Squadron movements in October 1944
Detailing the main actions of the squadron during October 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 October 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:
October 1944 was highlighted in a Masters thesis produced in 1994 by Capt. John N. Tully, grandson of 4th Cavalry Group commander Col. Joseph M. Tully in WW2. One of Capt. Tully’s sources was his uncle, former 24th Cav Recon Executive Officer, HQ, Harry A. Clarke Jr (to be profiled in depth on this site in due course). The thesis argues that doctrine was unfit for intended purpose and that the squadron served in a vastly different way than for which it was designed and equipped. One example of this was its holding of a wide front, far too extensive for a mechanized cavalry recon unit, a fact which was proved by its eventual replacement in the gap by the entire V Corps. You can download DOCTRINE, ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE 4TH CAVALRY GROUP DURING WORLD WAR II to understand this in detail.
October 1944 brings an end to the 24th Cav Recon’s rapid movement east. They run up against the Siegfried Line in the Monschau-Konzen sector and the pace slows abruptly.
Here the enemy is firmly established in pillboxes and have installed huge roadblocks in forested areas. Patrols are increasingly dangerous, with constant probing of enemy lines and ambushes bringing significant casualties.
This is a time when pre-war doctrine is fully abandoned. They are holding extensive positions and making aggressive patrols amid constant enemy infiltration attempts, small-scale attacks, mutual use of mines and booby traps. Konzen station is fought over repeatedly.
Troop E is now often used as fixed artillery and the whole month is a grind that sets the scene for a tough winter campaign ahead.
Also worth noting is the impact of the squadron’s state-of-the-art SCR-528 radio system. This proves invaluable in coordinating friendly artillery units and replaces the need for wired communications.
HISTORY OF:
24TH CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON, MECHANIZED
LT. COLONEL F. H. GASTON, JR., COMMANDING
PERIOD OF:
1 OCTOBER 1944 to 31 OCTOBER 1944, INCLUSIVE
***
On the 1st of October 1944 the Squadron, less Troop C, reinforced by Co. B,
297 Combat Engineer Battalion, Co. A, 635 Tank Destroyer Battalion, and Troop A,
4th Cavalry Squadron, was relieved ly the 102nd Cavalry Group in the BULLINGEN area,
BELGIUM, Joint patrols from both units were sent out to familiarise the relieving
unit with the terrain and the enemy outposts. Relief was accomplished by platoons,
and was completed by 1630. The Squadron less Troop A, 4th Cavalry Squadron, which
remained in position under Group control, assembled at CAMP ELSENBORN, BELGIUM,
7.6 miles Northwest of BULLINGEN, for the night. Orders had been received the
previous day directing that the Squadron relieve Task Force Tincher, in the MONSCHAU
KONZEN area in GERMANY, and the Squadron and Troop Commanders Spent the day in
that area reconnoitering for positions, and arranging details of the relief.
At 0830 2nd October and elements of the Squadron commenced the relief of Task
Force Tincher. The Squadron Command Post moved to MONSCHAU, GERMANY, a distance of
14 miles, arriving at 1300. The relief was completed without incident at 1800 the
same day. The rear echelon moved from MALMEDY, BELGIUM to EUPEN, BELGIUM, where
there were excellent facilities for continuing the 6000 mile inspections of all
vehicles, which had been initiated in September and which were about half completed.
Battery C, 87th Armored Field Artillery was attached to the Squadron and went into
position West of MONSCHAU.
The Squadron mission was defensive; to hold a line from the ROER RIVER in
MONSCHAU North to KONZEN STATION a distance of six airline kilometers. The enemy
was disposed in pillboxes of the SIEGFRIED LINE located on commanding ground in and
West of INGENBROICH, KONZEN, and SIMMERATH. The enemy was estimated to have about
one battalion of infantry opposing us, and to be supported by mortars, but deficient
in artillery. They were later identified as the and Battalion of the 1055th Regi-
ment.
