Squadron movements in August 1944
Detailing the main actions of the squadron during August 1944.
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The After Action Report text for August 1944, extracted from the original document.
Note: the original documents will be available for free download from this site in due course. The text has been extracted below, for easier reading and searchability. Note: I’m using Microsoft Copilot as an automated transcription process, based on photographs of original documents, so there may be errors in spelling or misidentified numbers. Please report any errors via the site contact form. For example, the location given as ‘COUTEVROUR’ in the original documents is probably an original error and refers to the village of Coutevroult, just east of Paris.
SECRET
HISTORY OF:
24TH CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON, MECHANIZED
CAMPAIGN OF WESTERN EUROPE
LT. COLONEL F. H. GASTON, JR., COMMANDING
PERIOD OF:
1 AUGUST 1944 to 31 AUGUST 1944, INCLUSIVE.
RESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS
24TH CAV. RON. SQ. MECZ.,
APO #230, U.S. Army.
31 August 1944.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS
a. Original unit: - No change
b. Changes in Organization: - None (see annex 1 for attachments).
c. Strength
Commissioned / Inlisted
1 August 1944: 39 / 663
31 August 1944: 44 / 711
plus 5 / plus 49
d. Stations: See annex 1.
e. Marches: See annex 1.
f. Campaigns: - Campaign of Western Europe
g. Battles: - See annex 1.
h. Commanding Officer: - see annex 1.
i. Losses in Action: - See annex 1.
j. Citations: - None
k. Photographs: - None.
l. Enclosures: - See Journal and supporting documents.
RESTRICTED
ANNEX 1
HISTORY
24TH CAV RCH SQ, MECZ
For Period 1 Aug 44 To 31 Aug 44, Inclusive.
On the 1st of August 1944, the Squadron, which was attached to the 2nd Armored Division, was engaged in reconnoitering a zone ten kilometers wide and generally astride the highway running east from VILLEBAUDON to TESSY SUR VIRE. Troop A moved dismounted at 0800 in the Northern half of the zone and maintained contact with the North flank of the armor. Troop C moved mounted at 0900 along the main highway toward TESSY SUR VIRE. Progress was slow due to scattered mines along the highway and heavy traffic. Troop F moved on secondary roads in the Southern half of the zone. Troop E moved along the main highway behind Troop C prepared to support Troop C or F by fire. At 1000 the enemy was contacted Northwest of TESSY SUR VIRE. Enemy strong points were situated West of the town and our troops were receiving heavy artillery concentrations from self-propelled guns and from stationary artillery situated on the high ground Southeast of the town. At noon forward elements of Troop A were one half mile Northwest of TESSY SUR VIRE. Meanwhile Troops C and E had advanced along the highway to the vicinity of LA DROME, and Troop F, which had contacted enemy armor in the vicinity of CHEVET, swung North and moved to the vicinity of BEAUCOUDRAY. At approximately 1300 friendly armor was engaged with enemy armor West and Southwest of TESSY SUR VIRE. By 1400 Troop A had moved their vehicles East to their location. Troops C, E, and F were ordered to move Northeast and contact Troop A. At 1630 Troop A had worked dismounted patrols into TESSY SUR VIRE from the North. At 1645 the Squadron CP moved 8.5 miles to a new location approximately 2 kilometers Northwest of TESSY SUR VIRE. By 1800 the town was in the hands of friendly Troops, the enemy having withdrawn to the South. The Squadron assembled in the vicinity of the Squadron CP at 1900.
At 1200 August 2nd, the Squadron was detached from the Second Armored Division and attached to the Fourth Cavalry Group. The Squadron moved from TESSY SUR VIRE North through LE MESNIL HERMAN to CANISY, then Southwest through NOTRE DAME DE CHAILLY to GAVARY, then east through VILLE DIEU LES FRIBUX at 0435 August 3rd, after travelling 65 miles. The Squadron remained in the vicinity for the remainder of the day.
On August 4th the Squadron moved South to the vicinity of MILLY and patrolled to the East in that vicinity on August the 4th and 5th.
On August 6th, the Squadron received the mission of screening the West side of the VARENNE river from the bridge at 775932 South to AMBRIERES LE GRAND. Troop G and A were given the mission of screening this line, the boundary between Troops SOUCE[?]. Tech Troop had one platoon of assault guns from Troop E attached. The Troops moved at approximately 0400 in order to clear the North South highway by 0530 for Task Force X traffic. Purpose of our mission was to protect the left flank of Task Force 1 as it concentrated in the vicinity of GORRON. Enemy resistance West of the river was very light and both Troops had established an effective screen by 1400. Troop A reached the bridge at AMBRIERES LE GRAND, and Troop C contacted enemy elements West of the river and in the vicinity of the bridges at SOUCE and 775932. The Squadron OP moved South and East through DESERTINES and bivouacked for the night in the vicinity of PASSAIS. Eleven prisoners of war were captured this date.
