One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth

Field Artillery

“WORLD WAR II”

Volume No. 3

John T. Jenson
 For the organizational archives of the

158th Field Artillery Battalion

This volume made possible by private donations from: Anita and Pete Bernier, Cody Dupler, Larry Haub, Misty Jenny, Vincent
Moscatello Jr., and David Slezickey.

The author wishes to express his sincerest appreciation to the Edwin F. Gorak Collection, US Army Heritage & Education Center,
Carlisle, PA, OCLC No. # 49780146 for photographs in this volume and in future volumes.

Copyright © 2019 by John T. Jenson

U. S. Library of Congress Control Number 2018957292

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface…. ......................................................................................................................................................3
The Early Years ............................................................................................................................................3
Prelude to Mobilization................................................................................................................................6
Mobilization .................................................................................................................................................7
Camp Barkeley, Texas ..................................................................................................................................7
Monthly Command Reports.........................................................................................................................8
May 1943 Thru August 1943-Monthly Command Report ..............................................................................8
September 1943-Monthly Command Report.................................................................................................12
October 1943-Monthly Command Report.....................................................................................................18
November 1943-Monthly Command Report .................................................................................................20
December 1943-Monthly Command Report .................................................................................................26
January 1944-Monthly Command Report .....................................................................................................34
February 1944-Monthly Command Report ...................................................................................................40
March 1944-Monthly Command Report .......................................................................................................48
April 1944-Monthly Command Report.........................................................................................................55
May 1944-Monthly Command Report..........................................................................................................59
June 1944-Monthly Command Report..........................................................................................................63
July 1944-Monthly Command Report ..........................................................................................................66
August 1944-Monthly Command Report ......................................................................................................67
September 1944-Monthly Command Report.................................................................................................73
October 1944-Monthly Command Report.....................................................................................................76
November 1944-Monthly Command Report .................................................................................................80
December 1944-Monthly Command Report .................................................................................................82
January 1945-Monthly Command Report .....................................................................................................84
February 1945-Monthly Command Report ...................................................................................................88
March 1945-Monthly Command Report .......................................................................................................89
April 1945-Monthly Command Report.........................................................................................................92
May 1945-Monthly Command Report…………………………………………………… ..............................................95
Post “Victory over Europe” Day…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....96
Redeployment………… ..................................................................................................................................100

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 PREFACE

I have decided to capture as much of the 158th Field Artillery’s history as possible, so this is the third volume that is based upon
source materials that are available and archived. Just from the mere act of time passing, facts can be open to interpretation and
indeed they can be viewed differently by different people. For this reason I have compiled U. S. Library of Congress PCN
2018957292 volumes:

Volume No. 1 “Centennial Review”

Volume No. 2 “Battle Campaigns and Honors”
Volume No. 3 “World War II”
Volume No. 4 “Korean War”
Volume No. 5 “Persian Gulf War”
Volume No. 6 “Global War on Terrorism”
Volume No. 7 “Cold War”
Volume No. 8 “Unit Photos and Official Rosters”
Volume No. 9 “Official Journal” 1920 to 1945
Volume No. 10 “Official Journal” 1946 to 1970
Volume No. 11 “Official Journal” 1971 to 1995
Volume No. 12 “Official Journal” 1996 to Present

Copyright © 2019 by John T. Jenson. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written
permission except in the case of brief quotations included in critical articles and reviews. For information, please contact the author.

’THE EARLY YEARS

158th Field Artillery Regiment: Although the regiment was constituted

26 February 1920 and was organized from new and existing units from 1921
through 1923; subsequent changes took place up to the time of its induction
into federal service. The regiment became part of the newly activated 45th
Division in May of 1923 Colonel Charles A. Holden, of Pawhuska,
Oklahoma, was appointed as its commander. Lieutenant Colonel Grover C.
Wamsley of Anadarko was second in command. In September 1925, Colonel
Holden moved to command the 160th Field Artillery Regiment in the 45th
Division, and the newly promoted Colonel Wamsley assumed command of
the regiment and continued to command the regiment with Major Marion
D. Woodworth in command of the 1st Battalion and Major Clarence R.
Steele commanding the 2nd Battalion until it was inducted for World War
II service on September 16, 1940.

Colonel Wamsley was born in Huttonsville, West Virginia, on October 8,

1884. He enlisted in the National Army at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, on August 29, 1918, and served as an enlisted man in the Field
Artillery C. O. T. S., Camp Taylor, Kentucky, until he was discharged on December 18, 1918. On August 6, 1921, he was appointed as
First Lieutenant, Field Artillery, Oklahoma National Guard; promoted to Captain, February 16, 1923, and to Lieutenant Colonel, May
15, 1923. He was promoted to Colonel on September 23, 1925, and assigned to command the 158th Field Artillery Regiment.

Headquarters Battery: was activated on May 8, 1923 at Sulphur, Oklahoma with Captain Charles N. Hardin commanding and
with Dewey H. Neal as First Lieutenant. They were inspected for Federal recognition April 23, 1923 and passed the required testing
and were formally recognized by the Federal Government. Fifteen days later, May 8, 1923, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field
Artillery, assembled at Sulphur, Oklahoma for its first formation. Lieutenant Neal served until 1924, when he resigned, First
Lieutenant John C. Powell was assigned to Headquarters Battery and in April, 1926, Captain Hardin resigned, Lieutenant Powell
took over command of the Battery and was promoted to Captain May 23, 1926. Sergeant Earl Miller was commissioned First
Lieutenant, but resigned in 1928 and was succeeded by Dr. William L. Shamel of the Dental Reserve, who was commissioned First
Lieutenant, Field Artillery.

1st Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Train: was activated on June 16, 1927 at Clinton, Oklahoma, under the
direct supervision of Colonel Wamsley with Captain George D. Hann commanding. Lieutenants Sidney P. Kretlow, Ernest J. Stocks
and Henry T. Ford completed the officer personnel.

Battery “A”: was organized in April, 1909, as a unit of New Mexico National Guard and was located at Roswell, New Mexico, and
was reorganized 1st Field Artillery, New Mexico National Guard, 27 June 1921 and again reorganized as Battery “A”, 158th Field
Artillery, 10 February 1922.

Battery “B”: was activated at Anadarko, Oklahoma on January 1, 1927 by transfers of personnel from Company “L”, 2nd Oklahoma
Infantry and Battery “E”, 160th Field Artillery. Colonel Wamsley, of Anadarko, had assumed command of the Regiment in
September, 1925, and it was considered advisable to transfer Battery “E” of the 160th Field Artillery, also at Anadarko, over to the
158th Field Artillery. The transfer occurred January 1, 1927, with Captain Paul E. Anderson Commanding, with Lieutenants
Bernhard W. Hammert, Edward Correia and George Moran, under the new redesignation as Battery “B,” 158th Field Artillery.
[3]
The national guard unit initially organized in Anadarko during the summer of 1918 and was federally recognized and designated as
Company “L,” Second Oklahoma Infantry, under the command of Captain Arthur B. Colbath, with Lieutenants L. C. Blackstock,
Charles C. Slemp and Loren Ward and the company attended camp at old Camp Doniphan, Fort Sill, in the summer of 1919, and was
also called into state service at Wilburton and McAlester during coal field disturbances of 1919. In July, 1921, the infantry company
gave way to one battery of horse drawn artillery, which was under command of Captain John D. Brown, and designated as Battery
“E,” 160th Field Artillery. The personnel of the new battery were nearly the same as that of the old infantry unit. Successive battery
commanders and their Lieutenants until its redesignation are as follows. 1922: Captain John D. Brown with Lieutenants Grover C.
Wamsley and Clifford D. Lyon. 1923: Captain Grover C. Wamsley and Lieutenants Edgar B. Ross, Paul E. Anderson and Edward S.
Correia and in the latter half of 1923 Captain Edgar B. Ross. 1924: Captain John A. Smith and Lieutenants Paul E. Anderson,
Bernhard Hammert and Edward S. Correia. 1925: Captain Paul E. Anderson and Lieutenants Bernhard Hammert, Merl R. Warren,
Edward S. Correia, Bruce Y. Dutcher, Philip Monahan, Elmo V. Loomis, George C. Moran, Carl E. Hall, and William B. McFadyen.

Battery “C”: was transferred from Pueblo, Colorado and activated at Perry, Oklahoma on January 14, 1927 with Captain Howard R.
Cress commanding. Field artillerymen, recruited by Captain Cress were Lieutenants William Z. Blake, Ralph H. Noah and Edward Q.
Brengle. The principal “turnover” has been in Second Lieutenants, with Lieutenant Noah being required to move from Perry shortly
after organization and Lieutenant John A. Samuelson, his successor, being compelled, for business reasons, to resign in November
1931. Lieutenants Otho R. Powers and Floyd R. Laird were appointed to fill the vacancies but were succeeded, in 1931 and 1935,
respectively, by Harold D. Roads and Myrl A. McCormick.

2nd Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Train: was activated on May 15, 1923 at Kingfisher, Oklahoma with
Captain Clarence R. Steele commanding. This battery was activated by transfer of personnel from the 160th Field Artillery in
Kingfisher, Oklahoma which was organized there November 16, 1921, at Kingfisher. Battery Commanders of the organization have
been: Captains John J. McCartney (1921 to 1923), Clarence R. Steele (1928), Dwight U. Cochrane (1928 to 1937) and Glenn Gilmour
(1937 to 1938).

Battery “D”: was activated in Weatherford, Oklahoma, in June of 1924 with Captain Cortis A. Clark commanding after it had been
inspected on June 2, 1924, by Captain John P. Crehan, of the Regular Army and recommended for Federal recognition. This
activation was by transferring Battery “D” from its prior home station at Flagstaff, Arizona to Weatherford. It was under command
of Captain Cortis A. Clark with Lieutenants Carl Voyles, William H. Doughty and Eugene Stewart.

Battery “E”: was organized 24 March 1921 as a unit of the Arizona National Guard and was left at its location in Mesa, Arizona with
Captain Donald H. Biery as commanding officer. Drills were held in the basement of the old Vance building (now the Mezona
Recreational Hall), where the guns and equipment were housed. The horses were kept in stables rented from the Kleinman Livery
Stables. The Battery's present armory was built by the State of Arizona in 1921 on South MacDonald Street.

Battery “F”: was originally activated in 1923 at Kingfisher, Oklahoma with Captain George I. Lacey commanding, with Lieutenants
Lee M. Grimes, Elva B. Shively and Mark Wagner. This activation resulted from the transfer of a unit located at Hugo, Oklahoma but
in 1935 was disbanded and moved to Duncan and was federally recognized June 1, 1935, as the Service Battery of the 158th Field
Artillery Regiment. On March 1, 1937 the battery was transferred from Kingfisher, Oklahoma to Duncan, Oklahoma where command
was assumed by Captain Hugh A. Neal. Battery “F” had been originally organized at Hugo, but in 1935 was disbanded and moved to
Duncan and was federally recognized June 1, 1935, as the Service Battery of the 158th Field Artillery Regiment. Other officers of the
new Battery were First Lieutenant John E. Weiler and Second Lieutenants Paul E. Scheefers and Herbert Von Tunglen. On March 1,
1937, the Service Battery was moved to Kingfisher and Battery “F” was moved to Duncan. Lieutenant Weiler was then placed in
command and received his promotion to Captain on December 20, 1937. The present officers of the Battery are Captain Weiler, First
Lieutenant Paul E. Scheefers, and Second Lieutenants Ben Parrott and Basil Shirley.

Service Battery: was activated on May 9, 1923 at Hugo, Oklahoma with Captain Xerma R. Campbell commanding. This battery
was later transferred to Kingfisher, Oklahoma. May 9, 1923, the Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery, under command of Captain
Xerma R. Campbell, with Lieutenants Aurelius D. Hanry, George W. Dodd, Jr., and Otto A. Brewer, was accorded Federal
recognition at Hugo, Oklahoma. The first National Guard unit in Kingfisher was organized in 1921 under the command of Captain
John J. McCartney, and was designated Headquarters Detachment and Combat Train, First Battalion, 160th Field Artillery. Other
officers of the Battery were First Lieut. Edward C. Newer and Second Lieut. Lee M. Grimes. The Battery had an enlisted strength of
fifty-two men.

Medical Detachment: was transferred from Colorado and activated at Yale, Oklahoma on October 13, 1928 with Captain Robert
S. Graham commanding. The Medical Department Detachment, 158th Field Artillery, was organized and Federally recognized at
Yale on October 13, 1928. The unit has progressed steadily since its organization, despite several changes in Officer personnel, and is
now located in its new Armory and has attained a high state of training under its present commanding officer, Captain Jesse R.
Waltrip. The Medical Detachment, also obtained from Colorado, was formed at Yale, under command of Captain Robert S. Graham.
The Medical Department Detachment, 158th Field Artillery, was organized and federally recognized at Yale on October 13, 1928. The
unit has progressed steadily since its organization, despite several changes in Officer personnel, and is now located in its new
Armory and has attained a high state of training under its present commanding officer, Captain Jesse R. Waltrip.

Regimental Band: was located at Perry, Oklahoma in 1928 under command of Warrant Officer William C. Marshall. This
completed the Regimental organization, as the Regimental Band, after hibernating in Hugo and migrating, for a short spell, to
Chickasha, had finally settled at its present location, in Perry, under direction of Warrant Officer William C. Marshall, July 21, 1928
and the Warrant Officer Floyd R. Laird in 1938.

UNIT ROSTERS from 1938 STATE of OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD YEARBOOK

Published by Army and Navy Publishing Company, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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158th Field Artillery Regiment Headquarters at Anadarko, Oklahoma: Colonel Grover C. Wamsley; Lieutenant Colonel
Edgar B. Ross; Majors Clarence C. Hightower and Parkey H. Anderson, Captains William C. Cooley and Owen Black; First
Lieutenant Phillip A. Monahan.

Medical Department Detachment at Yale, Oklahoma: Major Parkey H. Anderson (M.C.), Captains Frank L. Miller (D.C.) and
Jesse R. Waltrip (M.C.); First Lieutenant Powell E. Fry (M.C.); Staff Sergeant Raymond D. Hamer; Sergeants Elbert L. Briscoe, Guy
C. Builteman and Richard L. Wallace, Jr.; Corporal Lyle H. Hunt; Privates First Class Ray H. Ball, Louis A. McClary, Ira O. Rambo,
William L. Riner and Benard F. Scott; and Privates Henry F. Ford, Sidney G. Gibson, Nile T. Harris, Ferrold F. Hunt, Leon G.
Lorrett, Ted T. Moser, Dick T. Senft, Edwin B. Thorne, Joe D. Ticer and James W. Purcell.

Headquarters Battery at Sulphur, Oklahoma: Captain John C. Powell; First Lieutenant William L. Shamel; Master Sergeant
Earl Willhoite; First Sergeant Vaughn G. Hetzler; Staff Sergeants Charles F. Haney, James E. Hodges and John E. McKinley;
Sergeants Leroy B. Hall, Howard L. Martin, Marshall A. Montgomery, Ernest P. Whitsett and Houston P. Willis; Corporals Loyd
Arms, Curtis Dawson, William L. Fair, Earl O. Martin, Kavanaugh L. Moreland, Louis P. Neese, Nelson E. Wiggins and Robert
Woodruff; Privates First Class Raymond J. Beams, Clarence Heimer, Leon R. Mann, Jim McClellan, Joseph H. Outler, Robert A.
Parke, Jodie L. Parks, James M. Plumlee and Edwin J. Thomas; Privates Silas Amos, Francis J. Abbott, Verle W. Byars, William A.
Carr, Archie M. Gilliland, Willie J. Green, Boyd E. Hicks, Leroy R. Hinchey, Vergil C. King, Otis Lampkin, Clarence F. Maas, Noel H.
Neel, Pete A. Negahnquet, Edward E. Nally, Dolas E. Parson, Arthur F. Pugh, Lonnie A. Shaffer, Lloyd E. Stephens, Scott F. Suffdy,
Raymond E. West, Richard G. Wiggins, Abel A. Williamson, Edmond Williamson, Henry E. Wynne.

Service Battery at Kingfisher, Oklahoma: Captain Dwight U. Cochrane; First Lieutenant Irving J. Strickland; Second
Lieutenants William R. Meredith and Lieutenant Tarlton B. Townsend; Master Sergeants Albert R. Burns and Sergeant Gale D.
Christy; First Sergeant Theodore F. Christy; Staff Sergeant Morris A. Bishop; Sergeants William H. Forney, George W. Gresham,
Nova C. Rogers and Jared B. White; Corporals Joseph L. Korstjens, Eldon W. Trindle, Emory l. White and William F. White; Privates
First Class Mack L. Collier, Cecil W. Mackey, Edward J. Nobbman, Anton E. Peterson, Louis W. Pflueger, Carl H. Sebring, Jack C.
Smith and Stanley L. West; Privates Virgil R. Brown, Otis D. Chlouber, Donald A. Forbes, Stanley E. Forman, Franque E. Johnston,
Jack F. Payne, James M. Payne, Frank D. Sebring, Harley H. Sebring, Harold W. Stone, Donald K. Tice, Don Tharp, Hawley D.
Tharp, Marion W. Utley, Leonard W. Walter and Hewitt J. West.

Headquarters First Battalion at Clinton, Oklahoma: Major Marion D. Woodworth; Captain Sidney P. Kretlow. First
Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Trains at Clinton, Oklahoma: Captain George D. Hann; First Lieutenant Ernest J.
Stocks; Second Lieutenant Henry T. Ford; First Sergeant Claude L. Hostetter; Staff Sergeants Cleo Lloyd Pettypool and Robert
Villarreal; Sergeants Lloyd K. Cox, Dell F. Dowdy, Joseph D. Malone and Frank Stocks; Corporal Ralph L. Abercrombie; Corporals
Clyde Hutson, Allen B. Stevens, Charles M. Terry and Ernest W. Terry; Privates First Class Haskell C. Alexander, Earl E. Caves,
Robert D. Harrell, Billy M. Knight, Edwin Resler, Leroy G. Schwabe and Grover C. Wheeler; Privates Ralph J. Armstrong, Homer
Burkleo, Robert M. Caswell, Bill W. Choate, John W. Franklin, Roger R. Gauger, Vance C. Miller, Joe T. Powell, Quanah P. Shelton,
David G. Stevens, William W. Stockton, Melvin G. Sturgis, Floyd Villarreal and Clifford L. Wright.

Battery "B" at Anadarko, Oklahoma: Captain Paul E. Anderson; First Lieutenant Bruce Y. Dutcher; Second Lieutenants Carl E.
Hall and William B. McFadyen; First Sergeant Roy P. Upchurch; Sergeants Joseph L. Duncan, Richard F. Dutcher, Wilfred D. Lacer,
Earl E. Mercer, Ellis H. Shirley, William F. Spence, Troy H. Tallent and John G. Thomasson; Corporals Thomas P. Anderson,
Charles D. Cummings, Bernard H. Methvin, Shepard P. Morgan, Robert W. Smith and Alvin E. Steverson; Privates First Class
Rudolph L. Barrera, Eldridge W. Brown, Gwyn F. Dividson, Frank Garcia, Edward C. Gibbs, Jesse J. Harman, Spencer Hendrix, Paul
D. Hurdt, Charlie B. Lane, Emmett V. Robrecht, Robert J. Robrecht, Curtis J. Ryan, Aubrey E. Sears, Clifford O. Smith, Verble O.
Smith and Alpha D. Tallent; Privates Hubert W. Acton, William H. Cooper, Howard O. Davenport, Clarence A. Dietrich, Jr., Charles
B. Dryden, Merl A. Finley, Robert B. Fitts, Charles R. Fowler, Lewis E. Frances, Walter Fredrickson, Hurby C. Garrett, George T.
Gassaway, Janell D. Golden, Jodie Headley, George C. Hummingbird, Max R. Lawter, Melvin D. Longhorn, Hatch McGlachlin,
Burnice L. Menasco, Jesse F. Morris, Robert E. Oliver, Richard M. Prickett, Paul O. Proctor, Roger W. Rose, Milo S. Ross, Vincent B.
Shaffer, William T. Shears, Claude R. Shirley, Leo F. Weaver, Hartwell E. Wolgram, Warren H. Young, Ray A. Young and Roy O.
Young.

Battery "C" at Perry, Oklahoma: Captain Howard R. Cress; First Lieutenant Edward Q. Brengle; Second Lieutenants Harold D.
Roads and Myrl A. McCormick; First Sergeant Leroy Miller; Sergeants Harry L. Boggs, Harley A. DeVilbiss, Lonzo Grant, Archie M.
Marshall, Lawrence Shea, Rollyn G. Smith, Weldon C. Smith and Vergil O. Walkling; Corporals Frank W. Eby, Leo A. Harruff, Lee
Nicewander, Verdis O. Swart, Edward M. Tucker, Leo West and Leonard O. Winters; Privates First Class William W. Dearborn,
Delbert C. Gambill, Robert Gordon, Paul S. Hicks, Paul E. Letellier, Robert S. Munger, Louis H. Perot, Cyrus Ruff, Fred W.
Schomaker, Walter W. Schomaker, Marion Shireman, Billie Smith, Loy M. Stickney, Pete A. Terronez and Vester A. Wilhelm;
Privates Otis P. Ballew, James W. Cain, Don C. Eby, Archie L. Fassnacht, William L. Folan, Jesse Garcia, Rex R. Gillihan, Druey J.
Gillihan, Robert A. Hackett, Woodrow L. Hackett, Lawrence L. Hansen, Jr., Joseph G. Hempfling, Albert M. Hendersen, Frank L.
Hendersen, Donald H. Highfill, Lowell C. Highfill, Wayne O. Hughes, Eugene C. Jirous, Lambert S. Johnson, Millard S. Johnson,
Ross A. Johnson, Frank M. Jones, Jr., Robert H. Kindt, Johnny H. McCullough, Tom Miller, Don L. Pont, William T. Rutledge,
Warren V. Ryan, Ralph E. Shireman, Francis H. Spradlin, Hugh E. St. Clair, Stephen Terronez, John L. Treeman and Oklahoma J.
Tuttle.

Headquarters Second Battalion at Kingfisher, Oklahoma: Major Clarence R. Steele; Captain Aubrey Rawlings; First
Lieutenant Wilbur S. Smith and Hugh A. Neal. Second Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Train at Kingfisher, Oklahoma:
Captain Glenn Gilmour; First Lieutenant Van L. Ogden; Second Lieutenant Geen Gilmour; First Sergeant Perry E. Davis; Staff
Sergeants Donald K. Patterson and Orval W. Rollins; Sergeants Theodore W. Lietzke, William J. McIntosh, Lynn E. Scott and
Charles J. Srader; Corporals Walter L. Armstrong, Albert W. Blake, John E. Mathews, Charles F. Nunn and Howard R. Williams;
Privates First Class Leonard A. Brown, Marcel L. Bingo, Harley M. Cowan, Max M. Pappe, John R. Russell and Samuel R. Steele;
Privates Richard W. Bingo, Jack G. Brumley, Warren G. Callison, Joe H. Carpenter, Bernard A. Detterman, Paul V. Detterman,
Finley E. Elder, Charles E. Kale, Francis C. Kretchmar, James E. Mitchell, Carlysle P. Pipes, Aurey A. Williams, Ralph W. Withrow
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and Willis L. Wojahn.

Battery "D" at Weatherford, Oklahoma: Captain Albert R. Harris; First Lieutenant Martin W. Steward; Second Lieutenant
George W. Nikkel; First Sergeant Carl W. Remund; Sergeants Melvin L. Allen, Woodrow Avritt, Carl B. Cooper, James T. Pitts, Virgil
E. Singleton, Edward A. Smith, Herbert H. Stone and Gordon F. Wonder; Corporals Clarence C. Clark, Harry C. McCool, Elbert H.
Mitchell, Joe S. Purdy, Jack W. Strain and Gano H. Tubb; Privates First Class Woodrow Barton, Fred W. Barr, LeRoy R. Burke, Paul
E. Deming, Kenneth G. Fiegener, Boyd W. Ford, Jack E. Hadley, Jack Harris, Charles M. Krumtum, George F. Lohrengel, Thomas R.
Martin, Charles H. Pitts, Thomas H. Robbins, Edwin L. Stroud, Francis H. Tubb and Floyd E. Williamson; Privates Jerry G. Abbott,
Paul U. Avritt, Roy A. Askey, Adrin W. Burns, Roy R. Burns, Tommie L. Clayton, Woodrow W. Christian, Woodrow L. Cooper, Forest
B. Deming, James W. Dorough, James J. Folks, John C. Goss, Marvin L. Gunning, Monroe E. Gunning, Ted Hart, Jack K. Huffman,
Howard L. Karnes, John K. Krumtum, Murrell C. Lawley, Reford M. Lemon, Donald E. Linville, Thomas J. Little, Edwin O.
McClanahan, Clyde R. McCracken, Randolph B. Maddox, John R. Marler, Ottist M. Murdock, Glenn Ney, Robert B. Norton, James
R. Rea, Dayle M. Robbins, William F. Shanklin and Steve C. Sweeney.

Battery "E" at Mesa, Arizona: Captain George L. Brown, First Lieutenant Albert E. Huber, and Second Lieutenants Chester A.
Smith and Kenneth P. Smith. First Sergeant Earl F. Anderson, Sergeants Fred J. Clubb, William P. Dockery, Marshall N. Harmon,
Vernon Hathcock, Walter C. Heart, Robert M. Henderson and Roland E. Pomeroy, Corporals Albert D. Austin, Palmer E. Amundsen,
Collin E. Clubb, Elton F. Crandall, Stanley E. Felix, George B. Morgan, Glenn L. LeBaron and Doyle Fullerton, Privates First Class
George E. Allen, James M. Allen, Michael Andrews, Angel M. Barcelo, Wesley W. Clark, Carl Enos, Thomas B. Patterson, Pliny E.
George, Philip M. Keeler, Carl F. Lewis, Francis Makil, Jesus F. Munoz, Menson Senich, Roy Makil, Dayton F. Suman and Joseph M.
Thomas, and Privates Burton J. Albrecht, Luciano M. Alonzo, Alfonzo D. Austin, Joe O. Barnhill, Ellsworth G. Bailey, Elbert M.
Butler, Victor N. Careaga, Leonard L. Contreras, Robert O. Cummins, Harvey H. Dana, Arthur V. Delgado, Robert H. Flake, Edward
S. Fordan, Bill D. Fullerton, Roy E. Harris, Wayne J. Holdren, Roger B. Honeyman, Gail B. Horne, Cobern M. Jennings, Jennings A.
Johnson, William H. Johnson, William A. Jones, John D. Lewis, Ted E. Lines, Jack J. McCrite, Leslie D. Meeker, Robert N. Meeker,
James L. McBrayer, Roscoe H. Montgomery, W. A. Montgomery, Gilbert C. Nichols, William T. Nye, Lalo P. Ortiz, Richard H. Petrie,
Arnold J. Pew, Cecil D. Rogers, Mike T. Rosas, Sanders C. Watson and Delmer D. Watkins.

Battery "F" at Duncan, Oklahoma: Captain John E. Weiler; First Lieutenant Paul E. Scheefers; Second Lieutenants Ben C.
Parrott and Basil Shirley; First Sergeant Robert E. Armstead; Sergeants William T. Daniels, Henry L. Grant, Edward E. Hamilton,
Noah R. Mansell, John W. Marshall, James B. McBride, Hardy Wade and Chandler F. Ward; Corporals Alvin C. Ewald, Clyde G.
Farber, Ira F. Hayes, Warren A. May, Paul B. Menaul, Robert T. Mobley and James P. Reid; Privates First Class William E. Babcock,
Dudley Bell, Theodore L. Bowman, Wilbur F. Clayton, Warren T. Garrett, James Hutchens, Norman M. Hutchens, Felix H. Johnson,
Daniel L. McPhail, James M. Meazell, William D. Montgomery, Eugene H. Pollock, Gus Ridley, Richard G. Smith, Jake C. Turpin
and Permon O. Wood; Privates Lenard B. Andrews, Dave H. Babcock, Joe L. Bean, Wayne Bean, William L. Bennett, Billie Bray,
Phillip S. Clason, Michael H. Clark, Gurnee A. Clayton, James R. Cochran, Afton Dare, Robert S. Fitzgerald, Joseph S. Haas, Willis
Hamilton, Tommy Harris, Charles E. Howard, Joe D. Landon, Raymond Landress, Estill Lawless, Hugh J. Massey, William
McCollum, Arthur M. McPhail, Billie McPhail, James H. Moore, Lloyd Richardson, Cecil H. Sheppard, Jennings A. Shires, John L.
Stanley, Asa E. Streight, Jimmie B. Taliaferro, L. A. Walker, Bobby K. Watson and Lonzo H. Wharton.

Regimental Band at Perry, Oklahoma: Warrant Officer Floyd R. Laird; Technical Sergeant Edward L. McCoy; Staff Sergeant
Bill F. Sharp; Sergeants Ashley Alexander, Sergeant William V. Eyler, Sergeant David P. Johnson and Sergeant Harold Strub;
Corporals George L. Butler and Wilbert G. Landrith; Privates First Class John W. Elliott, Harold Fisher, James A. Burrows, Robert
R. Hartman Jr., Fred Peden Jr. and Everett S. Sharp; Privates Ross W. Anderson, Robert D. Baldwin, Hilleary M. Barrett, Claude W.
Bentley, David B. Burrows, Louis L. DeNoya, Walker Gudgel, Clifford L. Haughawout, Ora R. Hall Jr., Byron K. Long, Douglas Louis,
Francis E. McAnally, Don J. Vinson and Wendell E. Wood.

PRELUDE TO MOBILIZATION

In January 1940, President Roosevelt asked

Congress for a national defense appropriation of
$1,800,000,000, choosing not to pursue
complacently in national defense and asked for
authority to call the National Guard and the
necessary Reserve personnel into active military
service. Congress approves a preparedness
program which allows the National Guard to begin
playing a larger role in defense planning. Instead of
the customary 48 armory drills (4 hours a week)
supplemented by a 15-day field training period is
now increased to 60 armory drills and a additional
7 days field training. Special emphasis was now
placed on small arms, individual and unit technical
training in preparation for a probable period of
active duty. The Eighth Corps conducted training
at Camp Hulen and Camp Wolters, Texas; Camp
Maximilliano Luna, New Mexico; Fort Sill,
Oklahoma; Fort Tuthill, Arizona; and Camp George
West, Colorado. Then on the 27th of August 1940,
a joint resolution passed by Congress calls the
entire National Guard into federal service for a 12
month period.

[6]
Presidential Executive Order 8530: By virtue of the authority conferred upon me by Public Resolution No. 96, 76th Congress,
approved August 27, 1940, and the National Defense Act of June 3, 1916, as amended (39 Stat. 166), and as Commander-in-Chief of
the Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order into the active military service of the United States, effective September 16,
1940, the following units and members of the National Guard of the United States to serve in the active military service of the United
States for a period of twelve consecutive months, unless sooner relieved: Units of all active elements of the 44th Division, less 44th
Tank Company; 30th Division, less 30th Tank Company; 45th Division, less 45th Tank Company; 41st Division, less 41st Tank
Company; 197th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 198th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 202nd Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 203rd
Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 211th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 213th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft); 251st Coast Artillery (Anti-
aircraft); 244th Coast Artillery (155 mm Gun); 250th Coast Artillery (155 mm Gun); 252nd Coast Artillery (155 mm Gun); 240th
Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 241st Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 242nd Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 243rd Coast
Artillery (Harbor Defense); 245th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 246th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 248th Coast Artillery
(Harbor Defense); 249th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense); 105th Observation Squadron; 119th Observation Squadron; 154th
Observation Squadron; 116th Observation Squadron. All members, both active and inactive, of the units listed above. All persons so
ordered into the active military service of the United States are, from the effective date of this order, relieved from duty in the
National Guard of their respective States so long as they shall remain in the active military service of the United States, and during
such time shall be subject to such laws and regulations for the Government of the Army of the United States as may be applicable to
members of the Army whose permanent retention in the active military service is not contemplated by law. Commissioned officers
and warrant officers appointed in the National Guard of the United States and commissioned or holding warrants in the Army of the
United States, and affected by this order, are hereby ordered to active duty under such appointments and commissions or warrants.
All officers and warrant officers of the National Guard appointed in the National Guard, federally recognized or examined and found
qualified for Federal recognition, and assigned to units ordered to active duty under this order prior to the effective date hereof, who
do not hold appointments in the National Guard of the United States and commissions or warrants in the Army of the United States,
are hereby tendered such appointments in the same grade and arm of service which they respectively hold in the National Guard.
Warrant officers and enlisted men of the National Guard who hold appointments as officers in the National Guard of the United
States and commissions in the Army of the United States, and are assigned to units ordered to active duty under this order prior to
the effective date hereof, are hereby ordered to active military service as commissioned officers of the Army of the United States
under those appointments and commissions. Executive Order 8530, Signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United
States, 16 September 1940.

16 September 1940, or M-DAY (Mobilization Day) the 158th Field Artillery Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division is inducted into
federal service with Colonel Grover C. Wamsley, Regimental Commander and Major Marion D. Woodworth in command of the 1st
Battalion and Major Clarence R. Steele in command of the 2nd Battalion. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Battery was
home stationed at Clinton, Oklahoma, Service Battery at Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Regimental Band at Perry, Oklahoma, Medical
Detachment at Yale, Oklahoma, First Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Train at Clinton, Oklahoma, Battery “A” at
Woodward, Oklahoma, Battery “B” at Anadarko, Oklahoma, Battery “C” at Perry, Oklahoma, Second Battalion Headquarters Battery
and Combat Train at Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Battery “D” at Weatherford, Oklahoma, Battery “E”, Mesa, Arizona, and Battery “F” at
Duncan, Oklahoma. The firing batteries of the battalion were armed with 75mm Gun M1916 Towed. Following a brief stay at their
home stations, the regiment assembles at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and begins by bringing up units being to authorized personnel and
equipment strength.

MOBILIZATION

23 September 1940, men start arriving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Thousands of

tents were erected on bare ground. Soldiers are put on special orders to attend
schools like the Communications Course at Fort Sill and the Mess Sergeant and
Motor Sergeants courses at Fort Sam Houston. Artillery training continues and
on 19 November a 75mm shell explodes inside the barrel injuring three soldiers,
none seriously; they are Corporal Joe Barnhill and Privates Michael Andrews and
Robert Lewis, members of “E” Battery. A defective fuse was found to be the cause
of the accident; most National Guard artillery units had been practicing live fire
with a 37mm gun mounted on the barrel. At the end of November 1940, these old
“French 75s” are replaced by the new M2A1 105mm howitzer. On 17 January
1941, the 45th Infantry Division completes 16 weeks of basic training, becomes
the first National Guard division to complete the training cycle.

CAMP BARKELEY, TEXAS

On 28 February 1941, unit of the division are transferred to Camp Barkeley

outside of Abilene, Texas. The camp was in its final stage of construction and
consisted of frame buildings for mess halls, headquarters and warehouse
buildings. The troops were housed in pyramidal tents placed on concrete pads.
Training included physical fitness training, marksmanship training, forced
marches, obstacle courses, Command Post Exercise (CPX's), field training and
maneuvers in preparation for the largest peacetime exercise ever taken in the
United States, begins. It was called the Louisiana Maneuvers and has a total of
460,000 men divided into two armies; the Red and Blue. At the start of August
1941 the 45th Infantry Division leaves Camp Barkeley to join the “Blue Army”
near Mansfield, Louisiana and the war games begin in earnest. At the end of
August 1941 most of the troops are back in their tents, fully aware that their one year of Federal Service would be up in September;
only to find out that Service Extension Act of 18 August 1941 (Public Law 213) was passed and approved by congress, extending their
mobilization for another year. On 7 December 1941, the 158th Field Artillery Regiment listens to the outbreak of war by the Japanese
act of bombing of Pearl Harbor, in their tents at Camp Barkeley.
[7]
On 11 February 1942 the division was reorganized and changed from a square division to a
new type of infantry division that is triangular in concept. A square division was a
designation given to the way military divisions were once organized, and in this case the 45th
Infantry Divisions’ main fighting force was composed of four regimental elements; the 157th,
158th, 179th and 180th Infantry Regiments. Because two regiments were bound together to
form a brigade, the 157th and 158th Infantry Regiments formed the 89th Infantry Brigade and
the 179th and 180th Infantry Regiments formed the 90th Infantry Brigade. On an
organizational chart and if the entire division were formed up in the field, the two brigades of
two regiments would typically form a square, hence the name. The square division also had an
artillery brigade of three artillery regiments. The 45th Infantry Division had the 70th Field
Artillery Brigade which consisted of the 158th, 160th, and the 189th Field Artillery Regiments.
A triangular division has its main fighting force organized into three infantry regiments which
were more smaller and versatile. The 45th Infantry Division maneuver forces were now based
around the 157th, 179th, and 180th Infantry Regiments. There was no longer an artillery
brigade but rather a “Div Arty” or Division Artillery consisting of four artillery battalions and
now assigned to the division were the 158th, 160th, 171st, and 189th Field Artillery Battalions.

The 158th Field Artillery Regiment was retired and because of the change in the Table of
Organization and Equipment (TO&E), the Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, First Battalion Headquarters Battery and Combat Trains, Battery “A”, Battery “B”,
Battery “C”, Medical Detachment and Band all of the newly disorganized 158th Field Artillery
Regiment now became the 158th Field Artillery Battalion in the newly reorganized 45th
Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Russell Dwight Funk was appointed as the Battalion
Commander

The Second Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, was separated from the 45th Infantry Division and became the 207th Field
Artillery Battalion. This separate battalion served in Panama, Canal Zone and later served in the European Theater of Operations
(ETO), where in 1944 it was changed from a 105mm Howitzer Battalion to an 8-inch Howitzer, Tractor-Drawn Battalion. It was
inactivated 16 November 1945 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.

On 5 April 1942, the battalion moves to Fort Devens, Massachusetts and then around the 20th of April 1942 they are once again
moved to Camp Edwards, Massachusetts to practice amphibious operations. Here is their first introduction and familiarization of
the “DUKWs” (six wheeled drive, dual tandem rear axle, amphibious truck), part of their amphibian training is practicing beach
landings on the “Old Silver Beach” of Nantucket Sound.

Then on 8 November 1942 they are moved to Pine Camp, New York; to for a possible December 1942 deployment overseas, but this
is suddenly canceled and the unit moves to Camp Pickett, Virginia in January 1943 for an intensive three month training program
and finally they moved with the rest of the 45th Infantry Division to Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia, for preparation to depart the
United States for destination unknown. As a member of the 157th Regimental Combat Team (RCT), the battalion was trained to
provide close support artillery fire for the infantry when and as needed through artillery forward observer teams located with the
leading elements of the infantry. The U.S. Navy ships were combat loaded at Hampton Roads, Virginia. The convoy of naval
transports with the 45th Infantry Division on board departed the United States on June 8, 1943. The destination proved to be Oran,
North Africa, where personnel went ashore for a brief period of time. Training exercises were conducted including the off loading of
personnel and equipment from ships into landing craft in practice for the amphibious invasion, which was just a few days ahead. On
5 July 1943, the convoy departed Oran, North Africa as a part of the Seventh U.S. Army, under command of Lieutenant General
George S. Patton, Jr., with destination unknown, but all personnel were now reading “The Soldier’s Guide to Sicily.”

MONTHLY COMMAND REPORTS

History cannot be fabricated! I have chosen to transcribe the actual “Monthly Command Reports”, submitted up through the chain
of command to the US Army Adjutant General's Office, whom was the custodian of administrative and organizational reports of the
ground forces during World War II. These records are transcribed verbatim with the exception of a few grammar and spelling
corrections. These reports are by no means complete, there are many annexes and attachments missing, however the daily actions
were captured by the Battalion Commanders of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion.

MAY 1943 THRU AUGUST 1943 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The 158th Field Artillery Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Russell D. Funk, while stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia,
received orders attaching it to the 157th Regimental Combat Team as the normal supporting artillery and to prepare to move to a
port of embarkation upon order. The following attachments were made to expedite combat loading on transports in anticipation of
an amphibious landing operation:
“A” Battery to the 1st Battalion 157th Infantry on the USS Carroll.
“B” Battery to the 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry on the USS Jefferson.
“C” Battery to the 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry on USS Biddle.
Headquarters and Service Batteries were loaded on the Regimental Ship USS Anthony.

A small group of drivers with vehicles were loaded on the USS Procyon. Battalion Liaison Officers with sections were assigned to the
2nd and 3rd Battalions. The Battalion Commander, Battalion S-2 and S-3 were with the Regimental Command Group on the 1st
Battalion ship USS Carroll which was also the flag ship for the trans-division. The Battalion Executive was troop commander of the
Regimental ship, USS Anthony; directed the loading of the USS Anthony and USS Procyon and was responsible for the Battalion
getting such a large number of vehicles loaded on trans-division ships. The above five ships made up the trans-division.
[8]
Approximately 70% of the equipment was loaded on these ships. The balance was loaded on Liberty ships which followed the convoy
several days later. The following tables show the loads of each battery by ships:

Battery Ship Officers WO Enlisted Men Total

“A” USS Carroll 8 108 116
“B” USS Jefferson 6 102 108
“C” USS Biddle 6 91 97
Headquarters USS Anthony 6 1 139 146
Service USS Anthony 3 1 64 68
Medical Detach USS Anthony 1 10 11
All USS Procyon 1 15 16
All Liberty Ship 1 6 7
Howitzer Batteries USS Anthony 59 59
Totals 32 2 594 628

The Regimental Combat Team was ordered to entrain on 22 and 23 May 1943; destination, Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia. It stayed
there in a staging area for final inspections and complete equipping of all units. Each man in the battalion was encouraged to
subscribe for the maximum amount of life insurance authorized. Final check disclosed that 95% of the personnel had at least
$10,000 life insurance before embarking.

On June 3rd, the entire division commenced a rail movement to Hampton Roads, New Port News, Virginia, and the Regimental
Combat Team (RCT) embarked on the previously named transports. Prior to leaving Camp Pickett, Virginia, all vehicles had been
sent to the “Morrison Area” for waterproofing. They were loaded on the transports a few days before the troops arrived for
embarking. After sailing up the bay to the rendezvous area, the Regimental Combat Team ships waited several days for the entire
division to assemble.

When the convoy was complete, it sailed forth on June 8th, 1943. Since the maps of Sicily were not available to the troops during the
three week trip, training aboard ship was limited to routine drills, physical exercises, orientation classes, and the care and cleaning
of arms and equipment. The trip across the Atlantic was uneventful, with only an occasional submarine threat.

The convoy arrived in the port of Oran, Algeria (North Africa) on June 23 1943, where all personnel remained on board ship for two
days.

On June 25th, a practice landing exercise (Camberwill) was staged, in which everyone went ashore in landing craft. Only a very small
amount of equipment from each transport was taken at that time. After landing, personnel marched into bivouac area in the vicinity
of St. Leu, Algeria.

The Landing: The stay in North Africa on land lasted only five days, during which time a physical conditioning program was set up.
Hikes and swims predominated. While the troops were on land, many key officers and men returned to the ships, and plans for the
invasion of Sicily got under way.

All troops were returned to the ships July 1st 1943. Maps were issued, tentative positions chosen, visibility charts prepared, photos
studied, 31 days’ prearranged codes mimeographed, road junctions and hills remembered, template origins assigned, and so forth.

Everyone knew that the time for the “Pay Run” had arrived, when on July 5th, the convoy sailed eastward on the Mediterranean
along the coast of North Africa. After making zig zag moves the ships headed due north toward the island of Sicily, arriving in the
transport area about midnight of July 9th.

July 6th, 1943, General George S. Patton’s talk to the 45thInfantry Division while they all aboard ships at sea. This speech was
radioed throughout all the ships’ loudspeakers to the troops aboard:

“We are indeed honored in having been selected for this new and greater attack against the Axis. When we land we will meet
German and Italian soldiers whom it is our honor and privilege to attack and destroy. During the last year we Americans have
met and defeated the best troops in Germany, Italy, and Japan possess. Many of us have shared in these glorious victories. Those
of you who have not been so fortunate now have your opportunity to gain equal fame. In landing operations, retreat is impossible.
To surrender is as ignoble as it is foolish. Civilians who have the stupidity to fight us we will kill. Those who remain passive will
not be harmed. The glory of American arms, the honor of our country, the future of the whole world rests on you individual hands.
See to it that you are worthy of this great trust.”

Here the “works” began, with Navy destroyers and cruisers firing in an attempt to neutralize organized beach resistance. The
personnel of the USS Carroll and USS Jefferson commenced disembarking from the assault ships into landing craft at 0030B, July
10th. The sea was rough and unloading slow, which caused considerable delay in the actual landing of the assault waves. The first
wave landed on the beach at about 0430B, near Punta Bracceta, 6 miles southeast of Scoglitti. Boats coming in too close to the point
Yellow Beach No. 2 struck rocks and several capsized. No deaths resulted, but several men were injured and evacuated to the ship.
Very little resistance was encountered on any of the three beaches, Green 2, Yellow 2, and Blue 2. Forward Observers, other than
Naval Gunfire Spotters and liaison sections, “A” and “B” Batteries, landed on beaches Yellow 2 and Green 2, respectively. At 0730B,
Headquarters and Service Batteries commenced a shuttle landing on Yellow Beach No. 2. At the same time, on Green Beach 2, “C”
Battery began to land. Heavy sands and no roads made it difficult to clear the beaches of vehicles. All howitzer batteries went into
position on or near the beach. “A” Battery, in direct support of the 1st Battalion, pushed inland and supported the attack on St. Croce
Camerina. Stiff resistance was met on the outskirts of town which revealed the enemy had prepared an all-around defense with
pillboxes, wire and road blocks. Roads were constructed and artillery pieces from all batteries were moved into position. Naval
[9]
gunfire conducted by Lieutenant Gordon L. Kinley was instrumental in silencing a 75mm coastal battery. Additional naval gunfire
was called for and proved very effective on targets in the town. Pillboxes and blockades were pierced and enemy fire silenced as
105mm howitzer and 37mm antitank guns from the AT platoon blasted away at them. St. Croce Camerina fell into allied hands when
the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry marched into town before nightfall of D-day.

The Fall of the Comiso Airport: Next morning, with all units reorganized, the drive on Comiso Airport began. The 1st Battalion 157th
Infantry, with “A” Battery attached, marched on Ragusa to gain contact with the Canadian First Division, they reached Ragusa, but
had to withdraw after the Canadians began shelling the town. Contact was made at 1600B with the Canadians. The 2nd Battalion in
reserve, “B” and “C” Batteries were moved well forward to support the attack, occupying positions about 2500 yards SE of Comiso.
The Battalion Command Post moved up to a position 2000 yards east southeast of Comiso and 500 yards south of the Comiso-
Ragusa highway. Battalion and battery observation posts were located on a high hill 500 yards west of the Command Post. These
OPs furnished excellent observation on the town of Comiso and Comiso airport.

At 1300B, July 11th, our observers spotted some activity around the airport. Several targets of opportunity were taken under fire,
including three of a 3 gun each 88mm battery which had been firing very effectively on our infantry as they advanced toward the
airport. Several fires were started which later proved to be stores of ammunition and gasoline. The 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry
moved into the airport at 1600B from the east, with the 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry advancing from the south. Battery positions
and OPs were strafed by enemy planes twice during the afternoon, and one flight came over about 2230B. That afternoon Division
Artillery ordered “X” Battery, which was organized in North Africa, commanded by Lieutenant Ira S. Hayes, with four 105mm self
propelled howitzers, immediately to Vittoria by route of the Vittoria-Comiso road. At that time “X” Battery had not landed. An officer
of the 753rd Tank Battalion reported the battery had been unloaded at Point “A” in North Africa and would probably land in Sicily
on D plus 4 day. At 2300B “B” Battery reported that seven planes had dropped approximately 100 paratroopers near their position;
that the battery’s members had fired on the planes and parachutes. One paratrooper, upon landing, charged toward a battery patrol,
was wounded and identified as an American from the 82nd Airborne Divisions. Patrols were then sent out by the battery calling to
the paratroopers so that further incidents of this nature might be avoided. At approximately 2400B a message from the Command
Post of the 157th Infantry was received stating that friendly paratroopers would land at 2300B.

The 2nd Battalion moved by truck at about 2200B July 11th north to the high ground south of Chiaramonte together with forward
observers and a liaison section. They met no opposition, and at 1036B July 12, occupied the town.

During the morning of July 12th, the 1st Battalion moved west to the junction of the highway leading to Chiaramonte and “A” Battery
was displaced four miles west of Ragusa (606143). At 0920B July 12, the battalion area was strafed for ten minutes by German
fighter planes. Reconnaissance was made during the afternoon for positions south of Chiaramonte, with the 3rd Battalion moving
during that time to the west outskirts of the town. At 2045B orders were issued for displacement, and at 2320B the Battalion
Command Post was established one mile southeast of Chiaramonte (635251), with the batteries in position as follows: A”-638243,
“B”-643235, “C”-645241 and all OP’s on the hill at 6428.

At 0150B July 13th, the 157th Infantry received orders to advance at 0600B with the 1st Battalion moving toward Monterosso and
the 3rd Battalion toward Licodia, with the 2nd Battalion in reserve at Chiaramonte. The forward observer with the 1st Battalion
asked for a 5-minute concentration on the hill south of Monterosso. This concentration was cut to two minutes as the message was
not received in time to lift the fire by 1115B with a 5-minute concentration. Three Italians came out of caves and dugouts and
surrendered to the advancing infantry. White flags were seen flying in the town, and by 1710B Monterosso was officially under Allied
control. The infantry marched on to the north, advancing about three miles, when the enemy showered them with artillery fire from
a direct-fire weapon. “A” Battery opened fire on the gun position and after a few volleys silenced the enemy guns. The infantry went
into an assembly area, and “A” Battery displaced forward to a position south of Monterosso (690311). At 2000B the Battalion
Command Post moved to the vicinity of the railroad station on the southeast edge of Monterosso (691314). “B” and “C” batteries
displaced at 1200B and 1400B respectively to positions (“B”-585334, “C”-579344) north of Chiaramonte to give support to the 3rd
Battalion as it advanced on Licodia. Little resistance was encountered until patrols were sent into the town. Many snipers sent rifle
and machine gun bullets whistling at them. A half-track anti-tank company was attacked by a flame thrower, which resulted in the
death of several Infantry men. The 3rd Battalion moved into town at dusk and secured it for the night.

Pinched Out: The morning of July 14th found the regiment on a 12,000 yard front with the Canadians marching on Vizzini through
Monterosso. This forced the 1st Battalion to cut sharply to the left across country to join the 3rd Battalion northeast of Licodia. All
motors had to return and go by way of Chiaramonte to the vicinity of Licodia to support the action of the regiment at 0830B. “A”
Battery displaced to a position about 2 miles south of Licodia (612387). During their displacement, Captain Breeding, LNO with the
1st Battalion requested fire to neutralize an enemy 88mm battery. Captain Miller received the message as he passed through
Chiaramonte. Immediately he pulled to the side of the road and stopped in a position where he could maintain good communication.
The Battalion Executive, who passed on his way to reconnoiter for forward positions, suggested that Div Arty be contacted to request
a fire mission from the 155mm gun battery, “Long Toms”. This was done and Captain Miller acted as a relay station between Div Arty
and the forward observers. The fire was very effective and silenced the enemy battery. At 1125B the Battalion Command Post was
established 3 miles south of Licodia (605387). As “A” Battery was pulled into position, a messenger met the Battalion Exec with a
message for him to report immediately to the “Colonel” on the north edge of Licodia. The town was being pounded with artillery fire
from an enemy battery. Upon arriving, the Battalion Exec found the “Colonel’s” radio had ceased to operate and that he needed
communications with the batteries in order to conduct fire on the enemy battery. The Battalion Commander orders to establish
communications with him and the batteries; then immediately advanced on foot to the top of a high hill which was also receiving
artillery fire and there relayed commands by voice through five infantry men who were placed along the trail on the rear slope of the
hill between the Battalion Commander and the radio set to the batteries. His conduct of fire not only silenced the enemy battery, but
neutralized several machine gun nests that had opened fire on him as he approached the top of the hill. “A” Battery was released to
Lieutenant Nelson, FO with the 1st Battalion who kept it incessantly busy on targets of opportunity in support of the 1st Battalion.
“C” Battery displaced forward (591389) and joined in the last stages of the heated action north of Licodia. By this time the 3rd
Battalion 157th Infantry had pushed to the outskirts of Gramichele, but were soon ordered to withdraw and organize ground south of
Highway 124, while the 1st Battalion was ordered to make a coordinated attack with the Canadians on Vizzini. Plans were made and
[10]
artillery support fires prepared. During the withdrawal of the 3rd Battalion, Lieutenant Charles K. Fetzer Jr, FO and his party passed
through the battalion thinking the 2nd Battalion was relieving it. He soon encountered machine gun fire from very close range,
several slugs hitting him in the hand. Their vehicle was brought to a stop and the party dispersed. Lieutenant Fetzer hid in an old
mule shed and after dark managed to get away and return to his battery. Staff Sergeant Robert Shipman, Technician Fourth Grade
Bernard Griffith and Private First Class Arthur Fowler are still missing in action, presumably captured. The Germans surrounded
the vehicle, removed the radio and left in a hurry. Technician Fifth Grade Athey pulled himself to his vehicle and drove it back to the
Command Post of the 1st Battalion, met Captain Breeding, related his story and was then taken to an aid station to have his wounds
dressed. He died the following day. The Canadians were assigned the mission of taking Gramichele and as they moved across our
front, we were pinched out of this sector the following morning.

Caltanisetta, Our Prize: We remained in position and expected a two-day rest, but this presumption proved to be wrong as we
received orders to move to Mazzarino and to support the 1st Division, reinforcing their Div Arty fires. At 2330B July 15th, “Close
Station, March Order” was given and the battalion was on the road to Mazzarino to occupy positions 2.5 miles southeast of the town.
(Battalion Command Post at 171522, “A”-170524, “B”-168532 and “C” 165530). KIA: Technician Fourth Grade JOHN C. ATHEY,
20830709.

Arriving at 0700B July 16th, liaison and communications were immediately established with the 1st Div Arty, batteries were
registered, OPs established, but no fire missions were fired. The Liberty ships loaded with our vehicles and equipment arrived in
port and were scheduled to be unloaded on the morning of July 15th. The Battalion Motor Officer, Lieutenant Kelley, went to Gela
with the drivers assigned to the vehicles on the Liberty ships and assisted in unloading and de-waterproofing the vehicles. These
additional vehicles simplified transportation and supply as several of our vehicles had been abandoned. By 1800hrs July 16, the
157th Infantry had moved into rendezvous one mile northeast of Riesi. The Division had been assigned a sector between the 1st
Division and the 3rd Division. The 157th Infantry, being the only regiment in the sector, led the attack toward Pietroperzia. At
20130B the Battalion Executive with all Battery Commanders went on reconnaissance for new positions to support the attack on
Pietroperzia by dawn July 16th.

