saturday, March 18th: Camp Polk to Shreveport. Rain. Heavy clouds early -hard rain all afternoon. Andrews flew glasses prescriptions to Alexandria this morning. McDonald had crating and marking meeting. Not much doing during the afternoon. We turned in our guns and trucks this morning and also during the afternoon. Left camp at 5 -reached Shreveport at 7:40. Mr. Jacobs had gotten a room at Washington -Youree -I met D.B. at

8:45 -I had supper -she ate on train. Still misting tonight.

Sunday, March 19th: Shreveport. Cloudy -cold. I was up about 9 a.m. -had breakfast in the hotel. I went to church, St. Mark's, a nice church. Saw a movie this afternoon. Had a good supper at Morrison's cafeteria.

Monday, March 20th: Shreveport. Cloudy to clear. Cold and cloudy during the morning, clear and warmer during the afternoon. I did some shopping -got some nice toys for the boys. Saw Mr. McIver, Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs -came to see us at the hotel. Got a haircut. Had supper in the Zephyr Room at the hotel. Got to bed at midnight.

Tuesday, March 21st: Shreveport. Cloudy to clear. Breakfast at the cafeteria -walked around town. Had the car greased -drove out thru the residential part of the city this afternoon. Went to visit at the Jacobs. Bed about midnight.

Wednesday, March 22nd: Shreveport to Camp Polk. Rain. Up and had breakfast at the hotel. Had hard rain most of the way to Leesville -had a sandwich there, then on to camp. Things in a rush as Bn. and Group Hq. due to move Saturday.

Thursday, March 23rd: Camp Polk. Partly cloudy. Called D.B. this morning -they had safe trip back to Shreveport. I have job train commander. My new GI glasses delivered today.

Friday, March 24th: Camp Polk. Clear -warm. Chestnut back this morning. Rush all day drawing property, packing, turning in trucks. 559th, not going until later, is furnishing us transportation. Over to see Maj. Bay about our train -no information except we have one freight car spotted. Miserable with cold today. Packed some. Bed after midnight. Corps raising cain due our absentee AWOL's and late furloughs.

Saturday, March 25th: Left Camp Polk at 1720. Clear -warm. Up about 4:30 and down to railroad yards to see about our train -we were ahead of Gp. train made up by 10:30. Area was checked and finally cleared. Troops came to train at 4 p.m. -I went to get tickets. Left Camp Polk at 5:20 -all in one train -422 EM, 22 officers and

W.O. 4 officers and 79 from Hq. Btry. on Gp. train. Sent one foot locker home today.

Sunday, March 26th: On train. Hot. Woke at 6 a.m. We crossed Mississippi River at 7:05 into Vicksburg. Route thru Meridian, Miss., to Birmingham about 6:45 and out at 7:20. Uneventful day. 17 cars on our train -2 baggage, 2 kitchen and 13 assorted sleepers. I have Drawing Room with Chestnut -privilege as train commander.

Monday, March 27th: On Train. Cloudy. Passed thru Atlanta at 2 a.m. Greenville, S.C. at 7 a.m. -on to Charlotte, N.C., Charlottesville, VA. -got a look up Main Street at Orange. Reached Washington at 10:40 sitting there at midnight.

Tuesday, March 28th: Camp Kilmer, N.J. Clear -cold. To bed this morning 1:30 when we left Washington -up

4:30. New conductor at Philadelphia gave me arrival time at Camp Kilmer, N.J. as 8:10 and we rolled in on the dot. Full day getting quartered, going to meetings, etc. We drew new gas masks this afternoon and entire Bn. and officers went thru gas chamber tonight at 7 p.m. Processing takes 3 days -more than full time. Bed 11:15 tonight.

Wednesday, March 29th: Camp Kilmer. Cloudy -cold -sleet. Rev. 0615. Bn. had full day. Q.M. and Ord. inspections. Rough weather. Bed early. Chestnut will not take a bath. Got new Val Pac today. "C" Btry. man to hospital with possible case of the measles.

Thursday, March 30th: Camp Kilmer. Cloudy -cold -rain. Today we turned in clothing, drew new and issued. Final Q.M. inspection put over until tomorrow. Barracks with 97 "C" &"B" Btry. men quarantined for measles. Bn. took typhus shots tonight -doctor tried to give me another typhoid.

Friday, March 31st: Camp Kilmer. A little sunshine -cold. We had final Q.M. inspection this a.m. Still drawing and issuing clothing -also we all drew impregnated clothing for gas. Afternoon had a film on troop ships and lecture and demonstration on lifeboats, etc. Officers paid this morning -my first time after allotment in. Got haircut.

Saturday, April 1st: Camp Kilmer. Clear early, cloudy -cold. This morning we had practice train loading and censorship movie. Half Bn. men and officers got 12 hour passes at 6 p.m. I went in with Chestnut and Blessing. Left camp 5:15 on bus -in New York City about 6:30 -too late to see much. Visited various bars, etc. Rode on subway and in taxis.

Sunday, April 2nd: Camp Kilmer. Got in from city at 5 a.m. -slept until 9:30. Col. went to town. I checked out men with passes, etc. Went to movie tonight. Rained today -cold. 559th came in today -brought 8 of our men.

Monday, April 3rd: Camp Kilmer. Clear -moderate. Nothing special today except we are warned -no more passes, no laundry or cleaning. We have a number of AWOL's from NY passes. Sgt. Karby tried to get out on forged pass -got caught. Repacked my locker and bedroll. Decent day after a cloudy start -fairly warm at noon. We have to send 10 officers for ship loading detail. Saw Maj. Hargis -Leavenworth -sat behind me.

Tuesday, April 4th: Camp Kilmer. Partly cloudy -misting tonight. Final physical for everybody this morning officers stripped to waist, walked by doctor and said "Ah". Then to meeting on baggage and freight -my job. Another meeting in afternoon on train loading -we leave here Thursday night. Nothing else. Checked baggage and freight tonight. Visited with Maj. Taylor.

Wednesday, April 5th: Camp Kilmer. Snow. Up at 4:15 to look after loading -hold freight and officers' baggage -all finished by 6:50. Snowed hard all day but melted. Church service tonight -ten men out of Bn. attended. Tonight we got 22 replacements for AWOL's, hospital cases, etc. Ten Lts. left this a.m. 0535 as loading detail.

Thursday, April 6th: Camp Kilmer. Clear -moderate. Last minute paper work today. We cleaned up area, turned over property of AWOL's, etc. I did last minute packing -had to take my new Val Pac down to have new zipper put in, then handle broke -poor piece of baggage. Ate supper at Victory Room -mess hall getting terrible. Our batteries moving separately to ship -all under way by 11 p.m. I left on train with Hq. Btry. about 10:50 -into Jersey City by midnight. Col. N. pretty excited. Felt like a pack mule in jacket, heavy coat, harness with canteen and pistol, pack, field glasses, dispatch case, gas mask, Val Pac.

Friday, April 7th: Ship board. Clear -cold. Took ferry from Jersey City to ship where we loaded on about 1:30

a.m. Bed about 2 a.m. I have cabin with Chestnut and Major Edwards and Dougherty, a medic Admin. and a postal man. Ship is Ille De France with 10,000 troops including 700 WAC's. We left NY 0615 -headed SE all day. Up at 7 for boat drill 7:30. We eat twice a day -excellent food -at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Fresh water is rationed -we have it sometimes for washing, but nothing but salt water for bathing. Took second typhus shot today.

Saturday, April 8th: Ship. Clear -moderate. Smooth going and no sea sickness to date. Beginning to learn my way around the ship. Got jobs as Deck Commander for boat drill and Compartment Commander -relieved of latter. Up at 7 a.m. -bed at 11 p.m. -moved up an hour at bedtime. Several Leavenworth officers aboard including a WAC Captain. Chestnut claims a bath today -no witness.

Sunday, April 9th: Ship. Easter Sunday and I wondered what went on at home. Clear warm day until we had a little shower about dark. Church services during day. The two meals continue to be good. Bed 11 p.m. Time advanced another hour tonight.

Monday, April 10th: Ship. Cloudy -cold. Heading NE today. Early this morning there were British planes out to look us over. Late afternoon sea got rough and tonight many are sick -including Blessing and McKinzie. So far I’m all right.

Tuesday, April 11th: Ship. Cloudy -cold -rain. Rough day -pitching and rolling. Some rain. Running north and east -saw no planes or ships.

Wednesday, April 12th: Ship. Clear -cool. Sun shining today, but still rough. Saw many gulls. Running north and east. Moved up another hour tonight. Ship Commandant estimated our position 500 miles off Ireland. Chestnut tight tonight on $18.00 Scotch.

Thursday, April 13th: Ship. Stormy. Wind and rain today, rough sea, cleared by late evening. We had a quick physical check. Tomorrow we draw K rations and should be near end of voyage Saturday morning. Probably get off ship near Glasgow and take a train. Tonight my compass says we are going almost south -seems queer.

Friday, April 14th: Ship. Clear -cloudy. Fairly calm sea -clear this morning, cloudy afternoon. Saw no ships planes today -a near alert last night. Got haircut before breakfast, took last typhus shot at seven tonight. Watches ahead an hour at 1300 and again at midnight.

Saturday, April 15th: Ship -anchored at 1330. Cloudy -fog. Early this morning saw island off Scotland -sailed up Firth of Clyde and anchored at 1330 off Gourock. Many ships and aircraft carriers here. We debark at 0800 tomorrow. British general came aboard to make welcome address. Many beautiful homes along river here. Packed tonight -bed at midnight.

Sunday, April 16th: Nantwich at 1915. Doddington Park. Cloudy -showers. Up at 5:15. We were ready but delayed half an hour -began debarking into tender at 8:30. First thing I saw at the Gourock pier -an old Scotch lady at back door of restaurant, waving a dishtowel. Loaded on train and left station 1130. Officers had very comfortable first class carriage -Chestnut, Scherz & I to a compartment. Down thru Scotland -all green and like a park, and arrived Nantwich 1915. Red Cross gave coffee, doughnuts, and cigarettes. Huson met train. We have area about 5 miles out of town -crude huts, straw ticks, but better than some. Good hot supper, hot bath, and bed midnight. We are 8th Corps, 3rd Army -General Patton is our C-G.

Monday, April 17th: Nantwich -Doddington Park. Cloudy -cool. Up 6: 30. Getting settled today. Went to Newcastle with Col. N. and Turner, got light bulbs. I bought a bicycle for 10 pounds 10-6, complete with dynamo etc. Col. got same -rode into Nantwich on them tonight. Chestnut sick all day and I took him to hospital 7 miles

E. Whitchurch. 559th due in tonight and tomorrow morning. Called on Col. of 196th Gp. this a.m. -we and 559th are attached. This is beautiful country -first green springtime. Daylight until after 9:00 p.m. We are on Doddington Estate.

Tuesday, April 18th: Nantwich. Doddington. Mostly clear. Today things begin to shape up. We start regular training next Monday. Got in 35 trucks late today -send for more equipment tomorrow. Our schedule will be stiff. All of 559th in -report much better voyage than we had. Representatives out today and Bn. sent cables. Tonight after mess I rode over to Crewe and returned with Col. That town off limits for white soldiers -niggers go ·there -associate with white women, cause much trouble. No word from Chestnut. We see many planes going and coming. Sign on our latrine "Ablutions and Sanitary".

Wednesday, April 19th: Nantwich -Doddington. Rain from noon on. To Newcastle with Col. N. after Bn. meeting at 0900. Bought some mugs for coffee, a "note case" for money, pump for bicycle. Back at Doddington Park at noon. Quite a few minor troubles today -Col. Andrews got mad when I approached him about mess hall matter. Men had first passes tonight. We are sending here and there every day for equipment. Got new immersion type water heaters today. First mail from home. Airmail reached me one week after mailing at home. Rain all afternoon and tonight, slow fall, cold.

Thursday, April 20th: Doddington. Clear -cold. Only a little cloudy today. Went to Nantwich with Col. N. this morning. At 12:30 left with Blessing -drove to 83rd General Hospital beyond Whitchurch to see Chestnut. Found he had been operated on yesterday morning for ruptured appendix -doing all right now. Not good recommendation for Doc Stetson as a diagnostician. Nothing else of importance today. Wrote Mrs. Chestnut tonight and other letters.

Friday, April 21st: Doddington. Cold -cloudy -little rain. Papers yesterday reported 3000 planes raiding from here. Col. to Liverpool today -Col. Andrews along too. I tried four summary court cases, drew garbage contract, had officer’s call. After supper, caught ride to 83rd Hospital to see Chestnut. Doctor said he has been and is pretty sick -next two days are critical. Took his mail -wrote his wife again tonight -sent her cable this a.m. Understand we won't stay with 196th Gp.

Saturday, April 22nd: Doddington. Clear -warm. Worked inside until 1000, then to dentist to have teeth cleaned. Selected area for retreat formation. Left at 1300 with Col. to see Chestnut. Found him much better. Took bicycle ride to Audlem tonight. Most officers went to Newcastle on pass.

Sunday, April 23rd: Doddington. Clear -moderate. Up at 7:45 -late breakfast. Went to church 1030 at Wybenbury. Their service much like our low Episcopal Church at home. No one spoke to us. Dinner at 1300. Took a nap this afternoon. Runden came in last night and our baggage reached us late this evening. Mine all in good shape. Many planes passing over every evening. Got our alert order today.

Monday, April 24th: Doddington. Cold -rain in the a.m. Worked on SOSTC reports due 28th -went to Crewe to see RTO. We now expect to be assigned to 174th Group. They’re S-3 down to see us this evening. Army called today about replacing Chestnut. Had retreat formation this evening -school tonight. Bed early.

Tuesday, April 25th: Doddington. Cloudy -cold. Left shortly after 0800 with Col. and Huson -drove 8th Corps Hq. at Marbury Hall, just north of Northwich. Visited various offices and got some information. Our alert is for supply priority only. We will be in build up. Saw Capt. Houser at Corps -he was in AOC 13. Very poor lunch at Northwich, then back to camp. Col. left immediately for Group at Stourbridge for dinner. I took retreat formation.

Wednesday, April 26th: Doddington. Mostly clear -warmer. I worked all day on SOSTC Forms 8, 8a, 9 and 10. Gen. McMahan paid us visit in afternoon but I didn't see him. Got haircut from "B" Btry. barber. Skipped retreat and school to go see Chestnut. He is much better -eating now and out in the ward. Many bombers going over today.

Thursday, April 27th: London. Clear. To Crewe and got Govt. transportation, took train at 10:12, arrived London

1:30 -Maj. Roth along. Went to SOSTC office with reports, then to Billeting office and got rooms at Princess Court Hotel. Took our stuff there, walked by to Piccadilly Circus and Jules Officers Club. Then to Ord. Office 38 Grosvenur Square. Supper at Consolidated mess -a fair meal, cafeteria style, for 2 and 6. Walked down to look at Buckingham Palace, Parliament Houses, Westminster Abbey and the Thames River. Heard Big Ben strike. Spent two hours finding way back to hotel in blackout -not much of a hotel. Bed about 11:30 -tired from much walking.

Friday; April 28th: London to Doddington. Clear. Up at 8:30. Took bus to Piccadilly -breakfast at Jules. Saw Chad Dunham there -he is Major, 313 Ord. Bn., APO 403 (Charles C.). Barely caught 1155 train at Euston station -back in Crewe 3:20, camp about 4:30. Stood retreat, worked on doing reports over again tonight. We got in 6 guns and prime movers today. 6 ton White trucks -no winches -use limbers.

Saturday, April 29th: Doddington. Clear -cool. Up at 0600 for reveille. Worked today on forms, reports, court martials. Inspected area this morning. Col. Kreuger, Gp. C.O., and Lt. Col. Schmucker paid us short visit after noon. Corps medic inspected mess hall this morning. Bn., except officers, had afternoon off. Late in day rode to Nantwich with Col. Holliday -sprained his knee in softball game. Paper today reports death Secretary Navy Knox.

Sunday, April 30th: Doddington. Up at 0700. Left at 0845 with Lance on bicycles. Stopped at Whitchurch for church, then on to hospital to see Chestnut who is much better. On way back we ate our lunch of sandwiches and reached camp about 6:40 p.m. Time riding on way down 2-1/2 hours. Total trip 55 miles.

Monday, May 1st: Doddington. Partly cloudy -cool. About all I got done today was to try five summary court cases. Sent SOSTC forms to London by McKinzie. Sent some things to Chestnut. Retreat and officers' school tonight -radio procedure. Not sore or still from yesterday's ride.

Tuesday, May 2nd: Doddington. Clear to cloudy. Nothing special today. Worked on Council books. Cold. Most of staff leaving on Recon. in morning. Raining a bit at retreat tonight.

Wednesday, May 3rd: Doddington. Clear -cold. Recon. party off for range in Wales at 0500 this morning. Huson went to Corps. Quiet here. Maj. Downing from 12 OBSN Bn. had our school tonight.

Thursday, May 4th: Doddington. Cloudy to clear -rain. Still cold and showers during middle of day. Cleared up for retreat. The Recon. party got back tonight. We move out on Group shoot and Corps problem Monday taking such vehicles as we have. I am to stay here until we get more trucks, then take remainder of Bn.

Friday, May 5th: Doddington. Rain -cold. This morning worked on Funds, read distribution. At 1230 went to Wem with BC's for pay rolls. Officers pay not ready. Back tomorrow. Officers’ school tonight. Dance for men tonight -imported women -had ice cream.

Saturday, May 6th: Doddington. Clear -cold. Left at 1030 with Woodling, Huson, McKinzie. Deposited Unit Funds in Barclay Bank, Ltd, at Nantwich. On to Whitchurch where we got lunch of beans on toast and turfs, then to Wem. I drew officer’s pay. Stopped to give Chestnut his check -saw remains Mosquitoe Bomber crash last night in 16th Gen. Hospital grounds. Paid officers on return at 5 p.m. -officers meeting after mess on move to maneuvers. This is about 21st day our big Air Blitz. Much talk of invasion. My pay for April after $375.00 allotment out was $73.65 or 18-5-1, included extra $20 for Foreign Service. $18.75 for maneuver mess deducted and $8.00 for insurance.

Sunday, May 7th: Doddington. Clear -warmer. Up at 0800. Great confusion all day on Bn. move tomorrow constant changing of plans. Meeting officers tonight 8:30. We will use 559th limbers and 10 trucks. There will be about 130 men left for me to take down when we get more trucks. Scherz and Harris back from school today.

Monday, May 8th: Doddington. Clear -moderate. Up at 5:15. Advance detail and 9 trucks route markers left motor park at 0630 -remainder Bn., less stalled vehicles pulled out at 0755, 25 minutes late. 559th PM's, 3 of them, needed work before they could leave. Scherz is here with me -also Lantz who leaves for school near Bristol tomorrow. Mr. Burke remains to look after supply. Stegner came in after taking limbers to South England

-brought "B" Btry. PM back. He also will go to school. Malloy, "B" Btry. AWOL, brought in dead truck this afternoon. First experience on censoring mail today. Worked on that tonight and bed early.

Tuesday, May 9th: Doddington. Mostly clear -warm. Fairly comfortable day after 10 a.m. Lance and Stegner left for schools -fifteen minutes later letters came from Gp. saying Lance due at school Sunday and Stegner should have taken truck. Men had camouflage demo all day. I censored more mail -borrowed stamp from 559th. Prepared monthly report and letter on Funds. Got haircut at noon. Short bicycle ride after supper. Wrote letters.

Wednesday, May 10th: Doddington. Cloudy -cold. This morning Mr. Burke left with drivers to pick up trucks and trailers -due back by Friday. I went to 83rd Hospital taking Chestnut's papers and equipment. 9 of our trucks came up from Wales to move 559th tomorrow. Lt. Lord and Sgt. Lustman flew up for S-3 supplies. They went back about 1800 -sent mail and some distribution. Went to bed early tonight. Russians have taken Sebastopol.

Thursday, May 11th: Doddington. Clear -warm. 559th got away this morning -last leaving about 0840. We sent along one gun section from "B" Btry. in their PM Stegner brought back. Sent some distribution down by medics who stopped in. Huson called -Col. said stay here until word from him. Lt. Andrews stopped for the night -Mr. Burke came in at 7:30 with ten 3/4 tons, 2-1/2 tons and some trailers, he brought one command car, sent six and 1/4 ton trailers. Bn. on maneuvers.

Friday, May 12th: Doddington. Fog in a.m., clear -warm p.m. Sent Chestnut his mail by Andrews who left after breakfast. Truck came up this afternoon from Bn. bringing rations -we are to send 2-1/2 tons back tomorrow. Hoben Rogers called to meet him Sunday 1330 at Crewe.

Saturday, May 13th: Doddington. Clear -warm. Today Andrews flew Walter Rogers up to get ready for school. We had inspection quarters and barracks. Let men off for afternoon. Went to Newcastle with Scherz about 3:30 -saw a good movie, had supper at Castle Hotel -good roast beef. MP's took all our convoy trucks in for lack of guard -had some trouble finding Hq. and getting them out. Home about 10:00. Papers report shifting British 8th Army and start of new attack in Italy.

Sunday, May 14th: Doddington. Mostly cloudy -cold. Cleaned up my quarters, washed clothes and shined shoes. Did regular stint of censoring mail. Lt. Walter Rogers left early for school (oblique photos) South England. Hoben Rogers in from his London school at 1400 -met him at Crewe. Stegner back from water proofing school. Heard today Andrews cracked up his plane -broke his nose and cut his face -Lord, riding with him, had teeth knocked out.

Monday, May 15th: Doddington. Cloudy -cold. Nothing special today. Miserable cold weather. Stegner helped me with mail. Men worked at painting guns. Scherz to town and brought officers' cleaning. Tonight Rogers, Burke and Stegner to town with convoy. Went to camp movie with Scherz -called out to talk to Huson on phone -he says they may remain in field until 24th or later. Mr. Alexander came up tonight with pay rolls.

Tuesday, May 16th. Doddington. Cold -rain. Stegner left about 8:30 for Plymouth to draw water proofing kits and make other stops on way -took pants and mail to Chestnut, who is now at 77th Station Hospital to convalesce -near Bristol. Mr. Alexander staying over until his command car is repaired. Paper reports allied attack in Italy making good progress. No passes for men tonight -we heard all Third Army units restricted for 24 hours -so staying in.

Wednesday, May 17th: Doddington. Rain -cold. Another bad day -rain, cold, gloomy. Paper says most of fruit crop is killed indicating weather is unusual. News from Italian front reports further gains. Mr. Alexander returned

to field after breakfast and ration truck, which came up last night, went down about 1400. Col. Roberts came thru the area this afternoon just looking around. Now seems probable Bn. will not return until next Wednesday. Air traffic over our camp not so heavy in the last few days. Capt. Huson called tonight -balance Bn. to go to field Friday.

Thursday, May 18th: Doddington. Warmer -foggy in a.m. Prepared today to move out from RTO, listed men to remain etc. Usual censoring of mail. Played few games ping-pong after supper. Italian front news continues good. Huson and Lampe came in about 8 p.m. but brought nothing but a jeep -disorganizing our plans for transportation tomorrow.

Friday, May 19th: Doddington to Wales. Clear -moderate. Up at 5:30 -left Doddington at 0815 with command car, 8 3/4 tons and 94 men and 3 officers plus Huson as guide who was very poor. Lost 5 vehicles and delayed hour and half. Into bivouac 2 miles south Llandovery about 6 p.m. -pitched tent in meadow on bank of clear little stream. Heard tonight Cassino fell to allies this morning.

Saturday, May 20th: Wales. Partly clear -moderate. Today the Bn. had a rest -officers to various meetings. I went to range with Turner to look over position areas. Man from "C" Btry. sleeping behind truck was run over sent to hospital. Tried one summary court case. Cloudy and cold tonight. Most Bn. will return to Doddington on 24th -other 6 guns will be brought back and all calibrated on Jenny Bridge range.

Sunday, May 21st: Wales. This entry made high up on the mountains of Jenny Bridge Artillery range -in pup tent by flashlight. Stayed in Llandovery Camp until after mess tonight -Col. and digging details came up during day -I came about 7:30 -most of installations -FDC, wire, etc. completed tonight and gun positions partly dug in. Rest of Hq. Btry. leaves for here at 2400. This is rugged country -elevation about 1300 feet -rolling hills, boggy ground, not a tree or bush, but quite a few sheep. Very cold and windy tonight, quite different from down in the valley, but I'm fairly comfortable in my tent.

Monday, May 22nd: Wales. Partly cloudy -cold. Up at 0700 -good breakfast. Went to Group for information on Bn. movement tonight. Left mountain about 1030 and returned to camp near Llandovery. Ate dinner and supper with "C" Btry. Bn. moved out tonight at 2300 -closed in new positions about 0115 -light rain on the march very dark and used blackout driving beams. Sgt. Karby came back this evening -went AWOL to London.

Tuesday, May 23rd: Wales. Clear, fairly warm in middle of day. Bn. fired a high burst adjustment about 0530, preparation and some concentrations during morning -ammunition all exhausted by 1130. Saw Sevenade method of concentrating fires employed -seems very effective. This afternoon, after all plans made to send half Bn. back tomorrow, we learn we will remain here another week for service practice. Sending prime movers back for other six guns tomorrow. Went to Gp. for dope on march -got lecture on convoy operation.

Wednesday, May 24th: Wales. Partly cloudy -windy. Trucks left for Doddington at 0545 -Capt. Hart in charge convoy. BC meeting at 0800. At 1300 McKinzie and I left and drove to G 22 Depot at Hereford -biggest supply dump I've seen -tried to buy clothing, none available. Hereford is large place -most modern I have seen aside from London. Back to camp about 1830. Most officers went to Llandovery tonight. I stayed in charge of camp. Wind blowing a gale tonight.

Thursday, May 25th: Wales. Rain -wind. Began to rain at 0600 -steady all day with wind and heavy fog. Busy today getting new gun positions dug, fire direction ready, etc. Went out afternoon with Col. -to gun positions. Got wet. No place to dry out. After supper went to OP farther up the mountain some 5 miles. Holliday, Turner and I to man it with two wiremen. Using a range shack, open on one side, but fair protection from wind and rain. No visibility tonight. I am sleeping on trailer tarp hung like a hammock, with 2 blankets for cover. We got some eggs from nearby farm.

Friday, May 26th: Wales. Rain -fog -wind. British range officer got us up this a.m. Cooked our own breakfast over a wood fire in can -made good coffee in gallon tin. No firing this morning -getting other guns in position, waiting for weather to clear. Fired some this afternoon but results not good -gave it up about 2000 hrs. and went to bed -still raining.

Saturday, May 27th: Wales. Foggy to clear. Cleared considerably this morning. We began firing about 0900. Col. H. at OP -upsetting everything and taking complete charge, but he left about 1100. Group fired some problems. Col. Kreuger paid a visit. All ammunition expended by 1745 -had some good practice with time fire. On way back to camp the three of us stopped for much needed shave and shower at British camp -Jenny Bridge. Sun shining and warm this evening. We calibrate tomorrow, go to Doddington Monday. We miss news but hear Italian campaign continues good.

Sunday, May 28th: Wales. Clear -hot. This morning 559th calibrated guns just across road from bivouac area, then we moved in. Much trouble with trucks sticking in boggy ground. I borrowed an M-4 tractor from an AA Gp. just moved in -it pulled 559 out and us into position. We finished about 1500 -had one muzzle burst about 20 yards in front gun -nobody hurt. BC call at 1600 to go over march tomorrow -I am convoy commander -our Bn. drove down to main road to check time to IP -church.

Monday, May 29th: Wales to Doddington. Hot -thunder showers. Up at 0500. Breakfast at 0530. Moved out in good order, passed IP at 0730, 559th following 561st. 559th marked route. We have bunch new prime movers, carne in Sat. night, some not so good. Some 7-1/2 ton Macks. Not too much trouble. Only one vehicle failed to make it in. We closed in Doddington Park about 1815. Hard, short rain just at mess time. Good shower, bed 2300. Capt. Shennan and Col. had a falling out -Col. tried to get him transferred -no success.

Tuesday, May 30th: Doddington. Clear except rain at night. Bright, warm day -cloudy and rain tonight. Odd jobs -getting court and guard set up, working on books, etc. To Nantwich with Col. at 1330 -I went to bank to get voucher signed. Lt. King back from hospital today. Allied armies continue to advance in Italy -fall of Rome predicted soon.

Wednesday, May 31st: Doddington -trip to Liverpool. Rain -moderate. Left camp at 0800 for Liverpool -took Lampe along -went to buy clothing for officers but found place closed for inventory. Got one jacket. Stopped at Chester on return looking for tin plates and cups -none to be had. Went on to Wem for officer’s pay, back in camp 5 p.m. Saw movie on waterproofing tonight. Bed 10:30. Rained until 10 a.m. and again tonight. Walked around in Liverpool, saw extensive damage from bombings.

Thursday, June 1st: Doddington. Rain -cold. Dreary day -rain at intervals and cold. I did mostly office work. Col. Wilson here from 3rd Army to inspect mess -same one who visited us at Robinson -gave us an excellent report. We had bomb Recon. school tonight -Lantz instructor.

Friday, June 2nd: Doddington. Cloudy -cold. Another dreary day -worked inside, tried one summary AWOL case -Hasten -"C" Btry. Went to motor park where drivers and cannoneers doing waterproofing. Retreat at

5:30. Special court in session tonight.

Saturday, June 3rd: Doddington. Cloudy -rain. Nothing special today. Blessing and Lampe left for London at

6:15 on 24-hour pass. Turner, Donze, Lantz, Runden, Andrews, Ravey, Regnier and Scherz all went little after noon. Guns switched today in accordance with calibration. Col. and I inspected after they were cleaned, at 1600. Stayed in tonight. News reports good advance towards Rome.

Sunday, June 4th: Doddington. Rain all day. Today was fit for nothing -I read, cleaned a little, wrote a will for

W. Rogers and tried two summary AWOL's from "B". Officers on pass to London late, returned 9 p.m. Col. went to supper.

Monday, June 5th: Doddington. Showers all day. Today papers have account of allied occupation of Rome yesterday -also of mistake when report was sent American Invasion had started. I did paper work until noon. Went to Wem at 1230 to return vouchers and got balance of officer’s pay. PX board meeting from 1600-1640, retreat called off account rain, officer’s school on waterproofing in motor park tonight.

Tuesday June 6th: Doddington. This is "D" DAY -during night we heard heavy air traffic and got order for radio silence at 0200. Radio report about 0830 repeated German statement and at 0930 Eisenhower confirmed beginning by Communiqué #1. At 1100 landings were reported to have begun at 0800 along French coast from Le Havre to Cherbourg. Paratroops used. Reports this evening -11,000 planes, 4,000 ships and more landing craft took part. They say progress is satisfactory -no German air opposition to amount to anything. King spoke at 9 p.m. Col. N. went to Gp. early this a.m. -returned about 8:30 p.m. -we will go to field Saturday -won't have much time after 5 days there. I went to Wem afternoon to return pay vouchers. Cold, rainy day -"D" DAY would have been yesterday but for weather.