On August the 7th the Squadron mission remained the same. Higher headquarters believed there were indications of an enemy counter-attack in force from the North and the Northeast, the purpose of which was to drive a wedge through the First and Third U.S. Armies thereby isolating the Third Army. This action was attempted but the threat was North of our location. Troop C established contact with a combat team of the Second Armored Division on our North flank, and Troop A contacted the First Infantry Division to the South. Troop E was disposed to support either Troop by fire. Troop F was in Squadron reserve. Troops A and C continued to patrol between their established road blocks West of the VARENNE river. Squadron detached 4th Cavalry Group, attached 1st Infantry Division this date.
On August 8th, the Squadron mission remained the same. Troop C contacted Troop V[?] of the 4th Cavalry Squadron on our North flank. Squadron CP moved to the vicinity of SOUCE.
On August 9th, the Squadron was ordered to maintain a screen from SOUCE South to AMBRIERES LE GRAND and to initiate reconnaissance East of the VARENNE river and Northeast of AMBRIERES LE GRAND and report any indication of enemy withdrawal to the East. Troop A continued to screen and block approaches from the East on the West side of the VARENNE river. Troop C moved South at 0600 and crossed the river at AMBRIERES LE GRAND. Reconnaissance patrols were pushed East toward LASSAY, Northeast toward the MAYENNE river, and North toward CEAUCE. Friendly Infantry were engaged with the enemy at CHANTRIGNE. This reconnaissance patrol attempted to bypass the town and proceed East to LASSAY, but the secondary roads North and South of the highway were mined and flooded. The second patrol worked Northwest through CIGNE and contacted an estimated 100 dismounted enemy in the woods 2 kilometers North of the Town. Dismounted patrols attempted to work around the woods but received small arms fire from both flanks. The patrol moving North received anti-tank fire from the high ground 2 kilometers South of CEAUCE. This ground dominated the highway for approximately three kilometers to the South. There was no apparent indication of enemy withdrawal to the East during the day.
At 0045 August 10, the CO First Infantry Division ordered this Squadron to conduct vigorous patrolling in our assigned sector to determine whether the enemy had commenced to withdraw to the East. Patrolling was to start at daylight and the necessary information transmitted to Division by 0830. Troop A was still maintaining the screen West of the river and awaiting relief which was late in arriving. Troop C patrolled vigorously in the same area but was unable to bypass enemy resistance mounted as all roads to the North and East were blocked and covered by anti-tank fire. Dismounted patrols worked North and East of CIGNE but received heavy mortar and machine gun fire after proceeding approximately 4 kilometers. Troop A worked a dismounted platoon across the river in the vicinity of the bridge at SOUCE. They encountered an estimated company of entrenched enemy infantry on the East side of the river opposite the bridge. Troop E supported the progress of both Troops from a point approximately 4 kilometers Southwest of SOUCE. A report was rendered to the CO First Infantry Division at 0830 that there was no sign of enemy withdrawal to the East. Patrolling continued throughout the day. Troop C discovered that the anti-tank fire coming from the high ground South of CEAUCE was delivered from an M-5 U.S. Tank in the hands of the enemy.
On August 11th, the Squadron continued its reconnaissance North and East of AMBRIERES LE GRAND. Troop A was relieved of its screening mission on the west bank of the river and at 0900 moved South and crossed the river at AMBRIERES LE GRAND. The zone of reconnaissance included the area bounded by the VARENNE river on the west, the highway joining AMBRIERES and LASSAY on the South, the highway from LASSAY to SEPT FORGES on the East, and the road from SEPT FORGES running due West to the VARENNE river on the North. This area was divided by the VARENNE river and Troop C was given the right sector, Troop A the left. One platoon from Troop C which was in contact with a reinforced enemy company in the vicinity of CIGNE was directed to remain there rather than withdraw to the C Troop sector. The enemy continued blocking tactics and our vehicular movement was reduced to Bantam patrols. Troop A moved mounted North on the highway to CEAUCE until they received anti-tank fire which forced them to seek cover west of the highway. Bantam patrols were sent North to outflank the enemy position on the East and west. Another patrol was sent Northeast with a mission of turning South and moving toward CEAUCE to gain contact with a reinforced enemy company entrenched in that vicinity. Lt. Connelly's platoon succeeded in working West of the enemy position but drew mortar and small arms fire from the vicinity of the bridge near SOUCE but East of the river. At 1530 a patrol succeeded in outflanking this enemy position to the East but encountered enemy tanks Southeast of CEAUCE and destroyed one Mark IV tank with a rocket launcher. Meanwhile a platoon from Troop C under Lt. Allen supported by Troop E, succeeded in forcing an entrenched enemy infantry company to withdraw to the Northeast. Patrols from Troop C working East toward LASSAY encountered mines, road blocks, and anti-tank fire and were unable to advance.
On August 12th, Troops A and C continued patrolling in the same sectors. The enemy continued to block the roads and cover the blocks by anti-tank fire. Enemy resistance South of CEAUCE was thick and, by dark, patrols from Troops A and C were disposed in a semi-circle around CEAUCE. During the night of the 12th-13th August Troop A captured a German NCO bearing a written order stating the enemy plan of withdrawal in detail. The order also included the strength and identification of the delaying force and the line to which the enemy was withdrawing.
