Squadron movements in November 1944
Detailing the main actions of the squadron during November 1944
How to use the map: the + and - symbols zoom in and out to give an overview or a detailed impression of the terrain. By clicking and dragging on the map you can move around the landscape. Clicking on an icon brings up a text box explaining the significance of the date and location. The icons are placed to illustrate the events described in the document below. Some markers are slightly offset for readability when multiple actions occurred at the same location.
The After Action Report text for November 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 AI agents, including BibCit, Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for automated transcription processes and map creation, 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.
Editor’s notes: Now they’re into the northern Hürtgen Forest we see more evidence of the collapse of WW2 mechanized cavalry doctrine into the reality of work demanded by Corps commanders. The reference you see to ‘D Day’ November 16 relates to the opening of the 4th Infantry Division’s attack in the Hürtgen Forest sector. This was the wider First Army effort to break through the Hürtgen defensive lines to secure the approaches to the River Roer.
Transition from Static Defense to Mobile Screening: The month began with the squadron holding established defensive positions in the Monschau–Konzen sector, conducting continuous patrols under regular mortar and artillery fire, before being relieved on 10 November and reassigned to a more mobile counter-reconnaissance role with the 4th Infantry Division.
Counter-Reconnaissance Screen Between Infantry Regiments: From 16 November onward, the squadron formed and maintained a screening belt between the 8th and 22nd Infantry Regiments, operating roadblocks, maintaining lateral contact and preventing enemy infiltration during the division’s offensive operations. This was a massive front and a task for which the 4th Cavalry Group was not designed.
Predominantly Dismounted Operations: Due to dense forest, heavy mining, booby traps, and persistent artillery fire, the squadron operated largely dismounted. Vehicles were used sparingly once infantry had cleared initial obstacles, demonstrating how terrain and fortifications restricted mechanized manoeuvre.
Heavy Enemy Fire and Obstacle Warfare: Road networks were thoroughly mined and shelled; patrol movement was often impossible without engineer clearance. Troop B in particular endured sustained artillery and mortar fire and forward patrols repeatedly encountered prepared enemy positions.
Economy-of-Force and Gap-Filling Role: Late in the month, the squadron relieved infantry battalions and filled gaps between regiments as the 4th Infantry Division advanced toward Grosshau and Gey. Rather than conducting distant reconnaissance, the squadron functioned as a holding and screening force integrated into divisional operations.
Note that there is a large concentration of icons in a small area in the map above. Much of the granular action is now detailed at Troop level. The map is interactive, so you can easily zoom in to see what was happening during the course of the month.
For photographs of the squadron’s time in the Hürtgen Forest visit the page for Tank Company F commander, Capt. Elliott Averett Jr.
HISTORY OF: 24TH CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON, MECHANIZED LT. COLONEL F. H. GASTON, JR., COMMANDING PERIOD OF: 1 NOVEMBER 1944 TO 30 NOVEMBER 1944, INCLUSIVE.
RESTRICTED
HISTORY OF 24TH CAV RCN SQ, MECZ.
For Period 1 Nov 44 to 30 Nov 44, Inclusive.
On November 1, 1944, the 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, less Troop C, reinforced by Co. A, 635th Tank Destroyer Bn (T), occupied a defensive position in the MONSCHAU-KONZEN, GERMANY area, as outlined in Field Order #30, 1 October 1944. Troop C remained as VII Corps security guard in KORNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY. The Headquarters Troop rear echelon was in EUPEN, BELGIUM.
From the 1st to the 10th of November the Squadron’s mission remained the same. Patrols during both daylight and darkness were sent out, and an excellent picture of the enemy situation was maintained. On one occasion, Troop B, Third platoon patrol had exceptionally good luck in operating in white improvised camouflage suits during a heavy snowfall. Mortar and artillery fire continued to come in periodically on all positions. Troop E and the 87th Field Artillery Bn continued to fire interdiction at night and observed fire during daylight on any enemy activity.