Was in position and ready to fire by 0410B July 17th six miles south of Pietroperzia. (Battalion Command Post at 119647, “A”-
115545, “B”-110543, “C”-117552). No resistance was encountered, but a large bridge had been blown. The Battalion Commander on
reconnaissance found a by-pass and ordered “A” Battery to displace forward. First experience with mines was encountered as the
lead gun started to pull off the road into position and hit a “Teller mine” with its right front wheel. Lieutenant Rufus Wactor, Battery
Executive, riding on the fender, received the full charge of the mine. He was seriously injured and died an hour later. Two enlisted
men in the truck were also injured, but not seriously. This made a total of one officer and one enlisted man killed in action. The
remaining batteries were ordered to displace to positions previously reconnoitered, but before they could get into position, the
Battalion Executive had selected positions one mile west of Pietroperzia, hence they continued to advance positions in front of the
Infantry, (Battalion Command Post at 112690, “A”-114685, “B”-110679, “C”-102686) and all OPs on a hill 2.5 km west of
Pietroperzia. All batteries were registered on a common base point. KIA: First Lieutenant CAPERS R. WACTOR, O-1170594.

Before daylight, July 18th, “Funk’s Flying Artillery” was “on the go” again as the Battalion Executive went forward with Battery
Commanders and selected positions just west of Caltanisetta. Very little resistance was encountered in this “prize” town, the largest
in the interior. The Battalion moved into position at 0800B. (Battalion Command Post at 038751, “A”-046776, “B”-044331, “C”-
044754). KIA: Private First Class LONNIE B. NOBLES, 20830347.

Artillery Duel: Like many others, this position was short lived, and before all batteries were in position and ready to fire, “B” Battery
was ordered to displace forward and the other batteries to follow on order. “B” and “C” Batteries moved into position before noon
(“B”-058792, “C”-058798) and “A” Battery had just dropped trails in its new position north of the railroad when orders were
received to move the entire battalion forward. Information had been received that the 1st Div had priority on the road, which
necessitated moving on to St. Caterina. On the outskirts of St. Caterina the enemy opened up on our column with heavy artillery fire.
All batteries immediately went into position and answered the singing enemy shells with 105’s. The infantry remained held up just
north of the town and the artillery duel continued until after dark. Lieutenant Kilcollins, FO with “C” Battery was granted permission
to take his party and establish a forward OP. This party advanced well into the rear of enemy front lines, captured several prisoners,
conducted fire on enemy OPs, a gun Battery and a troop assembly area. They went by foot, carrying all their equipment, remained all
day July 19th and returned early on the morning of July 20, narrowly escaping capture. Members of the party were awarded the
Silver Star for this meritorious service. The morning of July 19, the artillery duel again got under way with heavy shelling on both
sides. “A” Battery was forced to withdraw to a more defilade position. The Infantry failed to move forward until afternoon and then
only to the high ground north of St. Caterina. Most of the enemy artillery fire had been silenced by that time. Known damage to the
enemy from our artillery fire was at least 6 self propelled 88mm artillery pieces knocked out and several trucks and tanks set on fire.
At 1600B the Div ordered the 180th Infantry to relieve the 157th and the 158th to reinforce the fires of the 171st Field Artillery
Battalion until they were out of range.

At 0640B July 21, the Battalion, still reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery, displaced to new positions 2.5 miles west of
Vallelunga (Battalion Command Post at 801991, “A”- 815991, “B”-810992, “C”-808988). Natives reported enemy troops in that
vicinity but little resistance was encountered.

On July 22nd at 1000B the 157th Infantry was ordered to relieve the 179th Infantry that night. The 158th Field Artillery Battalion
moved forward and went into position in the vicinity of Caltovuturo with the Battalion Command Post four miles northeast of the
town (Battalion Command Post -872147, “A”-872152, “B”-870148, “C”-900128). At 2100B the 157th Infantry passed through the
179th Infantry and march on to Cerda.

At 0510B July 23rd, all batteries were displacing forward and went into positions as follows: Battalion Command Post, “A” and “C”
Batteries 3 miles south of Cerda and “B” Battery two miles north of Cerda. Heavy resistance was encountered between Cerda and the
north coast. Artillery and machine gun fire, demolitions and mines greeted the infantry as they advanced on the Cerda railway
station. Our artillery went into action and silenced the enemy fire. The 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry moved to the left to contact the
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2nd Division near Termini. The 1st Battalion cut to the right and up the coast with Campofelice their objective. By 1600 our artillery
was in position three miles west of Campofelice ready to support the attack (Battalion Command Post -832297, “A”-828294, “B”-
852298, “C”-828289). The tank company was finally put into action and given the mission of driving the enemy out of Campofelice.
Liaison with the tank commander and the artillery was established. Several artillery missions were fired upon enemy self-propelled
weapons and two towed guns (149mm) which were defending the town. The town surrendered about 1800B and the Infantry pushed
forward during the night.

Before daylight July 24th, “A” and “C” Batteries displaced to positions just east of Cefalu (“A”-040369, “C”-030369). At 0910B the
Battalion Command Post was established just south of Cefalu (019372) but was soon moved forward one mile east of Cefalu
(050359). Heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire and blown bridges between Cefalu and Castelbuon held our infantry from
advancing. Numerous artillery missions were fired on enemy installations including railroad artillery and ammunition dumps and
trains. The 157th Infantry advanced to the high ground southwest of Castelbuon and was relieved by the 180th Infantry during the
night.

Another midnight move found the battalion on July 25 occupying positions in the vicinity of the Cerda Railway Station. (Battalion
Command Post at 813274, “A”-819268, “B”- 818278, “C”-828255). Here the battalion remained until the night of July 27th on
coastal defense.

The Battle of “Bloody Ridge”: At 0800B July 28th, all batteries were in position six miles west of San Stefano (Battalion Command
Post -152351, “A”-220340, “B”-175345, “C”-204340) for action as the 157th Infantry relieved the 180th Infantry just west of Costel Di
Tusa. “A” Battery received heavy shelling during the morning and was forced to displace to an alternate position east of Costel Di
Tusa (228339). During the heavy shelling, a shell hit the battery ammunition dump, set fire to the canvas covering the ammunition,
and several bags of powder. Lieutenant Corwin V. Edwards, Battery Executive, with Technician Fifth Grade Clarence E. Shaul,
Private First Class Herbert Hendren and Private Francis F. Dillon ran from their foxholes and extinguished the fire. No doubt a great
deal of government property was saved by this heroic act. The Germans were well dug in on the hill east of Costel Di Tusa which
commanded the observation of the country along the river and ridges to its west. Motta was located on the southern end of the hill
about three kilometers inland. During the afternoon the Germans counter attacked, but were repulsed by artillery fire. Artillery
positions were continually under fire from the enemy, well defiladed east of San Stefano . Requests were sent for air observation, but
the Cub was used for reconnaissance missions and conduct fire on enemy batteries. One plane crashed at sea shortly after taking off.
Lieutenant Charles J. Kessmeier and Staff Sergeant James C. DePury swam out 1,000 yards to rescue the pilot and observer who had
cleared themselves of the plane. They used empty water cans on the suggestion of Private First Class Frank B. Garratt for life
preservers and were able to accomplish the rescue without any casualties.

On July 29th, additional artillery was moved up in general support. At 1600B the Battalion Command Post moved into position 1/4
mile southeast of Costel Di Tusa (221340) and “B” Battery displaced forward 1/4 mile southeast of Costel Di Tusa (223332). Counter
attacks and artillery duels continued throughout the day. Plans for a coordinated attack were made at 1600B by the artillery and
infantry battalion commanders. This called for a 30-minute concentration of 3 Battalion’s of artillery on a German strong point 800
yards wide and 400 yards deep near the crest of the ridge 500 yards north of Motta. This concentration was cut to a 15-minute
preparation fired at 1815B. The Infantry immediately advanced and secured Motta and the high ground north to the coast. Thus
“Bloody Ridge” fell to the Allies. The infantry took up positions (defensive) and held for the night.

By 0715B July 31st, the 2nd Battalion of the 157th Infantry had occupied San Stefano. Here they organized their position and held
while the 3rd Division relieved the 45th Division. The artillery remained in place, established liaison with the 3rd Div Arty and was
ready to give artillery support until artillery battalions of the 3rd Division could be moved forward into positions.

At 1815B August 1st, complete relief had been accomplished and the battalion moved into bivouac area five miles east of Termini-
Immerese. It remained in bivouac and rest area until August 15th. KIA: Technician Fifth Grade WOODROW C. KING, 20830595.

Wet End Run: On August 13th, plans were in the mill which ordered the 157th RCT to make another amphibious landing. After two
days of planning and constant changing it was decided that the combat team would load out at two points. All personnel loaded on
LCTs at Termini-Immerese and all vehicles at San Stefano. All three firing batteries and a Command Post group was loaded on LCTs
August 15.

August 15th the convoy chugged out of port about 1200B headed east with a determined mission of landing troops behind the
German lines on a beach 15 miles west of Messina.

Again at 2400B the plan was changed as the 3rd Division had advanced too rapidly and all ships beached at 0200B August 16 on a
beach behind the American lines. Batteries went into position north of the main highway west of Point Milazzo (Battalion Command
Post -020501, “A”-020500, “B”-024502, “C”-016501). No missions were fired from these positions.

At 0800B August 19th, the battalion returned to a new bivouac area six miles west of Termini (661338), here it settled down for
additional training and re-equipping in preparation for a larger operation. During the entire operation Service Battery was
constantly on the alert. There was no time that elements of this battalion were in need of ammunition or supplies. Motor sections
kept all vehicles in excellent operating condition as was brought out during Army and Div Ordnance inspections. The Battalion S-4,
Motor Officer and Service Battery are to be commended for the excellent performance of duty. KIA: Technician Fifth Grade LOUIS
P. POOL, 20830994.

SEPTEMBER 1943 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

September 1st and 2nd found the 158th Field Artillery Battalion bivouacked in the vicinity of Trabia, Sicily, resting, refurbishing
arms and equipment and training. Old members of the battalion and recently arrived replacements were given instructions in their
specialist duties and physically hardened by foot marches and physical recreation, the latter principally swimming.
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September 3rd, the Division Commander called a conference of regimental and separate Battalion Commanders to acquaint them
with plans for the invasion of Italy, as part of the VI Corps of the Fifth Army. Initial plans called for the attachment of the 158th Field
Artillery Battalion, among other units, to the 157th Infantry, as a Combat Team. Water transports consisting of four Landing Ship
Tank (LST) and twenty or twenty-one Landing Craft Infantry (LCI), less necessary LCIs to completely load the 179th Regimental
Combat Team (RCT). The 157th Regimental Combat Team to load in anticipation of landing on the mainland on D-day. Detailed
plans of the 157th Regimental Combat Team called for the transport of the bulk of this Battalion, Battalion Headquarters; Battery
“A“ and Battery “C” to accompany the Regimental Headquarters, the 1st Battalion and the 3rd Battalion on the first lift. Battery “B“
with the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry and the remainder of this Battalion to load so as to land with the second lift, D + 5.

Batteries “A“ and “C“ submit detailed loading plans on September 4th. Battery “B“ and Service Battery were alerted on September
5th, to prepare them to load with first lift so as to land on D-day. Surplus baggage and personnel were to arrive on lift Number #2.

On September 6th, plans for loading and passenger lists, were completed by Battery Commanders and submitted to this
Headquarters. These plans contemplated the transport of the Anti-Tank Platoon with Service Battery on the Second lift.

Plans for the loading of the Anti-Tank Platoon were changed to include it in the first lift, September 7th. Vehicles included in the first
lift of “A“ and “C” Batteries were serialized. It was decided that Major Huber, Battalion Executive Officer would accompany Lt Col
Russell D. Funk, the Commanding Officer and Captain Cleverdon, S-2 with the Command group of the Regimental Combat Team on
the 1st Battalion LST; Major Ford, S-3 would accompany Liaison Officer No. 1, Captain Hayes with the LCI of the 1st Battalion, and
the Assistant S-3, Captain Scheefers would accompany Liaison Officer No. 3, Captain Wright, with the LCI of the 3rd Battalion.
Lieutenant Welby, special duty to Headquarters as assistant to the S-2 would go with the Command group. The Survey Officer,
Lieutenant Robertson and his section was to cross with the remainder of Headquarters Battery, aboard the LCI of the 1st Battalion.
Maps were received at the Headquarters Building of Division and there sorted and addressed to officers of the Battalion in care of
the ship to which each was assigned, and left in the custody of the S-2 of the 120th Engineers, at the building, for delivery, prior to
departure that night, to the proper ship; the S-2 was not permitted to deliver them to members of the Battalion prior to their
boarding the ships.

At 1430hrs the 158th Field Artillery received information that: 3rd Battalion and Battery “C” would begin loading at 1500hrs,
followed by 1st Battalion with Battery “A” and the Command group, and the Regiment would receive one less LST. Plans were hastily
revised and the loading plan was changed to omit the A-T Platoon, reduce the number vehicles of Headquarters Battery that were
included in the first lift and take Battery “B”, reduced, with Headquarters Battery.

At 2000hrs the vehicles of the Regimental Command group were lined up for serialization. It was discovered at 2100hrs that the
plan of regiment provided for one less 2 1/2 ton truck for Headquarters Battery than was agreed upon at the conference between the
Battalion Commander and Executive and the Commander and Staff members of the 157th Regiment at 1430hrs. Arrangements were
made for the redistribution of loads; then the Battalion Commander with the remainder of the Battalion Command group hurriedly
drove for the docks at 2200hrs, there to be greeted with the rumor that, win, lose or draw, the fleet would close ramps and weigh
anchor at 2400hrs. It was self-evident that the prescribed ammunition loads would not be aboard many of the craft prior to that
hour, and this had to be accomplished before the materiel could be stowed away.

Amid the confusion gender by the blackout, rumors and the paucity of quay area the Battalion Commander and his staff and battery
officers checked the arrival and disposition of materiel, troops and maps and found all craft of the RCT loaded according to the
finally changed plans at 0350hrs, 8 September 1943. The convoy set sail at 0420hrs from the harbor of Termini, Sicily.

The ship’s officers took pains to see that the officers and men of the Army were made as comfortable as the heat and cramped
quarters of the ship would permit. This solicitous attitude was common throughout the fleet. The remainder of the 8th of September
was uneventful until mid afternoon. At 1517hrs German planes loosed six 100 lb bombs at the right flank of the convoy; damage was
not apparent. Our convoy joined with another convoy at 1600hrs. A German reconnaissance plane was sighted flying over the
convoy at about 25,000 ft, it remained until 1800hrs. At 1845hrs a message was intercepted on the ship’s radio that Italy accepted
Allied terms of unconditional surrender. This intelligence stilled all other topics of conversation until, at 2130hrs, German bombers
appeared in force over the northwest portion of our convoy, dropping 21 parachute flares and an unknown number of bombs. This
action ceased at 2230hrs. Damage unknown.

Our part of the convoy arrived in the transport area, 5 miles west of Agropoli, Italy at 0400B, 9 September 1943. At 0432B, enemy
planes returned to the convoy, dropping many flares and bombs. Anti-aircraft fire was heavy. The din lasted until 0500hrs. Most of
the soldiers gazed on Italy’s shores for the first time at 0435hrs. Enemy planes reappeared at 0750hrs; they were met by heavy flak.
At 1530hrs, a Major Reynolds arrived on board and directed the Regimental Commander to support a Raider’s party who had
attempted to subdue the Island of Ventotene. Lieutenant Kinley and Sergeant Joyce, equipped with an SCR 610 radio, left the ship
with Major Reynolds at 1540hrs to return to the ship of the 3rd Battalion, join Lieutenant Bernstein and Lieutenant Kilcollins and
proceed with assisting party to the island, there to support their action with naval gunfire. The assisting party consisted, besides the
above named artillery officers and enlisted details, of one squad each; 81mm mortars, heavy machine gun, riflemen, and chemical
mortar, and a detail of aid men. These boarded the Destroyer U.S.S. Knight and were landed on the Island of Ventotene. The raiding
party of one company of the 82nd Airborne Division had taken the garrison prisoners by the time the assisting party landed,
2103hrs.

Our party returned the prisoners to the Knight at 2400hrs, leaving the 82nd to garrison the island. All of the assisting party returned
to the LST of the 3rd Battalion at about 1400hrs, September 10th.

They were landed with the rest of the 3rd Battalion about 1400hrs, September 11th. The night of 9-10 September was marked by
another bombing attack. Word was received by the Regimental Combat Team Commander that a boat would be sent alongside from
the Division Commander’s ship to carry him to that ship for a conference. The long awaited boat never arrived. The following day
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brought no hint as to our probable employment until about 1430 word was received that we would land. Still no orders as to our
disposition and employment had been received. The ship was brought to the beach, pontoons were extended to the open ramp and
debarkation commenced about 1530hrs. The Battalion Commander, Executive, and S-2 set off afoot, reported to the Regimental
Commander, who told them to place the artillery in an assembly area in the vicinity of the assembly area of the Regiment. The
Executive remained at the beach to supervise the unloading while the other two set off for the designated area. They climbed aboard
a 2 1/2 ton truck and proceeded to the RJ at N861110, where the Battalion Commander dismounted to direct the battalion to turn,
ordering the S-2 to select the assembly area and dispose the batteries as they arrived. The Command Post was established at 1700B
at N875113, by the S-2, who met battery representatives there and directed them to their positions, instructing them to emplace
pieces for probable firing in a northeasterly direction, in as much as nothing was known of the dispositions of either enemy or
friendly forces. All batteries were in position by 1900B and by 2000B all of the staff except the S-3 had arrived at the Command Post.
The Battalion Commander repaired to Division Headquarters and returned at 2320B with the information that the front lines (36th
Infantry Division) were established 1500 yards short of Altavilla. Lieutenant Edwards and 2nd Lieutenant Davis of Battery “A” were
on an LST with a portion of 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry. Their craft beached about 1600hrs so that the vehicles of the Battery, four
guns and their prime movers, and two ammunition trucks made their way to the beach by traveling only a few feet of shallow water.
Lieutenant Edwards proceeded to the highway and enroute one gun left the road without his knowledge, causing a traffic jam. An
MP directed 3 following pieces and “C” Battery’s trucks by another route on which these became lost. Lieutenant Mayne was found
by Captain Scheefers and placed on the proper route with his battery and the three pieces of Battery “A”. Battery “B” was transported
to Italy on an LST upon which was also a portion of “Q” Battalion and the RCT Command Group and 1st Battalion. The ship, as
previously stated, beached so that a completely dry landing was made. Captain Hubbert, Battery Commander, and Lieutenant Van
Ness, Executive officer, accompanied the Reconnaissance officer, and the Assistant Executive Officer accompanied the Battery to the
assembly area. No untoward events were experienced, the way being marked by Division Military Police and the one critical turn
marked by the Battalion Commander. Battery “C”, on LST 409 was landed at the beach dry. Lieutenant Mayne, Battery Executive
Officer, the only officer with his battery, upon learning that they would leave the ship over a pontoon bridge from ramp to shore, had
the personnel remove water-proofing from motors. No orders were given him as to his disposition on land; he pulled his battery off
the beach and onto highway 18, where he met three pieces of Battery “A”. He took them under his wing and received instructions
from the assistant S-3 who was on the same ship, to continue up the highway north to where he would meet the Battalion
Commander. The ship beached at 1600, the Battery commenced unloading at 1630 and by 1635 all of its material aboard, four pieces
with prime movers and four ammunition trucks, were on land. The assistant S-3, after verifying that all vehicles of Batteries “A” and
“C” had got on the right road, came to the Command Post. Captain Miller, Commanding Battery “A”, and the liaison officer to the 1st
Battalion, 157th Infantry, Captain Hayes, and the S-3, Major Ford, accompanied the Infantry Battalion Commander on an LCI. This
craft landed at about 1000, Sept. 11, the orders of the Division Commander prohibiting their landing the day before when the
Regimental Command Group and firing batteries landed. Captain Hayes accompanied the 1st Battalion to an assembly area which
they left to assume positions upon orders of the Regimental Commander. Major Ford and Captain Miller proceeded to the Command
Post of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion by hailing a ride. Major Ford returned to the beach to guide the remainder of the
Headquarters Battery to the C.P. Captain Breeding, liaison officer with the 2nd Battalion, crossed on an LCI with “Q” Battalion of the
RCT in company with the remainder of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and an ammunition detail from Service Battery. The
craft landed the personnel in about five feet of water, 75 yards from shore. A few losses of personal equipment and small arms were
experienced, no lives were lost. They were met by a representative of the 157th who guided them to a portion of the beach about 2
1/2 miles north to a point where they should have landed. From this point they followed the 1st Battalion to the Regimental
Assembly Area. Captain Breeding then reported, upon orders of our Battalion Commander, to the Command Post of the 157th
Infantry. First Lieutenant Kelley, Battalion Motor Officer, with a motor maintenance detail traveled on an LST in company with the
189th Field Artillery Battalion and landed September 10th, 1943, reporting to the Command Post at 1100hrs. Warrant Officer Hayes,
Assistant Battalion Supply Officer, landed with the Infantry, 11 September 1943, reporting to the Command Post at about 1200hrs.
Captain Wright, Liaison Officer, with 3rd Battalion, crossed in company with its Commanding Officer on an LCI. The craft was
beached at about 1000 September 11th, in accordance with Division orders. He accompanied the Battalion Commander inland to
where they took up positions. Captain Harley, commanding Battery “C” was on an LST with part of the 3rd Battalion and Cannon Co.
He landed at about 1000hrs September 11th, and proceeded to the artillery Command Post. The 157th Infantry, less 2nd Battalion,
and the few troops that accompanied the Command Group, landed during the day, 11 September, and took up positions north of the
River Sele astride the northeast-southwest road from Highway 18 to Persano; 1st Battalion on the right. The 3rd Battalion was to
hold and aid the 2nd Battalion, 36th Combat Engineer in protecting the left flank. The latter unit was in position on a line from the
aforementioned cross road and the railroad line west of the highway. Lieutenant Kinley and Second Lieutenant Bernstein were sent
as liaison officer and forward observer respectively, to the Engineer Battalion. The 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry began an advance
along the road in a northeasterly direction. The disposition of troops left the 158th on the extreme right flank, separated from its
supported infantry by a river without a crossing for wheeled vehicles, relying for protection from the right upon the troops of the
36th Infantry Division. This Division was reported to have had troops (a battalion) in the “V” of land above the confluence of the Sele
and Calore Rivers, but that they had been overrun and were thought to have been cut off. Directly north of the Battalion area the
only known bar to an enemy attack was the Sele river, without bridges or fords at this point. At 1545hrs Lieutenant Dalton, Forward
Observer with 1st Battalion reported that their advance elements, across the Calore, had received an attack from enemy tanks and
were returning to western side of river. Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 20; Battery “B”, 22; Battalion Total, 42.

September 12th, began with reconnaissance to find crossings over the Sele River to the east and north in order to pursue the enemy
in either of those directions. Later in the day one gun of each battery was taken to positions north of the Sele for registration. The 1st
Battalion held a line along the Calore from the road south and west, and the crossing over the Sele was provided; thus it was deemed
advisable to choose positions that would be more directly protected by our Infantry. Registration was accomplished, and the S-3,
with a skeleton fire direction group moved to this area to install a new command post. An attack by enemy tanks repulsed our tanks
and Infantry and the enemy’ s direct fire was landing in the positions occupied by our new command post and single gun positions.
The S-3 ordered these guns, the survey section and the fire direction detail to return to the old positions; this was accomplished just
in time to avoid being left in no man’s land. Naval gunfire was placed in the area by Lieutenant Kinley, who, though still with the
36th Engineers, had good observation, three missions being fired; advance of the enemy was halted. Rounds fired this day by:
Battery “A”, 538; Battery “B”, 673, Battery “C”, 763; Battalion total, 1974.

September 13, was to be the Red Letter Day for our forces during the Battle of Salerno. Mid-forenoon saw the advance of our
[14]
infantry, this the enemy soon stopped, and by mid afternoon enemy initiative noticeably increased. The Assistant S-3, from the
observation plane, first discovered the concentration of enemy armor. This was punctuated with the receipt of enemy artillery fire in
the vicinity of Battery “A”. Enemy actions became definitely oppressive; 189th gun positions near by, were attacked by foot troops at
1830hrs. Artillerymen not immediately needed at the gun positions were placed in front of battery positions on the bank of the Sele
and at the flanks and rear, to provide, with rifles and machine guns, for close-in defense of these positions. Enemy artillery found
our range and from about 2000B, through the rest of the night, fired upon our gun positions and Command Post in an intermittent
fashion, forcing Battery “B”, 189th Field Artillery Battalion immediately to the rear of our Battery “A” to disperse. Reconnaissance
for alternate positions was carried out during this night. The 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry was placed in position on the right and
front of this Battalion position along the Sele River to stem the attack. This Battalion was placed in its direct support. Two guns of
Battery “A” were emplaced to closely support this Battalion of the 179th and the anti-aircraft mounts of the 106th Anti-Aircraft
Artillery were distributed to the right and rear to further the all around protection of the positions. This Battalion fired continuously
all night on areas that had been observed during the day by all observers, both terrestrial and aerial. During the afternoon two planes
were employed simultaneously and fire observed by these observers and ground observers was directed by the fire direction center,
employing the fire of four battalions of artillery almost continuously. The airplanes were flown from a landing field about 100 yards
distant from the Command Post. Five aerial observers were employed this day; the Battalion Commander, Assistant S-3, Lieutenant
Kilcollins, Lieutenant Welby and Second Lieutenant Collins.

During the night and early morning, information was received that the enemy’s tanks had broken through the infantry and artillery
positions of the 36th Division. This seemed to be confirmed when we observed the 155th Field Artillery Battalion and the 132nd
Field Artillery Battalion moving west along the road by our Command Post, from positions previously occupied on our right (east).
Dawn of 14 September, found the Battalion prepared to displace to alternate locations. The Command Post was moved to a spot with
concealment and better cover, not far from the spot occupied for four days. Enemy high bursts found the range to the new Command
Post and verified the ranges to the guns; this was followed by a telling fusillade on all positions that killed and injured cannoneers in
both Batteries “B” and “C” and destroyed one gun of “B”. At 0817B, a report from our Liaison Officer with 1st Battalion, 179th
Infantry on our front and right flank, to the effect that enemy tanks had been reported crossing the Sele river on the right and were
headed for our positions, tipped the scales of decision in favor of displacing to the previously reconnoitered positions. The move was
hastily made; riflemen and machine gunners out posting the positions were retrieved, and all were in the new positions by 0855B.
Reports from the 157th Infantry added to our growing belief that perhaps our tenure on the peninsula was not to be permanent after
all. By 1500B reports assumed a more sanguinary tenor. The terrain had been closely scrutinized by observers on the ground and in
our observation plane and the possible avenues of approach, assembly areas and known installations of the enemy fired upon and/or
placed on the firing chart. This laid the foundation for the stiff schedule for interdictory and harassing fires poured on the enemy
during the night of 13 thru 14 September. Rounds fired on 13 September and 14 September are as follows: Battery “A”, 820; Battery
“B”, 2100; Battery “C”, 1565; Battalion total, 4485. KIA: Private First Class LAWRENCE C. SPARKMAN, 38017351.

At 0240B, 15 September, fire was adjusted on one enemy tank by moonlight, shifting from base point registration of previous
afternoon, tank was dispersed. Following the break of day numerous missions were fired on call from Forward Observers and
Liaison Officers with the infantry. Two enemy bombing attacks were made of targets near our positions; they caused no damage to
us. The air OP fired on targets of opportunity that presented themselves only to the air observer because the low, flat and well
covered terrain hid them from the view of all terrestrial OPs. This in spite of heavy small arms fire at planes. Reports of infantry
patrol activities disclosed that the enemy is well dug in at Persano and in the vicinity of the tobacco warehouse (N873168). Alternate
positions are reconnoitered by Battalion Commander. The enemy, employing self-propelled artillery shells infantry positions and
critical terrain features sporadically throughout the day. Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 738; Battery “B”, 818; Battery “C”,
725; Battalion total, 2281. KIA: Private First Class MELVIN MARSHALL, 35109156.

September 16th, saw enemy shelling of the positions of our infantry increasing as well as bridges and other points on our road net.
Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 501; Battery “B”, 393; Battery “C”, 415; Battalion total, 1309.

September 17th, was marked by more missions fired by air OP and ground observers on targets of opportunity and fire on previously
known enemy installations. One observer, manning a static OP reported that twice during the day he lifted our fire so that the enemy
could recover their dead and wounded and again when a German burial party, ostentatiously displayed their lack of arms and their
shovels, dug graves and buried the dead. We received orders from Headquarters, Division Artillery, to remain in our positions for
the night. The Assistant S-3, with Royal Navy and Marine Officers, fired naval fire on Altavilla, in support of the 36th Infantry
Division. September 17, found the enemy fire on roads and water points within the division area of sufficient intensity to necessitate
drawing water only during the hours of darkness. Continued fired was placed on enemy positions. Extreme efforts had to be made by
plane and ground observers to locate the enemy pieces from which fire came to our area. One OP was again established in the area of
the 36th Division on the hill at N9112. Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 483; Battery “B”, 455; Battery “C”, 424; Battalion total,
1362. The ammunition fired during the hectic period 12 thru 17 September inclusive is as follows: Battery “A”, 3080; Battery “B”,
4439, Battery “C”, 3892; Battalion total, 11,411.

September 18th, found our forces in contact with the British on our left. Advanced positions to the east were reconnoitered as we
received word that patrols from our infantry found the way clear and at 2400hrs, with the S-3 and skeleton fire direction personnel,
moved into the Command Post from which he retreated in the face of an enemy attack during the afternoon of 12 September, and the
new position was occupied. Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 72; Battery “B”, 129; Battery “C”, 121; Battalion total, 322.

September 19th, found the 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry passing through the 1st Battalion and our forces were able to advance.
Reconnaissance was conducted and new positions, before Eboli, were occupied about 1400hrs by the advance Command Post group.
Reconnaissance was instituted at once, for new, advanced positions. Here, in a clear, running brook, as many of the officers and men
of the Battalion as could find time, bathed themselves for the first time in several days.

At 0535B, September 20, the Battalion Command Post and firing batteries moved into new positions east of Eboli, these had been
selected the previous afternoon. The situation at this time was what is commonly known as fast moving, necessitating immediate
reconnaissance for new positions; Battalion Commander and Battery Commanders leave Command Post at 0635hrs, after a hurried
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breakfast to choose new positions. During the previous night and this day, we began to believe that we had the enemy on the run;
land mines were being laid by the enemy and he left a trail of blown bridges. Word was received that the 180th Infantry would pass
through the lines of the 157th, that we would be responsible for tactical security as long as they remained in our area, and that then
we would obtain “about two days rest”. At 1200B, the Battalion moved to new locations and Liaison Officers and forward observers
were called in. Mail was received and letters written, shaving and bathing was the order of the day. Plans were soon changed, the
Battalion Commander left for reconnaissance of new area at 1655B, returned and at 1900hrs left with Battery Commanders for
selection of position areas. Word from the 157th Infantry came that the 45th Reconnaissance Troop had finally made contact with
the British Eighth Army; cause for mild rejoicing.

September 21, the Battalion moved into position at 0300B to reinforce the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. Rounds fired
this day by: Battery “A”, 24; Battery “B”, 25; Battery “C”, 22; Battalion total 71.

September 22th, saw the Battalion in direct support of the 157th Infantry when the Battalion Commander and Battery Commanders
started out at 0400 to choose new positions. These were occupied at 0705. This day enemy bombers attacked positions just as men
were forming with mess kits in the present position; Battery “B” received some near misses that were intended, it was believed, for a
Bailey Bridge with which the Engineers had spanned the ruined arch of a native one. A message that enemy paratroops could be
expected to land this night brought everyone to the alert, none did. In the early evening farther positions were selected. Rounds fired
this day: Battery “A”, 28; Battery “B”, 45; Battery “C”, 31; Battalion total, 104.

At 23 September 0400hrs, Batteries “A” and “B” moved to new positions, leaving Battery “C” and the 189th Field Artillery Battalion
to fire missions. At 1130hrs Battery “C” leapfrogged these to an advanced position, closely followed by Battery “A” and the mobile
Fire Direction Center, the 189th again helping to cover the advance. Battery “B” was moved to an advanced position, followed by the
remainder of the Command Post at 1400hrs. During this move three ME 109’s bombed the 189th area at a time when the rear
Command Post was near their position, and the road. The column was strafed; the lead vehicle stopped to unload the occupants,
causing all following vehicles to jam the narrow, winding mountain road. Discussion of the problem of passive measures of
protection following the reporting of the incident led most members to the conclusion that continued progress down the highway
would obviate jamming of following vehicles and lessen the danger of damage. Battery “A” leapfrogged the Battalion to a new
position at 1500B and at 1815B the Battalion and Battery Commanders leave for further reconnaissance. The evening was spent
planning fires preparatory to an early attack next day. Rounds fire this day by: Battery “A”, 240; Battery “B”, 167; Battery “C”, 189;
Battalion total, 596.

Another warning to be on the alert for enemy paratroops was received at 0239hrs 24 September. At 0400hrs Headquarters, “A”, and
“C” Batteries moved to new positions, followed by Battery “B” at 1130hrs. More mines were found this day, proof that the enemy was
still on the run. Battery “B” moved to advanced position at 1800hrs and reconnaissance was begun for positions for the remainder of
the Battalion. Rounds fired this day by: Battery “A”, 169; Battery “B”, 105; Battery “C”, 144; Battalion total, 418.

At 0555hrs September 25th, the battalion was established in new positions north of Valva, Italy. At 1305hrs another position area
was selected and at 1547hrs one piece of Battery “A” was brought forward for registration but the positions were known to be poor
ones; upon further reconnaissance more advance positions but affording better defilade beyond the river were occupied. During this
day, as in the case of the proceedings several days, the enemy accurately interdicted bridges and other critical points along the roads,
causing delays in movements and stoppages of work on the by-passes around the blown bridges, as well as numerous casualties. At
2155hrs new positions were occupied. The most interesting event of the day was the suspected formation by the enemy for a counter
attack. This occurred when our advancing infantry approached Highway Number # 7, thus threatening the route of escape of the
enemy. The Germans opened fire with machine guns emplaced on the ride, along which runs the highway, and at the same time their
vehicles carrying troops appeared upon the road. These troops debouched along the ridge causing the advanced elements of our
forces to fall back, surrendering, as they did so, the high ground. The enemy then proceeded up this route unseen in the gathering
dusk. At 2400hrs it was reported by our Liaison Officer with the 157th that “counter-attack has not, materialized”. Lieutenant
Kilcollins, assigned to man a static observation post, had moved forward with the leading elements of the infantry in order that he
might occupy, at the earliest possible moment, the high ground of the ridge toward which they were advancing and was in such a
forward position that he under went direct machine gun fire as he brought the fire of this Battalion and the 189th Field Artillery
Battalion to bear on the positions of the enemy, causing them to silence this fire. Rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 66; Battery “B”,
129; Battery “C”, 20; Battalion total, 215.

September 26th, 1943, at 0200B time was changed from 0200B to 0100A. At about 0600hrs Allied Air Force was scheduled to bomb
enemy troops at Cross· Roads of Highways 7 and 91, and West along Highway 7. Bombing done as scheduled but fell short of target
and many fell among our troops (157th Infantry). Examination of the road net and terrain subsequently gives rise to the opinion that
the pilots mistook their course and bombed from the cross roads south, thus cutting across the enemy’s lines and into our lines.
Troops sustained few minor injured and two or three damaged vehicles: The 157th Infantry was scheduled to hold present positions
and protect the right flank, manning road blocks, and patrolling to assure the protection, as the 34th Division passed through their
lines. This meant baths for the men and officers, letter writing, and the washing and cleaning of clothing and equipment. No sooner
said than done.

September 28th, found the Battalion on the move again, this time to another area closer to the front, the rest was to continue for the
157th Infantry, but we were to directly support the 2nd Battalion 180th Infantry from positions initially in the Castel Franci area.
Positions were reconnoitered by the Battalion Executive together with the Battery Commanders.

0720hrs, 29 September, found us in the location selected the previous day. Batteries were registered but no missions were fired.
Later orders were received that on the following day we would revert to the role of reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery
Battalion.

September 30th, pay line was only activity, there being no fires called for. So ends the month of September, 1943. We continued in
direct support of the 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry. It was the practice of this Battalion to bring the survey officer, and generally his
[16]
section, forward as soon as positions areas were selected in order that a position area survey could be started at once. If batteries
were to move after dark a registering piece of each battery was taken forward and registered from new positions in as many cases as
practicable. Thus were the target area and position area tied together. It is with a deep feeling of gratification that reports of
interrogations of prisoners of war captured in the zone in front of our supported regiment attest to the fact that our artillery fire was
demoralizing accurate.

LOADING PLAN

Lift Number #1

TYPE Hq A B C SV Med Total

1/4 Ton 4 6 (2) 6 (1) 6 (2) 2 0 24
3/4 Ton W/C 3 1 1 1 0 1 7
2 1/2 Ton SWB 2 5 5 5 1 0 18
2 1/2 Ton LWB 1 2 2 2 3 0 10
1 Ton Trailer 1 3 3 3 2 0 12
1/4 Ton Trailer 1 3 (1) 0 1 (1) 0 0 5
105mm Howitzer 0 4 4 4 0 0 12
TOTALS 12 24 (3) 21 (1) 22 (3) 8 7 88
Note: Figures in ( ) denote Headquarters vehicles carried on battery ships.

Lift Number #2

TYPE Hq A B C SV Med Total

1/4 Ton 4 0 0 0 0 1 5
3/4 Ton W/C 6 0 0 0 0 0 6
2 1/2 Ton LWB 0 0 0 0 6 0 6
1 Ton Trailer 0 0 0 0 5 0 5
1/4 Ton Trailer 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Italian Trailer s 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
37mm AT Guns 6 0 0 0 0 0 1
TOTALS 17 0 0 0 12 1 30

Lift Number #3
TYPE Hq A B C SV Med Total
1/4 Ton 4 1 0 1 0 0 6
3/4 Ton W/C 5 2 2 2 1 0 12
3/4 Ton C & R 1 0 0 0 3 0 4
2 1/2 Ton SWB 0 1 1 1 1 0 4
2 1/2 Ton LWB 3 0 0 0 4 1 8
3/4 Ton Amb 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
1 Ton Trailer 3 0 0 0 7 0 10
1/4 Ton Trailer 0 0 2 2 1 0 5
TOTALS 16 4 5 6 17 2 50

Ammunition Loads: A total of three units of fire of artillery ammunition was loaded as follows:
PRIME MOVERS 5th SEC. TRAIN LST BULL TOTAL
720 1080 720* 4780 7200
Note: * Includes ammunition load on kitchen and misc. trucks.

CASUALTY LIST

Name Grade ASN Type Date Location

NELSON, DONALD T. 1st LT 01165920 LW 12 Sept Italy
MARSHALL, MELVIN (NMI) Pvt. 25109137 LW 14 Sept Italy
CIURLINO, FRANK (NMI) Pfc. 33028849 LW 14 Sept Italy
ALBRIGHT, CHARLES F. Jr. Pvt. 34150977 LW 14 Sept Italy
GUY, HARRY (NMI) Pfc. 20830737 LW 14 Sept Italy
HALL, LORING F. Pvt. 32275246 LW 14 Sept Italy
SPARKMAN, LAWRENCE C. Cpl. 38017351 SW 14 Sept Italy
MC CUBBINS, ROBERT L. Pvt. 35109157 LW 14 Sept Italy
MILLER, JACK I. Pfc. 20830872 LW 14 Sept Italy
MEEKS, WOODROW (NMI) Pvt. 35109208 LW 14 Sept Italy
CYR, PAUL E. Pfc. 11008872 LW 14 Sept Italy
MARSHALL, MELVIN (NMI) Pvt. 35109137 D 14 Sept Italy
SPARKMAN, LAWRENCE C. Cpl. 38017351 D 14 Sept Italy
REYNOLDS, PAUL (NMI) Cpl. 35169080 Duty 16 Sept Italy
HORNER, BILLY (NMI) Sgt. 20830645 Duty 16 Sept Italy
ENDERSBY, LESTER L. Pvt. 20830414 LW 21 Sept Italy
CIURLINO, FRANK (NMI) Pfc. 33028849 Duty 24 Sept Italy
PAYNE, FRANCIS E. S/Sgt. 20830414 SW 25 Sept Italy
SHOEMAKER, LEONARD K. Pvt. 34303222 Duty 26 Sept Italy
[17]
 OCTOBER 1943 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

October 1, 1943 found the 158th Field Artillery Battalion in the same position occupied on September 30, 1943, namely, Battery “A”
923598; Battery “B” 922592; Battery “C” 915593. We were in direct support of the 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry. At 1700hrs
Battalion Commander returned from Headquarters Division Artillery with a Field Order telling us to remain in direct support of the
3rd Battalion until they were out of range and that later we would move up in behind of the 157th Infantry, after helping shuttle
them, to positions behind the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. The Division objective was Benevento. Trucks were dispatched to
shuttle infantry and officers manning static OP’s. Lieutenant Van Ness and Lieutenant Mayne were ordered to move with assault
companies, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry, when they moved at dark. Later, after the forward observers mentioned above moved out
with companies, reports were received that the enemy had blown bridges and laid mines. A third officer, Lieutenant Edwards,
occupied a static OP.

October 2, was uneventful. We moved that day to positions in rear of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion and reinforced them, sending
a liaison officer to that unit and recalling the liaison officer and forward observers from the 180th Infantry.

October 3, brought us a long move into positions in vicinity of Benevento, occupied by troops of the 34th Infantry Division. The 34th
Division Artillery was to reinforce the 45th Division Artillery until the latter division passed out of range. Liaison was established at
once with the Headquarters 34th Division Artillery, in addition to the liaison and forward observing officers sent to our supported
infantry. Command Post and battery areas were shelled intermittently during the day.

The advance up the valley of the Calore, beyond Benevento, was to begin at 0300, 4th October, but did not get underway until the
afternoon. Reconnaissance for positions was started at 0800hrs and at 1120hrs Battery “C” moved. Further reconnaissance at
1030hrs led to the occupation of a new position by Battery “A” at 1500. Battery “B” occupied its new position at 1715hrs. This
Battalion was reinforced by the 171st Field Artillery Battalion and the 189th Field Artillery Battalion. Forward Command Post
established at 1715hrs and remainder of Command Post moved up at 2100hrs. Battery “A” only was registered in the gathering
darkness. Passage through the lines of the 34th Infantry Division was then complete; plans were made to move out at dawn. Request
was made by the 157th Infantry for interdictory fires; these were beyond our range of all the Division Artillery, including the 36th
Field Artillery (attached 155mm guns). 45th Division Artillery removes all Battalions air OP’s to control of their headquarters.

October 5, was heralded by artillery fire on Battery “A” at 0430hrs; no damage was recorded. At dawn a dense fog enveloped
everything, it was near mid afternoon before visibility permitted the registration of Batteries “B” and “C”. Battery “C’ was moved to a
position beyond Benevento at 0655hrs. Reports from our observers and from civilians told of increasing enemy activity, both
vehicular movement, the preparing of positions, and artillery fire on our lines. Two static observation posts were established, in
addition to the forward observers with the leading elements of the Infantry. Stiff resistance encountered at hill in vicinity 6389. The
infantry pulled back and we heavily shelled the area. At 1145hrs the Battalion Commander with Commanders of Headquarters and
“B” Batteries start reconnoitering for new positions. At many places enemy tanks attempted to hinder our advance. The only positive
identifications of vehicles made were of Mark IV tanks. Lieutenant Van Ness and party were brought under enemy machine gun and
20mm fire while making an attempt to obtain observation, resulting in the loss of two men, one killed and one wounded, and his
radio, later recovered, undamaged. Battery “B” moved to new position beyond Benevento, followed by Battery “A”. The Command
Post was moved to a position beyond Benevento, one mile north east at 1815hrs. During the day many enemy gun positions were
located in the vicinity of Ponte, Fragneto L’Abate, and Guardia. It was observed that most of these were flat trajectory weapons, and
that they moved frequently; thus it was assumed they were tanks and self propelled guns. Further contact with the British was
reported. Five missions were fired this day; number of rounds expended were as follows: Battery “A” 127; Battery “B” 14; Battery “C”
61; Total, 202. KIA: Corporal WILLIS N. JARBOE, 38023598.

The early morning of October 6, began with enemy artillery shelling our lines; one half of the shells being reported as duds. This
continued throughout the day, the enemy thus hindering the repair of bridges along the Benevento-Ponte road. Plans were made to
maintain contact with enemy in spite of his efforts to delay our forces. These plans anticipated the enemy’s employment of the
Campolarro-Ponte, and Piedmonte-Ponte road nets as escape routes as he held us at bay behind the destroyed bridges. They
included using the 180th Infantry on the northeast front, Pescolamazza to Fragneto L’Abate, relieving the 1st Battalion, 157th
Infantry there, sending this Battalion, reinforced with a platoon of 179th Infantry to Fragneto Monforle. The 3rd Battalion, 157th
Infantry was to swing to the left, crossing the Calore, and turning north, approach to the Calore again in the vicinity of Ponte,
sending patrols to secure the towns of Vitulano, Torrecusca, and Paupisi, and find crossing over the river to the North. The 2nd
Battalion was to remain in positions in front of the demolitions. Forward Observers were sent along the Benevento-Ponte road with
all front line elements. Batteries “A” and “C” were moved forward separately to positions along this road, both in positions by
1115hrs. Many reports of enemy vehicular traffic along roads to our front were received during the day; most of this traffic was
moving to the enemy’s rear. More reports from civilians flowed in, the general tone of these reports being that few Germans were left
in towns immediately in front of us; most of their forces left in the area consisted of scattered machine gun posts, the guns emplaced
in pairs, and self propelled artillery, and that there appeared to be no foot troops among their forces. Information was received at
1100 that during the night the boundary between our forces and the British Eight Army had been moved to the left to include the
road Pietrelcini-Campolattari, exclusive of the latter town. Vehicles, believed to be British, were observed in the vicinity of this road.
The Luftwaffe became active this day, bombing the positions of our reinforcing artillery, the 178th. The positions of Battery “A” was
shelled heavily, as were the position’s of the 189th Field Artillery Battalion nearby. Twenty-one missions were fired this day; number
of rounds expended were as follows: “A” Battery 362; “B” Battery 341; “C” Battery 209; Total 912.

A preparation of 289 rounds was fired at 0615hrs October 7th in front of the 1st Battalion, in the vicinity of Fragneto Monforle. The
3rd Battalion succeeded in finding a passage across the river, while the 2nd Battalion dispatched a patrol to Ponte. Heavy Artillery
fire fell on the roads and battery positions this day from the enemy’s vantage points on the high ground in the vicinity of Casaduni
and Guardia. Smoke signals were reported emanating from a house on the slope of a hill at 592874, the reports said that shortly after
these signals were seen artillery fire would fall on positions of our batteries and batteries of the 189th. The infantry sent a patrol
toward the house; later fire on our positions ceased and no more smoke was seen to come from the house. Increased mining on the
part of the enemy was observed. About midnight plans were made to move the 157th Infantry so as to allow the 179th Infantry to
[18]
relieve them.

October 8th, opened with the firing of interdictory fires in the vicinity of Lorenzo and Guardia. The advance Command Post was
established at 0800hrs. At about this time the farewell rounds to this area was fired by the Germans, on the same positions and
bridges previously interdicted, five of them, air bursts, bursting not too far from the forward Command Post. More reports of bridges
being demolished far beyond our front line. The Division Artillery reported that in a cemetery near a church in the vicinity of
Casaduni, a battery of four enemy guns are reported firing. Observers are unable to identify this spot. Lieutenant Robertson, survey
officer, and Captain Crowder, Liaison Officer to our unit from the 189th Field Artillery Battalion are sent to hill in front of Command
Post to locate, and if successful, to fire on the target. They located and fire upon the battery, causing one vehicle at that position to
burn. Our infantry reached its objective at about 1400hrs and we prepared to reinforce the fires of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion,
(in direct support of the 179th Infantry, who were passing through the 157th Infantry) until fires requested were out of range. Then
we would rest; the 157th going into rest at once. Captain Scheefers, Asstistant S-3 was dispatched to the 160th as liaison officer.
At 1645hrs a report was received from the 157th that 12 of 17 rounds of 15cm landing in the vicinity of their Command Post were
duds. At this juncture it should be noted that a large portion of 15cm falling on them did not explode, which led our S-2, Captain
Cleverdon, to visit the shelled area where the dud was found, instead of being duds, the shells had entered the earth, traveled four to
six feet in a generally horizontal plane and then burst, blowing holes in the surface of approximately twelve inches in diameter. This
day a prisoner of war stated that the Germans had received orders to abstain from firing on Allied Artillery Observation planes,
saying that it was explained to them that the planes did them no direct harm and that the ground fire revealed German positions. 4
missions were fired this day; number of rounds expended were as follows: “A” Battery 52 rounds; “B” Battery 130 rounds; “C”
Battery 68 rounds; Totals: 250.

October 9th, found the 179th completing the passage of lines. Our Observers and Liaison Officer to the Regiment, were called in,
everybody preparing for a two or three day rest; we were now out of range. Battery “A” was moved to a better position for the rest
and the cleaning of clothing and equipment, the steady rains of the past week having made its position unpleasant. The enemy
continued to shell the foremost units of the 157th Infantry. Civilian’s reports continued to locate enemy arms in the vicinity of
Guardia and Lorenzello. The enemy continued to lay mines and booby traps. Six enemy planes bombed 155-mm rifle positions to our
rear and strafed in our vicinity.

Sunday, October 10th, was devoted to worship and washing. The enemy was reported to be moving west to the vicinity of Cerreto.

October 11th brought reports that the enemy placed artillery on the resting 157th throughout the night and that a house was
suspected of being the hiding place of artillery spotters. A patrol was sent to investigate; no report from patrol received.

October 12th found the 180th Infantry, who had passed through the 179th Infantry expecting a counter-attack. The 3rd Battalion
157th Infantry was attached to the 180th as a reinforcements. Two and one half hours later the counter-attack was reported
repulsed, that the enemy forces making it employed two reduced companies. The 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry was scheduled to pass
through the 180th at dark to continue the pursuit. The activity of this Battalion was confined to hauling 9 trucks loaded with
ammunition to the 27th Armored Artillery Battalion.

October 13th, found us preparing to resume action. The Battalion Commander went forward on reconnaissance and later ordered
the Battalion Executive and Battery Commanders forward at 1635A. At 1640A orders were received to send one piece of Battery “A”
forward for registration and for the survey officer and party to accompany it. Wire was being laid at 1645A. The Battalion received
march order at 2015A and commenced the move to the new positions to support the 157th Infantry. The new positions were
occupied at 2345A in the vicinity of the Grand Hotel, southwest of Castel Venere. A static OP was established at 2300A.

October 14, had hardly begun when reports began sifting in that the enemy was employing Nedelwerfen; the first of a log series of
like reports. We were reinforced by the 171st Field Artillery Battalion and the 189th Field Artillery Battalions. Our infantry advanced
rapidly this day, sending back numerous reports of tanks and mortars, the 3rd Battalion having crossed the River Titerno by 1945A.
Enemy air activity was markedly stronger; as evidenced by their bombing of the bridge before Faicchio with 22 each ME 109’s. More
reports were received this day of mines and booby traps; the road from Castel Venere south was mined; the buildings in and around
that town were mined and booby trapped, and the area at 3792, recently occupied by the enemy, was mined on the banks of a gully.
The movement of enemy armored vehicles along the north south road and the western side of the Titerno from Faicchio south was
evident after dark. During the day a second static OP was established on the high ground overlooking the river. 12 missions were
fired this day: Number of rounds expended were as follows: “A” Battery 78 rounds; “B” Battery 219 rounds; “C” Battery 74 rounds;
Total: 371.

The 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry planned to drive the enemy to Faicchio and secure the blown bridge south of that town at 0600A of
15 October, requesting six five minute concentrations of our artillery fire in preparation. Further conference by our Liaison Officer
resulted in firing four of these. At 0634A the Battalion and Battery Commanders left on reconnaissance for new positions northwest
of San Salvatore. The movement was covered by the 189th and 171st Field Artillery Battalions; the occupation was complete by
1000A. The enemy again interdicted roads and blowing bridges all day, and fired Nebelwerfen on infantry positions; short range fire
from tanks or self propelled guns fell on our tanks that were in rendezvous near our Battery “G’s” position. The Luftwaffe bombed an
assemblage of our tanks near the position of Battery “B”. Strong anti-aircraft fire felled a known two Focke Wulfe. The 178th Field
Artillery was placed in reinforcement, the 171st being relieved to direct support of the 180th Infantry, who were to go into line on the
left of the 157th. Our Infantry took bridge but failed to get Faicchio. An assault upon Faicchio was planned for the following morning,
the Commander of the 157th Infantry requested, and had fired, a heavy concentration of smoke, and delay and quick fused HE in
preparation at 2030A for 15 minutes. This preparation was participated in by the Battalion and the 160th, 178th, and 109th Field
Artillery Battalion’s, the fire being conducted by ourselves. 180 rounds of 105-mm ammunition and 300 rounds of 155-mm
ammunition was fired. Twenty seven missions were fired this day; number of rounds expended were as follows: “A” Battery 113; “B”
Battery 112; “C” Battery 71; Total: 296.

October 16th, saw the first attempt to capture Faicchio fail, withering automatic fire drove our forces out. The 3rd Battalion having
[19]
crossed the Titerno below the town, was to advance upon it from the rear while the 1st Battalion held the Salvatore Faicchio road and
secured the blown bridge. Tanks and Tank destroyers were to cross the river and accompany the infantry to the town. A crossing was
found and to screen their passage over the stream we fired smoke in front of them, pouring 302 rounds of smoke in the area in the
forty minutes between 0810 to 0850hrs. Later, at 1048A, a lone American Paratrooper coming to the Infantry Command Post was
reported that there was no enemy in the town. The 3rd Battalion manned road blocks and sent a patrol to the town as the 2nd
Battalion, now west of the Titerno, passed through their positions to begin its march on Gioia. During the afternoon two enemy
tanks concealed in haystacks were discovered and neutralized. During the night noises indicated their tanks were recovered. No
report by infantry outposts of this noise was made so that fire could be placed on the vehicles. Many enemy vehicles were observed
in cemetery at H362001. These were fired on repeatedly causing them to move each time. More interdiction fires were fired during
the night. Reports from civilians were received that the Germans had poisoned wells in Gioia. 13 missions were fired this day;
number of rounds expended were as follows: “A” Battery 386; “B” Battery 692; “C” Battery 361 rounds; Total 1439.

On October 17, the 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry and the 180th Infantry began their coordinated advance up the right side of the
River Volturno. Demolitions made it difficult to retain contact with the enemy, thus tanks, employed as roving guns, impeded the
progress of our engineers in their attempts to affect repairs and construct by-passes along the route. The Battalion Commander
ordered Battery Commanders and the Survey Officer forward at 1005A for selection of new sites. March Order came at 1255A and at
1315A the new Command Post was occupied. Continued reports of receiving mortar fire emanated from our infantry. Our forward
observers reported considerable vehicular activity in the enemy’s rear. 14 missions were fired this day; number of rounds expended
were as follows: “A” Battery 217 rounds; “B” Battery 95 rounds; “C” Battery 230 rounds; Total 542.