Wednesday, June 7th: Doddington. Cloudy -moderate. To Group at Stourbridge today with Huson and Holliday for information meeting. Left there about 2 p.m. nothing much gained. To Birmingham hoping to find Chestnut but returned without success. Camp at 5:05. Officers school tonight, then movie. We get very little definite news on invasion. It goes according to plan. Enemy reserves coming up, resistance stiffens. Many paratroops being landed. Front seems to be from Cherbourg to Le Havre. Landing was earlier than expected and losses lighter. I have fairly good information now on our prospects.

Thursday, June 8th: Doddington. Cloudy -showers. This morning I tried four summary cases -3 for "B", 1 for "C" -heard part of a lecture on intelligence by Corps or Army personnel. At 1215 left looking for Chestnut. Stopped at 10th Replacement Depot, Litchfield, then on to 77th Station Hospital at Bromsgrove 13 miles south of Birmingham. Chestnut gets out tomorrow, but we must requisition. Stayed for supper, back at camp 10 p.m. Invasion news scarce -nothing serious yet reported.

Friday, June 9th: Doddington. Rain. Worked on court martial records this a.m. Put call thru to Maj. Redick at Field Force Replacement System, Cheltenham, then prepared requisition for Chestnut. Left Doddington at 1145, drove to Cheltenham in 4 hours by way Market Drayton, Newport, Worcester, etc. Rained most of way. Saw Redick, made all arrangements for Chestnut's departure -stopped at hospital on way back to leave note for him. Back in camp at 9:30. Packed for field tomorrow. Bath and bed at 11:30.

Saturday, June 10th: Doddington to Wales. Rain and cold. Up at 4:30. Pulled out motor park at 0730. I tailed Bn. to bivouac area where we closed about 5:30. No trouble on march. Camping on hill overlooking beautiful valley. Clear at night. Tried four summary court cases after supper. Dug slit trench personally.

Sunday, June 11th: Wales. Windy day, cold and drizzling rain. Survey and digging details out today -rest of Bn. waited. I made recon. for routes out. Bn. moved at 7:45 -took until 10 p.m. to get into position area. Bed about midnight. Chestnut is back at Doddington now.

Monday, June 12th: Wales. Cloudy -cold -windy. Some rain today -very windy. I spent day at OP -we fired 270 rounds. Col. Kreuger and Gen. McMahon came to OP late evening -Gp. officer made a mess of a Sevenade. I fired adjustment, which was not bad, but Blessing let a 1000 yd. error get by to other Bns. Back to CP about 10 p.m.

Tuesday, June 13th: Wales. Rain -cold -windy. I woke to find it raining again this morning -hard wind, heavy fog. Got wet on way up hill to mess. Spent day at OP. Gp. would not let us fire until mid afternoon. Col. K. came again about 4:30 and got us all balled up -shooting was poor. Back to CP at 8:30. OP's moving back tonight. Fired only about 125 rounds today.

Wednesday, June 14th: Wales. Rain -wind -cold. Stayed around FDC today -it needs some cleaning up -too much confusion. Starting at 1800 Bn. moved to new positions across road. I stayed on hill top until last Btry. moved. Wind, wind, wind -all day and night with rain and cold.

Thursday, June 15th: Wales. Cloudy -rain -cold. Up at 6:30 and around to look over batteries. Firing started at 0800 -all ammunition expended by noon. BC meeting 3 p.m. -I am convoy commander again on march back. Had a bath and shave at Jenny Bridge camp. Crawled into tent after mess to avoid rain -but no escape from cold. No words can express my feeling for this weather.

Friday, June 16th: Wales to Doddington. Cloudy -cold. Rain nearly all last night. Up at 0500. Due to start for IP at 0715 but only a few vehicles and Hq. Btry. could get out of mud -they moved on time, lead by Lampe, rest of Bn. cleared out by 1030 following 559th. All at Doddington by 7 p.m. Found Chestnut had spent pleasant week in camp. BC meeting after mess -we have our warning orders. Shaved my moustache.

Saturday, June 17th: Doddington. Sunshine -warm. Cleaning guns and trucks today. I hunted for definite information on marking. Washed clothes, dried out blankets and equipment. Inspected in motor park at 1500. Col. Kreuger and staff here for few days training of FDC people. Lampe to Liverpool to see about officer’s locker storage.

Sunday, June 18th: Doddington. Partly cloudy. Marked vehicles today with color stripes -Woodling in charge. Packed and marked foot lockers (officers) for storage, and EM's personal effects in boxes. American troops have completed cutting Cherbourg Peninsula. B-29 bombers have attacked Jap Islands. In Italy still good progress.

Monday, June 19th: Doddington. Foggy to clear. Still packing, marking, painting, etc. Tie up in our basic load ammunition -Huson went to Army for checkup. We are about ready now. Holliday sick. I sent F32 home by Finance check today -surplus money. Got a haircut.

Tuesday, June 20th: Doddington. Clear -warm. Went to town this a.m. to draw Bn. money from bank, and to Duncan Hall, near Stone, at 1300 to buy money orders. When I got back at 1500, movement orders were in -Bn. was pitching tents and loading. We leave tomorrow morning 0730. Quite a few AWOL's. One "A" Btry. man crushed a foot when hoist broke and gun trail fell on him. Shower and shave, then bed about 2300.

Wednesday, June 21st: Doddington to Llypiat Park, Stroud. Cloudy -cold. Up at 0500. Chestnut tight -made a nasty mess last night. Bn. left motor park at 0730 -route to Whitchurch, then HF 217 thru Wellington, Worcester, Gloucester and on to Stroud -reached our camp 3 miles east of Stroud about 1815 -only a few minutes late. Very heavy traffic. Our camp at Llypiat Park high on hill, tents, outside mess -temporary. Last night Sgt. Krapp hit by jeep -hospital. On way down only two vehicles fell out -"C" jeep with clogged jet, "C" Mack with broken generator shaft. Trip 130 miles -559th preceded us by 30 minutes. We marked route. Bed 2300.

Thursday, June 22nd: Llypiat Park. Clear -moderate. Spent day getting settled. FDC and survey teams had Group supervised training. We sent for 155 ammo. Lt. Turner in from Doddington about 12:30. Nothing else special. Italy -our drive slowing down some. France -we are closing on Cherbourg mile or so to go -30,000 troops said to be trapped. Pacific -big naval engagement reported underway with Jap fleet. Walked over to mansion this morning next to our camp. Present owner is Judge Woodcock, now retired. He showed us around

buildings and greenhouse. Old chapel -14th century, and granary 13th century. Walked down to movie in Stroud after supper with Col. Bed 2300.

Friday, June 23rd: Llypiat Park. Cloudy -cold. Regular training today. I had summary trials for six "C" Btry. men. Lt. J. Wilson, our RTO, out for information today. New and revised Form 10's must be prepared. Bed 2330. Our mail is held up now due to change in location. Newspapers full of accounts of German flying bomb jet propelled, pilot less plane carrying 1000 to 2000 lb. bomb -range 150 miles. Naval battle in Pacific did not work out -Japs left. We claim few ships sunk, some damaged.

Saturday, June 24th: Llypiat Park. Clear -warm. Spent the day making up Form 10’s -Ambrose typed them with many errors. Americans have penetrated outer defenses at Cherbourg. Played volleyball after supper took a shower, washed clothes.

Sunday, June 25th: Llypiat Park -trip to London. Clear a.m. -rain late p.m. Up at 0530. Left Llypiat Park 0653 with Chestnut in command car -Canard driver. Route to London: Cirencester -Swindon -Reading. Arrived at SOS Hq. about noon, delivered papers. Dinner at Jules Club. Walked around -went thru Westminster Abbey over to St. Paul's and London Tower. Left city 1635 -ate at Reading, in camp at 2200. Saw evidence much recent bomb damage in London -flying bomb serious there. Tonight report Cherbourg has fallen 18,000 prisoners.

Monday, June 26th: Llypiat Park. Rain all day. Not much work was done today due to steady rain. Tonight came warning orders to be ready to move after midnight tomorrow. After mess, walked to town with Chestnut to see movie. Col. K. back from Army late tonight -we will waterproof and will take our planes in trucks. That's settled. Germans admit Cherbourg is lost to us but fighting continues. New Russian drive is opening.

Tuesday, June 27th: Llypiat Park. Rain -cold -wind. Rained at intervals until mid-afternoon. We got word from RTO to be ready to go by 0800 tomorrow. After mess tonight Col., Chestnut and I went to Judge Woodcock's to take cigarettes, juice, candy, etc. Were invited to come in for sherry and they gave us delicious strawberries from their garden. Fighting continues in Cherbourg -war news all good. Have no idea where we are headed.

Wednesday, June 28th: Llypiat Park to South Hampton. Rain all day. Up at 0500. As usual when we move -it is raining. Bn. moved out of Llypiat Park at 0800, went thru Cirencester to Newbury, then south to South Hampton, which tail of column reached about 1730. At a marshalling camp we parked along road in rain, moved men to tents and went to camp Hq. to get instructions on embarking, paying men, drawing supplies, etc. In middle of meeting came words for Hq., service and medics to move at once. All plans stopped, we drew seasick pills, vomit bags, K rations, etc. and moved out about 2200, leaving firing batteries with Shennan. At midnight we are lined up waiting to load onto an LST. I got 900 Francs for L4-10 today -printed in America.

Thursday, June 29th: Aboard LST. Anchored 2230 off France. Showers. At 0430 this morning we were all aboard and moving -the LST is a comfortable ship in smooth weather. I shaved, showered and crawled into a fine upper berth. Up about 0930. Meals are fine -coffee on tap always. Smooth, uneventful voyage for our convoy except 3 ships (Liberty) struck mines in late afternoon -one sank, others doubtful. We pulled in off Utah Beach about 2230 -will wait until morning to unload. Great many ships standing off waiting. Recent storm put many ships up on beach.

Friday, June 30th: Utah Beach to St. Sauveur. Clear. Up at 0630. Our LST pulled in close, anchored, and we waited until 1100 for tide to run out. We were all unloaded by 1145 -moved up from beach to a field few miles inland near place Le Mesnil to de-waterproof. Stayed there until 1900, then moved up thru Sainte-Mere-Eglise and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to our position area. I brought up rear. We have Hq. and Sv. Btry. in an orchard

about 2 miles from front line. Much German ammunition in woods near us. Towns on the way thoroughly wrecked. Tonight we hear artillery and small arms fire to south of us.

Saturday, July 1st: Rain. It is warmer here than in England. Today we located our FDC and CP. Col. made recon. for gun positions, I went up to OP, and looked out over lines. Afternoon I went back to beach -found only parts of batteries are in -they are moving up tonight. Crossed bridge which was receiving occasional German shelling. Staying up tonight -standing on road in rain with Col. from 2200 on.

Sunday, July 2nd: Rain. It rained all night. I got to bed about 0400 this morning -slept until 0930. All guns were in by 0600 when Lampe brought up the last ones. Baker registered one gun from alternate position at 1730 excellent job. OP is tower on bare hill much like Black House at Sill. I watched registration from OP -also saw air attack on Hill 131. Considerable shelling close our area this p.m. Also much rifle firing and rumors of snipers. Made rounds of batteries, walked thru a Chateau -former German Hq. We are on K rations now -get 1-in-1 tomorrow. Shaved tonight. General attack begins tomorrow morning 0530. Have dug my slit trench to good depth. Bed 11:30.

Monday, July 3rd: Rain. At 0515 artillery preparation began, was heavy and continuous for 15 minutes -fire intermittent during day. Out Bn. expended about 500 rounds -Sevenade at 1630. During day Hill 131 taken, but tonight some resistance still reported there. Inf. Divs. making attack are 90th on left, 82 Air Borne Center, 79th on right. We get good reports as to accuracy our fire. Runden and Hoben Rogers out as FO's. Ravey and W. Rogers on OP's L and R. Very little to be seen from OP's -I walked up about noon. Lord got a 20mm and a 30 cal. thru wings today -one "A" Btry. man to hospital -probably a hysteria case. Rained from 0500 to 1030. No fire on us yet. No mail yet.

Tuesday, July 4th: Mostly clear. Some sunshine today -no rain up until 2015. We fired considerable early this morning and late this evening. The attack is moving ahead, if a little slowly -Hills 131, 121, and 95 in our hands. Hoben Rogers FO on 131, Lantz on 121. Germans are leaving everything thoroughly mined. 79th Div. Arty. moving up to positions west Hill 121, we expect to go up shortly. Shelling of St. Sauveur de Comte seems to have stopped. Front lines should now be nearly up to La Haye Du Puits. Had two summary courts tonight -Lynn and Hasten from "C" Btry. Shirley and Goddard, from OAC 13 are at Corps FDC. Talked to Shirley on phone. Got 300 rounds ammo.

Wednesday, July 5th: Cloudy -no rain. Hoben Rogers back in this morning -was shelled out on 131. We have our new position area just south of Hill 121 -doing pioneer and survey there tonight, probably moved up tomorrow morning. 559th moved after noon -they have some casualties from snipers. Doing lots of firing tonight on what is rumored a counter-attack. I went up with Col. to new area after supper. Frenchman took us close up to front lines where we found wounded infantry GI and brought him back -were not quite certain what we were getting into. Saw my first dead German in a hedge. Still on 10-in-l rations, but we had half a slice of white bread for supper. Got 300 rounds ammo.

Thursday, July 6th: Clear -rain at night. Not much firing after noon. Col. up at new position area most of day. Afternoon Group directed us to take all forward details out of new positions and make recon for others. I went forward to tell Col. -phone line being out -got lost and went clear to beach on west coast. Car went in ditch giving me bad bang on the knee. Final decision is to occupy original new positions just south Hill 121. I am behind to bring up Bn. March order all mixed up but we finally moved out at 2315. "A" Arty. guns took wrong road -one "C" Mack broke down near Saint Sauveur. Raining tonight. Heavy fighting -we are bypassing La Haye Du Puits. 600 rounds. HE in today.

Friday, July 7th: Showers. 0600 before Bn. closed in new area -many trucks went in ditch -narrow roads caused traffic block. We fired beginning at noon -but not so much. Are quite close to front lines -forward of light

Arty. but no small arms fire is reaching us. 300 rounds. HE received today. Line of positions from west to east runs Hq. -"C" -"B" -"A". Direction fire compass 3100. No casualties yet. Men are picking up many souvenirs rifles, light MG's, etc. About 60 dead Germans in field our rear near station at Saint-Sauveur-du-Pont. New attack on our part expected shortly. La Haye Du Puits will be bombed out unless vacated. Tired after all night with no sleep. No mail.

Saturday, July 8th: Showers -moderate. Front lines still not straight across La Haye Du Puits bulge but most resistance has ceased. We fired good deal during night -very little afternoon and evening. Still waiting to put OP on Hill 84. 8th Div. has moved in center sector -CP set up just back our gun positions -they act like maneuvers -no combat before. To date we've fired 2550 rounds -how long will tubes last? Saw first US bombers, B26's, going over today. Went up to see French family -found we were only 200 -300 yards from German pocket -same family where we found wounded GI -they gave us fresh milk. Today we had C rations -I don't like. Got a ration of cigarettes, soap, and matches. Took a bath tonight -stood on board, used my canvas bucket.

Sunday, July 9th: Rain most of day -cool. Last night just after I turned in, we had our first air raid -two German planes came over low, dropped two bombs and did a little strafing. No damage to us -we hear some casualties in 105 outfit near us. I hit my slit trench in underwear only. Not much firing for us today. Tonight I went into La Haye Du Puits. Fighting continues there despite S-2 reports it is ours -shelling within half a block of where I stood -also snipers. Not many dead around. Sgt. Pickens got chickens from Frenchmen, which we had for supper ... celebrating our first anniversary. Some 88's coming over pretty close as I write this.

Monday, July 10th: Rain most of the day. At 0830 drove with Lampe over east of La Haye Du Puits where 8th Div. was attacking -close in to lines. Made rounds of Btrys. afternoon. We were not shelled today but had an early morning visit from German plane -one bomb, not close. Some of our guards were "trigger happy" last night. We got B rations today -very good. Our men continue to load up with weapons. They are now picking up Garand M-1's at aid stations. Rain was intermittent all day -chilly.

Tuesday, July 11th: Cloudy -cool -no rain. A fairly quiet day. Went forward with Col. and BC's on recon. this morning -back afternoon to take the AA to our new position. Tonight after mess went over to Jack, an engineer Gp., and arranged for bulldozer in morning to finish our gun pits. We had crews digging this afternoon. Survey crew worked in a.m. -considerable shelling there all day. Position is about a mile SW of La Haye Du Puits. By night most of American dead were moved out -still some Germans. Gp. called today about efficiency reports and officer shortage. About 8 p.m. many P47's came over on bombing mission. I got too close to mortar fire today to feel comfortable. La Haye is thoroughly shot up. We will probably move up tomorrow night.

Wednesday, July 12th: To La Haye Du Puits. Clear -warm. About 2330 last night we had our regular air raid one plane came in low and was shot down by AA fire -fell on west end Hill 121 about 1500 yards our rear. Saw it this morning -entirely demolished, pilot's body still smoldering. General McMahon inspected us today -chief criticism was fire direction. At 1430 we got march order -last vehicle closed new positions 3/4 mile SW La Haye Du Puits at 1910 -infiltration. Laid on compass 2900. Much air activity today. German planes only come over at night -their motor sound very distinctive. Sent duplicate efficiency reports to Gp. by messenger.

Thursday, July 13th: La Haye Du Puits. Slow rain. Pancakes for breakfast. Up to OP at 0830 to register for day -difficult sensing during fog. Evidence heavy fighting there on hill about mile south us -many bodies German and US, saw three medium tanks knocked out and one German Mark IV. Ours had been cleanly penetrated in thick turret armor. We fire counter battery this afternoon. Batteries inspected this morning after return from OP men quite sloppy and dirty -Col. put on his severe face and tried to be hard. Light misty rain most of morning and late evening. Front lines out some 3000 yards our position -light artillery still behind us. All roads and

corners are mined but seem to be none in fields. This fighting is all hedge row tactics. Germans seem short of artillery but are shelling La Haye tonight. Much equipment and ammo lying around.

Friday, July 14th: La Haye Du Puits. Partly cloudy -no rain. Up to OP after breakfast, then investigated trouble in Baker Btry. and went to Corps rear echelon this afternoon. Have permission to transfer Esposito to 90th Div. where he will get chance in the hedges with infantry -got back about 1740 -Corps rear is at Barneville on the ocean -in big summer hotel. We did considerable firing last night and have TD outfit just over the hedge doing indirect fire in a very elemental way. Lampe and Chestnut quarreling some -Lampe is getting a shade too big for his "britches". We ought to move again about tomorrow night. Front lines not far from Lessay. I got pair paratrooper shoes today -traded M-1 rifle.

Saturday, July 15th: La Haye Du Puits. Clear -ordinary day -little rain. At noon we got word there would be a "lull" until Tuesday morning, meantime forces would be regrouped for attack. Tonight took Holliday and Turner and drove to Saint-Germain-sur-Ay -about 2-1/2 miles from Lessay and near coast. Entire town deserted. Stopped at OP on return -Lance more or less confused tonight.

Sunday, July 16th: La Haye Du Puits. Cloudy a.m., sunshine p.m. Registration this morning, very little firing afterwards. Last night Jerry got overs and shorts on our position and we had air alert -not much sleep. Skipped breakfast this morning. At noon went with Lampe and Col. on recon. new positions over in 90th Div. area east and south La Haye Du Puits. On return, German battery missed our jeep by less than 100 yards at crossroad. Took a bath and washed some clothes this evening -for latter went to farm house and used pump and wash kettle to boil clothes. Mr. Burke got his promotion to chief -Mr. Alexander's didn't go through because no vacancies. Got cigarette ration today.

Monday, July 17th: La Haye Du Puits. Early fog -sunshine. Heavy fog cleared early and we had a fine warm day BC's and pioneer parties went to new position early this morning. We sent for movement order late this evening but Corps decided at last minute we would remain in present location for attack. I was all packed and ready to go. Went to OP after mess tonight. We got four dummy guns today -pneumatic with device for setting off black powder for flash. Wire lines are a problem. Because of hedge rows they must be laid in ditch where many lines are laid together -they go out constantly. As we move up all ditches and hedges are lined with slit trenches and fox holes. Ordnance has now begun to collect abandoned ammo.

Wednesday, July 19th: La Haye Du Puits. Cloudy. Quiet day -only a little firing. Looks like we may stay here few more days. Col. to Group but no information. BC meeting at 1500 -all M-1's to be turned in. New order allows only 6 rounds ammo at gun position with 3 fused -slows things down. I worked on Berlingieri court martial -Harris is investigating officer. We hear by radio news tonight British have made a break through over on east end of line. Hq. Btry. has a worn out Renault car the MP's gave them -it requires much repair. Fire Direction has a good set up here in corners of orchard -well dug in one corner of field. Service Btry. has provided lights from battery, generator from destroyed tank, and a portable air compressor motor.

Thursday, July 20th: La Haye Du Puits. Clouds -rain. Today I finished the Berlingieri court martial papers. Had a Col. and two Lt. Cols. from 3rd Army visiting today. Fairly hard rain began about 1800 hours. Last night German

Arty. nearly got our range and there was much air activity on their part but no bombings. Our planes do considerable dive bombing when weather permits. We got two rounds of heavy stuff at 1300 -close in -one fragment dropped in "C" Btry. CP. Tonight radio reports Tojo’s cabinet has resigned. Leghorn has fallen in Italy. Russians go on with advance, and Hitler was slightly injured in dynamite attempt on his life. No firing for us except few rounds for sound and flash tonight. Maybe push starts soon.

Friday, July 21st: La Haye Du Puits. Rain all day. Rain held from early morning until night. Everything is mud. Sent papers forward on Berlingieri court martial. At 1404 Pvt. Malchiodi, "B" Btry, accidentally shot with carbine Pvt. Bales was cleaning. Lived until 1417. I spent afternoon taking statements, etc. This was first death in Bn. News today -attempt on Hitler's life was serious. Several members of military clique executed, changes in Govt., outside communication cut off. Our forces have landed on Guam. Russians continue on. This front practically stopped by bad weather. We fired some today -few missions last night. We now have maximum no fire line, as well as minimum, to protect forces coming from east. Last night they dropped shells all around us -heavy caliber, but no hits. I got very little sleep. Have orders to shoot down unmarked L4 and L5 planes that have been flying over our position.

Saturday, July 22nd: La Haye. Cloudy -cool. No rain today. Still no attack and still we sit here without moving. Each night they shoot a little more and come a little closer. Today I inspected firing batteries, then took 4 3rd Army officers from 989th FA on a tour. One of them, Maj. Drake, was in my class at Leavenworth. Not much news coming out of Germany but many guesses on what goes on. Headache tonight -first in a long time. Capt. Holliday has finally traded for a Tommy Gun and is happy. In Hq. Btry. we are getting a little slack on discipline men are loud and talk plenty tough. I doubt they will be so when the going gets tough. 10th day here. Took bicycle ride over to Bretteville-sur-Ay tonight -maybe 10 miles.

Sunday, July 23rd: La Haye. Cloudy to clear. Quiet day. Protestant and Catholic services in Bn. area. Very little firing but many planes passed over going south. Maybe we start moving tomorrow. This afternoon I played softball for a while, then got a bucket of cold water and had a bath and clean underwear and socks. Cloudy all day but now 2015, the sun is trying to come through. Our area got more than usual shelling last night beginning at midnight and lasting until about 0300. At 2355 tonight right after we fired some counter battery, we got a concentration of about 24 rounds covering all batteries. No direct hits, no casualties. I was at OP until after midnight.

Monday, July 24th: La Haye. Partly clear. I inspected batteries this morning. Men all digging in deeper after last night's shelling. At noon many bombers and fighters attacked on front to east of us -H hour was 1300 for troops. We stood by to fire on enemy flak if it interfered with our planes. Afternoon I washed some clothes and slept a little. BC meeting at 2000 tonight -we must turn in all acquired equipment not TO -I lost my bayonet. The men have names for everything -"Stovepipe Joe" shells us at night. "Herman the German" or "Smiling Jack" flies over to keep us awake at night. Nearly all artillery they call "88's".

Tuesday, July 25th: La Haye. Partly cloudy. Right after breakfast I went to Group and got information on our fires for air attack -H hour set for 1100 but nothing seemed to happen. From 1100 -1130 our OP counted 1142 planes over -heavy and medium bombers and fighters -they bombed down east of us, but within sight. Pretty quiet last night and today. Jerry put six rounds over near "A" Btry. just at supper time. I got haircut tonight, washed my hair and put on new suit one piece fatigues. Today we collected and turned in bayonets, etc. Cloudy and threatening rain at 2130. Still no mail. Ground sprinkled with tin foil strips bombers dropped to confuse German radar. They are using heavy guns on us tonight -no close hits.

Wednesday, July 26th: La Haye. Mostly clear. The attack in our sector does not progress much. Talked to an officer at our OP today who just returned from front lines and reported we were still this edge of Lessay. We have a new OP in church tower at Vesly -over east of our position and south of our other OP on hill 89. Did not

enjoy a visit there this p.m. as German artillery was getting a fairly close adjustment on it. Lantz is enthusiastic as observer but does only a mediocre job. Gen. Hines visited us today -he was Arty. CO XXI Corps at Polk. This morning sent through report on inspection and turn in of surplus and unauthorized small arms, etc. Saw a French woman about dealings with our men. End of two weeks this position.

Thursday, July 27th: La Haye. Cloudy -showers. Last night there was considerable artillery fire over us but nothing close. Dull day but we hear the VII Corps armored divisions have made a good break-through and are getting near Coutances -coming into rear of German lines on our front in a move from the east. Col. N. out this afternoon, says Lessay not open yet. Gen. McNair killed here in Normandy today.

Friday, July 28th: La Haye Du Puits. Cloudy. Very little firing last night -none today, advance has carried too far. By tonight 79th Div. on our immediate front is away south of Lessay and forces cutting over east are said to be in Coutances. I went on recon afternoon thru Lessay and over to Creances and south -turned back when we caught up with engineers at a blown bridge. Germans have done a thorough job of mining. Air Corps having a field day on troops and columns getting out of the trap. "A" Btry. alerted for special mission, detached, we don't know what for. We probably make long move tomorrow. Tonight for once we can undress to sleep.

Saturday, July 29th: Near La Haye to La Quieze. Rain from 0700 to 1000, showers during balance of day. Inspected batteries this a.m. -"A" Btry. pulled out after noon to work with 965th FA Bn. Col. out morning and afternoon on recon. -took BC's and pioneer parties last time and he stayed out. I got my things packed to move and went to Gp. about 1830 to get our march order. We are routed thru La Haye Du Puits then east on secondary roads to miss main Lessay road. Lampe back to mark route. We moved at 2300, Hq. -"C" -"B" -Sv. Some moonlight -used no blackouts except "C" Btry. Before start German planes dropped flares and bombs down east of us. Had good march, closed in area at La Quieze about 0145 only thirty minutes late. CP in farm buildings. I spread shelter half on hay in barn and lay down 0230. Russians only 20 miles from Warsaw.

Sunday, July 30th: La Quieze. Clear. Up for skimpy breakfast 0730. Then moved my bed roll into upstairs room of farmhouse. We are about 6.2 miles north Coutances. Batteries have trails down but we are not dug in. Afternoon went with Lampe to Coutances to have look at beautiful cathedral -only slightly damaged. 8th Div. and 4th Armored Div. on roads thru town. Front seems to be some 7 or 8 miles south Coutances -the other Armor reported still further down with possible two German divisions caught. We are to sea on west end. Brest peninsula reported only lightly held. British started attack today west St. Lo. Holliday by mistake got to front today. Col. out on recon. after supper. Regnier has word baby boy born 22nd of July.

Monday, July 31st: La Quieze to Herenguerville ... 15 miles. Clear -warm. The family occupying this house returned today -looked us all over and moved in on top of us. By noon Col. ready to go next area -left me as usual to get Bn. up. To Gp. at 1330, got march order at 1530. We moved at 1850 from La Quieze, bypassed Coutances, crossed Seine River on temporary bridge, and closed bivouac area vicinity Herenguerville at 2100. About 15 mile march. Dropped trails, did not dig in. In orchard as usual. Right at dark German planes started over -good moonlight. We returned heavy AA fire. They dropped flares, took pictures and bombed us with heavy and light bombs. In "B" area must have dropped some fragmentation bombs -looked like 60mm. Sgt. John Calvin killed. Pvt. Tumis seriously wounded in legs and chest. Five others had minor injuries. Air strip got heavies. 559th got big dud in CP area. Col. N. didn't even go to see wounded. Bed at 0300.

Tuesday, August 1st: Clear -warm. Today we are attached to 202 Group, 79th Div., and revert to 3rd Army. Understand we drive towards Brest peninsula. Col. left at 1100 for new area. Bn. moved at 1530, picked up "A" Btry. Route thru Brehal to Granville (west coast) then two miles south to bivouac area at St. Plancher, about 10 miles. Hq. kitchen truck threw a wheel and was delayed closing until 1800. In orchard again -may be here two days -can hear heavy AA fire as our planes pass over to south. This country much better than north

where we landed. People better looking and seem more glad to see us. We hear Gen. Rommel was killed. Russians firing into Warsaw. At home, Cartright was defeated for Congress.

Wednesday, August 2nd: Clear -warm. We did no AA firing last night and were not bothered -Germans were dropping them down the road and planes came over us very low coming out of dives. Until noon we cleaned up. I had a bath -then recon. went out and we got CSMO and march order for 1700. When all packed, order remanded and at this writing we due to leave at 0700 tomorrow, parties out at 0530. Drove down to Avranches tonight -much German equipment along road and our traffic forward is heavy. Lines are now way down near beginning Brest peninsula. We are having much trouble with drunks -Col. tries to frighten them by ordering them to put on leggins, or else he tells them how sorry he is at their attitude. Towards officers he continues his ugly and overbearing manner.

Thursday, August 3rd: Showers. Up 0430. Recon part out at 0530, Bn. moved at 0700 south thru Sartilly, Avranches to bivouac vicinity Pontaubault -about 15 miles. Closed about 1031 -traffic terrible -roads bombed last night. We collected 3 German prisoners. Col. N. violated every principle -left officer and men together, had a social visit to tryout his German, gave them smokes and hot dinner -sent them off in jeep. Recon parties forward after dinner. Bn. moved at 1915 to positions 3 miles NW Fougeres. "A" kitchen had motor trouble. Closed about 2145. Saw air dogfight near Pontaubault as I stood on corner watching Bn. go by -3 German planes shot down. Their air force is doing considerable bombing. Woodling had drunk corporal waiting when I got in. No front lines yet -everything fluid. March this afternoon was 21 miles -all were alert for air attack without urging.

Friday, August 4th: Clear. Learn this morning we probably revert from 99th Div. to Corps control. Nothing doing this morning. At noon message came to reconnoiter bivouac area back near St. James and later we got order to move. As usual, Col. N. departed early, leaving me the mess. We waited for 208th FA Bn. to replace us battery by battery. They have tractor drawn 155 guns. Last battery all out by 2045. "A" Btry. drove gun truck through a hedge bank, damaged truck, but moved on after sending four men to hospital with slight injuries. We camp tonight 1/2 mile west St. James. Luftwaffe is bombing at will tonight all around us in spite of heavy ack ack. We seem to use no night fighters at all. Will try to sleep on camouflage net in edge of ditch.

