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Squadron movements in June 1944
Detailing the main actions of the squadron during June 1944.
How to use the map: For anyone unfamiliar with maps like this the + and - symbols enable you to zoom in and out. Clicking and dragging on the map lets you move around the landscape. Clicking on an icon brings up a text box explaining the significance of the data and location. The icons are placed to illustrate the events described in the document below.
The After Action report text for June 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. I’m using an automated transcription process, based on photographs of original documents, so there may be some minor errors in spelling or occasionally misidentified numbers.
HISTORY OF THE 24TH CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON MECHANIZED IN THE CHERBOURG CAMPAIGN.
a. Name - Campaign against the German forces occupying the CHERBOURG PENINSULA.
b. Duration - The 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized as a complete unit participated in this campaign from 17 June 44 to 28 June 44.
c. Purpose - To compel the surrender of the German forces in the CHERBOURG PENINSULA.
d. Authority Ordering - Commanding General, ETOUSA.
e. Narrative of the 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized participating in the CHERBOURG Campaign.
(1) A detachment of Troop “B”, consisting of 3 Officers and 64 Enlisted Men, Captain WALES VAUGHAN, Commanding, departed from England, 5 June 44, with the mission of seizing and holding the ILE du LARGE, northernmost of the ILES de St. MARCAUF, 5000 yards off the east coast of the COTENTIN PENINSULA, covering the approach to UTAH BEACH. The detachment assaulted the island at H-2 hours, on D-day, 6 June 44, and found it heavily mined but unoccupied. They held the island for two days suffering 9 casualties from exploding mines and hostile artillery fire and were relieved on the 8th of June at which time they moved ashore and provided local security for VII Corps Headquarters. They continued on this mission until the 16th of June, at which time they reverted to Squadron control.
(2) The Squadron, less the detachment from Troop “B”, departed from ENGLAND via SOUTHAMPTON, the 14th of June 44, and landed in FRANCE in the vicinity of St. MARIE du MONT, the 15th of June 44. The Squadron was attached to the 4th Infantry Division the 16th of June 44, with the mission of relieving the 22nd Infantry Regiment and establishing a counter-reconnaissance screen along the high ground extending from QUINEVILLE, 4000 yards to the west. The 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop Mechanized, was attached, and the relief of the Infantry was accomplished by midnight of the same day. The screen was established by the 4th Reconnaissance Troop, Troop “B”, 1 platoon of Troop “A” and Troop “C”, extending in that order from east to west, supported by the fires of Troop “E” with Troop “B” and Troop “A”, less one platoon, in reserve. On the 17th and 18th of June, during the hours of darkness, small enemy patrols attempted to penetrate the screen unsuccessfully. During the same period the entire Squadron zone received constant interdiction and harassing fires from enemy artillery and heavy mortars. On the morning of the 19th of June, Troop “C” was ordered to secure a bridgehead on the north side of the SINOPE RIVER in the vicinity of BOURG de LESTRE.
This mission was accomplished with one platoon at 1027 hours; shortly thereafter the Germans counter-attacked with an estimated reinforced Infantry Company, forcing the platoon to withdraw south of the river after suffering 15 casualties. Troop “E”, Captain J. F. CHRISTENSEN, Commanding, covered by a smoke screen, and preceded by a ten minute preparation by Troop “E”, recaptured the town at 1400 destroying an estimated 75 Germans and several anti-aircraft and machine guns, and forcing the enemy to withdraw to the north.