Plans were made to accelerate the advance on the 18th and to take the high ground beyond Auduni. It was necessary to take the high
ground at Calvisi this was well defended. Thirty six rounds of smoke were fired to cover the advance of the infantry up this slope to
the town; results were excellent and the infantry succeeded. The enemy bitterly defended his positions during the day, counter
attacking several times and heavily shelling our troops. The heaviest fighting occurred at the cemetery at H342014. During the
afternoon two officers of G-2, Allied Headquarters appeared with a request that we fire propaganda leaflets for them into enemy
territory. One battery was provided with the ammunition and the G-2 representatives accompanied by the Battalion Commander
and the S-2 set out for one of the OP’s. The leaflets were fired behind Potito. Many reports were received from civilians of mine fields
in the towns of Curpi, Calvisi, and Gioia. During the evening heavy traffic was heard in the vicinity of Potito. Plans were laid to
relieve the pinned down 2nd Battalion, whose front extended from the cemetery at 342014 on the left to Calvisi on the right. A
request from the 3rd Battalion for an artillery preparation prior to their attack was refused unless detailed plans of the battalion
were made known to this Headquarters. No preparation was fired. 19 missions were fired this day; number of rounds expended were
as follows: “A” Battery 178 rounds; “B” Battery 111 rounds; “C” Battery 142 rounds; Total 431.

October 19th, found the infantry advancing. Several prisoners were taken, some of them walking into our lines bearing the
pamphlets fired the previous day; all of these stated that the enemy had retreated to positions behind Piedmonte D’Alife.
Demolitions were observed to be continuous in the vicinity of that town during the forenoon. Our forces continued to advance and
by 1831A were reported at the Division objective, Piedmonte D’Alife. Reconnaissance was made for forward positions. One mission
was fired this day; number of rounds expended as follows; “A” Battery 120 rounds; “B” Battery 119 rounds; “C” Battery 93 rounds;
Total 332.

At 0500, October 20th, we closed stations and moved to new positions; these were occupied at 0700hrs. Reports from natives told
us the enemy was retreating to Issernia leaving small forces at Capriati, and San Angelo D’Life. The 157th Infantry was placed in an
assembly area to rest, and the 158th Field Artillery Battalion was given the mission of reinforcing the 34th Division Artillery together
with the rest of the 45th Division Artillery. All forward observers and liaison officers were called in; one static OP was installed. The
Battalion began its rest, limited because of our reinforcing mission.

During the remainder of the October 20th, all day the 21st October, and the greater portion of the 22nd October activity, both
friendly and enemy could be observed. No fires were called for at 1600A. October 22, we were relieved of our reinforcing; rest then
became our chief aim.

From the 23rd to the 28th of October inclusive time was spent in cleaning equipment and ourselves, resupplying ourselves, shortage
reports, issuing clothing, and writing reports.

October 29 was spent as were the preceding few days, except that we furnish trucks to transport 179th Infantry from a rear assembly
area to a forward one. A conference was called for October 30 at Division Headquarters to which the Battalion Commander and the
Executive Officer attended, leaving the Command Post at 1300hrs. This meeting started the rumor to end all rumors. The field order
for our further employment was received October 31. The Battalion Commander and the Executive reconnoitered the areas into
which we shall move.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number 186-IV St. ANGELO D’LOMBARDI, 174-III ARIANO IRPINO, 173-11 BENEVENTO, 173-I St.
GIORGIO LA MOLARA, 173-IV CERRETO SANRITA, & 172-I CAVAZZO.

NOVEMBER 1943 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

November 1943, opened with this Battalion under orders to return to action with the rest of the Division. The 158th Field Artillery
would be in general support and reinforce the fires of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. We were to select positions after the 171st
Field Artillery and the 160th Field Artillery Battalions had selected their positions, and move after they had moved. The artillery of
the VI Corps was to fire an impressive and smothering preparation as the prelude to an assault upon German positions at an hour
and day to be announced. Detailed schedules were issued calling, in part, for this Battalion to fire the last ten minutes and to be
prepared to fire the last twenty minutes of the preparation. At first all movement except for a minimum number of reconnaissance
[20]
vehicles was prohibited and registration could be done by one piece only, and that from an alternate position. Later this restriction
was lifted. The Battalion and Battery Commanders and the Battalion Executive started on reconnaissance for positions at 0700A;
returned at 1130A and led the battalion from the bivouac area near St. Potito beginning at 1515A. The tiresome march to the new
area, vicinity of Pratella, was made without incident. It was later reported that the Battalion and Battery Commanders were strafed
by the Luffwaffe while they waited the arrival of the Battalion to the new positions. The new Command Post was established at
1900A, the firing batteries arriving shortly after this. The Battalion Commander made arrangements with the 160th Field Artillery
Battalion to send a liaison officer to that unit the following morning. No firing was done this day.

Lieutenant Kinley left our Command Post at 0845A, 2nd November as Liaison Officer to the 160th. Reports of extensive demolitions
of enemy were received during the day and progress of our forces was slow. At 1645A the Battalion Commander left for
reconnaissance accompanied by the Battery Commanders. At 1730A orders were received to move forward at 2000A. The route was
one of many detours calling for slow and careful driving; delays were frequent, therefore it was 2330A by the time the new
Command Post was established, and 0140 the following morning by the time all units had cleared into their new areas. The only
firing done this day was the registration of the batteries. Division orders came to move across the Voltturno River and seize high
ground on the opposite side.

November 3rd, was ushered in by visible evidence of fighting on Mt. Alto immediately opposite our positions at Formicola Mastrati;
dawn found us watching the heavy shelling of that hill by our neighboring forces. More demolitions were reported during the
forenoon and in the afternoon enemy tanks were encountered in the flats near Venafro. At this same point enemy infantry in
sufficient numbers to delay our forces were met. Arrangements with Captain Emerson, Commanding Officer of Company “B”, 645th
Tank Destroyer Battalion for the employment of his company in reinforcement of our fires during the preparation that was still to be
fired, and in defense of the area, in addition to his primary mission of Anti-tank defense, were made. The 160th moved to forward
positions under cover of darkness leaving this Battalion to fire all missions that might be called for during the night, inasmuch as
they were not registered. Registration was the only firing done November 3.

The early reports of November 4th, indicated that the Germans were retiring from the valley into the hills beyond Venafro. Allied
planes bombed Venafro at the same time that the 160th was firing on targets in that area; two bombs fell on our infantry’s lines
before the town. At 0945A a report was received that patrols of “E” Co, 179th Infantry were in Venafro. Battery “C” was moved to a
new position following a reconnaissance begun at 0840A by the Battalion Commander. Occupation completed at 1250hrs, the
remainder of the battalion then moved to new positions in the vicinity of Capriatistation at 1800A. Registration on two base points
were completed during the day, but no registration could be accomplished from the new positions; thus no missions were assigned
us for the night. During the day the 4th Rangers were reported to have reached Vallecupa, thus cutting the road from St. Pietro to
Venafro. Other reports told of the retreat of the enemy to Filignano from Pozzilli. No missions fired except the registrations.

At 0700A, 5th November, our Liaison Officer to the 160th Field Artillery Battalion reported that seven enemy tanks were trapped in
the Vallecupa-Venafro road by the advance of the Rangers and the 179th Infantry. A company of Infantry was sent to capture them.
Other tanks were reported trapped but none were captured. This fact gave rise to the suspicion that our maps did not accurately
depict all roads to our front. Enemy artillery was observed in increasing numbers as our forces neared the hills, and our old friends,
the six-barreled mortars, were reported in one location. Mines were encountered in increasing numbers: Lieutenant Etheridge, Anti
Aircraft Platoon Commander attached to our Battery “C” was killed by a mine as he and the Battery Commander, Captain Hurley,
were selecting a battery position. Mine sweepers were sent forward and the proposed area was swept, and Battery “C” moved into the
swept area at 1900A. The 160th, whom we still reinforced, did not deem the situation stabilized enough to warrant moving; the left
flank of the 179th was exposed and this regiment could not advance sufficiently to overrun ground from which the enemy observed
our action. Orders were received at 2115A to reinforce the fires of the 171st Field artillery Battalion as well as the 160th and remain in
general support. A liaison officer was dispatched to the 171st at 2150A. One mission was fired this day. Number of rounds fired by:
Battery “A”, 60; Battery “B”, 2; Total, 62.

We established two static observation posts early in the day of November 6th, assigning one a sector left of Venafro and the other a
sector right of Venafro. These were prompted in part by the inability of the two direct support battalions to locate and neutralize the
sources of the steadily mounting enemy artillery fire harassing us and interrupting movement on the roads. Our patrols had
previously joined patrols of the 34th Infantry Division in Pozzilli and by 1438A the 179th Infantry was reported to have invested that
place. This was evidence that the enemy would oppose our advance on the left; enemy infantry advanced on our lines in the vicinity
of Cepagna. The enemy was not to be pursued too rapidly. Evidence of this attitude was found in the numerous mine fields in the
roads, around possible by-passes, at blown bridges, and in possible position areas. Many of these mines were wooden mines armed
with the plastic detonator; our mine detectors failed to locate them. Battery “C’s” position, having been thoroughly swept prior to its
occupation by the battery, was thought to be safe. Later, a 2 1/2 ton wrecker from Service Battery, upon coming to the position to
haul away the destroyed 1/4 ton that had met with the accident the day before, ran over another mine and was disabled. Where upon
a further sweeping of the area, was made, instructions being given to use two men to each detector as listeners, but even this failed
and when the Ordnance wrecker arrived at the position to remove both vehicles it, too, was damaged by another mine. With all of
this trouble only one officer was killed and one man slightly wounded in this series of accidents. The 160th moved into new positions
forward at 1735A, our battalion covering their displacement. During this day we were more active, firing on call from the 160th as
well as on missions observed by our own static observation posts; use was made of Batteries “A” and “B”, the position of Battery “C”
being so exposed to enemy observation as to limit its firing to cases of urgency. Fifteen missions were fired this day. Number of
rounds fired were as follows: Battery “A”, 272; Battery “B”, 330; Battery “C”, 181; Total 783.

Sunday, November 7th, opened with reports from our OP’s that the enemy continued to interdict roads from positions to the west
and north. Warning was received that we would revert to direct support of the 157th Infantry who were to be sent into the lines
sometimes during the night, and, having passed through the positions of the 179th, would continue the advance to the northwest.
Apparently all hope of establishing contact with a strong German line that would warrant the planned artillery preparation had been
abandoned, pursuit must still be the watchword. The Battalion Commander left at 0735A for Headquarters 45th Division Artillery to
learn the plan for our employment and to make a subsequent reconnaissance. At 1202A, Battery Commanders were ordered to meet
the Battalion Commander in Venafro and to bring with them mine detectors and sweeping details. Forward observers and liaison
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officers were alerted, to ready them, to accompany our infantry when the latter moved out. A new static observation post was
manned, the two old ones abandoned and the battalion moved out to the forward positions south of Pozzilli at 1700A; our
displacement was covered by the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. Rains and early darkness prohibited registration. Our new
Command Post area was known to be well covered with mines; movement was restricted until daylight the following day. Seven
missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired were as follows: Battery “A”, 96; Battery “B”, 137; Battery “C”, 126; Total 359.

Forward Observers were assigned and joined the assault companies and at 0415A November 8th, reported that they were starting to
pack across country. Visibility was poor; the first reports began coming in at 0735A. A civilian reported enemy guns and dug in foot
troops and tanks. Two static observation posts were established. Tanks, half tracks and personnel were fired on during the day.
Reports were received that the infantry engaged in hand-to-hand fighting in the hills above Pozzilli. Nine rounds of propaganda
pamphlet “PEACE-FREEDOM-BREAD” were fired on selected targets in the vicinity of which we had observed personnel. Personnel
to protect our static observation posts were requested of the infantry and granted. At 2110A a report was received that the 3rd
Battalion, 179th Infantry, on the right of the 157th Infantry, had met stiff resistance and been pushed back and disorganized.
Reinforcements were sent and that area became quiet. The Germans laid down vicious harassing fires on Venafro, Pozzilli and the by
passes on the roads in the division area. The Engineers reported that the building in Pozzilli were mined and booby trapped, as were
the road and trails leading to our front. Nine missions were fired this day. We fired the following number of rounds: Battery “A”, 81;
Battery “B”, 28; Battery “C”, 46; Total 155.

November 9th, brought orders that the 45th Division would dig in and await the advance of the 34th Division, on our right flank,
who were to our rear. During the morning an Italian, interrogated by the 157th Infantry gave a report of enemy installations in front
of us, in our zone of advance. A typical German Command Post installation with the attendant dumps, in particular, became a
fruitful target, this intelligence having enabled our observers to recognize the camouflaged position for what it was. Great difficulty
was encountered these days in locating targets and positions accurately; the map of the area (161 IV) was an uncorrected and
uncolored sheet that did not depict the roads and trails with sufficient clarity to permit proper orientation in this desolate hill
terrain, devoid, as it is of land marks. Reports were recurrent of the enemy’s pouring in fresh troops to hold the mountain passes
against our advance. Identifications of prisoners of war bore out the warnings from higher headquarters. The fresh troops were of
the 26th Panzer Division and the 305th Infantry Division. Native reports also told that the enemy was employing pack artillery to go
in positions before us. Observation was difficult to maintain; the enemy, possessing as he did, the vantage points from which he
could look down upon our observers. One static observer was able to fire along the Acquafondata-Pozzilli road and at positions not
immediately in front of our lines, but by 1500A the enemy had so infiltrated between our lines, that, to protect themselves, both
static observers withdrew; for the night, to more secure locations. Three rounds of “FRONTPOST” and 4 rounds of “PEACE-
FREEDOM-BREAD”, propaganda leaflets, were fired, on targets previously fired on with shell. Our lines in spite of the infiltration of
small enemy patrols, held. We fired eight missions this day. Rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 196; Battery “B”, 147; Battery “C”,
48; Total 391.

The static observation posts pushed out early on November 10th. Increased enemy activity was encountered early in the morning.
Our lines received heavier small arms and machine gun fire, and a bitter fight ensued for possession of Mt. Croce, an action that was
to continue into the next day. Increased activity was observed behind the enemy’s lines, providing profitable targets for our
battalion. In addition to shelling with 15cm the positions of our neighboring units, the Germans continued to bomb and strafe them,
coming perilously close to our firing battery locations. A detachment of the 1st Rangers were sent to aid in the mopping up on Mt.
Croce, but were forced to retire. A report from a prisoner of war stated that the enemy intended to take Mt. Croce. Batteries were
ordered to dig in so as to provide over head cover. During the day unit identifications pointed to elements of three divisions on our
front; the 3rd, 26th and the 305th. Plans were laid to push our linen farther west on the morrow. Propaganda leaflets were again
fired; two rounds of “FRONT POST”, and 2 rounds of “PEACE-FREEDOM-BREAD” upon areas in which the enemy was known to
be. Total missions fired this day were eleven. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 647; Battery “B”, 351; Battery “C”, 0; Total 998.

The advance of the 157th began 0630A November 11th, met resistance at about 0730A and called for, and received, a heavy
concentration of our fire, adjusted by our Forward Observer with Company “C”, Lieutenant Dalton. Numerous missions were fired
this day, observed by the static observer and the forward observer. Mt. Croce was reported taken by our forces and by 2154A the
infantry was reported to be within 50 yards of the first of the three hills that were this days’ objectives. The enemy fiercely resisted
the advance of our forces. Prisoners of War taken this day, as on previous days, bore none of the pamphlets fired on their lines
during the previous three days. An attempt to establish a static observation post on Mt. Croce met with failure; the infantry had not
secured the upper slopes. Nineteen missions were fired. Battery “A” fired 307 rounds; Battery “B” 263; Battery “C”273; Total, 843.

November 12, begun with the proposed advance of the 3rd Battalion., 157th north from Pozzilli toward Acquafondata simultaneously
with the advance of 2nd Battalion, 179th toward Filignano; the 1st Battalion, 179th reported that they had secured Hill 769. The
possession of this hill was deemed necessary for the protection of the 3rd Battalion, 157th. The Liaison Officer and two forward
observers assigned to accompany the 3rd Battalion, joined it at 0530A. Shortly after noon it was reported that Company “C” 157th
had arrived at its first objective. Also was reported the fact that the enemy counterattacked our forces on Mt. Croce but were driven
off. The Germans were fighting hard to hold every inch of their lines; they poured small arms, mortar, and artillery fire on the
advancing 3rd Battalion and forestalled their attempt to get Hill 640. To add to Company “A’s” troubles the 179th Infantry had not
secured Hill 769. Our static observer received his share of artillery fire but this was ineffective. Both the static observer and the
forward observers adjusted fire on the many targets offered by an active enemy. Twenty six missions were fired. Number of rounds
fired: Battery “A”, 751; Battery “B”, 487; Battery “C”, 487; Total, 1725.

Cheering news was received at 0120hrs November 13th; the units on the right flank of the Division had secured Colle and
Montaquila, thus bringing their front lines more nearly abreast of ours. The 179th was still reported to hold Hill 769 and plans were
made for Company “L” 157th to take Hill 640 and for “K” Company to take Hill 460. The 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry was to be
relieved, the 2nd Battalion, taking over their positions. Arrangements were made to send out new forward observers and parties and
a new liaison officer. To relieve the observers then on duty it was necessary to call Lieutenant Bolon of Service Battery to take one
forward OP party. This officer was discovered to be too ill for duty, and 1st Sergeant Miller, of Battery “A” was given this duty. Our
observers fired numerous missions this day. Observers monitored the radio firing channel and thus kept abreast of the situation on
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all sides, and to further their perception of enemy installations reported, locations of enemy positions within our sector, as contained
in the G-2 Periodic Report and the VI Corps Artillery Information Letter, were broadcast to these observers. As in the past, this
dissemination of information bore fruit, increasing the number of missions that would have been fired had each observer had to rely
on his own scrutiny of his sector for his targets. The first intimation that all was not well with the 3rd Battalion came when the radio
of the forward observer with “L” Company Lieutenant Merchant, broadcast, in an unrecognized voice, a request that we send a new
forward observing party and medical personnel. The Battalion Surgeon and a party were readied while attempts were made to learn
more of the situation up front. It was discovered that the enemy had met and roughly handled Company “L”. The Battalion planned
to relieve Company “L” after dark with Company “K”. During this time our static observer fired on more troops advancing up the
reverse slope of Hill 640, but, the harm had been done. The remnants of Company “L” descended from Hill 460; patrols were to be
sent to recover the wounded and dead and this high point was to be abandoned for the time being. No additional forward observer
was sent as Lieutenant Block, was assigned with the Battalion’s leading elements. At 2115A we received word that the 157th had
perfected their plan for retrieving wounded and determining what strength were the forces occupying the hill; Raiders were to go to
Hills 460 and 470 following an artillery preparation of five minutes. Our “B” Battery, still in an exposed position, was called out, and
aid was granted by the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. Two of their batteries and two of ours were to fire 180 rounds. One indication
of further enemy retreat; the OP observed a bridge at 010252 was blown. Twenty-six missions were fired again this day. Rounds
fired: Battery “A”, 532; Battery “B”, 302; Battery “C”, 928; Total, 1762.

Sunday, 14 November, began with the preparation as planned, at 0330A. Progress of the patrol was reported by one of our static
observers who said that small arms fire could be seen on Hill 460. The patrol returned, bringing casualties, and reporting the enemy
was there. A later report from the 179th Infantry told of abandoning Hill 739; our hopes for adequate observation were dashed. The
static observer on the right of our sector, having been given the task of following the 179th Infantry in order to get a position on Hill
769, was driven by rifle and machine gun fire, leaving his observing equipment hidden in brush surrounding the site. We were left
with one static OP. Prisoners of War this day said, upon interrogation, that they had no knowledge of expected enemy counter
attacks, that their forces were well supplied with ammunition but that they had not received water and food for two days. They
ascribed this failure of supply to the bridges they had demolished and the effectiveness of our interdictory fire. We fired twenty-eight
missions this day. Rounds fired: Battery “A”, 319; Battery “B”, 0; Battery “C”, 257; Total, 576.

November 15, brought more warnings of suspected counter attacks. Prisoners gave statements to interrogators that were conflicting
in their import; the enemy was pulling back because they were not prepared to hold against such overwhelming odds; that they were
reinforcements. Orders reiterated the Division Intelligence SOP to the effect that numbers of troops and vehicles that composed
artillery targets would be accurately reported, also that anybody of enemy troops of 60 or more in number would be reported to
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Division as a “flash” warning. The Battalion Commander attended a conference at 45th Division Artillery at which he received the
gist of a field order later received from Division. The Division was to man a defensive line; barrages, normal and emergency, were to
be determined in conjunction with the infantry plans; this Battalion was to remain in direct support of the 157th Infantry, to be
reinforced by the 160th Field Artillery Battalion and Company “C” of the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Emergency barrages were
to be approved by Division Artillery. The 160th, 189th, and the 645th laid lateral lines to us, and the latter sent a Liaison Officer and
detail. Arrangements were made to register this company the following day. Infantry patrolling was active, their reports were
negative. Rain fell ceaselessly this day, resulting in few missions being fired. A total of 16 missions were fired. Rounds fired
numbered: Battery “A”, 168; Battery “B”, 18; Battery “C”, 98; Total, 284.

November 16th, brought us information that the enemy was entirely engaged in defending his positions. One of his patrols
penetrated our lines and was discovered in Pozzilli, enemy observation posts were discovered and fired upon by our observers, as
were enemy guns, the Germans had dispossessed the native population of Viticcuso and Acquafondata; and our lines received
machine gun, small arms, and mortar fire. The enemy artillery shelled forward and rear areas spasmodically throughout the day. A
lone round of German shell fire fell in our Battery “A’s” position, killing one enlisted man, wounding two others (all gun sentries),
and disabling one howitzer. The Commanding Officer, 157th Infantry requested fire during the night on the village of Concacasale,
the vicinity from which the fires came that harassed his lines. The 36th Field Artillery fired between 100 and 125 rounds upon that
place during the night. We also fired on Viticcuso in accordance with the Corps plan to shell that town. Our observers fired ten
missions this day. We fired the following number of rounds: Battery “A”, 184; Battery “B”, 51; Battery “C”, 106; Total, 341. KIA:
Private JAMES H. BALLMAN, 35109156.

November 17th, was ushered in by enemy shell fire on our front lines. Enemy patrols were reported to be active on all fronts; they
encountered all our outposts. Patrols of our infantry were met by machine gun fire. Our observers started firing as soon as the
morning mist cleared the hills in front of them. The enemy was found in ravines, on observation posts, gun positions, and in the
many dwellings and huts dotting the hillsides in front of us. Our observers indefatigable searched them out with our fire, renewing
the fire when they reappeared in these places. The enemy artillery gave us some of our own medicine; Battery “B” was shelled at
1610hrs, 34 rounds landing in the vicinity of the battery. One enlisted man was killed and the Battery Executive was injured by the
pile of exploding ammunition, the ammunition having been struck by one of the enemy rounds. One vehicle was disabled. The
Battalion Commander and Battery “B’s” Commander went forward to select a position well beyond Pozzilli. The battalion fired 28
missions this day. Number of rounds fired this day were as follows: Battery “A”, 132; Battery “B”, 138; Battery “C”, 162; Total, 432.
KIA: Private First Class MELVIN W. DAVIDSON, 33076007.

On November 18th, the Battalion Commander and the Commanding Officer of Battery “B” went for further reconnaissance for a
position for that battery. Information was gained of more enemy installations; these, in addition to yesterdays’ targets, were fired on
many times. Our observers watched the Germans digging in and laying mines and placing trip wires. The enemy heavily shelled the
Pozzilli and Venafro areas. Forty-seven missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired this day were: Battery “A”, 422; Battery
“B”,32; Battery “C”, 367; Total, 821.

November 19th, passed in much the same manner as the previous day. Areas found during the previous days’ observations to harbor
the enemy again proved to be productive targets, though not to such an extent. Division Artillery denied our request to move Battery
“B” to the forward position, giving the reason that the proposed site was too far forward. Two prisoners taken by the 157th Infantry
bore pamphlets of the kind we had fired a few days before. This day sixteen missions were fired. Number of rounds were fired as
follows: Battery “A”, 346; Battery “B”, 8; Battery “C”, 365; Total, 719.

The enemy, becoming wary, had so concealed his movements under the cover of darkness, and in the deep ravines that traveled the
area behind his lines, that November 20th, found us with very few targets. Information, tending to collaborate earlier reports, was
given by escapees from German and Italian prisoner of war camps, to the effect that the Germans had driven the civilian population
from the towns of Acquafondata and Viticcuso. Reports also told that our harassing fire on the Pozzilli-Casala road was effective. Our
main difficulty was in locating and silencing enemy artillery. Reports from natives and our own observations led us to believe that
the greater portion of this fire came from self-propelled vehicles that were driven to previously surveyed positions, fired on
interdicting missions and displaced as soon as fire was placed in their vicinity. Many of these guns were known to approach close to
our lines. Large caliber guns (15cm) were still firing upon us from the vicinity of Acquafondata. Brilliant flashes, silhouetting the hills
to our front, unaccompanied by the roar of an explosion were first observed during the early evening of November 20. This day also
there began a series of attacks upon those of our troops who held Mt. Croce. The attack was repelled. Only nine missions were fired
this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 126; Battery “B”, 0; Battery “C”, 307; Total, 433.

Sunday, November 21st, began with reports from our infantry that their patrols found nothing during their night’s activity. There
were reports from civilians that told of the removal of civilians from the town of Casale; also reports from civilians of gun positions
in front of us. These guns were well defilade from all points of observation along our front and were believed the cause of much of
our trouble; the almost ceaseless fire felling in the forward and rear areas of the division this day was estimated to be from close in
guns. Other, larger caliber artillery, was thought to be located in the vicinity of Casale, by the sound of the gun reports; this fire also
fell heavily on Venafro. The report from the native of the civilian evacuation of Casale was a “Go Ahead” signal to us; Corps and our
Division Artillery fired unobserved fire in that area. As in the case of unobserved fires previously placed on Acquafondata, enemy
shelling was interrupted during the fire, whether actual damage was done him or not. Sixteen missions were fired this day. We fired
the following number of rounds: Battery “A”, 334; Battery “B”, 66; Battery “C”, 342; Total, 742.

November 22nd, in the early morning, reports came in from patrols of the 157th Infantry, saying that the enemy was engaged during
the night in digging in along the Pozzilli-Acquafondata road; they also uncovered listening posts of the Germans, and two gun
positions. Few missions were fired this day. 12 in number. Number of rounds follow: Battery “A”, 222; Battery “B”, 125; Battery “C”,
128; Total, 475.

The events of November 23rd, were a repetitious of the previous day’s. Our observers fired on enemy installations all through the
day. The enemy again attacked the 1st Ranger Battalion, on our left, whose mission was to hold Mt. Croce. The Rangers held, and
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later reported they believed the enemy was preparing to attack in our zone the next day. We fired seven rounds of propaganda shells
this day on targets previously fired with “H.E.” Eleven missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”,
171; Battery “B”, 86; Battery “C”, 122; Total, 479.

On November 24th, the 157th Infantry patrols reported that they heard enemy vehicular activity in Concacasale. This was believed to
be the site of some of the shorter ranged guns that had been firing in our areas. None of the observation posts included this place in
their visible areas. A further attempt was made to better our observation when the Battalion Commander went forward to establish
another observation post from which we could scan the valley of La Rava. The enemy artillery was extremely active this day. Their
shells began falling in our vicinity at 0300hrs, landing near our command post, the only damage to our wire lines. Later in the day
(1615A) 40 rounds of 88mm landed on Battery “B”. Shortly after this; 75mm, believed to be from a howitzer, fell on the Command
Post, landing on the steep hillside that had given us an unwarranted sense of security. Neither shelling caused damage or casualties.
The Pozzilli and Venafro areas were again shelled heavily. Our observers fired on enemy installations and troops; and on one target,
an active Command Post, one platoon of Company “C”, 645th Tank Destroyers, placed interdictory fire every hour. Our observers
reported effect each time this mission was fired. Four rounds of pamphlets were shot on two locations that contained German
troops. Fourteen missions were fired this day. Battery “A” fired 407 rounds; Battery “B”, 89; Battery “C”, 149; Total rounds fired,
645.

We started November 25, by firing in conjunction with the rest of Division Artillery and the 34th Division Artillery, at the request of
the 34th Division on three enemy mortar positions in the sector of the 34th at 0100hrs. This fire was repeated at 0700A. More
activity was observed at the enemy Command Post upon which the Tank Destroyers fired November 24th, so they were again
instructed to interdict this area. Good results were reported. Our observers reported and fired on profitable targets. A native
reported heavy traffic on the Demanto-Casale-Acquafondata road and said that this traffic included self-propelled guns. Fifteen
missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 548; Battery “B”, 125; Battery “C”, 807, Total, 1480.

On November 26th, we fired on enemy mortars, guns, and personnel with good effect. Four rounds of pamphlets were fired into
areas known to contain enemy troops. The enemy fired into our areas during the day more viciously than on the previous day. 30 or
more enemy rounds fell in the Pozzilli area and 50 rounds fell on Battery “B”, disabling 5 trucks, destroying one quadrant sight, and
burning five propaganda shells. We fired on schedule during the night upon Corps orders, 360 rounds on four enemy mortar
positions during the night, and in addition, fired 250 rounds harassing fire on seven known enemy positions. Missions fired this date
totaled 14. Number of rounds fired were as follows: Battery “A”, 319; Battery “B”, 68,; Battery “C”, 414; Total, 801.

At 0423hrs November 27th, two distinct flashes were seen from the Command Post. They appeared to be in enemy territory and,
since no explosions were heard, were thought to be demolitions in the distance. Observation after daylight did not bear out this
conclusion, enemy activity was everywhere. Our observers fired on guns, machine guns, mortars, and personnel all day. A Command
Post and a dump were also among German installations upon which we fired. The 1st Ranger Battalion received another counter
attack during the afternoon; this was withstood. Battery “B” moved to a previously selected position north of Pozzilli to avoid the
frequent accurate enemy. Twenty-six missions were fired this day. Battery “A” fired 376 rounds; Battery “B”, No rounds; Battery “C”,
588 rounds; Total rounds, 964.

On November 28th, our ammunition officer reported that our Service Battery was shelled during the night; that of the 30 rounds
that fell in the area only two burst. A similar report was received from our Liaison Officer with the 157th Infantry of the shelling of
the infantry area. The Division Field Order was received giving us the plan for the advance that was to commence the next day. Our
days of comparative in activity promised to draw to a close. Our battalion was to support the 157th Infantry as usual. Division
ordered more extensive patrolling; this, we hoped, would bring to light more positive locations of the many enemy artillery positions
we were sure existed in front of us. One disadvantage occurred to us in this instance; the operation of friendly patrols restricted our
schedule of harassing fires. Those, we felt, did keep the enemy awake even though they inflicted no widespread destruction. Our
observers fired fewer missions this day, twelve, to be exact. Eight rounds of propaganda were fired. Number of rounds fired this day
were as follows: Battery “A”, 500; Battery “B”, 107; Battery “C”, 348; Total, 955.

The first report by our Liaison Officer with the assault battalion of the 157th Infantry on November 29th, informed us that Hills 460
and 470, their initial objective, had been taken without opposition. A later report saying that only Hill 460 was taken came in. The
infantry on the right, the 179th, were to bypass Hill 769, a stumbling block encountered during our previous attempts to advance, to
take Hills 640 and 970. This was to prove our stumbling block this day; our observers reported frequently that they could see the
enemy on the southern slope of this hill but, until late in the afternoon clearance was not to be had. Then our observer adjusted this
Battalion, the 160th and the 189th Field Artillery Battalion on this area containing some 200 Germans, with good effect. These, we
felt sure, impeded the progress of our infantry. Many profitable targets were fired, the most profitable shooting being on a group of
some 60 enemy infantrymen. This mission was re-fired several times, when they would emerge from shelter points along the road.
Three rounds of propaganda were fired. Ten missions were fired this day. Ammunition fired this day: Battery “A”, 650; Battery “B”,
202; Battery “C”, 377; Total, 1229.

We greeted November 30th, by trying to get clearance to fire on Hill 769, with no more success than we had the day before, in spite
of the fact that our observers reported positive identification of German forces there and no sign of our own. Visible signs of enemy
activity were less than the previous day, as evidenced by the fact that our observers only fired six missions. The weather was a
contributing factor, fog and mist obscuring the hillsides during the morning. Repeated attempts to obtain permission to fire on the
enemy on Hill 769 resulted in permission being granted too late in the gathering dusk to attempt an adjustment. Division
Headquarters ordered propaganda leaflets fired over the town of Concacasale. A high burst adjustment was impossible because, at
this time, a hot skirmish between the 1st Rangers and the enemy, in which smoke was employed, so blotted out the vision of our
observer that a high burst adjustment could not be made. This smoke drifted northeast and brought to an untimely end our
observation for the day. Enemy artillery positions, 75-mm howitzers, and self-propelled routes were reported by a patrol of the 45th
Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop. The enemy’s artillery, which had remained fairly quiet in our areas during the day, renewed its
activity late in the evening. In the vicinity of the Command Post, 32 rounds fell during a period of about an hour. Six missions were
fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 55; Battery “B”, 8; Battery “C”, 411; Total, 474.
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We adopted a plan on about November 10th, when the situation became static, to consider our forward observers as static observers
and relieve them every third day, in the same manner as we relieved parties manning static OP’s. We required each firing battery to
organize a fourth observation party; every battery officer except the Battery Commander was to be used in turn to man these
observation posts. When some of these officers became ill or were injured, as did happen, junior officers assigned to Service Battery
and Headquarters Battery were used to head the parties of the incapacitated officers. Three noncommissioned officers who were
being groomed for commissions; 1st Sergeant John Eldon Miller and Staff Sergeant John A. Laubhan of Battery “A”, and Technical
Sergeant William T. Morton, Headquarters Battery, were utilized as observers during this period. Their performance was excellent.
This plan permitted the frequent relief of parties that they might return from the rain swept hills, where supplies were to be had only
by pack train, and go into Venafro for a hot bath and dry clothing. Each battery was assigned one OP to man and all took turns at the
Battalion OP. The resultant familiarity with the terrain as viewed from their respective OP’s paid dividends to the Fire Direction
Center by facilitating identification of terrain features and previously-fired concentrations.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number 172-I CAJAZZO, 161-III VENAFRO, & 161-IV CASTEL ST. VINCENZO.

CASUALTY LIST

Date Rank Name ASN Status

13 Nov Cpl. Walter N. Larson 37092060 LWA
13 Nov T/4 Albert M. Schoelen 38017382 LWA
13 Nov Cpl. Calvin H. Wright 25125691 LWA
16 Nov Pvt. James H. Ballman 35109156 KIA
16 Nov Pfc. Miles L. Compton 33049896 SWA
17 Nov 1st Lt Charles K. Fetzer 0-1165849 LWA
17 Nov Pfc. Melvin W. Davidson 33076007 KIA
17 Nov S/Sgt Emmett V. Robrecht 20830706 LWA
17 Nov Pfc. James R. Erdman 33234615 LWA
17 Nov Pfc. Walter (NMI) Ziobron 31049342 LWA
17 Nov Pfc. Theodore A. Roberts 6154157 LWA
19 Nov Pfc. Roland H. Bear 38045131 LWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

Rank Name ASN Award Date

1st Lt Donald T. Nelson 01165920 Silver Star 19 October 1943
T/5 Woodrow C. King 20830595 Soldiers Medal 19 October 1943
1st Lt Corwin V. Edwards 0-420935 Silver Star 18 November 1943
2nd Lt Arthur L. Goodman, Jr. 0-1167863 Silver Star 18 November 1943

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division Adjutant General Orders 200.6 dated 18
November 1943 by Command of Major General Troy H. Middleton: Award of Silver Star Medal. Under the provisions of
Army Regulations 600-45, as amended, a Silver Star Medal is awarded to the following officer: CORWIN V. EDWARDS, O-420935,
Battery “A”, Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action on 6 October 1943, east of Ponte,
Italy. As forward observer, Lieutenant Edwards was advancing with an infantry company when a German 88-mm gun opened fire on
the column from a high hill, killing one man and wounding six others. The column scattered and took cover. Lieutenant Edwards,
with utter disregard for his safety and while under continual fire from the enemy gun, worked his way across open ground to a bare
knoll from where he effectively directed artillery fire on the enemy gun, forcing it to withdraw from its position. He continued to
remain in his exposed position approximately six hours, searching the terrain for more targets, directing fire on enemy trucks and
tanks. The courage and devotion to duty shown by Lieutenant Edwards in his action were an inspiration to the officers and men and
are in accordance with the high traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered military service from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

DECEMBER 1943 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

December 1 began much as the previous days had began; the enemy was shelling from an undetermined position. Request by
Headquarters, 45th Division Artillery to pick up and report his flashes; as usual no flashes could be discerned. The German artillery
man’s use of truly flash-less powder, or flash hiders, or superior defilade, or some combination of these advantages made the task of
observing the front for his gun flashes a profitless one. Later in the morning we received a report that our infantry were on neither of
the two hills that comprised their initial objective; they were at a knoll to the Northeast of Hill 460. The infantry requested our fire
on this hill. Patrols reported that the enemy was digging in before us. Our observers watched the enemy employ ambulances and
stretcher bearers during mid-forenoon; a prisoner of war reported our fire of the night before had caused casualties. Difficulty was
again experienced in obtaining clearance to fire on profitable targets to our north. Missions were fired on enemy mortars and houses
sheltering troops. Three rounds of “FRONTPOST” and three rounds propaganda were fired. We also registered the 938th Field
Artillery Battalion on our Base Point. We were given the objectives and routes of the infantry’s patrols for the night of December 1-2,
and planned our harassing fires for the period with the help of our liaison officers to the infantry battalions. We fired ten missions.
Number of rounds fired are as follows: Battery “A”, 214; Battery “B”, 376; Battery “C”, 134; Total, 724.

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Everything was quiet from midnight until 0607 December 2, when 18 rounds enemy fire landed in the vicinity of the Command Post,
two fell near the kitchen. The 189th Field Artillery Battalion, our neighbor unit, suffered two casualties; ourselves none. Our
infantry’s patrols returned with prisoners from a new unit on our front; the 44th Infantry Division. These bore tidings that our
shelling was effective. Our observers reported, and conducted fire on, frequent enemy infantry activity around houses and on
mortars, and one OP. Word was received that our allowance of ammunition was to be reduced to 50 rounds per piece per day, but
that the allotment of 3 inch ammunition to the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion was unlimited. We adjusted the fire of Company “C”
on one of this day’s productive targets in preparation for the harassing fire to be delivered the following night. We established an
observation post atop Mt. Croce this day in order that we might acquire observation of a greater distance. The enemy placed forty
two shells in the vicinity of the Command Post during the afternoon and night. Ten missions were fired this day. Number of rounds
fired: Battery “A”, 375; Battery “B”, 231; Battery “C”, 64; Total, 670.

As far as we were concerned the enemy artillery started the new day, December 3, by firing 5 rounds in the vicinity of the Command
Post. No harm was done. Patrols returned, bearing the information that all the hill-tops on our front were occupied by the enemy.
The infantry reported their sectors to be quiet; our observers saw little, a ceaseless rain masking their view. Positions of enemy
artillery, gleaned from aerial photographs, were given them, but to no avail. The enemy apparently had the same trouble, except for
two rounds at about 1900A, the early morning shelling was all our vicinity received. This Battalion scheduled 50 rounds of
interdictory fires for ourselves and 792 rounds for the Tank Destroyer Company for the night. Three missions were fired this day:
Battery “A” fired 56 rounds; Battery “B”, 320; Battery “C”, 135; Total, 511.

The dawn of Saturday, December 4, was almost hidden by the rain. Poor visibility made the conduct of observed fire impossible. The
179th Infantry, on our right, started a planned movement forward and during this maneuver ran into enemy resistance that seemed
to overlap into the sector of the 157th Infantry; at about the same time that the 179th was pushed off of Hill 750 by the Germans the
front of Company “K”, 157th Infantry became active. The latter received mortar and machine gun fire to such an extent that our
observer in that area, Lieutenant Van Ness, was forced to retire to an observing position in rear of the one he occupied. Lieutenant
Van Ness placed fire on areas previously fired on that were known to have contained mortars and machine guns and, although this
fire was unobserved did silence the enemy’s fire. We received a report at 1415 hour that the local enemy activity in front of “K”
Company had ceased. It was later learned that the 179th regained Hill 750 and was preparing to push forward this night to Hills 640
and 970. Six missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 149; Battery “B”, 153; Battery “C”, 55;
Total, 357.

Infantry patrols having been changed to listening posts on account of the rain for the night 4 – 5th December, there were only
negative reports December 5. The rain had ceased by dawn and visibility thus improved. The Germans actively defended their
positions, delaying the advance of the 179th and harassing the 3d Battalion, 157th during the entire day. The enemy paid little
attention to the 1st Battalion, 157th this day; no artillery fire falling on their lines. The Division Commander ordered all artillery to
fire on an area in which, it was believed, the enemy was forming to counter-attack the 179th; this Battalion fired 50 rounds on this
mission. The counter-attack did not develop. No report was received of any advance of the 179th this day. A prisoner of war
collaborated the statements of two prisoners of the preceding day when he told us that the enemy troops received the same news of
the German home-front as that contained in the “FRONTPOST”. Visibility was much improved this day except, in the case of our
observation post atop Mt. Croce, low clouds and ground haze obscured the view from this point. Fifteen rounds of propaganda were
fired this day and, as on previous occasions, brought down fire on our area during the early evening; eighteen rounds of 105-mm fell
in the vicinity of the Command Post. We were informed of patrols for the night and requested to fire smoke to cover their
movements, which we did. During the day sixteen missions were fired. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 234; Battery “B”, 112;
Battery “C”, 79; Total, 425.

The enemy began December 6 firing 25 rounds into the Pozzilli area, some of them too close to the Command Post for comfort. The
179th began their advance this day, capturing prisoners and a 6-barreled rocket mortar. Our 157th received heavy mortar fire daring
the day. The possession of Hill 769 was disputed, the enemy as well as ourselves, firing on it. Larger groups of enemy infantry were
observed than heretofore seen; these, in addition to mortars, were covered with fire by our observers. Five rounds of propaganda
were fired at a known enemy location. Over 100 rounds of enemy shell fire landed in the battalion area from 0900 hours until
midnight. The weather, during the morning was misty, but during the afternoon the clouds rose and visibility was much improved.
Patrolling activities for the night were reported and harassing fires arranged on six points upon which we had previously fired.
Smoke was again fired to screen the infantry patrols. Ten missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 222;
Battery “B”, 121; Battery “C”, 62; Total, 405.

Ten minutes after midnight, December 7, our observer fired on enemy mortars that had been shelling on Infantry; this silenced the
mortars. Patrols returned early that the 1st Battalion, 157th sent out, reporting guns at a known location, and also reporting the
enemy mortars upon which we fired, saying that our fire fell near these weapons. Patrols from the 3rd Battalion, 157th reported that
houses on Hill 460 were booby-trapped, and the area was mined. The enemy artillery was active again this day; thirty-five rounds of
their shells fell in the vicinity of the Command Post during the day. They began at 0405A and the last fell about 1930A; all came
from the direction of Casale and, as usual, the flashes and smoke from their guns remained unseen. Allied air forces bombed and
strafed Concasale. Our observer on Mt. Croce was notified and told to report the effect of this action. He reported that the town was
covered. Another observer reported this day that, as on the previous day, the enemy was observed using ambulances, mule drawn
and man drawn carts, and stretcher bearers on the Casale-Pozzilli road in the vicinity of Demanio. Red Cross flags and brassards
were always an ostentatious part of the processions; this activity was so frequent that our suspicions were excited and instructions
were given to watch these parties closely to detect, if possible, their employment of the Red Cross as a subterfuge. Having been
previously instructed to fire on these parties, fire was placed on them and on the areas where they were seen to come from. Our
observers continued to observe and fire on mortar and machine gun positions, and troop concentrations with good effect. We also
fired four missions in the sector of the 179th Infantry upon the request of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. Two rounds of
propaganda were fired on known enemy locations. The 157th requested us to have an observation plane in the air at 1400A, to stay
over the area until 1430A, to locate the 88mm that had been firing on their 3rd Battalion during that period of the day for the past
several days. Arrangements were successful; the plane was in the air at the appointed time but because of mist and ground haze they
were unable to observe at the time the gun was firing. This day was not designed for the conduct of artillery fire; rain squalls and
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low-hanging clouds prevailed until mid-afternoon when the rain ceased and visibility became fair. Eleven missions were fired this
day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 173; Battery “B”, 61; Battery “C”, 354; Total, 588.

The early hours of December 8 (0355A) found us firing on enemy mortars. This day there began a series of reports from our
observers of processions of civilians behind the enemy lines, moving toward the rear. They appeared to be unguarded and unarmed.
Further observation determined that they carried the usual bundles on their heads; this removed our suspicions that they were
Germans in disguise. Patrols dispatched by the 157th Infantry returned; one patrol, sent out for the express purpose of capturing
prisoners, lost one man, prisoner to the enemy. We marked Viticcuso with green smoke so that the air forces could bomb that town.
The enemy shelled Pozzilli from a new position this day, the shells coming from a “Y” azimuth of 4900 mils and in accordance with
their practice of the last few days the enemy shelled our Command Post at 1730A. This time the fire was more accurate as well as
heavier; four men of the 106th Anti-Aircraft Artillery were wounded. Two of them seriously, and two trucks damaged by the fusillade
of fifty-two 15-cm shells that fell in the immediate vicinity of the fire direction center. The forenoon was rainy, visibility was poor,
but during the afternoon the weather cleared and visibility improved. Ten missions were fired this day; targets fired included
personnel in the vicinity of buildings and enemy mortars. Number of rounds fired: Battery A”, 218; Battery “B”, 168; Battery “C”, 58;
Total, 444.

December 9 was a dull, cloudy day; visibility was only fair. Our air force bombed Acquafondata and Viticcuso. We watched our
planes shuttle to and fro over our lines as we dug our Command Post tents and slit-trenches deeper, praying that they would blast
the enemy battery that shelled us the night before. The enemy drove our troops back down Hill 470 when they attempted to take it
during the night. Plans were made during the day for the laying of harassing fires on Hill 470, and fire was adjusted on that point. A
preparation was to be placed on the hill and lifted to a supply route in back of the hill when our Infantry reached the hilltop this
night in another attempt to take the hill. Toward evening patrolling plans were given us and our plans made for harassing fire during
the night. We fired 200 rounds on seven points. The assault on Hill 470 began as planned, our Battalion and the infantry’s mortars
laying a heavy barrage of some 1000 rounds on the site. Conflicting reports were received of the success and failure of the venture.
All that was gained in the end was a firmer hold on Hill 460. Our infantry invested the objective but on its reverse slope met the
enemy, who after the lifting of our fire to permit the advance of our troops, rushed from their dugouts to their emplacements and
successfully defended their ground. Six missions were fired this day and three rounds of propaganda were fired on the enemy at
known locations. Battery “A” fired 43 rounds; Battery “B”, 111; Battery “C”, 237; Total, 391.

During the early hours of December 10 we fired a false preparation on points of our own choice upon orders of Division Artillery in
addition to the previously prepared interdictory fires. More reports were received of Italian civilians moving to the enemy’s rear.
Upon appeal to Division Artillery to determine status and occupation of these people, instructions were received to fire on them if
they were observed carrying supplies to the German lines. Little activity took place in front of us. Our air forces bombed Casale.
Warning was received that the enemy had sent four monks into our areas to lay mines, a search was made but at night no report was
received that they had been found. The enemy poured some thirty-six rounds into the Pozzilli area during the day. They fired two
and three round bursts on scattered points across our front, harassing our infantry, but, doing little damage. One prisoner of war
taken this day told that the leaflets from some of our propaganda shells were torn by the action of the shell. This news was passed on.
Preparation was made to fire the medium artillery (the 189th) on Hill 470 , employing delay fuse to crush the dug in enemy. Only
patrols were to be sent out tonight . This day the ammunition allowance of the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion was reduced to 18
rounds per gun per day. Only one observed mission was fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 294; Battery “B”, 280;
Battery “C”, 164; Total, 738.

We received on December 11 reports from patrols of the 157th Infantry that our fire and the fire of the 189th Field Artillery Battalion
directed at Hill 470 had been effective; no live enemy contacted, only arms and legs were found. Other patrols found he enemy dug
in on Hill 770. A report also was received that the enemy emplaced their artillery in the ruins of buildings and out-buildings within
towns. Our bombers attacked Viticcuso twice and Acquafondata once; we marked Viticcuso both times with violet smoke to guide
the fliers to the target. The enemy fired 37 rounds on the Pozzilli area, this day, same falling in the Command Post area. No damage
was done. Our liaison officers sent us the infantry’s plan for patrolling during the night. We planned to fire, on five areas known to
contain enemy installations using 100 rounds. The 179th reported that they took Hill 769 this day. Visibility was good during the
day, but in spite of this only two observed missions are fired. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”‘, 102 ; Battery “B”, 82;
Battery “C”, 280; Total, 464.

December 12 began cloudy and rainy, visibility was poor. Patrols reported enemy activity on Mt. Fialla and in Concacasals. The
enemy in Concacasle had converted a church into a strong point; machine guns were set up in the tower of the building and also
surrounding it. The 160th Field Artillery Battalion moved this day and in preparation for this one of our batteries was registered on
one of their emergency barrages to support them during the displacement. The enemy artillery was active, shelling the front lines
throughout the active day; 30 rounds fell in the Pozzilli area. Our allowance of ammunition was reduced to 30 rounds per gun per
day for the period; December 11 to December 20, both inclusive. The ammunition we had on hand December 10 was to be included
in this allowance, the effect of the order being to permit us to fire some 7000 rounds during the period. Plans to take Hill 470 were
made known to us; we fired for 15 minutes, following 15 minute mortar fire, on that hill in preparation for the undertaking. The
weather cleared in the afternoon and visibility improved, permitting increased activity on the part of our observers; seven missions
were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 119, Battery “B”, 186; Battery “C”, 91; Total: 396.

December 13 we received a report of the enemy’s position on Hill 470. Upon the cessation of our fire a patrol went there and received
small arms and machine gun fire; the patrol withdrew. A larger patrol went to that same hill, ran into small arms and machine gun
fire that drove them back to Hill 460. The enemy artillery was not as active this day; only six rounds fell in the Pozzilli area. We
believed that the work of our Air Force the previous day caused the enemy to move from positions he had occupied to new ones;
probably some of his material had been destroyed. Plans were made to take Hill 470 again this night; the plan was more elaborate,
for artillery fire to begin at 2300 following the fire by mortars and Cannon Company. Fire was to be lifted upon the firing of a red
star cluster. The infantry were to attempt to cut the path of reinforcements at the rear of the hill at the time the frontal attack was to
be made. No interdictory fires were to be fired this night. The Battalion Executive attended a conference at the Command Post, 157th
Infantry called for the purpose of laying plans for the coming attack. Also, we received the field orders of both the Division and
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Division Artillery. These plans called for a coordinated attack by the entire VI Corps. Boundaries were altered, the 157th was given
Hill 640, formerly an objective of the 179th, as well as Hills 470 and 831. The final plan provided that the 1st Battalion 157th would
take Hills 470, 640, 680 and 831. The 2nd Battalion would be prepared to occupy Hills 850 and 770 if necessary, to protect the left
of the 1st Battalion, moving to the west to the ground between those two last named hills. D-day and H-hour were designated as
0630A, December 15. We began to formulate our plans for the support of this attack; first things come first, therefore we began by
hoarding our limited supply of ammunition. Only interdictory fires specifically requested by the infantry would be fired, the firing of
smoke would be limited to initial rounds to conserve this precious ammunition, and targets consisting of but a few men of the enemy
would draw fire from only one of our batteries in fire for effect. Dull sunlight permitted good observation; more profitable targets
were brought under fire, including personnel, mortars, and machine guns. Total missions fired this day, six. Number of rounds fired;
Battery “A”, 271; Battery “B”, 49; Battery “C”, 89; Total, 409.

The force whose mission it was to take Hill 470 failed in their attempt; sometime was spent in determining their whereabouts on
December 14th. Later reports indicated that the enemy withstood the shell and mortar fire, their positions on the reverse slope of the
hill were deep and heavily covered. We alerted forward observing parties in anticipation of the action to begin on the morrow. The
171st Field Artillery Battalion sent a liaison officer to us, and through him we registered this battalion. Twenty rounds of especially
prepared pamphlet directed to the 44th German Division was delivered to us; those we fired into areas known to contain units of this
Division. The enemy artillery busied itself firing on our infantry; no fire was received in the vicinity of our Command Post. During
the evening crews were picked to man the Fire Direction Center well before H-hour, and all batteries were warned to man their
pieces a half-hour before this time. Cloudless skies provided our observers with excellent visibility this day. Eight missions were
fired. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 58; Battery “B”, 74; Battery “C”, 177; Total, 309.

December 15, the day of the attack, dawned clear and breezy. The infantry units moved out to the assault on time. We placed smoke
on Hill 1010 at H-hour; this was difficult to maintain because of the wind, resulting in our consuming most of our limited supply of
it. The Battalion Commander went forward to the Battalion OP, arriving there before H-hour, where he could look down upon the
terrain that constituted our main forces main effort. We had another observer on Hill 1025, Mt. Croce, and the 171st Field Artillery
Battalion had two excellent OP’s on the forward slope of a saddle between Mt. Corno and Mt. Croce. The observers on our left had an
excellent view of the Valleys and hill through which the 2nd Battalion, 157th had to traverse to perform its mission of protecting the
1st Battalion 157th. Thus observation proved a boon to the 157th as well as ourselves this day. The observers on the right ,
particularly the Battalion Commander and Lieutenant Bolon on Hill 675, conducted fire on targets of opportunity that remained
hidden from the infantry and our forward observers accompanied them. The observers on the left, including those of the 171st; also
rendered the same service. These missions were broadcast by radio and telephone to the forward observers and liaison officers as
they were fired, this keeping our supported unit informed of the enemy’s strength and intentions. Other observations of importance
to our infantry, such as; the concealment of 20 enemy in a draw behind their lines, the establishment of a machine gun position and
the concealed advance of 200 enemy from Concacasale toward that area in the sector of the 2nd Battalion, were disseminated to our
forward observers and liaison officers. We were unable to fire on some of these profitable targets because of the intermingling of our
troops and the enemy. By dusk our forces had taken Hill 640, and were well up the slope of 850 and Mt. Fialla. Patrol activity was
made known to us, as were the intentions of the 2nd Battalion to continue to the summits of the two hills, the slopes of which they
occupied. A warning came from Division Artillery to avoid interdicting the Casale - Pozzilli road , this, together with the patrolling by
the 157th, made interdictory fire risky; we decided to forego harassing the enemy. The evening was spent arranging new defensive
fires. Twenty-two missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 164; Battery “B”, 329; Battery “C”, 312;
Total, 805.