Saturday, August 5th: Clear -warm. New march order came in at 0430. Recon parties out at 0700, Bn. moved at 0845. 202 Gp. marked route. We went into bivouac just south Sougeal. From there I left about 1215 with Huson and Alexander and went to Montmartin-sur-Mer, few miles north Granville, to draw pay. Huson drew for men, I for officers. Money bad shape -much of it recovered from bodies. Also went to Corps rear, same town, but officers had all quit for weekend and I got no help on our discipline troubles. Stopped on shore, back to Bn. area at 1845 to find Bn. gone -we followed and finally caught them going into position mile west of Le Vieux Bourg. Hq. in nice, large chateau, former German Hq. Pretty well out on Brest peninsula. No sleep at all last night.

Sunday, August 6th: Clear & warm. Today I paid all but three officers and Huson worked on paying men. Also drew and distributed liquor ration -one 5th Scotch and pint gin per officer at cost $2.35. Visited two OP's tonight -up where St. Malo and ocean are visible. Tonight our tanks are in Brest and the peninsula is about out. At St. Malo still much resistance. We fired nearly 500 rounds this afternoon and until 2200 tonight -gun batteries, installations, etc. along shore. Last night I slept in basement of Chateau, where EVE set up, but have moved to attic for tonight. Super charge fire shakes the whole house and breaks windows. Sent Hoben Rogers out as FO with 83rd Div. As of last night we are back with 174 Gp.

Monday, August 7th: Clear -warm. Nothing special today. Continued to fire at good rate. Drinking among men becoming a serious problem. Col. N. seems to give it little thought. Promotions for Lantz, Hoben Rogers and Nielsen to 1st Lt. have come through -only Stegner remains as 2nd Lt. Got good lot of mail.

Tuesday, August 8th: Clear -warm. From 0600 yesterday to some hour this morning we fired 500 rounds concussion now shaking house & pen. After breakfast went back to Corps rear between Granville and Avranches, on sea, turned in June vouchers and drew officers July pay. Saw Col. Scully about Berlingieri permission to send to PW enclosure. Good luck. Back 1700. After mess rode up with Scherz, Woodling and Chestnut -got too close to St. Malo -in middle of light Arty. fire and right against small arms. Back without accident but one close burst. Radio reports repulsed counter attack which attempted to cut our lines at Avranches. Recon. forces push on into mainland -Brest and St. Malo still holding but peninsula is cut. We are working on sub bases at St. Mazaire and Loire. Russians ready to move into East Prussia -fighting around Warsaw. Japs weakening in New Guinea. Italy quiet.

Wednesday, August 9th: Clear -warm. Sent Berlingieri off this morning. Col. N. told him how sorry he was and wished him good luck. Col. N. is not only artificial and two-faced; I believe he is also somewhat of a hypocrite. Recon. parties out at 1015, Btrys. started moving by echelon at 1100 – "A" last out, did CSMO at 1430. Move this time only about 5 miles. CP is at La Moffe, 1-1/2 miles east of Chateauneuf and about 5 miles SE St. Malo. We are low on ammo and having trouble getting supply. Tonight I visited both OP’s to pay officers and went into St. Malo -fighting continues there. Picked up a German poncho -saw 25 prisoners taken. They have very heavy concrete emplacements in the city. Many German planes went over east after dark -could see bomb flashes. Our area on edge of swamps -mosquitoes swarming. Sleeping on ground tonight. Am filthy and in bad need of bath. On 10 in 7 rations now for days.

Thursday, August 10th: Clear -warm. Had to shift all our guns 400 ft. left to take in targets across estuary from St. Malo. Got ammo today -Lts. Andrews and Ravey in plane missing after 1220 today -bodies found in plane across estuary tonight -cause unknown, supposed either collision with another plane which also crashed, or our own shell fire. Both planes well within our lines. I had not paid either one. This afternoon I shaved, bathed and put on clean clothes. No mail today. Little change on any front. Fighting in St. Malo continues. Fixed time of death for officers at 1230. Col. and Lampe took bodies to collecting point.

Friday, August 11th: Clear -warm. Heavy fog cleared by 1000. This loss of Andrews and Ravey has been sobering. Little memorial service for them this morning. Fighting in St. Malo now limited to fortified citadel with works over 100 feet in the ground. Air bombardment on Dinard about 1500 -just across estuary from St. Malo, Chestnut and I went to OP to see it but could not stay. Tried several summary cases tonight. Tomorrow or next day we start and move to Brest for attack there. No mail today. Be glad to get away from these mosquitoes. The people in this country, farmers, are dirtiest I've ever seen.

Saturday, August 12th: Clear -warm. Rather quiet day. Our ammo allowance out to 4 rounds per gun per day except for Corps permission. Tried another summary -sent receipt and certificate service in Berlingieri case to Col. Scully. At 1100 went into St. Malo with Chestnut, Woodling and Huson. Walked down to waterfront where citadel islands visible at close range. While there, German officer came out citadel with flag -don't know what he was doing, but went to one of our CP's. They seem determined to hold on as long as possible. It is said commander of garrison lost his family in Berlin bombing and prefers to die fighting. Had a haircut today -Col. N. makes frequent trips looking for souvenirs -out twice today. No mail. Got my cigarette case back that I left at Corps.

Sunday, August 13th: Clear -warm. About a hundred bombers came by today with loads for the island and citadel at St. Malo, but they still hold out tonight. The Bn. is cursed with petty bickering and troubles, most of which seem to find their way to me today. Today, the doctor was mad, the admin. clerk out of line and we had the usual drunks. This is not a chronicle of the Col’s. doings, but I saw him deny an E.M. permission to send home a copy of Group monthly journal report because of censorable information, then include a copy in package

he was sending home. He continues to make his recon. trips mostly looking expeditions. We fired on Dinard and St. Malo today. Looking for closer gun positions. I took a walk with Regnier tonight.

Monday, August 14th: Clear -warm. Very little firing today. Col. went to Corps at 1230 and out on recon. At 1500 we got call to send out BC's and parties and few minutes later march order. I went to Group for route went back to old location not knowing they'd moved. We moved at 1725 – "A", "B", "C", Hq. and Sv. went south thru Chateauneuf and down river to cross on bridge at Dinan. Then north again to positions at Tremereuc about 5 miles south Dinard on the coast. Closed in new area about 1930. Were criticized by Col. Kreuger on march discipline. Positions not so good -batteries echeloned in depth. Saw wreckage Andrews plane near by. Our officers all fanatics on looking over country and collecting souvenirs, Col. worst of all. Big lot of mail in tonight. Bed 1030 – 2230.

Tuesday, August 15th: Showers in evening. Had to shift guns this morning in to cover citadel and island at St. Malo. We are closer here than on other side river. Fired on them today. At 1345 I was at OP on edge water about 500 yards from citadel and witnessed intensive bombing and artillery bombardment -all apparently with little effect. It is a wonderful fortification. Radio reports landings on a large scale this morning on south coast France between Nice and Marseilles. Eisenhower appeals for all out effort.

Wednesday, August 16th: Cloudy, slight showers. During morning I visited all batteries and tried two summary cases. Baker Btry. moved two guns into Dinard for direct laying on citadel and tonight Charley Btry. is moving one over to east side of estuary for same purpose. I spent afternoon in Dinard observing continuous fire on citadel -Germans on it came out and walked around between shells. Saw Bill McLeod and Davis from home, both captains in 333 FA Bn. -colored outfit. Tonight we are detached from 174 Gp., attached 333rd Gp. and 83rd Div. -went into Dinard again after dark. All this area is clear except citadel and one large island. Dinard a beautiful resort town -full of gambling casinos and pleasure spots for the wealthy. South France action going OK.

Thursday, August 17th: Clear -warm. Looks like we move after today. Go with 83rd Div. towards Paris instead of Brest. Up to Hoben Rogers' OP this morning and watched direct fire on citadel. What the occupants can stand is amazing. Back afternoon -P38's came over with fire bombs -citadel waved white flag but got two beautiful hits in main entrance. I saw only a few Germans come out. Wonderful sight. Rest of fire bombs were dumped on island. Since starting this page, we have word to move in the morning to Brest to help clean up there -about 120 mile march. Our direct laying guns did good work on the citadel. Radio says invasion on southern coast doing well -some 10 miles inland -meeting only light resistance. Got good batch of letters today.

Friday, August 18th: Clear -warm. Orders changed again last night -we do not move until tomorrow. Stayed in area all a.m. while Col. went looting. Afternoon went with Holliday, Blessing and Chestnut to St. Malo and went thru citadel -really a marvelous place with living quarters, supply tunnels, lights, water, complete communication, etc. There were 605 in the place, only about 25 casualties. Tonight I took a bath, shaved and got into clean clothes. Radio reports battle in Normandy is over -air force destroyed or damaged 1800 vehicles today. In south France things go well. Russians are at East Prussian border. Our 3rd Army forces are close in to Paris.

Saturday, August 19th: Rain. Up at 0515. Bn. moved with 333rd Gp. to bivouac near Lesneven, just north of Brest. We moved at 0630 and passed thru Dinan, Lamballe, St. Brieuc, Guingamp, Morlaix to Lesneven -about 125 miles, closed 1545. Baker Btry. turned a gun over coming out of old position -damaged and evacuated to ordnance. One gun from "A", one from "B" and one from "C" dropped out column with motor trouble. 86th "G" Bn. played the devil with our column. We have acquired German ambulance in rather bad shape and a large bus, which is being considered for a kitchen. Had some heavy rain on way over, clear this evening. Can hear considerable gun fire at Brest. I checked security tonight with Blessing.

Sunday, August 20th: Clear -warm. Today we just waited. We are part of force moved over to clean up Brest 8th Div., and 83rd Div. and I believe 2nd Div., plus about 30 Bns. of Arty. and some armor. Germans hold considerable area around Brest and are estimated to have maybe 14,000 troops, lots of emplaced Arty. and heavy fortifications. News from all fronts continues good. Our troops are in suburbs of Paris and at one place crossed Seine to east.

Monday, August 21st: Cloudy -cold -wind -rain. This morning there were a few flurries of snow. Recon. parties out at 1000 and back to pick up work parties at noon. We got CSMO afternoon and finally an order to move at 2300 tonight. Rained all afternoon. We moved at 2245, got everything out of position all right but in pitch dark difficult. Chestnut in lead vehicle, I took rear -pulled many guns and trucks out of ditches. Necessary to walk at times and lead vehicles.

Tuesday, August 22nd: Partly cloudy -showers. It was 0445 when I reached new positions after 20 miles march. We left one "A" gun and truck, an ammo truck and two of "C" guns in ditch until daylight. "C" had one wrecked truck -gun tube thru Mack radiator, another Mack damaged when "A" truck stopped and put out no warning. Lt. Harris got off the road, but everything finally got in. Registered by noon and fired on various targets. This position 2 miles south Landerneau, 10 miles east Brest. Tonight I went up to OP on ridge to west -saw and talked to 2nd Div. Arty. CO. Lampe and I looked for Walter Rogers -were fired on by German MG -got back to road. Later went to OP in jeep -just as we started back Germans opened up again, shot out tire and sprayed all around us. Think I jumped 10 feet and hit the ground flat. None of us hurt. Bed 2230.

Wednesday, August 23rd: Cloudy -clear. Not over much firing today. We got two hits on a ship in the bay and did some counter battery. Lt. Turner, Sawyer and Bolton all hit when up front to survey in OP. Sawyer and Bolton to hospital, neither one serious. Turner just got nick on the leg. Light Arty. or mortars did the job. Our infantry not moving very fast. Radio today says Free French have liberated Paris -good progress everywhere else. Fine, cool weather -much like Minnesota. The Bn. continues to collect -the bus is being fixed up for kitchen. Hq. Btry. has big supply of commercial radios adapted to use with our batteries. This position area is fairly comfortable but the French people are too numerous. We see many Free French. Some stopped tonight to beg gas. One civilian made pencil sketch of me and offered it for cigarettes.

Thursday, August 24th: Clear -cool -windy. Did some firing on gun batteries, ship, etc. At 1300 Liberator bombers came over and bombed Brest. In the Bn. I checked Btrys. "B" and "C". "B" is having more trouble with discipline, "A" officers squabbling -King says Shennan does not work. No mail today or yesterday. Saw Bolton and Sawyer at 107th Evacuation hospital -neither in serious shape. Radio tonight -Romania has capitulated; there is street fighting in Paris; Germans have broken armistice made with French interiors; Bulgaria seems about ready to get out; our troops have freed town 25 miles from mouth of Seine; 3rd Army column is well southeast of Paris; other troops have reached Swiss border; Toulon is nearly all taken; Marseilles is finished.

Friday, August 25th: Clear. To get the situation clear, we are supporting artillery with Task Force "B" working down Daoulas peninsula. Task Force "A" is on our left, a CT is across the river advancing on Brest. Went up at 1100 to OP 5, where the MG chased us, then on forward to OP 4 on Hill 154. Missed heavy concentration on H 5 by five minutes. Saw long and heavy bombing of all installations. We used light bombers and P47's to dive bomb. Tonight bombing continues and whole sky is lighted by our flares. French and American troops have finished job in Paris. Romanians are fighting German troops. At about 2305 "A" Btrys. #2 gun blew off breach ring while firing at el. 60Om. Gunner Cpl. Smith killed instantly, 9 men burned and struck by fragments, 2 got broken legs. I got there within 5 minutes -men scattered over field. Medics slow. H Hour today 1300. Bn. fired about 700 rounds.

Saturday, August 26th: Clear -cool. More bombers working today but infantry advanced very little. We got a 2 gun battery of 8" guns attached to us today -took Capt. Henderson up to OP tonight, visited both OP's. We had

first meal in our new kitchen truck built from captured bus. Good deal with place for officers to eat inside, but will be no good when roads are bad. Sgt. McDonald cut my hair today. We got mail from Avranches. Weather is good -warm middle of day -chilly in evening. I am sick of C rations. Huson managed for a little food on trip to rear and we had fair supper. "B" Btry. invited me down for hot cakes this a.m. Bn. fired 500 rounds.

Sunday, August 27th: Clear -moderate. More bombardment and bombing of Brest area -radio says P47's sank light German cruiser and other ships. I collected money and took to Group for liquor ration -still have most of mine from last issue. The attached 8 in. guns are Btry. "A", 243 FA Bn. they registered today. Tube life is only 400 rounds and they have to figure correction for erosion after each round fired. The French people have all washed and put on clean clothes today. No mail.

Monday, August 28th: Until noon, clouds, fog and showers. Afternoon sunshine with clear sky tonight. Rather a quiet day. Our Btry. of 8" guns does little. Charlie Btry. moved up on the ridge this afternoon just this side of OP 4 -remainder Bn. may go up later. Infantry continues creeping advance behind heavy artillery fire and air bombing. The radio has recognized Brest still resists. I tried 5 summary cases today -all AWOL's with 2 NG pleas. All drew fines. Had a bath and shave. Movement in France has slowed a little, but Germans are being pushed back on all fronts. With Romania out, Bulgaria, others dickering for terms, it should wind up before many more months. Then the Japs are next.

Tuesday, August 29th: Drizzling rain all night and all today. During last night we fired steadily about 700 rounds. Some gun tubes getting in bad shape. Today we had attached to us one Btry. 90mm AAA guns -they know nothing of artillery fire methods. We got them in near "C" Btry., then Gp. decided to move them and we went up at 2000 hours for further recon. The Germans have suddenly given up on our peninsula and tonight it is about clear. Col. had one of his mad spells when I failed to follow his steps on recon. Holliday found pair broken German binoculars and Col. rose up in jeep calling in his cracked voice "I choose them" demanding they be turned over to him. What a man -egotist, selfish, hypocrite and high tempered.

Wednesday, August 30th: Rain last night and all day until 1800. This a.m. we got rid of the AA Btry. but got instead "B" Btry, 740 FA Bn. -8" hows. I went into Landerneau to pick them up. Saw many truck loads prisoners passing thru. The Hows got into position late this evening a little forward of our OP on Hill 154. "A" &"B" Btrys. & Hq. moved up rear of "C" Btry beginning about 1645 -some FDC stayed behind until all moved. Service stays put tonight, everything else moved by 2100 only about 4 miles. I am sleeping old position to avoid rolling wet equipment. Will go up in the morning. Brest still makes strong stand. Today is 60th day in France with no time out. Pulled in a German motorcycle which Service Btry. is trying to repair for me.

Thursday, August 31st: Cloudy -rain. More rain last night and showers during day. Breakfast with Service Btry., then rolled up my wet bed and tent and moved up on ridge with Bn. Coming up road, Brest was shining in sunlight and looked very peaceful. Inspected all batteries today and made written report. Then went to OP 5 in north edge of Plougastel and on to OP 7 out on tip of land. Col. Kreuger was there trying to shoot a target with the Hows and raising a rumpus when they were slow and inaccurate. He ordered the BC under arrest -later relented. BC meeting at 1900. Col. N. came in with big load of plunder. Sleeping in thatched shed tonight. At least it's dry. Our trucks helped move 35 Inf. around to Brest side this a.m.

Friday, September 1st: Cloudy -chilly. Went back to Morlaix with Huson and Alexander for Bn. pay -got back about 1630. Bombers over early this morning and attack on Brest opened at 1000. Roads crowded with French civilians and their big horse carts and bicycles. They get in way, beg rides, gasoline and cigarettes. The FFI become very brave after the worst is over. Our forces are now almost to Italian frontier, close to Belgian and German borders -15 or 20 miles. The war is 5 years old today -must look back and see what my diary shows on that day. After mess went out to OP on tip of peninsula to pay Stegner. Walked down to bombed out fortification -saw double barrel 105 gun -360 degree traverse. Got 2 phones for boys.

Saturday, September 2nd: Rain -high wind -cold. Fall weather, high wind and cold rain until late afternoon. Went to airstrip east of Landerneau to pay Lord. Picked up German motorcycle we pulled in and Service Btry. fixed up -after a little practice, I drive it with no trouble. We expected news reported tonight -Maj. Wilkie took them out and they got shot up. Huson finished paying men today. Radio reports British and American troops on Belgian border and getting closer to Germany. We are firing plenty here. "A" Btry has only 2 guns in shape to shoot. Bombing of Brest goes on in spite weather. Little opposition on Crozon peninsula to south of us. Bunch of LCI have been hauled in and unloaded on river at Landerneau. Lady had trouble with pink pig crossing road.

Sunday, September 3rd: Cloudy -windy. Col. out this a.m. looking for "A" Btry. forward positions, but they did not move. This position is about 3 miles east Plougastel. The attack still bogged down -we continue to fire though "A" Btry. has only one serviceable gun and Baker 2. We are promised new tubes -sometime. Afternoon I took Col. N. on the motorcycle clear to end of peninsula. We got mail from Morlaix. Tonight at Service Btry. in last position, we had a movie and sent part of Bn. back. I saw second show "Four Jills in a Jeep". Chilly today.

Monday, September 4th: Rain. Recon. parties out at 0800, "C" moved about 1300 to position south edge Plougastel and "A" and "B" got CSMO at 1600. Hard rain all afternoon. I made couple of trips on the motorcycle and in the wind I got soaked thru. FDC and Hq. are in houses in town -kitchen and medics have warehouses with vehicles parked inside. Btrys. had tough time getting in position. The Col., Sgt. Paree and Carr, the driver, have house alone where I found them thoroughly looting. I have room upstairs over FDC -four room two story house. We had to break in -all furniture still in place. Mailed two German phones home today. Expect some shelling tonight.

Tuesday, September 5th: Cloudy -cool. Ordnance checked "B" Btrys. guns today and stopped all 3 from firing as unsafe. "A" got one back with new tube, giving total of 6 in Bn. fit to fire. This afternoon, heavy and medium bombers and P47's bombed Brest -several were shot down. Just before supper Jimmy McWilliams appeared. He is with a Group over north of Brest -was looking for one of his OP's. Said he came over about July 25 and Nooky a day or two before. No mail again. Radio reports British have freed Brussels and Antwerp and most of Belgium. Elsewhere American forces continue to move though meeting stiffening resistance. Russia declares war on Bulgaria, which has been trying to play both sides. Lt. Col. Bell down tonight talking about our troops looting Plougastel.

Wednesday, September 6th: Cloudy -cool -rain. This morning visited Btrys. "A", "B", "C" and Hq. to check small arms after cleaning. Then out to ridge on north shore looking for new OP. Got stimulating typhus shot. Slept a while afternoon. All morning and part of afternoon planes were over bombing. We hear rumors VIII Corps may be transferred to 9th Army for occupation troops. Col. Flora down for inspection this evening from 8th Corps. Walked over to Service Btry. tonight -got wet on way back. Radio reports we have had patrols across German frontier and they "returned safely". We are now getting some B rations. All "C" Btry. guns called out tonight until ordnance can check them.

Thursday, September 7th: Partly cloudy -chilly. Not a very good day -cold and cloudy most of day. Went down close to shore this a.m. with Turner to watch action over at Brest. P47's dive-bombed all day. Ordnance people were here checking our guns again. Nothing startling in the news -Russians reported only about 40 miles from German line -going through Romania. We got mail today. Washed suit of fatigues. Rode down to waterfront tonight on motorcycle.

Friday, September 8th: Cloudy to clear -showers. Bn. has fired 14,000 rounds to date. Last night about 0030 we got counter battery fire from Brest side -scattered well over our area but no casualties. Probably 88's and 150's. Again during day the town was shelled. I visited our attached batteries this morning – "A" of 243 and "B" of 740th -motorcycle turned over on me in mud. Took a bath in Holliday's house and put on OD's. An old

French woman came in and jabbered at me -seemed not to mind my bathing. Papers on Runden and Ravey flight pay and Stegner promotion, corrected, went to Mr. A this morning. Brest took a terrific bombing, bombardment and strafing beginning 1000 a.m. -P47's dive-bombing all day. Went to OP 5 after mess tonight – registered "C" Btry. on base point with two rounds -second a target hit. Notified today we are now in IX Army.

Saturday, September 9th: Partly cloudy. Rather a quiet day. This morning I drew and distributed our liquor ration. Arranged for removal two American bodies near east edge town -they'd been there a long time. Situation map shows many troops now in Belgium and close to German border. Here the fight for Brest is still slow. We got shelling in town last night -none close to our area. This is our third position for Brest action -first one occupied 22 Aug. German garrison ordered to hold for 4 months. Late tonight our lines are shown to be moving in closer. Last night a German Lt. came over by boat to surrender; someone placed a flare at Hillock's position and German plane came over. Tonight there are four Germans loose in Plougastel. High Time (B-740) is moving out to St. Christine for shorter range.

Sunday, September 10th: Clear -cool. Up early and drove down to High Time position -they worked all night and were just getting guns in pits at 0700. Capt. Holliday got a dressing down when 608 was late into net -Col. threatened him General Court. Lt. Regnier came to apologize for statements made to me last night when tight. Walked over to south side peninsula this afternoon. Up to OP 5 tonight -many fires in Brest, which is covered with heavy smoke -artillery throwing in, white phosphorus. The infantry still moving slowly. P47's bombing during day. I adjusted on guns -used 8" howitzers. Tonight we are notified must prepare after action reports. Stars and Stripes today outlines procedure for discharge on point system -will apply mostly to enlisted men.

Monday, September 11th: Clear -cool. During morning went to our batteries -we still have 5 guns firing "A" -2, "C" -2, "B" -1, but tubes and breeches getting worse daily. Afternoon and until 1715, I took Lt. Col. Flora, from 8th Corps, out to OP 7, Howitzer Btry. and Gun Btry. After mess tonight went to Landerneau where I tried to trade motorcycle for pistols. No luck. A GI show is running at Landerneau -all male talent and we are sending man in. News is much the same today. Here the lines have closed a little more around Brest. Plougastel is typical French town -narrow streets, houses right on street, all old and made of stone. Nice gardens. Old ladies out scraping manure from gutters. Tonight Corps ordnance inspector ruled one more "A" gun safe to fire, giving us total of 6 guns.

Tuesday, September 12th: Clear to cloudy. News today: American First Army about 8 miles into Germany near Luxemburg -our artillery is shelling Sigfried Line; Hard fighting on Holland border at crossing from Belgium; Russian patrols have been into East Prussia; we shot down 175 German planes, lost 77; In Pacific, our task force sank 52 Jap vessels near Philippines; Lines around Brest closing gradually. Stockton drunk again -don't know what to do with him. Not feeling too well today -total rounds fired to 0600 -17,276.

Wednesday, September 13th: Cloudy -warmer. News reports today: First Army has entered Germany at second point and British Second Army is making good progress over Dutch border towards Germany. In our sector Brest is quiet. 8th Div. has pulled out -is moving around on Crozon. I tried seven summary cases -6 for "C", 1 for Hq. We fired none at all today. Letter from Corps came in thru Group on condition our guns -they seem considerably exercised, say damaged due lack of cleaning -there will be an investigation. Chestnut went to Morlaix afternoon. Roosevelt and Churchill together in Canada.

Thursday, September 14th: Cloudy. No firing for us today -ordnance started on our guns at noon -calibrating for muzzle velocity. "A" had one, "C" had two guns go back for new tubes. Col. N. and Col. Flora gone all afternoon on the investigation for reason present condition. I inspected this morning, worked on court cases, etc. To OP 5 afternoon. Col. Bell, Task Force B, visited a while. Our troops are in Brest and we can no longer fire there but tonight fighting still goes on in the city. Crozon is active -planes bombed. Feeling better today.

Friday, September 15th: Cloudy -showers. Misty rain this morning early, clear in evening. Investigation continued on gun tubes. Gen. McMahon was in area today but did not visit us. We are to regroup our guns putting old ones in "A" Btry. -BC meeting at 1500 and again after supper. Brest has not surrendered yet, progress is slow on Crozon. Radio reports more spearheads into Germany but nothing big yet -also there are landings near Philippines.

Saturday, September 16th: Clear -cool. Heavy fog over the sea until 1100. Went with Lampe to OP 4 -new location on Du Bidy Point, then on to #7. Leaving there, we walked thru field looking for strawberries -they saw us from over on Crozon and chased us with 88's -none very close. Went to batteries afternoon -they are swapping guns. "C" now has four new tubes, "A" three old, "B" two new and one old with bad equilibrators. We expect more new tubes soon. Col. from SHAEF around with Col. Kreuger to look us over. Good supper tonight, after which I drover over to Flandreau with Turner to see GI show. Radio reports one penetration of Sigfried Line. Traded motorcycle for P-38 -Holliday.

Sunday, September 17th: Time change 0300 back to 0200. Clear, fine day. Another rather quiet day after good deal of firing last night. We are due to get "C" Btry. 265 FA Bn., 240mm Hows, and to exchange Hillock for another Btry. 8" guns. Recon for positions today. Also we may move closer tomorrow. Tonight Brest still burns and fights while on Crozon there is good progress. A Bn. operating here has no freedom -Group supervises all fire missions and exercises very close control. The French people continue moving back into town, cleaning up, and some are starting to repair houses. U.S. airborne forces landed on Rhine delta in Holland today.

Monday, September 18th: Clear. "C", 265th and "C" 256 -240 Hows and 8" guns were attached to us 1600 yesterday -guns went thru town about 0830, howitzers about 1100, latter brought only one gun -positions on west of town. Brest fell at 1330 -7,000 prisoners. Advance on Crozon has been rapid with only tip holding out tonight. BC call at 1530, Bn. CO and Btry CO's to meeting at Group tonight 2030. Group gave us an old power unit and we also drew a new one today, which will give us ample light for FDC and CP. Airborne force in Holland reinforced today. Our new gun tubes already coppered.

Tuesday, September 19th: Clear. 1st Lt. Thos. R. Ward, 522 Hvy. Maint. Ord. Co. looked at our new tubes already coppered and black. Says does not know cause or remedy – "C" tubes 85 rounds, one "B" 450 rounds, Lt. will report to Corps. Tried to get into Brest this a.m. -closed. Afterwards visited batteries. Had hot shower at water point this afternoon. Word tonight last resistance on Crozon ended -Gen. Rancke captured. Tonight about 2015 we get CSMO -will move to bivouac area near Lesneven tomorrow morning. Chestnut left after noon mess, not back at BC calI on moving. Had to go out at midnight to deliver march orders to 243rd and 265th. Bed at 0130 -Chestnut in very tight.

Wednesday, September 20th: Clear. Up at 0600. We moved out of Plougastel passing IP east edge town at 0905, order march "C", "A", "B", Hq. and Sv. Closed in bivouac area about 2 miles NE Lesneven at 1045. We are now attached to 402 Group, Col. Bacon, CO. All VIII Corps will assemble here and clean up to move. Have nice area in sight of ocean. At 1600 went to Gp. with Col. N. -think they will be good people to work with. Tonight Maj. LePage, S-4, over to see us and with him came Sgt. Allen who was in 7th Regt. Hq. at Sill. Have my pup tent in an orchard next farm house. No trouble on march today except my car in bad shape.

Thursday, September 21st: Clear to cloudy. Getting settled today and starting maintenance. Will be either here or go to Rennes and clean up and re-supply. Walked down to beach with Col. N. -for miles shore is studded with barricades. Meeting all officers at 1830 -we can use car lights here and wear helmet liners only -kind of rest camp. Walked down to "A" Btry., came back to see about calibrating tomorrow. Blessing had one of his tantrums and I admonished him.

Friday, September 22nd: Rain. This a.m. we took 4 "C" guns and one "B" down near beach for calibration. Finished about noon. 8" Hows and 240's were following us. Col. N. and I over to 100th Evac. Hospital for a good dinner. Dodged rain all afternoon. We got new pilot today -Lt. Miller. Seems we will stay here for a week or so. Our priority for supply is quite low. No mail today. Radio reports Airborne Army in Holland in critical condition -planned to move British 2nd Army to help, but they can't make it. Everything seems to have slowed. Official figures put Brest garrison at 40,000. Hospital cases numbered 6,500. Germans say we don't know how to use our infantry -put them in too soon.

Saturday, September 23rd: Clear -cool. Tried 4 summaries for "A" Btry. this a.m. Planned trip to Brest but Col.

N. queered the deal. Watched softball game with 740th afternoon, then went to 100th Evac. Hospital to pick up Lt. Col. and a Maj. who ate supper with us. Took them home at 1900, then to bed to get warm. Raining tonight. No mail. Nothing new in war news.

Sunday, September 24th: Cloudy -showers. Chilly day -windy. Right after breakfast Chestnut, Turner, Donze and Runden and I drove down to Brest, returning at 1700. There is little left of the city but piles of rubble. Engineers are clearing a few streets. Bodies still being uncovered -dead horses everywhere. We looked at fortifications, visited the lighthouse, which was our Base Point for so long -saw where my second registering round struck it. Spent much time in submarine pens -a wonderful piece of construction -there I got a rubber suit, which I had to stuff under my jacket to get out. Word tonight is we join 202 Gp. for march, revert to 402 on arrival at destination as yet unknown. Each officer issued 2 cognac, 1 vodka tonight.