(3) On the 20th of June orders were received from the 4th Infantry Division detaching the 4th Reconnaissance Troop and extending our zone westward to the vicinity of VAUDREVILLE and requesting reconnaissance north and east of the SINOPE River. Troop “A”, with one platoon of Troop “E” attached, was moved to the left flank and given the mission of reconnoitering north along the St. MARTIN d’ AUDOUVILLE – Le VAST road to its junction with the VALOGNES – QUETTEHOU road and of securing the bridge at HAU AUVRAY. This they accomplished at 2200 hours, capturing one German and de-arming the bridge which was prepared for demolition. They were then given the mission of reconnoitering east to QUETTEHOU which they reached and entered at 2300 hours. Troop “C”, with one platoon of Troop “E” attached, was moved to the east flank and given the mission of reconnoitering north along the coast road to QUETTEHOU. This road was mined and full of craters and they only reached the vicinity of Le JARDIN at dark. Troop “B” continued to protect the Division’s right flank from QUINEVILLE to VAUDREVILLE. The Squadron CP and Troops “E”, less detachments, and “F” moved to the vicinity of VAUDREVILLE.
(4) On the 21st of June, Troop “A” reconnoitered northwest to the vicinity of Le VAST, which was cleared of the enemy, and continued north to St. PIERRE – EGLISE, and there began a reconnaissance west in the zone between those two towns; bounded on the south by the De SAIRE River and on the north by the St. PIERRE – EGLISE – CHERBOURG road. By 1945 they were in contact with strong enemy forces along the line GONNEVILLE – THEVILLE. Troop “C” reached QUETTEHOU at 1100 hours and continued north to BARFLEUR encountering no enemy resistance. Seven isolated Germans surrendered at various points along the route of advance of this troop. The Squadron CP and Troops “E”, less detachments, and “F” moved to the vicinity of HAU DOUCET. Troop “B” remained along the line QUINEVILLE – VAUDREVILLE protecting the Division’s right flank and rear. Company “B”, of the 801st TD Battalion was attached at 2200 and was given the mission of supporting the Squadron, by fire, in its zone from a position in the vicinity of the QUINEVILLE ridge.
(5) On the 22nd of June Troop “C” was given the mission of reconnoitering west in the zone – north boundary ENGLISH CHANNEL, east boundary BARFLEUR, south boundary BARFLEUR – CHERBOURG road. By dark they were in contact with the enemy main line of resistance, which was a series of fortified areas extending north from THEVILLE through COSQUEVILLE to the channel. The 4th Reconnaissance Troop was again attached to the Squadron and initiated reconnaissance of the enemy positions at GONNEVILLE, relieving Troop “A” which was given the mission of protecting the right flank of the 22nd Infantry Regiment in the vicinity of PINABEL against strong enemy patrols which were infiltrating from the vicinity of GONNEVILLE. Troop “B” was moved north to the vicinity of the Squadron CP in reserve. The Squadron captured a total of ten prisoners this date.
(6) Orders were received on the 23rd of June attaching the Squadron to the 22nd Infantry with the mission of protecting the supply road from Le THEIL to PINABEL. The zone was divided into three sectors, with Troop “A” on the north, Troop “B” in the center and the 4th Reconnaissance Troop on the south. Troop “F” established a counter-reconnaissance screen from St. PIERRE EGLISE north to the channel and maintained contact with the enemy lines in that vicinity by means of small patrols. From this date through the 25th of June the Squadron’s mission remained unchanged while the 22nd Infantry attacked and reduced the enemy’s strong points in the vicinity of GONNEVILLE. During this period Troop “A” repulsed an enemy counter-attack at 1945 on the 23rd of June in the vicinity of PINABEL, killing 50 Germans, and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Troop “F” successfully attacked the village of PINABEL in support of the 22nd Infantry at 1000 on 23rd of June, killing 30 Germans, and assisting in the capture of many more. Two tanks were lost in this action by enemy anti-tank fire but both tank crews escaped by foot and later rejoined their Troop. This Troop came to the assistance of Troop “A” in its action at 1945 the same day and pursued the withdrawing Germans toward GONNEVILLE, killing an additional 50 Germans. Troop “F” in conjunction with the light tank Company of the 70th Tank Battalion attacked GONNEVILLE in the vicinity of the BOIS de BLANQUEVILLE upon two separate occasions on the 24th of June, as a diversion to cover infantry attacks in another sector. Both of the attacks and another, made singly on the 25th of June, failed to penetrate the enemy’s defenses due to road blocks and tank obstacles. From the 23rd of June through the 25th of June inclusive the Squadron captured 47 prisoners.