December 16 was cloudy and slightly hazy; observation was only fair. The tactical situation was as nearly obscured. During the day
our observers saw, reported for the purpose of warning our infantry, and fired on enemy troops on Hills 640 and 470. Our forces
variously reported that they held Hill 470 and that they did not, and they were on and off the summit of Hill 640. In the meantime
our forces on the left were having their troubles, having received a counter attack at 0320 hours and under the cover of a smoke
screen laid down by us and the chemical mortars, Companies “E” and “G” withdrew from Hill 850 and Mt. Fialla and returned to the
vicinity of their original positions on Hill 759. Our observer with Company “G”, Staff Sergeant Laubhan, gave us warning at 0320
that the enemy counter attack was developing; he cautioned us that our infantry might be forced to withdraw, requesting us to be
prepared to conceal the movement with smoke on Hills 850, 831, and 680. We fired in defense of the infantry, and, as to the enemy
succeeded in fighting through our fire, at 0330 hours the observer called for the smoke screen that enabled this harassed unit to
retire from the slopes. Again, at 1050 hours, we received warning of a counter attack, this time directed against Company “E” on Mt.
Fialla. Our Liaison Officer with the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry, Captain Wright, received word of this threat and requested us to
prepare to fortify the fires of the chemical mortars in their efforts to veil the withdrawal of our forces. Our consumption of smoke
shell was strictly controlled by Division Artillery; they gave us permission to use fifteen to twenty rounds for this purpose. It was
ascertained from our Liaison Officer, that the mortars were not producing a sufficient screen and where the smoke was needed most.
We arranged with him the time of laying the screen so that the infantry would be prepared to take full advantage of the meager
allowance and fired it in battery volleys, delegating the delivery to the 171st. It was fired at 1130 hours . Company “E” began arriving
at Hill 759 at 1205 hours. The enemy, as well as ourselves, shelled Hills 640 and 470.We marked Casale at 1000 hours and at 1400
hours with orange smoke to guide aircraft to their bombing targets; the afternoon bombing was apparently directed on Hill 470,
rather than on Casale; to our horror; this settled the point as to who held that place when our infantry gleefully reported that all but
one of the bombs landed on Hill 470, causing the enemy many casualties. Another attempt was made at about 1600 hours to take
Hill 470; again the tanks were to precede the infantry, as the surprise of this maneuver the day before resulted in the surrender of 24
of the enemy. This attack failed and by 2130 hours our forward observer with Company “C” reported t hat we could safely fire
harassing fire on the reverse slope of the hill. We fired eleven missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 185; Battery
“B”, 162; Battery “C”, 406; Total, 753. 15 rounds of propaganda were fired on Hill 850.

The early morning of December 17 was quiet, reports of small arms fire to the right front of the position of our combat teams lines
indicated that the 179th was still in contact with the enemy. Later in the day this unit occupied Hill 720, thus helping us secure our
right flank. A report that indicated the enemy was relinquishing his claim to the area east of Casale was welcomed this forenoon; the
Casale-Acquafondata road was blown out at 999271. Civilians made reports that the enemy’s artillery was emplaced in the vicinity of
ValleRotonda. Patrols of the left-flank units found enemy on Mt. Fialla, but a wounded German left on the lower slopes of that hill
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was heard crying during the night and early morning. The right flank units sent a patrol to Hill 470 and sent a tank up the Casale-
Pozzilli road; the latter to search the sides of Hills 831 and 470, and the houses at the base point that constituted a refuge for enemy
snipers. One of our observers, Lieutenant Kilcollins, on Hill 640 observed the activities of the tank and, spying caves to the right of
the road, advised us to have the commander of the tank to turn its turret to that direction and fire into the enemy hidden therein.
This we did, through our liaison with the 157th; gratifying results were reported. This day was reported that the enemy was entirely
driven from Hill 640. Allied Air forces drew no “AA” fire on the sortie up the Larava Valley. The Commanding General, 45th Division
Artillery, ordered all observers to be on the alert for indications of withdrawal of the enemy and to report them immediately,
especially in the area of 012270. Our infantry sent patrols to Hills 009268 and 003279, the former to stay at that position.
Lieutenant Kilcollins accompanied this patrol. These patrols would help us secure terrain nearer our final objective. A patrol
followed by a platoon of Company “A” occupied Hill 470; this was to be the final occupation of that coveted spot. The force on the
left flank were to send a patrol to Hill 770. The enemy artillery and mortars were busy all this day; their mortar positions become our
principal targets. Thirty-eight rounds of enemy shell fire landed in the Pozzilli area during the day. Six missions were fired during
the day, among them 10 rounds of pamphlets were placed on target following the fire for effect. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”,
68; Battery “B”, 72; Battery “C”, 84; Total, 224.

Patrols returned early December 18; they found enemy on Hill 831, but none on Hill 680. The infantry made known their plans to us
to send forces to take Hill 831; the force to be supported by tanks who were to blast the enemy out of their holes with direct fire.
They would invest Hills 680 and 831. The patrol to Hill 560, accompanied by our observer, reached and occupied the point. The 2nd
Battalion, on the left, were to start out in the mid afternoon to occupy Hills 770, 850, and 831 an hour after the 1st Battalion jumped
off. By midnight we received reports that the advance elements of the 2nd Battalion was well up onto Hill 831; no opposition was
met. Number of missions fired this day, two. Battery “A” fired 38 rounds; Battery “B”, none; Battery “C”, 17; total 55.

Sunday, December 19 was our lucky day though it cannot be described as a day of rest. As early as 0220 hours sanguine reports from
the front lines began to flow into our Command Post. The 2nd Battalion invested Hill 770 shortly after midnight and at 0802 hours
we received the report that they had occupied Hill 850. The leading elements of the 1st Battalion, reported our two forward
observers who were with them, gained the top of Hill 831, at 0315 hours. Four prisoners captured during the early morning stated
their unit, on Mt. Cavallo, had been assigned the mission of fighting a weak delaying action; they stated further that they gave up
because of hunger. Their veracity was proved; one fainted of hunger and exposure, and our forces were within 200 yards of the
summit of Mt. Cavallo at 1405 hours. They attained the highest ground in a short while and prepared, as did the 2nd Battalion, to
patrol to their front during the night. We acquired their plans, and based on them and the ample enemy information reported by our
observers throughout the day, planned our harassing fires for the night. New defensive fires were also arranged. Happy reports came
to us of the successful advance of the units on our right; the 180th Infantry, having passed through the 179th Infantry, had attained
positions on the heights due north of the front lines of our combat team. The weather was clear and aided our observers in their
endeavors to support the advance of our Infantry; they conducted fire on an enemy group of infantry and on an enemy observation
post, the only enemy activity seen. The enemy artillery did not shell our positions this day, nor was the shelling of our infantry more
than half-halfhearted. Two missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, None; Battery “B”, 46;
Battery “C”, 9; Total, 55.

December 20 proved to be a dull day for the artillery; reports of German positions and activities were our only transactions. Patrols
reported contact with the enemy before Viticcuso, a captured map showed pill-boxes along road west of that town, and aerial
photographs revealed machine gun positions east of the town. A former officer of the Italian Army, slipped through the German
lines, gave us detailed report of artillery positions north and northwest of Viticcuso; one of these gun positions was reported by
Sound and Flash as an artillery location. We fired, upon instructions from Division Artillery upon these photo locations at 1515 hours
and again at 1750 hours. Patrol plans were given us along with a request for harassing fires for the night. The enemy shelled Pozzilli
with 15 cm this night, using delay fuses that allowed the shells to penetrate so deeply into the rain soaked earth that they merely
stirred the surface of the ground when they burst, our report of them at the time called them duds. Visibility ranged from fair during
the greater part of the day to poor by 1400 hours when rain commenced falling. We fired seven missions this day. Number of rounds
fired: Battery “A”, 28; Battery “B”, 25; Battery “C”, 138; Total, 191.

December 21 we learned that our infantry’s patrols were unsuccessful in establishing positive contact with the enemy, as were the
patrols of the 180th Infantry, on our right. During the morning the 180th received a counter attack; this was quelled. At about the
same time, 1150 hours our combat team received orders to clear off Hill 990; we fired a 15 minute preparation at their request to
assist them. We ceased this fire at the request of our forward observer who was with the infantry near the spot; the fire was falling
too close to our forces. He adjusted our fire to better advantage. We fired as part of a six battalion shoot on a target selected by
Division Artillery at 1430 hours and at 1700 hours. The patrol plan was received and harassing fires planned for the ensuing night.
The enemy artillery was confined to the shelling of our infantry’s lines, no shell fire falling in our position areas. Six missions were
fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 174; Battery “B”, 206; Battery “C”, 48; Total, 428.

Our first activity December 22 was to fire a requested 15 minute preparation on Hill 990 to enable Company “B” to occupy this piece
of ground, yesterday’s attempt having failed. We followed this fire with interdiction of the knoll behind the objective for the further
protection of our infantry. The venture was doomed; within ten minutes one of our front-line observers requested fire to the left of
the last named point; the forming of a counter attack was suspected. At the same time quiescence was reported in the front of the
180th by that unit. “B” Company had reached the spur of Hill 990 at 1026 hours and were proceeding up the hill when the suspected
counter attack materialized. Our observer who had reported the formation of the attack conducted the fire in the defense of our
troops who retired from the slopes and fell back of our front lines, there to lick their wounds. The loss of our men in this abortive
attack was not entirely without recompense; our forces captured fourteen prisoners. Patrols were arranged for the night, and, based
on this information we arranged our harassing fires. During the day, in spite of driving rains and cloud banks that obscured the
mountain tops, we fired on an enemy bivouac area in addition to the observed fires in support of the infantry action. The 1st
Battalion, 178th Field Artillery fired 30 rounds in one hour thirty five minutes, daytime interdiction on Viticcuso while we fired on a
trail behind Hill 990 at the rate of one round every ten minutes to harass traffic reported passing these points. Four observed
missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 472; Battery “B”, 63; Battery “C”, 40; Total, 575.

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December 23 was confined, as far as we were concerned, to registering the 1st Battalion 178th Field Artillery and the 160th Field
Artillery Battalion on one base point and ourselves on another. A prisoner reported that enemy installations were west of Viticcuso.
Patrols were arranged for the night as were our interdictory fires. Rain and low hanging clouds may account for the inactivity of our
observers. One mission was fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 59; Battery “B”, 38; Battery “C”, 283;
Total, 380.

We began December 24 by firing a Division Artillery Concentration at 0705 hours. Our infantry initiated a new method of patrolling
December 24; daylight patrols. Two were set out this day; one to Hill 1040 and the other to Hill 990. This plan paid dividends; the
location of the defenders of Hill 990 was discovered. Hill 1040 was invested by a platoon upon the strength of a report of the patrol
to the point. We sent an observer with this platoon, who had been stationed on Hill 650, relying on the two OP’s of the 171st Field
Artillery Battalion in the saddle between Mt. Croce and Mt. Corno to observe the exposed left flank of our infantry. Enemy artillery
was active this day all across the front of our infantry; enemy fire drove one of our observers to discontinue adjusting on an enemy
observation post while he sought and found another OP. Christmas Eve the Command Post area received its first shelling in several
days. Our guns firing interdiction during the night, blasted the rumor that Christmas Day would be a day of peace. New normal and
emergency barrages were planned this day. Two missions were fired. Number of rounds fired as follows; Battery “A”, 18; Battery “B”,
267; Battery “C”, 16; Total, 301.

Christmas Day was a quiet one. The infantry relieved their 1st Battalion, bringing the 3rd Battalion into the lines. We fired two
volleys on three concentrations selected by Division Artillery at 1155 hours, befogging the observation of one of our forward
observers who was firing on an enemy OP. Fire was resumed on the OP with good effect. A British escapee told our infantry that
enemy troops still occupied Acquafondata, that they were engaged in blasting operations in the vicinity of Valle Rotonda and
between St. Ella and the hill mass north of there, and they had dammed up the river Cassino to flood the lowlands there. Patrols
reported dead pack mules on a trail at a point where we had repeatedly fired interdictory fires; signs of occupation of Hill 1130 were
also reported. These observations together with reports from the patrols of the units on our right, led us to believe that the enemy
was out posting on the hill masses east of Viticcuso, his defensive line along Mt. Majo – Hill 1146 – Mt. Molino. We fired six
missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 305; Battery “B”, 80; Battery “C”, 105; Total, 490.

We hailed the break of day of December 26 with fire on three Division Artillery concentrations. Our infantry dispatched daytime
patrols to the front, and to the left flank to contact units from there at Mt. Fialla. The latter patrol failed to make contact but did find
the hill unoccupied except for abandoned machine gun nests and two dead Germans. The first patrol saw evidence of the enemy
occupation of Hill 1130, and sign of recent German occupation of Hill 960. Civilians and patrols of the 180th emphasized previous
reports of strong enemy positions on Hill 1335 and Mt. Molino. The enemy infantry did not show any force to our patrols, though
they did to patrols on our right flank. The German artillery fired sporadically on Mt. Cavallo, employing, it appeared by the character
of their fire, observation. Again the 157th resorted to local security patrols for the night. We fired interdiction on four points. Five
rounds of “FRONTPOST” were fired, impact burst, on each of the four concentrations. The firing of impact burst of propaganda shell
was necessary because known enemy installations were beyond and out of reach of fuse-time range. Two missions were fired this
day. Number of rounds fired; Battery “A”, 46; Battery “B”, 34; Battery “C”, 250; Total, 330.

We fired Division Artillery concentrations on three points at 0703 hours, on December 27th. The infantry sent their usual daylight
patrols to Hill 1060 but were apparently unsuccessful; we fired on Hills 1060 and 990 before 1500 hours at the request of the
infantry to enable their patrol to get through to those places after that hour. We learned that the enemy still occupied Hill 1130, but
that Hill 990 was not now occupied. The infantry sent a reinforced platoon to take up positions on that hill at dark. We instructed an
observer to go there the following morning and set up an OP there, if in his judgment, he would improve his observation. Enemy
shell fire was more frequent this day than on the previous several days, but just as sporadic. Increased cloudiness this day was no bar
to the improvement of our record of the day before; we fired five observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired; Battery “A”,
132; Battery “B”, 324; Battery “C”, 134; Total, 590.

We fired another Division Artillery concentration on the morning of December 28th, this time at 0730 hours. The infantry
dispatched patrols to its front and left flank, thus forcing us to employ extreme caution in conducting even observed fires during the
day. At times it had been necessary to withhold a fire mission called for by an observer until we could clear it through our Battalion
Liaison Officer; today was no exception. Our observer made the trip to Hill 990, reported no better observation from that point than
he had on Mt. Cavallo, and returned to his former location. The patrol did report occupied machine gun nests and positions on Hill
1130; we fired unobserved fire on these, the report having come to us after dark. Four rounds of “FRONTPOST” were delivered to
these positions. Visibility ranged from fair to good this day. We fired five missions. During the night we fired harassing fires on three
known positions, including the machine gun nests. Number of rounds fired; Battery “A”, 270; Battery “B”, 69; Battery “C”, 88; Total,
427.

We fired a Division Artillery concentration at 0703 hours December 29. The usual daytime patrols were sent out by our infantry.
These later returned with reports that the enemy still occupied Hill 1060 and that the dugout on Hill 1130 were bloodstained; the
latter was cheering evidence that our fires there had not been in vain. The only enemy activity was the frequent shelling of our front
lines; and the location of probable enemy observation posts, that may have been there had not been in vain. The only enemy activity
was the frequent shelling that may have been the source of our trouble. A high overcast did not hamper the vision of our observers;
fire was placed on these points. We registered two batteries on a check point in the sector of the 180th Infantry whom, it was
rumored, we were to be prepared to support in an attack on the morrow. We gladly received the information that all restrictions on
ammunition had been lifted. News of the infantry’s patrolling activities for the night was received where upon we planned our
interdictory fires; five locations were chosen upon which we would fire, 200 rounds of “HE” and 20 rounds of “FRONTPOST”. Later,
upon a request from one of our observers, we discontinued fire on one of the points; fire was falling dangerously close to our lines.
We received the Division Artillery annex to the Division Field Order No. 16; the 180th was to take the high ground Mt. Rotonda and
Mt. Raimo Hill 960, attack to start at 300630A December 1943; the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, less Battery “A”, would be in
direct support, reinforced by the 160th and 189th Field Artillery Battalions; the 158th and 1st Battalion 178th Field Artillery
Battalion to remain in direct support and reinforcing of the 157th Infantry, on our left; we were to have Company “C”, 645th TD
Battalion, less one platoon to the 160th, in reinforcement. Elaborate fires in support of the 180th were assigned us. Plans were made
[31]
and the batteries alerted for the big day. The 157th were to send a platoon to each two Hills 1130 and 1060 at H Hour as a diverting
force; if these hills were not occupied by the enemy our forces were to hold them. Five missions were fired this day. Number of
rounds fired: Battery “A”, 140; Battery “B”, 155, Battery “C”, 351; Total 646.

December 30 was a clear brilliant day; visibility was excellent. We began the attack with the preparation planned the preceding day.
Patrols of our infantry started out on the appointed hour; one of them got lost and reports that it had reached its objective, Hill 1130,
proved later to be erroneous. The other patrol met no resistance and gained Hill 1060. The 180th met slight resistance to begin with;
our efforts, it seemed, would come to a successful end. The enemy placed mortar fire and desultory fire on our forces, small arms
and machine gun fire on the 180th. Enemy artillery fired blistering interdiction on the Pozzilli-Casale road. About mid afternoon the
180th reported they were suffering mortar and artillery fire on their lines; along with this report went the information that they were
on Mt. Rotonda, Mt. Raimo, and well up on the slopes of Mt. Molino and Hill 960N. The enemy made a show of strength with a
counter attack at about 1000 hours; this was reported repulsed by Division Artillery fire laid down on our previously prepared
points. During the afternoon our forces withdrew from their near summit positions on Hill 960 and Mt. Molino but held their own
on Mt. Rotonda and Mt. Raimo. We were requested to place fire on the Hill 960 and Mt. Molino from 1810 hours to 2200 hours,
which we did. Security patrols were local this night; this came with the report that our infantry would retain their hold on Hill 1060.
During the evening plans for harassing fires were made and cleared by the infantry. We fired one observed mission this day, in
addition to these called for by the 171st. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 344; Battery “B”, 496; Battery “C”, 105; 945.

December 31 found us firing the scheduled fires for the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, the same as the previous morning. The local
patrols of the infantry in front of us during the night saw and heard nothing, patrols of the day were sent to Viticcuso and the
Viticcuso-Acquafondata road, and contact the unit on our left flank. These patrols left early in the morning, the “I” and “R” patrol to
Viticcuso returned with the report that the town was empty but that there were troops about 1000 yards north of the town along the
road. The 180th clung to their positions atop Mts. Rotonda and Raimo but gave up their tenuous hold of Molino and Hill 960N. The
enemy shelled our front lines heavily this day and also placed a few well directed rounds into the infantry’s rear areas, in the vicinity
of Hill 470, knocking out and anti-aircraft gun atop that hill. We fired on Hill 960 during the entire day, firing at the rate of 30
second intervals until 1530 hours when the rate was decreased to 2 batteries 2 volleys every hour. The infantry scheduled local
security patrols and one ambush patrol to our left flank. Defensive fires remained the same except that, upon a request of one of the
Infantry battalion commanders, we established four previously fired concentrations as additional defensive fires. Harassing forces
were placed on four points for the night. The day was one of ceaseless rain, beginning at 0930 hours. Visibility in the hills where our
observers were located, snow fell instead of rain. Visibility was poor all day. Two observed missions were fired this day. Number of
rounds fired: Battery “A”, 851; Battery “B”, 503; Battery “C”, 632; Total 1986.

In the static warfare now in progress the constant and well defined positions of our front lines called to mind as never before, in the
days of continuously changing lines and rapidly shifting gun positions, what we had always suspected. The fire of our battalion, of
even a single battery, could not safety be placed close to our front lines. Scrupulous vigilance on the part of our battery executive
officers dispelled a growing suspicion that the high incidence of seemingly erratic rounds were due to errors by the gun crews. The
enormity of the dispersion at mid-ranges and the disparity between pieces brought about a decision to calibrate the individual pieces
of the battalion. Care was taken to select one powder lot for the tedious process; the single gun position used and the three impact
areas chosen were located by photo restitution, being selected so as to employ charges No. 2, 4, and 6. The process was begun in
November and the report completed in December. Copies are attached. Guns were reassigned to batteries on the basis of the
calibration in order that nearly alike guns would be together.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/100,000 Sheets Number 161: ISERNIA

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
CAPT SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT CLEVERDON, CHARLES W. O-299308 Battalion S-2
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
CAPT BREEDING, DAVID N. O-358863 Commo Off & Battery Commander
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Liaison Officer #4
2nd LT BLOCK, PAUL L. O-1180820 AT & AA Platoon Leader
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Battery "A"
1st LT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battery Commander
1st LT CARMICHAEL, THOMAS N. O-440407 Naval Gunfire Spotter
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Executive Officer
2nd LT BOLON, ROBERT L. O-1171906 Forward Observer
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2nd LT GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
2nd LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
Battery "B"
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Executive Officer
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Naval Gunfire Spotter
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Assistant Executive
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT BALLINGER, ROLAND J. O-1177275 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
1st LT STRAUSS, ROBERT W. O-389216 Forward Observer
2nd LT MILLER, ELDON A. O-2055867 Assistant Executive
2nd LT ROBINSON, GEORGE T. O-1178952 Naval Gunfire Spotter
Service Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 BN S-4 & Battery Commander
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
2nd LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Battery Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

MAJ FORD, HENRY T. O-337606 Absent sick since 20 December 1943

Evacuated to North Africa. Return to Duty
Indefinite. Battalion S-3.
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Absent sick since 18 December 1943
17th General Hospital
Not expected to return to duty.
Reconnaissance Officer, Battery “C”.

CASUALTY LIST
15 Dec 1st LT, Roland W. Ballinger, O-1177275 LW HQ Battery
15 Dec Tech 4, Kenneth C. Laye, 20830716 LW HQ Battery
17 Dec Tech 4, Jodie (NMI) Headley, 20830741 LW “B” Battery
17 Dec Pfc, Darrell (NMI) Huff, 20830715 LW “B” Battery
17 Dec S/Sgt, Leo A. Dart, 20830591 LW “B” Battery
18 Dec Pvt, David P. Osterlund, 30546687 LW HQ Battery
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)

CALIBRATION DATA

Gun No. Date Chg Adj. Q Adj. El. Adj. Rn. Metro Shot K "No. rds No. rds.
El. (less site) in Rn. Fired as based on
of Nov 28 erosion
effect
1000 12-243 2 679.2 573.6 4144 +88 4232 +30 4993 1265.329
4 496 438.5 5165 +83 5248 +50
6 404.3 326.3 6727 +150 6877 +83
2192 11-23-43 2 643.8 588.2 4169 +33 4202 +22 3319 1157.08
11-29-43 4 483.4 429.5 5070 +20 5090 +18
6 441 363 7250 +26 7276 +146
2025 12-5-43 2 685.5 579.9 4149 +49 4198 +21 5059 1272.849
4 483 425.5 5058 +62 5120 +24
6 387.7 309.7 6476 +114 6590 +38
931 12-1-43 2 662.8 557.2 4092 +17 4109 0 4407
4 487.6 430.1 5122 +13 5135 +27
6 407 329 6767 +11 6778 +68
7981 11-28-43 2 665.3 559.7 4100 +40 4140 +7 310 18.357
4 475.1 417.6 5005 +26 5031 +6
6 387 309 6465 +7 6472 +19
7079 12-2-43 2 633.5 527.9 3982 +96 4078 -8 1534 94.775
4 474 416.5 5000 +128 5128 +26
6 395 317 6599 +247 6846 +78
8035 12-5-43 2 646.5 540.9 4030 +21 4051 -14 1002 63.446
4 467 409.5 4939 +18 5047 +9
6 379.7 301.7 6351 -35 6316 -5
6627 11-22-43 2 643.5 537.9 4018 +26 4044 -16 1041 268.738
4 467.9 410.4 4924 +18 4942 -12
6 427.0 349 7055 +17 7072 +114
10278 11-23-43 2 594.3 488.7 3810 +33 3843 -65 2753 898.949
4 474.3 416.6 5000 +22 5022 +4
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 6 388 310 6481 +12 6493 +23
5376 12-7-43 2 572.2 466.6 3708 0 3708 -98 8
4 456 398.5 4849 -3 4846 -31
8 383 305 6400 -105 6505 +24
8124 12-7-43 2 616.7 511.1 3912 +11 3923 -45 6
4 446 388.5 4765 +7 4772 -44
6 373.7 294.7 6242 -100 6142 -33
4737 12-7-43 2 557.5 451.9 3665 10 3655 -110 9
4 428 370.5 4609 -13 4596 -81
6 381 303 6372 -105 6207 -13
(1) All guns were calibrated with Powder Lot # 73-X, from the same position.
(2) No survey was used. Gun position and the three calibration points were picked by inspections from the photo and restituted to
the map.
(3) Sixteen guns were calibrated, four being replaced during calibration.
(4) Data on check points and positions as used: Coord. Elev. * Si. En.
Gun Pos 050228 210 4110
Ch. 2 Chk Pt. 2402545 450 105.6
Ch. 4 01202530415 57.5 5000
Ch. 6 002260 610 78 6350
(5) Comparison of this powder lot with other lots fired is as follows:
Gun #8052 ch. 4 Lot 73X shot in range 5113 Lot 479-322 5181
Gun #7149 ch. 6 " " 6709 Lot 1-22331-100 6609.
Gun #7079 ch. 2 " " 4078 Lot 6959-267 3971.
* Elevation is in Meters.

JANUARY 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

New Year’s Day was quiet; the shelling just at midnight was the enemy’s only artillery action in the rear areas. The day was
miserable; a blustery wind of 25 miles an hour drove snow into the eyes of the observers up in the hills, the valleys were rain swept.
The poor visibility probably accounts for much of the inactivity on our part. We fired 15 rounds of propaganda leaflets, a special New
Year’s edition, on locations known to contain enemy troops. Harassing fires were placed on known enemy locations. Patrol plans
were given us and we planned harassing fires for the night; 200 rounds were fired. No observed missions were fired this day. Battery
“A” fired 71 rounds; Battery “B”, 270; Battery “C”, 223; Total, 564.

Our principal activity on January 2 was the relief of observers who had spent New Year’s Day on the mountain tops. The weather was
cold, but clear; good visibility resulted in the firing of two observed missions: one on enemy personnel; the other on a pack mule
train that proved to be an excellent target for several shoots on succeeding days. Patrols made contact with scattered enemy but
again turned in the report that Viticcuso was unoccupied. We fired on Division Artillery concentrations on enemy mortar position
and also on an enemy mortar position in the sector of the 180th Infantry, at the request of the 171st. Interdictions for the night were
on four points, 50 rounds on one point for the 171st. Number of rounds fired this day; Battery “A”, 323; Battery “B”, 20; Battery “C”,
52; Total 395. The Battalion Commander left for Sorrento to enjoy a seven day rest there. Major Huber assumed command of the
Battalion.

January 3 began rather hazy; this the sun dispelled about 1000 and after that visibility was good. The good visibility worked to our
disadvantage as well as our advantage; enemy artillery fire fell on our front lines the entire day. Two rounds fell near the Command
Post; no damage resulted. Our infantry sent daylight patrols to Hills 1130 and 1060; prisoners were taken in the vicinity of Hill 1020
who told of the German positions on Hill 1130, and also of their relief of the preceding unit. Our observers reported seeing the enemy
relieving units on our front, replacing the troops in position with personnel clad in white clothing. Our observers fired on these
troops, inflicting many casualties. The pack trail proved an expensive installation for the Germans this day. Their pack trains and
relieving troops were caught here and tortured by our blistering fire; mules and men could be seen struck and it was discovered that
we struck a pile of ammunition. Eighteen observed missions were fired this day: the best shooting we had had in some time. We fired
harassing fired during the night on four points of Division Artillery’s choice and three of our own for a total of 425 rounds. Number
of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 299; Battery “B”, 494; Battery “C”, 390; Total 1183. The party of French Artillery officers came
this day to arrange the details of their relief of our unit. They were given the situation and taken for a tour of our gun positions. This
day, also there arrived three officers and a party of enlisted men from the 913th Field Artillery Battalion of the American 88th
Infantry Division; they were to observe the operations of the Battalion.

January 4th was cold and cloudy. The Battalion Commander took the French officers and the American observers to the infantry’s
Command Post and the OP’s. The infantry arranged patrols for the day; these patrols received heavy fire from the vicinity of Mt.
Arcalone and Hill 1147; the patrol to Viticcuso received enemy shellfire when they got to the town. Later in the morning the 1st
Special Service Forces, on our left, moved forward; our observers and the OP’s of the infantry reported seeing their patrols on Hill
1027, taking prisoners to the rear. Enemy artillery fire on our lines was heavy. We got the report from the 180th that prisoners of war
confirmed our observer’s report of the hits on the ammunition and personnel on the trail beyond Mt. Molino. We fired on orders of
Division Artillery on installations shown on aerial photographs. During the afternoon our forces contacted the Special Service Forces
on Hill 1027; our left flank was now closed. We prepared to abandon our OP on Hill 850. Our observers fired fourteen missions this
day. We fired interdiction on two points of our own choice the ensuing night, gave the 1st Battalion 178th Field Artillery Battalion
one point to interdict; the mule pack trail; and suggested one point for the 171st Field Artillery Battalion; we fired on two locations
given us by Division Artillery and marked Hill 1145 with smoke every half-hour for an Infantry patrol. Number of rounds fired this
day: Battery “A”, 409; Battery “B”, 651; Battery “C”, 204; Total 1264.

Our first activity on January 5th was to dispatch 2 officers and 22 enlisted men to the rest camp in Naples. We fired a Division
Artillery concentration at a place believed to contain enemy troops. We received a report of our infantry’s patrols through our
[34]
Liaison Officer with the regiment that indicated the Germans were leaving these particular hills to us; stocks of teller mines and
barbed wire were found in Viticcuso, and in the vicinity of the town unoccupied emplacements were found. No tracks were seen in
the snow covering the area. The unit on our left, the Special Service Forces, were scheduled to advance this day to take the hill mass
1021. Contact patrols were sent to this flank, reporting the intervening ground clear of enemy and the accomplishment by the force
of its mission. The day was cloudy, visibility was poor; only two rounds of enemy shell fire was reported. Only five observed missions
were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 108; Battery “B”, 291; Battery “C”, 301; Total 700.

January 6th began quietly; the enemy fired four rounds of artillery on our infantry at 0630A. Our forces and the Special Service
Forces spent the day patrolling to the front: Viticcuso was again found void of enemy, more material being discovered there; Mt.
Majo was discovered to contain enemy mortars and observation posts; and to our right the ground from Mt. Rotondo to El Casino
was reported clear of enemy. It was learned that the Special Service Forces would jump off at 2000 hours to take Mt. Majo and Hill
1005. No patrols were planned for the night. We fired interdictory fire on two points selected by Division Artillery. Lack of enemy
and poor visibility (repeated snow flurries occurred throughout the day) conspired to allow us but one observed mission this day.
Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 269; Battery “B”, 143; Battery “C”, 144; Total, 556.

January 7th was to prove more eventful than the previous several days. The 157th Infantry sent a strong patrol to Hill 1130. This
patrol would hold the hill for the relieving French forces; we sent our Forward observer with half of his party to accompany them.
The remainder of his party would relieve him at the end of twelve hours at the same time that the infantry patrol would obtain relief.
The 157th also sent a force against Hill 1239 to divert the enemy’s attention while the Special Service Force continued their advance
up Hill 1005 and Mt. Majo. The latter reached their objective but not without receiving small arms, mortar, and artillery fire; some
of the small arms fire came from the vicinity of Viticcuso, previously reported unoccupied by the enemy. Enemy artillery was active
on our positions, too, this day; eighteen rounds of enemy artillery fell in our area, wounding one of the newly arrived Frenchmen
who was at the Command Post. This day we registered the French artillery whom had come into position to relieve us. A further
omen of prospective relief was the dispatching of a quartering party to the town of Amorosi, Italy, there to lay out our bivouac area.
In spite of good visibility and heightened enemy activity we fired no observed missions on this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery
“A”, 80; Battery “B”, 144; Battery “C”, 199; Total, 423.

January 8th brought us misfortune; the enemy began the day by firing nine rounds of artillery into the Pozzilli area, killing one of
“B” Battery’s men and wounding two others. It was thought for awhile that the 157th would send one company to Mt. Majo to help
the Special Service Forces; arrangements were made to send an observer with them. Late in the afternoon this plan was dropped.
Plans were made to recall our observers and Liaison Officers when the French relieved our infantry. Plans were made, in conjunction
with the French, to fire our remaining rounds as harassing missions upon our relief, having previously transferred to them all of our
ammunition except twenty rounds per piece. The shoot was arranged and completed at 2130 hours. This day our supply of maps and
aerial photos of the area were given the French. Orders were issued for the motor march to Amorosi that was to take place the
following day. The enemy saluted our last day in the lines with fifteen rounds at midnight. We fired no observed missions this day. It
was arranged that the S-3, Captain Scheefers, would remain with the French to assist them in the setting up of their firing chart and
their survey and registrations. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 60; Battery “B”, 260; Battery “C”, 60; Total, 380. KIA:
Private First Class PHILIP A. KELLEY, 32371908.

January 9th, the great day, was here. The battalion commenced the move at 0830 hours. The trip, over mountain roads in various
states of repair was uneventful. We closed into our area at 1220A and began the task of making ourselves as comfortable as possible;
a privilege that we believed 121 days in combat had earned us. The villager’s opened their doors to us and gave the officers of the
Staff and Headquarters Battery rooms in their dwellings; other battery officers, their batteries located outside of the town, fared not
so well in that they sheltered themselves with pyramidal tents. Thus began what was rumored to be a three weeks rest. January 10,
11, and 12 were permitted us to clean our arms and equipment and take inventory.

Thursday, January 13 we began our training; our aim was to acquaint three men with the duties of every position. Division Artillery
conducted a calibration shoot for the three light battalions. Training schedules for the period are attached. Our Assistant S-3,
Captain Miller, did duty with the 3rd Infantry Division as an umpire during their amphibious exercises near Naples. The Battalion
Executive won a well earned rest in the rest camp at Sorrento, the Battalion Commander having returned to duty from the camp the
day after we arrived in the Amorosi area. Captain Miller returned to duty with us, having suffered a swim in the chill waters of the
Bay of Naples when the amphibious 2 1/2 ton on which he was a passenger capsized. He was rescued and brought to an LST on
which he stayed while his driver, together with other drivers and their umpire passengers, returned to the Division. He was finally
landed and, after discovering that there would be a delay in obtaining transportation resorted to the American custom of hitch-
hiking back to his unit, where he arrived January 20th. KIA: Private First Class JOHN H. PRIEST, 34303066.

January 21 began as another day in rest area but this soon changed; we received alert orders at 1215A. The Battalion Commander
and Staff Conference was held at 1300A. Captain Breeding, Transport Quartermaster (TQM), was ordered to Caserta to report to the
Division Transport Quartermaster to arrange the loading of the Battalion. He was ordered to return to his unit upon arrival there,
being told that loading would be handled by Battalion Combat Team. The Assistant S-3 was ordered to report to the 157th Infantry to
aid them in determining the requirements of this Battalion. The Battalion Commander and S-3 were to attend the conference at
Division Artillery Headquarters at 1400A. There they learned that the 45th Division, less the 179th and 180th Combat teams, would
load for an amphibious landing; that we would load by regimental combat team; that we would take all of our transport, carrying our
basic load of ammunition to the port; and that we would be prepared to move to the Casa Puzzano area by noon, January 22. We
arranged to leave our store-able baggage near Amorosi, turned in tent-age, and put together our disassembled trucks, working most
of the night. Each firing battery was ordered to take one 284 radio, the air section would carry one 284 radio, and the Headquarters
Battery was ordered to carry two 284ĻV7KLVSURYLVLRQZDVPDGHLQWKHHYHQWWKDWZHZRXOGEHJLYHQ1DYDO*XQILUH6XSSRUW7he
ground crew of the air section prepared to accompany the motor column, the pilots flying the planes to the Naples area.
We busied ourselves January 23, 1944 making loading lists in anticipation of loading on LST’s and LCI’s. The quartering party was
alerted to be ready to move by 0645A, January 24.

The Command Post was closed 241620A January, 1944; batteries moving to Casa Puzzano in the order “A”, “B”, “C”, Headquarters,
[35]
and Service Batteries. We marched, without halt, to our bivouac area, a bare, flat, sand plain that is devoted to the raising of grain.
We took pains to damage as little as possible of the newly sown grain. The new command post was established at 1835A the same
day.

January 25 found us receptive to rumors that we would remain in this damp and unprotected spot no more than 48 hours. The
Battalion Commander and Staff made plans to keep the troops occupied in the event that our stay here was longer, however; a route
for a foot march was selected for the afternoon hike, and an exhaustive search of the terrain was conducted to find an area in which
to fire our recently issued M-6 rocket launcher. The liaison officers and forward observers who were to accompany the infantry
reported to their respective Infantry units upon the return from the march. Word came that we would move to the embarkation
points the next day. We made arrangements to assemble our vehicles at the various assembly points for serialization by 0700A the
next day. An early breakfast was ordered; the battalion bedded down for a short night.

Headquarters, “A”, “C”, and part of Service Batteries moved out of their positions about 0645A, January 26, for their respective
assembly areas, leaving Battery “B” and the remainder of Service Battery to be serialized at the positions occupied in the bivouac
area. By 1500A the batteries, within the Combat Team columns, had cleared the assembly areas and were on the march for the
Nisida, Italy embarkation areas. All elements of the Battalion had cleared into the Nisida area by 1800A, where we settled down for
another night on land.

January 27 was spent chiefly in waiting; word was received to load the first group of Battery “A” in the afternoon and this group left
for the dock at 1745A. This group finished loading at 2000A, staying at the dock for the night. Loading tables are attached.
January 28 the remainder of the battalion, with their respective combat team members, loaded and set sail. The trip to Anzio, our
destination, was uneventful. Everyone took advantage of the hot showers aboard the LST’s, taking a hot bath and a change of
clothing.

The entire combat team, except one LST bearing part of Battery “C”, arrived at Anzio, Italy, January 29th. Battery “A’s” first group
docked at 0700A, unloaded and arrived at the battalion assembly area at 0900A; the second group of Battery “A” docked at 0300A,
unloaded by 0500A, and traveled to the assembly area with the first group. Battery “B” traveling in one group, docked at 0940A,
unloaded by 1030A, and reached the assembly area by 1120A. The ship carrying the 1st group of Battery “C” arrived at the dock at
0900; the battery reached the assembly area by 1200A. Headquarters Battery was unloaded at 1000A and was in the assembly area
by 1200A. The second group of Battery “C” failed to arrive this day. The forward observers arrived during the day with the foot
troops to which they were assigned and were called in to their batteries. The Battalion Commander, as soon as he ascertained that
the battalion was on land and gathered together, reported to Headquarters VI Corps, Headquarters of the Division Artillery and the
Division not having been established at this time. He returned at 1400A with the general situation and our mission. We were to
directly support the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment (British) and the 509th Parachute Battalion. These units were between the U.S.
3rd Division and the British 1st Division; these two units to hold while the 1st and 3rd Divisions attack.

The liaison officers and forward observers were selected to accompany these two units and the former dispatched. Captain Wright,
normally Liaison Officer to the 157th Infantry, was retained in that role even though the regiment was to serve as Corps reserve; thus
communications would be maintained against the hour when they would be committed, and we would return to their support. The
Battalion Executive and the five Battery Commanders left to select positions from which to support the two front line units. The
Battalion Commander and S-2 left to visit the 157th, 509th and VI Corps Command Posts in order to learn more of the disposition of
our forces. The Battalion Commander at once received a radio message to report to VI Corps; there he received information that the
1st Reconnaissance Regiment (British) would push forward with the 1st British Division while the 509th Parachute Battalion would
hold in their present positions. We were required to be able to fire this same evening from our new positions. This information was
received about 1530A. The Battalion Commander rushed back to the Command Post, ordered one piece of each battery readied to go
forward on call from the Battalion Executive to be registered by an observer of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, who were still in
position in the sector of the 509th, and left to visit the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment and the 509th Parachute Battalion. The
observers previously ordered to the command post reported where they were briefed by the S-2. We received instructions at 1830A
from the G-3, Division, to select positions for the 189th Field Artillery Battalion and Headquarters 45th Division Artillery. We did
not, at this hour, even have positions for ourselves; it was decided to bring these units into our assembly area inasmuch as we would
have vacated it by the time they were expected, 2200A. The Battalion Commander returned to say that positions very difficult to
occupy had been selected and that we could not register this night. The Executive returned to take guides forward to the new
positions and to cover the route to them. Lieutenant Lindsey was dispatched with guides to meet the 189th at the dock at Anzio and
guide those units to our area. The battalion began the march to the new positions at 2115A, in the order “A”, “B”, “C”, Headquarters,
and Service. Aircraft were heard overhead at about that time and shortly afterward flares were dropped over the harbor. Battery “A”
had got onto the exit road and was closely followed by Headquarters Battery; Battery’s “A” and “B” were to enter the exit road from
their assembly area at a point beyond Battery “A’s” entry; they were awaiting the passage of Battery “A”, still in their areas. The
column halted as the light from the flares bathed the area and vehicles in a faint glow; the cry went up to abandon vehicles and
disperse. The men began to do this, when a bomb struck the area near the exit road, falling among the parked and loaded vehicles of
Battery “B”. Three more bombs fell in rapid succession; two of them were observed to burst at some distance from the battalion;
another was a dud. Aid men and medical officers came from the 120th Medical Battalion and 157th Infantry in answer to our radio
appeals for help; a proper dividend for having left our Liaison Officer with Regimental Headquarters; he relayed the radio message
to the Medical Detachments and battalion. These aided our Battalion Surgeon in caring for the wounded and transporting them to
the clearing station. The air raid started at 2105A and was over at 2235A: the enemy planes left the harbor area and the flares burned
out, leaving us the protection of darkness. The S-3, Captain Scheefers, led the column to the new position. Debris blocked an exit for
Battery “C”, the remains of Battery “B” were engaged in collecting themselves and accounting for the dead and injured, and
quenching fires caused by the bomb; eight enlisted men were killed, 27 enlisted men and one officer were wounded of Battery “B”, of
men and officers of other batteries who were in the vicinity at the time one enlisted man was killed and two enlisted men and two
officers wounded. Six trucks were disabled, including three prime movers; other equipment including aiming circles, radios, and
telephones were destroyed. None of the howitzers was injured. The remaining transport carried the uninjured to the new bivouac
area of Service Battery where they rested. The Battalion Commander, having returned to the scene of the bombing at 2345A, ordered
the movement of this unit to Service Battery, the placing of guards about the area, the commencement of salvage work at daybreak, a
[36]
further search for casualties and stragglers in the morning, and the displacement of the guns to the new positions. No missions fired.
It is questioned whether the German pilot or pilots saw our vehicles in the light of the flares or whether he simply jettisoned his
bombs conveniently far from the barrage of flak over the harbor, or whether, in the confusion of battle, he took our vehicles for water
craft. No other bombs fell near our area. KIA: Technician Fourth Grade ALBERT M. SCHOELEN, 38017382; Technician Fifth Grade
RUDY W. BOHN, 19074386; Technician Fifth Grade CURTIS H. DAVIS, 20830734; Private First Class ERNEST C. CAIN,
20830730; Private First Class DONALD K. HARVEY, 35168648; Private First Class LUCION J. HICKS, 20830863; Private First
Class PAUL N. DAVIS, 20830735; Private First Class AIME W. VEZINA, 31116662; and Private HARTWELL E. WOLGRAM.

All of the known wounded were cared for and evacuated by 0400 hours, Jan 30, 1944. Service Battery furnished Battery “B” trucks
to move their stalled guns and by 0800 hours this battery was in position, ready to fire. Men from other batteries were placed on
Special Duty with this unit to function in places formerly occupied by the wounded and killed. Our observers were in position with
the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment and the 509th Parachute Battalion by daylight. The exact positions of the elements these units
were obtained and the progress of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment ascertained. The terrain occupied by the battalion was flat,
covered with scattered groves of trees, planted in neat rows. These furnished excellent concealment from the air and the regulation
of traffic into the positions enabled us to a void observation; thus we escaped shellfire and bombing the two days we were there. All
the while the enemy shelled a wooded area to our left, front, and interdicted the surrounding roads. Personnel and guns were dug-in
in anticipation of a shelling we were sure the woods would attract. The 509th were to attack to gain a limited objective; we were
warned by our liaison and prepared to support them. This was to take place at 1500A. About the same time we received word that we
should prepare to support the 36th Combat Engineers who were manning defensive positions along the Moletta River from our
present positions. The S-3 made attempts to secure a base point registration in the engineers sector but failed; the minimum range
line prohibited this. The 1st Reconnaissance Regiment was halted in its advance by mine fields and sniping at 989354. This allowed
us to remain in our present location and support the three units. We sent a liaison officer to the 36th Engineers, also a Naval Shore
Fire Control party to work with a United States Destroyer that was to furnish Naval fire support. The 41st Field Artillery (British)
were to remain in place and leave their observers out to furnish artillery support until we could replace them. We were to move to
the coastal sector on the morrow at which time the 157th Infantry were to take over the lines of the 36th Engineers. The Battalion
Commander and the Executive made a reconnaissance for positions in the new area. During the day the remainder of Battery “C”
debarked and joined the Battery in its position. We received word at 2215A that we were relieved of our role of direct support of the
1st Reconnaissance Regiment and the 509th Parachute Battalion. We went ahead with our plans for the interdiction of points in
front of those two units during the night and calculated normal barrages for their defense. During this day we fired ten observed
missions. Number of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 105; Battery “B”, 7; Battery “C”, 173; Total, 285. KIA: Private First Class
CHARLES W. DAFFARA.

January 31st found us still supporting the 1st Reconnaissance and the 509th Parachute Battalion. Our observers were busy firing
missions and giving us reports on the activities of our own forces and he Germans. The enemy had hastily set up focus of resistance
around buildings that dotted the plain in front of us. They sniped at our forces from these vantage points and took refuge behind
their solid masonry walls when we shelled their mortar and machine-gun positions. It seemed as though each of these miniature
fortresses that stood bar to our progress would have to be stormed and reduced if we were to advance. Some of these targets were
out of range of our guns; they were passed on to VI Corps Artillery and fired by 155-mm rifles, our observers conducting the fire. We
were undecided as to whether to move to a more advanced position. The discussion of the problems involved by the Commander and
the Staff was under way: if we moved forward to better support the British and Paratroopers there was the possibility that we would
not be able to shift to the positions necessary to support the 36th Engineers or the 157th, who were rumored to be displacing them;
nor would we be in as good a position to lay down defensive fires if called upon to fire them. The Division Artillery Executive visited
the Command Post at this time and settled the discussion by telling us to prepare to defend the original beachhead from our present
positions, supporting the British and Paratroopers until they were out of range, and to establish static observation posts. We were
prepared for this, having dug in the first day in this area. We received regular reports from our liaison officer with the 36th,
indicating that they were receiving adequate support from the artillery in their sector and from our Naval Spotter, Lieutenant
Kilcollins. The 509th was moved to the right, their place being taken by the Loyals Battalion (British). Captain Hayes, the Liaison
Officer, and one observer were to accompany the 509th. We later were told to remain in support of the Loyals, leaving the support of
the former unit to other artillery; we ordered Captain Hayes and his observer to return to their former position and establish contact
with the Loyals. We received word from our Liaison Officer to the 157th Infantry that they would replace the 36th Engineers on the
morrow to defend the Beachhead, that we would move into positions 5000 yards in rear of the Beachhead line, the 141st Field
Artillery Battalion would reinforce our fires and would take over the direct support of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment and the
Loyals when we moved. We shortly received orders from Division Artillery that the 189th Field Artillery Battalion would directly
support the 157th from positions in the vicinity of F8125 until we took up new positions in the same general locality, that this unit
would then reinforce our fires, and that we would send a liaison officer and observers to the 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry, who were
to assume defensive positions on the left flank of the 3rd Division, and to remain in support of that unit until replaced by the 171st
Field Artillery Battalion the following day. We established normal barrages and selected emergency concentrations as requested by
the Commanding Officer of the Reconnaissance Regiment. The Assistant S-3 was selected to serve as the liaison officer to the 180th
Infantry’s battalion; we already had four liaison officers to the various units. The Battalion Commander ordered the Liaison Officer
to the 36th Engineers to report to the 189th in the same capacity upon the relief of the engineers; our Liaison Officer to the 157th,
Captain Wright, would still be with them and the 189th, as direct support artillery, would supply the observers. Arrangements were
made to brief the observers to the 180th on the following morning. We fired ten observed missions this day. The following number of
rounds were fired: Battery “A”, 241; Battery “B”, 284; Battery “C”, 200; Total 725. Thus ended the month.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: 161 III-VENAFRE; 161 IV-CASTEL ST. VINCENZO; 173 IV-CERRE TE SANNITA; 158 I-CORI;
158 II-FOGLIANO; 158 III-NETTUNE; 158 IV-ARDEA.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

[37]
Lt Col FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
Major HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
Capt SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
Capt CLEVERDON, CHARLES W. O-299308 Battalion S-2
Capt MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
Capt BREEDING, DAVID N. O-358862 Bn. Commo & BC Hq. Btry
Capt WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
Capt HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450032 Liaison Officer #2
Capt HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #3
1st Lt FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st Lt VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Liaison Officer #4
1st Lt ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Asst Commo
1st Lt LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
1st Lt MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Unassigned
2nd Lt BLOCK, PAUL L. O-1180820 CO AT & AA Platoon
2nd Lt COLLER, CHARLES L. O-1179819 Liaison Pilot
2nd Lt COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd Lt KESSMEIER, CHARLES J. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
"A" Battery
1st Lt EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battery Commander
1st Lt COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Executive Officer
1st Lt CARMICHAEL, THOMAS W. O-440407 Naval Gunfire Spotter
2nd Lt GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
2nd Lt ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd Lt BOLON, ROBERT S. O-1171906 Forward Observer
"B" Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander
1st Lt KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Executive Officer
1st Lt HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Assistant Executive
1st Lt DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Naval Gunfire Spotter
2nd Lt DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd Lt MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Forward Observer
"C" Battery
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st Lt KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
1st Lt BALLINGER, ROLAND W. O-1177273 Reconnaissance Officer
1st Lt STRAUSS, ROBERT W. O-389216 Forward Observer
2nd Lt MILLER, ELDON A. O-255867 Assistant Executive
2nd Lt ROBINSON, GEORGE T. O-1178952 Naval Gunfire Spotter
SVC Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 Battery Commander
1st Lt KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1165884 Battalion Motor Officer
2nd Lt BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 Cmdr Bn Ammo Train
2nd Lt KEELY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Battery Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Asst Bn S-4
Medical Detachment
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Bn Surgeon/Cmdr Med Det

TRAINING MEMORANDUM

The following is an official excerpt from Training Memorandum No.#2 dated January 1944 for 17 thru 22 January
1944 by command of Lieutenant Colonel Russel Funk:
1. GENERAL:
a. Inspection:
(1) A daily inspection of all men and equipment will be made by the Battery Commander and his officers.
(2) The Battalion Commander will inspect the batteries according to the following schedule:
Btry Date Place Time
Hq Jan 17 Btry Area 0800
Sv Jan 18 Btry Area 0800
C Jan 19 Btry Area 0800
B Jan 20 Btry Area 0800
A Jan 21 Btry Area 0800

b. Each battery will schedule a one hour speed march twice during the week.
c. All men will be trained in at least two specialties such as : drivers as radio operators, cannoneers as wiremen, etc...
d. All howitizers in the battalion will probably be calibrated Tuesday Jan 18th. Details of the firing will be given the
batteries later.
e. Military courtesy will be stressed at all times.
f. Organized athletics may be scheduled in the afternoons one or two times a week.
g. The training hours will be from 0800 to 1130 and from 1300 to 1600.
h. Batteries will submit training schedules, for time not required by Battalion, by 0800 Monday 17th January 1944.
[38]
2. SCHOOLS:
a. Drivers: Captain Hayes will conduct a drivers school for new drivers. For the first week Captain Hayes will conduct
drivers school by batteries according to the following schedule:
A Btry 0800-1130 Monday Jan 17
B Btry 1300-1600 Monday Jan 17
C Btry 0800-1130 Tuesday Jan 18
Hq. Btry 1300-1600 Tuesday Jan 18
Sv. Btry 0800-1130 Wednesday Jan 19
A Btry 1300-1600 Wednesday Jan 19
B Btry 0800-1130 Thursday Jan 20
C Btry 1300-1600 Thursday Jan 20
Hq. Btry 0800-1130 Friday Jan 21
Sv. Btry 1300-1600 Friday Jan 21
b. Executives School:
To attend: Executives of each firing battery, one additional officer, and chiefs of howitizer sections.
Place: "B" Battery Gun Park.
Time: 0800-1130 Monday Jan 17 thru Friday Jan 21st.
Instructor: Lieutenant Van Ness
c. Fire Direction School:
To attend: 5 men each howitzer battery and the regular fire direction personnel.
Place: Battalion CP.
Time & Date: Monday Jan 17 1300-1600
Tuesday Jan 18 0800-1130
Wednesday Jan 19 1300-1600
Thursday Jan 20 0800-1130
Friday Jan 21 1300-1600
Instructors: Captain Scheefers and T/Sgt Morton.
d. Survey School:
To attend: Lt. Fetzer, Lt. Hedge, and 5 enlisted men from the battalion survey section.
Place: As designated by "DivArty".
Time: 1300-1600 Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
e. "DivArty" Conferences:
(1) Communications Officer 1300-1600 Monday Jan 17
(2) Radio Sgts and Tech. (Hq) 1300-1600 Tuesday Jan 18
(3) Wire Sgts (Hq) 1300-1600 Wednesday Jan 19
(4) Message Center Chief 1300-1600 Thursday Jan 20
f. Map Reading School:
To attend: Lieutenants Bolin, Dalton, Davis, Robinson, and Strauss.
Place: Later.
Time: 1300-1600 Tuesday, and Thursday.
Instructor: Lt. Col. Funk
g. Carbine Firing:
Instructor: Captain Hubbert
Batteries will fire carbines according to the following schedule:
0800-1130 Tuesday Jan 18 Hq Btry
1300-1600 Tuesday Jan 18 A Btry
0800-1130 Wednesday Jan 19 B Btry
1300-1600 "Wednesday Jan 19 C Btry
0800-1130 Thursday Jan 20 Sv. Btry
1300-1600 Thursday Jan20 Leftovers
0800-1130 Friday Jan 21 Leftovers
Captain Hubbert will announce the detailed schedule of the firing to each battery.

LOADING PLAN

AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION: ANZIO BEACHHEAD

BN Combat Team 1st Bn. 2nd Bn. 3rd Bn. Q Bn.
1/4 ton 2 Hq.-5A 2 Hq.-5B 7 Hq.-4C 6 Hq. 3 Sv. 1 Med.
3/4 ton W. C. 3A 3B 4 Hq.-3C 9 Hq. 2 Sv. 1 Med.
2 1/2 T Truck 7A 10 Sv. 7B 9 Sv. 2 Hq. 7C 4 Hq. 1 Med.
1/4 ton tr. 1 Hq.-2A 1 Hq. 2B 3 Hq. 2C 2 Hq.
1 ton Tr. 3A 4 Sv. 3B 6 Sv. 2 Hq. 3C 3 Hq.
37mm guns 6 Hq.
105mm guns 4A 4B 4C
3/4 T. Amb. 1 Med.