On 10th November, the Squadron was relieved by the 38th Cav Rcn Sq, Mecz. The relief began in the morning and was completed at 1820. All troops were assembled in the vicinity of Squadron rear echelon at EUPEN upon being relieved. Before leaving their areas all platoons removed all mines and booby-traps and turned over receipted overlays of same to the 38th Squadron. The Squadron CP moved from MONSCHAU to EUPEN, a distance of 14 miles, arriving there at 1930.
The Squadron was attached to the 4th Infantry Division on 11th of November and given the mission of forming a counter-reconnaissance screen between the 8th and 22nd Infantry Regiments. The Commitment of the Squadron was to be on D-day prior to H plus 4. D-day and H-hour were to be announced, pending weather conditions. The Squadron CP moved to ROTGEN, GERMANY from EUPEN, BELGIUM, at 1445, a distance of 15.5 miles. Field Order #31, 112000 November 1944 ROTGEN, GERMANY was issued.
D-day did not occur until 16th of November, affording troop commanders and platoon leaders ample opportunity to make personal reconnaissances and plans.
November 16, 1944 was announced as D-day, H-hour to be at 1245, following an hour of Air Corps preparatory bombing. Troops moved out, starting at 1100 to take over positions assigned. Squadron CP moved at 1245 from ROTGEN into the forest about 2 kilometers East of ZWEIFALL, a distance of 14 miles.
At the end of the day the Squadron dispositions were as follows: CP at K987380; Troop A plus one platoon Troop F, plus 3rd platoon (less one squad) Co. B, 297th Engrs, had its CP at K987375. It had taken over all assigned roadblocks from the 278th Combat Engrs Bn. These roadblocks were designated Nos. 1 to 5. No. 1 roadblock was at F012354, No. 2 at F011363, No. 3 at F009364, No. 4 (not occupied) at F006376, No. 5 at F011388. Troop B, plus one platoon of Co. F, plus one squad of 3rd platoon, Co. B, 297th Engrs, was bivouaced in the vicinity of F005402. Troop E was in battery position at K986388 prepared to support either A or B Troops. Company F, less two platoons was in reserve in vicinity of Squadron CP. Co. A, 635th Tank Destroyer Bn, was in position at K989355, K989381, K992385, K995389 with their CP at K992385. Headquarters Troop, rear echelon, remained in the same location in EUPEN, BELGIUM.
Troop B sent patrols to contact the right flank of the 8th Infantry and Troop A at Roadblock No. 5. Contact with the 8th Infantry was accomplished at 1200. At the same time the troop began to relieve Co. E, 47th Infantry. At 1300 contact was made with Troop A at Roadblock No. 5. By 1700 relief of Co. E was accomplished.
Troop A sent out patrols from Roadblock Nos. 1 and 3 to contact the 22nd Infantry Regiment. This was done in the afternoon at F003378, finding the area between 22nd and the roadblocks not clear of enemy. Roadblock No. 1 held by Troop A was to be taken over by the Reconnaissance Troop, 4th Infantry Division. This troop was attached to the Squadron and given the mission of screening the 12th Infantry Regiment’s North flank and maintaining contact with Troop A.
The 4th Rcn Troop relieved Troop A on November 18, at roadblock Nos. 2 and 3 and sent a patrol to F018362. This patrol found an enemy MG nest and estimated platoon of enemy at F018407, and fired mortars at the enemy positions. Troop B was constantly receiving heavy mortar and artillery fire. The road south from their location was under heavy fire also. It was thoroughly mined and booby trapped. For its patrols to contact Troop A, they had to sideslip the road until the Engrs could clear it. Troop A moved dismounted to point No. 6 at F016387 to relieve an infantry unit there and advanced from No. 5 to F018393.