(7) On the 26th of June the 22nd Infantry attacked north to the MAUPERTUS air-field with Troop “A” protecting their west flank and Troop “C” protecting their east flank. Troop “B” protected their supply road from Le THEIL to PINABEL. The 4th Reconnaissance Troop was ordered into Squadron reserve in the vicinity of Le THEIL. Company “B” of the 801st TD Battalion passed to the control of the 22nd Infantry. The Squadron CP moved to the vicinity of HAU AUX PIQUOTS with Troop “E”, less detachments, and Troop “F” in Squadron reserve in the vicinity of the Squadron CP. A total of 106 prisoners were taken by the Squadron on this date.
(8) The Squadron mission remained unchanged on the 27th of June while the 22nd Infantry continued mopping up operations among the enemy strong points north of MAUPERTUS. The total number of prisoners taken by the Squadron on the date was 172.
(9) On the 28th of June the Squadron was relieved from attachment to the 22nd Infantry and passed to control of the 4th Infantry Division and was assigned the mission of reconnoitering all coastal installations from CHERBOURG to QUINEVILLE. Troop “B” was assigned the zone from CHERBOURG to BARFLEUR and Troop “C” the zone BARFLEUR to QUINEVILLE. The 4th Reconnaissance Troop was detached on this date.
The remainder of the Squadron moved to LE VAST and began routine maintenance and reorganization. No further enemy resistance was encountered in the Squadron zone on the COTENTIN PENINSULA.
(10) a. The Squadron during the period of 16 June to 28 June 44;
Destroyed 205 Germans
Captured 342 Germans
Suffered the following losses:
KIA – 11
WIA – 45
MIA – 3
b. Losses in detail, officers and enlisted men;
(1) Officers killed in action;
1st Lt. Walter E. Gibson, 0447829, Headquarters 24th Cav. Ren. Sq. Mech., killed 11 June 44 in the vicinity of St. MERE EGLISE, FRANCE.
2d Lt. Joseph W. Gresham, 01032084, Troop A, 24th Cav. Ren. Sq. Mech., killed 23 June 44 in the vicinity GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
(2) Officers wounded in action.
1st Lt. John J. Seery, 0436368, Headquarters 24th Cav. Ren. Sq. Mech., in the vicinity of STE MERE EGLISE, FRANCE. The Purple Heart was awarded for wounds sustained 11 June 44.
2d Lt. Richard J. Stemen, 01051845, Troop A, 24th Cav. Ren. Sq. Mech., in the vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE on 18 June 44.
(3) Enlisted Men killed in action.
Pvt. 1cl Anton J. Elvessater, 37049004, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ILE DU LARGE, ST. MARCOUF ILES, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Lionel A. DeWitt, 12100006, Troop B, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Duane R. Cory, 6939171, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Lanley E. Ballew, 34569979, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Frederick O. Flinchbaugh, 16150882, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Cpl. Elmer E. Langager, 6864262, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Warren C. Passmore, 32674935, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. William E. Scott, 34601065, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Robert L. George, 16105459, Troop A, 20 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
(4) Enlisted Men wounded in action:
Pvt. 1cl Emron H. Tate, 16149746, Troop C, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Joseph M. David, 37023225, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Pvt. Gene F. Muscarella, 32735699, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Tec 4 James E. Dean, 37081115, Troop B, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. William B. Cook, 16075759, Troop A, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Cecil E. Porter, Jr., 15248022, Troop A, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Sgt. Charles W. Slater, 6268716, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Cpl. Henry Halbauer, 37023327, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Clarence E. Billinger, 16116589, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Stanley M. Hayman, 32735591, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Frank V. Matthews, 32735620, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Robert R. Bloom, 16124975, Troop A, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Sgt. Vernon Toyne, 17017954, Troop F, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Michael Arendse, 35504274, Troop A, 20 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Adalbert P. Zephier, 37078636, Troop C, 21 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Chester A. Pargarlnuk, 36120786, Troop A, 22 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. David B. Brown, 15253791, Troop A, 22 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc. Maurice O. Hite, 36051925, Troop A, 22 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Tec 5 Allen R. Gunkel, 37081109, Troop A, 23 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pfc. Fred W. Smith, 37049169, Troop B, 23 June 44, vicinity of LE THEIL, FRANCE.