LST LOADINGS
Units Loading LST Army No. Navy No.
1st Bn. 4508 427
1st Bn. 4509 401
2nd Bn. 4510 214
2nd Bn. 4511 62
[39]
 3rd Bn. 4512 322
3rd Bn. 4513 199
"Q" Bn. 4514 351

C A S U A L T Y L I ST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Extent

8 Jan Kelley, Philip A. Pfc. 32371908 Btry "B" KIA
8 Jan Dean, Charles E. Cpl. 20313724 Btry "B" LW
8 Jan Buchanan, Robert A. Pfc. 35109199 Btry "A" LW
29 Jan Schoelen, Albert M. T/4 38017382 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan Bohn, Rudy W. T/4 19074386 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan Davis, Curtis M. T/5 20830730 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan Cain, Ernest C. Pfc. 20830730 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan *Daffara, Charles W. Pfc. 36049565 Btry "B" SW
29 Jan Harvey, Donald K. Pfc. 35168648 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan Hicks, Lucion J. Pfc. 20830863 Btry "C" KIA
29 Jan Davis, Paul N. Pfc. 20830735 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan Vezina, Aime W. Pfc. 3116662 Btry "B" KIA
29 Jan **Bailey, Nathaniel P. Pvt. 36550990 Btry "B" SW
29 Jan Shaffer, Vincent B. 1st Sgt 20830757 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Herr, Olan W. S/Sgt 35040170 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Ferguson, James A. Sgt. 38017320 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Shirley, Ellis H. Sgt. 20830696 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Burns, Raymond H. T/4 20830728 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Smith, George W. T/4 33014654 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Carroll, Warren O. Cpl. 34083584 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Ciurlino, Frank Cpl. 33028849 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Keating, John W. Cpl. 38017404 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Stubbs, Robert G. T/5 20830770 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Gibson, John C. Pfc. 20831424 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Gose, Lester B. Pfc. 38067938 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Johnson, Wade F. Pfc. 20830746 Btry "B" LW
29 Jan Meier, Elmer W. Pfc. 38017381 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Rasheff, Steven Pfc. 36042357 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Raxter, arlin A. Pfc. 36042357 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Broughton, William A. Pvt. 35791442 Btry "A" LW
29 Jan Bryan, Johnny W. Pvt. 34151061 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Cervantez, George Pvt. 38351095 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Ehrlich, Louis E. Pvt. 20830711 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Harris, Nile T. Pvt. 20831419 Btry "B" (aid) WIA
29 Jan Herzfeld, Rellis C. Pvt. 36297108 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Iannotti, Thomas D. Pvt. 31120382 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan LaRossa, Michael Pvt. 31120332 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Lauderbach, Issac N. Jr. Pvt. 33556779 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Novak, Stanley F. Pvt. 35292229 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan McNeely, Willard M. Pvt. 36042121 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Thomasson, Ralph L. Pvt. 20830764 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Hurley, William C. Capt. 036628 Btry "C" LW
29 Jan Strauss, Robert W. 1st Lt. 0389216 Btry "C" WIA
29 Jan Merchant, Albert B. 2nd Lt. 01174958 Btry "B" WIA
29 Jan Wolgram, Hartwell, E. Pvt. 20830768 Btry "B" KIA
* Died 30 Jan 44
** Died 1 Feb 44
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)

FEBRUARY 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

February began with plans for the registration of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion and the 141st Field Artillery Battalion and our
removal to positions on the coast for the direct support of the 157th Infantry. We dispatched this day the Assistant S-3, Captain
Miller, with two Forward Observing Officers to the 1st Battalion 180th Infantry whom we were directly supporting. These parties
returned in the afternoon, having been relieved by the 171st who were registered by 1600 hours. The Battalion Executive and Battery
Commanders went to the new area in the forenoon and selected positions for the batteries. The 141st was registered this afternoon
and we moved this night to our new positions. Arrangements were made for the relief of our liaison and observer parties with the 1st
Reconnaissance Regiment and the Loyals Regiment and these reported to the 157th Infantry upon their relief. Missions were fired on
advancing enemy troops, artillery positions, and dug-in enemy this day. Our Lieutenant Kilcollins, working with the 36th Engineers
as Shore Fire Control Officer for the Navy also fired on enemy installations in front of the Engineers. Twelve observed missions were
fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 112; Battery “B”, 236; Battery “C”, 233; Total, 581. KIA: Private NATHANIEL P.
BAILEY, 36550990.

February 2nd found the last elements of Battery “B” in positions on the coast behind the 157th who were moving in this night also.
The 189th had maintained their observers and liaison with the 157th during our move. They also sent a liaison officer to our
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command post; this officer was at our new position by the time we arrived. Our first job after the break of day was to register. This
we did and assumed the role of direct support artillery; the 189th then reinforced our fires. The 938th Field Artillery Battalion
maintained liaison with the 189th and these reinforced our fires. That this sector was to be an active one was evident from the first.
We were not in position but a few hours before we learned from our infantry that the enemy was engaged in bridge building to the
front. The enemy anti-aircraft fire was noted to be heavier this day. The enemy artillery shelled our front lines and during the night
their patrols had been active. This day two U. S. Naval Liaison Officers reported to us; they were to work for us, using two U. S. Ships
when the sea permitted their use and the need for them arose. As further support there was also present a British Naval Liaison
Party and two British Forward Observing Officers. We supplemented the British installations by sending a Naval Shore Fire Control
Party under Lieutenant Davis to an observation post operated by one of the FOO’s. This arrangement gave us direct communication
with the British OP and two observers, one on the right flank of our zone and one on the left, who could engage targets with either
nation’s vessels or with land artillery. Almost no limit existed to the steel we could pour onto enemy positions. This day our Service
Battery was moved into our area in rear of the firing batteries. Thirty observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A”, 300; Battery “B”, 369; Battery “C”, 246; Total, 915.

Throughout the early morning hours of February 3rd our infantry’s patrols and our observers noticed the signs of an active and
numerous enemy; lights, vehicular noises, flares, and small arms fire all across our front. The break of day saw us begin an active day
of firing; enemy troop concentrations, vehicles; observation posts, supply installations, and gun positions were among the targets
fired upon. Lieutenant Kilcollins, the Naval Shore Fire Control with the U. S. Navy fired three missions, using H. M. S. Phoebe; our
ships did not come off the coast this day. During the last mission the British cruiser had to abandon the mission, she had become a
target for enemy shore batteries that our observer was unable to locate. This day we surveyed the observation posts of our two naval
observers, Lieutenant Kilcollins and Lieutenant Davis. These posts served us as static observation posts and they were on either
flank of our zone; this accurate location would enable us to use them as flash bases. This we did as long as we were in these positions.
Division Artillery’s acknowledgment that VI Corps used our locations for several counter battery shoots repaid us for our pains. We
received the information that we could use the 976th Field Artillery Battalion, a 155 rifle unit (155mm Gun), to fire missions beyond
the range of our pieces, and our two reinforcing medium battalions gave rise to the question as to whether they were also reinforcing
us. Several telephone calls later we were apprised by Division Artillery that this unit would not reinforce us but that we could call
them directly for fire: on targets beyond our range. Patrol plans were obtained from the infantry and defensive and harassing fires
arranged for the night. We ordered our forward observers to maintain a watch all night; the two with each infantry battalion dividing
the night between themselves in accordance with the instructions of each pair’s respective liaison officer. Thus the zone of each
battalion would have one forward observer and one static observer on watch throughout the night. Forty-five observed missions
were fired this day. Number of rounds fired; Battery “A”, 491; Battery “B”, 827; Battery “C”, 963; Total: 2281.

February 4th was just 15 minutes old when we received a report that the enemy had broken through on the right flank of the 157th;
between the British and our forces. This information confirmed reports received previously that they would attempt an attack. The
action took place in the British lines and was later reported repulsed. We were keyed up for some hard fighting; Division Artillery
ordered us to have on hand at all times a three day supply of water, food, and ammunition. The Battalion Commander ordered the
Air OP to keep a plane in the air during the entire day to observe in time, and combat, the suspected attack. The 189th and ourselves
also selected and wired in local observation posts adjacent to each firing battery to be used in case the enemy drove back our front
lines. A report from VI Corps warned us of two concentrations of enemy armor, one north of the “Factory” and the other in the
vicinity of Ardea. We alerted our observers and prepared for the worst. We had the addition of two armored artillery battalions for
reinforcing missions, the 27th and the 91st. A liaison officer was sent us to represent both battalions. The enemy was active; our
targets this day included troops digging in, command posts and supply installations; many of the targets were located at the several
houses to our front. Lieutenant Kilcollins fired the US Naval vessel, and Lieutenant Davis fired the Cruiser H.M.S. Urchin on two
observed targets; the American ship then fired on enemy personnel, the fire being conducted from the ship. We fired two “Bingo”,
time-on-target, missions on the village of Ardea. In each case our Battalion, the 189th, 938th,and the Urchin engaged the target; a
total of 108 rounds for the field artillery and one minute of rapid fire by the ship each time. Our observers conducted twenty-five
observed missions this day. We fired the following number of rounds: Battery “A”, 461; Battery “B”, 273; Battery “C”, 300; Total,
1034.

February 5th saw the enemy moving forward in an aggressive and threatening manner; he was wary of our observed artillery fire, as
was evidenced by the way in which he moved forward in scattered groups and single vehicles. Further report of enemy
concentrations to our front, in the Ardea area, were received. Our attitude was one of watchful waiting; we surveyed our alternate
gun positions this day and completed the wiring to our close-in battery OP’ s. We also selected and surveyed a roving gun position,
from which to interdict during the nights. The infantry and engineers laid mines in front of their positions. We received information
that the 3rd Division had received an attack from a German force consisting of one regiment supported by tanks, driving the 3rd
back to the intermediate defense line. Our targets today were as varied as on the preceding days. Our observers conducted fire on
twenty one observed missions. We fired on four known enemy installations with time-on-target methods; to which method the name
“Bingo” had been given. We placed the fire of three field artillery battalions and two armored battalions on these positions; a total of
72 guns. An observer of one of the battalions reported that they covered the target area. One US Navy destroyer, the TRIPPE, and
one British destroyer, URCHIN, were at our disposal this day. The URCHIN fired on two missions for Lieutenant Davis. Number of
rounds fired: Battery “A”, 185; Battery “B”, 380; Battery “C”, 565; Total, 1130.

The early reports of February 6th were more cheering than those of previous days; the 3rd Division reported that they had stopped
the enemy’s thrust and would restore their lines during the day. Our Infantry reported no action on their front. The destroyer
TRIPPE returned to the coast; Lieutenant Kilcollins attempted to destroy a tower, similar to the one he was in, that the enemy used
as an observation post. The mission was incomplete; the ship was brought under the fire of undiscovered shore batteries and was
forced to steam out of range. During the day we registered some 90-mm anti-aircraft on our base point for possible use in our sector
and registered the roving gun on the base point and check point. The enemy artillery consisted of tanks; these were dug in and
camouflaged. They harassed our front line troops continuously. No shell fire disturbed our units; the fire in the rear areas was in the
towns of Anzio and Nettuno and on service installations in their neighborhood. Plans were made for the harassment of the enemy
during the night; our roving gun would fire the interdictory fires assigned our Battalion, six points in all. The 91st Armored Field
Artillery was given seven points to interdict. The enemy remained active during the night; our infantry’s patrols found them digging
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in, and our observers’ reports indicated there must have been a constant pyrotechnic display. Tanks and small arms fire were heard
all night. Twenty one observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 533; Battery “B”, 174; Battery “C”,
218; Total 925. Two missions, one incomplete were fired by the Naval vessel.

February 7th came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. During the early morning hours clashes between our patrols and the
enemy were reported. No serious results were observed. Normal activity of the enemy continued; scattered groups of the enemy,
machine gun positions, and mortars disclosed themselves to our observers. Enemy artillery became unusually active at dusk, firing
on our front lines across the entire front; this proved to be the preparation for an attack later in the night. Our infantry’s attempts to
take prisoners during previous nights failed, a plan was arranged where by our forces would enter the enemy’s lines behind and
inside of a three-sided box barrage, take prisoners from the elements thus cut off and return. The 91st were to furnish the right wall
of fire, the 27th the left wall, and the 189th and 158th the rear wall; this barrage to take place at 0255A February 8th. Two “Bingo”
missions, one on the right wall and one on the left wall at 0250 hours were to precede the action. The adjustment for the box barrage
was completed in the afternoon. Reconnaissance was made for and positions selected from which to fire direct fire on enemy armor.
At 2115 hours the attack, of which the artillery fire spoke, came. It came against the 2nd Battalion of the 157th and spread over into
the sector of the British on the right. The news came from Lieutenant Bolon’s OP with a call for fire on three points. The fire of this
Battalion was placed on these locations, reinforced by one battery each of the 189th and the 27th. Continuous fire was laid down
until 2142 hours. At the same time other batteries of the 189th engaged an enemy battery and a mortar position. At 2150 hours
continuous fire was again placed on the three avenues of approach; this fire was discontinued at 2230 hours. At 2245 hours
continuous fire of two of our batteries was placed on two points in front of the 2nd Battalion, but closer in. This fire was stopped at
0255 hours at one point of the action, 2230 hours the Infantry reported that our fire was falling short; we ceased fire at their request,
insisting through the medium of our Liaison Officer that such was not the case. The fire that was reported falling “short” continued
to fall in that sense for fully two minutes thereafter. Lieutenant Bolon was ordered from his OP by the Commander, 2d Battalion; the
enemy later occupied his former position. The day ended with the 189th attacking enemy mortars. Our observers fired thirty-four
observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 295; Battery “B”, 682; Battery “C”, 624; Total 1601.

We learned on February 8th that the British received an attack along their entire front; they gave ground as did our force. They still
retained their hold on the “Factory”. The British were to make an attempt to regain the ground lost on their left flank while we
mopped up the enemy behind our lines. At the same time Company “L” completed their withdrawal to a better position. We fired
continuous fire at the rate of one round every two minutes with our Battalion and the 27th to cover their withdrawal and
reorganization. This fire was maintained for one hour and three minutes. Our box barrage was called off; the infantry had bigger fish
to fry. The Navy furnished us cruisers instead of destroyers; an attempt was made to destroy the shore guns that attacked them. The
mission was not reported accomplished. The British regained part of their lost ground but Company “L” did not move up to re-
occupy its former position; contact patrols to the British failed to reach them. Plans were made during the evening to use our
airplane to adjust the fire of a British Cruiser on VI Corps counter-battery missions. We also furnished Corps Artillery with five
enemy locations for the Corps’ shoot on the morrow. We made plans to shoot harassing fire by the time-an-target method; five
points were chosen and arrangements were made to fire the five battalions on them. In addition, twelve targets were selected for
interdiction. We fired twenty-five observed missions during the day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 1848; Battery “B”, 2334;
Battery “C”, 885; Total, 5067.

February 9th was a busy day. An active and careless enemy presented many targets to our observers. The airplane shoot with the
Navy failed to transpire; the wind was too high to permit an artillery plane to leave the ground. The British made an attempt to
regain the “Factory” which we discovered they had last. This failed when six of our tanks were lost in the attempt. Among the targets
fired upon by one of our observers, Lieutenant Robinson, was a group of enemy in foxholes in a swale; when he would place our fire
on them they, would leave their hole to run for a house, while they were so exposed our infantrymen nearby would cut them down
with .50 caliber machine guns. This tactic was repeated. Staff Sergeant Laubhan, who relieved Lieutenant Davis as Naval Shore Fire
Spotter with the British Navy, fired four observed missions with the ship this day. Our observers fired twenty-five observed missions
this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 416; Battery “B”, 579; Battery “C”,483; Total, 1478.

February 10th was a poor day for our observers; mist and rain obscured visibility for ground and air observer alike. Another Air OP-
Navy shoot had to be called off because of high wind. During the day enemy aircraft shot down an artillery liaison plane of an
unknown unit. The 36th Combat Engineers were to assume the positions of the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry, putting two battalions
in place of the Infantry’s one. We were to support them; thus we had to utilize Captain Breeding, the Communications Officer, as
Liaison Officer to the Regimental Command Post so that the three regular liaison officers could remain with battalions; one with the
1st Battalion, 157th, and one with each battalion of the engineers. We planned interdictory fires on nine points, utilizing three of the
five battalions available, and “Bingos” on five locations known to contain enemy. On the “Bingos” all five of the battalions were used.
Night bombing by the Luftwaffe had become the practice; as a consequence we ordered our batteries to cease fire when German
planes were overhead unless the mission was urgent. This day we fired seventeen observed missions. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A” 217; Battery “B”, 173; Battery “C”, 203; Total: 593.

February 11th was quiet. Enemy was observed moving about on our front, but not in the same numbers as on preceding days. He
placed more artillery fire on our lines this day; the fire was of heavier caliber than usual. We received word that the 179th Infantry
would attempt to take the “Factory”; their attempt failed. They were to try again during the night. Lieutenant Miller, our Forward
Observer with the 1st Battalion, now on the right flank, was accustomed to leaving his observation post at dark, returning to it at
daybreak. The Germans invariably visited the house wherein he was established during the night. This day it was necessary to place
fire on troops in front of the house to enable him to return to it. We received word that the 91st and 27th would not be able to fire
any but observed fire for us henceforth; their ammunition allotment would not permit the firing of unobserved fire. Our expenditure
of ammunition, too, was curtailed. It was this pressure that caused us to reduce our program of night harassing fires to one battalion
volley on “Bingos” and employ only the roving gun for interdiction. Three points were chosen for interdiction and five locations upon
which to fire “Bingos” ; the latter were fired with 189th and ourselves. We fired twenty-four observed missions this day. Number of
rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 187; Battery “B”, 129; Battery “C”, 263; Total, 578.

The enemy remained active during the night of February 11-12, and continued his activity during the day. Snipers wounded
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Lieutenant Miller about 1000 hours. We were informed that he would have to remain at his observation post until dark; it would be
impossible to get stretcher bearers to his advanced position. Nevertheless, we arranged to have bearers go on call to his position if
we would cover their advance and withdrawal with smoke. The enemy also sent daylight patrols into the lines of the 36th Engineers
and took five prisoners; two of them from a .50 caliber machine gun nest. We received orders that the 76th Field Regiment (British)
would be brought into our area to directly support the 36th; that the 189th would be relieved of their reinforcing role with us, as
would the 938th; that we would directly support only the 157th Infantry; that we could expect normal supporting fires from the
938th; and that we could withdraw our liaison officers and observers from the Engineers as soon as the 67th was ready to support
that unit. The 67th moved in this day and registered. They sent observers and liaison officers to the 36th; we relieved most of our
parties. We left our Liaison Officer with regimental headquarters until the following day, as well as one observer who was kept in
place to orient a British observer who got in position after dark. We assumed as emergency barrages the former normal barrages in
front of the 36th; this arrangement was by agreement reached between the British and ourselves. We placed smoke in front of
Lieutenant Miller’s OP from 1350 hours to 1505 hours at which time he had been brought back to the infantry command post. The
rest of his party returned at the same time; the house had become untenable. Shortly after the house was cleared the enemy placed
direct fire on it and destroyed it. Lieutenant Miller died shortly after reaching the Command Post. A fierce air raid took place during
the evening, hampering our schedule of harassing fires besides scaring us to death. We learned that the enemy used white flares to
mark his front lines for the raiders. This conclusion was borne out by other observations for when German artillery fire fell on his
lines white flares were also employed. Fifteen places behind enemy lines were harassed during the night. We fired twenty-eight
observed missions during the day. Battery “A”, fired 265 rounds; Battery “B”, 348; Battery “C”, 230; Total, 843.

February 13th was relatively quiet; the action during the night resolved itself into one against the British on our right. The British
believed that the enemy heard their trucks moving some infantry forces toward the front, thought the noise meant a coming attack,
and grabbed the bull by the horns by themselves attacking. The enemy were driven off. The enemy’s artillery lessened this day. We
called in our Naval Shore Fire Control Officer from the left position when the British relieved us of the support of the 36th
Engineers. He was on a one hour notice to return to his position. Our observation plane was driven to the ground in the forenoon;
the Messerschmitt that attacked the air observer followed him in his evasive tactics to within fifty feet of the ground and stayed on
his tail until he was attacked in turn by the platoon of the Battery “A” 106th Anti-Aircraft Artillery that was attached to our Battery
“C”. The German was brought down; there was some doubt as to who fired the decisive shot at the Hun, the anti-aircraft gunners or
the men of Battery “C”. Arrangements were made to fire two U.S. Cruisers on the morrow; using the observation post on the left. The
observer was alerted to man the OP the following morning. Warning orders came from Division Artillery to be prepared to move to
positions east of the Via Antiatina and north of the 25 Northing; the 157th Infantry might move to the right of’ the 179th Infantry
whose left flank was anchored on the Via Antiatina. The few targets a quiet enemy presented to us were capable of being adjusted
upon, thanks to clear skies. Twenty-two observed missions were fired. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 191; Battery “B”, 89;
Battery “C”, 296; Total, 576. KIA: Second Lieutenant ELDON A. MILLER, O-2055867.

February 14th was a quiet day; the enemy shelling the front lines of the 1st Battalion during the early morning hours was the only
report of enemy artillery received. The 157th sent us a copy of their field order showing that they would take up positions between
the British 56th Division, who were to relieve them, and the 179th Infantry. Our sector would thus fall on the left of the North-South
highway, as the Via Antiatina was called. The Battalion Commander, having been warned of the change in the plan, made a
preliminary reconnaissance for positions to the rear of the lines of the 157th. He returned with the report that the only position area
was a poor one; pioneer work would have to be done to enable the vehicles to enter their area. He ordered battery commanders to
leave with him early the following morning. The infantry were to be relieved the night of February 14-15; we were to move the night
of February 15. The 2nd Battalion would relieve the lines held by the “Gordans”, one company of the Kings Scottish Light Infantry,
and the 504th Parachute Battalion; a large order. Twenty-five observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A”, 91; Battery “B”, 298; Battery “C”, 145; Total, 534.

The relief of the 1st Battalion was completed about 0350 hours, February 15th. Our observers and liaison officer returned to us upon
their relief by British observers and liaison officer. It was decided in view of the difficulties the occupation of the new positions
presented to move during daylight by infiltration marching. The registering pieces of the three batteries were dispatched at 1135
hours. The Battalion Executive led them; he was to radio us to dispatch the remainder of the Battalion upon the successful entrance
of these vehicles. At 1635 hours we received a message that the position selected could not be occupied; that Batteries “B” and “C”
would occupy the alternate positions that would now be in rear of the 56th Division’s lines; and ordering the S-2 to select positions
in the same general area for Headquarters and “A” Batteries. This change in plans was made with the approval of the Division
Artillery Commander. The pieces were started forward to “B” and “C” while the S-2, accompanied by the Executive of Battery “A”
and the 1st Sergeant of Headquarters Battery, the only ones in authority with their respective units; went forward to find positions
and post guides before dark. The Survey Section was taken along to begin the survey of “A’s” position. The positions were selected
and occupied in between enemy bombing raids. Captain Hubbert, Liaison Officer to the 2nd Battalion, had made a preliminary
reconnaissance of the new area with the infantry battalion commander; this day he established the battalion static observation post
and made tentative selections of two forward observation posts. He met the forward observers in the evening and arranged their
contacts with the Infantry companies. The Battalion Commander made arrangements to establish liaison with the 19th Field
Regiment Royal Artillery inasmuch as they refused to maintain observers in the zone of the 157th during this night. It was necessary
to establish liaison in order that our observers could obtain fire from their batteries; we were not registered in these new positions.
The S-3 served as Liaison Officer this night. Three observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 106;
Battery “B”, 0; Battery “C”, 0; Total, 106.

February 16th was to prove to be a red-letter day in the annals of the 157th and 179th. Our first notice that the enemy was to begin
his drive to push us into the sea was a notice at 0635 hours from Captain Scheefers that an attack was starting. We were not
registered. Lieutenant Carmichael was established in an observation post at the “Ration Farm”, a group of houses in a hollow square
at F831311. He was in the only position in the area of Company “E” from which he could observe both sides of the North-South road.
Company “E’s” mission was to straddle this road and maintain contact with the 179th. Lieutenant Robinson was established in the
westernmost of a row of three houses at 85403095 as Forward observer with Company ”G” who took up a position atop a ridge.
Below and on the reverse slope of this ridge was a cavern containing six tunnel entrances; Headquarters Company and the
Command post of the 2nd Battalion was set up in the cavern. Company “F”, broken into platoons, occupied high rough on the south
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side of the ravine that ran in a southwesterly direction from the “Ration Farm” past the mouths of the cave to their south. Three
minutes after the warning from Captain Scheefers, Lieutenant Carmichael called for fire to repel a counterattack. He adjusted the
fire; it was continuous fire from 0638 hours to 0730 hours. The remainder of the day was so filled with missions that it was
impossible to glean enough information from the observers to even learn of the difficulties that beset them. The Germans attack was
a coordinated one; infantry and tanks thrust down the Via Antiatina while infantry used infiltration to the west of the road,
advancing on “G” Company from the northwest and thrusting themselves at the “Ration Farm” from the northeast. The Luftwaffe
supported this action with bombing and strafing missions, and by driving artillery observation planes to the ground. Direct fire of
tanks and small arms fire drove Lieutenant Carmichael from his position at the “Ration Farm”; he roamed the front all the rest of the
day hunting an observation post. He was driven from all places until he finally occupied the center house of the group of three at
85403095, the house adjacent to the one being used by Lieutenant Robinson. Lieutenant Robinson had his troubles. He observed
the capture of six of our Infantrymen at dawn at a point near his OP. He and his party retired from the house and took cover in a
nearby ravine. From this sheltered spot he watched more of our soldiers capture the captors and liberate their comrades. There upon
he returned to the house and resumed observing and conducting fire although he was the target of a heavy volume of small arms fire.
Captain Scheefers was replaced as Liaison Officer to the 19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery by Captain Hayes in order that he might
return and resume his duties as S-3. We finally registered our batteries in the afternoon between missions. We were in a ticklish
spot; the center of our area was roughly some 3000 yards to the rear of the front lines of the 56th Division, and the only means of
egress lay in the zone of the 36th Combat Engineers. With none of front line units did we have liaison. The enemy’s intense shelling
of both forward and rear areas made it impossible to maintain wire communications with our supported infantry, the units whose
zones we occupied, or Divisional Artillery. Alternate positions were quickly chosen and stock piles of 2500 rounds of ammunition at
each battery were ordered by the Battalion Commander. Inasmuch as we were unable to get sufficient information of the front lines
because of the limitations of radio the Battalion Commander ordered the Fire Direction Center to fire every mission requested by a
forward observer. The 3rd Battalion, 157th was placed in line astride the road at the underpass (F863286). We sent a Liaison Officer
and two Forward Observers to this Battalion. Orders were received in the afternoon to keep 2500 rounds at each battery position;
the order defined the Beachhead Line and constituted it the final defensive line. We were required to furnish the Division Artillery
with the defensive fire plan. This day we fired twenty-seven observed missions. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 941; Battery
“B”, 597; Battery “C”, 911; Total. 2449.

February 17 began as a continuation of the 16th. The enemy continued to attack and at 0015 hours we received a call to fire
continuous fire on an avenue of their approach. The enemy forces, about two companies strong, approached the 2nd Battalion from
the northwest and the northeast; each column numbered about one company. The force from the northwest engaged Company “G”
who denied their passage. The group from the northeast, having formed at the “Ration Farm”, approached the cave by way of the
ravine that led behind Company ”E”. The Headquarters Company fought the force at the mouths of the cavern. Captain Hubbert
brought our fire down to the very entrances to the cavern at one time. He adjusted fire, aided by the forward observers and two
officers of the infantry, so as to sweep the ravine. They used some smoke shells mixed with the HE to give them illumination of the
enemy and permit them to adjust the fire. The enemy was driven off at great cost to himself. The 19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery,
the 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, and the 189th reinforced our fires. In spite of the constant fire of the 189th, 19th, and
ourselves the enemy pressed his attack during the remainder of the day and managed to infiltrate his tanks behind the positions of
the 2nd Battalion and, by the fire and confusion their very presence engendered, forced the retirement of Company “E” to the
southwest where the remnants took up positions abreast of Company “G”; the 179th at the same time withdrawing under pressure on
their front. Three tanks attacked the row of three houses two of which were occupied by Lieutenants Carmichael and Robinson. The
adjusted fire on them and during the adjustment three rounds in quick succession from the tanks blew the side from the room that
he was observing from; the plaster and rock covered observer retired to an adjoining room and through the door and breach in the
outer wall, completed his mission by forcing the tanks to withdraw. Plans were laid for an attack by the 3rd Battalion to enable them
to move up and fire in the gap between the 2nd Battalion and the 179th Infantry. We requested details of the plan of our Liaison
Officer with the 157th, offering to fire a fifteen-minute preparation at whatever time the infantry specified. We were given the 938th
Field Artillery Battalion as a reinforcing battalion. This unit sent us a liaison officer in the afternoon. We planned our harassing fires,
consisting of time-on-target fires on known enemy concentrations for the night. We were the beneficiary of an informal liaison
arrangement peculiar to this situation that served us in good stead several times during this seven day period. February 16 to
February 22: Lieutenant VanNess, Liaison Officer to the 3rd Battalion, 157th, had near him a liaison officer of the 189th; thus
Lieutenant VanNess could, and did, call upon the 189th for supporting fires. We fired forty-two observed missions this day. Number
of’ rounds fired: Battery “A”, 2483; Battery “B”, 2717; Battery “C”, 2404; Total, 7604.

February 18th was another busy day. The attack against the 2nd Battalion afforded ample opportunity to demonstrate their courage
and tenacity; they repulsed small local attacks from every direction of the compass throughout the day, and they withstood the direct
fire of tanks that worked their way into the areas between the 3rd Battalion to their rear, and the 179th on their right. The 3rd
Battalion received an attack beginning at about 1600 hours this day. Infantry, supported by tanks and assault guns, advanced down
the North-South road and by 1915 hours had gained the underpass at F863286. There our infantrymen engaged their forces in hand-
to-hand fighting. The enemy retired shortly before 2200 hours. We understood later that a “Tiger” tank that had gained the
underpass was destroyed by the tank destroyers, thus taking the fight out of the enemy. Lieutenant Ballinger, a Forward Observer
with the 3rd Battalion, was wounded by a shell fragment the night before; Staff Sergeant Laubhan was sent to take his place early
this day. Staff Sergeant Laubhan, having previously volunteered to establish himself atop the underpass, constantly under enemy
interdiction, to bring an enemy tank that was harassing Company “I” under fire, was still at his observation post when the attack
against the 3rd Battalion started. He spied the approach of the force, adjusted fire on this body, and kept them under fire until he
was forced to flee. The Mark VI tank that took up a position under the overpass drew the fire of our tank destroyers; our fire, added
to the already heavy volume of enemy small arms and artillery fire that he was suffering, was too much for him. He later destroyed
his radio when he was pinned down by small arms fire and could carry it no farther as he was on his way back to the Infantry
Command post. We also learned this day that Lieutenant Goodman, our static observer, from whom we had had no word since the
afternoon of the 17th, was forced to abandon his observation post by two enemy tanks that circled to the West of his position and
took his installation under fire. Their fire rendered his radio inoperative. He returned to Battery “A” after having spent the night
with the British. Lieutenant Robinson moved during the night of February 17-18, to the center house of the three; he joined forces
with Lieutenant Carmichael there, where both parties remained until the close of the action. Lieutenant Carmichael was wounded
this night by shell fragments. The Division Artillery ordered us, this day, to prepare positions from which to support the defense of
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the Reserve Line. Our area was to be roughly 4000 yards east of the Via Antiatina and 2000 yards south of the overpass Padiglione
road. This afternoon we established a new static observation post in this area (F869268) in anticipation of the proposed needed
support. This OP offered the advantage of giving us observation on the east of the North-South road. We were still depending on
radio for our contact with liaison officers and observers; it was still impossible to maintain wire lines. The constant shelling day and
night and the bombing at night took our lines out within ten minutes after they were laid. The Division Artillery abandoned its line
to us this day. We fired thirty-three observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 2835; Battery “B”, 2334;
Battery “C”, 2051; Total, 7220. KIA: Sergeant LAWRENCE SHEA, 20830821 and Private CLARENCE F. SWOPE, 35352845.

We began February 19th by reading a field order giving the particulars of an effort to stem the tide of southbound Germans. In short,
one force called “H” was to move northwest from the road junction south of Padiglione, secure the stream crossing at F886306 and
secure the streamline from there west for 1 kilometer, mopping up enemy forces south of this line. The attack to begin at 0600 hours
this day. The other force, “T”, to be ready to attack on order of Corps from vicinity F840278 to seize and hold stream from left flank
of “H” Force to North-South road. Our mission was to interdict North-South road, continually during night and be prepared to
support the defense of the Final Defensive Line, the mission of the 45th Division. We re-arranged our fires for the night; the 938th
would place 100 rounds on the main road junction north of the “Factory” at F877342 while we fired 10 rounds per hour at F865326,
a secondary road junction south of the “Factory”. The enemy gave us no peace this day; they continued their efforts against the
overpass and the infiltrating tactics on the left and rear of the 2nd Battalion. As on previous days, this advance was retarded and
their formations broken up by fire adjusted on them and fired continuously until they would leave the area. We inflicted many
casualties on the Germans with this fire, as the testimony of two of our men who later were captured and escaped bore out.
Lieutenant Carmichael was evacuated this night; it was impossible to enter or leave during daylight, the OP that he and Lieutenant
Robinson occupied. The enforced neglect of his wound was responsible for the amputation of his leg. The chief of his party, Corporal
Willsey, Battery “A”, took charge of the party and continued to observe and adjust fire. The enemy surprised us this day by marching
a column of some 200 of their troops down the North-South road in close formation, shortly after noon. They were captured, lock,
stock, and barrel. It is reported that upon interrogation they stated they were told the allied foot troops had retreated to the beach,
leaving only a few artillery pieces to cover their withdrawal and embarkation; that they could simply march in and take the land.
They found out this was far from the truth. We received our first positive report that indicated the enemy might be abusing the rules
of war; one of our observers reported that when he adjusted fire on a group of enemy infantry and a troop carrier with men in the
vehicle dismounted and displaying a Red Cross flag. This day we succeeded in establishing wire communication with our liaison
officers with the 157th Regimental Command Post, 19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, 3rd Battalion and our static observer. Now
we could learn more and sooner, of the situation on our front and flanks. Interdictory fires were planned for only one point for the
938th and ourselves; we felt that with so many possible avenues of approach that were available to the enemy it would be better to
conserve our ammunition for the continuous fires that our observers were capable of adjusting and that we felt sure the aggressive
enemy would force them to employ. As a final precaution we had Lieutenant VanNess adjust us on the North-South road for defense
of the 3rd Battalion. The number of observed missions this day were thirty-two. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 2393; Battery
“B”, 1661; Battery “C”, 2083; Total 6137.

The Luftwaffe ushered in February 20th with an air raid that lasted 30 minutes. Anti-personnel and fragmentation bombs came
close to Batteries “B” and “C”; no damage was done. Soon we had reports of enemy vehicular activity on North-South road. Our
observers adjusted fire at points along the road near their positions and stilled some of the movement. Small groups of enemy
formed or exposed themselves at places that were now familiar and well shot-in. Enemy artillery or tanks that had placed a few
rounds and high bursts near our positions on previous days without damage to us placed between 100 and 150 well directed rounds
at our Command post and nearby Battery “A”. The fire was 88 caliber and air bursts for the most part. The personnel of both
batteries were dug in. Three casualties were suffered when a graze struck the edge of a foxhole in Battery “A’s” area. The men were
not seriously injured; their foxhole was covered with fiber shell containers filled with earth. Later in the day the units on our right
received an attack following an artillery preparation of an hour. The 2nd Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry took up positions to the
left and forward of Company “K” in an attempt to clear the ground between the 3rd and 2nd Battalions and thus break the ring of
Germans that surrounded the 2nd Battalion. We sent Technical Sergeant Morton, who was with the 3rd Battalion as a forward
observer, to this unit to serve as Liaison Officer or Forward Observer, as they wished. The 27th and 91st Armored Field Artillery
Battalions were directly supporting the 6th and had liaison officers with them. The presence of our observer there permitted them to
call on us for additional fire if the need arose. This day plans were conceived for the relief of the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry. It was
at first rumored that the relief would take place this night but that was soon spiked. Interdictory fires were planned for two points;
one for the 938th and the other for ourselves. In addition to these fires targets that presented themselves during the night were
taken under fire. Twenty-four observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 536; Battery “B”, 727;
Battery “C”, 1547; Total, 2810.

February 21st began quietly enough; there was nothing unusual in the movement of the enemy tanks. Our observers fired on them
during the dark hours. The Battalion Commander and the Executive left the command post to select positions in the vicinity of the
Armellino Woods. It was to here that we where to displace upon the relief of the 157th Infantry; we were to reinforce the 160th Field
Artillery Battalion. There was given us quite an area from which to choose positions; the Commander took part of the area and the
Executive took the remainder in order that they could cover ground, make a selection, and meet the Battery Commanders to
complete the reconnaissance by nightfall. The Battery Commanders and the Survey Officer left to meet the Commander in the new
area at noon. The enemy gave us less trouble but fewer targets this day. He shelled the vicinity of the command post and Battery “A”
again; few sought refuge in their foxholes; his rounds being well over in range. The Germans became active at 1745 hours. We
received a call from Captain Hubbert to place fire on enemy Infantry. Another attack on the cave had begun. Again the Germans
advanced in two forces; the right one approaching the cavern from the ravine that leads Southwest from the “Ration Farm”, the left
one approaching Company “G” from the northwest by way of a draw. Captain Hubbert adjusted the fire, aided by Lieutenant
Robinson and observers of the Infantry, in order to sweep the ravine from the mouth of the cave to the “Ration Farm”. Fire had to be
placed at the entrances to the tunnels to drive off the attacking forces. Again continuous fire was employed; the observers adjusting
it as the situation demanded. The enemy retired about 2000 hours, having suffered many casualties. Soon after the “Cease Fire” on
the attack the enemy bombers made their raid on our lines. Battery “B” was exposed to some near misses; no damage was done
them. Harassing fires were planned and put into execution. Thirteen observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A”, 228; Battery “B”, 459; Battery “C”, 469; Total, 1156.
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February 22nd and help came to the 2nd Battalion at about the same time, the “Queens” arrived shortly after midnight. They had
had to fight their way to the position of the 2nd and in so doing used much of the ammunition that each man carried and also had
their ammunition train destroyed. Short of ammunition as they were it was unthinkable to leave them surrounded by enemy, slim as
would be the prospects of resupplying themselves. The 2nd had to remain with them to augment their fire power. Thus it was
planned that the 2nd would retire the following night. Lieutenant Robinson, unaware of the details of the relief that was scheduled,
eluded the watch of the enemy that surrounded his post in the darkness of the night of February 21-22nd, and make his way to the
Command post of Company “F” in order that he might talk with Captain Hubbert by telephone. He returned to the two parties at the
observation post, having been told of the plan to relieve everyone the following night, and in entering the house aroused one of the
Germans standing at the walls. This soldier tossed a grenade into the window through which the observer passed. This action started
a grenade and small arms fight that lasted the remainder of the night. As dawn broke the enemy returned to cover and from then on
contented themselves with sniping furiously at the occupants of the house. It was necessary for members of the tiny garrison to snipe
in return to enable one of their party to observer and conduct fire. Lieutenant Robinson was killed by a sniper at about 1030
February 22nd. Sergeant Shomaker, Battery “C”, the chief of his party took charge of the party. He was later able to adjust fire on the
troops and drive them farther from the house. The British artillery that was to support the “Queens”, the 113th Field Regiment and
78th Field Regiment, did most of the firing this day. They had been informed of our Liaison with the 19th Field Regiment Royal
Artillery in order that our fire could be made available to them. We fired on enemy flak while our bombers bombed behind German
lines. Eleven observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 736; Battery “B”, 276, Battery “C”, 457;
Total, 1463. KIA: Second Lieutenant GEORGE T. ROBINSON, O-1178952.

The Headquarters and firing batteries sent details to the new positions this day to prepare dug in command posts, gun pits, and
personnel shelters. It had been told us that this area, closely packed with artillery, was a target for nightly air attacks and
considerable shelling. We were preparing for the worst. The arrangement for the retirement of the 2nd Battalion imaged the
encirclement of the command post by the enemy. A patrol was arranged to come forward to secure the escape route of the Battalion
Headquarters and Company “G”, the latter having gone to the caverns when the “Queens” arrived. The Commander of the 2nd
Battalion ordered the group at the observation post to send one man at dusk to the vicinity of the east house of the three houses,
determine if the patrol had arrived and inform Battalion Headquarters by means of the artillery radio. Staff Sergeant Shomaker
volunteered to take his way to the patrol and give those in the house a signal so that they could furnish the Battalion the required
information. He left the house at dusk, avoided the enemy, made contact with the patrol, and gave the signal. Only three men of the
patrol had succeeded in reaching the area; he remained, with an infantry soldier who left the house with him, to aid in guarding the
way until a British patrol assumed responsibility for safeguarding the route. Staff Sergeant Shomaker then joined Company “F” and
returned with the infantry. February 23, at 0130 hours, the remnants of the Battalion, some 160 men and officers, left the area and
began the march to safety an rest. They soon encountered machine gun and small arms fire on the way back to the main lines and
became separated in the darkness and confusion of trying to elude the enemy and further losses were suffered. Two attempts were
made to deliver the beleaguered observation post; both of these failed. Further attempts were forestalled by the Regiments orders
that the main party would depart at midnight, February 22-23, notwithstanding the predicament of the observers. Private Carter,
driver of Captain Hubbert’s liaison party, was left at the Cavern with a detail of drivers and property guards to bring the vehicles out
when the British were to have made secure a road to the cave. The liaison party was divided in the darkness and straggled into the
lines that morning and the following one. The British had no further need of us, our supported Infantry having left; we began a
daylight move to the new area. One piece of each battery and the S-3’s radio car led the way, followed by the remainder of the
vehicles of the battalion. The move was made using the infiltration method of marching. We added a variation by dispatching the
light vehicles so that they would march among the heavy ones. Two heart rending appeals were received from Corporal Willsey, now
in charge of the two observer parties, for help. This was followed shortly by the announcement that he was destroying his radio. Our
Liaison Officer to the 19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, Captain Hayes, reported to the 160th Field Artillery Battalion as our
representative there. The two Battalion Liaison Officers and the forward observers with the 3rd Battalion returned to us for a needed
rest; shave and bath. Captain Wright remained with the Regimental Headquarters, 157th Infantry, who were in reserve positions.
The batteries arrived in the new positions after noon and were registered on the base point by the Static Observer, Lieutenant Davis.
An observer of the 160th Field Artillery adjusted us on our normal barrages. Harassing fires on eight points were assigned us for the
night; these were to consume 200 rounds. We were assigned one time-on-target mission. No observed missions were fired this day.
Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 32; Battery “B”, 21; Battery “C”, 112; Total, 165.

February 24 was as uneventful as life should be for a reinforcing battalion. Our Battery “B” was shelled this day, a pile of
ammunition was set afire; no other damage incurred. We learned, and bemoaned the fact, that the British had lost the cave the 2nd
Battalion fought so hard to retain and in which defense we fired so many rounds of ammunition. We speculated upon the fortunes of
Private Carter and Corporal Willsey and his party. No word was received of them. We received instructions from Division Artillery to
place a greater volume of fire on targets in the future. The Battalion Commander selected a site for an observation post on the right
of our zone to be manned in addition to the one already occupied. No observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A”, 2; Battery “B”, 219; Battery “C”, 25; Total, 246.

February 25th was another quiet day. The 179th occupying the front lines, confined itself to patrolling and attempting to frustrate
the patrol activities of the enemy. The enemy placed two heavy caliber artillery shells in “C” Battery’s position without harm to the
personnel or material. We dispatched an observer to occupy the new observation post. This OP was surveyed in. These two
observation posts gave us many reports of gun flashes and pyrotechnics in enemy territory. We fired four observed missions this day.
Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 217; Battery “B”, 7; Battery “C”, 27; Total 251.

Early February 26th we received a report from our Liaison Officer with the 160th that our patrols had observed enemy tanks on the
“Dead-End” road (F863298 – F890297). Our Liaison Officer with the 157th sent us news that the British had broken up, with
artillery fire a small scale attack pointing down the North-South road. The 160th instructed us to fire two harassing missions three
times each during the day. Interdictions were arranged on four points for the night. We also fired on Division Artillery’s order on
three locations during the early evening. More guns flashes were reported by the OP during the night; they were at a great range. No
observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 8; Battery “B”, 11; Battery “C”, 172; Total, 191.

[46]
The enemy was more active February 27th, than on the preceding few days. He used smoke screens in the British front, west of the
Via Antiatina, and in the sector of the 180th Infantry, adjoining the 179th on the right, to hide the movement of his armor. We fired
pamphlets at Division Artillery’s order in the sector of the 180th where were identified our old friends, the “Poles and the Czechs” of
the 71st Panzer Grenadier Regiment. We also fired on tanks and troop concentrations at the request of Division Artillery and the
160th. We re-registered on the base point. One observed mission was fired: this was incomplete because of early morning haze.
Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 211; Battery “B”, 329; Battery “C”, 142; Total, 682.

February 28th started in much the same fashion that the preceding day began. The British received an attack that at first seemed
serious. Later reports disclosed that the enemy infiltrated across a 500 yard front but were later driven out and mopped up. Division
Artillery sent a report that a German radio message had been intercepted that indicated they would heavily shell our area about 1230
hours. The prediction was true; Batteries “A”, “B” and “C” received shellfire that wounded two men and killed one. The shelling
lasted about an hour. The same guns, close in, judging by the sound, would fire a few rounds at one location, shift to successive
locations, and then fire again on the first one. The effect was a thorough harassment of the entire area. We were assigned to fire on
VI Corps counter-battery shoots, T.O.T. methods, on six locations from 1335 hours to 1400 hours. Later, we were assigned sixteen
locations upon which to place a total of 700 rounds of harassing fire from 1800 hours until 0600 hours February 29th. Our
observers spent another evening vainly trying to locate the close gun or guns that harassed our infantry and firing batteries. Five
observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 279; Battery “B”, 126; Battery “C”, 80; Total, 485.

The enemy’s artillery became active early on the morning February 29th, at the same time that the 180th Infantry received an attack.
Our installations received a two-hour concentrated attack with artillery fire. Shortly after daybreak the German attack moved to the
right; here they engaged the 509th Paratroopers. This unit, attached to the 3rd Division, received an attack that disorganized one
company and drove them back about 800 yards. Here they held, aided by the 30th Infantry on their left, who made an attack. The
Division Headquarters expected this to be the prelude to a more serious attempt to reduce the beachhead. We learned at 1930 hours
that the 3rd Division had been forced to pull back about 1000 yards. A report was also received of the presence of 100 tanks in the
vicinity of Cisternia. The Paratroopers planned to attack at 1800 hours to stop the enemy’s drive. At the behest of Division Artillery
we fired on enemy troop concentrations the protection of the 180th twice during the day. The Paratrooper’s drive was successful;
they restored their line while the attack continued against the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry. Our observers reported many flashes
and flares; the Germans turned the heavens into a holiday sky. Four observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired:
Battery “A”, 357; Battery “B”, 221; Battery “C”, 531; Total, 1109. KIA: Technician Fifth Grade FRANCIS H. POWNALL, 38023282.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: I CORI, II FOGLIANO, III NETTUNO, & IV ARDEA.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
CAPT SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT CLEVERDON, CHARLES W. O-299308 Battalion S-2
CAPT BREEDING, DAVID N. O-358862 Bn Commo & Btry Cmdr HQ Battery
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Unassigned
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT BLOCK, PAUL L. O-1180820 Cmdr AA & AT Platoon
2nd LT COLLER, CHARLES L. O-1179819 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Battery "A"
1st LT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battery Commander
1st LT CARMICHAEL, THOMAS W. O-440407 Naval Gunfire Spotter
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Executive Officer
1st LT GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT BOLON, ROBERT L. O-1171906 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Executive
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Assistant Executive
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Naval Gunfire Spotter
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Executive Officer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
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1st LT KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
1st LT BALLINGER, ROLAND W. O-1177273 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT STRAUSS, ROBERT W. O-389216 Forward Observer
2nd LT MILLER, ELDON A. O-2055867 Assistant Executive
2nd LT ROBINSON, GEORGE T. O-1178952 Naval Gunfire Spotter
Service Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
2nd LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Battery Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4
Medical Detachment
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

7 Feb AUENT, ERNEST B. T/5 34170645 Btry "C" WIA
8 Feb WAUHOB, OMER L. Cpl 38018436 Btry "B" WIA
12 Feb MILLER, ELDON A. 2nd LT O-2055867 Btry "C" KIA
16 Feb BALLINGER, ROLAND W. 1st LT O-1177273 Btry "C" WIA
17 Feb COLLER, CHARLES L. 2nd LT O-1179819 Btry HQ WIA
18 Feb SHEA, LAWRENCE Sgt 20830821 Btry "C" KIA
18 Feb SWOPE, CLARENCE F. Pvt 35352845 Btry "C" KIA
19 Feb CARMICHAEL, THOMAS W. 1st LT O-440407 Btry “A” WIA
20 Feb WRIGHT, CALVIN H. Cpl 35125691 Btry “A” WIA
20 Feb PODANY, JOE D. Pvt 37092045 Btry “A” WIA
20 Feb DILLION, FRANCIs F. Pvt 32358904 Btry “A” WIA
22 Feb ROBINSON, GEORGE T. 2nd LT 20830592 Btry “C” KIA
23 Feb WILLSEY, WILLIAM L. Cpl 20830592 Btry “A” MIA
23 Feb SHOEMAKER, LEONARD K. Pvt 34303222 Btry “A” MIA
23 Feb HERNANDEZ, NICHOLAS Pvt 38017377 Btry “A” MIA
23 Feb LOCKE, CHARLES A. T/4 33255985 Btry “A” MIA
23 Feb GRIGG, THOMAS C. T/4 34104926 Btry “A” MIA
23 Feb SILVER, ROBERT L. T/4 38023432 Btry “C” MIA
23 Feb *SHELTON, CLYDE L. Pvt 20830885 Btry “C” MIA
24 Feb **CARTER, WALTER S. Pfc 20830965 Btry HQ MIA
28 Feb POWNAL, FRANCIS H. T/5 38023282 Btry “B” WIA
29 Feb DOLEZAL, PAUL Pvt 38017444 Btry “C” WIA
29 Feb HALL. ARTHUR F. Pvt 38017460 Btry “C” WIA
*Returned from POW enclosure on March 6, 1944.
**Returned from POW enclosure on March 3, 1944.
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

HOWITZER REPLACEMENT
Battery “A”: Gun No.# 1551 Replaced 8 February 1944
Gun No.# 114 Replaced 8 February 1944
Gun No.# 236 Replaced 12 February 1944
Gun No.# 240 Replaced 12 February 1944

MARCH 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

March 1 found us still performing a reinforcing mission for the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. We had two static observation posts;
one near the left of the sector of the 179th Infantry and one about a kilometer to the right of their boundary. These positions
surveyed and served us as flash bases at night as well as observation posts. These posts produced a number of targets during the
daylight hours as well as many observations of gun flashes during the night. Orders came to us during this day that we would be
prepared to support the 157th Infantry when, and if, they were taken from VI Corps Reserve and committed. These orders informed
us that we would reconnoiter for positions in the right center of the Beachhead, in the zone of the 3rd Infantry Division. Attempts to
learn if we were attached to the 1st Armored Division (U. S.), whose Commanding General was responsible for the Corps reserves
were unavailing. The Battalion Commander made a reconnaissance early in the forenoon of this day and found an area that afforded
positions for two batteries. Our status was undetermined at noon; as a consequence we were not required to send a representative to
the conference of the 1st Armored Artillery, held shortly after noon. Later in the day we learned that the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry,
would occupy the reserve positions assigned to it for the final defense of the Beachhead Line and that we would directly support that
Battalion, in addition to our role as reinforcing artillery to the 160th. This information first came to us from the Commander of the
157th, saying that the Division Commander had told him that we would establish liaison with that Battalion. This additional mission
assignment was later confirmed by a telephone call from Division Artillery. We made the necessary arrangements to furnish liaison
to this Battalion and determined to leave the right static observer in position as one of the forward observers to this unit. Another
forward observer was alerted to report to Captain Hayes, Liaison Officer to the 1st Battalion, to remain with him and share the
burden of manning the observation post with the other observer. Thus two observers would be available in case the need for them
arose. The enemy was active this day; the 3rd Division received an attack comprised of infantry and tanks that was repulsed. The
509th Parachute Battalion succeeded in regaining ground lost to the Germans the previous day. We also welcomed the news that
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200 of the enemy came to our lines under a white flag. Our fire was mainly harassing fires at the request of the 160th and the
Division Artillery. Poor visibility left our observers with little to do except report flashes and flares. Five (5) observed missions were
fired. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 90; Battery “B”, 242; Battery “C”, 84; Total, 416.

March 2nd differed from the previous day in that the day dawned bright and clear. A heavy mist covered the rain-soaked earth,
hampering the observation from our OP’s during the forenoon. The enemy remained peacefully disposed on our front, except that
during the afternoon the forward area of our zone was heavily shelled for about one hour. Later in the day we received word that the
3rd Division withstood another attack from approximately one company of infantry supported by six or eight tanks. By midnight we
had received information that the enemy was driven back with two tanks less than he had when he started the attack.

Our Private Carter, the member of Captain Hubbert’s party to the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry who had been listed as missing in
action, it being presumed he was captured when the Germans took the cave, reported for duty. He told an enthralling story of
capture, prisoner-of-war-camps, and escape. We learned from him that he saw no large concentrations of the enemy to the rear of
their front lines and this side of Rome. He told us of their obvious and confessed fear of our artillery fire; of the rations of bread,
ersatz coffee for breakfast, and stew for lunch that left our soldiers hungry; and the considerate treatment the captives received. He
told us that he was led away over the area previously covered by our artillery fire; that most all of the many dead he saw met death as
a result of shell fire. He cheered us when he told of the middle-aged and striplings who peopled the behind-the-line installations.
Our observers fired three (3) missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 361; Battery “B”, 377; Battery “C”, 296; Total,
1034.

Early of the forenoon of March 3rd, we received the report that the patrols of the 179th Infantry, on our front, had contacted the
enemy on the “dead-end road”, (863297-890296). From the Special Service Forces came the report that on the extreme right of the
Beachhead there was much vehicular activity; a portent of action to come on that flank. This conclusion was borne out by the
statement of a prisoner captured by the 3rd Infantry Division. The 7th Infantry of that division, brushed off a light skirmish this day.
Another prisoner, a deserter, reported that the Germans planned to interdict the main roads during the afternoon; the fire was
supposed to be intense. The statement of this prisoner was not attested to by the fire received in our areas; only the normal
interdiction of the “overpass” (863286) and the “Anzio Express”, the large caliber shells that harassed the towns of Anzio and
Nettuno and the service elements in their vicinity. We alerted our observers so that they would be quick to locate the enemy artillery
positions. The report of Private Carter, to the effect that the railroad bed was “solid with dug-in Germans” bore fruit; this feature was
dive-bombed and strafed twice during the day and bombed by medium bombers. The British reported that upon their attack of a
house occupied by enemy troops the Germans appealed to British sportsmanship, asking for relief so that their casualties could be
removed. The British replied by placing artillery fire on the place. The enemy and the weather conspired to eliminate our observation
this day; rain and haze forced us to cancel the only two observed missions from ground observers on artillery positions, and two
Cubs were forced down by enemy planes. Number of rounds fired; Battery “A”, 84; Battery “B”, 77; Battery “C”, 160; Total, 321.