On August 13th, the Squadron mission was to screen the left flank of the First Infantry Division in its attack to the Northeast toward LA FERTE MACE, by seizing the 5 objectives (see overlay) from CEAUCE to JUVIGNY. At 0100 Squadron was detached from the First Infantry Division and attached to 4th Cavalry Group. Troop A was ordered to move North and block on objectives 1 and 2; as soon as those blocks were established, Troop C was to move North and East and block the objectives at 3 and 4. Troop F, as soon as CEAUCE was secured by Troop A, was ordered to occupy the town and block avenues of approach from the North. Troop E sent an Officer with Troops A and C to act as forward observer, and situated their guns to provide fire support for either Troop. Troop A, which was in contact with the enemy at CEAUCE, detected a withdrawal by the enemy in the early morning. At 0800 CEAUCE was reported clear and Troop A was moving East toward objective 2 which was in the vicinity of ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE. Meanwhile Troop F had accomplished the occupation of CEAUCE. At 1320 the forward elements of Troop A had arrived at the second objective, and Troop C moved East and North toward objective 3. Movement of both reconnaissance Troops during the day was necessarily cautious as the roads were mined and blocked and a great deal of dismounted patrolling was necessary in order to bypass these obstacles. The Squadron CP moved from the vicinity of AMBRIERES LE GRAND and established a CP at ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE at 1725. Troop C forward elements reached LA REVIERE at 2130. Troops A and C blocked enemy approaches from the North during the night, and Troops E and F were located in the vicinity of the Squadron CP. One section from Troop A was left at CEAUCE.
On August 14th, the Squadron mission was to continue toward objective 3, 4, and 5, and leave a small blocking force at CEAUCE. Troop A continued to block at CEAUCE and at objective 2. Troop C gained objective 5 at 1200 but was unable to reach objective 5, as all approaches to it were mined and covered by anti-tank fire, and entrenched infantry. Troop C was directed to block roads South of objective 3 and to continue towards objective 4 which was in the vicinity of JUVIGNY. By 1600 Troop C was in contact with dismounted enemy guarding a mined road block in the vicinity of LA CHAPELLE MOCHE. At 1800 Troop C contacted elements of the First Infantry Division which were moving Northwest up the highway toward JUVIGNY. By 2200, enemy resistance in JUVIGNY had been reduced and the town was held by elements of First Infantry Division.
On August 15th, the Squadron mission was to screen the line from ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE to LA CRUCHE. Troops A and C, supported by Troop E, had this line established by 1630. There was little enemy opposition during the day and the only thing that hampered the progress of the Troops was abandoned road blocks and mine fields which had to be cleared or bypassed. Elements of the First Infantry Division moved through the DANDAINE forest and had secured their objective at LA FERTE MACE. At 1700 the Squadron assembled in the vicinity of JUVIGNY to receive instructions for a new mission. Troops A and C were ordered to move immediately, reconnoiter the DANDAINE forest, and reduce any hostile resistance remaining in that area. The forest was divided generally in half by a North South line. Troop C was given the West sector, and Troop A the East sector. At 2000, the entire forest had been reconnoitered and a negative report rendered by both Troops. The CO 4th Cavalry Group, directed that 4 road blocks be established along the road through the forest from LA BURRE to LE PONT GUILLAUME. By 2400 Troop A had established the 2 Northern blocks, and Troop C the 2 Southern blocks.
On August 16th, the Squadron was relieved of its screening mission in the DANDAINE forest and reverted to Group reserve in the vicinity of JUVIGNY.
The Squadron moved to ST AIGNAN DE COUPTRAIN at 1565[?], August 17th, arriving at 1700, after travelling 14.5 miles.
On the 18th of August, the Squadron remained in reserve and spent the day on maintenance. Troop B which had been guarding the FIT Corps CP since 17 July reverted to Squadron control.
At 0400, 19th of August, the Squadron moved to the vicinity of LA LOUP, arriving at 1100, distance travelled 86.6 miles. Troop B was sent to the vicinity of FONTAINE AUBERT to protect Army supply dumps in that area. Officer patrols from Troop A and C reconnoitered the area between CHARTRES and DREUX and established contact with friendly elements in that area.
On 20th of August, the Squadron mission remained the same. Troop B continued to protect the Army supply dumps by establishing road blocks North and Northwest of FONTAINE AUBERT. At 1900 Troop C was attached to the 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron.
On 21st of August, the Squadron moved to the vicinity of LONGNY DU FERCHE arriving at 1315 after travelling 18.6 miles.
The Squadron remained in the vicinity of LONGNY DU PERCHE on the 22nd of August engaged in maintenance of equipment.