Sgt. George H. Fabr., 16151040, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Cpl. Paul M. Johnson, 37023360, Troop C, 22 June 44, vicinity of ST. PIERRE EGLISE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Eugene E. Teate, 34209782, Troop C, 22 June 44, vicinity of ST. PIERRE EGLISE, FRANCE.
Pvt. John D. Martinez, 39117561, Troop C, 22 June 44, vicinity of ST. PIERRE EGLISE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Raymond W. Reddick, Jr., 34600538, Troop C, 22 June 44, vicinity of ST PIERRE EGLISE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Edward W. Babacz, 36040663, Troop E, 23 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Robert F. Staub, 32735614, Troop A, 24 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Herman H. Volker, 37024265, Troop C, 24 June 44, vicinity of COSQUEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Arnold F. Davis, 37049058, Troop B, 25 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
Cpl. George R. Gill, 35025620, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Pvt. Richard G. Stoeckel, 33038251, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Pvt. 1cl Chester P. Gorney, 36120819, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Pvt. 1cl John L. Wagner, 36120949, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Sgt. John M. Zander, 6581471, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
Pvt. Homer D. Eyes, 37049107, Troop B, 6 June 44, on ST. MARCOUF ISLES.
S/Sgt. Donald L. Connelly, 17013289, Troop B, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
S/Sgt. Chester W. Fleming, 37024212, Troop A, 26 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 4 Bert Gooble, 35208406, Troop A, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc. Ballus Duvall, Jr., 16149823, Troop A, 24 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Cpl. John L. Freeman, 37077721, Troop A, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc. Theodore L. Dennis, 16117704, Troop A, 17 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc. Andrew R. Kokokacis, 35208600, Troop A, 25 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc. Donald R. Wood, 36120400, Troop A, 26 June 44, vicinity of GONNEVILLE, FRANCE.
The Purple Heart was awarded.
(5) Enlisted Men missing in action;
Cpl. Joseph Vanatsky, 35025946, Troop A, 18 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. Raymond Krawczyk, 32833919, Troop A, 18 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Pvt. 1cl Franklin C. Heyer, 32883977, Troop A, 18 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
(6) Enlisted Men captured by the enemy:
Cpl. Herman H. Scheiber, 37023301, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Released from captivity by enemy 27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured
FORTRESS CHERBOURG.
Pvt. 1cl Matthew Lukasik, 32883917, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Released from captivity by enemy 27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured
FORTRESS CHERBOURG.
Pvt. Norbert B. Marcinkowski, 32833913, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Released from captivity by enemy 27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured
FORTRESS CHERBOURG.
Pvt. Elroy J. Merkel, 32755627, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Released from captivity by enemy 27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured
FORTRESS CHERBOURG.
Pvt. Elder H. Milbett, 37025840, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Released from captivity by enemy 27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured
FORTRESS CHERBOURG.
Pvt. Clifford F. Thompson, 32735689, Troop C, 19 June 44, returned to organization
1 July 44.
Cpl. Cameron M. Anderson, 37024145, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Wounded while in the hands of the enemy; released from captivity by the enemy
27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured FORTRESS CHERBOURG; evacuated to U.S. hospital
27 June 44.
Tec 5 Robert K. Ridley, 16148364, Troop C, 19 June 44, vicinity of QUINEVILLE, FRANCE.
Wounded while in the hands of the enemy; released from captivity by the enemy
27 June 44 when U.S. Forces captured FORTRESS CHERBOURG; evacuated to U.S. hospital
27 June 44.