The following day, November 19, Troop A established roadblocks at F022390 and F010379. Troop B contacted 3rd Bn, 8th Infantry at F009413 and reported road conditions and a 2 ton limit bridge at F016406. The mission of counter-reconnaissance between the two infantry regiments was continued in the same fashion again the next day. Troop A moved to F022390 and an attempt to contact them by patrol from Troop B was impossible due to mines, booby traps, and 50 yard road block at F018402. That afternoon Troop B received 250 rounds of artillery fire in one brief period.
The situation in front of Troop B had been cleared up somewhat by the 22nd of November due to the advance of the infantry. Troop B relieved Troop A at F022386. The 4th Rcn Troop was relieved by the 12th Infantry at Roadblocks Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and moved on to F019379. Attached engineers were having extreme difficulties in working on mined and booby-trapped roads due to heavy enemy shelling. A platoon of Co. F was dismounted to hold the point at F021385 and relieve infantry there.
On the night of the 25th of November, the Squadron dispositions were: 4th Rcn Troop on the north at F031405 and F036411, Troop B in the middle with a platoon at F033397, Troop A on the south with a platoon at F035393. During the day Troop A reconnoitered to F039394 and found an estimated enemy Company dug in at that location. Contact was maintained with the infantry and between troops, and the screen advanced. The following day Troop A tried to reach F039394 but was taken under direct artillery fire from the town of GROSSHAU to its SE.
On the 27th, Troop A sent a small patrol to F039394 which discovered the enemy had pulled out. This patrol did not remain at that location due to extremely heavy artillery fire. They returned the following day with a platoon and remained there. Troop B moved to F043402 and held at F035298 while 4th Ron Troop held at F035403 and F04413.
On the 28th of November, the 12th Infantry moved in between the 22nd and 8th Infantry attacking from the South. They then planned to move West cleaning out in front of our positions. The Squadron was to hold. The following day, the Squadron was to relieve the 3rd Bn of the 12 Infantry and to deny the use of any roads in the Division Zone to the enemy. Troop A relieved the 3rd Bn of the 12th Infantry in the vicinity of F040371 and F038365. The 4th Ron Troop relieved the 3rd Bn of the 8th Infantry at F048414.
At the end of the month the Squadron had Troop A in position on the South as mentioned above. Troop B and the 4th Ron Troop were filling a gap between the 8th Infantry and the 12th Infantry, the latter attacking toward GEY. During this mission with the 4th Infantry Division, the Squadron was forced to operate dismounted almost entirely. After the infantry had broken through the first few miles, where the enemy was able to mine and booby-trap extensively, the Troops were able to use their vehicles to a limited extent.
During the month of November, the Squadron took nineteen prisoners and killed an estimated fifty enemy.
The Squadron during the month of November 1944, suffered the following losses: KIA - 1; WIA - 22; MIA - 0. NOTE: Losses in detail listed below.
RESTRICTED
Strength of Squadron 1 November 1944: 41 Officers (Includes 1 atchd Chaplain, 1 atchd Dental Officer & 1 atchd Officer 4th Cavalry Group) 3 Warrant Officers 708 EM (Includes 1 atchd Chaplains Asst, 1 atchd Dental Technician & 3 IPW EM)
Strength of Squadron 30 November 1944: 42 Officers (Includes 1 atchd Dental Officer) 3 Warrant Officers 694 EM (Includes 1 atchd Dental Technician & 2 IPW EM)
The Squadron during the period of 1 November 1944 to 30 November 1944, suffered the following losses:
Officers wounded in action: 1st Lt. Wilbert R. Keinath, 0468421, Troop C, 24th Cav Rcn Sq, Mecc., in the vicinity of KORNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY, 21 November 1944.
Enlisted Men killed in action: Pvt. Thomas E. Szeliga, 33729908, Troop A, 24 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Enlisted Men wounded in action:
Pfc Donald NMI Visser, 36410118, Troop C, wounded in action 3 November 1944, vicinity of KORNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY; returned to duty 14 November 1944.