March 4th was another quiet day on our part of the front; vehicular movement was observed in the vicinity of the “Factory” (F8931).
The enemy artillery lightly shelled the lines of the 179th Infantry at intervals during the day. We were warned that a deserter
informed higher headquarters that heavy interdictory fire would be placed on roads in our areas during the afternoon; this
intelligence proved to be false. In the evening we received word that the 3rd Division was engaged in withstanding another attack.
The force of the attack moved to the left and apparently spent itself about 2300A hours. We fired on orders of Division Artillery upon
enemy installations using time-on-target method. We fired 184 rounds on three concentrations as harassing fires during the day.
Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 114; Battery “B”, 161; Battery “C”, 120; Total, 395.

We began March 5th by firing in support of the 179th, who were busily engaged at 0015A hours repelling a probing thrust of the
enemy. The minor engagement was broken off shortly there after. The remainder of the night was spent receiving the many reports
of gun flashes that our observers sent us. Continued, by light, enemy activity was reported to be to the front of the Special Service
Forces, on the right flank of the Beachhead. Another report of saturated interdiction to be of the road net in our area came to naught.
Our observers continued to report that the enemy artillery in front of us was concentrated in the “Factory” area; yet they were
seldom able to see the flashes, and never saw the guns themselves. The enemy attempted to infiltrate through the lines of the British
during the late afternoon but were not successful. About 2300A hours the enemy engaged our forces between the 180th Infantry and
the 179th Infantry; this force, first thought to be a sizable one, was repulsed with little effort. Our forces completed mine fields so
that now our mine field joined with the British. We fired, at the request of Division Artillery, five (5) T.O.T. missions; at the request
of the 160th we fired four missions in defense of the 179th. 120 rounds harassing fire were placed on two points at the direction of
the 160th. Eight observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 289, Battery “B”, 236; Battery
“C”, 259, Total, 784.

We had a report from Division Artillery at 0525A hours March 6th that prisoners of war captured by the 179th told of German plans
to attack us with the aim of getting to our wire lines and disrupting communications. This was to prepare the way for an attack in
earnest. The prisoners reported that our artillery fire scattered their forces, repelling even the preliminary attack. One of the
prisoners was a Frenchman. The enemy artillery continued firing on forward positions and on Anzio and Nettuno; our observers
reported that some of this fire came from positions upon which our Corps Artillery had placed counter battery fire. Small units of the
enemy were observed during the day and taken under fire. After dark this day the enemy spread alarms by means of their liberal use
of flares. We registered on a check point near the right boundary of the 179th so that we would be in position to support the 171st
Field Artillery Battalion if the need arose. We had received orders this day that we would revert to a general support role when the
6th Armored Infantry relieved the 179th; this relief was to take place the following day. We fired six T.O.T. missions this day.
Thirteen (13) observed missions were fired. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 335; Battery “B”, 326; Battery “C”, 344;
Total, 1005.

Another one of our men, Private Clyde Shelton, who was captured by the Germans returned to us this day. He had been a member of
Lieutenant Robinson’s forward observer party, serving with the ill-fated 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry during the period February
16th to 22nd, inclusive. He told much the same story of poor and insufficient food, courteous treatment, and heavy losses sustained
by the Germans during their attacks in that period. He corroborated Private Carter’s tale of low enemy morale and her inadequate
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security measures. His story affirmed our belief that the missing members of Lieutenant Robinson’s and Lieutenant Carmichael’s
parties were safe and unharmed and that they were prisoners of the Germans. The enemy greeted the new day, March 7th, by heavily
shelling the Battalion area. Light caliber artillery was employed; no damage was done. Again at 0227A hours we were shelled.
Forward areas were shelled throughout the day and, commencing at about 1700A hours, began shelling along the entire front; the
observation posts of every artillery battalion of the 45th Division was shelled with mixed caliber artillery for a period of about three
(3) hours. Our observers were able to adjust fire on more of the enemy’s artillery positions this day. We did fire on an assembly point
in company with three other battalions from whence German patrols were dispatched. We fired no observed missions during the
day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 72; Battery “B”, 164; Battery “C”, 66; Total, 302. We made arrangements to revert to the
general support mission on the morrow; our Liaison Officer to the 160th was advised to return to the battalion COMMAND POST
when the 6th Armored Infantry completed the relief of the 179th.

March 8th was marked by encounters between enemy patrols and our Infantry. We received a report that there was heavy enemy
motor traffic between Vittore and Cisternia during the day. A bombing mission was arranged to attack the movement. The enemy
artillery again shelled forward areas, shelling our left observation post. No damage was sustained. We received word from the
Commander, 45th Division Artillery that plans were afoot for an attack. The British were to push up and secure the road junction of
the Via Antiatina and the “Dead-End” road (863286); the 45th Division would then attack in the direction of the “Factory” from
Padiglione. He ordered us to select a position for one battery in the vicinity of the creek at F8826. A reconnaissance was made; it was
found that the proposed area was unsuitable for a position. Further reconnaissance led to the selection of a site in the woods, in the
same area as our first command post, at F890251. We received orders to limit our expenditure of ammunition to 60 rounds per gun
per day. This allowance was not cumulative and was not to include ammunition fired on missions ordered by VI Corps. We fired one
(1) observed mission this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 352; Battery “B”, 94; Battery “C”, 63; Total, 509.

March 9th was spent registering our batteries on emergency barrages selected by the 171st Field Artillery Battalion to better fulfill
our mission as general support artillery, and attempting to silence enemy guns. The enemy artillery gave us ample opportunity to
discover his positions; he harassed our batteries at intervals during the entire day. As if the enemy’s efforts weren’t enough a
premature burst of a shell fired by Battery “C”, 36th Field Artillery injured a man in our Battery “C”. We fired four (4) missions for
Division Artillery and 40 rounds of interdiction on each of two locations assigned by the 171st. We fired three (3) observed missions
this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 117; Battery “B”, 255; Battery “C”, 197; Total, 569.

Our observers saw and reported many flares and gun flashes, beginning with the early morning and all through the day of March
10th. Many of these locations our observers were able to take under fire; others were out of range. We fired three observed missions
this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 197; Battery “B”, 306; Battery “C”, 186; Total, 689. In addition to the above missions
we fired 200 rounds on five (5) points selected by Division Artillery.

Battery “C” moved this day to the forward position previously selected and a reconnaissance was made to select a position forward
for Battery “B”. Enemy vehicular and foot troop activity appeared to increase in the vicinity of the “Factory” March 11th. Our
observers brought our fire on them with gratifying results. We also fired on enemy guns. Division Artillery assigned us eight (8)
points that we fired twice during the day; also we were given four (4) locations of enemy infantry that we fired at dusk. We fired no
observed missions this day. We fired the following number of rounds this day: Battery “A”, 226; Battery “B”, 259; Battery “C”, 233;
Total, 718. The enemy this day again shelled our area, placing rounds in the position of Battery “B”. Later in the day, 2045A hours,
they suffered some near misses at the hands of the “Luftwaffe”; no damage was done. We learned this day that Italian pilots and
planes were among the enemy raiders that struck at the Beachhead the previous night.

On March 12, shortly after midnight, an observer of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion adjusted our fire on enemy mortars and self-
propelled guns with good effect. We fired harassing fire, unobserved, on four (4) locations in the late afternoon. This was our only
activity of the day. We received orders to reinforce the 171st, and to establish liaison with them on the morrow. This we would be
able to do from our present positions. Two (2) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 165;
Battery “B”, 163; Battery “C”, 55; Total, 383.

March 13th began quietly; it was 0920A hours before our observers began reporting the enemy’s activity to our front. A more active
enemy provided us with a greater number of targets this day. The German artillery become active again at 1800A hours, and from
that time our front lines and the Battalion area were shelled intermittently until dawn the following day. The British made an effort
during the night of March 13-14 to secure the line of departure for the coming attack. This attack had been tentatively set for the
15th. We learned that it had been postponed until March 17th. Our forces, the 157th and 180th, were to attack on the day following
the British attack. We were to directly support the 157th. As reinforcing artillery there were to be allowed us the: 24th Field
Regiment ( British), 78th Field Regiment (British), 141st Field Artillery Battalion, 91st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, one Battery
of the 80th Field Regiment, and the Cannon Company, 157th Infantry. These units were armed respectively as follows; 24 M7ĻV
(105-mm), 24-25 pounders, 12-155-mm Howitzer M-1, 18-M7ĻV-mm), 8 -5.5 guns, 2 -M7ĻV-mm) and 6 – 75-mm self
propelled. The total number of pieces, including our guns, was 106. The 2 – M7’s of the Cannon Company were to be attached to our
Battery “A” to make that Battery a six gun battery. The sector of the 157th was broken down into zones each of which contained
concentrations; these were to be fired successively. The Infantry Battalion Commander would call for the raising of these fires,
whereupon the batteries firing these concentrations would place their fire on advanced concentrations. The location of these
concentrations would be contained in the plan of supporting fires that was to issue from Division Artillery the following day. The day
ended with enemy air raids and shelling. We fired eight (8) observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 132;
Battery “B”, 98; Battery “C”, 50; Total, 280. KIA: Private BENJAMIN A. KOWALSKI, 32774654.

The enemy shells continued to fall on our installations during the early hours of March 14th. Our left observation post was so heavily
shelled that the British artillery observer located in the same house departed. Battery “B” was shelled, one shell striking the gun pit
of the First Section, killing one man and seriously wounding another; an ammunition pile was fired. The piece was battered but still
usable. Small groups of’ enemy provided our observers and those of the 171st with good shooting this clear, sunny day. The Germans
were seen leading away sixty (60) of the Yorkshire Dragoons during the day. Our forces gave them a further lesson that two could
play that game; one of their number told us that the Herman Goering Panzer Division had been withdrawn and sent to Southern
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France. The Luftwaffe struck our area in a surprise dawn attack. One bomb struck near an anti-aircraft half-track emplaced in the
Headquarters Battery area, seriously wounding one man. We suffered no damage to material. We fired, in addition to our observed
missions, one TOT at the order of Division Artillery. Ten (10) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery
“A”, 272; Battery “B”, 78; Battery “C”, 195; Total, 545.

Our observers began March 15 with reports of flares and gun flashes. The German artillery continued active this day. Our left
observation received frequent, accurate shelling throughout the period, as did the road between 905202 and the “Dairy”. This road
was to be a portion of the jump-off line for the prepared attack. Toward night enemy troops, tanks, and self-propelled guns were
observed and taken under fire by an observer of the 171st; we participated in the fire. Our observers fired two (2) observed missions
this day; a total of three (3) observed missions were fired. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 28; Battery “B”, 186; Battery “C”,
153; Total, 367.

The Cannon Company, 157th Infantry emplaced their two 105-mm self-propelled guns at the position of Battery “A” to whom they
were to be attached for the contemplated attack. The six (6) 75-mm self-propelled guns were emplaced in separate positions and
registered; they were to be treated as a fourth battery. The Cannon Company sent us a computer who became a part of our fire
direction center crew. Toward evening we noticed the cloud of protective haze diffusing across the area; this was part of a scheme to
cover the entire Beachhead with an anti-aircraft screen. The vicinity of Anzio was blanketed in a thick fog of smoke; this
phenomenon gave rise to a quickly circulated rumor that two new divisions were debarking at Anzio port to reinforce us. To this
welcome news was added the radio news that Cassino had been bombed heavily and our forces were pressing an attack of that
stubbornly held point. March 16th began with a false alarm from the 3rd Division. A heavy artillery preparation preceded enemy foot
movement in front of the 30th Infantry. A call to the 41st Field Artillery Battalion, their supporting artillery, resulted in a call to the
45th Division Artillery. Our guns were laid and loaded when we received word that the force confronting the 30th was merely a
combat patrol. Enemy aircraft raided our lines and the port area at dawn; no damage was done. This day we relieved our two
observers, sending two non-commissioned officers to each OP as the relief. These NCO’s were chosen for their known qualities of
command and leadership, their technical knowledge, and experience; these men were to become our new Battlefield Appointments,
if they measured up, when the opportunity to commission them arose. We fired eleven (11) observed missions this day. Number of
rounds fired: Battery “A”, 309; Battery “B”, 162; Battery “C”, 189; Total, 660. In addition to the observed missions we engaged in one
T. O. T. mission, and fired four (4) rounds of propaganda on known enemy locations at the request of Division Artillery. During the
evening our observers reported numerous flares within the German lines and many gun flashes. They also reported, to our
gratification, the setting of two fires in the vicinity of known enemy artillery locations by Allied Artillery.

March 17th began as the preceding days; enemy shell fire and flashes and flares during the early morning hours. The Luftwaffe
bombed and strafed our front line units during the early morning hours. The liaison officers from our reinforcing organizations
reported during the day; the 141st Field Artillery Battalion, and the 24th and 78th Field Regiments. These units were registered and
the liaison officers returned to their units, and were to report back to us on D-Day. The Fire Direction Center and S-2 personnel
spent the day completing maps and mosaics of aerial photographs that were to be furnished the observers and liaison officers for use
in the attack. These maps and photos were prepared to show house numbers, and the location of preparatory fires and successive
concentrations that were scheduled for the support of the infantry advance. Later in the day the Battalion Commander sent us word
to halt work on these charts plans; plans had been changed. We learned that the schedule of supporting fires had been simplified,
the British units were not to reinforce our fires; substitution there for of the 68th and 91st Armored Field Artillery Battalions having
been made and the 157th and 180th would attack on D-Day at the same time that the British began their attack. D-Day was
established as March 19, 1944. Work was begun anew on the charts. The enemy forces were active this day, furnishing our observers
with good shooting. We were able to answer their calls for fire in spite of a further reduction in our ammunition allotment to only 30
rounds per piece a day. We fired eight observed missions this day. We were requested to fire night harassing fires on seven locations,
20 rounds each point. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 92; Battery “B”, 142; Battery “C”; 117; Number Total, 351.

March 18th began with an air attack. The “Jerry” missed our positions; one hour and forty minutes later the “all clear” was
announced. The enemy kept our observers busy the remainder of the night reporting pyrotechnics. At 0710A hours our airplanes
bombed the “Factory” area; again at 0735A hours and at 0810A hours the North - South road in the vicinity was bombed. This air
activity was reported by our observers as being effective. It had salutary effect on the enemy; their motor movements this day were
by thinly scattered or single vehicles, moving at a fast pace. They offered us no shooting this day. Enemy artillery heavily shelled the
Padiglione area. We continued our plans and preparations for the attack on the morrow. Maps and photos were assembled for the
observers and liaison officers; houses were numbered on the photos and the fire plans were placed on the maps. The photos were
assembled into mosaics and backed with out-model 1/20,000 grid sheets that we had carried all the way from the States. They were
gridded accordingly to the map. A meeting of liaison officers and observers was held; the details of the attack were discussed, the
maps and photo mosaics were presented them, and the enemy installations were made known. The observers repaired to the flying
field and were taken for a short flight over the front in our Cubs to acquaint them with the terrain. Two observers were to serve with
each of the three battalions as forward observers and three others were to establish static observations posts. The observers and
liaison parties had departed for their respective stations, when, at 1850A hours, we received word that the “Centipede Plan” was
cancelled. We recalled our observers and instructed our already established static observers to remain in place. The 171st assigned us
harassing fires at the rate of one round per hour during the night; also five (5) T. O. T. missions were set for the night. We fired three
(3) observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired as follows: Battery “A”, 17; Battery “B”, 120; Battery “C”, 18; Total, 155.

The Germans began March 19th by shelling our positions more viciously than ever before. Shortly this fire was repeated and later
Battery “A” received fire. By daylight the front lines had begun to received shellfire; this continued throughout the day. Our
observers were able to discover and fire on but few of the enemy’s artillery positions. During the day the liaison officers from the
reinforcing units took their leave of us, there being no need of them and returned to their units. Three (3) “Time-on-Target” missions
were fired during the evening. We fired the following number of rounds this day: Battery “A”, 150; Battery “B”, 95; Battery “C”, 48;
Total, 293.

We received word just after midnight, March 19 – 20 that we were to fire a T.O.T. at 0200A hours in front of the 180th Infantry;
hostile movement was evident on their front. The remainder of the night was uneventful. At dawn German aircraft raided our area;
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no damage was done to our Battalion. The enemy became quiet during the remainder of the day; personnel milling around houses
presented few targets for our observers. During the evening we fired T. O. T.’s on five (5) hostile locations. Our observers observed
fire on four (4) missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 106; Battery “B”, 206; Battery “C”, 204; Total, 521.

March 21st was more confusing than eventful. We learned that the 157th Infantry would relieve the 30th Infantry on this night and
the ensuing one. The 171st Field Artillery Battalion would directly support them and we would remain in a reinforcing role. Later in
the day the plans were changed and we assigned the mission of direct support of the 157th. The Battalion Commander made a
hurried reconnaissance of our future position area, discovering that the 41st Field Artillery Battalion supporting the 30th Infantry,
occupied the only feasible positions in this area of treeless knolls and logs. An agreement was reached to occupy the positions of the
Command post, and Batteries “B” and “C” when they were vacated on the night of March 22nd. Captains Wright and Hayes, Liaison
Officers to the Regiment and the 1st Battalion respectively, left our command post after their short stay and returned to the infantry.
The opposing artillery shelled our Headquarters and “A” Batteries during the night; only one man was slightly injured in spite of the
rapid surprise fire; we were learning how the objects of our fires must feel. We fired fifteen (15) rounds of propaganda this day on
locations known to contain opposing troops. Only three (3) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired as
follows: Battery “A”, 139; Battery “B”, 68; Battery “C”, 52; Total, 259.

March 22nd was moving day; advanced parties were sent to the new positions to dig in the personnel that would occupy them about
dusk. The lack of cover and defilade necessitated the bringing of a minimum of vehicles and personnel to the new location; it was
decided to establish an advanced command post with one shift of the fire direction and S-2 personnel, leaving the remainder of the
Headquarters in their present positions until a rearward location affording better concealment could be selected. The 171st assumed
direct support of the 157th during the period of our displacement; we kept our liaison officers with them during this period. Captain
Evans, 41st Field Artillery Battalion, remained as Liaison Officer with us during the night and until we were registered, the following
day. The movement began at dusk and by dawn all batteries were laid and ready to fire. The 1st Battalion, 157th relieved one
battalion of the 30th Infantry this same night. We detailed two forward observers to accompany their front line companies,
instructing them to dig in near the leading elements of the company in order that they would be prepared to conduct defensive fires
upon call from the infantrymen, even if this meant selecting a site not most favorable for observation. We fired two (2) observed
missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 68; Battery “B”, 46; Battery “C”, 6; Total, 120.

March 23rd was spent almost entirely in registering the Battalion on the base point and selecting and adjusting our batteries on their
normal barrages. In the early morning word was received that the 141st Field Artillery Battalion would reinforce our fires with two of
their batteries; the reinforcement to encompass counter battery and emergency missions only. Later in the morning we were told
that Company “C”, 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion would furnish us unlimited reinforcement. A liaison officer arrived in the
afternoon announcing that he represented the 141st and the 634th Field Artillery Battalions; both 155-mm Howitzer, M1. A call to
45th Division Artillery unveiled the fact that both medium battalions would place two batteries each at our disposal for counter
battery work and in event of an emergency. We designated emergency concentrations rather than assign them normal barrages, in
accordance with their wishes. This night the 3rd Battalion was scheduled to take up positions to the right of the 1st Battalion, 157th
Infantry, relieving the remainder of the 30th Infantry. Our liaison officer to the 171st was sent to the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry
upon the completion of our registration and two observers were alerted to accompany the unit into the lines. The same instructions
were issued as in the case of the observers with the 1st Battalion; readiness to support the infantry in case of a hostile threat was
placed above the normal considerations in selecting an artillery OP. We fired two (2) “Bingo” (T.O.T.) missions at the request of
Division Artillery during the day; only two (2) observed missions against enemy targets were conducted. In between these missions,
adjustments, and registrations we completed our digging in at the batteries and the command post. We fired 216 rounds as follows:
Battery “A”, 71; Battery “B”, 40; Battery “C”, 105.

The 3rd Battalion 157th completed the occupation of the lines of the 30th Infantry immediately after midnight, March 24th. The
relief was made without hostile interference. Our liaison officer apprised us of their locations. We received from the 30th, via our
liaison officer the enemy installations known to them. We learned that the 2nd Battalion, 157th would relieve the 180th Infantry, in
position to the left of the 1st Battalion, 157th, during the evening. We would occupy one of the observation posts manned by an
observer of the 171st; another observer would be placed to his north and right. Again the principle of close contact with the front-line
companies guided our selection of observation posts. The enemy shelled our Infantry at frequent intervals during the entire day,
continuing to mass the fire of two or more apparently separated pieces. Their positions were well concealed, searching for them was
a discouraging process. We received further reinforcement in the form of the Cannon Company, 157th. They would perform this
function in addition to their normal role. They were registered and their positions surveyed; normal barrages were assigned them.
They sent a computer to our fire direction center. This day also, the 171st, released of the direct support of the resting 180th, became
another reinforcing unit. They did not send us a liaison officer; their command post was some two hundred yards removed from
ours. During the night the 3rd Battalion suffered an attack, beginning about 2018A hours, that lasted for about an hour. We fired the
Tank Destroyers and Cannon Company in the defense against this action. The engagement resulted in Company “L” relinquishing its
positions in the Cemetery (F948327). We vied with the Air Forces for the credit of breaking up the attack; during the action our
planes dropped illuminating flares according to previously announced plans and the light from these was thought to have
discouraged the attackers. We fired two (2) observed missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 47; Battery “B”, 39;
Battery “C”, 93; Total, 169.

March 25th witnessed the quickening of the pace of our opposing artillery; our lines were repeatedly shelled throughout the period;
all reports indicated that their artillery positions were centered north of the “Factory”. Our observers attempted to locate them but
their efforts met with little success, probably partly attributable to the heavy ground haze. A static observation post was established
this day; we manned it initially with Staff Sergeant Meyers of our Battery “C”, an experienced NCO whom we were grooming for
Battlefield promotion. We fired “Bingo” missions on three (3) points during the early morning. We fired seven (7) points of
interdiction during the night. Eleven (11) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 242; Battery
“B”, 314; Battery “C”, 120; Total, 676.

The patrols that returned early of the morning of March 26th reported frequent encounters with the enemy; Germans occupied
houses to our front, and the ravines that crossed the plain. Enemy artillery was active this day; positions of our infantry were shelled
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the whole day long. Their mortars, too, were active. The increased enemy activity resulted in more productive work on the part of
our observers; eighteen (18) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 60; Battery “B”, 254;
Battery “C”, 69; Total, 383.

Patrol plans were reported to us for the night and fire on one point in support of the patrols was arranged. Harassing fires were
developed for the nights’ fire. Patrols returned during the early hours of March 27th with tales of an active, alert, and numerous
enemy to our front. We fired, at the request of the infantry, on locations reported by these patrols. The Germans continued to mass
their artillery on our lines; this day our Battery “A” received eight (8) rounds of shellfire; the first our positions had received. This
day, too, the enemy was active along our entire front, providing us with twenty-seven (27) observed missions. We also fired a “Bingo”
for Division Artillery. Targets included enemy guns, tanks, mortars and machine guns and troops. During the first hours of darkness
hostile infantry created a furor by their digging arousing our forces to call for normal barrage. This fire was later changed to a greater
range and was reported effective. We fired harassing fire on six (6) hostile locations during the night. We fired 566 rounds during the
period, distributed as follows: Battery “A”, 192; Battery “B”, 271; Battery “C”, 103.

We fired a “Bingo” mission at 0115A hours to begin the day of March 28th. We fired on numerous targets that the active enemy
presented us; guns, personnel, and houses. These last caused us constant trouble. They served as forts for the hostile infantry,
observations posts and hiding places for tanks and self-propelled guns. Our guns proved inadequate to the task of reducing these
strong points. We learned that a unit armed with eight-inch howitzers was now in position; their principal role was to be the
destruction of these buildings. An observer was sent to us whom we were to locate in a suitable observation post so that he could
adjust the fire of his battalion on these houses. We guided him to one of our forward observation posts from where he could see the
prescribed places. This day the Germans fired on a 1/4 ton displaying a Red Cross flag that was dispatched to carry wounded from
our lines. Our observers substantiated the claims of the infantry that the mortar fire placed on this vehicle was observed fire. Our
observers conducted fire on twenty-four (24) missions this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 125, Battery “B”, 165; Battery
“C”, 86; Total, 376.

March 29th was another day of constant shelling by hostile artillery. The same characteristic of massed fire obtained in the smaller
calibers. The fire of 150-mm or 170-mm artillery continued from single pieces. A less active enemy, otherwise, or poor visibility,
reduced the number of observed missions to only fourteen (14). One of the oddest of missions was the conducting of fire on an
observer who had established himself in a tree. Our observer reported that either he was blown out of the tree or he fell out; ten
rounds were expended on this target. We fired one T.O.T. mission upon orders from Division Artillery. Interdiction for the night
included seven (7) points known to contain enemy. Number of rounds fired this day: Battery “A”, 161; Battery “B”, 111; Battery “C”,
85, Total, 357.

March 30th began with reports of flares and gun flashes. The day was uneventful enough; the same shelling and enemy activity
prevailed. Hostile artillery drove one chemical mortar battalion to shift their positions. This fire still came from the area to the north
of the “Factory”. At 2120A hours Battery “C” received three (3) high bursts close to their position. Later in the night at 2146A hours,
2220A hours, and 2245A hours this Battery received over 150 rounds of 88-mm and 105-mm shells. Examination of the spoil led us
to conclude that the smaller gun was some 500 mils removed from the larger, one was measured at the battery. Dug in positions
proved their worth; the sole casualty occurred when a dug out was directly hit with a 105-mm. These tricks of the Germans
effectively confused our observers on numerous occasions. Infantry reported that activity on their front made them suspect that the
opposing infantry was busy effecting a relief at that time. Two (2) T.O.T. missions were fired this day. During the night interdictory
fires were placed on two (2) points, and on one location fire was placed to cover the withdrawal of a combat patrol. The last mission
was fired on call by signal flare. Twenty-four (24) observed missions were fired this day. Number of rounds fired: Battery “A”, 91;
Battery “B”, 233; Battery “C”, 60; Total, 384. KIA: Private JOE CURLEY, 38017433.

March 31st saw the continuation of German shell fire on our front lines; the 171st also received vicious shellings during the greater
part of the afternoon. We made greater efforts to silence this devastating and demoralizing fire; T.O.T.’s were fired on five (5) hostile
battery positions in addition to the observed missions that were fired on gun positions. Also received was our second report of the
employment of six-barreled mortars. In spite of poor visibility this day our observers fired twenty-five (25) missions; these targets
included guns, mortars, machine-guns, and personnel. Harassing fires were placed on five points during the night. Number of
rounds fired this day, as follows: Battery “A”, 195; Battery “B”, 180; Battery “C”, 88; Total, 963.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: I CORI, II FOGLIANO, III NETTUNO, & IV ARDEA.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
CAPT SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT CLEVERDON, CHARLES W. O-299308 Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
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Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battery Commander
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Executive Officer
1st LT GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT BOLON, ROBERT L. O-1171906 Forward Observer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Assistant Executive
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Naval Gunfire Spotter
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Executive Officer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Assistant Executive
Service Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
2nd LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Battery Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4
Medical Detachment
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization

1 DOLEZAL, PAUL Pvt. 38017444 Btry "C"
HALL, Arthur F. Pvt. 38017460 Btry "C"
7 SALAZER, Jesse A. Pvt. 37561512 Btry "A"
GREEN, Oscar G. Pfc. 38017384 Btry "B"
WAGNER, Harry E. Pvt. 20314012 Btry "B"
9 FREDRICK, Howard L. Pfc. 35169017 Btry "C"
13 KOWALSKI, Benjamin A. Pvt. 32774654 Btry "B"
MANJO, Joseph R. Pvt. 31353081 Btry "B"
22 PADDYAKER, Floyd Pfc. 20830752 Btry HQ
30 CURLEY, Joe Pvt. 38017433 Btry "C"

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated.

24 Mar 1st Lt. KILCOLLINS, Hilston T. O-1165887 "C" Btry OLC Silver Star
25 Mar Pvt. SHELTON, Clyde L. 20830885 "C" Btry Silver Star
27 Mar Pvt. COLBY, William M. 35602877 "HQ" Btry Silver Star
29 Mar Pfc. CARTER, Walter S. 20830965 "HQ" Btry Silver Star
29 Mar Capt. HUBBERT, George O. O-450052 "HQ" Btry Silver Star
29 Mar S/Sgt. MEKO, Samuel Jr. 35169112 "HQ" Btry Silver Star
29 Mar 1st Lt. MERCHANT, Arthur B. O-1174958 "B" Btry Silver Star
29 Mar S/Sgt. SCHOMAKER, Walter A. 20830830 "C" Btry Silver Star

HOWITZER REPLACEMENT

11 March 1944 "A" Battery Gun No. # 1000 replaced by Gun No. # 7988
13 March 1944 "A" Battery Gun No. # 7988 replaced by Gun No. # 10132
16 March 1944 "A" Battery Gun No. # 16186 replaced by Gun No. # 3794
Gun No. 240 Received 12 February 1944

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Fifth Army General Orders Number 48 dated 24 March 1944 by
Command of Lieutenant General Clark: Award of Oak Leaf Cluster to Silver Star. Under the provisions of Army Regulations
600-45, as amended, a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star is awarded to the following named officer: HILSTON T.
KILCOLLINS (01165887), First Lieutenant, Field Artillery, United States Army. For gallantry in action, on 25 September 1943, near
Castelnuovo, Italy. First Lieutenant Kilcollins accompanied an infantry company as a forward artillery observer. The unit was
advancing over a bare knoll when an intense concentration of hostile machine gun and mortar fire from a wooded hill halted the
[54]
company and inflicted several casualties. First Lieutenant Kilcollins crawled to the top of the knoll and exposed himself to the fire of
machine guns in order to observe and adjust artillery fire on the enemy positions. Machine gun bullets struck near him, spraying
him with dirt and rocks; yet he continued to adjust fire on enemy weapons, silencing the two machine guns and mortars. Through
First Lieutenant Kilcollins’ heroic and effective actions, the company was able to advance and capture the hill. Entered military
service from Mapleton, Maine.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 57 dated 25 March
1944 by Command of Major General Eagles: Award of Silver Star Medal Missing in Action. CLYDE L. SHELTON 20830885,
Private First Class, Battery "C", 158th Field Artillery Battalion for gallantry in action in the Rome-Anzio area 3-5 March 1944. Private
Shelton, having been captured by the enemy 23 February 1944, escaped with two companions from a prisoner of war camp near
Rome on 3 March. Private Shelton was able through his energy and resourcefulness to reach friendly lines in disguise on 5 March,
eluding enemy guards who shot his two companions. Enroute he obtained a map showing the location of an ammunition and supply
dump and was able to furnish much other valuable information of the enemy. Private Shelton's daring and devotion to duty reflects
great credit on the armed forces. Entered military service from Perry, Oklahoma.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 59 dated 27 March
1944 by Command of Major General Eagles: Award of Silver Star Medal. WILLIAM M. COLBY 35632877 FA, Private,
Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action on the night of 21-22 February 1944, near Carroceto,
Italy. During the defense of a sector on the Anzio Beachhead by an infantry battalion, the command post located in a cavern was
threatened by assaulting hostile forces which had broken through the outer defenses and were attacking the entrance of the cave
from two directions. Throughout the encounter, Private Colby, serving with an artillery liaison party, remained at his radio ten feet
from the mouth of the cave receiving and transmitting conduct of fire messages calmly and efficiently, although his life was
endangered by grenades and small arms fire. As a last resort in warding off' the German troops, he directed artillery fire to the very
entrance of the cave. Private Colby's efforts contributed to the frustration of the attack, inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, and
typify the high ideals of the Armed Forces. Home address: Mansfield, Ohio.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 61 dated 29 March
1944 by Command of Major General Eagles: Award of Silver Star Medal. WALTER S. CARTER, 20830965, FA, Private First
Class, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action on the Anzio Beachhead from 23 February to 2
March 1944. Private First Class Carter, member of an artillery liaison section, was captured on the afternoon of 23 February while
helping carry wounded from a cave in an attempt to evacuate them to the rear. Confined in a prisoner of war camp in Rome 25
February, he escaped 29 February and, by traveling at night and hiding during the day, made his way through approximately fifteen
miles of German occupied territory to return to our lines 2 March. He was able to give higher headquarters the identification of
enemy installations including an airport, a field artillery battery, two command posts, two anti-air-craft guns, extensive dug-in
infantry positions, and the movement of a column of tanks. Private First Class Carter’s courage and attention to duty in securing this
information is worthy of the highest praise and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces. Entered military service
from Kingfisher, Oklahoma. GEORGE O. HUBBERT, O-450052, FA, Captain, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion,
for gallantry in action near Carroceto, Italy, 17 February 1944. While performing his duties as liaison officer with the command post
of an infantry battalion in a cavern, the enemy broke through the ring of friendly infantry companies surrounding the command post
and attacked it, climaxing in a small arms and grenade fight at the entrance to the cavern. Captain Hubbert remained at his post
within 20 feet of the mouth of the cavern and directed the fire of his own and reinforcing artillery battalions on the attacking force,
at times placing fire on the mouth of the cavern. His devotion to duty during this period contributed greatly to the frustration of the
enemy attack and resulted in the death of large numbers of enemy troops. Entered military service from Lubbock, Texas. SAMUEL
MEKO Jr., 35169112, FA, Staff Sergeant, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action near Ponte,
Italy, on 9 October 1943. Staff Sergeant Meko had supervised the installation of a forward switching central in a gully about 200
yards from a main road and 100 yards from a 155mm howitzer battery when the battery was subjected to enemy counter-battery fire
which included the area in which the switchboard was located. Ordering his men to take cover, Staff Sergeant Meko manned the
switchboard during the period until a shell near the road knocked out the line to the rear board. He worked his way to the road,
repaired the break, and returned to continue the operation of the board. Staff Sergeant Meko’s courageous actions reflect great credit
upon himself and the Armed Forces. Entered military service from Indianapolis, Indiana. ARTHUR B. MERCHANT, O-1174958, FA,
First Lieutenant (Then Second Lieutenant), Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action near Salerno, Italy, 14-
16 September 1943. As forward observer in the sector of an infantry company which was widely dispersed over a bare, flat stretch of
ground, Lieutenant Merchant maintained an observation post for three days in a lone, tall tree in the center of the sector, completely
exposed to enemy shell fire which fell continuously near his position during the period. His fire on the enemy attacking forces so
disorganized them that the infantry was able to withstand the assaults without any loss of ground. Lieutenant Merchant’s
perseverance and courage in making possible proper artillery support to the infantry reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed
Forces. Entered military service from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. WALTER A. SCHOMAKER, 20830830, FA, Staff Sergeant, Battery
“C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for gallantry in action near Carroceto, Italy, on 22 February 1944. Staff Sergeant Schomaker, as
enlisted chief of a forward observer party, occupied a house as an observation post which was under enemy fire for five days and on
the fifth day was completely surrounded by hostile troops. When the officer in command of the party was killed by a German sniper,
Staff Sergeant Schomaker assumed command and adjusted fire on the nearby enemy forces. At dusk he made his way across the
open ground and established contact with a security patrol and assisted in securing the route over which his battalion was to move.
Staff Sergeant Schomaker’s action contributed greatly to the successful withdrawal of the beleaguered infantry battalion that night.
His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the Armed Forces. Entered military service from Perry, Oklahoma.

APRIL 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

As the month opened; Captain Wright was Liaison Officer with 157th Infantry, Captain Hayes with the 1st Battalion, Captain
Hubbert with the 2nd Battalion and Lieutenant Van Ness with the 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry. We were in direct support of that
infantry regiment, and our fires were being reinforced by the 171st Field Artillery Battalion; Cannon Company, 157th Infantry,
Company “C”, 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion; 141st Field Artillery Battalion and the 634th Field Artillery Battalion. Two (2)
forward observers were with the 1st Battalion, two (2) with the 2nd; and one (1) with the 3rd Battalion, with the Cannon Company,
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157th Infantry furnishing a second observer with the 3rd Battalion. Also “A” and “C” Batteries each established a static OP, which
were surveyed in so as to form a short flash base. All the batteries were re-registered on the base point during the morning, from
their positions 2000 to 2500 yards southwest of Campomorte. Normal and emergency barrages were registered on during the
afternoon. Two (2) T.O.T.’s for Div Arty were fired upon. The Air O.P. reported the wind to be too strong to go up so: Cubs remained
on terra firma. Visibility was only fair, a slight haze being the impediment anyway. The enemy artillery on the front lines was heavy
enough to induce Div Arty to lift the ammunition restriction for the night and 750 rounds interdiction were to be fired by the
battalion and supporting artillery. Just before midnight the Luftwaffe came over and sprinkled some AP bombs nearby. A total of 19
missions were fired, on tanks, machine guns, mortars, personnel and in registration. “A” Battery fired 99 rounds, “B” Battery fired
150, and “C” Battery 45 rounds.

April 2nd was Palm Sunday, and we delivered propaganda at seven enemy addresses, one round each. In the afternoon the Division
Commander presented Silver Stars to five (5) officers and seven (7) men and an oak leaf cluster on the Silver Star to one officer at the
Div Arty Command Post. The targets for this day were personnel, mortars, guns, and machine guns on which “A” Battery used 218
rounds, “B” Battery 222 rounds and “C” Battery 62 rounds.

The 3rd of April, 1944 will ever be a red-letter day to the Battalion S-2, Captain Cleverdon, for this morning he left for the United
States on rotation. Earlier in the morning Sergeant Taylor on “A” Battery’s O.P., reported finally seeing the glow from the gun and
the phosphorescent trail from the shell which had become popularly referred to as the “Anzio Express” because of its sound and
destination. “B” Battery fired the nights’ interdictions totaling 135 rounds on 5 houses. The total rounds fired for the day were: 215
for “A” Battery, 281 for “B” and 163 rounds by Battery “C”.

From 0200B till daylight, on the morning of April 4th, “B” Battery fired two (2) concentrations and interdiction on the now famous
cemetery at 94863262. All night interdictions were fired in these battery positions by “B” Battery, because of the poor flash defilade
present at the other two positions. Div Arty called for five (5) T.O.T.s between 1100B and 1125B on 2 and 3 gun battery positions.
Five (5) more were called for from 2010B to 2026B; and again at 2115B, one more. The area around the Command Post received 182
rounds of light caliber “incoming mail” from 2115B to 2152B. The visibility was quite restricted by a haze ranging from slight to
medium all day. “A” Battery’s total for the day was 67 rounds, “B” Battery’s 269 rounds, and 69 rounds for “C” Battery.

Wednesday, April 5th, dawned partly cloudy with limited visibility and remained so all day. The day was relatively quiet in the
battalion area. Targets this day were O.P.’s, dug in personnel, tanks, mortars, interdiction and seven (7) T.O.T.s. Total Ammo fired:
“A” Battery 138 rounds, “B” Battery 110 and “C”‘ Battery 69.

April 6th began with a ground haze in the morning, but the visibility became clear enough in the afternoon that the forward
observers were able to run the gamut in observed targets (i.e. 1 machine gun, 4 mortars, 1 O.P., 1 on the cemetery at 94863262, 1 on
personnel, 1 at a tank and 5 T.O.T.s, including one on the cemetery, which Lieutenant Cobb reported as pulverizing it.) This last
T.O.T. was effected by 48 light guns and 40 mediums, 2 volleys each. All in all, the battalion fired the following: 87 rounds by “A”
Battery, 215 rounds by “B” Battery and “C” Battery 114 rounds.

Again on the 7th April, a haze impaired (though did not prevent) observation all day. Even so, after, the day beginning with 50
rounds of shell fire landing in the C.P. area between 0100B and 0210B, a tank, a machine gun, an artillery piece and a couple of
mortars were shot at by our observed fire. During the day 6 T.O.T.s were participated in by the battalion, and 100 rounds of
interdiction were called for and delivered during the night, making totals for the period: 107 rounds by “A” Battery, 313 rounds by
“B” Battery and 50 rounds for “C” Battery. A red alert was sounded at 2045B.

On Saturday, the 8th of April, the haze greatly impeded visibility all day. However the Heinie threw 215 rounds around the
headquarters area and a couple rounds in “B” Battery’s area, all light to medium variety, mostly before daylight. We shot at 1 gun, 2
mortars, 2 O.P. s and 4 personnel targets (the last one tried to be covered by a smoke screen). 11 T.O.T.s were fired during the day
and 110 rounds of interdiction during the night. Daily aggregates were 224 rounds for “A” Battery, 104 for “B” Battery and 69 for “C”
Battery.

Easter, April 9th brought light showers, limiting visibility again. However observers were able to adjust the battalion on a tank, a
personnel target, one of vehicles and three mortar targets. Only one T.O.T. but 11 harassing concentrations were fired. These totals
were recorded: “A” Battery 138 rounds, “B” Battery 144 rounds and 97 rounds for “C” Battery.

Warm weather, clear skies and good visibility were all in evidence during April 10th, and the number of observed targets of machine
guns and personnel increased noticeably. To offset that natural advantage (or for some other reason) the enemy threw about a dozen
rounds of smoke behind “A” Battery, in the area where several O.P.s were visible to the Krauts. At 1600B, orders were received from
Div Arty, changing the 171st Field Artillery Battalion’s mission from reinforcing our fires to general support and reinforcing our fires.
Then in the evening word was received from Div Arty of the plan to shoot with increased tempo from 2000B to 2015B and from
2245B to 2300B, in order to draw fire from enemy batteries, making target during the following 2 one hour periods for bombing and
strafing by the air corps. These latter two periods, naturally, were to be “silent periods” for all allied artillery. Totals of ammunition
expended during the day were: by Battery “A” 177 rounds, by “B” Battery 68 and 48 rounds by “C” Battery.

At 0530B, on the morning of the 11th April, “A” Battery received a little “incoming mail”. Other than that the two main events during
the day were: the division artillery commanding general’s visit to the C.P., when he informed us the plan for the 30th Infantry to
relieve the 157th Infantry, beginning the night of April 12th. The other bit of news was that the bombing program scheduled again for
the night was called off. “Too smokey” for the mission. Most of the targets during the day which included light showers, were of local
personnel and strong point concentrations. “A” Battery expended 171 rounds for the period, “B” Battery 216 rounds and “C” Battery
107 rounds.

Again on the 12th of April, division artillery announced the on and off again bombing plan, is on again tonight, but this time no
artillery preparation will be made. Evidently it was carried out, but the krauts synchronized their air raid too perfectly with ours.
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Shortly after noon “A” Battery’s kitchen area received 21 enemy shells. No casualties however. The 17 concentrations during the day
included T.O.T .s, personnel and mortars. Totals were: “A” Battery 154 rounds, “B” Battery 182 rounds and “C” Battery 161. Also on
this day, the battalion O.P. #l (9262725837) received the first shelling, which was to be repeated often on these woods the next week.
Also the Luftwaffe bombed the area during the night in the air raid.

Mortars led in furnishing targets on the 13th April, there being 7 of such concentrations. The day was cool, partly cloudy with limited
visibility. Only 2 T.O.T.s were fired. During the early morning we had a short air raid, and bombs or shells which landed at the same
time, knocked out two “A” Battery trucks temporarily. Then during the night 10 minutes of continuous fire was placed in front of 2nd
Battalion 157th Infantry, to stop a small attack. The “quiet period” was called off for the night. “A” Battery’s total for the day was 212
rounds, “B” Battery’s was 212 and “C” Battery’s 245 rounds.

On the 14th of April, the first of our forward observers and liaison officers to the infantry returned, the infantry battalion on the right
having been relieved by the 3rd Division unit. 2 no-fire periods were announced by Div Arty and then changed to 2300B-2400B.
TOT’s led the types of concentrations, being 5 in number. Ammo expended during the day was: 179 rounds by “A” Battery, 486
rounds by “B” Battery and 123 rounds by “C” Battery.

On the 15th April, the liaison officer with the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry and his forward observers, returned, these particular units
having been relieved. OP #1 was shelled three times during the period; O.P. #2 (9262725837) was manned and designated as the
only one to be maintained while the division was in rest. 6 T.O.T.s, and 5 tanks, 2 mortars, 1 gun and 1 vehicle targets were fired. The
visibility became good in the afternoon. “A” Battery fired 291 rounds, “B” Battery fired 159 rounds and “C” Battery 150 rounds.

The relief of the 157th Infantry was completed on the 16th April and the two remaining liaison officers and the forward observers
with the 2nd Battalion returned. “B” Battery area was shelled at 0100B, and “A” Battery received some more at 2130B. Ground mist
in the morning, plus the reduced number of observers in observers in position, reduced the number of observed targets to one. 4
harassing targets and the same number of TOTs summed up the firing for the day. “A” Battery’s total was 128 rounds and ”B”
Battery’s was 61 rounds and “C”s was 110.

By virtue of Field Order #18, 45th Infantry Division Artillery, dated 14 April, 1944, this battalion was in general support and
reinforcing the fire of the 41st Field Artillery Battalion (3rd Infantry Division) from April 17 to April 30, inclusive. During this period
the OP at 9262725837 was manned by the forward observers, each taking a 2-day shift. A number of schools for observers and
computers were held both by the battalion commanders and battery officers.

“A” Battery on the 17th April, had 3 trucks knocked out by about 75 rounds coming in about sunrise.

On the 19th April the battalion executive returned from the rear echelon, where he had been supervising the turn-in of all surplus
clothing and equipment in storage. The battalion S-3 went to Div Arty on special duty as acting DivArty S-3.

On April 20th, “C” Battery, at an instruction period at a temporary O.P. set up in the battery area, fired on an enemy vehicle, setting
it on fire.

Shortly after 0100B, the 21st of April, Tedesci threw about 35 rounds into the C.P. Area; about 88-mm caliber. At 1945, the battalion
joined in a nine (9) battalion concentration to counter an enemy attack in front of 2nd Battalion 30th Infantry.

The 45th Infantry Div Arty commanding general on April 22nd ordered the battalion commander and the commander of the 160th
Field Artillery Battalion, to reconnoiter (1) the area just north of Campomorto within range of the F38 X grid line and (2) the area of
9429, both areas to be reconnoitered for preparation of a C.P. and 1 battery installations by one battalion, and the other 2 battery
installations by the other battalion; all 4 installations to be occupied by one battalion. At about 2200B, “A” and “B” Batteries fired 30
minutes of continuous fire on an enemy attack upon the 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry. During the period “C” Battery received over 30
rounds of 170-mm counter-battery fire.

“B” Battery was shelled by about 65 rounds of light caliber shells about daylight the morning of the 23rd April.

On the morning of the 25th April, a plan beginning with harassing of an area roughly 1 km. square following by a box-barrage
around the same area; closed away our lines for 2 minutes. Propaganda was broadcast for 8 minutes by means of a loudspeaker, and
during the succeeding 18 minutes a rolling barrage was fired beginning in the same form as the box barrage, with the closed side
moving in 100 yard bounds through the box toward our lines. This was followed by another announcement over the public address
system. And just before an attack through the area by our infantry a “bullet” concentration was fired at a point in the center of the
line at the last range fired in the rolling barrage. This bullet consisted of concentrating 2 rounds per gun in all of the approximately
10 battalions participating in the plan, known as “Mr. Green”. Our battalion’s part was a 300 yard section of the west side of the
“box” plus the “bullet”. The “box” part began at 0409B. Three TOT’S including 5 volleys of smoke and continuous fire for 35 minutes
followed the plan.

On Wednesday, April 26th, the battalion S-3 returned from special duty with Division Artillery.

Field Order No. 19, 45th Infantry Div Arty, dated 27th April, 1944, was received the same day, and there under the battalion’s
mission was changed to general support and reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, effective the night of April
30th – May 1st, when commander of 180th Infantry assumes command of the sector (F925 line to F964 line, both approximately).
Battalion was directed to establish a flash base, which was done the same day, using the existing OP #2 as the left end and
establishing OP #3 (9529825977) as the right end.

“C” Battery area was shelled by 170-mm gun around 0800B, on the 28th; no casualties.

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The Battalion Commander and the Battalion Executive made reconnaissance’s for battery positions in the areas, northwest and
northeast of Campomorto on the 27th and the 29th of April. On the 29th, “B” and “C” Batteries completed registration on the normal
barrages as designated by the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. The Liaison Officer to the 157th Infantry Regiment and the one to the
3rd Battalion were alerted, and they reported to their respective posts, although the entire regiment remained in division reserve.
The flash base was tested and out of four targets fired on, adjustment was obtained with an average of 3 rounds each.

On the 30th April, “A” Battery completed its registration on their normal barrage. During the evening, the 171st Field Artillery
Battalion notified us that there would be no firing short of the 32 line between the 94 and 96 line. The tour on the static OP’s was
extended to 4 days each, the forward observers taking their turns. The totals of rounds fired by battery, for the period April 17th to
30th, inclusive, are as follows:
Date “A” Battery “B” Battery “C” Battery Total
17 73 219 113 405
18 190 131 116 437
19 78 244 98 420
20 97 333 120 550
21 62 287 66 415
22 88 286 32 406
23 257 471 288 1016
24 164 253 137 554
25 799 843 500 2142
26 317 307 404 1028
27 296 359 161 816
28 160 251 176 587
29 153 403 51 607
30 207 343 134 684

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: I CORI & IV ARDEA.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
CAPT SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
2nd LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Unassigned
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 AT & AA Platoon Cmdr
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
2nd LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Assistant Executive Officer
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Assistant Executive
Service Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
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1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

C A S U A L T Y L I ST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Extent

7 April KILCOLLINS 1st LT O-1165887 Battery "C" LW
15 April AUSBERN, ORA A. Pvt 38023507 Battery "A" LW
25 April GRAVES, MARCUS E. Cpl 34133163 Battery "B" LW
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated.

1 April S/Sgt LAUBHAN, JOHN F. 20830647 “A” Battery Silver Star
1 April Cpl McCOWN, RAYMOND R. 20830750 HQ Battery Silver Star
3 April 1st LT CARMICHAEL, THOMAS N. O-440407 “A” Battery Silver Star

HOWITZER REPLACEMENT

4 April 1944 Tube # 4825 replaced by Tube # 16319 “B” Battery

16 April 1944 Tube # 270 replaced by Tube # 16404 “A” Battery

MAY 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The month of May opened with the battalion in general support of the division and reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery
Battalion. Captain Wright was liaison officer with 157th Infantry and Lieutenant Robertson on an OP at 954260 and Sergeant Taylor
at 929256. The Command Post was at 930243, “A” Battery at 928254, “B” Battery at 927249, and “C” Battery at 932246. During the
first day of the month Lieutenant Mayne was sent to the 157th Infantry Cannon Company, which was attached to the battalion, as
artillery adviser, six (6) TOT’s were fired for Div Arty during the night. “A” Battery’s total expended ammunition for the day was 207
rounds, “B” Battery’s total was 98 rounds and “C” battery’s 203 rounds.

During the 2nd May, the two static O.P.’s picked up flashes from 14 enemy guns. OP #2 was shelled three times during the day. “A”
battery’s first section had its gun knocked out and about 300 rounds of ammo burned up when the area was shelled shortly before
midnight. Totals for the day were: 195 rounds for “A” Battery, 84 rounds for “B” Battery and 66 rounds for “C” Battery.

Shortly after midnight on the morning of the 3rd May, “A” Battery’s position received about 31 rounds of enemy shellfire. During the
day the battalion was called upon by the 171st F.A. Battalion to fire to fire on only three (3) observed targets. Totals of rounds fired
were: 186 rounds for “A” Battery, 254 rounds for “B” Battery and 64 rounds for “C” Battery.

Shortly after noon of the 4th May, the Heinie received 15 rounds of pamphlets containing statements made by POW’s, 7 TOT’s and 5
points of interdicton were called for during the night. For the day, “A” Battery fired 131 rounds, “B” Battery 316 rounds, and “C”
Battery 166 rounds.

On the night of the 5th May, the 157th Infantry began its relief of the 179th, one battalion per night, with 3rd battalion first, so
during the day all targets were still those observed by 171st Field Artillery Battalion’s F.O.’s as the visibility was fair to poor, the
number of missions was small, however, “A” Battery shot 125 rounds, “B” Battery 168 rounds and “C” Battery 72 rounds.

About 0330 on the morning of the 6th May, 1st Battalion. 179th Infantry reported an enemy attack on them, and “B” Battery fired
continuous fire for slightly over an hour. Then during the evening what men could be spared began digging in the proposed positions
along the banks of the Mussolini Canal, just south of Campomorto. This was the first move in preparation for the “big push”. The
targets were still all being adjusted by the 171st observers, who caused the following totals: 222 rounds for “A” Battery, 512 rounds
for “B” Battery and 159 rounds for “C” Battery.

So far as the battalion is concerned, the most singular event of May 7th was the news that Lieutenant Goodman was hit by a mortar
shell near miss, which resulted in the loss of one leg and a compound fracture of the other. He had been a forward observer who
liked his job. The C.P. received a light shelling shortly after midnight. The ammunition for the day totaled: 268 rounds for “A”
Battery, 208 rounds for “B” Battery and 148 rounds for “C” Battery. The battalion’s mission changed to that of direct support of
157th Infantry during the night.

The two static OP’s were abandoned at dawn on the 8th May, and sergeant Wilhelm, who had been at the right position, brought in a
photo and the characteristics of the enemy gun which had been popularly referred to as the “Anzio-Express”, because of its unusual
destination and the sound of its passing. He had contacted an Italian ex-soldier who had served on the gun crew of a weapon of the
same type. LNO’s from the 189th Field Artillery Battalion, the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 27th Armored Field Artillery
Battalion, who were reinforcing our fires reported in this morning. 13 points of harassing were fired by this and the reinforcing
battalions during the night. On this day, the order was received starting the shifting of the infantry battalions (and regiments) for the
“big push”, which was still referred to as “D-Day” but which couldn’t occur (under this plan) before the morning of May 14th. “A”
Battery shot 223 rounds this date, “B” Battery 243 rounds and “C” Battery 88 rounds.

Colonel Myers became commanding general of the 45th Division Artillery on the 9th May. A number of mortar targets were fired
upon, as was also a Nebelwerfer behind a house in the 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry sector. Div Arty ordered one piece per battery to
be moved to the new area along the Mussolini Canal during the night of the 11-12th May, to be registered the 12th May. The enemy
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pointed two powerful searchlights toward Anzio during their air raid about 2230B. The east one was on Collilaziale, the other to the
north west, near the coast. The totals for the day (including 15 rounds of propaganda) were: 440 rounds for “A” Battery, 389 rounds
for “B” Battery and 372 rounds for “C” Battery.

The 10th of May was not singular, the usual targets of personnel, mortars and vehicles, not a particularly sizable number of each.
The total rounds expended were 535 rounds for “A” Battery, 803 rounds for “B” Battery and 509 rounds for “C” Battery.

Shortly after midnight on the 11th of May, 12 rounds of light caliber shells lit in “B” Battery’s position. Covers, protective and shields,
gas, eye were issued. Orders of the day by General Alexander and Lieutenant General Clark were changed from TOP SECRET to full
distribution at 1600. These orders proclaimed that the first blow of the second front would be struck in Italy. “BBC” radio later
carried the communique that the “Southern Front” had begun its push at 2200B hours. At 2230B the first of a number of 15 minute
continuous fire periods by nearly all the artillery of the Corps, was begun. During the following days, these periods were placed at
different hours; at sort of diversionary measure. Our total ammunition expended for the day was: 259 rounds for “A” Battery, 298
rounds for “B” Battery and 217 rounds for “C” Battery.