Troops were disposed in general as follows (see overlay for detailed dispositions).
Troop F less one section occupied and outposted MONSCHAU, Troop A occupied the
high ground Northeast of town, Troop B, reinforced by 1 section of tanks and 1
platoon of tank destroyers, occupied the high ground Forth of MUTZENICH and KONZEN
STATION, with a strong point at the latter position. Company B was located in
barracks on the Western edge of MUTZENICH, close to the road leading to KONZEN
STATION, which they were directed to maintain, Company A, less one platoon, was
disposed to cover the Southern units of MONSCHAU and one platoon was located in
MUTZENICH to cover the main road East. Battery C and Troop E went into position
West of MUTZENICH prepared to fire on targets in the IMGENBROICH KONZEN area.
These dispositions were not in any sense a continuous line and there were
large gaps, generally between elements of Troop B and the tank destroyers in
MUTZENICH which had to be covered by hourly bantam patrols. Similarly there is a
gap between our North flank at KONZEN STATION and the 759 Tank Battalion which
likewise was covered only by patrols. It was therefore necessary for us to patrol
vigorously toward the enemy to prevent his patrols from infiltrating through our
lines to snipe and harrass command posts and rear areas, Troops A and B were dir
ected to patrol daily to the East with the object of determining in detail the
enemy dispositions and installations in and around INGEMBROICH and KONZEN. Night
patrols were also directed. Counterreconnaissance patrols were organised by Troop
B, Company A, and Troop F.
Troop E was organized again, for the first time since the pursuit across France,
to function entirely as artillery. OP's were established in MUTZENICH, on the high
ground to the North, and in KONZEN STATION, in conjunction with Battery C, and man-
ned by personnel from Troop E, the artillery, and the Tank Destroyers Company.
Captured telephones and wire vere utilized to the fullest extent. A fire direction
center was established using borrowed and improvised equipment. Normal and emer
gency barrages were planned and interdiction fires were coordinated with the 67th
Armored Field Artillery Battalion, which was in general support of the 4th Caval
Group.
October 5th Battery C. 67th Field Artillery was detached from the Squadron.
The same day an enemy patrol of three men infiltrated to the road from MUTZENICH
to Troop B, but was discovered and destroyed by a patrol from Troop B. Prior to
this some booby traps and mines had been placed, primarily for the protection of
isolated units. Efforts were redoubled and 244 separate mines and booby traps were
installed, covering gaps between units, firebreaks, and enemy avenues of approach.
These included the following types: hand grenade, anti-personnel, flares, "Bouncing
Bettys", TNT wire, AT mine traps, AT mine fields, and bazooka shells. The Engineer
Company assisted in this, and placed a great many of the above. It was learned
later through bitter experience and several casualties, that too much emphasis
cannot be laid on keeping an accurate and up to date map of these installations.
In addition it is absolutely necessary, when platoons are rotated, that personnel
from the unit relieved remain and accompany patrols from the new unit for several
days, until they become thoroughly familiar with the location of every booby trap
in the sector.
A Strong enemy patrol made a reconnaissance in force in the Northeast of our
position at KONZEN STATION on October 7th. They were surprised by elements of the
759th Tank Battalion and forced to withdraw, Patrols from Troop B searched the area
unsuccessfully for remnants of the enemy. About 2000 the same day a deserter from
a pillbox some six hundred yards East of MONSCHAU surrendered to an F Troop out-
post. Upon interrogation he volunteered the information that the remainder of the
men in his pillbox were willing to surrender. After precautions were taken against
a surprise attack, the prisoner was passed back through our lines, and an hour later
returned with ten more men. It was discovered later from another prisoner that the
mass disappearance of the complete crew of this pillbox was a mystery which caused
the enemy some concern.
Company B, 297th Combat Engineer Battalion, was detached from the Squadron on
the 9th of October. On the 10th of October a diversionary attack on the high ground Northeast of
KONZEN, to cover an attack by the VII Corps further North was ordered by Group.