On August 23rd, the Squadron received the mission of screening the line from LAIGLE East to DANVILLE to protect the North flank of the XIX Corps. Troop C reverted to Squadron control at 0600. The Squadron moved at 0700 and the line was established at 0800 with 3 reconnaissance Troops abreast, C on the left (west), B in the center, and A on the right (East). Troop E was centrally located behind Troops A and B prepared to support them by fire. The Squadron CP moved to the vicinity of VERNEUIL. Troop F was in Squadron reserve. At 1300 Troop C was assembled and reverted to Squadron reserve as their section of the screen was no longer necessary. No contact with the enemy was made along this line. At 1750 the Squadron was relieved of this mission and at 1740 moved by infiltration to the vicinity of FONTAINE DE GUYON, arriving at 2015 after travelling 34.5 miles.
On August 24th, the Squadron was alerted for a long movement to the East on short notice. The morning was spent on re-supply and maintenance. At 1430 the Squadron moved, preceded by Troops A and B, to the vicinity of NAINVILLE, distance traveled 72.9 miles. Troop A had the mission of reconnoitering from CORBEIL South along the SEINE river crossings, fords, bridges, or bridge sites. Troop B had the same mission, reconnoitering North from MELUN along the SEINE. Troop A found a friendly reconnaissance detachment on the outskirts of CORBEIL. This detachment reported that the enemy had prepared the bridge over the SEINE for destruction and, in addition, had constructed a road block in the center of town near the bridge. Lt. Dillow moved into the town to make a personal reconnaissance. He maneuvered around the hostile road block and caught the detachment guarding the road block from the rear. He caused effective machine gun and 57MM fire to be brought on the enemy and the entire detachment occupying the town was driven across the bridge. Lt. Dillow was wounded by shrapnel in this action. Troop B found MELUN in enemy hands and bivouacked approximately 2 kilometers from the city. Troop A moved South of CORBEIL along the river and bivouacked for the night in the vicinity of PONT HIERRY. Troop C, E, and F were in Squadron reserve.
On August 25th, the Squadron mission remained the same. Troops A and B found several suitable sites for bridges along the SEINE and a ponton bridge was constructed in the vicinity of MILLY by the engineers, all stable bridges having previously been blown by the enemy. At 2200 the Squadron received a priority on the ponton bridge, and by 2500 the entire Squadron had crossed the SEINE and bivouacked in the vicinity of SEINE PORT.
On 26th of August the Squadron was directed to pass the armor and reconnoiter to the North in the Corps zone (see overlay). Troops A and B moved North at 0630 with Troop A on the left (West) and Troop B on the right (East). Movement initially was slow due to traffic congestion on all main roads. The Squadron succeeded in bypassing the armor on secondary roads and at 1000 the Squadron CP was established at REAU. Troop B contacted an enemy heavy weapons company Northeast of REAU. Troop A contacted approximately 300 dismounted enemy Northwest of REAU. Lt. Ketchum's platoon from Troop B moved around the East flank of the resistance and contacted heavy enemy traffic moving East and West on the Highway running through TOURNAN EN BRIE. At 1330 our mission was changed and Group directed the Squadron to continue reconnaissance to the North in the same zone but to contain strong enemy resistance and prevent it from moving East until relieved by Armored or Infantry units. Troop B became involved in containing enemy forces between REAU and COUBERT with 2 platoons; the third platoon under Lt. Rubin was bringing effective anti-tank fire on enemy traffic moving on the highway running East through TOURNAN EN BRIE. Troop A swung East and North around Troop B and screened along the highway from COUBERT to OZOIR LA FERRIERE. Troop C was committed and moved past Troop A and reconnoitered to the North in the Squadron zone. At 1430 the Squadron CP moved 9 miles North to COUBERT arriving at 1640. Troop E went into position in the vicinity of COUBERT prepared to support Troops A or B by fire. Troop F was in Squadron reserve. The 3 reconnaissance troops were in contact with the enemy during the night. The Squadron took 40 prisoners of war during the day.
On the morning of August 27th, Troops A and B remained in their same areas while Troop C continued reconnaissance to the North toward LAGNY. Enemy resistance was extremely disorganized, and small groups were continually trying to break through our screen to the South and East. At 0750 Troop E moved to a position approximately 4000 yards Southeast of GHISY SUISNES and employed direct fire on enemy vehicles which were moving in the vicinity of the town. They also provided a base of fire to support the attack of a friendly tank battalion which was moving toward the town from the East. By 1300 enemy resistance in the town had ceased. Troop E destroyed 19 cargo trucks and 3 88 MM guns and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy in this action. Troop F was employed in blocking approaches to COUBERT from the South. Meanwhile, Troop A had been relieved from their screening mission and moved North abreast of Troop C to reconnoiter the western half of our zone. Troop C encountered enemy resistance in the vicinity of JOSSIGNY, CHANTOLP[?], and CONCHES but continued to move to the North inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and taking numerous prisoners. By 1500 the forward elements of Troops A and C had reached the MARNE river and were reconnoitering for suitable crossings. Troop A found all bridges in the vicinity of LAGNY destroyed, but Troop C reported 2 bridges in the vicinity of ESBLY intact. At 1780[?] the Squadron moved to the vicinity of COUTEVROAT[?], arriving at 2310, after travelling 20.7 miles. The Squadron took seven officers and 199 enlisted men prisoners of war this date.