At 0034B on the 12th of May the battalion’s became that of reinforcing the fire of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. At 1830B
Lieutenant Kilcollins, Executive of “C” Battery, at a private O.P. set up about 30 yards from his executive’s post, observed and
adjusted fire upon an enemy battery; such was the terrain of the Anzio Beachhead. Orders were received from division at 2300B
placing the battalion back in direct support of the 157th Infantry as of noon the next day. Total rounds shot for the day were: for “A”
Battery 122, for “B” Battery 252, and for “C” Battery 120. Also on this day the positions along Mussolini Canal were finally ready for
occupancy.

The 15 minute continuous fire period on the 13th May occurred at 0500B. About noon the battalion was notified of an unauthorized
French news correspondent on the loose on the beachhead, but we didn’t see him. At 1500B Fire Plan “Buffalo” was received. That
was to be our opening wedge, though then it was just another “plan”, several of which had already arrived, each contemplating an
operation in a different direction. The total ammo expended for the day was: 154 rounds for “A” Battery, 115 rounds for “B” Battery
and 182 rounds for “C” Battery.

Mother’s Day, May 14th was marked by the first inspection of the battalion by the new division artillery commander. It took all
morning. One lone round of light caliber landed in “A” Battery’s position from the north. No damage. The battalion still shot
periodically on the point which had been a cemetery (948326) (Cemeter Di Carano), but which by now was only a pile of grey dust
and stones. “A” Battery shot 225 rounds, “B” Battery 190 during this period and “C” Battery 203.

The observers saw 3 sets of enemy medical men around and near the cemetery on the 15th of May, which fact encouraged the
gunners that even the dug in and tenacious “supermen” were getting some of their own bitter medicine. The gunners from “A”
Battery put out 208 rounds during the day, those from “B” put out 190 rounds and “C” Battery’s men shot off 168 rounds.

The 16th of May was uneventful except for a spot visit by the division commander. The only observed target during the day was
adjusted by the air O.P. Total ammunition expended was: 172 by “A” Battery, 155 by “B” Battery, and 191 by “C” Battery.

The 15 minute Corps “Shoot” was eliminated altogether for the 17th of May; more confusion for the enemy (we hope). The three
sergeant forward observers with 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry was relieved by three officers during the night. During the day of
continued dry, dusty weather, “A” Battery shot 226 rounds, “B” Battery 211 rounds of ammunition, and “C” Battery 140 rounds.

The whole battalion forward area; all batteries; was shelled at 0900B hours on the 18th of May. Short duration and no casualties. At
1500B Fire Plan “Buffalo” was received from Div Arty. Eight T.O.T.’s were shot on order of Div Arty, five points were harassed
during the evening and night, and the total number of rounds expended were: 126 by “A” Battery, 132 by “B” Battery, and 132 by “C”
Battery.

Again on the 19th of May, this time shortly before noon, six to eight rounds of 170-mm artillery fell in the battalion area, “C” battery
being singled out for the attention this time. No casualties. The types of observed targets became wide in variety, despite the
interpersonnel and dugouts furnished targets for the observers. At 2100B, “A” and “C” Batteries were ordered to move one piece
each to the new prepared positions north of Campomorto during the night. Total ammo used up by the battalion during the day was:
390 rounds by “A” Battery, 487 by “B” Battery, and 361 rounds by “C” Battery.

During the “noon hour” the enemy served “A” Battery with eight rounds of light caliber ammunition, but no one was hurt. (Dumb
Waiter!) Two pillboxes were adjusted upon by the battalion observers. In the evening the general plan took on a wider aspect, when
ENS. Dahlberg reported to the C.P., as Naval Liaison Officer, representing a navel reinforcement of at least two American cruisers.
Again at 1815B, “A” Battery received two rounds of light caliber, at what appeared to be the top of a zone by one gun, each round
dropping about 200 yards in range until Total not known, well out of the area. The battalion’s totals for the day were: 239 rounds by
“A” Battery, 262 by “B” Battery, and 299 by “C” Battery.

Again on Sunday, the 21st May, Jerry lightly harassed the battalion area, dropping two rounds of light to medium caliber in the
vicinity of the C.P. At 1030B, from a sound azimuth of 6150/. The air corps put on a show, bombing just north of Velletri at 1420B.
Targets of personnel and mortars (3 targets each) were fired on by the battalion, through our observers, one of whom also reported
four sets of enemy gun flashes ranging from one to eight flashes at each point, all between 5500/ and north from his position in a
house southeast of Carano. “A” Battery shot 68 rounds during the period, “B” Battery 362 rounds and “C” Battery 141, all this
including 15 rounds of “Front Post” fired at 15 different points clear across the sector.

On the 22nd May, the Naval Liaison Officer was recalled, since the range of the ships did not include all of the infantry’s first
objective (under Plan “Buffalo”) and none of their second. The morale had been lifted by his presence, for the battalion had seen the
effects of naval gun fire on San Camerina, Sicily. The liaison officer with the artillery on the left 171st Field Artillery Battalion, was to
[60]
remain, since the cruisers would be located off the west left beach. A liaison officer was sent to the 125th Field Artillery Battalion.

“D-Day” was set for the 23rd May, and the battalion moved into the prepared positions north of Campomorto along and in the banks
of Mussolini Canal, all installations being completed by 2330B. The 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry was in the line now, and forward
observers and liaison officer had been out with them for 4 days. Liaison Officers to the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 157th Infantry, and
four forward observers with the same two battalions and one with the 191st Tank Battalion were sent out during the night. The total
ammo used during the day was: 208 rounds by “A” Battery, 140 rounds by “B” Battery and 90 rounds by “C” Battery.

Shortly after midnight, on the 23rd May, liaison officers from 191st Tank Battalion, 19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, 27th
Armored Field Artillery Battalion and the 938th Field Artillery Battalion, checked into the Command Post. This battalion began its
participation in Plan “Buffalo” at 0545B; “H” minus 45 minutes; a preparation for 30 minutes at 2 rounds per gun per minute. The
subsequent part of the plan consisted of zones of concentrations, certain ones of which were assigned to this battalion, each zone
being letters consecutively and was fired upon at the rate of one round per gun every two minutes. Fire was continued upon
concentrations of a particular zone until the forward observers in the sector called for it to be raised to the next lettered zone. The
whole area, from the jump off line to the objective was covered by these zones of concentrations. The lettering began with “L”, and
the battalion was firing on “R” by 0845B. 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry (the right and leading battalion of the regiment) had reached
its objective by 1300B. At 1405B the enemy tank counter attack was first sighted coming southeast, south of and generally parallel to,
the railroad track running from Campo Leone to Cisternie. Twenty-eight were reported at one time. Two of the forward observers
were forced to pull back temporarily. The battalion and 938th Field Artillery Battalion, fired 2 rounds per gun per minute, the
counterattack being reported broken up by 1513B and remainder of tanks reported withdrawing at 1619B. One of the forward
observers with the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry was replaced by the forward observer with 191st Tank Battalion, complete with tank.
All objectives assigned to the 157th Infantry were taken (and sometimes retaken) and were occupied during the night. The battalion
commander made a new assignment of 6 forward observers (2 officers and 4 sergeants) two with each infantry battalion of the
regiment. The two with the reserve battalion were to set up static OP’s in their area. Lieutenant Veach was to go back to the tank
battalion and Lieutenant Mayne to continue to maintain his battalion static O.P. Total ammunition expended by the battalion during
the day was: 1347 rounds by “A” Battery, 1401 rounds by “B” Battery and 1580 by “C” Battery.

Shortly before 0300B, the morning of the 24th May, a single round just cleared the dike forming the south bank of the Mussolini
Canal, and ignited the ammunition in one of “B” Battery’s gun pits. Ultimately the gun and over 1,000 rounds of ammo were
destroyed. The 1st Armored Division set up a POW collecting station around the battalion aid station which in turn was just west of
the road north from Campomorto against the south dike of Mussolini Canal. Some 2,000 POW’s were processed there in about 48
hours. Several targets of single or several enemy tanks were fired upon, as were several of personnel and mortars. In the afternoon
Div Arty ordered that the area of 9630 (about 1,700 yards forward) be reconnoitered for new positions, then, at the battalion
commander’s request, the area was changed to 9732, and one piece was ordered to occupy same during the night. At the request of
the 180th Infantry (through the 171st Field Artillery Battalion) the battalion fired 3 rounds per gun per minute for 26 minutes, cut to
2 rounds per minutes for6 minutes, raised to 3 rounds again for 15 minutes, cut again to 2 rounds per gun per minute for 26
minutes. Then it was lowered to 1 round per gun per minute for 3 minutes, raised to 2 rounds per gun per minute for 9 minutes and
re lowered to 1 round per gun per minute for 20 minutes. During the same period the British (19th Field Regiment Royal Artillery)
was firing defensive fires for 157th Infantry at the rate of 2 rounds per gun per minute. At 2345B Div Arty suspended the order to
move the one piece forward. The 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry sent 4 overlays that many plans to combat counter attacks on their
position, the total ammunition expended during the day was by battery: “A” Battery 611 rounds, “B” Battery 540 rounds, “C” Battery
865 rounds.

A few minutes past midnight, the 25th May, Div Arty again ordered the one piece to move to the new position before daylight, the
remainder of the battalion that night. At 0215B the report came from the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, that the strength of the
enemy counter attacks upon 180th Infantry was estimated at a company and a half of infantry men and “tanks”. The battalion static
OP was abandoned at daylight. At 1415B came the first indication of an enemy withdrawal, when the 180th Infantry reported sent
out a strong patrol and found a recently abandoned C.P. (with papers still turning), but no enemy. The Anzio beachhead was
announced to have ceased to exist officially at 1010b when elements of two reconnaissance units met. One round of enemy artillery
landed in “B” Battery’s area, injuring one man. By 1415B the single piece which had moved forward from ‘C’ battery had been
registered on the existing base point and on a check point by the air OP’s adjustment. Five personnel targets, ten TOT’s (ordered by
Div Arty) and seven tank targets were fired during the afternoon and evening. All in all “A” Battery fired 1239 rounds during the day,
“B” Battery fired 846 rounds and “C” Battery expended 1424 rounds during the period.

By daylight on the 26th May, the battalion had completed its move to the new location to the northeast and just short south of the
railroad from Cisterna to Campo Leone. Liaison officers from 151st Field Artillery Battalion, and 171st Field Artillery Battalion
reported to the Command Post during the morning. Their organizations were now reinforcing our fires. At 1045B the battalion
began firing a 15 minute preparation of a fire plan to support the advance of the division’s infantry. The remainder of the plan
consisting of 100 yard belts or zones of concentrations, certain numbers of which had been assigned to this battalion. Each zone
again was lettered consecutively beginning with “B” and was fired at 1 round per minute. By 1230B, the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry
had reached its first phase line in zone “H”. The no-fire line was set at zone “O” at 1424B and the rate of fire was cut to 1 round every
2 minutes, at 1518B. “Cease Firing” on the plan was given at 1550B, and close in harassing fire begun. Continuous fire (at 1 round per
gun per minute) was fired by the battalion at and near the “dairy barn” (928363-928365) for 21 minutes at 1755B. Eleven points for
harassing were set for the night, and from Div Arty came the announcement of “H-Hour” for the next morning to be 0615B, with a
preparation beginning at H-15. Total ammunition spent this fourth day of the attack was: 1524 rounds for “A” Battery, 1427 rounds
for “B” Battery, and 1438 rounds for “C” Battery.

Shortly after midnight of the 27th May, the liaison officer from the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. Who began reinforcing the fires of
the battalion, reported in, from Div Arty came the word that for the preparation each battery would fire 2 rounds per gun per minute
for five minutes on each of 3 separate concentrations and that the 160th Field Artillery Battalion. Would do likewise, making 18
points to be covered by the two battalions. Execution of the previous day’s fire plan was resumed after the preparation beginning
with zone “J”. At 1350B word came that the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry was to pass through the 2nd Battalion during the
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afternoon, and a hurry-up call was sent for two new forward observers to go with it. Since the “pool” of observers had been in a rear
echelon with Service Battery and had not completely moved back up with their respective batteries, the observers who were already
out with the 2nd Battalion had to catch the relieving battalion as it went through and stay on until night, when the new observers
could be notified and could reach there. During the afternoon, the liaison officer from the 191st Tank Battalion was recalled. The
battalion commander reconnoitered for positions in the 9235 and 9236 areas without finding anything suitable. Div Arty ordered the
battalion to stay in its then present positions that night anyway. Ammunition expended during the day totaled: 1657 by “A” Battery,
1164 for “B” Battery, and 1523 by “C” Battery.

After daylight the morning of the 28th May,

the liaison officers from the 189th Field
Artillery Battalion and the 69th Field
Artillery Battalion, which now was to
reinforce the fires of the battalion, checked
in. The LNO from the British 19th Field
Regiment Royal Artillery, checked out.
Preparation was fired at the request of the
157th Infantry from 0640B to 0656B, then
Zone “U” was begun. At 0800B the Battalion
Commander left on reconnaissance and “C”
Battery was given “March Order” at 1045B,
to move to 930364; they were registered on
the base point by 1300B. A skeleton staff of
personnel moved to the proposed Command
Post, northeast of the “dairy barn” (935368),
around noon, and that area was shelled with
about 30 rounds at 1710B. None of the
battalion’s men were hurt, but there were a
number of casualties among the infantrymen
in the area. The remainder of the battalion
was moved up during the afternoon and
registration completed at 2000B, the
Assistant S-3 was sent to 1st Armored
Division Artillery to act as liaison officer until another officer could be sent. Continuous fire was delivered by “A” and “C” Batteries
upon 893384 at Lieutenant Mayne’s request for 20 minutes, then by “C” and two batteries of the 189th Field Artillery Battalion for
10 minutes, then one battery of 189th for a short time more. The liaison officer to the 45th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop was
recalled during the night. The batteries’ totals for the day were: “A” Battery 1106 rounds; “B” Battery 514 rounds and “C” Battery 692
rounds.

The Plan of Battle from Division at 0300B on the 29th May put the 157th into Division reserve, and this battalion’s mission became
that of reinforcing the 68th Field Artillery Battalion, who in turn was in direct support of the Combat Command “B” of the 1st
Armored Division. “H-Hour” was set at 0530B, and a 30 minute preparation of 2 rounds per gun per minute using mostly fuze M-54
on 6 concentrations was called for. The liaison officer 151st Field Artillery Battalion was recalled as of “H-Hour”. The liaison officer
from 69th Field Artillery Battalion leaves at “H-Hour” as does the one from 27th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. The 160th Field
Artillery Battalion, reported that they were moving at 0805B and asked us to take their fires ad interum (their mission was
reinforcing 27th Field Artillery Battalion) from the mouth of the cave in which the Command Post was located, one had an
unobstructed view of the mountain, Collilaziale and the town of Lanuvia, both of which were still in enemy hands. Totals for the day
were: 787 for “A” Battery, 713 for “B” Battery and 1019 from “C” Battery. There were no harassing fires assigned to the battalion for
the night since the 1st Armored Division was advancing beyond our maximum range line.

At 1300B on the 30th May the Battalion Commander and the battery commanders went forward to the Campo Leone area (3838) for
reconnaissance of the positions already approved by Div Arty. The battalion surgeon brought an enemy military map
(Truppenkarten) back from the proposed new area. Several of the areas recently occupied by the battalion had concentration
numbers on it. The battalion began reinforcing the fires of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, during the day and maintained liaison
with them. Total firing for the day were: 864 rounds for “A” battery, 606 rounds for “B” Battery and 535 rounds by “C” Battery. On
this day also, in order to give the forward observers a rest, “A” Battery’s Commander and “C” Battery’s Executive were sent out as
forward observers with the 1st Battalion 157th Infantry.

Continuous fire was called for by our forward observer with the 1st Battalion at 0743B on the 31st. “B” Battery fired a 1 round per
gun per minute, then was doubled upon request at 0837B. “A” Battery was placed upon another point at the same rate at 0900B, but
both were stopped at 0924B. During the day the liaison officers with and from adjacent units sent in numerous SITREPS and kept
the situation map “fresh” clear across the Corps front. The total number of rounds fired for the day were: for “A” Battery 1308, for
“B” Battery 1509, and for “C” Battery 1096 rounds.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: I CORI, II FOGLIANO, III NETTUNO, & IV ARDEA.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
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MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Unassigned
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. O-1167863 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
2nd LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Assistant Executive Officer
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT KILCOLLINS, HILSTON T. O-1165887 Executive Officer
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Assistant Executive
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4
Medical Detachment
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon

C A S U A L T Y L I ST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Extent

7 May GOODMAN, ARTHUR L. Jr. 1st LT O-1167863 Battery "A" SW
23 May LIGGETT, FRANCIS E. 2nd LT O-465104 Battery "C" LW
25 May HOWELL, CHARLES O. Pvt 14119938 Battery "B" LW
26 May LINDSEY, ALFRED J. 1st LT O-1165895 HQ Battery LW
26 May GRAY, BERYL N. Cpl 20830641 HQ Battery SW
26 May PYEATT, MAX L. Pvt 20830351 HQ Battery SW
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated:

8 May T/Sgt BREIDENBACH, RICHARD T. 33083406 HQ Battery Bronze Star
8 May Cpl. CARROLL, WARREN O. 34083584 "B" Battery Bronze Star
8 May Pvt. HARRIS, NILE T. 20831419 Med Detachment Bronze Star
8 May S/Sgt HERR, OLAN W. 35040170 "B" Battery Bronze Star
8 May 1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 "B" Battery Bronze Star
8 May 1st Sgt SHAFFER, VINCENT B. 20830757 "B" Battery Bronze Star

HOWITZER REPLACEMENT

8 May 1944 “A” Battery Tube No. 1132 replaced by Tube # 3799.
17 May 1944 “A” Battery Tube No. 4820 replaced by Tube # 22059.
24 May 1944 “B” Battery Tube No. 11243 replaced by Tube # 8002.
29 May 1944 “B” Battery Tube No. 4917 replaced by Tube # 16245.

JUNE 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

[63]
The month of June began with our battalion reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. The C.P. was located at
936369; “A” Battery at 935364; “B” Battery at 931364; and “C” Battery at 930362, all these locations being 4 1/2 miles southeast of
Campoleone. Captain Wright was L.N.O. with the 157th Infantry Regiment. Captain Hayes, Captain Hubbert, and Lieutenant Cobb
were liaison 0ff’icer’s with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 157th Infantry respectively. Lieutenant Olson was the observer on
the Static O.P. at Campoleone at 862397 and Sergeant Laubhan on a like OP at 860401. This was the day set by Division to start an
attack on our ultimate objective. At 0055B we received a plan of attack from Division with Rome as the objective: The attack was to
be astride the Albano-Anzio road with the 179th on the left flank and the 180th on the right side of the road, and the 157th protecting
the left flank. The attack was started at 0530B preceded by preparations of Artillery Fire. In the meantime liaison Officer’s from the
19th British Field Regiment Royal Artillery and the 645th Tank Destroyer had reported to our Command Post; also Lieutenant
Merchant had gone to the 171st Field Artillery Battalion as L.N.O. The attack progressed rapidly, already at 0825B we were informed
that the 180th Infantry was 300 yards behind the “O” line phase which was from 865408 to 877425 a line extending south and
southwest about 2 1/2 miles southwest of Lanuvio, and continuing to advance without meeting much resistance. However the enemy
did not remain passive long, because at 1815B he unleashed a counter attack in front of our sector and spread into the 34th Division
sector. Yet their efforts were in vain, after vicious fighting the counter attack was stopped and our forces again started advancing,
meeting (2) more small counter attacks which again were quickly stopped. At 1935B Division informed us that the 157th Infantry
would displace to approximately three miles north of Cisternia De Littoria (0038) grid line, that we would not move or support
them, and that the 180th would take over the 157th Infantry lines. All in all the cannoneers had a busy day, firing not only the
preparations demanded in their reinforcing role but also firing on numerous targets of opportunity, including tanks, machine guns,
mortars and enemy personnel that were picked up by our observers. The total ammunition expended this day was : “A” Battery 1171
rounds, “B” Battery 1400 rounds, and “C” Battery 1467 rounds. Total: 4038 rounds.

At 0100B June 2 the 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry completed their relief of the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry, shortly after that, our
2nd Battalion was attacking one mile south of Ganzano (905442) and the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry at about 1/2 mile east of Lake
Nemi (935463) being directly supported by the 131st Field Artillery Battalion. The 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry had the mission of
passing thru the 2nd Battalion as soon as possible. In the meantime the 131st had furnished our infantry with observers and Captain
Hubbert had gone to the 131st as L.N.O. As was true on the previous day our infantry kept advancing and at 1400B the Battalion
Commander and the Battalion Executive went on reconnaissance for new positions. On different ocassions during the day we had
reports of prisoners being taken who said that they had suffered heavy losses, in one case our artillery fire caused 120 casualties
among a battalion of 200 men. They also said that they were afraid to fire on us for fear of receiving return fire. It appeared as
though the enemy’s defenses had definitely cracked, since there was only one counter attack and that one a small scale in front of “A”
Company of the 179th Infantry; and progress seemed more rapid, the zone preparations laid down by our artillery were constantly
being raised, farther ahead of our advancing troops. Four new officers came to our Battalion on this day: Lieutenant Wolf,
Lieutenant Marshall, Lieutenant Gabrysch, and Lieutenant Porter. In view of these rapid changes the Battalion Commander ordered
Lieutenant Cobb to report to the 3rd Battalion 157th Infantry as L.N.O., Lieutenant Mayne with the 2nd Battalion and Captain Hayes
with the 1st Battalion 157th Infantry. Lieutenant Gabrysch, Lieutenant Wolf, Sergeant Schomaker and Sergeant Taylor were ordered
to go out as Forward Observer’s and Captain Hubbert was to remain as liaison with the 131st Field Artillery Battalion. The front lines
of the 157th Infantry now ran generally from 936437 to 935435 to 935445 running from southwest to northest about 1 1/2 miles
south of Lake Nemi. Today’s fire missions consisted of preparations for the attack, zone fires as the troops advanced; T.O.T.’s and
defensive fires. Only “one observed mission” was attempted, and it had to be discontinued because smoke hampered visibility in
spite of the clear day. The total ammunition expended by each battery this day was as follows: “A” Battery 612 rounds, “B” Battery
1101 rounds, “C” Battery 1619 rounds. Total: 3332 rounds.

June 3rd was the start of “The Great Migration Toward Rome”; all troops seemed to be advancing rapidly. At 0735B our Battalion
received an overlay and Field Order #16 from Headquarters 157th Infantry showing the disposition and objectives of friendly troops,
our objective being one mile south of Ganzano (905442); and at 1015B our 3rd Battalion was at the objective, the 1st Battalion about
1/2 mile east of there. We also had reports of friendly troops in Lanuvio, Ganzano, Rocco D’Popa (northeast to Lake Albano) and
that the 3rd Division was 4 miles north of Valmontone. At 1100B Colonel Myers, the Division Artillery Commanding Officer paid our
Battalion C.P. A short visit. At 1218B our infantry had reached their objective and were on the road junction 2 1/2 miles southwest of
Ganzano, so that called for reconnaissance for a new position by the Battalion Commander and the Battalion Executive. At 1403B
the battalion was ordered by division to reinforce the fires of the 27th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Lieutenant Merchant was
directed to report to them as Liaison Officer. At 1801B Div Arty informed us that the 157th Infantry would revert to Division Control
when they crossed the 875 Easting Grid Line; our battalion would then be in direct support of the 157th Infantry. At 2025B our
Regiment L.N.O. Captain Wright reported the 157th Regiment moving to 2 miles south of Albano Laziale (875442). The succession
of moves had started. Not many missions were fired today; most of them were on targets of opportunity picked by our observers and
a few missions at the request of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. The number of rounds fired by each battery were as follows: “A”
Battery 726 rounds; “B” Battery 515 rounds; “C” Battery 847 rounds. Total of 2088 rounds for the 3rd day of June. KIA: Private
JOHN V. BLAKE, 33479433 and Private CLEMENT C. WARD, 11078830.

Sunday, June 4th, was a day of movement, the battalion moving three times and firing not a round. The Division main axis of
advance was designated as generally parallel to Railroad and northwest from Road Junction 5 miles west of Ganzano (8314444) the
180th Combat Team to lead. At 1150B Sergeant Taylor, Forward Observer with “C” Company of 157th Infantry reported that tanks
and infantry were so far ahead that firing was impossible. Lieutenant Merchant was ordered to report to 160th as L.N.O. Lieutenant
Veach left for the 171st Field Artillery Battalion with a mobile task force. The Battalion moved at 1630B to the new position 5 miles
west of Ganzano: C.P. At 828445, “A” Battery at 833446; “B” Battery at 823444; “C” Battery at 827432. The Battalion moved at
2005B to new positions 1/2 mile south of Falcognana (802514). Then moved again at 2300B, established Command Post in new
position at Valleranello (740552) at 2400B. The battalion did its part in policing up stragglers of the routed enemy troops, capturing
a P.O.W. at each of its last two positions. No rounds were fired during the day.

At 0030B on Monday, June 5th, Div Arty ordered the battalion to establish liaison with their command post; Lieutenant Fetzer was
ordered to report as L.N.O., Lieutenant Merchant was ordered to establish a static OP on the south side of the Tiber River, about 5
miles south of Rome at 69-57. The situation was now moving so rapidly that the 157th was moved by trucks to its rendezvous areas.
The Battalion moved at 2030B across the Tiber, arriving in their new positions at 2200B approximately 5 miles west of Rome.
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Command Post at 651609, “A” 652599, “B” 649607, “C” 654607. No rounds fired this day.

Tuesday, June 6th, was relatively inactive day; “C” Battery moved early in the morning to a new position 2 miles north of the
previously vacated location. The 189th Field Artillery Battalion took over the role of reinforcing our fires. Lieutenant Porter and
Sergeant Laubhan, Forward Observers, were ordered in. No rounds were fired this day by the 158th Field Artillery Battalion. During
the morning of Wednesday, June 7th, the 157th moved again into a rendezvous area 4 1/2 miles northwest of Rome (6369). New
plans from Div Arty revealed that the 45th Division was to follow the 36th Division in the attack on Civitavecchia. The 158th Field
Artillery Battalion, reinforced by the 938th Field Artillery Battalion, to follow in direct support of the 157th Infantry, followed in turn
by the 180th Infantry. The Battalion moved at 1405B into a rendezvous area 6 miles due west of Rome (6264). Battalion C.P. Was
established at 628646 at 1520B. The battalion remaining in march order. The 938th Field Artillery Battalion was relieved of
reinforcing the fires of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion; the 189th Field Artillery Battalion taking over. The 157th Infantry moved
again at 1732B into a rendezvous area 7 miles northwest of Rome (6070), and our two remaining Forward Observer’s, Lieutenants
Olson and Marshall, returned to their batteries. No rounds were fired this day.

On Thursday, June 8, it became apparent that the rendezvous area at 6264 was to become a rest area, and so it proved to be. The
battalion was in rest in this position until June 21st, during this time the Battalion was given ample opportunity to visit Rome, which
had previously been declared off limits. On Thursday, June 15th it was announced that the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry and all
attached personnel who took part in the “Battle of the Caves”, in February had been cited. Our LNO and observers who had been
with the 2nd Battalion at that time were included in the citation and were decorated at a regimental review and ceremony.
At 1000B on Wednesday, June 21st, the Battalion began a 209 mile road march to a training area at 769293, 7 miles east of Salerno
near the town of Faiano. The Battalion arrived in the new area at 2255B. From this day until the end of the month the Battalion was
engaged in a training program, including physical conditioning, road marches, care and repair of equipment with special emphasis
on Motor maintenance, service practice to include direct firing and small arms training. KIA: Corporal WILLIE V. STINSON,
38018445.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

ITALY, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: IV ARDEA, I CORI, II VELLETRI, III ALBANO LAZIALE, I MACCARESE, & II OSTTA LIDO.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733 Forward Observer
2nd LT WOLF, HAROLD J. O-1179255 Forward Observer
2nd LT PORTER, DONOVAN W. O-1177586 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Assistant Executive Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
2nd LT MARSHALL, ARTHUR J. Jr. O-1183572 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Executive Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Assistant Executive
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Forward Observer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
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1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

C A S U A L T Y L I ST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Extent

3 June PRICER, RAYMOND E. T/4 20830881 HQ Battery SWA
3 June GALBERT, ROBERT L. Pfc 35169289 HQ Battery SWA
3 June WARD, CLEMENT C. Pvt 11078830 HQ Battery KIA
3 June BLAKE, JOHN V. Pvt 33479433 HQ Battery MIA
3 June GREENE, CHARLES N. Pvt 36462046 “C” Battery LWA
8 June LAMB, JOSEPH P. Pfc 35109124 “C” Battery LWA
8 June HOWARD, JOHN H. Pvt 32670685 “C” Battery LWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated:

29 June Pfc. BENDA, MILES 38017380 SVC Battery Bronze Star
29 June CAPT CLEVERDON, CHARLES W. O-299308 HQ Battery Bronze Star
29 June Cpl. FOGLE, ARVIE L. 20830611 “A” Battery Bronze Star
29 June Pvt. HOOVER, FRANK C. Jr. 33062727 “A” Battery Bronze Star
29 June Pfc. JOHNSON, LESLIE E. 36205094 HQ Battery Bronze Star
29 June 2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 “C” Battery Bronze Star
29 June Cpl. PRICER, JOHN J. 20830880 “C” Battery Bronze Star
29 June T/Sgt SHELTON, QUANAH P. 20830465 HQ Battery Bronze Star
29 June S/Sgt SMITH, WELDON C. 20830822 “C” Battery Bronze Star
29 June Cpl. ST. CLAIR, HUGH E. 20830850 “C” Battery Bronze Star
29 June S/Sgt TAYLOR, CECIL E. 20830577 “A” Battery Bronze Star

JULY 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

July 1st still found the battalion in the training area seven (7) miles east of Salerno, near Fiaino (76-29). The first three days of July
were uneventful, the time being spent on care and cleaning of equipment, vehicle maintenance, road marches, and conditioning of
personnel.

On the 4th, 5th, and 6th of the month of July the firing batteries were engaged in an amphibious problem involving loading our
105mm howitzers on, firing off these “DUKWs” while in water and on land. The maneuver was favored by a calm sea and the result
of artillery operating off “DUKWs” proved highly satisfactory although no great degree of accuracy was achieved while firing off the
“DUKWs” while they were in the water.

Routine training schedules were again followed on the 7th through the 10th July.

On the 11th July the firing batteries were engaged in landing operations on the shores of the Gulf of Salerno in conjunction with the
157th Infantry Regiment. The battalion supplied liaison parties to each of the infantry battalions. These operations consisted of
loading and landing with no tactical situation involved.

On the 12th July this maneuver was again repeated. The firing batteries, with a skeleton group from the C.P. section put to sea again
on the evening of the 12th on the third and last landing operation, moving off shore 2000 yards at 1900B to await the landing on the
following morning. This was an R.C.T. exercise. At 1800B the remainder of the battali0n not taking part in the amphibious problem
left for a Rest and Recreation Camp, South of Paestum near Agropoli, arriving at 2030B.

On the morning of the 13th July the landing operations were completed; the participating groups then joined the rest of the battalion
at the Rest Camp. On the morning of the 12th July the battalion was notified by Div Arty that for the sake of security the 158th Field
Artillery Battalion would be known as Unit “51” until further orders; and that all unit designations would be removed from vehicles
and clothing.

The battalion remained in rest until the 16th July, moving out at 2040B for a new training area north of Naples, 8 miles from
Bagnoli (055562), arriving at 0130B on the 17th July.

For the remainder of the month the battalion followed a training schedule emphasizing conditioning of personnel, waterproofing of
vehicles, vehicle maintenance, specialist training, and care and cleaning of equipment. During this period the “Security” restrictions
were lifted; the unit designations were repainted on vehicles, and the battalion resumed its normal insignia and designations.

On the 26th July a battalion parade was held at which General Eagles, Division Commander, presented medals to the deserving
members of the battalion.

On July 30th the 158th and 160th Field Artillery Battalion’s held a Memorial service in the battalion area commemorating our fallen
comrades. Highlight of the Service was an address by Colonel Meyers, Division Artillery Commander.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

[66]
ITALY, 1/200,000 Sheets Number 17 and 19.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT BRIGGS, MARVIN L. O-370071 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Naval Gunfire Spotter
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Transportation Quartermaster
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES L. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733 Air Observer
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR J. O-1174958 Assistant Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT WILHELM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Assistant Executive
2nd LT WOLF, HAROLD J. O-1179255 Forward Observer
2nd LT PORTER, DONOVAN W. O-1177586 Forward Observer
2nd LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Assistant Executive
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
2nd LT MARSHALL, ARTHUR J. Jr. O-1183572 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Executive Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Assistant Executive
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Forward Observer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated:

16 July Irvin W. Cobb Jr. O-1165828 First Lieutenant Headquarters Battery Silver Star
16 July Edward D. Ingram 38067967 Private First Class Service Battery Silver Star

AUGUST 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The battalion was in an assembly area about eight miles north of Bagnoli, Italy, participating in a routine training program (“care
and cleaning of equipment”, “military courtesy”, “correction of defects found in combat”, etc.). This and the division “dry landing”
exercises on August 6th to 7th were all in preparation for an impending amphibious operation. The battalion S-3, acting as
Transport Quarter Master (T.Q.M.), had moved into the “Blockhouse” in Naples. This was an old fortress overlooking the Bay of
Naples, and which was now being used by VI Corps as a headquarters for all planning, down through battalion, for the invasion of
southern France. The field order from division for the exercise arrived on August 5, but the overlays and maps were put aboard ships
sealed, just as they were to be on the “pay run.” However, a number of “dummy” maps were included, since they covered no
pertinent areas. Debarkation was from the same points in and near Naples as were to be used when the outfit left for France.
[67]
Headquarters’ participation in the exercise was represented by the battalion commander, the communications officer and the four
(4) liaison officers (with the infantry regiment and each of the 3 infantry battalions) and a skeleton crew from the fire direction
center and communication platoon. Since the exercise, as far as the artillery was concerned, consisted mainly of landing and the
initial installations just off the beach, it was carried out rather uneventfully, and the participants returned to the staging areas on
August 7, with the remainder of the battalion joining them on August 9, moving down to the area in trucks furnished by the
Peninsular base section. Loading onto LSTs began immediately and was completed by the next day. The ships then pulled away and
lay in the Bay of Naples and off Castellamare until approximately 1630B, August 13.

The landing was made in daylight during the day of August 15, and as the battalion touched shore in the afternoon, the beach and
water had the appearance of a day at the regatta. Boats darting about and vehicles and personnel moving about the beach and inland
with no appreciable haste. The infantry was lined up at one time with a file on each side of the road along the coast and winding
inland out of sight, a distance of some two (2) kilometers. KIA: Private STANLEY F. NOVAK, 35292229 and Private JAMES
DITONNA, 32918145.

At the time of the landing, the battalion had a forward observer with each of the nine (9) 157th Infantry rifle companies and a liaison
officer with each infantry battalion commander and the infantry regimental commander. The Battalion Commander, Colonel Funk,
also landed with the infantry regimental commander, thereby establishing double liaison with regiment. The 160th Field Artillery
Battalion and the 938th Field Artillery Battalion were attached to the battalion and had the mission of reinforcing its fire. Liaison
officers from those units landed with the battalion C.P. as did the one from 117th Calvary Reconnaissance Battalion. Liaison was
established laterally, Lieutenant Merchant being sent to the 10th Field Artillery Battalion 3rd Division, who landed South of Cap du
Pinet, and to the left of the regimental combat team (which was the left unit of the 45th Division). No one landed in the Gulf of St.
Tropez, since it was a veritable ring of pillboxes, casements, machine gun emplacements and was covered by a number of artillery
batteries. The G-2 estimate received by the battalion was that once the coastal defense (which was no more than 1 kilometer in
depth) was broken, the enemy could not bring as much as a division against the operation within 36-48 hours. A “1st Phase,” a “2nd
Phase” and a “Blue” line were established, on the last one of which the Corps was scheduled (word of mouth only source) to secure
and be passed through by a sizeable French force, rumored to be up to 15 divisions in strength. The advance, however, became so
rapid that at the end of the month the battalion had not seen one French division. The intelligence summary from higher
headquarters advised against expecting any help from the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) until inland about 25 miles, but
evidence of their work and contacts with them in person were found and made the first day, in such examples as: reports to the
infantry of mine fields and the discovery by infantry patrols of still-warm enemy bodies along the road. It would be safe to estimate
that the morale of the unit improved 100% in the first two days. These boys who had been in combat for the past 13 months on
Italian soil, now were invading a country where the inhabitants not only were aggressively helping them but also were of fair skin
like their own and were (particularly the female of the species) actually good looking. The only fire on August 15 were a registration
with 5 rounds by “A” Battery and a particular registration, using 2 smoke rounds by “B” Battery. The battalion occupied two
positions that day, moving into the second one at 2020B.

At 0200B, the morning of August 16, Forward Observer #2, from 45th DivArty was received, showing troop disposition and plans of
attack. The reconnaissance unit had reached “Blue Line,” and the infantry was close on its heels by 0930B, meeting only small and
very sporadic resistance. At 2145B, all the naval liaison officers and gun fire spotters were recalled by DivArty. Several targets (all
personnel) accounted for the 190 rounds fired during the day, all by “A” Battery.

At 1030B on August 17 the liaison officer with the 3rd Division reported back to battalion. The new field order (verbal) came about
1300B, giving the regimental combat team an objective 23 kilometers (air distance) away. Seemingly the enemy, now surprised and
on the run, was not to be allowed to dig in and hold as he had been at Anzio. During the afternoon the liaison officer from the 117th
Calvary Reconnaissance Battalion, checked out of the Command Post and this battalion sent a liaison officer to the 189th Field
Artillery Battalion. The battalion displaced at 1500B and by 1827B, Headquarters Battery had captured 17 enemy personnel and “A”
Battery 17, “B” Battery 22 and “C” Battery 1, more in the area of their respective positions. One of the PW’s, a finance officer, said
that their garrisons knew when the Allies were coming and where they were going to hit, but that German reinforcements were too
slow in arriving. That the troops in the area were second-rate and of mixed nationality. The liaison officer from the 160th Field
Artillery Battalion, was recalled during the night. Registrations accounted for all the ammo expenditure during the day, the totals
being: “A” Battery 10 rounds; “B” Battery 19 rounds; “C” Battery 12 rounds.

At 0800B on August 18 the battalion displaced 8 kilometers (air distance) to the northwest and at 1300B it moved another 12
kilometers west northwest, landing about 1½ kilometers, northwest of Salernes. During the morning the 132nd Field Artillery
Battalion, sent its liaison officer to the Command Post. Enemy aircraft first became evident during the evening when one came over
and strafed a nearby area. Only 9 rounds were expended during the day, all by “A” Battery, to scatter some enemy personnel and
vehicles in front of “B” Company.

The battalion’s first move on August 19 occurred shortly after 1000B and was a displacement of 8 kilometers west to the vicinity of
St. Martin. The mission given the combat team (though this battalion was not actually attached to the infantry regiment) was to
attack west and take Rians (7651). Again the battalion moved at 1530B 9 km. west, to a point about 1 kilometer east of Rians. The
2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry was given the mission of attacking northwest to Mirabeau (6761), a distance of approximately 10
kilometers and “C” Battery was ordered to displace at 0630B the next day and follow the leading elements closely, with the other
batteries planned to “leapfrog” after as soon as the advance permitted. The second objective of the infantry was Perthis (5559), some
13kilometers on west of Mirabeau. Personnel targets monopolized the days shoots. Totals: “A” Battery 86 rounds; “B” Battery 99
rounds and “C” Battery 120 rounds.

On Sunday, August 20, before 0800B, the battalion had moved about 5 kilometers northwest up the road toward Mirabeau, and the
Command Post moved into a more forward and better defiladed position 2½ kilometers further to the northwest an hour later. Then
at 1130B, the battalion moved again about 5 kilometers west in order better to support the infantry’s advance toward Perthis, and a
third time about 10 kilometers west southwest to the outskirts of Peyrolles (6155) at 1600B. An hour and a quarter later “B” and “C”
Batteries were receiving long range mortar fire, causing several casualties in “C” Battery. At 2030B since the 157th Infantry
[68]
Regiment was to move generally northwest from Saint Paul (7360), the battalion moved back into its position just previously
occupied and pointed its howitzers about on an azimuth of 5600m. The day was further proved to be mainly a maneuver as shown
by the ammunition totals: “A” Battery 8 rounds; “B” Battery 5 rounds; and “C”: Battery 5 rounds. KIA: Technician Fourth Grade
JAMES F. SHUCK, 35168996.

The field order from Div Arty received shortly after midnight on August 21 gave the 189th Field Artillery Battalion the mission of
reinforcing the fires of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion in its direct support of the 157th Infantry in its mission of occupying Pertris
(5559) and the high ground southeast of Moulin Du Pas and reconnoitering to Apt (4579). The battalion was to establish liaison with
171st Field Artillery Battalion and receive some from 160th Field Artillery Battalion. The battalion moved across the Durance River
to a point about 7 kilometers to the northwest at 0730B. At 1700B “A” Battery moved to the 70-76 grid square to give better support
to the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry, a distance of about 16 kilometers north northwest. No ammo was fired either this day or the next
four days. KIA: Private First Class JOHN CHARMO, 32348489.

At 0700B on August 22 the battalion began a 16 kilometer move to the northeast to the vicinity of “A” Battery. It took 1¼ hours to
make the trip. A battalion ammo dump was established north of the Durance River, on DivArty’s order, of a minimum of two basic
loads. 160th Field Artillery Battalion sent a liaison officer to the battalion at noon per DivArty Field Order #6, dated August 21. “A”
Battery had sent one piece down the road leading west into Apt to within range of the town, in support of a mobile force from the 1st
Battalion, 157th Infantry going there. The town was taken without incident, and the howitzer rejoined the battery.
The liaison officer from 160th Field Artillery Battalion, checked out the morning of August 23. The Air Observation Post gave
periodic surveillance of the roads to the west and northwest and found only one enemy vehicle as far as Sault and Fordes. The
battalion moved at 1700B approximately 11 kilometers northeast to a point just east of Dauphin.

Early on the morning of August 24, DivArty ordered all vehicles except that used by the battalion commander and for hauling water,
“grounded” due to gas shortage. Word from DivArty arrived that the 158th Field Artillery Battalion, the 938th Field Artillery
Battalion and one battery of the 189th Field Artillery Battalion, all of whom had been supporting or reinforcing the 157th Infantry,
would move to the vicinity of Aspres when the regiment was relieved. Upon word from the regiment, a billeting party under the
battalion executive and composed of one officer per battery, was alerted to move out the next morning at 0600B, with the battalion
was placed on a 2-hour alert and moved at 0015B.

The battalion arrived in its new (bivouac) area at 0300B, on August 25 near Serres (7041). The 157th Infantry sent patrols west to
three points to contact the 36th Division. Then at 2230B the unit “march ordered” and began a circuitous march north westward to a
point 3 kilometers east of Crest (1373) and approximately 63 kilometers (air distance) away.

The new positions were occupied by 0600B on August 26. Registration was completed by 0813B. The Air Observation Post had
flown both planes into and established a field by 0918B just 2½ kilometers from the battalion Command Post. As rumors of a tank
threat increased, “C” Battery was ordered forward 3½ kilometers while the other two covered the front and also the completely
exposed right (north) flank. “A” Battery commander reconnoitered for a new position and found one 4 kilometer in front of “C”
Battery and were ordered to occupy same at 0600B, the following day. A number of tank targets based the totals for the day: “A”
Battery 6 rounds; “B” Battery 131 rounds; “C” Battery 12 rounds.

At 0615B, on August 27, a 15-minute preparation was fired for the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry, after a reported 15 Mark IV tanks
and 4 half-tracks had kicked it out of Allex (0477). “A” and “C” Batteries being forward, the Command Post moved 5 kilometers
West, to a point just west of Crest (1373), leaving “B” Battery in position as a rear and right flank protection. In fact the battery
personnel set up their own road block several hundred yards to the north of the battery position, supported by 2 each 50 cal.
machine guns, two bazookas and with telephone communications. During the afternoon, a liaison officer, and a computer from the
155th Field Artillery Battalion (36th Division) checked into the Command Post with word that their “C” Battery is being attached to
the battalion. This battery of 155 mm gun howitzers moved into position about 2 kilometers behind “A” Battery 158th Field Artillery
Battalion. Numerous French Forces of the Interior (FFI) reports told of vehicular, troop and tank concentrations in Upie (0982) and
Montoison (0681) to the north (right flank) but nothing ever materialized from them. Targets ran the whole scale (except mortars)
during the day and brought the totals thus: “A” Battery 443 rounds; “B” Battery 4 rounds and “C” Battery 621 rounds of ammo.

August 28 is a day the Air Observation Post section will remember, for at 1050B, 2 M.E. 109s flew low down the road from Allex to
Crest and were not fired at by the AA units attached because of their quick appearance and disappearance from their fields of fire.
However, when the two exponents of the Luftwaffe arrived over the battalion air strip, Private First Class Garrett had heard them
coming and had his truck-mounted .50 caliber machinegun ready. He let go a burst of 18 rounds and one of the planes burst into
flames and crashed with 17 .50 caliber holes in it. As the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry jumped off from Allex (0477) attacking
Westward, two 158th Field Artillery Battalion static Observation Posts were maintained on the hill at the edges of town. “B” Battery
moved up to a position approximately 1 ½ kilometers in front of “A” Battery at 1100B. The party from the 155th Field Artillery
Battalion checked out. Word came during the afternoon that the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry which had been attached to the 36th
Division form the past several days, was just south of Loriol (968756) on its way north. The 157th Infantry movement order was
received, moving the combat team back to the east over practically the same long mountainous route taken two days prior, then
north to Voiron (5546) making a total of approximately 96 kilometers (by road) more than the previous trip. The multitude of targets
during the day kept the totals up. “A” Battery 692 rounds; “B” Battery 195 rounds and “C” Battery 170.

The forward observers were called back in, the morning of August 29, and the march east began at 1800B. But nevertheless, last-
minute missions used up 122 rounds by “A” Battery and 28 rounds by “C” Battery.

Light rain did not too-greatly hamper the move and the 113 road miles were covered by 0100B, of August 30. The new area, which
was in the vicinity of Moirons (529407), was a composite assembly and position area, with the pieces laid and ready to fire, exact
knowledge of the situation not being known at the time. At 0915B, DivArty called for a liaison officer from the battalion. The
battalion commander received from DivArty the plan for this battalion to move up behind the 160th Field Artillery Battalion and “B”
Battery 189th Field Artillery Battalion along the route: Bourgoin (2969) Cremieu (2785), Meximieu (2104) and Bourg (2438).
[69]
However, a road block was established to the west by “C” Company 157th Infantry and two artillery static Observation Posts were
placed to cover it. A liaison officer from the 976th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Gun) checked into the Command Post in the
evening. The day ended with light showers, and no ammunition was expended either of the last two days of the month.

Two batteries of the 938th Field Artillery Battalion had been attached to the battalion, and on August 31, survey was completed upon
all this battalion, the two “short tom” batteries just mentioned and tied in with the three batteries of 976th Field Artillery Battalion.
The 158th Field Artillery Battalion’s mission became that of reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion at 1730B and
orders were received from DivArty to move to the vicinity of Monteliew. So the 158th Field Artillery Battalion moved to a point 2
miles Southeast of Amberieu En Bugey (3210) at 2200B, a distance of approximately 35 kilometers northwest.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

France, 1/200,000 Sheets Number: 81 and 87; 1/100,000 Maps Number 14Q, 13O, 14N; 1/50,000 Maps Number XXXIII-43,
XXXIII-44, XXXIV-44, XXXV-44, XXXV-45 and XXXIV-45.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
CAPT SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT BRIGGS, MARVIN L. O-370071 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Naval Gunfire Spotter
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 TQM
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES J. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL O-1174733 Air Observer
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Battery Motor Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Assistant Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT WILHEIM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT WOLF, HAROLD J. O-1179255 Forward Observer
2nd LT PORTER, DONOVAN W. O-1177586 Forward Observer
2nd LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Assistant Executive
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
2nd LT MARSHALL, ARTHUR J. Jr. O-1183572 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT DALTON, JOHN W. O-1179051 Executive Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Assistant Executive
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS O-465104 Forward Observer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

17 KUZA, EDWARD M. T/4 20314389 HQ Battery SWA
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17 NOVAK, STANELY F. PVT 35292229 “B” Battery KIA
20 GOTT, HOWARD C. CPL 20114391 “B” Battery SWA
23 DITONNA, JAMES NMI PVT 32918145 “B” Battery KIA
23 SHUCK, JAMES F. T/4 35168996 “C” Battery KIA
23 DUGUAY, RAYMOND L. S/SGT* O-6299530 “C” Battery SWA
23 DALTON, JOHN W. 1st Lt O-1179051 “C” Battery SWA
23 CHARMO, JOHN NMI PFC 32348589 “C” Battery DOW
23 VALENZANO, ANTHONY J. PFC 32081416 “C” Battery SWA
23 APOSTOLICO, JOSEPH E. PVT 33023367 “C” Battery SWA
23 BERRY, PETE NMI PVT 06294297 “C” Battery SWA
23 KRUSE, WILBERT L. PVT 35169090 “C” Battery SWA
23 PERSHINSKY, MICHAEL PVT 33485363 “C” Battery SWA
*: Battlefield Commission
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated:

8 Aug Capt. HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 "C" Battery Bronze Star
8 Aug Capt. NIKKEL, GEORGE W. O-262219 SVC Battery Bronze Star
8 Aug Sgt. WILLIAMS, HUBERT O. 34162867 “A” Battery Bronze Star
8 Aug 1st Lt ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 HQ Battery Bronze Star
8 Aug 1st Sgt HAYES, MERLE D. 20830583 HQ Battery Bronze Star
15 Aug T/5 BERTRAND, LEYROY F. 38058674 “A” Battery Bronze Star
15 Aug S/Sgt MEYERS, ALVIN E. 20830875 “C” Battery Bronze Star
15 Aug Cpl. QUEEN, GEORGE P. 20830882 “C” Battery Bronze Star
15 Aug Cpl. HIGHLEY, KARL W. 20830615 “A” Battery Bronze Star

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 191 dated 8 August
1944 by Command of Major General Eagles: Award of Bronze Star Medal. WILLIAM S. HURLEY, O-336628, FA, Captain,
Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, leader of a medical aid and evacuation party, on 29 January 1944 on the Anzio
Beachhead, Italy. Entered military service from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. GEORGE W. NIKKEL, O-262219, FA, Captain, Service
Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, leader of an ammunition detail, from 16 to 20 February 1944, on the Anzio Beachhead, Italy.
Entered military service from Weatherford, Oklahoma. HUBERT O. WILLIAMS, 34162867, FA, Sergeant (then Technician Fifth
Grade), Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, leader, field artillery forward observation party, from 8 to 11 February 1944, near
Campo Morto, Italy. Entered military service from Clanton, Alabama. JAMES F. ARCHER, O-1172737, FA, First Lieutenant,
Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, assistant battalion communications officer, from 7 September 1943 to 4 June
1944 in Italy. Entered military service from Topaz, California. MERLE D. HAYS, 20830583, FA, First Sergeant, Headquarters
Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, first sergeant, from 29 January to 6 June 1944, near Anzio and Rome Italy, Italy. Entered
military service from Woodward, Oklahoma.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 198 dated 15 August
1944 by Command of Major General Eagles: Award of Bronze Star Medal. LEROY F. BERTRAND, 38058674, FA, Technician
Fifth Grade (then Private First Class), Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, driver one-quarter ton truck, on 10 February 1944
on the Anzio Beachhead, Italy. Entered military service from Port Arthur, Texas. ALVIN E. MYERS, 20830875, FA, Staff Sergeant,
Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, section chief. Forward observation party, from 2 to 5 January 1944 on Pozzilli, Italy.
Entered military service from Perry, Oklahoma. GEORGE P. QUEEN, 20830882, FA, Corporal, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, radio operator, forward observation party, on 25 September 1943 near Castelnuova, Italy. Entered military service from
Perry, Oklahoma. EARL W. HIGHLEY, 20830615, FA, Corporal, Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, ammunition corporal,
from 29 January 1944 to 1 April 1944 on the Anzio Beachhead, Italy. Entered military service from Woodward, Oklahoma.