Monday, September 25th: Cloudy -rain. Col. Flora around again from Corps still working on his tube investigation. Col. went to Group this a.m. -and we moved in p.m. -march of about 12 miles around a circle north thru Plouvien, then west and south to point 1/4 mile north of Lesneven. Church in Plouvien was IP -we hit it at 1553, cleared 1620, closed new area 1700 -CP is in nice concrete dugout (German) with bunks. Tonight we get word we will march on 28th at 0800 to Luxemburg or maybe concentration area at Rheims. We are due to get one blanket per man, overcoats and overshoes before we leave. No mail tonight. We have gotten no new guns or tubes. At the IP I watched the French farmers with their old fashioned 2 wheel carts hauling seaweed and sand to fertilize their fields. Today at mess, with Col. Flora guest, Col. N. had Brooks, the waiter, hand his hat.

Tuesday, September 26th: Misty -rain. We are attached to 202 Gp. for march. Will revert 402 arrival destination. Lt. Turner left early this a.m. with 2 men in jeep as our advanced party. To 502 Ord. with Woodling this a.m. to see about getting an old tube back -found all shipped to Rennes. A Col. from chief of ordnance saw old tubes -said condition not due lack cleaning -Col. Flora got that report. Afternoon went to Landerneau with Stetson and Regnier -stood in line for over an hour for shower at municipal hall. Cost 5 Francs -worth hundreds. Today I drew blanket, overshoes and GI overcoat. Mr. Burke brought me (free) canvas Mackinaw, gloves, coveralls and two English blankets.

Wednesday, September 27th: Partly cloudy -showers. Getting ready to move tomorrow -that's about all. I got clothes washed and they came back dripping wet.

Thursday, September 28th: Clear. Moved today from Lesneven to bivouac area about 2 miles W. St. Aubin route thru Morlaix, Guingamp and Dinan. Hit IP at 0938, cleared 0954, lunch stop half hour Morlaix, closed 1900. 561, 559, and 202 Gp. Hq. make up march serial. We marked route today and were last column -I trailed. At edge Dinan at 1715, "B" Mack and gun caught fire -either from exhaust or cigarette, fire came from under truck, ignited powder. For about 60 yards men fell off, truck ran into wall at street intersection. Truck complete loss, gun greatly damaged, tube may be good yet. Sent 12 or 13 men to hospital at Rennes -some serious burns on head and hands. Two French with minor injuries. 50 rounds ammo -some exploded -one chased me down street. 1107 Engr. Combat Gp. medics helped us. Got into bivouac area 2030, reported to Col. Billing.

Friday, September 29th: Cloudy -showers. Pulled out bivouac area at 0835 -559th marking route, did poor job. At noon half had made 60 miles. "B" gun out of column 3 times with ignition trouble on the Mack, tail of column got into Engineer vehicles causing much delay. Finally got into bivouac vicinity Chartres at 2100. Mileage for day 161. Three of men only slightly injured yesterday are back -others are in hospital at Rennes and Dinan. Woodling gathered up spare gun tires and brought burned gun in early a.m. 3/4 ton already replaced. Mack, which burned out clutch, has gone to Rennes Ord. Country we came thru today was hilly with considerable timber. These FFI are mostly unorganized hoodlums, many with our uniforms and guns, doing looting and dirty work for which we sometimes get credit. Had good supper when got in tonight -canned beef, peas, potatoes, pineapple, K's rest of day.

Saturday, September 30th: Cloudy. Moved out at 0755 -after good sleep and making my bed on the ground to save undoing roll. Had made 54 miles at noon. "C" truck out few minutes in a.m., radiator hose, "B" gun truck out few minutes at 1135 for brake repair, "A" gun out at Versailles 1300 with broken distributor, until 1440. Column routed in circle around Paris proper, passed thru suburbs, crossed Seine. I got into bivouac area 3 miles east St. Quentin at 2045, total mileage 181. Country around Paris and NE along our route is rolling with plains and woods. Versailles nice looking, modern shops and well stocked. Saw many modernistic buildings and apartment houses. Saw many large airports. All had been thoroughly bombed. Towns on route from Chartres: Chateauneuf, Maintenon, Rambouillet, Versailles, Senlis, Compeigne, Nova, St. Quentin. Had hot supper -bed on the ground at 2200 -no tent.

Sunday, October 1st: Rained most of last night (driving me to car) and all day. Moved at 0840. Route thru Guise, La Capelle, Avesnes, Macon, Givet, Dinant, Marche and Bastogne. Bivouac 6 miles east last town closed 2045, mileage 165. A gun truck out again with distributor, Hq. kitchen burned out rod at noon -towed last 100 miles by wrecker. We came into Belgium 1245, back into France, in Belgium again. Close Luxemburg tonight. Belgium seems much different than France -hilly or mountainous terrain, clean, neat houses, clean cattle, prosperous looking people. Great welcome along road. We followed Meuse River thru beautiful gorge to town of Dinant. Not any great damage except bridges. Our area tonight in dense grove spruce, we can hear gun fire and occasional German plane. We relieve 5th Corps.

Monday, October 2nd: Cloudy -cold. Slept in pup tent last night. Lt. Turner in about 0900 from Recon with 402 Gp. to which we have reverted. We started moving at 1110, hit IP 1135 at Noville, made 41 miles thru Houffalize, Cherain, St. Vith to positions near Schlierbach, about 6 miles E. St. Vith. About mile from German border, maybe 6000 yards from Sigfried Line. Most these people speak German. Hq. area in another heavy woods, guns on open hill tops. Compass for firing -1800, all guns ready to fire by midnight but survey, maps and OP not ready. Quite cold until 1530 -light rain. We closed here about 1515 -traffic very heavy. I visited batteries tonight.

Tuesday, October 3rd: Rain -cold. This morning walked around to gun positions. After noon mess went with Huson and Alexander to VIII Corps rear at Bastogne -could not draw pay, as they must give us Belgian money. Road was choked with traffic -28 Div. moving up. We drove thru Luxembourg on the way -province, not city. Stores in Bastogne well stocked -many bars and cafes open. Got back about 1830 -bad day -rain, cold, mud, our wood is in gloomy place -got lost going 50 yards from kitchen to my tent. 402 Gp. came in tonight -they have us and 940th Bn. We tried to register with high burst -7 rounds, all lost. OP's and observation poor.

Wednesday, October 4th: Cloudy -cold. Today we moved. FDC to empty building in village. Col. and I got room in farm house -German people who lost son in German army 2 weeks ago -they treat us very well. We got a high burst registration this afternoon. Gp. tells us to be ready to retreat. Our planes came up late afternoon -strip back near St. Vith. We have to investigate loss of Mack truck, McKinzie, King and I on board.

News says 1st Army making progress on big new push. Allies have made landings in Albania and are about to Yugoslav border.

Thursday, October 5th: Dark -cold -damp. Weather is rough -cold drizzling rain today -some warmer afternoon, but no sun. This a.m. went to our OP's with Lampe and Turner to check survey -my first visit into Germany -all quiet there -troops all along the road living in mud or dark woods. Afternoon I worked on investigation -Col. back to rear looking for retreat positions if we need them. Tonight after supper our "hosts" had a visitor -a railroad engineer -they all came in our room to talk. I am getting a few German words. Having equilibrator trouble, little or no help from Ordnance. Last night we fired 50 rounds harassing fire. Considerable air activity tonight. Clear and moonlight 2200.

Friday, October 6th: Sunshine -cool. This morning I was working on investigation matter when Col. Flora came in from Corps doing same thing. Spent the rest of day making up statement for him -he left right after supper. Ordnance was running a Manometer test on "A" gun recoil today -they won't be able to help any on that nor on "C" gun with bad equilibrator. Something wrong when there are no repairs or replacements for artillery. During day we registered -nothing more. Censors now say we can mention cities we "visited" in France and say we are now in Belgium. Comfortable day. Men are building log shelters.

Saturday, October 7th: Clear -moderate. Today we moved our OP's forward to wooded ridge -good observation. Fired 32 rounds into Prum and Nord Prum. I worked most of day on investigation report. BC call in

a.m. about keeping roads open, one in p.m. on getting ready for visit from Gen. McMahon tomorrow or next day. Col. Bacon had Col. N. take BC's over to view 559th positions -bitter dose. Our burned gun came back from 1st Army Ordnance last night -we tried to trade for good one -no luck. Many planes over last night -heavy bombing to north of us … ours, and more planes over during day.

Sunday, October 8th: Clear -moderate. Fine clear day. Col. Flora here to continue his investigation ... I finished mine this afternoon. Col. White from Group visited "B" Btry. found little wrong. Maj. Hickman was at FDC. Col.

N. went to see optician at hospital this a.m. and returned afternoon -to stay couple days -one eye bad. I have the room alone tonight. Only one mission last night -registration fired today. Enemy patrols quite active in lines and around our OP's but have not been back to our positions. No mail today.

Monday, October 9th: Cloudy -moderate. Left at 0845 for Bastogne for pay, but no luck -more mix up on money. Tried for cigarettes -issue promised on return. Stopped 107 Evac. Hospital to see Col. N. -the doctor said his eye trouble is serious and he would go to base hospital -maybe at Paris. Sent his bedroll and Val Pac down. Got back here at 1400 -report on investigation not finished and before I could get it to Group, was called to "A" Btry. #3 gun where Gen. McMahon and Col. Bacon were waiting -the Gen. was in a high temper and I took a lot of abuse. He also had inspections by Capt. Shields from Corps FDC and Col. White from Gp. The report was finally signed and I took it to Gp. at 1830 where I got more talk on corrections. A tough day. No doubt they will send us a new CO if Col. N. does not return.

Tuesday, October 10th: Rain. This morning we were having BC meeting at 0930 when Col. White came down from Group to take over Bn. -he had the grace to say he was embarrassed to do it, but after the General's visit yesterday it was no surprise. This is my second chance gone and I think I can thank Col. Nealy for it. Corps is making the order, so seems definite Col. N. is done for here. A second BC meeting at 1600 to tell them the change is final. He is a West Pointer, very earnest about his work, and full of the book. Rather a scrawny individual, but a good trade for Nealy. C'est La Guerre. Dismal day -drizzling rain, but not too cold. Huson and McKinzie got a tank of hydrogen, nitrogen rather. Walked down to "A" and "B" Btrys. tonight.

Wednesday, October 11th: Cloudy -damp. Col. Barnes has been pulled out as CO 578 (Nigger) Bn. and is Gp. Ex. 402 Gp. Capt. Gunnell with camouflage officer inspected, while Maj. Hickman, Gp. S-3 was also snooping. I

tried 5 summary cases this morning, prepared a letter for soldiers medal award afternoon and talked over various problems with the new Col. There will be many changes in the workings of the Bn. Some missions last night 36 rounds. and a little firing during day. First Army has surrounded Aachen but progress is generally still very slow.

Thursday, October 12th: Rain. BC meeting at 0900 -Corps directs inspection ammo trucks -mufflers and exhausts: Somebody else burned up a truck and somebody must have believed my report ours did not start from cigarette. "A" gun stated by Ord. to have recoil repaired this a.m. -truck went in ditch and gun turned over -no report yet on damage. Happened near St. Vith. Pulled out by wreckers and went on. We set up CP in house across from FDC -found room for personnel people. Col. went out afternoon looking for forward positions. Hunt goes out as Bn. mail orderly -Garber, the VCO in FDC, is reduced. Aachen getting heavy bombing and barrage -city of 165,000.

Friday, October 13th: Rain to clear. Went to Bastogne at 0845 -1 hour and 15 minutes drive. Drew pay in Belgian money, bought lanterns for FDC -got back about 1245. This afternoon paid officers, worked in CP. Col. Bacon called -visited CP. Mr. Burke back and says our gun not seriously damaged in upset. I talked to Chew tonight -suggested he try to get along better, then Shennan told Col. he wanted to get rid of him.

Saturday, October 14th: Rain to clear. Raw, wet day … rain stopped about 1500. This morning went to both OP's to pay officers -back to CP 1400, then to airstrip out from St. Vith to pay there. Brought back dishes, hammers, briquettes, and canned goods for lady in our house -they came out of Nazi house -these people delighted. Our OP's are in Sigfried Line, which is long chain of pill boxes, heavy concrete covered with soil and vegetation, good observation -about 800 yards behind our outpost line. Tonight went up to Holliday's cabin for pitch game with him, Regnier and Turner. "C" Btry. has elaborate cabins built in woods -men very comfortable. "A" has moved #3 piece up to position vacated by gun gone back to Ord.

Sunday, October 15th: Rain all day. A dreary, dismal day with slow rain increasing tonight. BC meeting at 1000 on shower point. Went to "B" Btry. for haircut. Col. to OP's afternoon while I stayed around CP with new change, mail truck comes in about 1400. Bed tonight at 2300. Pope says Allies cleaning up Greece, bombings heavy on Formosa -many ships and planes destroyed for Japs there. 20,207 rounds fired up to 1200 today.

Monday, October 16th: Rain -steady all day. At 0930 went to Group – now in chateau N. of St. Vith -saw Col. Barnes about observer report, then stopped at airstrip to pay Miller and on to Bastogne at 1220 where got dinner at VIII Corps -good meal. Did various jobs there, stopped at 559th on the way home. They told us Loomis to hospital with gallstones. Back at Bn. at 1650. Worked a while tonight. Pickens was on hand this a.m. after 8 days away to get kitchen bus motor fixed. Today it is officially announced we go to First Army in few days. No mail at all. Rain making things very bad, specially for "A" Btry. with poor position. Corps now using one Btry. in forward position and rotating duty. Col. W. is jumpy -keeps busy all the time on too many things. Sent home box of 2 blankets, bayonet, crests.

Tuesday, October 17th: Rain all day. This a.m. Col. took Shennan up to look at forward position. I did paper work and took map board to Baker Btry. to get top made. From 1245 until 1500 out with Col. to recon rear positions north of St. Vith -nothing very good there -on return he checked "B" and said its in good shape. Tonight, went over daily distribution -still takes bales of paper to run the army. The rain fell steadily all day. At night it is a pitch black walk from CP to our house. Since we've been here, not a shell has been fired into Btry. areas -little shelling at OP is all.

Wednesday, October 18th: Clear a.m., rain p.m. Col. finished recon rear area this morning. I took Majors Hickman and Harris down to "C" positions -they stayed for lunch. Nothing special afternoon. Gp. called to say we have inspector from Mogul on Friday to check our security -same day FDC gets test. We had few hours

clear weather after eight o'clock -clearer again tonight after rain in afternoon. Hungary seems about ready to revolt against Germany. Gap at Aachen closed, counter attacks repulsed. Much activity in Pacific.

Thursday, October 19th: Heavy rain all day. A tough day -rain poured down. Went around to all Btrys. to get ready for security inspection tomorrow. Worked on sketch and plan afternoon and night. Col. Barnes came to check up -hard work to control my temper. Col. Bacon called -someone from Corps will be here tomorrow to look at forward positions. Woodling ordered report to Col. Warden at Corps rear after one of his men was picked up drunk at Bastogne. More paper work to do -loads of it. Our area is a sea of mud and water. Power line repaired and there are lights in houses tonight. Many planes going over towards Aachen today and tonight.

Friday, October 20th: Cloudy, rain tonight. A day of inspections -Col. Flora and Maj. Canary tested FDC this morning -results fairly good. Maj. Burns and a Capt. looked over security set up afternoon -all from Corps. Tonight I went down to Baker Btry., got in about 2200. The ammunition set up right now is getting quite complicated. Not yet in First Army. Col. Bacon down this morning. Tonight we heard on the radio here in the house that Aachen has fallen and US troops have landed on Philippines.

Saturday, October 21st: Rain to clear. More rain last night and drizzles until noon. Some sunshine afternoon. New moon out tonight. BC meeting 1100 -general matters. Col. W. out at 1320 with Col. Bacon and Col. Horton, Corps Arty Ex., to look at forward positions. Chestnut, Holliday and Turner to town today … Bastogne. About 1740 Buzz Bomb passed directly over our CP -500 feet high, headed little west of north -another was over this morning. They hit somewhere near St. Vith. Our OP got azimuth on this one tonight.

Sunday, October 22nd: Light rain early. Rather a quiet day -no rounds fired, visibility poor as usual. Pickens had formation at noon on his Bronze Star. Afternoon I had a good scrub with large can of hot water. Col. had Chestnut and me for a drink, sardines, etc. SSO Gp. officer came back from Cherbourg and we got 13 packs of cigarettes per man in Bn. plus few candy bars. The Col. is much dissatisfied with Shennan in "A" Btry. Buzz Bombs going over early this a.m. and tonight -about ten of them -don't know where they are hitting. At 1000 today we passed to First Army.

Monday, October 23rd: Cloudy -damp -moderate. Bad day, poor visibility, two unobserved missions fired. Not much accomplished -tried to work on letters on awards but had many interruptions. We are getting ready for several tests on officers firing, changing our ammo plan, remarking trucks, etc. Red Cross doughnut wagon here today. Heard no Buzz Bombs. Things on all fronts seem to be moving -East Prussia and Hungary are feeling Russian drives and on western front our armies are moving. Push in Philippines goes ahead. 402nd Gp. gets two more Bns. -578 (8" How) and 559th.

Tuesday, October 24th: Cloudy to partly cloudy. Light rain last night, cloudy most of day, but no rain. Visibility poor. We are working to get ready for officer test. This a.m. I prepared recommendations for Croiz de Guerre for Walter Rogers and Howry -only 2 allowed for Bn. Afternoon went to airstrip to give preliminary test to officers there. Buzz bomb over this a.m. and one directly over airstrip while I was there. The bomb is always far ahead of the noise. Radio says Russians driving hard in East Prussia and our Philippines operation doing OK. I brought the folks in the house a box of coal, can of gooseberries, cut glass bowl and 6 glasses with gold rims.

Thursday, October 26th: Cloudy, rain tonight. Today Regnier left for Paris and Cherbourg. Battery grade officers took written gunnery test, and "B" Btry. moved its two guns to new forward positions near Amelscheid. Group called and said we had drawn 60 miles of wire from Master, which we found untrue. Col. went up to "B" new area afternoon -they started up at 1400 -will finish moving tomorrow. I worked on citation letters. Buzz bombs again last night and this morning. Tonight about 2230, "C" Btry. medic was shot as he started into his hut -Ryan who lived with him evidently scared, fired 5 times with 45 pistol -hits in hand, both arms, both legs -one arm, one leg broken.

Friday, October 27th: Cloudy -little rain. Paper today reports Pacific naval battle with Jap fleet taking a beating. About 0830 I got first clear look at buzz bomb. It passed over at about 1000 feet with flame clearly visible. Finished award letters today. Collected money for November ration and took to Group. BC meeting at 1315. Went with Holliday to Group and then USO show in St. Vith, which was fair. Col. Bacon says we are to get one M-4 tractor per Btry., give up M-10 trailers.

Saturday, October 28th: Cloudy -cold, 39 degrees. After breakfast went to "C" Btry. to talk to Ryan who shot Miller, the medic -he is a mental low order. Nothing else special today. All of our Bronze Star letters came back to have more added. Heard no buzz bombs today. Seems unlikely we will move another battery forward. Also, there is hope we may get full quota of guns again soon. This afternoon planes were going over for two hours above clouds.

Sunday, October 29th: Clear -cold. First day of full sunshine in Belgium -bright moon tonight. Cold. Many buzz bombs today. Paper work again today. Complaints on Chew -he isn't doing the job. Col. to Group meeting 0900 -1130, we are to have another FDC test, gunnery schools, etc. At 0500 I went to Group to get our October liquor ration. Party from "B" Btry. went up into 2nd Div. forward area today for lumber -Cpl. Garey hit trip wire on our mine, broken leg (compound), fragments in arm. British are pushing at Antwerp -we need it for part. Late reports say Jap losses in naval battle very serious.

Monday, October 30th: Cloudy -fog, 39 degrees. Up to "B" Btry. this morning to investigate matter Garey injury. Afternoon went with Mr. Burke to Malmedy and Verviers on supply trip. Bought pair combat boots and socks. Heavy fog all afternoon -visibility zero. Country around Verviers quite prosperous looking -beautiful homes, nice hotels. Verviers is large city with factories, plants, streetcars, etc. Lt. Chew transferred to "B" Btry. today.

Tuesday, October 31st: Foggy -cold. Left at 0845, went to Bastogne by way of Houffalize. At Bastogne got officers' pay, saw Maj. White who said our kitchen bus bill could not be paid. Saw Col. Derby about form on award letters and Col. Scully about Ryan in "C" Btry. Lunch at Corps. Bought perfume for Martha, 450 Francs, and got small table lamp for Schweisens. Stopped at Belgian barracks for fine hot shower bath -tiled shower booths. Back to Schlierbach about 1630. Much air traffic going over today. Heavy fog in morning, cloudy afternoon.

Wednesday, November 1st: Foggy, 39 degrees, light rain tonight. This morning I paid and did paper work. Afternoon went to "B" Btry. with Col. then on to airstrip to pay officers there while he went on to Group. We are required to hold schools for officers and men to include agronomy, history, etc., will have training program on basic subjects. Also Group will hold auditions for local talent show -looks like fighting is secondary matter now. We expect to have 12 guns again soon, also to get 3 M-4 tractors, one per Btry. No mail.

Thursday, November 2nd: Cloudy, 39 -40 degrees. Fog in morning. Several low buzz bombs. We are shooting from 20 to 70 rounds per day now. Tonight we got two new guns -one to "B", one to "A". Gun books show nothing on rounds fired but tubes looked used. In a.m. Col. went to look over 559 Bn., p.m. went to Bastogne for bath and came in about 1700 just ahead of the two guns. I had busy day on details of training, etc.

No mail. Yesterday's paper reports Antwerp fight near end; new Russian drive on East Prussia, higher score on Jap ships sunk in Pacific battle -now up to about 60.

Friday, November 3rd: Foggy, 34 degrees. A day of details. Capt. Knapper, Ord., and Maj. Pease, 1st Army, here to check our guns. Satisfied with maintenance and conditions. Of two guns we got yesterday, one has fairly new tube, other old. Both firing this p.m. Expect two other at once. Regnier back from Cherbourg in a.m. with nothing. FDC took test and made 100%. 10 men and Lt. Donze went to Corps recreation center at ArIon for 48 hours. We raised money for liquor ration from Paris -Group sends for it. Buzz bomb fell about 0930 1000 yards in front "B" positions. No mail. Raining tonight.

Saturday, November 4th: Rain -cold. First thing this morning went to clothing store at St. Vith, but no combat suits. Next Capt. Knapper came and stayed all morning on Ordnance matters. Afternoon did much paper work and Col. Barnes was down -he came in a.m. Tonight a gun came in -one which "A" Btry. sent back for recoil repair -it goes to "B", leaving us only one short, the burned one. Lt. Dooley brought it from Ord. The buzz bomb crater is 60' x 40' x 15' -many more over today. We are working on recreation, training program, various schools, baths, trips, and now and then the war.

Sunday, November 5th: Cloudy. BC meeting at 0900. Tried Morehouse at summary court -negligent discharge firearm, fine $20.00. Fixed security plan. At 1430 went up to "B" position -took a look at buzz bomb crater. Got haircut from "A" barber after supper. Plenty of buzz bombs today -going over very low, one just cleared trees by Hq. kitchen tonight. Paper says all Belgium now cleared of Germans. Touch of headache tonight. Windy, damp day but not so cold -44 degrees tonight.

Monday, November 6th: Rain in a.m., cloudy, 42 degrees. Considerable rain last night and until 1000 tried unsuccessfully to clear. I spent most of day on award letters. "A" Btry. turned up with some 80 rounds over on ammo. Col. W. went to Gp. in a.m., Bastogne p.m. to get procedure to reclassify Shennan. I sent out new security plan early. He called for certificates on ammo count -"B's" not in tonight. Scherz came down -he complains about Woodling. More reports required on soldier voting. No buzz bombs until late evening -some air traffic tonight.

Tuesday, November 7th: Rain -wind -40 degrees. Another dark day followed rain last night and morning. Raw, cold, wind. Visibility poor -very little firing. No mail. Orders today relieving Shennan as BC "A" Btry. and putting him in "C" temporarily, moving Blessing from Ass' t S-3 to "A" as BC, and Walter Rogers from "B" to Hq. as Assistant S-3. Shennan makes no comment. King is mad -saw the Col. twice and insisted he ought to be promoted or transferred. He had no success. I visited "C" and Hq. for security check. Finished Bronze Star letters. More stuff is coming in on increased training program -more hours. Today we had men in St. Vith for movie and Corps failed to send operator on film. No buzz bombs until late evening when they came over low one hit between us and Schonberg.

Wednesday, November 8th: Rain to partly clear to snow, 38 degrees. Nasty day. Rain in morning, sun tried to come out at noon, heavy snow tonight, mostly melting. The Bronze Star letters went out today, also report on requisitions from 687th FA Bn. and tonight a revised report on over strength went into Corps rear late -we have to carry four of their men. Col. Bacon down at 1100. We got wine shipment – N.G. Mr. A. got Pvt. Little from replacement depot -also 1st Lt. Norman Watkins, new officer for us fresh from states goes to "A". No mail. Radio says Dewey concedes defeat. Out last gun came in at noon today -we are now up to 12 again. Very few buzz bombs -one fell not far off tonight at 2105.

Thursday, November 9th: Snow all day -32 degrees. Snowfall was heavy all day but much of it melted. Worked inside nearly all morning. At 1400 Col. came to continue Shennan interview. Shennan elects to resign. Major Wilson, Ord., and Capt. here -I took them to "B" Btry. to look at erratic gun, but they could do nothing.

Nothing else of importance today except the snow. Trip up to Baker was rough. Won 50 Francs from Chestnut on buzz bomb bet.

Friday, November 10th: Snow until noon. Heavy snow until noon. 1230 -1330 sunshine, melting in afternoon. I stayed around CP most of day. Col. to OP after lunch -had them delay registration until he drove up, then visibility was gone. Fired only 28 rounds today. We got two M-4 tractors this a.m., one to "C", one to "A". No mail. Our 3/4 ton mail truck wrecked on the road. "B" pulled one gun out and sent to Ord. for repair carriage pintle. Radio says Patton's 3rd Army only 2-1/2 miles from German border tonight. V-2 rockets are falling on England. They are 45 feet long, no wings, carry 1800 lbs. TNT, big fuel load, radio controlled. About 1630 buzz bomb went out of control right over CP and did power dive, landing between us and Sv. Btry.

Saturday, November 11th: Rain and snow, 34 degrees. Over here, Armistice Day was celebrated by all guns firing at 1100. "C" Btry., took gun up to "B" on the exchange to match MV's, will get back "B's", now at ordnance for repair. I walked down to Sv. Btry. in a.m. -saw buzz bomb crater. Visited "C" afternoon. Audited "A's" books. Shennan is taking his time to prepare resignation he says he wants to submit. Normal number buzz bombs today, but no near hits at this time -2000 hours. I got notice General Court will meet on 17th at Ettelbruck, SE of Bastogne. No mail.

Sunday, November 12th: Rain, snow, 34 degrees. Another gloomy day with something falling all day long. Buzz bomb hit near Gp. this morning. Col. went to 2nd Div. CP in a.m., up to "B" afternoon. Capt. Knapper here and went to D.P. to try for CI on our jumpy gun. Poor visibility prevented. Sgt. up from 92nd Ord. for information on same gun. Seven of our award letters came back today to be redone.

Monday, November 13th: Rain, snow, 34 degrees. Heavy snow last night, much of which melted during day. This morning Col. Barnes came from Gp. to inspect. While Col. W. was out with him, we got word Maj. Hegstrom was on the way from Corps for same purpose. So Barnes stopped and the other continued all day. I worked on award letters again. We had 3 cases of trench foot go to hospital today. Have promise of overshoes on Wednesday. Getting ready to leave for court in the morning. Mrs. Schweisen has fixed an enormous tub and hot water for me tonight.

Tuesday, November 14th: Snow melting. Up at 0600, left Schlierbach at 0715, picked up Maj. Roth at Oudler at 0800, in Bastogne at 0900. General Court is meeting in town council chamber. Col. Mark Bevine is Pres., I am law member. Col. Schmucker from 174 Gp. also on court -12 members, one absent, sick. We tried Pvt. Bradley, "C" 771 FA Bn. on manslaughter charge. Killed man while cleaning carbine. Sentence D.D. and 3 years. Court adjourned at 1600 until 1000 tomorrow. We are eating at VIII Corps rear mess, have room with two real beds and dirty sheets in Elite Hotel. Saw GI show after supper. Steady snow all day, melting as it fell.

Wednesday, November 15th: Cloudy -some snow. Up at 0715, breakfast at Corps Hq. Talked with Lt. Col. Brewster for while -he knew Walter A. in 45th. Court opened at 1000 -we tried Pvt. Perkins, "A" Co., 202nd Engs. Combat Bn., on manslaughter charge. TJA was terrible -no conception of procedure. Guilty with sentence of D.D. and 3 years. Finished at 1500. Left Bastogne at 1615, turned off road at Oudler to take Roth home and came rest of way blackout over terrible roads to St. Vith. Back to Bn. at 1810. CP after supper. We have to set up Bn. recreation center somewhere. While I was gone we sent Lance and 3 men to Yam's on pass, more to go Friday. No mail. Heard today Lt. Col. Schmidt of our old 179 Gp. was reclassified.

Thursday, November 16th: Cold -little sunshine. Spent the morning at CP -we are sending men to Paris on pass now. Lt. Col. Brewster forgot to pick me up and I had to go to Oudler. Left CP at 1400, Oudler at 1430, arrived Ettelbruck, Luxemburg, at 1610. Col. Bevine has arranged billets and we have nice clean rooms in Zintral Hotel. Roth and I in room with two beds, clean sheets, feather puffs. We mess with 121st Inf. 8th Div. in

fine school bldg. 14th Cav. -G.P. CP is in large convent building where court will be held. Saw a movie after mess, had beer in a nice bar. The town is larger, cleaner and more prosperous than Bastogne. Bed at 2215.

Friday, November 17th: Cloudy -rain. Up at 0630, over to mess with Brewster -mess is very poor. Court met at 0900. We tried Pvt. Johnson, a nigger from C-578 FA Bn. for willful disobedience -guilty with D.D. and 3 years. Afternoon tried Pvt. lsbart, "B" 635 AW Bn. for sleeping on post -guilty -D.D. and 2 years with recommend for clemency. There were three NG on him, mine and two others. Col. Bevine tries to dictate the sentence his court shall give, which is not good. Court over at 1530, saw a poor USO show. After mess, Roth, Brewster, Schmucker and I stopped in bar for a beer, met a young merchant who took us next door to his home over music store for excellent supper, wine, sausage, omelet, potatoes, salad, cherries, coffee. The butcher and his wife were there. Nice people. Two 8 year old girls spoke Luxembourg, German, French and English. Capt. Shennal left today.