Tec 4 DeForest M. Larson, 37081247, Troop A, wounded in action 2 November 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY; remained on duty; Purple Heart awarded.
Pvt William H. Todd, 15323449, Troop B, wounded in action 17 November 1944, vicinity of VICHT, GERMANY.
Pfc Lowell E. Quaintance, 37651437, Troop B, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY.
Pvt Elmer C. Webb, 35329149, Troop B, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY.
Sgt Raymond B. Loveless, 6936820, Troop B, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY; remained on duty; Purple Heart awarded.
Tec 5 William A. Perry, 15335386, Troop E, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of VICHT, GERMANY; remained on duty; Purple Heart awarded.
Pvt Arthur J. Caya, 31389578, Troop E, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of VICHT, GERMANY; remained on duty; Purple Heart awarded.
Pvt John P. Kulbisky, 33504064, Troop B, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY; remained on duty; Purple Heart awarded.
Tec 4 James E. Dean, 37081115, Troop B, wounded in action 19 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY; remained on duty.
Sgt George J. Kalich, 33166572, Troop A, wounded in action 20 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Tec 5 Alex NMI Louis, 15324026, Troop A, wounded in action 20 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Pfc Norman P. Weinberger, 32866885, Troop A, wounded in action 20 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Pvt Robert F. Hanbury III, 33631195, Troop A, wounded in action 20 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Sgt Raymond B. Loveless, 6936820, Troop B, wounded in action 20 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY.
Tec 5 Glendale A. Shanklin, 15323832, Troop B, wounded in action 22 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY.
Tec 5 James R. Baxley, 14034048, Troop B, wounded in action 22 November 1944, vicinity of SCHEVENHUTTE, GERMANY.
Pvt Charles NMI Mayer, 32273263, Troop A, wounded in action 24 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Pfc John NMI Sadowy, 33802225, Troop A, wounded in action 24 November 1944, vicinity of ZWEIFALL, GERMANY.
Tec 4 Bailus NMI Duvall Jr., 16149823, Troop A, wounded in action 27 November 1944, vicinity of GROBIHAU, GERMANY.
Pvt Hugh L. McMaster, 37609673, Troop A, wounded in action 28 November 1944, vicinity of GROBIHAU, GERMANY.
Replacements received
1st Lt Kenneth F. Thompson, 01031136, 29 November 1944.
1st Lt Jack C. Gordon, 0427365, 9 November 1944.
2nd Lt Leon A. Israel, 01032158, 23 November 1944.
2nd Lt Wayne L. Freeman, 01018454, 29 November 1944.
Tec 5 Irvin F. Swartz, 6935437, 2 November 1944.
Pvt Frank NMI Hahin, 32833882, 2 November 1944.
Cpl Robert J. Monter, 35025734, 3 November 1944.
Tec 5 Donald J. O’Henley Jr., 16149824, 11 November 1944.
Pfc Donald NMI Visser, 36410118, 13 November 1944.
Tec 4 Carl F. Anderson, 36023444, 17 November 1944.
Pfc Philmore J. Hyde, 16087181, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Burton F. Martell, 16148822, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Joseph F. Nolan, 20251388, 23 November 1944.
Cpl Cameron M. Anderson, 37024145, 23 November 1944.
Tec 5 Harry E. Burkman, 37023788, 23 November 1944.
Sgt Kenneth W. Fox, 39859653, 23 November 1944.
Pfc Homer NMI Red Eyes, 37049107, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Charles R. Lee, 35138526, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Robert R. Bloom, 16149875, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Harold NMI Underwood, 36414252, 23 November 1944.
Pvt Elwood I. Zeitz, 16148627, 23 November 1944.
Tec 4 Joseph M. Winkels, 37081062, 23 November 1944.
F. H. GASTON, JR., Lt Colonel, Cavalry Commanding.