The Squadron mission on August the 28th was to reconnoiter crossings over the MARNE, cross the river and reconnoiter North to the AISNE river in the vicinity of SOISSONS. By 0900, the entire Squadron had crossed the MARNE in the vicinity of ESBLY and were moving rapidly North. Troop A had the left (West) sector, Troop B had the right (East). Troops C, E, and F were in Squadron reserve. Enemy resistance during the day was scattered and disorganized. Troop B encountered several enemy tanks in the vicinity of LIZY and destroyed 2 of them. At 2000 advanced elements of Troop A had reached the AISNE river in the vicinity of SOISSONS, and were reconnoitering the river line for crossings. The remainder of the Squadron assembled at the cross road approximately 5 kilometers Southwest of SOISSONS. Between 2200 and 2330 there was a great deal of enemy air activity in our vicinity. 15 prisoners of war were taken this date.
On August 29th, the Squadron continued to reconnoiter for crossing over the AISNE river, and to screen approaches toward SOISSONS from the West. Troop A reverted to Squadron reserve, and Troop C with one platoon Troop E attached took over reconnaissance of the river line. Troop B screened along the highway running Northeast toward SOISSONS. Troops E and F were in Squadron reserve. An enemy force of unknown strength with self-propelled guns succeeded in blocking the highway South of us in the vicinity of VILLIERS COTERETS. Captain Kober and 2 aid men in an ambulance half-track were killed in the vicinity of the road block at approximately 0830. One platoon of Troop B was sent South to the vicinity of the road block to prevent friendly traffic from moving South and to maintain contact with the enemy in the vicinity of the road block. Meanwhile, Troop C found a crossing over the AISNE river West of SOISSONS. Two platoons succeeded in moving across the river and remained in observation on the high ground Northwest of SOISSONS. Friendly armor was engaged with the enemy North of SOISSONS and this action prevented further progress of Troop C. A captured prisoner reported that a hostile 2 regiment division was located South of the AISNE and approximately 15 kilometers West of SOISSONS. Their mission was to move East, South of the river, and prevent American forces from crossing. The remainder of Troop C, with Lt. Marshall's platoon from Troop B, took up a position Southwest of SOISSONS which commanded the approaches toward the city from the West. Reconnaissance elements from the Adolph Hitler Division, apparently trying to move East by infiltration, were destroyed individually by our assault guns and .50 cal. machine guns. At 1400 the hostile road block at VILLIERS COTERETS was reduced and friendly supply columns started moving North on the Highway again. The battle that the armor was engaged in North of SOISSONS continued to prevent our progress North in that vicinity. At 1700 Troops A and C each sent a platoon East along the river line toward COURTONNE to find a suitable crossing for the Squadron. The bridge at COURTONNE was reported intact and the Squadron moved East at 2000 and crossed the AISNE at 2230, bivouacking North of the river in the vicinity of COURTONNE after travelling 24.7 miles. The Squadron captured 49 prisoners of war this date.
On August 30th, the Squadron mission was reconnaissance to the Northeast. The left boundary of our zone was the highway running from SOISSONS Northeast through LAON to MARLE; the right boundary was from PONT ARCY Northeast through CORBENY to ROZOY. Troop A had the left sector and Troop C the right. The limit of reconnaissance was the SERRE river from MARLE to ROZOY. Troop C moved rapidly in their sector, encountered very little resistance, and reached the limit of reconnaissance in their sector by 1800. Troop A was delayed by hostile resistance in LAON which they bypassed to the East. They continued to encounter enemy resistance Northeast of LAON and established road blocks on all approaches to the South in their sector, to protect their portion of the screen for the night. The Squadron CP moved Northeast 11.2 miles to LA PAIX arriving at 1915.
On the morning of the 31st of August, the Squadron continued reconnaissance to the SERRE river. At 1550 the Squadron was ordered to swing East and screen the highway from LAON North through MARLE to the cross road approximately 5 kilometers North of MARLE. The 3 reconnaissance troops each with one assault gun platoon attached, were employed along the line with Troop A on the South, Troop B in the center, and Troop C on the North. Troop A occupied its section of the line encountering no hostile resistance. They established contact with the First Infantry Division at LAON. Troop C covered their section of the line with road blocks. Troop B encountered hostile armor and anti-tank fire in the vicinity of MARLE. They established a semi-circular screen East of the town and fired on targets of opportunity with the assault guns from the attached Troop E platoon. Troop F was sent to the vicinity to strengthen the screen. A friendly medium tank battalion, in conjunction with Troops B and F, attacked the town at 1900 and by 2200 hostile resistance was destroyed or had withdrawn to the West. B Troop then occupied the Town. The Squadron CP moved to the vicinity of MONTIGNY at 1700.
The Squadron during the month of August 1944 destroyed approximately 473 Germans, captured 296 Germans.