Saturday, November 18th: Cloudy -moderate. Up at 0630 -court 0900 -1530, tried Lt. Manning, Sv. Btry. 771st, on assault and disorderly and drunk charges -sentence -dismissal and 2-1/2 years. Col. Bevine is not getting desired results from his court. We got 5 small steaks from our friend the butcher and took them to the people who run the bar. Meat cost 32 Francs or 75¢ -hard to believe. Also we got 2 enormous pies at patisserie at 25 Francs each. At 1730 Col’s. Schmucker and Brewster, Major Stuck, Roth and I went to eat. Wife of proprietor of bar had fixed the meal. Steaks were delicious with onions cooked on, french fried potatoes, salad, bread, huge apple pie, gooseberries, pears and a plate of cakes and pastries. Red wine at 100 Fr. bottle made up most of cost which totaled 457 Fr. for all of us. Best meal since last night.

Sunday, November 19th: Cloudy -moderate. Up as usual. Court opened at 1000. We tried our last case -3 men from QM truck Co. charged with leaving duty, failing to obey, taking truck. They pleaded guilty -D.D. and 2 years. Left Ettelbruck about 1445 with Roth -drove thru Luxembourg City -a modern, pretty place, then on to ArIon. Corps rest center is here and provided us rather dirty rooms. Col. Schmucker and Brewster due to meet us here but had not showed up at bed time. Our Hotel du Hord, officer’s mess at Hotel Burgoyne. Saw an American movie with French talk. Bed at 2300. Like Ettelbruck very much -town of 5000, clean, prosperous, people good looking with much pride in their little country.

Monday, November 20th: Rain all day. Rain started during night -lasted all day. Stayed in bed until 0930, Cols. B and S came in 1045 -couldn't find driver until this a.m. -they went ahead, Roth and I ate, then found his driver and left ArIon at 1345, stopped few minutes at Bastogne, got to 559th CP about 1620 -called our CP, then Roth's driver brought me on to St. Vith where Carr picked me up at 1720. Got in for supper, then to CP until 2015. All snow gone with the rain. "A" Btry. has one gun moved to old "B" position. Sgt. Pure has gone to hospital with possible stomach ulcer; we are getting more cases trench foot. First chance to see newspapers all armies are moving a little -9th is north of 1st -Beyond Aachen.

Tuesday, November 21st: Rain -41 degrees. Rained all last night, most of day. Col. Hensey, Corps Arty. Ex., came about 1330 to inspect Bn. -Col. W. out with him until 1700 -no special complaints. I spent the day getting caught up on some of my work. All armies moving a little now. Last night planes were overhead from 0245 until 0330, tonight from 1930 until 2030. Few buzz bombs today. "A" Btry. has two guns firing in new position, all should be in tomorrow. Capt. Holliday in Paris on pass, Hoben Rogers goes tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 22nd: Rain all day, 36 degrees. Little snow this morning -rain all rest of day. BC meeting at 1100. Last gun in "A" Btry. into position by noon. We had several very low buzz bombs today. Metz is about all finished. Our VIII Corps continues to hold 50 mile front. I went with Regnier to look over tavern out of St. Vith we are preparing for Bn. recreation center. Paris pass people got off at 1100 hours. No mail today. I have a little cold and sore throat -first since I left Camp Polk. VIII Corps now made up 2nd, 28 & 83rd Divs., plus 9th Armored Div., Corps Arty., etc.

Thursday, November 23rd: Rain all day -50 degrees. Thanksgiving Day -we had two meals, breakfast at 0900 (2 real eggs and hot cakes), dinner at 1600 (turkey, potatoes, corn, cranberries, salad and cherry pie). Col. Bacon was waiting at CP to tell about coming inspections, complaints, etc. We got 3 men back from hospital, 2 to "B", 1 to "C". Get 8 replacements tomorrow. Rain continued … country is flooded. Walked to Sv. Btry. at noon to get a piece of pie. No electricity tonight. Got new high power field glasses today.

Friday, November 24th: Rain all day, 46 degrees. Another full day of rain streams continue to rise, truck parks are seas of mud, powder pits flooded. A mess. Today I visited all batteries concerning security -except Service. We waited for Col. Flora· to come for inspection of the "Fair Deal for the EM" -he came afternoon while I was at "B" Btry. It is a bleak place up on that hill. We got 8 replacements today -7 of them our old men including McGuigan, Stone (Sv.), etc. Men are being transferred to "B" from "A" and "C" to even up strength. Usual buzz bombs. Got haircut from Altieri at "B" Btry. 66 cards on field officers go to Group in the morning -don't know for what.

Saturday, November 25th: Showers -46 degrees. Intermittent rain -saw the sun several times during the day. Col. went to Gp. for lunch. 1st Sgt. Hurford came in last night and goes back to "C" Btry. -giving them two 1st Sgts. Afternoon I went to Bastogne with Regnier -got Bn. fund money order cashed -$100.00 -bought pots and light globes for rest center. Also got partial pay for Paris pass men -got back about 1730. Electricity still off. Tonight we got call to pick up 10 EM replacements at Appeal Red tomorrow. No mail.

Sunday, November 26th: 36 degrees, showers in a.m., clear, cold. Sun was out for three hours today. Clear moonlight tonight. Col. went to "B" Btry. in a.m. -Group is worried about positions being open to observation. Nothing special afternoon. We got two replacements today -2 medics, balance to "B" -brings us up to T/O strength of 506. This evening saw what I think were V-2 rockets -went nearly straight up to great height leaving vapor trails -at night they show a flame. Buzz bomb traffic heavy today. One fell somewhere near at breakfast time. Only mail today was a letter from Bill Roever -his AA Group has moved up into Belgium. U.S. has made two bombings on Tokyo with new B29's.

Monday, November 27th: Clear. Radio reports another raid on Tokyo and resignation of Cordell Hull, Sec. of State. Today I collected in all Fund Books for audit. Col. W. went to "B" Btry. at 1100 to present Bronze Star to Vollie Dickens, driver of truck, which burned at Dinan. Col. Bacon came about 1400 -he insists "B" Btry. is under enemy observation and must be moved. "B" men got left at Arlon today -Hq. driver tells a confused story. "A" Btry. #2 gun fired a registration with super instead of normal charge. Buzz bombs numerous -one passed over about dark headed south instead of usual west. Got typhus shot.

Tuesday, November 28th: Cloudy -cold -rain -32 degrees. Bad day, dark and cold with rain and sleet beginning about dark. Col. Barnes out with W. this morning on useless hunt for new "B" position, Col. W. to Gp. at 1400 -1600. Seems Gen. McMahon now thinks we don't know there is a war on -too many men on pass and at rest camps. Consistency thou art a jewel! Lt. Moore from Corps Ord. here at 1100 to see what "B" guns will need when they are pulled out soon to go back for overhaul. Our rest camp opened for business today -Regnier has done much work there. The civilian cook is all right. We've bought more dishes and silverware -can take care of 24 men there. I visited "B" Btry. this afternoon -they are getting settled and built in. Lt. Lord to Paris today on pass.

Wednesday, November 29th: Cloudy to clear. Sun came out at noon -clear tonight. Learned today Col. Andrews left 559th Bn. yesterday for new job as CO 333rd Gp. Today we get word "B" guns and all vehicles, 8 per day, go to another Ord. on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th. Will mean quite a transportation problem. We had practice alert today. I went to "B" to observe -their attempt was poor. McKinzie and Runden came at 1700 for drink and Runden's Bronze Star.

Thursday, November 30th: Dark -foggy. At 0830 we got word "B" Btry. was due to leave today instead of tomorrow for 507 Ord. at Marche -IP time 1200 at Trois Verges. They left area with all guns and vehicles at 1215. Col. Bacon was down and inspected "C" Btry. Col. Van Eck, Corps Arty. S-2, also came and I conducted him thru on inspection of entire Bn. -he was satisfied and finished about 1630. Col. W. planned Recon to Luxembourg tomorrow on Plan X-2, but that is out on later notice Chestnut is to be interviewed at Corps FDC tomorrow a.m. and Col. goes with him -don't know for what job. After that, Chestnut goes on to Luxembourg on pass with Norgord of 578th.

Friday, December 1st: Dark -foggy. Col. and Chestnut left at 0940. Chestnut went on to Luxembourg, Col. back at noon. Hq. and Sv. sent total of 8 vehicles to La Roche for inspection -left 0830, word sent back to send more tomorrow. I tried Hasten -AWOL -fine $35.00. Prepared Stegner's promotion letter. Mr. A. finished paying here, goes to Marche and ArIon tomorrow. Col. Nealy called from Replacement Depot – wanted transportation. Gen. McMahon is taking care of him. Another dismal day -I'm tired of this country, of the war, and of Army ways. No mail. Buzz bombs thick tonight.

Saturday, December 2nd: Fog -rain. "C" Btry. march ordered at 1200. Getting ready to go to Marche tomorrow -only Able left to fire. Hq. and Sv. sent 8 more vehicles this a.m. -Scherz sent word by Mr. A. that guns were getting a good cleaning, while nothing much more than a 6000 for trucks. Col. W. left at 0815 for Luxembourg. "B" got Shoemaker back from hospital -he was burned at Dinan. Sgt. Acettolla, from "A", to hospital with trench foot. We are in bad way for transportation right now. Up to "C" afternoon -some drunks up there. Another call from Col. Nealy. Tonight there is rain, sleet, moonlight. The B29's are making regular raids on Tokyo now.

Sunday, December 3rd: Rain -32 degrees. "C" Btry. got all guns and vehicles away this morning at 1000, except M-42 Maintenance. M-4 had leak. They go tomorrow. One Mack and gun in ditch but out OK. About 1100 Col. Nealy came in -got his Burp Gun and galoshes, stayed for lunch, then back to Replacement Depot. He put ratings on 66-1 cards -gave me superior. Col. W. came back while we were at lunch. Chestnut home from Luxembourg about 1600. I worked on Council books. Bad day -rain and wind afternoon and night. No mail. Hq. got few vehicles back from La Roche which relieves "A" a little -it was providing trucks for entire Bn. I go to Luxembourg Tuesday with Sharp of 559th.

Monday, December 4th: Rain -sleet -wind. Same weather -dark and wet. Most of day I worked on Council books. Col. to Baker afternoon. Hq. has gotten a few vehicles back, but we are still cramped for transportation. 95 men went to Marlene Dietrich USO show. We get credit for putting a shell thru school house window where German officers were holding gunnery school. PW reports 28 killed. Was observed mission. More Bronze Star letters back again for rewriting. Tonight Regnier had a ream of papers for me to sign on PX monthly report. Much air activity today. Corps has set up AA belt to shoot at buzz bombs -we had very few.

Tuesday, December 5th: Cloudy -rain. Up at 0700. Left Bn. 0815, met Major Sharp at Oudler -he was half hour late. Arrived city Luxembourg noon and registered civil affairs. We have a two bed room at Guisser Hotel on top floor -an old, musty place but clean sheets. After lunch at Continental Hotel, I took a bath in the room there reserved for Corps officers and occupied by Major Cameron, 16 Ob. Bn. and Major O'Connell of 225th Armored Bn. -they have nice room. After a mediocre supper, went down to Clou Bar and Appollo Club. Everything closed at 2200. Meals are only 25 Franc. City is pretty nice but overrun with GI's. 12th Army Gp. Hq. is here. Bed 2330.

Wednesday, December 6th: Cloudy. Up at 0930. Had omelet for breakfast. Walked down to Palace. House of Commons having first session today. Looked for Bob Bell without success. Walked again this afternoon. Tonight Cameron and O'Connell sat in our room. During evening there were two light bombings, sounded as though one or two planes were trying for railroad yards. Chestnut turned up in the room next to ours -refused to

say what he was doing here. This town is not much of a place for a vacation -bad weather, nothing to do, very little in the stores that can be bought. Saw group of Russians marching and singing in church grounds this afternoon.

Thursday, December 7th: Rain. Third Anniversary Pearl Harbor attack. Up 0730, ate breakfast at Continental, then walked around a bit and returned to our gloomy room to wait time to leave. Ate dinner, left Luxembourg 1300, stopped at Sv. Btry. 559th to call in for vehicle to meet me in St. Vith -back to Schlierbach about 1615. Chestnut leaves Saturday with some men and vehicles on secret mission which sounds like a trick to set up fictitious artillery positions. Nothing of importance happened while I was gone. Three Russians escaped from town near Prum -they were to try to get 3 rounds fired back into the town to let others know escape was OK -we got the mission of the 3 rounds at 2030.

Friday, December 8th: Rain -snow. Ground covered with snow this morning. Partly clear with little sun until noon -then rain. Tonight at 2130 it is snowing hard. BC meeting at 0900 to cover details Chestnut's move tomorrow. I did some paper work, went to "A" Btry. afternoon to look at rat eaten powder bags. "A" is still working on hunt, etc. 1st Army not gaining much, 3rd is doing better at Saarbrucken. In Greece there is guerrilla warfare between government and dissatisfied elements. In Philippines fighting continues on Leyte.

Saturday, December 9th: Snow. Considerable snow last night and all day but melting. Up at 0500 and saw Chestnut off with his detail at 0600. More paper work and out to look for defense positions. "C" Btry. guns all in and ready to fire at 1800. Still short on transportation as Hq. vehicles slow getting back from Ord. at La Roche. Col. Bacon visited this afternoon. Liquor ration in. We got 5 replacements -3 were "B" men from fire at Dinan, another Pvt. and one T/4 for Hq. Btry. Puts us up to T/O strength of 506. New proximity fuse explodes when fixed distance from any object. 60 German planes attacked ground troops, and AA got 30, damaged 28 with new fuse. For Arty. gives air burst any desired height. Must use radar principle.

Sunday, December 10th: Cloudy -cold -30 degrees. More snow last night -roads melted clear during day. Cold wind tonight. 106th Div. -no combat experience -is moving in today relieving 2nd which will probably move north to take part in expected attack. I worked inside good part of day -out on close in Recon for defense positions. BC meeting at 0930 on infantry training. Helped Lt. Harris prepare report on claim of looting arising from our occupancy of house at #1 Traverse, Plougastel. No mail today. We drew 212 rounds ammo today after getting none for several days. Our fire allowance up to 500 for 4 days. Newspapers are playing up ammo and fire shortages. People at home seem to think war is over. Germans now use chemical salt in powder, which practically eliminates flash. No more flash locations.

Monday, December 11th: Rain -fog -32 degrees. Considerable more snow last night -some melting during day. At 1200 "A" march ordered to go to Marche tomorrow -all guns out and ready at 1600. Major Solff, Corps Arty. here this afternoon and went to OP with Lampe to inspect security – documents, etc. Col. went to Duffy's Tavern and "B" Btry. where he got stuck -M-4 pulled him out. Lt. Rogers to Gp. for orientation meeting at 1430. Capt. Stetson put thru applications for 3 of his men for commissions in MAC -Col. approved Needle only. Tonight we got allotment of 11 more men for Paris pass tomorrow. "B" Btry. reported muzzle burst on #2 gun at 35 yards, no damage. No mail today. Our bombers going over nearly every day now. Buzz bomb traffic has entirely stopped.

Tuesday, December 12th: Cloudy -snow -32 degrees. All "A" guns and vehicles cleared area by 1010. Col. W. to strip this morning for flight over area. Afternoon I went with him to look over goose egg forward positions. Area is short distance NE Schonberg and E and N of Herresbach. Poor for gun positions. There are two north south roads which will take our guns; they run along high, barren ridges. Area is now thickly covered with AA, part of buzz bomb belt. Got back to CP about 1600, went to Duffy's Tavern for supper with Regnier … had

steak, french fried potatoes, corn and good coffee. The civilian woman cook is doing good job. No mail today. Stars are out tonight.

Wednesday, December 13th: Fog -moderate. Rather quiet day -no rain or snow and not so cold. Col. up to new area again in morning and to Group afternoon. I finished infantry defense plan. Capt. Shields, Corps, and Capt. Gunnell, Gp., came to check FDC -ate and left about 1230.

Thursday, December 14th: Partly clear -32 degrees. At 0915 I went up to "B" Btry. to inspect -found them still in a mess although guns have been back since the 5th -disorder was general. I’m afraid Woodling is due for trouble unless he gets straight. Had haircut while I was there and returned at 1200. Col. went to forward position again this morning and to OP's afternoon -returning 1715. Chestnut was due back today but didn't get in. Pale sunshine good part of day, clear and cold tonight. 106th officer brought in one of our men -gun to his back, when he didn't know password. Gunnell from Gp. interrupted fire mission to give a test today -he is a nuisance.

Friday, December 15th: Cloudy -cold -28 degrees. Ground hard frozen all day. Col. and Blessing went to Marche this morning -back about 1430. Chestnut came in from his mission at 1230. I stayed in all morning prepared papers for mailing on our Dinan fire -claims people working on it now. Afternoon went to new area near Schonberg. No mail today.

Saturday, December 16th: Cloudy -cold. Buzz bomb woke me about 0545. Germans attacking on our front. Heavy artillery fire all day. Large caliber going over us into St. Vith. 9 rounds of 11" stuff hit in Service Btry. area. Pvt. Kraus killed, Sgt. Russell wounded -about 1230. About 1100 "B" Btry. got 20 rounds in position some within 20' guns -heavy and light, coming from both sides. Medic was hit arm and leg. "C" Btry. fired hard and fast all day. At 1530 we got orders to move "B" back to positions SW St. Vith -plan A, and they did CSMO. At 1810 orders to put "A" in rear position when it comes in from Ord. tomorrow. Hq. and CP also move back tomorrow. Col. and I to "B" after dinner. Considerable shelling, but all over. Went on to OP 3 and watched fight in Bleialf, 800 yards away – artillery, rockets, small arms. Back at 1500. Schonberg well shot up. Tonight Col. went to new "B" area, I went out to chase in last vehicles -plenty activity. Stegner's promotion order in.

Sunday, December 17th: Cloudy -cold -wind. Up 0630 -back to Crombach -see about installations. "B" was in position firing 0830, "A" guns going in 0900, back from Marche. Back to CP Schlierbach about 1030 -found everybody packed, infantry coming in to defend. At 1130 Runden dropped message tanks at Setz. "C" got CSMO about 1100. I said good-bye to Schweisens and as I left could hear small arms fire. In getting out, "A" lost much equipment. "C" had to destroy 3 guns ($160,000.00). Before we were settled in Crombach orders came to move to area near Salmchateau. I went ahead with Regnier found Hickman at Vielsalm -we finally got closed about midnight -bed in Neuville -0130 in empty house. No man lost. Lance, Blessing, Mr. A. lost bedrolls and clothing. Overlay in -new positions.

Monday, December 18th: Rain -fog. Our Air Force could not operate. Clear tonight. Col. to Gp. early at Vielsalm. Came back with orders move west Salmchateau. Before we could clear, had word enemy armor closing in. We moved out and I got Bn. off road beyond proposed positions about 1 mi. E. Talked with Col. Andrews quite while along roadside. Reqert where we arrived about 1330. Left there 1600 and moved on west thru La Roche assembly area in village Ronchampay -all closed 1930. I prepared status equipment report -in rough and Col. had no changes. Germans are in St. Vith, Trois Vierges, near Vielsalm with much armor but no air force -their attack extends over entire VIII Corps front -they are in City Luxembourg -is major break thru. Much Corps Arty. lost -740 (8" How) has 3 guns left, 333 has 5, we have 9. Bill McCleod's Btry. in 333 captured complete. Had I gone to "B" position other night I would not be here. Retreat is rough. Dead tired tonight. Roads jammed. "He who fights and runs away, will live to fight another day".

Tuesday, December 19th: Cloudy -rain -moderate. Remained in Ronchampay entire day. Col. made several trips to Group. Afternoon he and BC's made Recon positions about 6 miles due south here which we understand tonight we occupy tomorrow. 402nd Gp. supports 333rd Gp., which supports 101st Airborne Div., now holding at Bastogne. All our vehicles parked bumper to bumper on loop thru village off main road. Stegner out as L.O. with Div. Situation not quite so bad as we thought last night -559th got out almost complete, as did 174th Gp. and Corps FDC. 740, 578, and 333 Bns. lost much tonight. They say we still hold St. Vith, break is between there and Bastogne. Radio request for help at Ortho -5 miles from us. Plan to give us 8" Hows out.

Wednesday, December 20th: Heavy fog -no visibility -NG for air. Day of orderly confusion. Col. to Gp. just down road at 0645. Chestnut ordered to Corps Arty. but countermanded and went late afternoon. La Roche, N of us, shelled during day. We are ordered to stand and defend -guns on road as is -do not go in position, order at 1000. 1200 order displace NW to Bande, get orders there. Pulled 1245, stopped Bande 1400. 1500 -orders to bivouac only, countermanded immediately by orders move to Ochamps west Neufchateau. Col. and W. Rogers left at 1650, I pulled Bn. at 1715, Holliday leading, I trailing -34 mile march in fog and dark to Ochamps closed 0030 except 2 "B" guns and Sv. Maintenance … sleeping inside, all men in houses. Route -start Grune, Hargimont, Tellin, Recogne to Ochamps, but cut off short at Recogne -Gp. is there. Our ration truck ambushed

E. of La Roche by MG, Kale got away. We stay barely one jump ahead. Germans pushing with great armor force -reported using new rocket. Col. Andrews relieved command 333 Gp. when he made unauthorized retrograde move. Bed 0145 -dead tired again.

Thursday, December 21st: Foggy -no visibility. Chestnut in about 0500. Up 0730 -BC's made Recon near town. Col. to Gp. 0920. Report 101st falling back at Bastogne and 4th coming to help. At 1130 "B" and "A" (with 5 guns) were in position ready to fire when order came to hold up -at 1200 orders to displace 1000 yards NW of Pure. Bn. moved at 1230 thru Bouillon south and west to little town E. of Muno -Col. brought up rear. Col. Hensey, Corps Arty. Ex., came along about 1400 when column stopped along road -said we would stand and to Recon for positions. While Col. out looking, Bacon from Gp. came with orders to send parties to Corps at Matton -word then came we'd move tonight and that changed to stay here with parties out tomorrow and Bn. to follow. We are out of VIII Corps (all Kaputt) and into III -go ArIon tomorrow. Have men in houses. Got supper with people eating food to keep from Germans. We just got away in time this a.m. My nerves getting a bit ragged.

Friday, December 22nd: Rain -fog -but clear moonlight tonight. Up 0700. BC meeting at 0900 and Recon parties left right after. Kept CP open in school house all day. At 1245 got message and went to Corps FDC for 1330 meeting with Gen. McMahon who delivered lecture. Were told probably leave tomorrow a.m. -got back to Bn. at Lambermont and message came prepare move today followed by march overlay about 1700. Bn. pulled at 1830, delayed at IP for 559th to pass, closed in Stockem, 1-1/2 miles from ArIon, about 2215 -32 miles -good clear weather -ran into cold and snow near ArIon. CP in house -people gave us coffee, bread and sausage. Sleeping on floor. Most of Corps Arty. came over tonight. We left VIII Corps today -now in 3rd Army. Gen. Patton seems to be taking over the clean up job. Waited for Col. to come back from Gp. Bed 0200. "C" had truck out on march -burned out rod. Have 4 days rations.

Saturday, December 23rd: Clear and cold, sunshine. 20 degrees. Up 0600. Bn. moved out Stockem at 0730 thru Arlon and NE to Ospern where guns in position edge of town. CP in school house. Ready to fire by 1000, but could not register until late evening. Tonight we are shooting -which is great after running all week. This is a hot spot close to front lines, tanks, TD's and infantry in town. Great air activity on first clear day since Germans broke thru. Situation looks much better today. 101st Div. still holding at Bastogne and 4th Armored reported within 4 miles. Our guns shaking the entire building as I write. We sent back for trucks and other shortages today -will send for mail tomorrow and hope to have some for Xmas. More fire missions in just now, 1930, we will shoot at least 500 rounds tonight. I hope and believe the retreat is over.

Sunday, December 24th: Clear -24 degrees. Another fine clear day with plenty air activity. Few German planes strafing our area, one shot down. Last night we fired 612 rounds with our 9 guns. Gun positions just off road no pits, no camouflage -pretty cold for men. Good part Bn. has billets. We got no news today but things look good and retreat in this area is stopped. We got 200 rounds ammo from 203rd Gp. and tonight QM brought us 800 projectiles with only 63 powder. Were lucky and got turkey for tomorrow. "C" Btry. had man killed on Huson's supply trip -accidental discharge of carbine. Have no idea how soon we may move up. I am enjoying a bad cold. Have been thinking this evening of D. B. and the boys now at Oklahoma City -probably a big Xmas Eve there. St. Vith has fallen to Germans. Mr. Burke in late tonight with ammo.

Monday, December 25th: Clear. Fired only 32 rounds last night. Have 1247 HE & 836 powder at 0830. BC meeting 0900 -shortages and redistribution, then Col. went to Group. During day 400 more powder charges came in but we are still short of fuses. Though late, we managed to get turkey for dinner and Stegner came in with load of mail. Battle has moved north -hear little or no small arms fire. St. Vith has fallen, Germans said to have 50 our P47 planes, last night our area strafed but no damage. Col. goes out tomorrow on Recon for positions NE here near Perle. Many bombers over again today -ours. We have AA with us here.

Tuesday, December 26th: Clear -cold -visibility ex. Col. out on Recon to Perle 0830 -0930. I went to "C" Btry. to investigate Grube death, then on to Arlon, taking Runden along. Found III Corps Rear was at Longwy, 22 kilometers further, got there at noon, ate, saw J.A.G., who discouraged filing charges, and got back to Ospern about 1430 to find Bn. preparing to move. 1530 vehicles started moving. Guns pulled out at 1630 and all cleared area except two guns "C" took over from "B", which Scherz left. All finally closed Perle by 2015 -Btrys. are N., E., W., in edge town, CP center town. 35th Div. is moving up -all roads and houses full. Lucky again to have bed inside -clear, cold, moonlight. Combat team moved up Bastogne road today. We fired about 160 rounds this a.m. -sending for ammo tonight. Route -Ospern -Redange -EII -Niedercolpach -Obercolpach -Holtz -Perle -about 10 miles.

Wednesday, December 27th: Clear -cold -19 degrees. No move -still in Perle tonight. Trouble this a.m. when 35th Div. tried to move us out town. We have all housed, one house for FDC, one room for CP. III Corps now composed of 4th Arm. Div., 80th, 26th and 35th Inf. Divs. plus Arty, etc. We support in 35th sector -they moved some today. We have no luck on OP's. No mail today but did get yesterday's paper which indicates German push at least temporarily about stopped. I walked around to visit all gun sections tonight. Guns so close in whole town shakes when they fire. Tried 7 summary cases for "A" Btry.

Thursday, December 28th: Fog -snow -12 degrees. Nothing much this morning. Col. Barnes came by about 1100, Col. W. out on Recon near Surre. At 1230 I left with Maj. Harris, Gp., we picked up Lt. Johnson, 559th and went on to Mogul at Florenville where Gen. McMahon gave us details of plan and area to Recon -drove on thru Sedan and reached Givet about 1740. Staying at Replacement Depot tonight. Col. Nealy was at Mogul and came on with us. Lt. Johnson told me CG 101st Div. was preferring charges against Andrews for running from enemy. Report tonight Germans 6 kilometers from Dinant.

Friday, December 29th: Foggy to clear, very cold. Little sleep last night -got call at 0130 our mission was off so drove back to Corps. Arty. at Florenville arriving at noon. Passed parts 87th Div. and 11th Arm'd Div. moving east. Found Bn. was released from III to VIII Corps this a.m. and moving tonight. Joined Recon party, which arrived Mogul about 1315 and went north thru Neufchateau then west couple miles to Tournay where I stayed and selected gun positions. Survey in and everything ready by dark. At 2300 Lampe went back to pick up Bn. Vehicles began to arrive at little before 0100 and Bn. closed by 0140. Much air activity tonight -enemy planes strafing and bombing at Neufchateau -saw a Black Widow shoot one down about 1000 yards from here. Bed 0300. 87th and 11th Divs. due to attack north -we support. Have most men housed but town is crowded. FDC and CP in school house.

Saturday, December 30th: Cloudy -cold -snow. Up 0730. We registered this morning and fired on St. Hubert. Col. out on Recon a.m. and after dinner about 1330 Col. Bacon called -send one gun to Renaument to register -Bn. to follow. Gun pulled out 1420. 11th is pushing hard. Unable register "B" gun tonight. Sent personnel to St. Marie to hold billets. BC call about 1930 … parties go at 0800 tomorrow. Started sleet and snow about 1700. "C" has one gun out with bad equilibrator -didn't go in position here. We have gotten some shortages -kitchen stoves and clothing for "A" Btry. All men are drawing sleeping bags. Transportation still critical with no prospect on that or our 3 guns. At present VIII Corps Arty. has nothing except our Bn. as Arty. and we get plenty attention. Tonight our fire stopped tank attack -much ammo expended. Had 4 summary courts for Hq. -all drunks. No mail since Schlierbach, except boxes Xmas Day.

Sunday, December 31st: Snow -cold. At 0800 parties from "A", "C" and Hq. went forward -rest of "B" moved up soon after 0700. "A" got CSMO 1120, moved at 1305, closed St. Marie position about 1420. "C" got CSMO 1545, had put on chains, closed about 1830. I moved up about 1730. New positions are edge St. Marie about 8000 meters north. Have done great amount firing today -ammo supply big problem. Roads very slippery. Paper today says we've pushed thru 1/3 of waist of Bulge. Bastogne OK now. We got 25 bags of mail tonight. We end the year in fairly good shape, having passed thru some good times and some tough. Tomorrow begins a new book, which I hope will record the end of this war and see me at home again.

1945

Monday, January 1st: We stayed all day in St. Marie firing on Ca 400. At 0600 total rounds fired 26,024. East of us a few thousand yards there has been heavy firing and bombing all day. Our observers out but unable to do anything. We got air registration. Ordnance repairing "C" gun with bad equilibrator today. Have had trouble keeping ammo supply up -trucks running day and night. This is small village untouched except glass and plaster damage from our guns in edge of town. All men have cover except gun crews on duty who use pyramidal tents. I have room with Col. second floor of Cure's house. I’m sleeping in the bed, as Col. not satisfied with condition of sheets. Started New Year right with haircut, shave, sponge bath and clean clothes. Much armor over near Bastogne -Germans slowed nearly to stop in west.

Tuesday, January 2nd: Partly clear -snow in late evening -8". Another day in St. Marie. We will surely move tomorrow. Col. made Recon late p.m. for positions to east. We continue to fire a great deal. Trav spades are breaking in frozen ground and there is trouble with equilibrators and recoils. Our guns are just wearing out and there is little hope of early replacement on them or vehicles. Lt. Miller over from airstrip telling of his experiences. A little mail today, but none for me. Mr. A. finished paying Bn. today. Col. and I had visit with the Cure tonight local electrician has been picked up by our troops at Neufchateau. Partly clear.