Lt. Haverstick, Troop B, with one platoon, moved dismounted, covered by fire from
Troop E, the 87th Field Artillery, and his own attached tank destroyers, to a point
about 500 yards from the largest pillbox on the hill. The enemy outposts withdrew
into their pillboxes, and from there brought heavy small arms and mortar fire on
the attacking force, which was unable to proceed any further, and after firing at
the pillboxes withdrew. A patrol from B Troop later the same afternoon penetrated
to the outskirts of KONZEN, where they drew heavy small arms fire and were forced
to withdraw.
Enemy patrols were active on the 12th of October. An estimated two platoons
were discovered about one mile East of MONSCHAU, moving toward the town. Fire from
Troop E forced them South where they were subjected to heavy mortar fire from the
87th Reconnaissance Squadron and withdrew. A small enemy patrol of five men was
surprised by a Troop F outpost entering a house Southeast of MONSCHAU later the
same day, and two were killed and one taken prisoner.
At 0700 on the 16th of October an enemy platoon of about thirty men attacked
the Northern strong point of Troop B, at KONZEN STATION. They attempted an encircl
ing movement, but it was unsuccessful and they were driven off with casualties.
Three prisoners were taken. Four more came in from the woods and surrendered later
the same day.
On the 19th of October Major HARRY A. CLARK, the Squadron Executive Officer
was ambushed by a small enemy patrol between the B Troop CP and the North strong
point, and wounded, although not seriously. Patrols from Troop B immediately
scoured the woods, but found no enemу.
Commencing the 24th of October robot bombs began passing over the Squadron
area. Some were several thousand fest high, others as low as a few hundred feet.
The launching and target areas were unknown. This activity continued throughout
remainder of the month, averaging between five and ten bombs daily. None ever
landed in the area.
A patrol in Northern MUTZENICH discovered evidence on October 26th that the
enemy was contacting civilians in houses to the North of town, more or less between
the lines. The civilians were evacuated and ambushes were arranged in two houses
by a patrol from Troop B and one from the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The
latter captured a German Corporal of the 1055th Regiment. Two days later Captain
ROY EDSON, the Squadron S.2, was ambushed by an enemy patrol while checking one of
these houses, and killed. Night patrols were made by both of these units in the
sane vicinity thereafter, but without success.
Throughout October the Squadron was harrassed by enemy artillery and mortar
fire. Strenous efforts were made, with some success, to improve the calibre of
shell reports. It has been found that the best reports came from units maintaining
good OP's, where it is possible to get a compass fix on the direction of flight.
A detailed picture of enemy installations (see overlay) was gained from patrols,
OPs, and interrogation of prisoners, throughout the month. A surprising amount of
accurate information was the result of constant manning of four excellent OPs,
equipped with the issue twenty power scope.
It was found necessary to augment and modify the communications SOP to fit a
stable situation, wire was employed to all troops and Ops, and this necessitated
the formation of wire patrols. Men from the rear echelon were trained and used
for this purpose. Instantaneous communication with one or more of the three avail-
able sources of artillery fire support was necessary. This was obtained by
utilizing Cavalry Armored Cars from a troop occupying trenches, for artillery
OPs, since the radio sets provided the observers by the artillery had a too limited
range. It was found in one case that the SCR 528 enabled the operator by use of
push buttons to communicate directly with three different artillery units. In
this Squadron communication by radio has proved far superior to that by telephone.