The Squadron during the month of August 1944 suffered the following losses:
KIA - 11; WIA - 44; MIA - 1.
NOTE: Losses in detail listed below.
Casualty and Personnel Lists (August 1944)
The Squadron during the month of August 1944 suffered the following losses:
KIA - 11; WIA - 44; MIA - 1.
NOTE: Losses in detail listed below.
Officers killed in action:
Captain William M. Kober, 0369529, Med Det, 24th Cav Ron Sq, Mech, killed 29 August 44, in vicinity of SOISSONS, FRANCE.
Officers wounded in action:
1st Lt. Barrett C. Dillow, 0466686, Troop A, 24th Cav Ron Sq, Mech, in the vicinity of PONTHIERRY, FRANCE, 24 August 1944. Returned to duty 29 August 1944.
1st Lt. Alfred NMI Rubin, 0466699, Troop B, 24th Cav Ron Sq, Mech, in the vicinity of COUTEVROUR[?], FRANCE, 27 August 1944.
Officers missing in action:
Captain John F. Christensen, 0407227, Co. F, 24th Cav Ron Sq, Mech, in the vicinity of CHEURY, FRANCE, 1 August 1944.
Enlisted Men killed in action:
Tec 4 George NMI Huha, 32094951, Co. F, 1 August 1944, vicinity of CHEURY, FRANCE.
Pvt Theodore H. Scarberry, 16148631, Co. F, 1 August 1944, vicinity of CHEURY, FRANCE.
Pvt Walter J. Malachowski, 32855922, Troop C, 1 August 1944, vicinity of VILLEBAUDON, FRANCE.
Pvt Charles NMI Farinato, 20204223, Troop C, 4 August 1944, vicinity of CHERENCEY LE HERON[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Michael HMI Roik, 32838649, Troop A, 8 August 1944, vicinity of ST SIMEON, FRANCE.
Pfc Ray E. Stroup, 6664684, Troop A, 12 August 1944, vicinity of CIGNE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Carl NMI Mullins, 35778421, Troop C, 12 August 1944, vicinity of AMBRIERES LE GRAND, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Taylor B. Keith, 35438741, Med Det, 29 August 1944, vicinity of SOISSONS, FRANCE.
Pvt Harold W. Gilbert, 32838591, Med Det, 29 August 1944, vicinity of SOISSONS, FRANCE.
Pvt Robert F. Nolan, 32838369, Troop B, 27 August 1944, vicinity of COUTEVROUR[?], FRANCE.
Enlisted Men wounded in action:
Pfc Joseph A. Bacinski, 36120770, Troop A, 1 August 1944, vicinity of LA DENISIERE[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Richard E. Beversdorf, 87023220, Troop A, 1 August 1944, vicinity of LA DENISIERE[?], FRANCE.
Cpl John L. Freeman, 37077102, Troop A, 2 August 1944, vicinity of LA DENISIERE[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Thomas T. Murphy, 13035648, Troop C, 4 August 1944, vicinity of CHERENCEY LE HERON[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Louis A. Woods, 36336831, Troop C, 4 August 1944, vicinity of CHERENCEY LE HERON[?], FRANCE.
S/Sgt Richard R. McGowan, 6932451, Troop A, 5 August 1944, vicinity of FOUGEROLLES DU PLESSIS, FRANCE.
Sgt Anton NMI Schmidt, 57081100, Troop C, 8 August 1944, vicinity of PASSAIS, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Tony NMI Weiss, 37081165, Troop A, 9 August 1944, vicinity of ST SIMEON, FRANCE.
Pvt Lincoln NMI Young, 38474867, Troop A, 11 August 1944, vicinity of CIGNE, FRANCE.
Pfc Charles N. Simmons, 32853186, Troop C, 11 August 1944, vicinity of AMBRIERES LE GRAND, FRANCE.
Pvt Walter H. Tanner, 34656014, Troop C, 11 August 1944, vicinity of AMBRIERES LE GRAND, FRANCE.
Cpl David A. Youman, 37049048, Troop E, 11 August 1944, vicinity of AMBRIERES LE GRAND, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Harry E. Burkman, 37023788, Troop C, 14 August 1944, vicinity of ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE, FRANCE.
Pfc Cletus H. Steger, 37089271, Troop C, 18 August 1944, vicinity of ST AIGNAN DE COUPTRAIN, FRANCE.
S/Sgt James M. Colgan, 37089729, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEW CHERENCEY[?], FRANCE.
Tec 5 John E. Cessna, 6861367, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEW CHERENCEY[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Robert H. Durling, 42041753, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEW CHERENCEY[?], FRANCE.
Cpl George W. Williams, 34842525, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEW CHERENCEY[?], FRANCE.
Pfc Charlie NMI Fed, 36508456, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEW CHERENCEY[?], FRANCE.
Pvt Raymond E. Newhouse, 16151538, Troop C, 22 August 1944, vicinity of ST MAURIES-LEN CHERESCEY[?], FRANCE.
Tec 5 Bonnie W. Brooks, 33547040, Troop C, 29 August 1944, vicinity of GRAVANCON[?], FRANCE.