Wednesday, January 3rd: Cold, foggy a.m. -warmer, snow p.m. No visibility. Still in St. Marie tonight with any move uncertain. Notified to be prepared shift 3 guns from Ca 400 to 5920 to cover St. Hubert. Out all a.m. with Col. & Turner on Recon -went east to Bastogne highway, then west to Morhet. 11th Armored is pulling out for reserve in case counter attack, 17th AB Division taking over. Looks as though our push is temporarily turning to defensive. We hear Germans are pushing on many fronts. Area where we were this a.m. is well shot up and fought over -saw dead again in numbers. There is much suffering in this weather. We are comfortable in our position. In 24 hours prior 0600, our 9 guns fired 1024 rounds. Tonight "C" has one out going to Ord. tomorrow for recoil repair. We continue to haul ammo day and night.

Thursday, January 4th: St. Marie. Snowing until late afternoon. We remain in St. Marie. Early this a.m. 87th & 17th Divs. attacked. Germans also attacked. Lines remain about the same tonight. With "C" gun out, we have only 8 and there is more equilibrator trouble. Gen. McMahon is raising hell again -says we should have anticipated. Our observers have not yet done any good. Radios not working well. About 8" snow on ground. Mail tonight.

Friday, January 5th: St. Marie. Foggy to clear -24 degrees. Still in St. Marie. 87th and 17th supposed to be attacking again today but no results evident. This morning I visited our four guard posts on roads into town. Found a squad of infantry from 17th AB trying to find way back after running out of rounds last night when shelled. From 1300 -1600 went with Col. back to Market positions and on as far as Chenogne where we were stopped by shell fire. Saw 771st Bn.'s 415 guns there -destroyed, counted ten of them. Very cold ride in open jeep. "C" Btry. Mack, out for days, finally repaired and back in today. Amount our firing has been cut down. 770th Bn. moved through here today to positions just north of us. 174th Gp. is at Ourt. Chaplain Stainbrook had supper with us. Holliday in bed with cold. Mine is better. Col. gave me superior rating.

Saturday, January 6th: St. Marie. Cloudy -cold. No visibility. Nothing special today. I stayed in Bn. area, prepared letter to 3rd Army on Grube death. Blessing in to report his man Rademaker stole 6000 Francs from civilian -it was recovered and returned. We got quite a lot of mail. Saw a translated German document of Dec. 12, evidently a G-2 report, in which they analyzed our forces on Schafe Eifel very well. Read an old copy of Time -Nov. 27th -very optimistic about our big push they're starting.

Sunday, January 7th: St. Marie. Fog, sleet, snow. This morning went to Group to take liquor ration money and see Maj. Lepage about awards, etc. Looked for coal with no success, ours all gone. Afternoon, 1330 to 1700, out with Col. & Lampe on Recon for positions north of Morhet. Had to get clearance thru 17th AB Div. Arty. found them slow and messy, not in combat long enough to know what's what. Rough weather -sleet and snow. Positions very barren. 17th attacking again today and making a little progress.

Monday, January 8th: St. Marie. Snow. Snow last night and all day, drifts deep on roads. At 0830 I took BC's and survey party to Lavaselle positions. No cover or protection there. Back at 1030. Tonight we are told one gun may go up tomorrow a.m. to register, rest Bn. to follow. It will be rough. A Lt. Col. Shape, from 8th Corps Surgeon's office, ate with us at noon. "C" gun back from ordnance today with recoil repaired. We have called one "A" gun out as unsafe to fire hoping to get action on new tubes. Mail tonight. Passwords -Clavert, Maryland, Wire haired terrier, Gordon setter, Walker hound.

Tuesday, January 9th: St. Marie. Partly clear, some snow. Right after breakfast I took detail to our proposed CP house in Morhet. They got chased out and came back late. We are not going in there anyway. Col. took a look at Lavaselle positions after I reported them under direct observation, then picked new ones near Pinsamont, which Group ruled out tonight and said to look around Jodenville tomorrow. Roads are bad with snow drifts and our forces make very little progress, though in general, it is claimed Bulge is being reduced. 17th AB is having high casualty rate. Saw a hog making a meal from dead German today.

Wednesday, January 10th: St. Marie. Cloudy, cold, 19 degrees. Paper today reports American landings on Luzon in Philippines. Four soldiers tried for stealing and selling cigarettes got 45 -50 years. Out 0830 to 1130 with Col. for Recon positions at Jodenville. Group had us hurry with survey but tonight we still stay in St. Marie and Germans are still in Tillet. 1st Army on north of Bulge doing better than we on south. I worked on Rademaker court martial. No mail. Electricity on last night. We got 4 replacements and Hewitt & Salazar, "A" Btry., Paris AWOL's tonight.

Thursday, January 11th: Hq. &"B" in St. Marie. "A" -Rondu, "C" -Bougnimont. Clear, 16 degrees. This morning Col. Bacon came about 1000 and said no prospect of move. At 1200 he was back with orders to move "A" to Rondu on 340, "C" to Bougnimont on 275, "B" to stay put and shift to 6390. "A" got CSMO at 1230, was ready to fire new position 1620. "C" got CSMO 1630, ready in new position 2030, then "B" began shifting. At 2140, orders from Group -all Bn. moves to Jodenville positions tomorrow, "B" moving at 0800. Somebody is surely nuts -we can reach north to fire line from here. Mail tonight. Sunshine good part of day, but cold. Finished Rademaker court papers.

Friday, January 12th: Btrys. -Jodenville, Hq. -Morhet. Cloudy, cold, snow, 20 degrees. Col., Holliday left at 0730 looking for CP and found small farm house edge Morhet. "B" moved out St. Marie 0815, "C" about 1000, "A" got CSMO about noon. I stayed until FDC closed at 1230, then lead team up at 1300. All Btrys. in position Jodenville ready to fire 1730. At 1500 I went with Col. on Recon to Mande St. Etienne NW Bastogne. He got a good shelling while there -about 2 rounds quite close, just other side barn. Much damage that area. Tonight have bed in corner of room with Holliday and others. Armor moved out and gave us little room. Nine refugees came in and are sleeping in kitchen of same house.

Saturday, January 13th: Morhet, Jodenville & Senonchamps. Partly clear, 20 degrees. At Morhet & Jodenville this a.m. Attack jumped off at 0900, but Group forgot to give us time so we did not fire. Col. Bacon came this

a.m. Col. W. out on Recon to Mande St. Etienne but could not get clearance there. After dinner he went to Senonchamps and I took BC's there. "C" put one gun in & registered, then moved rest of Btry. "A" got CSMO at 0900 at which time we closed out CP and FDC at Morhet and moved on to Senonchamps. Hard driving through snow drifts. I arrived 2300. Town all shot up and full of dead GI's. CP & FDC in what's left of school house. I have cot in upstairs room -very cold. "A" turned over one gun on march. This afternoon we got shell fire here -our own, looked like 105.

Sunday, January 14th: Senonchamps. Clear, 26 degrees. "B" Btry. got CSMO at 0230. I turned a gun over same place "A" did. Both guns righted and moved in with very little damage. Ordnance team here to check the 2 guns and do other repair work but did not have enough nitrogen to fix us up. Calibration team also started today but found its machinery out of tune and left. "C" knocked out a Mack on road trying to start by pulling it. Present plan -when objectives taken we move to Compogne. VIII Corps to take up defensive. Much air activity today P47 crashed close by. Pilot landed and we picked him up, Lt. Fegan. We did considerable firing today on Houffalize, etc. Germans attacked east of Bastogne at 1800. Patrols have met from north and south across the Bulge.

Monday, January 15th: Senonchamps. Clear until noon, cloudy, 20 degrees. Nothing special to report today. We remain at Senonchamps while attack moves along. FDC room in the school house is about only place to get warm and it's crowded. Tonight at Capt. Holliday's room in shot up house we had popcorn made fresh. Turner furnished the corn from Arkansas. It is cold sleeping but better than a fox hole. Lt. Regnier went up with detail of men to wait capture of Compogne and hold billets for us. Everybody fights for what shelter there is.

Tuesday, January 16th: Senonchamps. Overcast, 19 degrees. Early this morning Col. and BC's went to Compogne with parties to select positions and hold houses. Afternoon "B" took one gun up to register. Rest of Btry. got CSMO at 1650 and have moved out at 1800. I went back to Sv. Btry. at Bercheux this a.m. to see Mr. Burke about Moore girl's claim he fathered her child at Doddington. He admits and agrees to marry. Got a GI sleeping bag liner to put in my bed roll. At 0215 "A" Btry. got close counter battery with 150mm but no casualties. With "A" & "C" ready to move tonight orders came they would remain in positions. I sent Walter Rogers to forward FDC and got Col. and Chestnut up to come back -Col. Bacon's orders. They got in about 0200. I got to bed about 0300. "A" had two new tubes put on this p.m., calibration team working again.

Wednesday, January 17th: Senonchamps to Compogne. Snow, sleet, 24 degrees. Slept until 0900 -GI sleeping bag big help in keeping warm. Got up to find much excitement over Corps claiming our fire falling only 4500 yards in front of guns. They thought maybe German guns hidden in woods and firing when we did. Great search and checking with no results. At 1130 I came up to new positions at Compogne with Holliday and rest Bn. followed 1330 but delayed by Armor on roads and did not close until about 1900. The town is jammed -17th AB in reserve here and CCA of 11th Armored also has Hq. in town. We have shelter for most of the men. FDC in school, CP in priest's house but fairly well intact. At noon Lt. Newman, with us at Robinson, came for lunch. He is Gen. Patton's interpreter and is doing intelligence work. Tonight Stegner is out on post near Sibret trying to

pick up suspected guns firing behind us. We are firing harassing missions all night -plaster falling as I write. Russians have opened big offensive.

Thursday, January 18th: Compogne. Snow, sleet, rain, 24 -30 degrees. Bad weather today. This a.m. the Col. moved CP to house Holliday had taken. At 1300 went to Group at Villeroux, little forward of us, got liquor ration and distributed. Calibration team finished all but one "B" gun -had to stop when cease-fire orders came due to more checking on fire falling short. Order came about 1600. 11th Armored is pulling out here and going to relieve 101st, which goes to reserve. 17th AB takes over here -is setting up CP in this town. Tonight we are directed to make Recon for gun positions forward, echelon in depth. Medic’s jeep stolen today. "A" & "B" Btrys. are in east edge town, "C" on other side to west. High winds tonight.

Friday, January 19th: Compogne. Snow, wind, 26 degrees. At noon today total ammunition fired -31,777. Wet snow and wind until noon, snowing again tonight. Col. made Recon a little forward this a.m., Lampe put in survey p.m. for "B" &"C", but no move yet. Attack order out but no time fixed. VIII Corps due to be pinched out. Still looking for "Phantom Gun". Russians reported nearly to German border. I did paper work today. Stegner in from listening post at Sibret this evening. No mail. Much to do at present over Germans murdering prisoners. I believe we are equally as guilty.

Saturday, January 20th: Compogne. Snow, moderate. Today "C" Btry. moved up to Mabompre, maybe 2000 meters east -one gun of "B" went along. "A" scheduled to move but called off. Hear we are to get 3 more new tubes, two for "B", one for "A", which will put us in good shape. Our troops lost contact with Germans last night. Col. went on Recon for positions SE Houffalize this afternoon. I did more work on courts and wrote letter about Mr. Burke's case. Col. Nealy's 771 Bn. up near here re-equipped with 6 155 Hows. Got haircut today. No mail hear there was shipping mix up in England. Russians are 20 miles inside Germany. 17th AB has stolen jeep and 1/4 ton trailer from us.

Sunday, January 21st: Compogne to Vissoule. Little snow, 26 degrees. Up early and Col. left at 0800 on Recon south of Houffalize. I started BC's and parties off, then brought Rogers over who is to register on a gun from "A". Positions are in edge Alhoumont, FDC & CP in Vissoule just south. Back to Compogne to eat and pack, then came to positions at 1500 leading CP truck. Registration completed OK at 1400. Bn. got CSMO at 1700 -most Hq. already here and guns coming up hill at 2130 as I write. CP & FDC again in school house intact except for windows. We are about 2500 yards SE Houffalize. 17th AB has been moving thru here -situation confused. Germans seem to be moving back fast. No fires planned for us tonight. 80 years old civilian upstairs dying with bullet hole in stomach.

Monday, January 22nd: Vissoule. Partly clear, snow last night, 26 degrees. Firing Ca 1150 -line on St. Vith. Some snow last night, little sunshine middle of day. Col. went to Group at noon -returned with no news. Afternoon I made Recon of roads to Tavigny -Ceturu -Steinbach. Beyond that light fighting. Two new tubes for "B" Btry. are in tonight, will be put on tomorrow. We fired only about 60 rounds during day and have few harassing missions tonight. Mr. A. went back to Bouillon for replacements yesterday -no word from him tonight. Sv. Btry. still back at Breslau. The old man upstairs died at noon. The Col. fiddles with something always, fixes the fire constantly. While awake, impossible for him to be quiet. Considerable diarrhea in Bn. -I've missed it so far.

which seems strange with death so common all around. Saw soldiers propping up dead German and putting his helmet on.

Wednesday, January 24th: Vissoule. Partly clear, snow last night, 16 degrees. Up early and back to Compogne to locate Sv. Btry. in billets -moved up from Bertogne. Snow last night and had to break trail. At 1100 word we would make Recon for forward positions. Col. left 1150 for Mogul, I took BC's to Steinbach about 1245, from there we went on to Limerle where Col. had area. "B" brought up one gun to register and other gun positions picked and surveyed. Bacon to Vissoule about 1800. Plan for Corps Arty. to change armies -seems our sector widened and we continue east. May leave Limerle tomorrow. 559th had tractors stuck on road today -we pulled them out. Gen. McMahon found them blocking heavy traffic on one Corps road -very mad. Lampe to St. Vith today -fighting on far edge, town destroyed. We are getting a few Bronze Star awards thru now. "A" got new tube on today -9 guns now have good tubes -all we need is 3 guns.

Thursday, January 25th: Vissoule to Limerle. Partly clear, 0 degrees this a.m. Had to move "A" Btry. last night. CSMO at 2320, pulled out 0130 for Limerle position. After much discussion and confusion, rest of Bn. started moving up about 1300 and closed 1530. I came up ahead to report to Chamois -17th AB Div. Arty. We have some billets in middle of town vacated by 680 FA Bn. 87th Div. is moving in to relieve 17th. We may move again tomorrow. This town is in fair shape. "C" has one gun out -bad recoil, one Mack and one 2-1/2 ton broken down. "A" has gun out equilibrator down. "C" got new 2-1/2 ton truck today -body and bows ripped up in traffic on way here. Selected 4 men to go to U.S. on 10-day furloughs.

Friday, January 26th: Limerle. Partly cloudy, some snow. Firing east -Ca 1450. Col. and BC's out this a.m. on Recon positions at Hautbellain, across line in Luxembourg. This p.m. Gen. McMahon cancelled that, said our next move would be to Huldange on east. We fired into Germany today. This town has been a madhouse all day with 17th AB moving out and 87th coming in, trying to move us out of our billets. Got everything ready to send men for US trip to Metz tomorrow. Capt. McKinzie and 3 men off for Paris pass today. Got new generator for FDC. Ammo trouble continues -Corps tells us go to ASP -we find nothing there. Good batch of mail today.

Saturday, January 27th: Limerle to Huldange, Luxembourg. Snow, clear late p.m., 24 degrees. Left Limerle at 0630 with Blessing, Lantz and other witnesses in Rademaker case. At Neufchateau 0815. 1315 Rademaker tried before General Court -sentence 5 years and D.D. Monarch Rear lives in usual luxurious style. Col. Andrews is here with no job -waits to see if charges are preferred. He asked me to serve on his defense counsel. Left at 1640, took Madam Brolet to St. Marie, arrived Limerle about 1900 to find Bn. pulling out. Rode with Chestnut to new positions Huldange -about 8000 yards east -closed Bn. about 2200. Town crowded billets scarce. CP is room in Priest's house, which is shot up. FDC in attic. Attack order tonight fixes time H hour 29 Jan. 4th Div. is coming in between 87th and 90th, 95th reserve in rear. Objectives, towns across border. Considerable snow today. Russians reported 91 miles Berlin -US 50 miles Manila.

Sunday, January 28th: Huldange. Snow, 20 degrees. Guns out -"C" -one to Ord. with recoil, "A" -one equilibrator. Visiting officers here from Bn. in England -say 100 Bns. there -many gone Pacific. At 0800 Lampe out to Oudler and Col. went up at noon to get positions at Lascheid on east of Oudler. He came back late -could not get into Lascheid due to mines, roads and time fire, looks like we do not move tonight. CP is poor place to sleep -door and window out, very cold. Priest is mad because one of our men broke into his bee house and "disturbed" his bees. Traffic on roads unbelievable.

Monday, January 29th: Huldange to Thommen. Snow, cloudy, 21 degrees. Light snow -about 20 -24 inches on ground here. After breakfast Col. started on Recon at Maspelt and I for Thommen. He could not get in but we finally reached Thommen on roundabout road thru deep snow. Col. Bacon there and we got radio Bn. was moving at 1200. Closed here about 1430. CSMO was 1030. Positions are along east edge town, top of ridge, quite exposed. This is where 559th had rest camp. Town only partly destroyed. I found fair room for CP and

house same shape for FDC. We are fighting as usual for billets. Tonight Maj. LePage called; tomorrow we go Metz for three new guns! Great news. Recovered guitar we stole from Priest. Visiting officers left today. Hear Germans dug in Schlierbach. We are putting mortar fire on town -will try get up there tomorrow. Blessing left on Paris pass 1447.

Tuesday, January 30th: Thommen, compass 1400. Snowing all day. Visibility poor. Corps wanted move us up today. After breakfast went with Col. to CP 345 Inf. 87 Div. just over tracks St. Vith. Found roads mined and blocked to Schlierbach so returned. Lampe out later in p.m. reported roads open. Went up just before dark with Col. and reached Schlierbach -greeted by salvo of 88's. Also shelled at St. Vith this a.m. Found Schwiesen family all there … house only little damaged, full refugees and soldiers. "C" Btry. 3 guns still in place. Snow very deep. May move there tomorrow if infantry gets along. St. Vith totally destroyed. We send for one angle dozer tomorrow. Cold today. My feet and hands hurt.

Wednesday, January 31st: Thommen. Rain, moderate. Rain all day, melted some snow -roads slick. Tonight 559th turned over PM and gun, 2 killed, 9 injured. This a.m. Col. Wattrous, 87th Div. Arty. Exec. came -said

C.G. 87th wanted us to cease-fire at night -noise prevented him sleeping. Out late this evening with Col. on Recon positions south St. Vith. New guns not in yet. Lt. Harris went to ArIon this morning to get angle dozer. Germans reported Russians only 70 miles Berlin. For month we fired average 290 rounds per day and had 26 registrations. About 6 guns in action. To 0600 total fired -34,777. Divisions are complaining that Corps Arty. is pushed forward too much, blocks roads and gets in way. Saw much German motor equipment destroyed along roads tonight. They bury their dead in small bunches where they fall.

Thursday, February 1st: Thommen and Schlierbach. Rain, wind. Compass 1400 -1600, thawing. This a.m. Col. made Recon near Crombach after Div. indicated and Corps agreed on area. Afternoon Col. Bacon came and said get clearance and move one Btry. to Schlierbach. Div. refused to clear, then said OK. We alerted our Btry. Next Gen. McMahon said get road clearance and move entire Bn. Clearance granted, CSMO given about 1615. Meanwhile I had made one trip to 87th Div. Arty. at Duffy's Tavern. In the usual rush I packed and pulled out ahead Bn. in my car to notify advance parties Ca for "A" &"C" had been changed from 1600 to 1400. Took 45 minutes to get up thru St. Vith taking back road to south. Bad traffic jam in town. Bn. vehicles stuck on hill after "A" came thru and reached area at 1930. Light vehicles came in by Setz. Schwiesen house still full. We are finding very few billets. FDC and CP in old personnel house. My feet are numb and hurting. Chew slow getting truck back.

Friday, February 2nd: Schlierbach. Cloudy, thawing. Got to bed at 0330 in back end of CP truck. Up at 0700. "C" last gun in position 0530. New guns came in yesterday, left behind for cleaning, coming up today. Brought out new bulldozer along on trailer. "C" area filled with Bouncing Betty mines -Scott hit one early a.m. -nearly bled to death. "A" &"C" in same positions, "B" at east edge town. No registration last night but good one today and medium amount firing. Lines are up beyond Schonberg 3000 yards tonight. This place still crowded with troops. Further attack planned on north of sector. Russians have crossed Oder River, Berlin reported in panic. We got word 1645 to make Recon near Schonberg.

Saturday, February 3rd: Schlierbach. Rain, fog in a.m., clearing p.m., moderate. Breakfast early and spent all

a.m. on Recon. First to Amelscheid and located positions. Then radio message to go on to Manderfeld. Returned thru Schonberg and on up there -selected positions forward to 105 Bns. but 87th Div. Arty. would not give clearance. Divisions protesting strongly over Corps pushing Arty., blocking roads, etc. Back to Bn. at1230 where Col. Bacon was waiting. Got message to abandon Recon. Nothing further developed during afternoon. Tonight Capt. Moore, Gp., says we are supposed to go out of Group tomorrow. Waiting to see what. To Schwiesen’s after mess to eat Vertoffel fonen Kuken. Russians 2 miles from Frankfurt on Oder, 35 miles Berlin. Runden to Paris, Blessing returned.

Sunday, February 4th: Schlierbach. Snow, rain, moderate. Today we fired on Prum and wondered what plans in store for us. Lt. Love, 510 Ord. Co. here says "B" new gun and one from "C" with bad recoil must go to shop. We are holding up to see if we go north to 1st Army. 8 guns firing. Bad place in road to Setz blocks us going out that way. Part of 11th Armored due in here tomorrow will tear up back road. Got new efficiency report forms today. Russians reported in edge Frankfurt, our troops edge Manila. Sv. Btry. moved up to old stand at Rotjen today. Had haircut.

Monday, February 5th: Schlierbach. Rain, fog, warm. Waiting all day and still tonight for word about our move. Understand we go north to 9th Army and that transfer was effective Feb. 3rd. I expect to take advance parties out tomorrow a.m. Today billeting parties 11th Div. here but went away when their plans changed. Attack jumps off at 0400 tomorrow. Prum is objective -4th Div. in our sector. We got new jeep today replacing stolen medic's. Firing on Prum. Had bath. Col. Kruger now Corps Arty. Ex. and has taken Major Corvel up as S-3.

Tuesday, February 6th: Schlierbach. Parties to Freialdenhoven, Germany. Fog, clouds, rain. Up at 0600. At 0800 left area with Turner and Burke, Btry. parties following few minutes intervals. Route -St. Vith, Malmedy, Eupen, Aachen, to Kerkrade, which is just over line in Holland. XIII Corps Arty. there. Arrived 1145. Lt. Col. Eaton, S-3, took care of me good shape. At mess came Stegner sent out to turn all parties back. Eaton said we'd stay, sent a message back to Col. W. and sent me on to Libach to 202 Gp. and Col. Billing. Major Cornelius took Turner and me on to our area at Freialdenhoven. Town shot up, full infantry but we got one house without roof for CP and FDC. Gun positions 5500 yards from town, do defilade, no cover, full mines. Regnier, "B" party, less Donze, found us there. Lampe had been sent out to meet returning parties, could send on again. Left men to hold house, returned to go sleep. "A" & "B" parties came in. Bn. due more tomorrow. XIII Corps will be good to work for. Russians still crossing Oder.

Wednesday, February 7th: Parties at Freialdenhoven, Bn. en route. Windy, cloudy, rain p.m., warm. Up at 0700. Donze came in late last night. We waited for breakfast, got vehicles out of mud and left Ubach at 0930. At Freialdenhoven 1000, left Regnier to set up CP and took officers out for positions. Found TD's in our area but got three Battery positions picked, in spite complaint from TD captain. Regnier went to Kerkrade to get information on Bn. route from Corps -returned 1600. Bn. due in about 2000, coming around by Dinan and Namur, 200 miles to get 60. At 1815 went down to Baesweiler with Regnier and markers about 1930, said Bn. about an hour behind. Brought him in and left R to guide Bn. Hq. Btry. got in about 2200 after getting lost. No word from remainder Bn. at midnight. Much Arty. coming here. Attack set for 10th to cross Roer River and drive north to Rhine.

Thursday, February 8th: Freialdenhoven, Germany. Cloudy, warm, snow all gone here. Bn. started coming in about 0100, closed except stragglers by 0830. By night "A" 3 guns that were late out Schlierbach, and all other guns in except "C" Mack, which burned out rod, wrecker towed its gun in -one just out ordnance. Lampe went back to look for route markers lost. Had more trouble with TD' s -they moved in "C" positions but we crowded in. Men rested until noon, dug pits afternoon and moved guns in about dusk. "C" put in gun and registered. 240 Hows, TD's, 4.5 guns and ours all in this town -almost "hub to hub". We have to draw 1800 rounds ammo and sent for 600 tonight. Walked around to positions with Col. Good land here, substantial houses, large coal mines. People left all possessions. Houses ruined. Mines being operated. Russians have slowed to regroup. Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin now meeting.

Friday, February 9th: Freialdenhoven. Rain until noon, cloudy, windy. All last night we worked on getting guns in -this a.m., "C" had one to go and "A" two -trucks bogged in mud, broken down, men wet and tired. Group got 7 trucks to help us haul 1800 rounds ammo. Putting a dump back about 5 miles, 50 rounds at each gun and keeping basic load (104 per gun -9th Army) on trucks. Have one OP out on river. No shooting today. Radio silenced. Went to Group late, stayed for supper, came back with information attack postponed 24 hours. We will fire 1200 rounds first day, 600 next two, and will be first heavy Bn. to move after river is crossed. Our bad recoil

gun is being repaired, the one with the bad traverse coming back to be used as is. We will get more H-4 tractors. This town is 31 miles due west Cologne. Back in our old sector, troops within 1/2 mile Prum.

Saturday, February 10th: Freialdenhoven. Rain a.m., clear p.m., moderate. Only firing today was registration by "C". The attack has again been postponed. "B" gun, which was returned from ordnance without repair, was pulled out position and sent back again. Gen. Shugg came by this afternoon while Col. & IwereatOP at Flossdorf right on Roer River -could see German trenches other side, but no activity. This evening there were few harassing rounds in north edge town. Germans ought to put heavy concentrations on this and other towns to catch all these troops and material. Mail truck came in from old APO. Russians moving a little, Manila is about cleared.

Sunday, February 11th: Freialdenhoven. Snowed last night. Rained during the afternoon and tonight. Last night our OP on the river got 3 direct hits. No one was hurt, "A" jeep damaged. We fired one mission today on German troops. A pair of German planes came over and got terrific attack, one shot down. Attack now off until maybe 14th due to floodwaters turned out at dam up river. This morning I had hot bath at coal mine down at Baesweiler -a big mine with excellent equipment. Afternoon did paper work and went to Group to see Major Cochran about efficiency reports. Sgt. Maxwell, Lt. Runden and others back from Paris pass. Few rounds harassing fire today. No mail. I find myself taking things for granted -mud, filth, rough going, living in cellars. I go to bed not worrying about possible shelling during the night. But still have plenty of respect for danger.

Monday, February 12th: Freialdenhoven. Rain all day, 40 degrees. Visited battery CP's this morning. Did some paper work. In addition to M-4's replaced for repairs, we are getting three more, giving us three more per battery. Also getting some repairs on Macks. "B" gun back tonight, (one issued bad) and "C" equilibrator fixed, giving us 12 guns ready to shoot. No firing today. Group loaned us a "weasel" to use until we get across the river, a full track amphibious vehicle, capacity 4 men. Lt. Nielsen in after supper to get his Air Medal. We continue to have diarrhea in the Bn. Russians gained 40 miles in Silesion. Our going from here on for a while will be across flat country, heavily populated, many streams. Bad for gun positions in wet weather. No mail yet -hasn't begun to come thru since we moved.

Tuesday, February 13th: Freialdenhoven. Clear to mid-afternoon. Rain tonight and windy. Buzz bombs again. Still no D Day or H Hour. The Buzz bombs, V-1, started last night -I saw one explode north of us tonight. Also more shelling of this town today. Lt. Col. Murphy from Corps. FDC down to test our FDC, Capt. Weir along and I took him to "C" Btry., where he asked Section Chief to name duties of Cannoneers. BC call at 0900 on efficiency reports. Col. Billing here this afternoon. Col. W. to Sv. Btry. and Corps FDC and Group. No mail.

Wednesday, February 14th: Freialdenhoven. Clear and mild. No rain. A quiet day -only a few harassing rounds coming in. We did no firing. River is still up and attack date uncertain. The TD's and 4.5's have been shooting some H & I. Our planes were bombing up north of us this afternoon. Tonight the search lights were looking for German planes. The Col. took Woodling and went to ordnance this morning, then passed out Bronze Stars. Went to OP in weasel afternoon when he returned -I made round of gun positions. Budapest has fallen finally and Russians report 110,000 prisoners. No mail yet. All 12 guns in position ready to fire. This 16th Ord. Co. is giving us good service on guns and vehicles.

Thursday, February 15th: Freialdenhoven. Clear until noon, fog still holding tonight. Col. to meeting at Gp. 0900 then on to Corps and not back until 1615. Sunshine all morning, fog after that. I did paper work. Attack probably not before Monday -we got Group plan today. At 1420 there was enemy Arty. fire towards "C" position. I started that way with Lampe and got caught in the next batch. 14 rounds, about, 105's, hit all around us -one hit house across from CP at "C" Btry. Pfc. Paul Martin hit by tree burst as he jumped into hole -died in about 30 minutes. Two others got scratches from fragments. It was C.P., they now have all our batteries zeroed in. CP will get the "overs". No mail. Many buzz bombs going over in pairs.

Friday, February 16th: Freialdenhoven. Clear, mild. A fine day -no rain. BC meeting 1100 -discuss coming movement. About 1015 a "B" Mack truck driven by White backed over a mine and tore up rear end -nobody hurt. I sunned my sleeping bag and blankets. At 1340 left for Corps rear, stopped by Sv. Btry., then on thru Kerkrade, Heerlen and to Corps seven miles beyond. Saw the A.G. about casualty reports, etc. On way back stopped at Sv. Btry. for supper at 1800. Amazed at fine, modern homes in Holland. They use much plate glass in large windows. Houses all brick or stone, good architecture. We got no shelling today. Roer River down a few inches. Up here both sides make use of many large searchlights.

Saturday, February 17th: Freialdenhoven. Clear early a.m., then foggy and cold. We got no shelling today and heard no buzz bombs. Date of attack is now more than ever uncertain. Germans have moved in another division across from us. This morning went to church service at "C" Btry. for Paul Martin. Chaplain Zimmerman from Gp. held it. He is Baptist from Miami, Okla. Col. gone all afternoon to take bath. I got haircut. Mr. A. is getting us in lots of trouble with careless work, forgets to answer letters, makes errors, etc. "C" Mack we left at Ord. near ArIon came in today. When "B" damaged one gets back we will have 15 plus 6 tractors. Our naval air force pounding Tokyo.