SECRET
***
Strength of Squadron 1 October 1944:
42 Officers (Includes 1 atchd Chaplain, 1 atchd Dental Officer, 1 atchd IPW Officer, and 1 atchd Officer 4th Cav Group).
3 Warrant Officers
674 EM (Includes 1 atchd Chaplains asst, 1 atchd
Dental Technician, and 2 atchd IPW EM)
Strength of Squadron 31 October 1944: 41 Officers (Includes 1 atchd Chaplain, 1 atchd Dental Officer, and 1 atchd Officer 4th Cav Group)
3 Warrant Officers
707 EM (Includes 1 atchd Chaplains asst, 1 atchd Dental Technician, and 3 atchd IPW EM)
The Squadron during the period of 1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944, suffered the following losses:
Officers killed in action:
Captain Roy NMI Edson, Jr., 0370198, 24th Cav Ren Sq, Mecz, killed 28 October 1944, in the vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Officers wounded in action:
Captain Elliott NMI Averett, Jr., 0454602, Company F, 24th Cav Ren Sq, Mecz, in the vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY, 13 October 1944. Returned to duty 28 October 1944.
Major Harry A. Clark, Jr., 0375139, 24th Cav Ren Sq, lecz, in the vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY, 19 October 1944.
Officers wounded in action, remained duty:
2nd Lt Marshall J. Bishop, 01016214, Company P, 24th Cav Ron Sq, Mecz, in the vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY, 15 October 1944. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Enlisted Men killed in action,
Pfc Myrl T. McDonald, 36437657, Troop A, 8 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Sgt Alfred B. Johnson, 37023319, Troop B, 19 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY.
Pvt Harry M. Bourke, Jr., 20241275, Troop B, 19 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY.
The Squadron during the period of 1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944 captured 29 PsW. It is estimated that the Squadron killed 75 enemy during the period of 1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944.
Enlisted Men wounded in action:
Pfc Thomas M. Clark, 15362191, Troop B, 4 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY.
Pvt Harry J. McDonald, 32833851, Troop B, 4 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY.
Pvt Harry J. Kaczorowski, 32833939, Troop E, 8 October 1944, vicinity of MUTZENICK, GERMANY.
Cpl Eugene NMI Aldinger, 37023637, Med Det, 14 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Tec 5 Vincent G. Aldinger, 33495470, Troop C, 18 October 1944, vicinity of KARNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY.
Tec 4 Harold L. Lewis, 16150232, Troop C, 18 October 1944, vicinity of KARNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY.
Pvt Sol NMI Sobel, 32820219, Troop C, 18 October 1944, vicinity of KARNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY. Returned to duty 28 October 1944.
Pvt James W. Bradshaw, 39921611, Troop C, 18 October 1944, vicinity of KARNELI-MUNSTER, GERMANY. Returned to duty 19 October 1944.
Pfc Scott R. Williams, 34598291, Troop A, 19 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Sgt James W. Jackson, 6935488, Troop A, 20 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Pvt Michael L. Dillon, 33721959, Company F, 21 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Tec 5 Joseph P. Gobeski, 16151325, Company F, 27 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY.
Enlisted Men wounded, in action, remained duty:
Cpl Norman M. Peterson, 37078649, Troop B, 10 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc Russell J. Triplett, 34600798, Troop B, 10 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 4 Charles F. Yoches, Jr., 36121651, Company F, 12 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 John G. Burke, 37617076, Troop B, 12 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 Charles C. Parrish, 34601089, Troop A, 12 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 Edward NMI Mazurkiewicz, 32833862, Company F, 13 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 4 John A. Davis, 17017942, Company F, 15 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 James R. Baxley, 14034048, Troop B, 16 October 1944, vicinity of KONZEN, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 Arden NMI Pinkham, 37024116, Med Det, 16 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pfc Stanley NMI Karolski, 16148702, Company F, 25 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Pvt Dexter L. Hoff, 35761795, Troop A, 26 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
Tec 5 Harry M. Nehls, 37081921, Company F, 26 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
T/Sgt Zalman NMI Friedman, 36214347, Hq, Hq & Sv Troop, 28 October 1944, vicinity of MONSCHAU, GERMANY. The Purple Heart was awarded.
The Squadron during the period 1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944, received the following replacements:
Officers:
1st Lt. Wilbert R. Keinath, 0468421, 31 October 44.
2nd Lt. Joseph R. Stewart, Jr., 01018203, 31 October 44.