Tec 4 George D. Diffin, 34208771, Hq, Hq & Sv Troop, 29 August 1944, vicinity of SOISSONS, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Benjamin C. Schultz, 36120813, Troop B, 26 August 1944, vicinity of CHEVRY COSSIGNY, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Rheubin C. Robertson, 54600348, Hq, Hq & Sv Troop, 27 August 1944, vicinity of BEAU[?], FRANCE.
Pvt George P. Clark, Jr., 15844412, Troop B, 27 August 1944, vicinity of COUTEVROUR[?], FRANCE.
Tec 5 Joseph L. Deep, 32857178, Troop B, 27 August 1944, vicinity of COUZEVROUR[?], FRANCE.
Enlisted Men wounded in action, remained on duty:
Tec 5 George A. Bacon, 32735674, Troop A, 5 August 1944, vicinity of ST SIMEON, FRANCE.
Pfc Luther R. Deniston, 16161729, Troop A, 5 August 1944, vicinity of ST SIMEON, FRANCE.
Sgt Joseph L. Weaver, 17018341, Troop C, 13 August 1944, vicinity of CIGNE, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 Donald J. O'Henley, 16149824, Troop C, 13 August 1944, vicinity of CIGNE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 John N. Barnes, 36437665, Troop C, 13 August 1944, vicinity of CIGNE, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pvt Herbert A. Martin, 32838547, Troop C, 14 August 1944, vicinity of ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Verlin H. Hunt, 37049074, Troop B, 26 August 1944, vicinity of CHEVRY COSSIGNY, FRANCE.
Pvt Robert L. VanDereau, 55765436, Troop C, 14 August 1944, vicinity of ST DENIS DE VILLENETTE, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 4 Bailus NMI Duvall, Jr., 16149823, Troop A, 24 August 1944, vicinity of COUBERT, FRANCE. The Oak Leaf Cluster to the Purple Heart Medal was awarded.
S/Sgt Ervin K. Holter, 37081147, Troop B, 26 August 1944, vicinity of CHEVRY COSSIGNY, FRANCE.
Cpl William W. Stephens, 34601174, Troop B, 26 August 1944, vicinity of CHEVRY COSSIGNY, FRANCE.
Cpl John K. Wildes, 37023265, Troop B, 26 August 1944, vicinity of CHEVRY COSSIGNY, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Theodore H. Lapinski, 32156627, Troop A, 26 August 1944, vicinity of COUBERT, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Sgt Hershel L. Ray, 18003536, Troop C, 29 August 1944, vicinity of GRAVANCON[?], FRANCE.
Pfc Clifton G. Thomas, 19133983, Troop B, 30 August 1944, vicinity of MARCHAIS, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Sgt Herman A. Schieber, 37023301, Troop C, 31 August 1944, vicinity of CLERMONT LES FERMES, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Replacements received (Officers and Enlisted Men)
Officers:
Captain John S. Chapin, 0454545, 15 August 44.
1st Lt. David NMI Bloomfield, 01011421, 15 August 44.
1st Lt. Jack C. Gordon, 0427365, 3 August 44.
2d Lt. Judson F. Miller, 01032728, 3 August 44.
2d Lt. Marshall J. Bishop, 01016214, 3 August 44.
2d Lt. Dale L. Brooks, 01016536, 15 August 44.
2d Lt. Robert NMI Telfeyan, 01017900, 15 August 44.
2d Lt. John NMI Ursini, 01032123, 15 August 44.
2d Lt. Robert E. James, 01032283, 15 August 44.
Enlisted Men:
Tec 5 Gordon L. Aga, 57078402, 2 August 44.
S/Sgt John T. Schmit, 37023206, 2 August 44.
Pfc Elroy J. Merkel, 32735627, 3 August 44.
Pfc John P. Wagner, 37020439, 6 August 44.
Pvt Clyde L. Stamey, 54601106, 7 August 44.
Pvt Leonard J. Pilarski, 52833927, 10 August 44.
Pvt Gideon C. Buttler, 39136750, 10 August 44.
Pvt Charles NMI Golf, Jr., 14059644, 10 August 44.
Pvt Frank A. Small, Jr., 32834037, 10 August 44.
Pvt Thomas F. Bowling, 15836587, 10 August 44.
Pfc Joseph W. Handzel, 36712595, 10 August 44.
Tec 5 Maynard C. Shaw, 16087688, 10 August 44.
Pvt Carl N. Magnuson, 36711678, 10 August 44.
Pvt Morris NMI Mand, 42051341, 10 August 44.
Pvt Lawson M. Haynes, 37180079, 10 August 44.
Pvt Robert L. VanDeveau, 35765436, 10 August 44.
Pvt Ike NMI Mims, 34581223, 10 August 44.
Pvt Max E. McConnell, 35615371, 10 August 44.
Pfc Elmer A. Melutt, 86101634, 10 August 44.
Pvt Clarence F. Dellinger, 16151698, 10 August 44.