Sunday, February 18th: Freialdenhoven. Slow rain and fog. This morning got letters off for Miller's Air Medal and cluster, Nielsen's cluster. Sent Mr. A. back to Corps rear. Afternoon went up to Puffendorf to see Col. Taylor. He has 201 EA Bn. -cigar -been over here since November. We talked about old times and officers of 160th. Crane is new BC. Washam, McCain, Bennet all dead. About 1815 we got 12 rounds of light or medium caliber all around CP, one hit the roof but did not penetrate beyond top floor. Nobody hurt. Holliday reported another jeep stolen -Sawyer and Sgt. Moore took it to go for shower. Nasty day. Fired 100 rounds C.B. today. Mailed helmets to boys.

Monday, February 19th: Freialdenhoven. Clear, warm, 60 degrees. Uneventful day up to this writing -1900. After last night's shelling, we moved FDC to basement across street, took that place for officer’s mess. Col. went to Group after lunch and I spent afternoon in sunshine directing drainage work on road. We drew 150 rounds ammo -got one powder lot. Ammo supply much better in this Corps. Got normal charge registration shooting a couple TOT's tonight. German rockets went over about 2100.

Tuesday, February 20th: Freialdenhoven. Rain, chilly. Col. went to Brussels this morning, due back tomorrow. I went back to Sv. Btry., and from there with Huson and Mr. A. to Heerlen for stop at finance office, on to Corps rear near Valkenburg, then to Maastricht to see about QM. supplies. Visited clothing sales and after much hunting, found 9th Army Forward Hq. and located Clay Brion, formerly 160th Regt. He approved requisition for mess outfit and offered help to Huson when needed. Good contact. Ate supper at Service and got back here at 1900. Attack now set for Friday. Very peaceful here with the Col. away.

Wednesday, February 21st: Freialdenhoven. Mostly clear, no rain, clear tonight. Col. returned from Brussels about 1600. I stayed around CP all morning. Ordnance inspection team came at 0900 and sent them to batteries. Calibration team arrived soon after and did "C" and "B" today. Capt. Stetson and Donze left for Paris this morning 0900. Went to Sv. Btry. to see Mr. A. -he neglected to get letter written on Cpl. Grube death and delayed sending Rademaker papers. He is doing worse of anything. Ate dinner there. Got mail. Beginning at 1945 Germans put on considerable air attack. Dropped flares, bombed and strafed all around our town but nothing in our area. I was up at "B" Btry. when it started. Heard they got two 240's at Baesweiler. If we don't move soon, they'll blast us.

Thursday, February 22nd: Freialdenhoven. Clear, frosty. In afternoon went back to Heerlen finance office, cashed Bn. fund money orders and made spearhead deposit $520.55 after taking out enough cash to pay bills. Attack still set for tomorrow morning -we are waiting at 2100 for exact hour. Have 45 minute preparation

scheduled -will be fast firing, better than one round per gun per minute. Infantry is moving back into town for jump off. Last night I went up to "C" position and watched our planes bombing across river -wonderful display. Flares, ack ack, etc. Saw 3 planes shot down in flames. This afternoon and tonight we had many German planes over but no bombing at this writing. When one came the sky was full of fire. Tremendous amount of Arty. in this area.

Friday, February 23rd: Freialdenhoven. Mostly clear, cool. "Attack Day". Attack was at 0330, our preparation began at 0245. I got up at 0230 after an hour's sleep. It was terrific and firing has continued all day. Bn. has expended some 1200 rounds up to 2030 tonight. There were 2800 guns in action along the front. The radio tonight says 9th and part 1st Army attacked along 30 mile front. An "A" Btry. jeep was shot up at the OP. Not much enemy fire came into our area. No casualties. Our air traffic very heavy all day fighters and bombers. Germans bombing Linnich tonight from high altitude. Infantry moving rather slow across river. Our OP party has not gone forward yet.

Saturday, February 24th: Freialdenhoven. Partly cloudy, cool. According to reports the attack is going all right. Part of First Army on our right is also engaged. Good bridgeheads have been secured on the east side of the Roer River, several bridges have been built, and this a.m. tanks were crossing. We have been firing steady. With guns in front, close behind and on both sides of CP, we take a terrific pounding from concussion. As soon as dark came today German planes were out bombing and strafing. We had plenty air activity too. Have been mighty lucky in our immediate area -no casualties. Our OP party in the weasel left to cross river at 1615. No idea yet when Bn. moves. Sending Bailey, "A" Btry. home tomorrow for 30 days. Big bunch letters tonight.

Sunday, February 25th: Freialdenhoven to Kofferen. Cloudy, rain. Cold wind. Spent the morning on paper work while Col. went to Btrys. with Ord. team. At 1145 Recon parties ordered to reach Linnich at 1345 and left at 1315. Bn. got CSMO about 1300 -ordered to reach Linnich bridge at 1700. We loaded on 1919 rounds ammo, got ready to move out at 1625 but MO's held us up -found Corps and Group made error. We were to move out at

715. Pulled out Freialdenhoven at 1710 -Hq. -"B" -"C" -"A" -Sv. and Maintenance, 100 yards interval, 5 minutes between Btrys. Route: Puffendorf -Linnich Bridge -Korrenzig & Kofferen. Great traffic jam at bridge. "A" had trouble with gun there, turned over trailer and we finally closed 2045. Town full as usual but there is shelter for FDC. Coming thru Linnich was bad -houses on fire, planes overhead hunting bridge. Expect to be bombed or shelled tonight. Fired 1200 rounds in 24 hours.

Monday, February 26th: Kofferen. Cloudy, light rain, cold wind. Btrys. are on bald plain -no cover or defilade. Went in last night on compass 300 then shifted to 100. Fired about 400 rounds today. "A" has one gun out traverse bad. We got little shelling last night, few planes over. 5th Armored in its attack reported to have taken Erkelenz about 8 miles north of us, and still going tonight. Reports are of fairly good progress all along the front. Visited Btrys. this a.m. We continue to live in mud, filth, cellars, and wrecks of houses. Sv. Btry. still back at Baesweiler but will move up soon. We have 2200 rounds ammo on hand – bad mix up in QM haul -all projectiles, no powder. "B" Btry. is greatly improved.

Tuesday, February 27th: Kofferen to Isengraben -1100 mile W Rath, 8 mile march. Cloudy, moderate. Col. went to Group at 1000 after alerting Recon parties -he called back and I sent them on forward. At 1430 Bn. got CSMO and moved Hq. -"A" -"B" -"C" at 1650. Route: Kofferen, Lovenich, Erkelenz, Rath and west to destination general north direction. I tailed column. "B" &"C" Btrys. were turned wrong and came thru Katzem and Kuckhoven. Bumper to bumper traffic all the way -finally closed 2100. Rode with Mr. Burke. Saw very few knocked out vehicles on road, but some dead and new American cemetery. Erkelenz good sized town -well bombed. We saw first civilians there. CP & FDC in excellent, undamaged new brick house, clean, well furnished. Occupants, doctor and family, driven out. We began firing about 2340, "C" left bad recoil gun and broken down Mack, "A" left White behind.

Wednesday, February 28th: Isengraben. Cloudy, moderate. After breakfast we went back to Kofferen to see Lt. Harns about two trucks left behind. "C" gun went back to Ord. -met "A" gun on way up and lead it to position. Got back at noon. Col. went to Group at 1500 -we will make Recon north tomorrow during the a.m. and probably move during the p.m. Got paid tonight in Dutch Guilders -value about 37¢ -each is worth 100 cents Dutch. 5th Armored Div. due to attack tonight. We are getting into very thickly populated part of Germany. Many funny sights. Civilians have stables around here and soldiers ride horseback. Stage rodeos using local bulls. Saw tanker, just his head out of hole, with big cigar and silk top hat. Our airstrip in edge of town. Found soldiers in Hq. Btry. "fraternizing". We hear Col. Nealy killed recently -mine did it.

Thursday, March 1st: Isengraben to Winkeln -just east of Herdt. 10 mile march. Fade -falter. Total rounds to 0600 -42,879. Cold, windy. It rained in the p.m. Col. and 2 parties left for Recon at 0800 and did not return. At 1430 we got CSMO from Group. "A" was slow getting ready. Order: Hq. "C" -"B" -"A". At 1750 Hq. pulled out, "C" and "B" followed. "A" was delayed. Roads north were jammed with traffic. We closed new area at 2215. I got everything moving and tailed column. "C" had to leave some ammo and an M-4, still has gun. This place is a small town, a couple of miles west of Munchen -city of 120,000, which we have about taken tonight. Major Chestnut was drink last night -in bed most of the day -he went with "A" Btry. party last night. Tonight heard guard urging prisoners into truck with "hop up in the truck superman". Still in flat country. Pretty cold tonight. Germans trying to work over our column.

Friday, March 2nd: Winkeln. Wabbie-wonder. Sunshine, cold wind, snow, hail. Col. to Group at 0930. We got CSMO before firing a round. Recon parties out about 1030 -tried 90 east thru Munchen. Glad to be back but bridges blown so went to Viersen, then east to Anrath, Vorst area. At 1100 word came we would wait 6 hours for traffic to clear. At 1800 word received hit IP at Hoser at 0100 tonight. Plan to move at 0015. Hq. -"A" -"B" -"C". Mack repaired and came in late today -"C" gun still out. "A" failed to send trucks for ammo, "B" &"C" brought in 360 rounds. We'll have to shuffle. Movement in attack all along western front seems slow but steady -Cologne and Dusseldorf, both on Rhine, both within the Arty. range now. Some enemy air activity around our area today. Good houses in this little town -enjoyed good fire in stove. Got Gebhardt's canned goods.

Saturday, March 3rd: Anrath to Felder, 7-1/2 mile march NE. Sunshine, sleet, wind. Bn. moved, Hq. -"A" -"B" "C", at 0015, route Herdt -Viersen -Anrath where we closed at 0215. "A" was 12 minutes late. Roads clear, good march of 10.5 miles. Btrys. in flats NW edge town, CP in usual large farm house and court yard in town. Fired one mission, then CSMO at 1330, CP and parties forward about that time. "A" sending registering gun. Bn. moved at 1630, Hq. -"C" -"A" -"B", NW to Vorst, NE to St. Tonis, N to Felder which is about 5000 meters NW city Krefeld. 7-1/2 miles march, closed 1730, no traffic trouble. We have moved north ever since leaving Freialdenhoven, now our direction of fire is turning east, compass 1000 here. We are 10,000 meters from Rhine. Considerable incoming Arty. fire close tonight. This country is heavily fortified with trenches and mine traps.

Sunday, March 4th: Felder to 2000 meters NW Kapellen -27 mile march NE. Rain, moderate. Fired 150 rounds last night. This a.m. I walked to Btrys. in the rain. At noon Recon parties alerted and went out about 1330 … CSMO for Bn. at 1315. "B" had a gun bogged in mud and we moved at 1600 leaving it behind. Order Hq. -"B" "C" -"A", route NE thru Anrath to positions in country NW Kapellen. "A" had two trucks stuck thru carelessness on King's part as we left area. "B" gun caught up, "C" gun got on wrong road and "C" ammo truck went off bank into ditch. Closed at 1745. We are still 10,000 meters from river, center line 800. All Btrys. not ready to fire until 2200. Service Btry. moved last night to German barracks in edge Krefeld, near us. Radio reports good progress along front -says enemy in our sector fighting only to get troops across river. We are having trouble with men drinking. Our CP and FDC in rather small farm house.

Monday, March 5th: Vicinity Kapellen to 3000 meters west Moers -2-1/2 mile march. Cloudy, showers, moderate. Fired 200 rounds last night. Recon parties went out about 1045. Bn. moved by Btry. Hq. -"A" -"B" "C" beginning at 1245, 2-1/2 mile move north and east, closed 1400. Hq. Btry. has 3 houses on highway. CP is

in a fine, large house with elegant furniture. There is furnace heat, water system will operate with hand pump, and a fine tiled bathroom. Officer’s mess is in dining room with lounge off end. Tonight I had fine hot tub bath. Feels wonderful. 9th Army is up to Rhine all along our sector -no crossing attempted yet. Range 8500 yards. Our registration today is across river. People we moved out this house evidently were wealthy, nice looking, boys were about 12 years of age in Nazi youth order. Andrews has been tried and acquitted.

Tuesday, March 6th: Moers. Cloudy, light rain. We have taken Cologne and are cleaning up along Rhine. Fired 200 rounds last night, ammo train brought in 895 today. Walked around to Btrys. this a.m. with Chestnut. Went to Group (in town) at 1215 and waited to lead Col. Billing, General Gillem, CO XIII Corps, and Gen. Shugg, Corps Arty., to "B" Btry. where Gen. Gillem pulled lanyard for photogs. Civilian electricians worked on power lines and tonight we have current in the house for lights, water system, radio, refrigerator, etc. The luxury is almost too much; to be warm, clean and comfortable is strange. Our planes doing heavy dose in bombing tonight. We expect to wait some days before attempting river crossing.

Wednesday, March 7th: Moers. Cloudy to clear, moderate. Did some paper work this morning. Sent two camouflage Lts. around to the Btrys., went to Sv. Btry. for dinner. Then Major Knowles from Corps Arty. appeared with group of air force people and I took them on a tour to pull lanyards at "B" Btry., etc. Tonight Col. had Col. Oaks, Col. Billing and Lt. Col. Fenn for drinks and supper … all Bn. officers were omitted, guests even eating at separate table. I grow very tired of the CoI’s. prissy ways. He spends much time emptying ash trays and looking after "his" house. News report says 3rd Army is a few miles from Colbenz -going good on all fronts. Tonight German planes dropped a few close bombs. Lampe and 2 radio operators went to Army today and from there to British as liaison.

Thursday, March 8th: Moers. Cloudy, light rain, moderate. 1st Army has bridgehead across Rhine somewhere south of Cologne. A quiet day except Btrys. had to shift center line 300 yards right to 1400. We may expect to move in next day or so to conform to new Corps. boundaries. Did some work on awards and decorations. Took another hot bath, read a stack of accumulated papers. Pillaging and looting presents a problem -it is hard to draw a line. Col. says nothing will be touched; yet he feels free to take any liquor found.

Friday, March 9th: Moers. Partly cloudy. We remain in our luxurious quarters but expect to move soon. This afternoon went on Recon to area just south of Moers, but that is out and after supper Col. and I farther south to take a quick look at another area which we will see again tomorrow, it is practically on the bank of the river. Tonight we are notified to send 8 men and an officer on pass to England -Scherz goes under protest. Had a little weak sunshine today. Lt. King came in at 0700, tight, and woke all of us. Did more paper work.

Saturday, March 10th: Moers. Showers, partly clear. Took parties down to new area this morning -back about noon. Tonight we get word to CSMO at 0800, move at 1000 tomorrow. Tomorrow we start Scherz and 8 men to England for a week pass, and Mr. Burke and Walter Rogers with 7 men to Paris on 3 day pass. Up north of us the Germans are pulling out this side of river and heavy firing is letting up. News said second crossing has been made in boats near first bridgehead. Had another bath.

Sunday, March 11th: Moers to Verdingen. Cloudy, moderate. CSMO at 0800. Moved at 1000 south a few miles to Verdingen -on west bank of Rhine. Hq. in town -Btrys. at NW edge. Closed 1125, "A" was 45 minutes late. As we were leaving, the woman "Eleanor" came back to house -complained her clothes wringer gone, said "you rich Americans come to steal from poor Germany". In this position CP and FDC are in doctor's house -drab looking outside, but luxurious inside. The doctor will continue to use his office in one wing. Tonight there were many drunks -about 2300 fire missions came in, Chestnut and his FDC crew were drunk and disorderly and had to be sent to bed. Chestnut is bad about drinking with GI's.

Monday, March 12th: Verdingen. Cloudy, moderate. Fairly quiet day. We are digging in, preparing for maybe a long stay. From across the river the Germans throw a few rounds into the town now and then. This a.m. they shot up a bunch of children. We are getting vehicles washed and cleaned up, have plenty of showers in the factories so that all men can get baths. Hq. Btry. uses three houses, a restaurant, and a gas plant for truck parking. It is quite comfortable. Weather is not bad -cloudy but not cold. The doctor owner comes each morning to treat his patients and his wife comes occasionally to get something from the house. They do not seem resentful -she even showed us about the furnace and water heater. Had BC meeting at 1330. Sv. Btry. is at airport west of town.

Tuesday, March 13th: Verdingen. Cloudy to clear. Not much doing today. Walked down to Btrys. and over into town this a.m. Paper work afternoon while Col. went to OP's. We are not firing much due to ammo curtailment. Considerable air activity goes on most of the time. P47's bombing just over river and a few German planes coming over on our side. Many bombers went over tonight. Russians have taken Kustrin. The Col. is wearing my nerves thin. No mail today.

Wednesday, March 14th: Verdingen. Cloudy to clear in late p.m. Put my bed out to air this morning. Went to Service Btry. for lunch and to take Biston letters for typing. Nothing much doing this afternoon. Tonight the electricity is off -probably from firing. At 1945 we began to get counter battery and harassing fire -some at "B" and "A". Last night and early this morning there were fairly heavy concentrations on the town. No direct hits on us yet and no casualties. Behind us are many guns -105, 90mm SP's, 155 Hows and 3" TD's towed, firing heavily day and night. The civilians do not bother us, are not belligerent, but they stay and take their chances in town. The doctor's wife is in and out every day to get something.

Thursday, March 15th: Verdingen. Foggy to clear, warm. A nice spring day -leaves are beginning to come out and crocuses are in bloom. Rather quiet so far as activity concerned but shelling kept up. There was plenty last night -both in and out. Germans are concentrating on west edge of town where guns are. All of our Batteries and Service got some last night, but no casualties. Had BC call at 1600 to go over training schedule we are to follow during this static period. Went down to river after mess tonight. Our patrols go across each night.

Friday, March 16th: Verdingen. Foggy, clouds, showers late p.m. We are fast getting back to days like Schlierbach. Sent people to Heerlen rest center -Watkins and E.M. Got allotment for passes to Paris and Brussels, started training schedule. Rogers and Mr. Burke got back from Paris about 1800. Most trip was by train. Col. leaves tomorrow for 3 days in England -goes by plane. We traded 2 men with 202nd Gp. Got one replacement today, which brings us to nearly full strength. Shelling was fairly light after midnight last night and we did not shoot much on our side during day.

Saturday, March 17th: Verdingen. Foggy, cloudy to clear. Col. W. left at 0940 for Liege where he gets plane for England tomorrow. Returns next Thursday. Busy getting ready for Paris and Brussels pass people. The civilians are being evacuated back to Krefeld from this town. All day the doctor's wife was in this house gathering up things to take away. We are restricted to 60 rounds ammo per day until 24th. Enjoying peace and quiet with no Col. around.

Sunday, March 18th: Verdingen. Cloudy to clear. Our OP in steel factory got heavy shelling last night. Went with Turner this a.m. and moved it to a bunker -large reinforced concrete block house built to house civilians many of them in this area. Had BC meeting 1315 to go over list of inspections. Then Sp. officer came in with his band to go to "A" for publicity pictures. Sgt. Bohn got back from Liege about 1930 -said Col. got off all right. Tonight from 1930 for about an hour German planes were over with flares and bombs. One fell near "B" position. German artillery tonight is giving back about shell for shell. One bomb got some windows in our CP house. Civilians all due to be out by tomorrow noon. Paris and Brussels pass people got away OK. Chestnut gone all afternoon to 8th Armored on visit.

Monday, March 19th: Verdingen. Clear, windy. All but a few civilians are now gone. The doctor and his family came to say goodbye. Sent more people to another Lily Pons show. Tonight about dusk this area got another bombing -didn't hit us but started some fires. Didn't feel very well today.

Tuesday, March 20th: Verdingen. Clear, windy. We had our usual bombing about dusk but Arty. fire for last 24 hours not so heavy. This morning Gp. Capt. Johnson inspected gun positions -BC's from Christy came along, one was Capt. Harms I remembered from Sill. Afternoon was inspection for sanitation and quarters. Both inspections were good -"B" had by far the best gun positions. Next I went to Krefeld to see 84th Div. Provost and investigate cutting scrape. Stockton, Hall and Howry took command car, got drunk. Stockton stabbed Howry.

Wednesday, March 21st: Verdingen. Clear, warm. Visitors today were a group of air force men who went to "A" to shoot gun; a dentist who pulled lanyard at "B", the Corps chaplain. Group agreed we begin tomorrow sending one gun per month to Ord. for overhaul. Got Hall and Stockton back from jail -took statements. Chestnut, Donze and King sat as court and tried Malloy on AWOL charge. He was drunk at the time. Huson and Regnier back with other Brussels pass men about 1645 -had good time. One of our planes dropped bomb near "B" tonight, but no German bombing up to midnight.

Thursday, March 22nd: Verdingen. Clear, warm. Col. W. returned tonight about 1900. Today we had motors inspection. I got statements from Hall and Stockton signed. Blessing went to hospital with case of jaundice. Hughes, "C" Btry., fell and split his head open. At 1930, Filby, "C" Btry., killed himself with shot from carbine between eyes. I investigated when I came back from the movie at Group. A Capt. Bullock came to ask me to defend him in court martial, charged with stealing a luger. Tonight we are getting lots of artillery fire in town. Saturday morning XVI Corps is due to attack. Rumor is we follow as spearhead after they get a bridgehead. Beautiful day, warm, spring like.

Friday, March 23rd: Verdingen. Clear, warm. This morning went to Corps rear at Dulken to see J.A. about court cases, back in time for mess at Sv. Btry. Then Col. went back to see about Bronze Stars. Capt. Bullock came with witnesses. After talking with him I am inclined to believe him guilty, he has little chance for acquittal. We had BC call at 1830. Attack due for tomorrow morning 0300, our preparation to begin at 0200. XVI Corps on our left crosses after British get over further north, then XIX Corps goes over behind XVI and we follow when bridgehead established. Considerable heavy shelling coming in. Weather continues excellent and air force has been using it to great advantage.

Saturday, March 24th: Verdingen. Clear, warm. From 0200 to 0500 we fired 900 rounds. News this a.m. says Patton has crossed river last Thursday night. Tonight the XVI Corps has good bridgehead -Wesel and other towns captured with several hundred prisoners. 101st Airborne Div. dropped further north. In our sector the Germans keep up some show of resistance. This afternoon I was up on our OP 214 -Germans were putting mortar fire on their own civilians, and they chased us off the bunker roof with machine gun fire. It was not good. Tonight there are a few German planes strafing the town. Had a good bath tonight. Worked on suicide report, court cases and had visit from Capt. Bullock.

Sunday, March 25th: Verdingen. Clear to hazy. Quiet day -we did only a little firing. The crossings north and south of us are said to be going well and we ought to go over before long. Went to Sv. Btry. at noon for dinner Col. too. Worked on court cases. One year ago today we got a train at Camp Polk, LA on way to Kilmer and boat. Miller and Lord over tonight for Miller's Air Medal. Bombers again.

Monday, March 26th: Verdingen. Cloudy, little rain. We fired about 1000 rounds today, one mission 291 rounds in minutes with long guns, another 163 rounds in 5 minutes, last one Arty/R. This a.m., Col. Herman from 261st

had his BC's and section chiefs here to look us over. Afternoon the Col. helped with Bronze Star letters. Tonight he went to 102nd Div. Arty. for supper. We are moving on across the river. Patton has pushed 40 miles according to paper. Another letter from Edw. Andrews says they are now trying to reclassify him. Bombers over about 2230 -two bombs.

Tuesday, March 27th: Verdingen. Cloudy, fog, cold. I believe the German armies may soon begin to break. Our people across the river are moving and showing signs they may go faster yet. XVI Corps is over, XIX is following and we ought to go soon. Spent the day on Bronze Star letters and a trip to Krefeld to see witnesses. PRO people here today for publicity pictures on our 50,000th round -actually we have fired over 52,000. Tomorrow we start 6 "C" men to Nice for 7 day furlough. Had gun position inspection today.

Wednesday, March 28th: Verdingen. Partly cloudy. Just as I started to work on court case, Major Knowles from Corps came for inspection. Went around with him until noon. Did considerable firing today. Lampe came back from 18th Airborne Corps assignment. I got a typhus shot. Ninth Army is making good progress across river, as are 3rd and others. Few days more ought to see us moving.

Thursday, March 29th: Verdingen. Cloudy, light rain. Lord took Stockton court file back to Corps J.A., brought back compliment on his preparation. I worked on Bush case. Sent out last two Bronze Star letters of present batch. Col. and Turner picked a new OP due to shifting our center line from 1100 to 1300. Col. back to Corps Ord. afternoon. At home there was a false peace rumor.

Friday, March 30th: Verdingen. Cloudy and rain to clear. 1st and 3rd Armies reported 85 miles east of Rhine. XIX Corps is about across now -we surely will go soon. Pvt. Hall tried by special court today, 6 months, fine $135.00. This afternoon we had a test shoot to check massing of fire -we did all right. I worked on more court cases. We sent for Lt. Harris and men at Heerlen. Tomorrow we send for our people who went to England and 6 more men go to Paris.

Saturday, March 31st: Verdingen. Cloudy, cold. A cold, disagreeable day. Stayed in CP all a.m. -sent Lantz to JA's office at Dulken with Bush file. To Service Btry. with Chestnut for dinner. At 1300 went with Col. and BC's on Recon for assembly area vicinity Schermbeck. We went north and crossed Rhine on pontoon bridge at Wesel. They are already starting a railroad bridge at Wesel. Area is not much good. Got back at 1820. We draw three ammo trailers tomorrow -100 rounds size but will carry more. Scherz got back with men from trip to England. Pay day -got money in 10* German Marks. Mr. A. forgot my PTA on the voucher and had to send it separately.

Sunday, April 1st: Verdingen. Partly cloudy, windy. We move tomorrow. No firing since 30th. 22nd Corps moving into our sector. First our time was 0710, then changed to 0910 at IP here in town. We got CSMO about 1530. Paper tonight reports continued good progress of all armies. He may do nothing but follow for some time until there is a chance to close in and shoot. I collected $4.00 each from Col. and Holliday -they bet war over by today. Radio says 1400 ships in landing on Jap Islands 350 miles from main island.

Monday, April 2nd: Verdingen to Albachten -5 miles SW of Munster -87 mile march. Time change to double summer time. Windy, rain to clear. After many changes of plans, made an 80 mile march in good time. Hit IP in Verdingen 0740, Btry. AA in our column -cleared IP 0806. North to Moers corner, west to Schaephuysen, north thru Sevelen to Wesel Bridge. Rail column over at 1115. After crossing Rhine we came NE thru Raesfeld, Rhade, Lembeck, Dulmen, Appelhulsen to vicinity Albachten which is 5.5 miles SW Munster. Head of column here at 1330. Bn. closed 1530 with only minor delays on way. Guns in position, not dug in, and "B" registered by 1730. Munster is surrounded and we can only fire into city -armored in way beyond. Expect to be here only short time. 9th and 1st Armies closed circle on Ruhr. Up at 0400 this a.m., lost an hour on time change. Tired. CP in big farm house.

Tuesday, April 3rd: Albachten. Rain. Raining at intervals all day. We have not fired a round since registering called in observers, but guns still in place if needed. Still a few places to clean up around Munster. The opposition is scattered and unorganized -no German divisions. On the way up here many houses were still burning. Saw considerable German, British and American motor equipment knocked out. Bodies not yet collected for burial. There are many Russian, French and Polish prisoners wandering loose. This is a prosperous farm where Hq. is set up -large house, yard, good barns, fine cattle and land. I walked around to visit batteries afternoon. We should move tomorrow. No mail.

Wednesday, April 4th: Albachten. Cloudy, showers. Munster is clear, 17th A.B. is pulling out of line, 84th Div. is moving on east Munster, Osnabruck is being cleaned up -we expected to move there this a.m. but didn't. Patton is reported to have point 135 miles from Berlin. At 2200 as I write we are waiting for orders to move at 0500 tomorrow. Last night we fired 2 Bn. vollies -kept guns in all day without a shot. British claim credit for Munster they mention some of our troops were along! Took a walk with Regnier and Stegner over to main highway … looked over an 88 battery laid to cover road.

Thursday, April 5th: Albachten to Isselhorst. A 60 mile march to assembly area. Cloudy, showers, cold. Bed last night at 2315, up at 0115 when orders for movement came. We had quite a few vehicles stuck in mud and were slow getting out. Hit IP just north of town at 0400, AA still with us. Traffic slow thru Munster -it is a sorry sight of skeletons. Took good road SE from Munster thru Telgte, Beelen to Rheda, there turned NE on wonderful Autobahn and went nearly to Bielefeld. Were stopped by blown bridge and small arms fire. Halted at 0930 much Corps Arty. packed on highway. Turned back and came thru Gutersloh to Isselhorst -Bn. closing about 1500. Just lined up on road and waiting. Pretty tired today -24 hours between meals. Sent 12 men off for Riviera. Hq. Btry. occupies a small hotel and a tavern -people in tavern unhappy to be put out.

Friday, April 6th: Isselhorst to Uchtdorf -closed 1330. 60 mile march. Cloudy and rain. Up 0500 -Col. and parties left 0545. Bn. at IP, close by at 0745 after Chestnut led off on wrong road. 60 mile march -north to Bielefeld, east to Autobahn, then north to near Exter and NE to positions. Area is 1500 yards south of Weser River -Germans hold other side. We are exposed coming in and in positions. Found 500 wounded Germans in town came from hospital at Rinfein and we sent them back. CP is in only fair house -Btrys. have better billets. We registered at 1730 -first round target hit -Turner's survey was 100 percent out with ob. but he hit it on the nose. At 1830 for 30 minutes all Btrys. and CP area got heavy shelling, 88's I think. 5 men hit in "C" Btry., none serious. Many close rounds at CP. Bielefeld a large city with much modern building -center all bombed out.

Saturday, April 7th: Uchtdorf. Clear, moderate. More shelling after finishing this last night, none today up 2100. Enjoyed a day of sunshine. Visited Btrys. this morning to check defilade, to OP's this afternoon -wonderful observations on Weser valley but we are not firing much -some shooting scheduled for tonight. Drove thru area tonight -Col. Billing down to look at Btrys. "B" was good shape, guns clean, "A" and "C" dirty. Mail truck went back today, but got nothing. We may be here a day or two more. Radio news tonight says our Amour within 10 miles Hannover -2nd Armored Div. Here, we are 32 miles SW that city. After leaving Bielefeld we have been in hilly, beautiful country. Tonight we shifted from compass 6300 to 100 and expect to have shifts to east. 12 men from "C", Hq. and Sv. left for England.

Sunday, April 8th: Uchtdorf. Clear, cool. This a.m. went with Col. and Lampe east along ridge -found wonderful OP overlooking Weser valley. On way back ran into German outpost and road block on river bank -they surprised to have us come up from rear and we got away safely. Went back after dinner to find them moving out but put some artillery fire on them and also used machine gun and rifles. Very enjoyable. Tonight went to investigate rape cases and on to report to Col. Oakes at Cheekbone. Our navy sank 45,000 ton Jap warship and other vessels. Over here we move on Hannover about due to fall, getting closer to Bremen.