Enlisted Men:
Tec 5 Gustave NMI Guenther, Jr., 37042022, 8 October 44.
Cpl David A. Youman, 37049048, 8 October 44.
Tec 5 Charles C. Cass, 37023298, 8 October 44.
Sgt. Delbert NMI Charles, Jr., 16088397, 8 October 44.
Cpl. Cameron M. Anderson, 37024145, 8 October 44.
Tec 5 Edwin T. Byron, 32602034, 8 October 44.
Tec 5 Joseph L. Deep, 32857178, 8 October 44.
Tec 5 Paul M. McCann, 37081098, 8 October 44.
Tec 5 Eugene P. Wilson, 34600230, 8 October 44.
Pvt. Travis NMI Moores, 38477009, 11 October 44.
Pfc Michael V. Pena, 36553948, 11 October 44.
Sgt. Vernon NMI Toyne, 17017954, 11 October 44.
Pvt. James W. Bradshaw, 39921611, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Edward L. Edmondson, 35896213, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Sol NMI Sobel, 32820219, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Allan G. Bartley, 35761266, 11 October 44.
Pvt. John NMI Franklin, 39336731, 11 October 44.
Pfc Matthew NMI Lukasik, 32833917, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Walter H. Tanner, 34656014, 11 October 44.
Pvt. James R. Atchison, 34814836, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Harry H. Schulze, 31337924, 11 October 44.
Pfc James F. Golden, 37512532, 11 October 44.
Tec 5 Clarence NMI Clayton, 36051206, 11 October 44.
Pvt. Chester W. Palaszewski, 16150352, 11 October 44.
Pvt Willis F. Bertram, Jr., 35897131, 11 October 44.
Pvt Sam B. Cawthray, 31400654, 11 October 44.
Pfc Howard N. Allen, 34594277, 11 October 44.
Pvt George E. Peck, 33707941, 11 October 44.
Pvt Eugene M. Lane, 39620646, 11 October 44.
Tec 5 Joseph NMI Jaskot, 32156431, 11 October 44.
Cpl George R. Gill, 35025620, 11 October 44.
Pvt Lincoln NMI Young, 38474867, 11 October 44.
Pvt John M. Ammons, 16148713, 11 October 44.
Pfc Robert F. Staub, 32735614, 11 October 44.
Pvt Archie L. Daugherty, 6935470, 11 October 44.
Pfc Morris G. Coker, 34209902, 11 October 44.
Pvt William F. Risley, 32838603, 11 October 44.
Pfc Peter NMI Muraco, 32834031, 12 October 44.
Pvt Jesse E. Harmon, 34185144, 15 October 44.
Pvt Richard E. Beversdorf, 37023220, 15 October 44.
Pvt Charles V. Vince, 36698952, 18 October 44.
Pvt Lewis C. Reece, 37342817, 18 October 44.
Tec 5 Michael NMI Arendec, 35504274, 18 October 44.
Pvt Wilmer G. Hatterer, 33693675, 18 October 44.
Pvt Conrad NMI Baker, 32612755, 19 October 44.
Pvt Michele A. Cantelme, 42003207, 23 October 44.
Pfc Nicholas NMI Broncaccio, 32156505, 28 October 44.
Sgt Thomas W. Dearolf, 33082711, 28 October 44.
Pfc James L. Elliott, 34473734, 30 October 44.
Pvt Arthur J. Caya, 31389578, 30 October 44.
Pvt Walter H. Settle, 33766312, 30 October 44.
Pvt Stanley M. Nayman, 32735591, 30 October 44.
Pfc George NMI Raseta, 15323297, 30 October 44.
Pvt Ernest R. Abuchon, 16150258, 30 October 44.
Pvt Robert V. Huntsman, 35225666, 30 October 44.
Pvt Gene C. Gray, 36903418, 30 October 44.
Tec 5 Leslie R. Cheek, 36630141, 30 October 44.
***
F. H. GASTON, JR., Lt. Colonel, Cavalry,Commanding.