Pvt Gilbert C. Plomsky, 16151187, 10 August 44.
Tec 4 James E. Dean, 57081115, 10 August 44.
Sgt John W. Zander, 6858147, 10 August 44.
Pvt Manuel R. Marques, 39117554, 10 August 44.
Pfc Charles NMI Sluka, Jr., 37023145, 10 August 44.
1st Sgt Lester C. Ogden, 6816005, 10 August 44.
Pvt Scott R. Williams, 34598297, 10 August 44.
Pvt William B. Cook, 16075759, 10 August 44.
Tec 5 William L. Lee, 34783624, 10 August 44.
Pvt Robert D. Mewillan, 35523337, 10 August 44.
Pfc John J. Knowledge, 35324425, 10 August 44.
Pvt John J. Triana, 42041749, 10 August 44.
Pfc Abram NMI Gunnink, 37260140, 10 August 44.
Pvt Harry F. Hall, 33258464, 10 August 44.
M/Sgt Roy A. Bistodeau, 37024155, 10 August 44.
Tec 5 Richard L. Haxten, 37039383, 10 August 44.
Tec 5 Frank E. Sedlacek, 17012056, 10 August 44.
Tec 4 Lyn NMI Lyman, 37049068, 10 August 44.
Tec 4 Leonard T. Tipka, 37023837, 10 August 44.
Tec 5 Carl R. Hilbert, 32735640, 10 August 44.
Pvt Earl F. Newman, 32735612, 15 August 44.
Pfc Donald EMI Visser, 36410118, 15 August 44.
Pfc William N. Posey, 37517205, 15 August 44.
Pvt Carl W. Pearson, 31329917, 15 August 44.
Tec 5 Raymond J. Fitzpatrick, 37024171, 15 August 44.
Tec 5 Paul C. Regler, 17001797, 15 August 44.
Tec 6 James V. McGregor, 34288179, 15 August 44.
Tec 5 Lawrence D. Rice, 37078642, 15 August 44.
Pfc James J. Bene, 54724535, 15 August 44.
Pfc Peter EMI Muraco, 32834031, 15 August 44.
Pvt Louis UMI Campeggio, 13005955, 15 August 44.
Pvt Jacob NMI Carian, 36832770, 15 August 44.
Pvt Clarence H. Casteel, 39693407, 15 August 44.
Pvt George E. Lombardi, 31366925, 15 August 44.
Pvt Alex NMI Markman, 32809514, 15 August 44.
Pvt Adolph I. Svien, 37541789, 15 August 44.
Pvt J. B. Thrower, 34026381, 15 August 44.
Pvt John NMI Tyahur, Jr., 33402151, 15 August 44.
Pvt Barry L. Williams, 37605498, 15 August 44.
Cpl Joseph R. Sliva, 32029177, 15 August 44.
Pfc Joseph J. Cicalese, 42010188, 15 August 44.
Pfc Oscar L. Cravens, 39902752, 15 August 44.
Pfc Andrew NMI Horchar, 33104744, 15 August 44.
Pvt Jacob L. Baird, 54886348, 15 August 44.
Pvt Joseph P. Rice, 33805084, 15 August 44.
Pvt Arthur N. Sevigny, 31320835, 15 August 44.
Pvt William R. Thomas, 14047703, 15 August 44.
Tec 5 Samuel R. Williams, 33166741, 15 August 44.
Pfc Willis M. Reimer, 37354994, 15 August 44.
Pfc William H. Risner, 35208566, 15 August 44.
Pfc James T. Tormey, 36282727, 15 August 44.
Pfc Arthur A. Rode, 33359675, 16 August 44.
Pfc John J. Tuseo, 32691492, 16 August 44.
Pfc Delbert E. McCauley, 36282962, 16 August 44.
Pfc Meyer HMI Trager, 36710567, 16 August 44.
Pvt James R. Baxley, 14034048, 16 August 44.
Pvt Harry M. Bourke, Jr., 20241275, 16 August 44.
Pvt Louis J. Kohl, 36673912, 16 August 44.
Pvt John P. Kulbisky, 33604064, 16 August 44.
Pvt Joe H. Lewis, 55671216, 16 August 44.
Pvt Ralph NMI Martinez, 38251658, 16 August 44.
Pvt Pasquale S. Mascali, 52864588, 16 August 44.
Pvt Joseph J. Mastrianni, 32865314, 16 August 44.
Pvt Henry R. Moskowitz, 32810212, 16 August 44.
Pvt Wallace H. O'Keefe, 38598658, 16 August 44.
Pvt Willard NMI Pratt, Jr., 33899903, 16 August 44.
Pvt Verland W. Bockman, 35348991, 16 August 44.
Pvt Malcolm M. Anderson, 32870769, 16 August 44.
Pvt Roger E. Ames, 32848751, 16 August 44.
Pvt Dominick V. Russo, 12186279, 20 August 44.
S/Sgt Richard R. McGowan, 6932451, 20 August 44.
Signed:
F. H. GASTON, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, Cavalry,
Commanding.