Monday, April 9th: Uchtdorf. Clear, cool. Worked all morning investigating rape charges brought against "A" Btry. men by three German women. Involves six or seven men. Women say they were raped Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Seems improbable to me but tomorrow I must go see the Corps J.A. about it. Got a haircut this afternoon. Went to Group after supper to see about march to Hannover tomorrow. We start at 0420, means getting up at 0200 and will get to bed by midnight. There is still firing directly across the river from us but guess we are not needed any more. No mail.

Tuesday, April 10th: Uchtdorf to Pattensen, 5 mi. south Hannover -50 mile march. Clear, cool. Up 0200. Breakfast "B" Btry. Bn. moved up to Group and marched at 0425. Route south to CR near Bosingfeld, then east to Hameln, crossed Weser there on pontoon bridge, then north and east thru Neustadt, Springe and Gestorf to Pattensen. Order "C" -"B" -"A" -Hq. -Sv. Tail of "B" took wrong road, column delayed, closed 1515. When Bn. got under way, I waited until daylight, then went to Corps rear at Herford to see about rape cases -will have to go on with investigation. Caught up with column west Hameln about noon. Found there had been heavy shelling here. 207 Bn. lost a howitzer and several vehicles. Btry. in flats south edge town. CP in big house. We find there are 41,000 Germans behind us, guns and infantry in front. Nothing but Corps Arty. and AA in the pocket so we have put our own men out as infantry in front, running motor patrols, etc. Bed about 2300. Tired.

Wednesday, April 11th: Pattensen. Clear, warm. Quiet night. Made one round with motor patrol after breakfast. Then worked on my rape case investigations. Co. went to meeting at Corps Arty. -critique on march. Gen. Shugg relieved some officers for inefficiency. At 1600 went on Recon for OP -took Lt. Watkins along -over thru edge Hannover and east to ridge. I was first man into area after Germans. Found a young British soldier just escaped -had been marched back from Russian front -brought him in to feed and clothe. Also came on bunch Russian, French and Italian prisoners. Saw 12 88 AA guns abandoned. Orders tonight -move 12 miles tomorrow. After supper more work on rape cases -statements from accused. Radio reports 9th Army at Elbe River 80 miles from Berlin, German battleship Speer sunk. Looks good all around. Would be rough to die now.

Thursday, April 12th: Pattensen to Lehrte. 12 mile march -Blumenhagen 20 miles. Cloudy, chilly, clear in evening. President Roosevelt died. 102nd Div. moving east thru our area last night. At 0630 Recon parties and registering gun from "A" went out. Bn. moved at 0830 to Lehrte -1500m east of Hannover. I took Siegel as interpreter and 3/4 ton truck and left at 0750 for Uchtdorf. Followed route back thru Hameln. Talked to Gollmer, Probst and Zywretz, also the bourgomiester about rape cases. Back to Pattensen about 1600 where "A" men waited for me. Had good supper and staying Pattensen tonight. Seven men accused, McGuigan most serious he had 15 year old girl. Bn. did not get completely in position at Lehrte, moves at 1600 and closed in Blumenhagen about 1800 -registered but no more firing. President Roosevelt died about 2 p.m. at Warm Springs, Georgia. Cerebral hemorrhage. In flat plains country again.

Friday, April 13th: Blumenhagen to Klotze -45 miles. Hazy, warm. I left Pattensen with "A" men and found Bn. at Blumenhagen. Got there about 1100. CSMO 1030. Recon parties out 1330. Bn. moved 1515, headed for Stendal on Elbe River. Column stopped at Klotze at 1930 when report came in advance parties were ambushed. Col. Herman took over Group, we went into position east edge Klotze. Have little definite information about our Recon parties. Huson and Turner and a few men got away. Germans opened fire with MG's and rifles NE Schwiesau, everybody pinned down in ditches. Some were killed, some taken prisoner. Our registering gun was in position edge of the town and remains there tonight. We do not expect to fire tonight. Had seven jeeps involved.

Saturday, April 14th: Klotze to Osterburg to Giesenslage, compass 900. Clear, cool. Went to ambush scene this a.m. -"A", "B", "C" jeeps still there, one can be salvaged. Capt. Holliday, 1st Sgt. MacDonald, Cpl. Smith and T/5 Szakacs were killed. Somebody else had removed bodies. There were 13 people in our parties, think Col. W. and Woodling are prisoners, others either that or missing. At 1130 called to see Col. Bush, CO of 47th

Gp. We are attached to them, 202 goes to reserve -they lost C.O., S-2, Asst. S-2 and others. At 1230 we moved from Klotze NE to assembly area just N Osterburg, closing about 1600. I brought Recon parties to position area at Giesenslage, which is 4000 meters west Elbe River between Sandau & Osterburg. Bn. moved from at 2000, closed here 2150. We will not fire tonight. Are 22 miles from Berlin. Terrific display of flares and bombing across the river. Attack set for tonight postponed.

Sunday, April 15th: Giesenslage -4 miles NW Sandau. Clear, cool. One year ago dropped anchor Scotland. Day of surprises. All the men captured are free. Col. White back at 1300, others came earlier except Woodling, wound in arm, Eagan, wound in hand. Got turned loose when our troops closed in. Also we hear 202nd Gp. is coming up to take over again. That will be a blessing as Col. Bush of 472nd is roughest I've ever seen. We sent 7 2-1/2 ton trucks to haul prisoners this a.m. ... established one OP, finished gun positions, etc. Got mail when Service Battery moved up afternoon. Hear 114,000 prisoners in Ruhr pocket. Went up to OP at Werben after supper -good observation across the river. Hq. and FDC in combination school and home, Btrys. are around three large "Farmsteads". Service moved up today to our area.

Monday, April 16th: Giesenslage. Clear, warm. One year ago landed in Scotland. "A" bombed -4 dead. Another day of many happenings. The MSR was cut in our rear by tanks & convoys are getting heavy strafing. Our AA was pulled to guard road. German planes over all day, coming in low. About 1830 I was on way to new OP with Turner in truck, we were strafed by ME I09' s flying about 50 feet. At 2105 plane came in low and dropped 4 100 lb. bombs on "A" Btry. -2 men killed -Slowey & Curtis, 12 injured, 11 to hospital. Germans say Russians have begun attack on Berlin. 9th Army has bridgehead 5 miles deep across Elbe. In Italy attack has begun. At 1700 we went over to 202nd Group -a great relief. Later tonight learn that two more of "A" men, Hutchinson, who had arm off and leg mangled, and Neal, fragment in neck, died on way to hospital.

Tuesday, April 17th: Giesenslage. Cloudy to clear, rain about 1900. Nothing much today. No firing, no German planes bothering us to this writing. Tonight Christy (261) is moving out to go north with 5th Armored. We, 9th Army, are ahead of schedule. British have not kept up and our left flank is open. I did paper work most of day took a sponge bath afternoon. I now have a personal car, formerly civilian -an Adler Jr. convertible club coupe, small car, long and racy with 4-cylinder motor. Stars and Stripes leans towards quick end of war. Van Papen taken in Ruhr pocket -prisoners there, 176,000. Hall & McNulty drunk -got cold water treatment.

Wednesday, April 18th: Giesenslage. Cloudy, moderate. I worked on rape cases all morning. To memorial service at "A" Btry. at 1400, then visited OP's for good supper, best in many a day. German planes over again tonight, bombs not close. Walter Rogers' promotion to Captain -order 16th of April, in today. Col. to Cheekbone after supper. He may move tomorrow. Plans not definite, U.S. forces may wait along Elbe for Russians. Magdeburg has fallen.

Thursday, April 19th: Giesenslage to Salzwedel, 35 mile march to the west. Clear, moderate, windy. Got CSMO about 1030, Recon parties and registering gun from "A" left 1230, Bn. moved at 1340, hit IP at Iden at 1400, to Osterburg, north to Seehausen, west to Arendsee and on to Salzwedel, closed 1650. We come here to support 5th Armored in cleaning out pockets. Attack due tomorrow postponed, hard on CL 4200, Btrys. are out on highway, Hq. and Service in brick barracks at edge large airfield east edge of town. Big field, littered with shot-up planes. Hangars not much damaged. Rumor is 9th Army may not cross Elbe and maybe we will go to 3rd. Patton now in Czechoslovakia, British near Hamburg. Capt. Woodling returned at noon.

Friday, April 20th: Salzwedel. Clear to hazy. Supporting 5th Armored. Chilly. Worked all day on rape and fraternization cases. Awakened this morning by noise of German air attack on our positions -three shot down, one on airfield near us. They chased the pilot in a jeep and got him. Our guns are now all moved around to compass 6400, not much firing. Learned today the 2nd Armored bridgehead was pushed back few days ago. Pockets around us are still hot and there are German columns in U.S. tanks and vehicles cutting the roads here

and there. Germans are still fighting hard. We got a platoon of TD's for our protection tonight -SP 90mm from 771 Bn. Germans got Christy's ration truck, just took the load and sent men and vehicle on.

Saturday, April 21st: Salzwedel. Rain, wind, cold. A fairly quiet day. I finished notes on my court cases and turned them over for typing. Col. W. went to Corps forward at Klotze this a.m. The 5th Armored is stopped 10 miles north of here -this pocket fighting is rough. Roads are out everywhere; mail truck could not get thru today. We have to haul rations 130 miles, gasoline is a problem. Tonight I walked into town with Chestnut. Salzwedel is old and quaint. At the edge of town is a concentration camp where 2000 women and girls were kept Russians, Poles, etc. They are wandering around town looking for and finding company among our soldiers and liberated prisoners. CP and I moved from room to empty apartment at end of barracks. This was a fine post.

Sunday, April 22nd: Salzwedel to Tarmitz, 1200m NE Luchow -11 mile march layed on 6000 and 6400. Rain, cold. Recon parties left about 0845 with gun from "B" to register. "B" moved about noon, rest of Bn. later, closing at 1635. 5th Armored is moving along again, about up to river. CP is in large farm house. Tarmitz is small village. Our 220V generator, acquired from Germans, is giving good service. News -Russians are in outskirts Berlin. Coming in from E and NW. Their armies and ours to south 30 miles apart, we may never get beyond this place in this war. Col. got his jeep back today. TD's had recovered it somewhere. So I can get rid my civilian car. No mail. "B" Btry. flushed 6 prisoners. I saw my first storks here -big nests on house tops.

Monday, April 23rd: Tarmitz. Cloudy, rain, cold. Fired 500 rounds last night mostly at troops at ferry crossing on the river. Got 600 rounds ammo and drew 3/4 ton Diamond T's, will have to turn in 6 2-1/2 tons. Tomorrow we send back to Aachen for our Riviera pass men -4 day trip. Also tomorrow "B" Btry. moves about 10,000 meters north -will go up with Col. on early Recon tomorrow. Americans and Russians had not linked at news broadcast tonight, but Russians continued pushing into Berlin -Hitler says he is in the city. Got mail. "A" Btry's gun back today -new recoil and tube came from one of 261's guns.

Tuesday, April 24th: Tarmitz. Clear, moderate. Order to move "B" cancelled, then back again and marched at 0900. Col. and BC's left for Recon old area. Giesenslage about 1000. H. Rogers left with cases for Corps rear. I tried 4 summaries for "A". Huson flew to British looking for head gasket for "C" Mack -no luck. May lose the truck for want of that. Hoben Rogers back this evening; they told him would call when needed. Col. and BC's returned 1715 -we are to move tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, April 25th: Tarmitz to Gusborn, 8 mi N. Luchow -10 mi. march. Clear, warm. At 0830 orders to move back near Osterburg were cancelled after work parties and survey were already done. We waited until 1415, then got orders to make Recon and displace to positions vicinity Klein & Gr. Gusborn. Sent for other parties, Bn. moved at 1530, closed 1650, picking up "B" on way. I rode up in gun truck. Laid on CL 300. No firing tonight. Our planes are grounded -don't know why. On reaching this area we passed from 202 to 411th Gp., commanded by Col. Tate. Russians have surrounded Berlin, 3rd Army is 30 miles Austrian border, in Italy 5th and 8th Armies were on the move across the Po. San Francisco conference begins today.

Thursday, April 26th: Gr. Gusborn. Clear, warm. Hq. is in Grosse Gusborn, Sv. and firing Btrys. in Klein Gusborn, all Dannenberg Kreis. CP in combination school house from which we moved occupants including pregnant woman expecting any minute. Today we got normal registration using 29th Div. plane, but no other firing. "B" sent a Mack back with cracked transfer case. Visited Btrys. this a.m. to check on dress up for new Group. Meacham is S-3 there, Lippitt Exec. Civilians heard Russians coming and are all moving out, set off German mines on roads -some killed and wounded. Good news continues, English have Bremen, Germans breaking badly in Italy, think Russians have surely joined our forces now. At 2215 getting bombs and shell fire just NE of CP.

Friday, April 27th: Gusborn. Cloudy, showers, warm. Shelling kept on most of the night. I went to sleep at midnight. Rather quiet day. Col. went to Cheekbone afternoon. We sent another truck and got our Riviera people at Control forward -are to send Chestnut and 4 men on May 1st. We fired 24 rounds last night, another mission about 2000 tonight. I worked inside. Went with Woodling after supper to look for case for German aiming circle I found. King is nervous -jumpy during bombing last night. AA leaves us tomorrow. News -link up now is official; Potsdam taken; Mussolini captured by partisans.

Saturday, April 28th: Gr. Gusborn. Cloudy, chilly, showers. Firing a few missions -ammo down to 990 rounds tonight, we send out tomorrow for 300 rounds. More information on passes -we have quotas for Paris, Brussels and U.K. Have to drive them 300 miles to get train at Aachen. Went with Col. And Lampe up to river looking for better CP-found none. Walked around to Btrys. after supper to check curfew. Had a bath, washed clothes. No mail. Some talk on radio about dicker for surrender -Germans don't to give in to Russians unconditionally. Great progress in Italy.

Sunday, April 29th: Gr. Gusborn. Cloudy to clear, cold. Did a lot of firing at 88's on RR cars -about 300 rounds -nothing else much. I did a few B.S. letters, went to Baker Btry. for haircut from Alteari. No mail. Radio says Mussolini executed by partisans along with other former Big Shots. Very few civilians around here. Up the river, they jammed up to the banks waiting to get across and escape the Russians. Cold today -no heat in this house. EM over 42 will have chance at discharge, also those with 4 or 5 years.

Tuesday, May 1st: 54,891 rounds fired to date. Gr. Gusborn. Rain, cold. We are just waiting around for next phase -training programs, personnel work, etc. Col. Tate paid us a visit about 1130. The 110th FA Bn. of 29th Div. moved in around us -got pinched out up the line. We fired a little today but are not drawing ammo yet. Berlin is about finished and advances continue on the various fronts. No Russians across the river from us yet. "B" Btry. was looked over by 2 German girls who claim they were raped -nothing found. 4 men left for Brussels today. Paris people due to· go in the morning. Had a movie. On radio Himmler broadcasts that Hitler is dead. Hope it is true.

Wednesday, May 2nd: Gr. Gusborn. Clear to cloudy, cold. News -million men included in German and Italian surrender in N. Italy and W. Austria. British have reached Baltin. Gen. Von Runstadt is prisoner. Germans across river from us are surrendering in large numbers -they are not accepted without transportation. Our no-fire line precludes more firing. 82nd A.B. in Domitz. Group planes landed over lines with motor trouble, pilot and observer captured, released and flew home when Germans heard firing they thought was Russians. We collect and store all non-issue weapons. Woodling, King and Stegner and 13 men off for Paris passes this morning. I had no sleep last night and went to Gp. dentist, Chinese, who says maybe nerve dying so I have some dope to take tonight. To Turner's OP for supper. Berlin falls.

Thursday, May 3rd: Gr. Gusborn. Mostly clear, cold. Only news of importance at 2030 is the surrender of Hamburg. A quiet day. Last night we pulled in our OP and are evidently thru firing here. Col. W. went back to Cheekbone but got little information except that we will do military government for a while and they expect it will take 45 days to work the point system and decide who goes where. This morning we sent out 14 trucks to haul

prisoners. Chestnut and 4 men left for Riviera. My toothache continues -had another bad night and have been rather foggy today as result of dope taken. No mail.

Friday, May 4th: Gr. Gusborn. Clear to partly cloudy, showers, cold. At 2030 tonight came news of surrender of Germans in north Germany, Holland and Denmark. 7th Army has reached Brenner Pass. That about cleans it up except big pocket in south (Austria, etc.) and Norway. The end of it all should not be too far off. This morning went with Col. down to river crossing at Gartow. Civilians on far bank lined up waiting to cross with soldiers who are coming over in droves and just wandering around. Rogers left for J & E School at Paris. BC call at 1830 -we will have to furnish more trucks for PW's. Tooth still giving me much pain.

Saturday, May 5th: Gr. Gusborn. Cloudy, showers, cold. More surrendering going on today but nothing very clear on what is happening in Norway. Our Recon parties left this morning at 0730 and are down near Hannover. Expect to move the Bn. at 0800 tomorrow. Very few civilians in this neighborhood -few are back to watch their places, afraid other civilians from across the Elbe will take over.

Sunday, May 6th: Gr. Gusborn to Oppershausen -80 mile march S and W. Up at 0500. Bn. moved at 0800 out of Gusborn area, cleared 0820, marched 80 miles south and west thru Luchow, Salzwedel, Gifhorn and near Uetze. Order "A", "B", "C", Hq. and Sv., closed 1410. Bn. has area for military government, Btrys. are in separate small towns, Hq. -Oppershausen, "A" -Bockelskamp, "B" -Weinhausen, "C" -Gr. Eicklingen, Sv. -Offensen. Bn. is supposed to relieve 219 FA Bn. and we are taking over roadblocks, patrols, etc. Each Btry. has MG officer while Lampe has job for Bn. Hq. and Btrys. are separated by river with bridge out. Hq. CP is in fair sized house. There is electricity. Cold, rainy day. Can't find a dentist -my tooth is pretty bad.

Monday, May 7th: Oppershausen. Clear, warmer. No sleep last night and hurting too much today to do much work. Finally saw a dentist in the 5th Armored but he would not pull tooth -said get X-ray first. I am the summary court for trial civilians and DP's in entire Gp. area. Went to see Col. Fenn at Uetze but he knew nothing about it. Capts. Gee and Johnson of 202 Gp. killed in Cub crash today. Tomorrow is due to be V-E Day. Tonight we are warned that Gp. and all Bns. will move out of this area. Confusion is general.

Tuesday, May 8th: V-E Day. Oppershausen. Clear, warm. At 1500 Churchill spoke -said surrender terms were signed at Eisenhower's Hq. at 0241 and all hostilities cease at one minute after midnight tonight. Surrender is unconditional to three powers. Still some resistance on Czech front. I went to 105 Emg. Hosp. at Hannover this morning -tooth X-rayed, must be pulled. Now to find a man to do it. Col. to Gifhorn on Recon, back about 1800. Tonight we are rounding up Dutch, French, Belgian people to haul out tomorrow. Picking up many German soldiers on the roads trying to get home. Blackout is over.

Wednesday, May 9th: Oppershausen. Clear, warm. Up early to see our DP's off. Quiet day. Our posts are picking up many people still for PW enclosures and Group, which runs the one at Uetze, is being obstinate about taking them in. Went down to Sv. Btry. afternoon to see Huson about getting foot lockers, making application to keep vehicles, etc. Tonight we got overlay of new area near Gifhorn. Our guns go to proving ground on 16th. Woodling, King, Stegner and men from Paris got back tonight. No mail. My tooth not hurting so much today but still no dentist. Got orders to report to XIII Corps for duty with JA section -will go tomorrow.

Thursday, May 10th: Oppershausen to Klotze. Clear, warm. Col. and BC's out on Recon new area near Gifhorn at 0830. I packed up, went to Sv. Btry. for bath. 12th FOB coming in to relieve us tomorrow. At 1400 I left CP and went to Gifhorn. Learned there that JA was at Control Forward so came on to Klotze, arriving 1645. Bloom drove me and will go back tomorrow. Col. Decker says I will be on this job for about six weeks. Law Member on courts, defense counsel, etc. Maj. McFayden, 2nd FA Bn., came up on same orders with me and we share a room. He is from Anadarko.

Friday, May 11th: Klotze. Clear, warm. In court all day. I sat as law member. Tried two cases, one AWOL, one pillage and AWOL -both convictions. Don't like this work -too much confusion. At supper tonight there were French, Polish, English and Russian officers -also female army personnel. Casualty figures for Bn. from June 30, 1944 to May 8, 1945: 14 killed in action; 3 non-battle deaths (1 suicide, 2 accidental); 64 wounded in action; 1 missing (Maitland); 126 non-battle casualties. Dead: Calvin -bomb; Grube and Malchiodi -accidental gunshot; Smith – "A" gun explosion; Krouse -Arty: Martin -Arty; Lt. Ravey and Andrews -plane; Holliday, MacDonald, Szakacs and Smith -ambush; Hutcherson, Curtis, Neal and Slowey -bombing.

Saturday, May 12th: Klotze to Fallersleben. Clear, warm. Interviewed some witnesses in one rape case, read charge sheets and statements. This afternoon got permission from Col. Decker to return to Bn. tonight, rejoin Corps when it moves to Piene Monday. At 1600 found a dentist and got my bad tooth pulled. Called Bn. and vehicle came for me about 1830, back to Bn. at 2000. Bn. moved to day from Oppershausen to this place -Fallersleben. Batteries are again widely spread; "B" is 17 miles away. This is a nice set up for Hq. -good house with lights and water, kitchen and all men quartered in houses.

Sunday, May 13th: Fallersleben. Clear, warm. Repacked my baggage today and got rid of considerable stuff. Paid a visit to Group. Saw Col. Fenn and told him I could not serve as summary court while on DS at Corps. Afternoon I took a hot sulphur bath at bathhouse near CP -nice, clean place with attendants to fix the bath. Walked down to the canal after supper. The military government business is a muddle and a mess -biggest problem is "Displaced Persons" -getting them rounded up to go back to their homes. We picked up about a dozen Germans for curfew violation.

Monday, May 14th: Fallersleben to Piene. Clear, cool, windy. Stayed at Bn. until noon -left at 1315 and Holt drove me to Piene, used the Autobahn most of the way. My billet is a rather shabby apartment shared with McFayden and a Red Cross man. Corps headquarters is in the usual large building, former offices of a factory of some sort. I work in a room that is a runway between clerks and Col. Decker. Col. White called tonight.

Tuesday, May 15th: Piene. Clear, cool, windy. Up at 0700. Worked in office all day -had witnesses in on rape cases including Betty Eichorn, German WAC complaining witness in two cases. Col. Decker had a meeting of all personnel, announced he expected day and night work. Capt. Fleck came in -he is also defense counsel but will no doubt get off since his outfit is no longer Corps troops. Took a walk after supper, then back to office.

Wednesday, May 16th: Piene. Clear, cool. Sat as Law Member in trial of Bock until noon. Charged with 4 AWOL's and 2 escapes, he got 25 years. Worked in office afternoon. Traveling clothing store here for today -I bought a jacket and trousers for about $25.00. Saw Col. W. -he says out 22 men are gone on way home. Turner called about council books. At supper time explosions started and are still going on at bed time -they say one of our trains with Arty. and ammo is burning on the RR tracks. No mail has come for me yet.

Thursday, May 17th: Piene. Clear, warm. From 1100 until 1530 talked with witnesses in Waterfield and Uribe cases -all civilians, used interpreter. Work keeps stacking up in this office and it looks like I'll be here a long time. Col. Decker and his Sgt. Clark went over and were presented Russian medals today -they don't know what for. Thunderstorm tonight -got wet.

Friday, May 18: Piene. Partly cloudy, cool. Office all morning working on pending cases. Spent most of afternoon with Waterfield and Uribe, both charged with rape. Talked to German witnesses in MacDonald case after supper. Read records -quit at 2200. Tonight the bugler sounded retreat -first time I've heard that since England. They have a new TJA, Jewish boy, lawyer from Chicago who will replace McConnell. Both Temme & Clasby are being relieved but I am due two more assistants to replace them.

Saturday, May 19th: Piene. Partly cloudy, cool. Fairly busy day. Had Puleo and Bainter in this morning -Puleo is a poor client. Lt. Williams in this afternoon to discuss his case -he is charged with AWOL, false statement, etc. Regnier came in to see me about my "points". I got a haircut and had a good hot shower in the basement of the Hq. building. Worked until 1730. Put on my new jacket and trousers and went to XIII Corps V-E Day party at opera house. They had women -nurses and Red Cross -and free drinks and it was quite a celebration. Home at midnight. No mail today.

Sunday, May 20th: Piene. Clear, cool, windy. Went to Episcopal communion service at 0800, then to office. Slow day -nothing but work on files. Goldman, the mail orderly, brought my laundry from the Bn. and a letter from Edw. Andrews who is back in France waiting on reclassification proceedings. Cases continue to pile in here, but no more have yet been referred to me for trial. On a capital case there ought to be at least a week's time for preparation but we won't get it.

Monday, May 21st: Piene. Cloudy, cold, little rain. Worked on Puleo -Bainter cases, went to stockade to see them. A cold, disagreeable day. McFayden went out to his Bn. tonight. Went to bed about 2130.

Tuesday, May 22nd: Piene. Cloudy, cold, sprinkles. Up early and walked to court room over on the town square right after breakfast. At 0900, Col. Decker charged the court and then we began the trial of John A. Bainter for rape and Fraternization and intercourse. Betty Eichorn, German PW, was not so good as the complaining witness. She identified T/5 Geesner as her attacker. I put accused on stand only as to manner in which confession was obtained. Court overruled my objection on that, but found him not guilty on all charges and specifications after deliberating for about an hour. Finished at 1530. Lt’s. Avery and Wilson, my assistants, reported today. First will be all right, second not so good. There is talk of credit for more Bronze Battle Stars we may get another one.

Wednesday, May 23rd: Piene. Cloudy, cool, rain late evening. Mr. A. in today and brought me my Soldiers Medal. Says Bn. still at Fallersleben but expects British will take over area and we will move by 10th of June. Today defended Puleo in assault with intent to rape case. Got him off with conviction on fraternization only and sentence of one year. Very satisfactory. In office as usual tonight -had Avery and Wilson in for a while.

Thursday, May 24th: Piene. Cloudy, cold. Trial of Waterfield and Uribe cases. Rape, entering and pillage. Was common trial -they got life. Clasby tried Peterson -5 years and Taylor -6 months, assault charges. Tonight Col. Decker called me in and suggested promotion more rapid. That presents a problem. McFayden got notice he was to go home, then later it was cancelled.

Friday, May 25th: Piene. Cloudy, cold. Capt. Fry was set up today as "office manager" to coordinate work. Had only one case in court today -Temme handled it -Hernandez who was charged with desertion and convicted only AWOL. This morning I talked with Capt. Audet, who is charged with having "loot". Afternoon had German witnesses in Kelley and Caves cases and GI witnesses in Williams’ case. Capt. Ricketts got in a jam on this last one about a sworn statement -Col. D. had him on the carpet. Worked tonight until 2230.

Saturday, May 26th: Piene. Partly clear, moderate. Another full day -worked on Williams’ case, questioned witnesses and accused in Winters and Miller rape cases. Capt. Nichols, young lawyer from Norman, Okla., came in today. Will work with me on defense. Col. White came for lunch and I talked with him about transfer to

J.A. department. There was a big review for the Russians this afternoon -attendance for most was compulsory but this office was excused to continue with duties.

Sunday, May 27th: Piene. Cloudy, sprinkles, moderate. Today I defended 1st Lt. Russell Williams charged with AWOL, neglect duty and false official statement. Cleared him on last charge and he got off with stiff fine only. Capt. Shipp, lawyer from Idabel, Okla. came in today to work on trial of cases, expect Maj. Meacham will also be

coming soon. Have decided to apply for transfer to J.A. Dept, office tonight until 2200. Temme defended MacDonald who got six months and should have had ten years.

Monday, May 28th: Piene. Mostly clear, thunder shower. Office at 0800. Went to movie "Why We Fight" from 0900 till 1000. Then saw witnesses in Rice murder case until noon and from 1300 until 1415. After that I talked with Kelley and Caves, accused, until 1745. Supper. Back to work until 2330.

Tuesday, May 29th: Piene. Partly cloudy, rain tonight. Office at 0730. 0900 -1045 tried Kelley on multiple rape and sodomy charges to Col. White's court. He was sentenced to life and lucky at that -very uncooperative. Martin and Gannon also tried for rape in other court, were acquitted. Worked tonight with Caves, who was charged in same deal with Kelley. Had his case in pretty good shape and told Col. D. so. At 2300 he decided not to try him. Pretty hard day. Got Champagne and Cognac and gave to Col. W. to take back to Bn. He ate supper here.

Wednesday, May 30th: Piene. Cloudy, showers, cool. I had no trials today. Seawright & Tipton cases, common, were tried and completed, 10 years, 3 months. Tonight questioned witnesses and accused in Fries case. Worked on Rice case. Got no mail. It is rumored lawyers can't get out of Army. Clark Dunnington is going home.

Thursday, May 31st: Piene. Partly cloudy, warmer. Hard day. This morning defended Audet, Capt. got him off with $650.00 fine -NG on AW 95. Had Fries trial afternoon -he got 2 years. Hamilton case, sodomy on cow, heard this a.m. and he got 6 months and $25.00 fine. Today I saw real chimney sweeps complete with soot and brooms. No mail. Interviewed German witnesses in a multiple rape case tonight -a 16 year old German girl successfully stood off two GI's who tried turn about for two hours. Two spies to be executed tomorrow.

Friday, June 1st: Piene. Clear, warm. I defended Rice, nigger, charged with murder of 2 German PW' s, from 0900 until 1630. He got life and was pleased. He had accident in court -weak kidneys. Wells murder case also resulted in life sentence. Mercer tried on assault charge got 5 years. Greene, nigger, tried on rape, got life. Tonight I talked with Vielleux, LaRose and Beltz -rape, sodomy, breaking and entering. They have confessed and appear to be already stuck. The French are raising a rumpus in Syria. British are ready to stop it.

Saturday, June 2nd: Piene. Clear, warm. In court (Price) from 0900 until 1730 on trial of Winters and Miller charged with rape, two counts each, unlawful entry, assault. Entirely satisfied with sentence of NG on the rape and 5 years on balance. Prosecution's own medical witness admitted on cross exam. One woman did not appear to have been raped. One beautiful girl witness -Vera Johnson. Henry, negro, found not guilty rape, got 22 years on other charges. Col. Fenn and Capt. Epps did a terrible job and mixed the sentence beyond repair. Sabato tried tonight for disobeying order got one year. Col. Fenngot himself in trouble by adjourning his court after one case -he was reprimanded. Saw Mr. A. -Bn. leaves tomorrow, jeep is here for me when I get off -Putnam driver.

Sunday, June 3rd: Piene. Clear, warm. I had only one short case today -Davis, charged with attempted rape on 60 year old woman. Got 15 years. Clayton and Sewell were found N.G. on rape, got 10 years each on burglary. Col. Decker had Col. Fenn in this morning for a talk. The papers are talking about balloon carried bombs the Japs are sending over to US west coast.