LOADING LIST FOR INVASION OF FRANCE

( LST 301 ) ( 690 )

Type & Use Btry No. P. No.
¼ T Asst S-3, & LNO Hq 2 62, 59A
¼ T Trailer LNO Hq 1 59B
¾ T WC, COMMAND POST & Wire A 2 75, 76
2 ½ T SWB, Ammo A 6 54, 55, 66, 67, 68, 69
2 ½ T LWB K & Ammo A 1 71
¼ T BC & 2 FO A 3 60, 57, 58
2 ½ T SWB Ammo Svc 2 70, 73
2 ½ T LWB, Ammo Svc 1 72
¼ T Navy LNO, Spot SFC 2 5A, 4
¼ T Trailer, LNO Navy SFC 1 5B
( LST 302 ) ( 664 )
DUKWs A 8 9 – 16
( LST 303 ) ( 665 )
¼ T Bn Ex & LNO Hq 2 62, 36A
[71]
¼ T Trailer LNO Hq 1 36B
¾ T WC Wire Hq 1 42
¼ T BC, FO’s B 3 33, 50, 61
¾ T Wire B 1 29
2 ½ T SWB Ammo B 6 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
2 ½ T LWB K & Ammo B 1 17
2 ½ T SWB Ammo Svc 2 27, 28
2 ½ T LWB Ammo Svc 1 21
¼ T Navy LNO, Spot SFC 2 2A, 54
¼ T Trailer, Navy LNO SFC 1 52B
( LST 304 ) ( 504 )
2 ½ T LWB K & S Hq 1 36A
1 T Trailer K & S Hq 1 36B
¾ T WC Supply B 1 40
¼ T, BC, Mts., Ammo Svc 3 38, 45, 46
2 ½ T LWB, K, Parts, Supply Svc 4 27, 28, 34, 35
¼ T Surgeon M 1 48
DUKWs B 8 6 - 13
( LST 305 ) ( 692 )
¼ T, S-3, LNO Hq 2 50, 55A
¼ T, Trailer, LNO Hq 1 55B
¼ T, BC, FO’s C 3 51, 60, 61
¾ T WC, Wire, Mtr C 2 38, 39
2 ½ TSW B Ammo C 6 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
2 ½ T SWB Ammo Svc 2 11, 12
¼ T Navy LNO, Spot SFC 4 3A, 4A, 1, 2
¼ T Trailer, Navy LNO SFC 2 3B, 4B
( LST 306 ) ( 550 )
¾ T WC, COMMAND POST,Radio, Wire Hq 4 28, 29, 30, 31
2 ½ T LWB, K & Ammo C 1 21
2 ½ T SWB Ammo Svc 1 24
¾ T WC M 1 32
DUKWs C 8 10 - 17
( LST 913 )
¼ T, 160th and 171st LNO 2
¼ T Bn, Co, BC, Wire Hq 3
¾ T Radio and COMMAND POST Hq 2
( LIBERTY )
2 ½ T LWB, Supply Hq 1
1 T Trailer, Wire, Sup. Hq 2
¼ T Trls, MC BN CO FD, LNO Hq 4
1 T Trl Baggage A 2
¼ T Trls, COMMAND POST, FO’s A 3
1 T Trls, Baggage B 2
¼ T Trls, COMMAND POST, FO’s B 3
1 T Trls, Baggage C 2
¼ T Trls, COMMAND POST, FO’s C 3
¾ T CE, Ammo Sgt Svc 1
¼ T Trl Mtr Mtce Svc 1
1 T Trls Baggage, S-4 Office Svc 8
¼ T Trl Cargo Medics 1
¾ T Amb Evac Medics 1
AP #4
¼ T, Regt LNO, MC, Wire Hq 5 63, 64, 65, 66, 67
2 ½ T LWB, Motors Hq 1 79
1 T Trls, Wire, Radio Hq 2 80, 86
¾ T CR, COMMAND POST, Rad. S-2, 193 Hq 3 82, 83, 85
¼ T FO’s A 2 69, 68
¾ T WC, Supply A 1 74
1 T Trl, Supply A 1 90
¾ T CR, KX A 1 87
¼ T FO’s B 2 70, 71
¾ T WC Supply B 1 75
1 T Trl, Supply B 1
¾ T CR, KX B 1 91
¼ T FO’s C 2 72, 73
¾ T WC, Supply C 1 76
1 T Trl, Supply C 1
¾ T CR, Ex. C 1 89
¾ T WC, Bn Sup & Mtce Svc 2 77, 78
2 ½ T LNB Water Svc 1 23
1 T Trl, Sup Svc 1 88
[72]
¾ T CR Btry Radio Svc 1 84

PERSONNEL

Boat H A B C S M TOTAL SFC

AP #4 1-38 0-10 0-6 0-5 0-12 0-1 1-71
LST 301* 3-9 1-26 0-9 4-44 0-2
LST 302* 3-53 0-2 3-55 1-3
LST 303* 3-11 0-38 0-12 0-1 2-62 0-2
LST 304 0-7 3-55 3-23 1-4 7-89 1-4
LST 305* 1-11 1-51 0-9 0-1 2-72 1-7
LST 306 1-23 3-41 0-3 0-4 4-71 0-5
LST 913 2-17 2-17
LST 308* 1-4 1-4 2-8
LST 309 1-3 1-3 1-4
LST 310 1-3 1-3 1-4
LST 311 1-4 1-4 1-3
LST 312* 1-4 1-3 2-7 1-3
LCI 502 0-6 0-7 0-3 0-16
LIBERTY 0-8 0-11 1-5 0-1 1-25
Air Flat Top 2-3 2-3
3rd. Div. 1-3 1-3
Regt LCI 952# 2-7 2-7
117th 1-0 1-0
313th 1-3 13
---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS 17-151 7-102 6-118 6-103 4-76 1-14 41-564 7-37
*Flagships
#Battalion Commander
1st 2nd 3rd
301 Bn Hq 307 Bn Hq 305 Bn Hq
302 A 304 E 306 I
313 B 308 F 309 K 160th 308
310 C 311 G 312 L 309
303 D 314 H 315 M
“Q” 913

SEPTEMBER 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

As the month of September opened, the battalion was in position southwest of Amerieu En Bugley with the mission of reinforcing
the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. Liaison officers from the unit were with each of the battalions and the regiment of the
157th Infantry and the liaison officers from the 171st Field Artillery Battalion was with this battalion. During the day, in expectation
of the commitment of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 157th Infantry, the three forward observers working with those battalions
were sent to move with their respective companies and a static observation post was manned by another observer. Just before
2300B, the battalion was put on the alert by a call from Division Artillery with the civilian report that one hundred enemy had
infiltrated to just behind the command post. Nothing substantiated or materialized from this report. The weather was warm with
showers. Ammunition expended: A Battery 68 rounds, “B” Battery 356 rounds, “C” Battery 16 rounds.

On the 2nd September; a liaison officer from the 976th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Gun) reported in just before midnight.
Three non-commissioned officers left for the United States on rotation. The battalion moved about 5 1/2 miles northeast around
0915B, all elements, except Service Battery moving at the same time. Liaison officer from the 189th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm
howitzer) came to the command post just following the move. We sent liaison to the direct support artillery with the Third Division
Infantry on our left flank and to 160th Field Artillery Battalion. At 1630B, “B” and “C” Batteries moved again, this time to an area
approximately 5 miles farther to the north, Command Post moving at 2000B to a point 1/2 mile south of Rossettes, (30-23). Just
before midnight the battalion received a directive from Division Artillery forbidding firing on a ammunition dump at 24-33 unless
necessary. Again poor visibility, due partially to scattered precipitation, held the ammunition used to 24 rounds by “A” Battery, 81
rounds by “B” Battery and 280 rounds by “C” Battery.

At 0930B, on the 3rd September, four rounds of light enemy shellfire landed in the Command Post area. No damage done. “C”
Battery moved in the early afternoon 4 ½ miles to the northwest. Liaison officer from 171st Field Artillery Battalion (105mm
howitzer) checked into the Command Post. By now the details of the ammo dump were learned and further that it was prepared for
demolition, which were set off during the night. The number of rounds fired during the day were; “A” Battery 0, “B” Battery 681, and
“C” Battery 321.

At 1000B, on the 4th September all batteries were given “close station; march order” and moved to a rendezvous area 6 km south of
Bourg (2634) where they stayed until 1800B and then started on a road march to a division assembly area. In order for more details
of the situation and plans to be ascertained, the battalion (moving with the 157th Infantry Regiment) halted in an intermediate
assembly area just 4 miles north of Bourg, for 3 ½ hours and then moving on to the vicinity of Mantry, about 35 miles to the
northeast. Ammo used during the period was: “A” Battery none, “B” Battery 13 rounds, and “C” Battery 59 rounds.

Seven trucks were furnished on the morning of the 5th September to “shuttle” infantrymen. Though the guns were in position, no
firing was done either on this or the following day.
[73]
The battalion moved at 2030B on the 6th September to a point 43 miles farther to the northeast, to the vicinity of Cote-Brune
(0158), and given the mission of reinforcing the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion.

At 0600B the next morning, the 7thSeptember, “A”, “B” and HQ Batteries moved to a point 2 km southeast of Baume-Dame (0568).
The battalion reentered the fight on this day, the observers finding mortars, tanks and personnel at which to shoot, Ammunition
expended: “A” Battery 145 rounds, “B” Battery 67 rounds, and “C” Battery none.

In the evening of the 8th September, “C” Battery, which had been left behind to cover the road blocks set up by the 157th Infantry,
rejoined the battalion. “A” Battery was ordered to move at 0600A of the next day to the vicinity of a point 7 km’s southeast, in order
better to support 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry, Ammunition expended: “A” Battery 50 rounds, B” Battery 91 rounds and “C” Battery
none.

At 0910B on the 9th September, the battalion was ordered to remain in position to cover 1st Battalion road blocks, but plans were
changed at 2200B, and all the battery commanders were alerted to go on reconnaissance at 0300B on the 10th September. Total
ammunition expended: “A” Battery, none; “B” Battery, 107 rounds; and “C” Battery 49 rounds.

On the 10th September, the Doubs River was crossed at Baum-Les Dames, and the battalion went into position approximately one
kilometer northwest of Clerval (1376). All batteries were registered on a base point by the air OP by 0830B. Liaison officer from the
160th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm howitzer) reported into the command post. Word came that the 938th Field Artillery
Battalion (155mm howitzer) and 976th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Gun) would reinforce our fires. Battalion moved to the
vicinity of Uzelle (0980) around 1900B in the evening. “A” Battery shot 127 rounds, “B” Battery 247 and “C” Battery 273.

On the 11th September, “A” Battery was displaced forward at 1800B and was registered by 1845B and the day ended clear and cool
with “A” Battery having fired 239 rounds, “B” Battery 635 and “C” Battery 495.

On the 12th “B” Battery, 189th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm howitzer) was made available for reinforcement on call, and the
liaison from that unit came to this Command Post. Numerous targets of personnel and vehicles were adjusted on by the observers,
and totals for the day were: 354 rounds by “A”, 838 by “B” and 691 by “C”.

Several targets of horse drawn artillery were seen on the 13th September as were personnel in as much as company strength. All in
all the following ammunition was expended during the day: 200 rounds by “A” Battery, 201 by “B” Battery and 54 rounds by “C”
Battery.

The battalion received its August pay on this date. A 15 minute preparation on two points was fired at 0855B on the morning of the
14th September in support of “C” Company, 157th Infantry jump off. A number of guns, tanks and personnel were fired upon during
the day, and “A” Battery’s total was 204 rounds, “B” being 141 and “C”’s 247 rounds.

The numbers of targets on the 15th decreased somewhat though not in variety, and the ammunition totals ran thusly: 171 rounds for
“A” Battery, 23 for “B” Battery and 31 for “C”.

The infantry only did vigorous patrolling on the 16th September; in fact the normal barrages did not change at all from the day
before. Expenditure of ammunition by battery was “A”-80 rounds, “B”-57 rounds and “C”-61 rounds. Two TOTs directed by
Divisional Artillery were fired during the evening.

Just after midnight on the morning of the 17th September, another Division Artillery TOT was fired, covering a 200 yard zone. The
time unit was changed from “B” to “A” at 0300B. Three more TOTs were ordered of the battalion during the day. Information of
relief of the 157th Infantry and plan for move to assembly area in vicinity of Bougnan (8306) were received in the evening. The day
was marked by rain and poor visibility, “A” Battery’s total was 106 rounds, “B” Battery’s 61 and “C” Battery’s 52 rounds.

The battalion executive left for Bougnan on the morning of the 18th September as advance agent in reconnoitering and selecting a
position for the battalion in its anticipated move. The French (who were to relieve the division) artillery began moving into the
sector, though the battalion with the direct support mission did not appear, only the general support battalion came over to be
orientated and ask for our maps (all of which was turned over upon our relief to the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division, 3rd D.I.A.
French, HQ). “A” Battery’s total was 59 rounds, and “B” and “C” Batteries none. All observers were ordered to their batteries when
the respective Infantry companies they were with were relieved.

On the 19th September, the only target appearing was a short column of armor moving across the front. “A”’s total was 119 rounds,
“B”’s 139 and “C” none.

The static OP was abandoned on the 20th September and, after a radio silence imposed by Division upon departure (and set by
battalion at 1000A), the battalion began a 65 km road march at noon, arriving in an assembly area at Vauvillers (8131) at 1500A.
Leaving Service Battery there, the battalion moved again and into position at 1830A in an area 3 km’s south of Bains-Les-Bains
(9238) at 0100A, the liaison officer with 157th Infantry Regiment brought the plan of the infantry, showing a swing in an arc around
to come in north of Epinal from the west; and that the 171st Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer) and 17th Field Artillery
Battalion (155mm Howitzer) were to reinforce the fires of the battalion beginning the next day.

On the 21st September at 0730A the battalion (less “B” Battery) moved to an area 8 miles west of Epinal (9458). “B” Battery at
1230A moved to rejoin the battalion area. Then “C” Battery displaced forward (east) approximately 6,000 meters at 1625A, and “A”
Battery at 1745A and “B” at 1830A moved to same general area. The Command Post followed at 1920A and set up in the village of
Gigney (960598). The battalion only fired 17 rounds all day; 4 by “A” Battery and 13 by “C”.

[74]
The liaison officer from 17th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer) reported to the battalion on the morning of the 22nd
September. All the gun batteries were registered on check point No. 1 by 1440A. Shortly thereafter, to meet quite a bit of personnel
activity, two batteries were registered on two roads and kept laid there most of the day. Service Battery moved up to St. Menil
(900494) during the day. “A”’s ammo was 61 rounds, “B”’s 20 and “C”’s 55.

From 0615A to 0630A a preparation on four points was fired for the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry jump off. A static OP was still being
maintained, being jumped forward as the infantry advanced, and on this day another was set up. At supper time two men from 1st
Battalion, 157th Infantry Service Company brought six German soldiers to the Command Post who had surrendered to them along
the road about ½ mile southeast of this battalion’s Command Post. They turned out to be all “Berliners” and who had seemingly
turned in only because of hunger. They were searched for weapons and sent to the infantry interrogation team. About a half hour
later, two representatives of the gendarmerie of Thaon (0262) reported into the Command Post and offered detailed information as
to enemy activity and bridge conditions in that town and offered any further assistance possible. Parenthetically, this village was
situated on the west bank of the Moselle River and had been by-passed by the infantry, who had proceeded northeasterly to cross the
river; running in a north south direction at Chatel-Sur-Moselle (0069), and south along the east side, leaving Thaon in the triangle
on the west bank. At 1900A, Headquarters Battery wiremen found the telephone line from “A” Battery cut, and a Frenchman told
them that two Germans in civilian clothes had done it and escaped at his approach. Further investigation revealed nothing further.
After a day of intermittent showers, “A”’s ammunition total was 547 rounds, “B”’s 710 rounds and “C”’s 566 rounds.

The preparation scheduled for 0630A on the 24th September was postponed a half hour. Lieutenant Olson, forward observer with
“K” Company, 157th Infantry and one member of his party, were hit at 0900A and evacuated and the liaison officer with 3rd
Battalion, moved the observer with the reserve (“L”) company to “K” Company to take over Lieutenant Olson’s mission and party.
Frequent personnel targets brought the days’ totals to 818 rounds for “A” Battery, 662 for “B” Battery and 526 rounds for “C”
Battery.

On the 25th September, the battalion commander took the battery commanders on a reconnaissance at 0900A, the new positions
were surveyed in by 1145A, and the battalion had completed its move by 1730A, one battery completing its move before another
started. The infantry began an advance in a column of battalions toward Rambervillers (1872), now for the first time since crossing
the Moselle River being back in its sector inside (south of) the VI Corps boundary. And the battery commanders were alerted to go
on reconnaissance at 0900A the next day. “A” Battery: 700 rounds for the day, “B” Battery: 524 rounds, “C” Battery: 329 rounds.

The 26th September was another cool rainy day, as had been the previous four. By 1150A, “A” Battery was in position, having moved
north approximately 10 km to Chatel, crossed the Moselle River and back south along the opposite (east) bank to 0860 area near
Dignonville. The battalion had completed its move by 1645A. One of the targets reported by an observer during the afternoon was an
“88 stuck in a ditch”. “A” Battery fired 230 rounds that day, “B” Battery 43 and “C” 185 rounds.

Again at 0900A the battery commanders were ordered on reconnaissance on the 27th September, with “C” Battery to be ready to
move at 1000A; also the mobile Command Post (half of the FDC and S-2 personnel and the assistant s-3). The move was to Padoux
area (1063 to 1365) and was completed by 1800A, one battery at a time, “A” Battery remaining in the old position, it having been the
foremost battery. Ammo totals: “A” Battery: 237 rounds, “B” Battery: 23 rounds and “C” Battery: 65 rounds.

At 0900A on the 28th September, “A” Battery was in its new position, again in the front position of the battalion, at 160664. The day
was a light one so far as artillery fire was concerned, and well it might be, for word was received from Division Artillery that no more
105 mm ammo could be drawn until 301800A September 1944; further: that the battalion ammo supply must not fall below “basic
load” (which the Division Artillery Commanding General then defined as 3,000 rounds). “A”’s total was 6 rounds, “B”’s: 168 rounds
and 12 rounds for “C” Battery.

On the 29th September, the XV Corps, part of the 3rd Army, and on our left (north) composed partially of the 2nd French Armored
Division and the 79th American Infantry Division, was attached or assigned to the 7th Army. “A” Battery: 303 rounds, “B” Battery:
303 rounds, “C” Battery: 310 rounds.

The last day of September saw two preparations, one ten minutes long at 0724A and one participated in by seven batteries from six
to fifteen minutes in duration, depending on the point forward. Enemy vehicular activity, batteries and mortars and Nebelwerfers
(adjusted on by the battalion commander) composed the bulk of targets for the day. The static observer moved his OP to the church
steeple; the highest point in Rambervillers (183725). Liaison was sent to the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron which was
working in and through the 157th Infantry sector. One platoon of destroyers of “C” Company, 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion were
attached to the battalion during the evening, to be moved into position near Rambervillers the next day. Reconnaissance had been
made for positions south of that town for the whole battalion. Day’s ammo totals were: by “A” Battery: 530 rounds, 195 rounds by
“B” Battery and 542 rounds by “C” Battery.

Turning to the east toward the German homeland, the division had to cross the strongly defended Moselle River, an important
German defense before the Siegfried line. The 157th, 179th, and 180th RCT’s were committed to the assault of the river and after a
bitter 3 day battle the 120th Engineer Battalion bridged the river. Once across the Moselle River, the division pushed rapidly into the
foothills of the Vosges Mountains with terrain and weather conditions reminiscent of the preceding winter in Italy. The slowly
retreating enemy consistently held the higher ground as the division carried the fight ever closer to the German homeland. The
enemy delaying action in the Vosges Mountains allowed them sufficient time to prepare defenses along the Muerthe and Montagne
Rivers. The entire force of the division was necessary to overcome bitter enemy resistance at these river lines. By 23 October 1944,
the Montagne River crossing was completed and the Vosges Mountain defenses had fallen. The battle for the Vosges was second only
to the Anzio campaign in fierceness and, although less well known, of comparable importance as the last major mountain barrier on
the Thunderbird route into the Fatherland.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

[75]
FRANCE, 1/100,000 Sheets Number: 13K, 13L, 13M, 14J, 14K, 14L, 14M, 15G, 15H, & 15J. EASTERN FRANCE, 1/50,000:
RAMBERVILLERS.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #2
CAPT BRIGGS, MARVIN L. O-370071 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer #4
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES J. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT PORTER, DONOVAN W. O-1177586 Air Observer
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Motor Officer
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Assistant Motor Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Assistant Battalion Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
2nd LT WILHEIM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Assistant Executive
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT WOLF, HAROLD J. O-1179255 Forward Observer
2nd LT VEACH, EARL C. O-1174733 Forward Observer
2nd LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Assistant Executive
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
2nd LT MARSHALL, ARTHUR J. Jr. O-1183572 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
2nd LT LIGGETT, FRANCIS E. O-465104 Assistant Executive
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

3 Sept GILLILAND, HUBERT M. 1st Sgt 20830593 “A” Battery LWA
11 Sept LIGGETT, FRANCIS E. 2nd LT O-465104 “C” Battery MIA
11 Sept BORTHWICK, BEVERLY R. T/5 39040932 “C” Battery MIA
11 Sept RODRIGUEZ, RUPERT J. PVT 32819304 “C” Battery MIA
11 Sept SMITH, CHARLES W. T/4 33050382 “C” Battery MIA
15 Sept WEBER, LEONARD W. PVT 33113906 “B” Battery LWA
24 Sept OLSON, GEORGE, E. Jr. 2nd LT O-1175266 “C” Battery LWA
24 Sept BRYCHTA, FRANK S. PVT 36048949 “A” Battery LWA
24 Sept SAPIENZA, ROY M. PVT 32898746 “C” Battery LWA
24 Sept WALBORN, LAWRENCE J. PVT 35291971 “C” Battery LWA

OCTOBER 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

At the opening of the month of October 1944, the battalion Command Post was in the village of Padoux, France (135654), “A” and
“C” Batteries were just west of Bult (159664 and 155668 respectively) and “B” Battery in the southern outskirts of Rambervillers
[76]
(182719) and reinforcing the battalion fires were: the 17th Field Artillery Battalion (155-mm howitzer) and one platoon of “C” Co,
645th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Captain Wright, Captain Hubbert and Lieutenant Mayne were the liaison officers to the 157th
Infantry Regiment, 1st, 2n and 3rd Battalions respectively, and Lieutenants Wolf, Schomaker, and Robertson were the forward
observers with the 1st Battalion, Lieutenants Hedge, Taylor and Laubhan with the 2n Battalion and Lieutenants Veach, Gabrysch
and Willhelm with the 3rd Battalion. One static Observation Post, manned by Lieutenant Cobb, was in place in the church tower in
Rambervillers (183725), while Lieutenant Merchant acted as the battalion liaison officer to the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance. Both
reinforcing battalions had liaison officers at the Command Post. About 1500A, Lieutenant Gabrysch became ill and was replaced by
Lieutenant Wilhelm who in turn was replaced by Sergeant Colby, who was moved from chief of Lieutenant Laubhan’s party. At dusk,
“A” Battery displaced to 192710, about 1 km southeast of Rambervillers. When it was in place, “C” Battery moved to about 500 yards
northwest of it (189714), the Command Post moving at the same time to 194715 into an abandoned German barracks area. (Before
the month was over, this area, which was approximately 300 yards by 150 yards, was to be occupied also by two companies of
Engineers with all their equipment, and a Headquarters Company of a Medical Battalion). Following a policy of the battalion, the
“forward Command Post” (composed of the assistant S-3, the Operations Sergeant, three computers and a Journal clerk) moved to
the new Command Post location at the same time the first battery displaced forward and acted as FDC for it and the other batteries
as they arrived. The old Command Post closed as the third party moved. Total ammunition for the day was: “A” Battery, 182 rounds,
“B” Battery, 35 rounds and “C” Battery, 171 rounds.

A preparation of 3 rounds per gun per minute for 10 minutes was fired on three points by the battalion at 0850A on the 2nd of
October. The 17th Field Artillery Battalion (155 mm howitzer) fired the same preparation at the rate of one round per gun per
minute. All these preparations were on village of Jeanmenil (223713), but it was found to be “untenable” by the 2n Battalion, 157th
Infantry when they approached it during the forenoon. The weather temperature dropped to freezing during the night. Totals for the
day’s ammunition were: 229 rounds for “A” Battery, 243 rounds by “B” Battery and 118 rounds by “C” Battery.

Just before noon on the 3 October, all three batteries were registered on new base points by the air OP. Twenty rounds of light
medium enemy artillery, shell fire landed in the vicinity of “B” Battery about 1500A, a number of them being duds; no casualties.
Division Artillery again instituted the telephonic report, by type, of all missions fired by the battalion as of 1800A. For the day, “A”
Battery’s total was 105 rounds, “B” Battery’s 108 rounds and “C” Battery’s 148 rounds.

Four TOTs were fired by the battalion on October 4th. Service Battery was located at this time in Epinal, France, a distance of
approximately 15 miles southwest of the remainder of the battalion, the supply units of the Division being located also in the same
town. The weather was misty to rainy all day, and the total ammunition expenditure was: 38 rounds by “A” Battery, 58 by “B”
Battery and 44 rounds by “C” Battery.

“A” Battery’s fire into Jeanmenil (225712) started a fire on October 5th. The totals for the day were: 40 rounds for “A” Battery, 93
rounds for “B” Battery and 61 rounds for “C” Battery.

On the 6th of October, one suit of winter underwear was issued to each man, and the “B” type of rations issued included fresh beef
and butter. Captain Tompkins, the rotation replacement for Captain Cleverdon relieved Lieutenant Laubhan as Forward Observer
with “G” Co, 157th Infantry. Seventeen (17) rounds of “FRONTBRIEF” (propaganda news sheet) were fired on 8 points. The poor
visibility and cold weather resulted in holding the total ammunition to: “A” Battery, 88 rounds, “B” Battery, 86 rounds, “C” Battery,
125 rounds.

After noon on the 7th of October, two counterattack plans were received from the infantry regiment. Lieutenant Wolf, forward
observer with “A” Company, came back in, leaving Corporal Nighly in charge of the party, the company being in the reserve at that
time. “A” Battery’s total was 28 rounds, “B” Battery’s 66 rounds and “C” Battery’s 42 rounds.

At 1015A on October 8th, the Cannon Company, 157th Infantry, which was being fired through our FDC, fired a smoke screen to
cover the recovery of a disabled tank. One hundred seventy-five (175) rounds were spent in harassing during the night; it was all
assigned to be fired by the 636 Tank Destroyer Battalion, which had moved into the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion positions. This
battalion’s totals were: “A” Battery, 0 rounds, “B” Battery, 3 rounds and “C” Battery 3 rounds.

Eleven (11) points were hit with TOTs during the 9th, but the reinforcing and adjacent units were assigned to all of them. These
consisted of the 191st Tank Battalion, 83rd Chemical Battalion, Cannon Co, 157th Infantry and the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion,
and the battalion fired “nary a round” all day. A flash base was established, the left end being at the static OP and the right end at
199707, 2500 yards away.

Major Huber, the Battalion Executive, left on October 10th for temporary duty in the United States (“the old country”), in effect, a
form of 30-day leave at home, and two enlisted men left on rotation also. Four hundred five (405) overcoats (approximately 70%)
were issued to the battalion. An enemy aircraft dropped flares along the front about 2100A, and although the attached “ack-ack”
(106th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion) had recently received reports of similar action always preceding night
bombing on the northern fronts, recently, nothing further resulted here. Again the battalion’s day’s total was zero.

The liaison officer with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance was changed on the 11th October, Sergeant Gilliland relieving Lieutenant
Merchant, who in turn relieved Lieutenant Kelly as battalion motor officer. Lieutenant Kelly was assigned as S-2. Captain Tompkins
replaced Lieutenant Lindsey as 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry liaison officer. There was no harassing during the night; in fact the only
round fired by the battalion during the 24-hour period was by “A” Battery on a registration which was never completed.

Orders were received to store chemical warfare equipment the Division rear echelon on the 12th October. The assault guns (105-
mm) of the 191st Tank Battalion went into position and were registered on the battalion’s base point. Fifteen (15) rounds of enemy
shell-fire fell in the vicinity of the Command Post about 1500A. The totals for the day were: 8 rounds by “A” Battery, 8 rounds by “B”
Battery and 68 rounds by “C” Battery.

[77]
On Friday the 13th of October, one pair of trousers, herring bone twill were issued per man. Lieutenant Cobb abandoned the static
OP in the church tower and moved to the right end of the flash base. This base had yielded nothing so far, both observers not having
ever been able to observe the same flash. No rounds were fired during the day.

Seventeen (17) TOTs (targets of time) were fired on October 14th, using all the reinforcing artillery and our battalion together on
most of the points. Nebelwerfers were one of the targets during the day whose totals ran: “A” Battery, 90 rounds, “B” Battery, 70
rounds, and “C” Battery, 52 rounds.

On about the 15th October, the patrol reports of the special unit attached to the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance; called “Proust
Patrols”; began to help in the selection of points for TOTs and harassing fires. The chemical warfare equipment was turned in for
storage that day and an exchange of overcoats (small for large sizes) was made with the Quartermaster dump. “A” Battery’s total was
65 rounds, “B” Battery’s 150 rounds and “C” Battery’s, 64 rounds.

On the 16th of October, a 10-minute period of continuous fire was shot on eight (8) points. The Infantry concentrated small arms fire
at the same time. The chemical mortars were also controlled by the Infantry, but the 72nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (90-mm)
was added to the artillery group. This was the second consecutive day that the concentrated harassing period was executed, and the
enemy’s retaliatory fire almost doubled that of the previous day. The visibility during the day was poor. Still, “A” Battery expended
40 rounds of ammunition, “B” Battery, 20 rounds and “C” Battery, 20 rounds.

Again on the 17th of October, the 10-minute harassing fire was done, this time at 0800 instead of 1830A, as previously, with the
resulting small arms fire again increasing. On a reported Schutzstaffel Unit Command Post, we requested fire by the 8-inch
howitzers, adjusted by their air OP resulting in 4 direct hits. Div Arty set the ammunition allowances for the battalion at 300 rounds
for the 24-hour period beginning at 1800A. Total ammunition expended during the day was: “A” Battery, 76 rounds, “B” Battery, 72
rounds and “C” Battery, 39 rounds.

The static OP in the church steeple in Rambervillers was again manned on the 18th October, not this time as an end of a flash base.
“A” Battery shot 24 rounds, “B” Battery, 23 and “C” Battery, 23 rounds.

On October 19th, another of the 10-minute periods of continuous fire was had on six (6) points at 105-1100A. Propaganda
(“FRONTBRIEF”) was fired on ten points, three rounds each. One suit of wool underwear and one pair of wool gloves per man were
issued. About the middle of the afternoon, several reports of rocket-fire landing were received, and a TOT was fired and the 17th
Field Artillery Battalion (155-mm howitzer) was adjusted on the location reported. During the night again it was reported that the
enemy was marking his front line with flares and that a plane dropped a flare, but nothing locally resulted. Totals for the day’s firing
were: “A” Battery, 40 rounds, “B” Battery, 40 rounds, and “C” Battery, 70 rounds.

On the 20th October, three (3) rounds of enemy shell-fire landed in the vicinity of “A” Battery and five (5) rounds in the vicinity of
the Command Post, all light caliber. The 90-mm anti-aircraft battalion was assigned eight (8) points on which to harass, 25 rounds
each. Eleven (11) points were picked and “FRONTBRIEF” delivered. Total rounds of all kinds of ammunition: 29 by “A” Battery, 29
by “B” Battery and 31 by “C” Battery.

Ten (10) rounds of estimated medium artillery landed several hundred yards south of the command post at 0730A on the 21st of
October. Four (4) points were harassed with 50 rounds of tank fire on each, and TOTs were placed on five (5) points by the tanks,
tank-destroyers, chemical mortars, 155-mm howitzers and this battalion. Enemy activity was heard just after dark, north of Bru at
224736 and an additional 50 rounds were placed on it during the night by the tank-destroyers. This battalion’s totals for the day
were: 76 rounds by “A” Battery, 63 rounds by “B” Battery and 86 rounds by “C” Battery.

On the 22nd October, Div Arty reported that our bombers would be over the area every half hour during the day and requested
targets from us, but the limited visibility afforded the observers prevented that. Seven (7) points were hit with TOTs during the late
afternoon, and eight (8) rounds of propaganda were disposed of. When the 3rd Battalion, 36th Engineers relieved the 2nd Battalion,
157th Infantry, the liaison officer and Forward Observers were ordered to remain in position until the relief was completed and new
unit’s observers were sent out. Visibility was poor, due partly to the scattered showers. Still, the battalion shot 40 rounds through
“A” Battery, 86 rounds through “B” Battery and 44 rounds through “C” Battery.

On the 23rd of October, the infantry regiment began to slip laterally to the right, trading places with the 36th Engineers, in
preparation for a push east of Autrey (221688). Eight (8) rounds of propaganda were fired in the afternoon. The battalion
commander received the field order at Div Arty, giving St. Die (V4166) as the Corps objective, and the Division to cross the clearing
to the Forst D’Housseras and then advance to the northeast. Four (4) points were harassed by the tank destroyers with 40 rounds
each, and five (5) early morning TOTs were fired. Totals were: “A” Battery, 40 rounds, “B” Battery, 47 rounds and “C” Battery 38
rounds. The situation became much, however, that the first (southernmost) three TOTs were called off by the liaison officer. “H”
Hour at 0915A was set at 0930A. Seven more TOTs were fired from 1320A to 1335A. The Battalion Commander took the Battery
Commanders and one piece from “C” Battery forward on reconnaissance in the vicinity of Housseras (240685) at 1600A.
Registration was not possible. The remainder of the battalion moved up and all installations were complete and ammunition moved
up before daylight. The day’s totals: “A” Battery, 400, “B” Battery, 250, and “C” Battery 391.

The liaison from the 160th and 189th Field Artillery Battalions (Sergeant Bundy and Sergeant Warner, respectively) reported to the
Command Post on the 27th of October. Eight (8) TOTs were fired from 1415A to 1546A and four (4) more from 1604A to 1640A. The
ammunition allotment from Div Arty for the following day was: 158 rounds M48, 272 rounds of M54 and 23 rounds of WP. The day’s
totals of ammunition fired were: “A” Battery 172 rounds, “B” Battery 107 rounds and “C” Battery 89 rounds.

On October 28th, the battalion received 35 rounds of propaganda addressed to the French people, which was to be shot into a town
immediately prior to an attack on it. At 0920A, a 10-min preparation was fired by “A” and “C” Batteries at 2 rounds per gun per
minute in front of the 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry. Three (3) rounds of enemy mortar fire landed in the vicinity of the Command
[78]
Post, knocking out the 3/4 ton C & R vehicle containing the Fire-Direction radio. The same day, Lieutenant Schomaker and one
more man of his party were injured by mortar fire and Lieutenant Dalton replaced him. Lieutenant Keely relieved Lieutenant Fetzer
because of illness. Eleven (11) points were harassed during the night by “C” Battery and the 72nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.
Totals: “A” Battery, 0 rounds, “B” Battery, 81 rounds, and “C” Battery 0 rounds.

Sergeant Oilliland was sent to the 171st Field Artillery Battalion on the 29th October as our liaison and their liaison checked out.
Thirty five (35) rounds of the German newspaper were fired on five points, and five rounds of the “Surrender Leaflet” were fired on
as many points. Nine points were harassed during the night. Totals again were: 240 rounds by “A” Battery, 135 rounds by “B” Battery
and 561 rounds by “C” Battery.

The fire plan for the 30th October consisted of a 5-minute preparation (3 rounds per gun per minute) an three points by the
battalion, followed by a 200-yard zone fired by one battery, followed by eight (8) TOTs, the last five being on the same point at 71
minutes, 84 minutes, 31 minutes, 2 hours and 40 minutes, and 2 hour 16 minute intervals. The battalion used up this much
ammunition: “A” Battery, 442 rounds, “B” Battery, 300 rounds and “C” Battery 224 rounds.

The following changes in assignment were made, because the forward observers needed a rest badly and relief was still just a rumor.
Lieutenant Cobb replaced Lieutenant Lindsey as Liaison Officer with the 1st Battalion, who in turn replaced Lieutenant Robertson as
Forward Observer. The three Battery Executives, the Ammunition Officer and the liaison with the 171st Field Artillery Battalion were
sent out to relieve Lieutenants Keely, Taylor, Laubhan and Wilhelm. Before the changeover was made, Lieutenants Kelley and Keely
were wounded and Lieutenant Wilhelm had to remain out. “A” Battery found a booby-trapped road block just in front of their
position. The fire plan for Halloween Day consisted of a 5-minute preparation on nine (9) points (one battery on each) from 0755A
to 0800A, followed by continuous fire (1 round per gun for 2 minutes) on three (3) points to be lifted to three other points on call,
and the 189th Field Artillery Battalion (155-mm howitzer) harassing three other points. One mackinaw was issued to all the drivers.
Two TOTs late at night were fired with two more early the next morning planned. “A” Battery’s day’s total was 271 rounds, “B”
Battery’s 460 rounds and “C” Battery’s total 314 rounds.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

FRANCE, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: 35-16 and 35-17.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Adjutant and Executive
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant Battalion S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
1st LT FETZER, CHARLES K. Jr. O-1165849 Assistant Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Unassigned
CAPT BRIGGS, MARVIN L. O-370071 Unassigned
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Unassigned
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES J. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT PORTER, DONOVAN W. O-1177586 Air Observer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Assistant Battalion Commo
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Battery Motor Officer
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT WOLF, HAROLD J. O-1179255 Forward Observer
2nd LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
1st LT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Assistant Executive
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT HEDGE, JOSEPH S. O-488933 Forward Observer
2nd LT MARSHALL, ARTHUR J. Jr. O-1183572 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
[79]
2nd LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT WILHEIM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Reconnaissance Officer
1st LT VEACH, EARL C. O-1174733 Forward Observer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT KELLEY, ROBERT E. O-1185884 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

3 Oct PETRUCK, WALTER. PVT 32898792 “B” Battery LWA
28 Oct SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. 2nd LT O-1691715 “A” Battery SWA
28 Oct HULGAN, CHARLES C. PVT 18063384 “A” Battery LWA
29 Oct RYAN, CHARLES C. CPL “A” Battery LWA
30 Oct KEELY, MARVIN H. 1st Lt O-1177863 “B” Battery LWA
30 Oct KELLEY, ROBERT E. 1st Lt O-1185884 HQ Battery LWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders No. 213, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 22 September 1944:

Bronze Star:
LINDSEY, ALFRED J. 1st Lt O-1165895 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
CAMPBELL, JAMES P. T/Sgt 33071766
FARMER, FAY D. T/4 35169003
GAUDIN, JOHN E. S/Sgt 38017257 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
HAEN, WAYNE J. S/Sgt 38017225 Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
SHEETS, CALVIN D. S/Sgt 20830762 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 225, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 4 October 1944:

Bronze Star:
HICKMAN, WAYNE D. T/5 35155913 Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
BRYCHTA, FRANK S. Pvt 36048949 Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
MILLER, LEROY Capt O-337582 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 236, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 15 October 1944:

Bronze Star:
HENYCEZ, WILLIAM J. T/4 32243942 Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

TUBE REPLACEMENTS

“A” Battery: None.

“B” Battery: Tube No. 11243 replaced by Tube No. 10414, 17 October 1944.
Tube No. 19853 replaced by Tube No. 18037, 21 October 1944.
“C” Battery: Tube No. 6860 replaced by Tube No. 16429, 5 October 1944.
Tube No. 16225 replaced by Tube No. 1563, 4 October 1944.

NOVEMBER 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The month of November opened with the battalion in position near Housseras, France (24-68) in support of the 157th Infantry and
reinforcing the 171st Field Artillery Battalion. The 17th Field Artillery Battalion and 938th Field Artillery Battalion, both 155mm M-1
howitzers, were reinforcing our fires. During the afternoon of the 1st the battalion displaced to the vicinity of 26-69, as the infantry
moved east towards their objective.

On the 6th November the 2nd Battalion 157th Infantry was relieved by the 399th Infantry, the 3rd Battalion on the 7th November
and the 1st Battalion on the 8th November, our forward observers and liaison officers remaining with the relieving units for 24 hours
after the relief. The Battalion Executive had supervised the preparation of billets near Bains-Le-Bains for the battalion to move into a
rest area with the remainder of the division, but on the 8th November we received word that we would move the 10th November to
new positions East of Luneville, attached to the 44th Division.
This battalion moved into position near Embermenil attached to the ”Clayton Group”, and participated in the 13 hour preparation
fired by the Corps and Division Artillery in support of the 44th Division attack the morning of the 13th November, remaining until
the morning of the 17th November when we were relieved of the attachment to the 44th Division. During the five (5) day period with
the “Clayton Group” the battalion fired 3634 rounds, all observed fires, all of which firing could have been handled by the organic
artillery of the division, since the ammunition allowance for the attack was not sufficient to justify the amount of artillery involved.

On the 17th the battalion moved into a “rest” area near Luneville, and commenced the work of getting vehicles and equipment back
into condition after their 93 days of continuous service.

[80]
The rest period ended on the 24th November when the Regimental Combat Team moved to the vicinity of Langatte (44-18) attached
to the 44th Division with the mission of protecting the left flank of the division, Corps and Army, moving again the 25th November
to Groupthal (66-24) attached to the 217th Field Artillery Battalion.

The combat team was released from the 44th Division the 27th November and the battalion moved to positions near Neuwiller (75-
25), back under 45th Div Arty control. The 693rd Field Artillery Battalion (105mm truck drawn) was attached to us, in position near
Dossenheim (74-22).

On the 23rd November we displaced to Ingwiller (8l-30), the 693rd leap froging to Bischoltz (85-32) the 29th November, and us
moving to Mulhausen (86-31) the following day. When the Division was relieved by the 100th Division near Housseras the 8th of
November, our Forward observer and liaison parties accompanied the 157th Infantry to their rest area near Bains Le Bains, so that
this personnel was able to get a much needed rest though the battalion functioned quite short handed during its attachment to the
44th Division Artillery. Also, by running our own battalion rest center at Service Battery’s position, some of the other howitzer and
headquarters battery personnel were furnished a period of rest and relaxation.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

FRANCE, 1/50,000 Sheets Number: 35-14 SAARE UNION, 35-17 RAMBERVILLER, 37-14 BOUXWILLER, 35-16 LUNEVILLE, 38-
14 HAGENAU, 36-15 SARREBOURG, 35-14 PARROY, 36-17 ST. DIE, & 15G LUNEVILLE-EPINAL.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Unassigned
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Assistant S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Unassigned
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
1st LT KESSMEIER, CHARLES J. O-1173328 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Forward Observer
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
Battery "C"
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
2nd LT WILHEIM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Reconnaissance Officer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

30 Nov COLBY, WILLIAM M. 2nd LT O-1998701 “B” Battery LWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders No. 278, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 26 November 1944:

Bronze Star:
BRADEN, HOWARD L. Pvt. 20830367 Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
[81]
TICE, DONALD K. Cpl. 20830402 Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
MANJO, JOSEPH R. Pvt. 31353081 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
DUPONT, JOSEPH A. S/Sgt 34151088 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 271, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 19 November 1944:

Air Medal:
SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. Major O-293864 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 270, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 18 November 1944:

Bronze Star:
WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. Capt O-450132 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 279, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 27 November 1944:

Bronze Star:
BISHOP, MORRIS A. M/Sgt 20830387 Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
KLINGSICK, CLYDE L. T/Sgt 20830398 Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
LOUDERBACK, ISSAC M. Jr. Cpl 33556778 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
ROBRECHT, EMMETT H. S/Sgt 20830706 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 260, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 8 November 1944:

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal:
COLLINS, NORBERT M. 1st LT O-1166461 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion,
the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal.
DePURY, JAMES C. 2nd LT O-1691875 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion,
the 2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal.

TUBE REPLACEMENTS

15 November 1944 Tube # 16429 Replaced by Tube # 16309 “C” Battery.

18 November 1944 Tube # 17023 Replaced by Tube # 17984 “C” Battery.

DECEMBER 1944 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The battalion was in position around Ingwiller (8130) on December 1st, in direct support of the 157th Infantry on the left flank of the
Division and of the Corps, having the 693rd Field Artillery Battalion (105-mm howitzer) and the 938th Field Artillery battalion
reinforcing. The Infantry encountered only moderate resistance as they advanced east, but we were afforded many targets in the
form of tanks, personnel and mortars. The batteries were moved one at a time to the vicinity of Mulhausen (8631) during the
afternoon, with the 693rd Field Artillery Battalion in position to the Northwest facing toward the left flank.

Saturday, December 2nd, the 499th Armored Field Artillery Battalion moved in near Mulhausen, reinforcing our fires, as the 693rd
moved out of the Division sector.

The infantry moved through Zinswiller (8935) the morning of December 3rd, the 1st and 3rd Battalions in the assault met stiff
resistance East of the town and ended the day along the ridge about 1,000 yards to the east.

The battalion moved to Zinswiller (8935) the afternoon of the 4th December, the infantry ending the day just short of Niederbronn.
KIA: Technician Fifth Grade ARTHUR A. ROSENTHAL, 32899011.

The 59th Armored Field Artillery Battalion moved in to the vicinity of Zinswiller on the 5th December reinforcing us, with the 499th
Armored Field Artillery being relieved from us on the 6th December.

The 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry was given the mission of protecting the left flank of the Division on the 7th December with the 59th
Armored Field Artillery Battalion furnishing observers and fire support in addition to helping us. The infantry having had
considerable trouble on the 5th, 6th, and 7th December.

A preparation was fired on Niederbronn the morning of the 8thDecember, but only moderate advance was made during the day.

So again on the 9th December, ten (10) minutes of fire was put down by us and the 59th, the infantry advancing to the high ground
west of Jaegerthal (9641) during the day.

Battery “C” was moved the afternoon of the 10th December and the remainder of the battalion the morning of the 11th December to
the vicinity of Niederbronn, the 59th Armored Field Artillery Battalion moving up to the same neighborhood during the afternoon,
as the infantry ended the day east of Nehwiller (9740), with part of “G” Company in the north end of Langensoultzbach (9841), as
the 180th Infantry moved toward the town from the south.

We moved to Nehwiller the morning of the 12th December, with the troops moving through Langensoultzbach during the day,
though they encountered heavy going past the town and we and the 171st had considerable difficulty in clearing missions on troops
east of the town, due to the staggered positions of the companies. We fired our first rounds into Germany at 1801A on the town of
Hirschthal (0149).

The infantry moved through Mattstall the morning of the 13th December, so we moved “C” Battery and a mobile C.P. the night of the
[82]
13th December, the remainder of the battalion the morning of the 14th Decemberto the vicinity of La Verrerier (0043), on the
“Maginot Line“. In this position the 157th Cannon Company was attached to us by the Regiment, the 75mm howitzers being tied in
as a 4th firing battery and the 2 each 105’s attached to “C” Battery. The 59th moved to the vicinity of Mattstall with one battery
remaining at Nehwiller covering the Jaegerthal Pass .

We displaced to Wingen (0547) the 16th December, and tied the 191st Tank Battalion assault guns (6 each 105 mm howitzers) in to
our fire, as the 157th changed direction to the north, and ended the day north of Nothweiler, butted against the “Siegfried Line”, the
regimental sector covering some 15,000 meters to the west.

The morning of the 18th December, “C” Company entered Bundenthal (0555), followed by “G” Company during the afternoon, only
to get cut off by fire from pill boxes southwest and southeast of the town.

Several night patrol attempts to reach them were unsuccessful, until the night of the 23rd December, when they were withdrawn
during a 30 minute concentration fired by our battalion. During the period December 17th to the 26th the infantry maintained only
patrol activity and our firing consisted mainly of precision adjustments of 8-inch and 155mm howitzers by our observers on concrete
pillboxes. A self propelled 155mm gun was assigned by Corps to the sector, also, and was successful in scoring several hits on the
four or five pillboxes they engaged with direct fire.

On the 26th December, the regimental right boundary was shifted to the left, the 180th Infantry relieving our 1st Battalion, which
shifted to the vicinity of Hirschthal (0149) and the 3rd Battalion moving to the high ground south of Niedersteinbach (9847),
advancing during the day to the north of Wengelsbach (9850), where “I” Company was counterattacked the morning of the 28th
December at 0045A.
We fired continuous fire with our battalion, the 59th and one battery of the 938th Field Artillery Battalion until 0530A when the
sector had quieted down. We moved during the day back to our positions near La Verrerier, fanning the batteries in four (4)
directions as the 157th defensive line ran from Dambach (9244) to Schonau (0005), and spent the last days of the month firing from
this position. The loss of officers during the month worked a serious handicap in our efforts to furnish sufficient observers to cover
the wide front and flank. Ten (10) officers and one non-com observer were evacuated to the hospital during the month, so that the S-
2, S-4 and “A” Battery Commanding Officer were used as Battalion liaison officers, leaving only one officer with each of the 5
batteries and the Battalion Commander and Executive at the Headquarters, and all effort s to obtain replacement officers being to no
avail. This condition, possibly due to a general shortage in the theater, could have been alleviated by the transfer from units not in
direct support of infantry, but no apparent attempt was made by higher headquarters to do so. A restriction of 3000 rounds of
ammunition on hand within the battalion was imposed by the Corps during the month, an amount entirely inadequate for the proper
fire support to the infantry in the event of an attack. This order was altered to allow the battalion to maintain a supply capable of
being moved without shuttling, which allowed us to increase our stock to 3,600 by figuring a heavy overload on the vehicles. Some
articles of cold weather clothing were issued, but as usual, forward observer parties did not receive the same priority as the Infantry
riflemen, though it is quite evident that their need is exactly the same.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

FRANCE, 1: 50,000, 37-14 BOUXWILLER, 38-14 HAGUENAU, & 38-19 LEMBACH.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Unassigned
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT HURLEY, WILLIAM S. O-336628 S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Assistant S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Unassigned
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
1st LT COBB, IRWIN W. Jr O-1165828 Liaison Officer
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. O-1170537 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT MORTON, WILLIAM T. O-1703065 Forward Observer
2nd LT McMAHON, RALPH H. O-1180258 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT KEELEY, MARVIN H. O-1177863 Executive Officer
2nd LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Forward Observer
[83]
2nd LT LAUBHAN, JOHN F. O-1683490 Reconnaissance Officer
Battery "C"
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
2nd LT WILHEIM, JAMES G. O-1683511 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. O-1171015 Forward Observer
2nd LT GILLILAND, HUBERT M. O-1998702 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Battalion Motor Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 CO Ammunition Train
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

3 Dec GABRYSCH, CLAUDE J. 2nd LT O-1171015 “C” Battery LWA
4 Dec LAUBHAN, JOHN F. 2nd LT O-1683490 “B” Battery LWA
4 Dec BOBER, JOSEPH C. 1st LT O-1177290 “A” Battery LWA
4 Dec LONGHORN, MELVIN D. Pfc 20830479 “B” Battery LWA
4 Dec ROSENTHAL, ARTHUR A. T/5 32899011 “B” Battery KIA
8 Dec CRAFT, HERMAN Pvt 33093981 “A” Battery LWA
8 Dec WRIGHT, CALVIN H. Sgt 35125691 “A” Battery LWA
8 Dec REEDY, JAMES D. Jr. T/4 37341853 “B” Battery LWA
10 Dec TERRONEZ, PETE A. T/4 20830851 “C” Battery LWA
10 Dec RUCKER, JOHN H. Cpl 38023430 “C” Battery LWA
12 Dec GIELNIAK, LEONARD W. Cpl 36565738 “B” Battery LWA
13 Dec COBB, IRWIN W. Jr. 1st LT O-1165828 “B” Battery LWA
15 Dec ARCHER, JAMES F. 1st LT O-1172737 “C” Battery LWA
15 Dec HENYECZ, WILLIAM J. T/4 32243942 “A” Battery SWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders #124, HQ Mediterranean Theater of Operations, US Army APO 512, dated 7 November 1944:
Legion of Merit:
HUBER, ALBERT E. Major O-273895 Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #286, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 2 December 1944:

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
FUNK, RUSSELL D. Lt Col O-267164 Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #295, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 11 December 1944:

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
REEDY, JAMES D. Jr. T/4 37341858 Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from US Army, Mediterranean Theater of Operations General Orders Number
124 dated 7 November 1944 by Command of Lieutenant General McNarney: Award of the Legion of Merit Medal. ALBERT E.
HUBER, O-273895, Major, Field Artillery, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for services in Sicily and Italy from 10 July
1943 to 9 January 1944. Entered service from Mesa, Arizona.

JANUARY 1945 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

1 January 1945, the 158th Field Artillery Battalion, in direct support of the 157th Infantry Regiment, with Cannon Company attached
to the artillery battalion by regimental order, was in position in the La Verrerrie (005437) Disteldorf (006455) area. Fires of our
battalion were being reinforced by the 938th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm), the 499th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm), and the
191st Tank Battalion. Early in the morning hours of New Year’s Day, and still under the cover of darkness, a strong enemy attack,
estimated of at least two company strength, struck the 2nd Battalion of the 157th. The brunt of the assault fell in the Dambach
sector, and enemy troops were reported to be in use of the Dambach-Neuhoffen access road network. The battalion laid down heavy
fires along all stages of this route of approach to the positions of the infantry. In late afternoon, the enemy withdrew and,
momentarily, our infantry lost contact with the German’s forward elements in the Dambach sector.

During the night of January 2nd, in conformity with Division Orders for a general withdrawal from positions immediately adjacent
to the Siegfried Line, the battalion, and attachments, displaced rearward into the Niederbronn-Reishshoffen area (9938). The
infantry took up new positions, organized for defense, generally along the line of the Woerth-Lembach roadway. Briefly then, the
story of the whole of the first week of the new year is the tale of continuing enemy probings and attacks, in strengths varying from
patrols to battalions, directed against the Philippsbourg-Dambach area, with the enemy reportedly massing for each new test in the
vicinity of Neuhoffen and utilizing the road networks streaming southward from that communications center. Attacks against
elements of the 274th Infantry Regiment, operating on the immediate left or west of the 157th Infantry were particularly strong, and
[84]
there was a series of bitter struggles before control of Philippsbourg could be claimed definitely by our forces.

On January 7th, Corps warned of the possibilities of an impending attack against that sector along which our troops were deployed,
estimates of the possible enemy force to be employed ranging upward to two full divisions. Massive defensive fire programs were
arranged, registrations obtained by us on all key and vital road intersections, assembly points, known enemy installations, and
during the whole of our stay in Niederbronn, the enemy continued to probe, by reconnaissance in force and assault, the strength of
our forces and their hold on the Dambach-Philippsbourg sector. The expected full scale attack of the enemy came not to pass.
During the second week of the month, emphasis was placed on liaison between adjacent infantry and artillery teams, for in the
Dambach sector, generally, were elements of the 274th, 275th, 276th, 157th, and 315th Infantry Regiments, and all of their
supporting weapons. This battalion maintained liaison from or to the 274th Infantry Regiment and one of its battalions, the 275th
Infantry Regiment and one of its battalions, the 157th Infantry Regiment and all three of its battalions, the 499th Field Artillery
Battalion, and the 938th Field Artillery Battalion. Operating as integral portions of this battalion were Cannon Company of the
157th, and the assault guns of the 191st Tank Battalion. Such liaising permitted the massing not only of fires against threatened
avenues of enemy assault, but of information, both friendly and unfriendly, along the whole of the Philippsbourg-Lembach line.
Further, purely in the artillery sense, it minimized the overlapping of fires and the time element necessary to obtain clearance for
fires in front of the various Infantry elements. So close was the cooperation between the artillery units and the Infantry that, on
occasion, observers from the cannon companies of the 247th and 157th were employed in order to give our own numerically few
observers much needed respite. Still, in the second week of the month, there were indications that the enemy still possessed capacity
for attack, and he continued his probing of the defensive line occupied by our own troops. Activity along the Neuhoffen road
continued almost undiminished in spite of the heavy concentrations of fire directed against the road networks of that town.
On 13 January, this battalion exchanged positions with the 93rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion. This meant moving from our
Niederbronn sector. The firing batteries, Cannon Company of the 157th, and the assault guns of the 191st Tank Battalion, were
emplaced in the vicinity of Rothbach (8434) and the battalion command post established in Mulhausen (8631). Cannon Companies
of the 274th and 275th Infantry Regiments, the tanks and assault guns of the 781st Tank Battalion continued to remain in
Niederbronn and were tied into the fire direction of the 93rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion.

Constant reports of enemy activity north and northeast of Lichtenberg (8338) and Reipertswiller (8038) culminated in a full scale
enemy attack, January 14, in the vicinity of 815398. The battalion undertook a particularly heavy firing schedule as our liaison
officers with the infantry reported the possibility of a break through of our third battalion’s positions. This was the first stage in a
developing action which, at times, was to recall not too fond memories of the mid February activities on the Anzio Beach-head.

“Enemy activity at 812401”. “Enemy activity at 808403”. “Enemy guns firing into Rothbach”. These were the trumpets which
sounded the dawn of January 16th. “K” Company was strongly hit by the enemy in mid afternoon. At 1600A hours, liaison officers
reported that “K” and “I” Companies had been surrounded. This announcement, following on the heels of word from our observer
with “I” Company that men and ammunition were needed at once, emphasized the growing enemy power in the area immediately
east of Reipertswiller. Elements of this battalion began at once an almost day long program of continuous fire in an attempt to
relieve the pressure applied by the enemy against our Infantry. Finally, at 1730A, came word that the enemy assault had withered.
Reports of enemy activity southwest out of Baerenthal continued.

On 17th January, the 1st Battalion of the 157th, planned an attack to relieve the pressure against the 3rd Battalion, an attack which
had for its purpose control of the road junction and road network at 8539. This purpose was not achieved. The enemy continued his
infiltration of the positions of the 3rd Battalion. The situation was not clarified by reports, from observers and liaison parties, of
enemy between “E” and “G” of the 2nd Battalion, and between “B” and the units adjacent to it. Another frontal assault was begun by
the Germans against the 3rd Battalion, an attack employing an estimated full battalion of enemy infantry. Coincident with this new
attack, enemy artillery began a shelling of the whole of the Reipertswiller area, and worse, as each new attack against the 3rd
Battalion was dispersed, another one would form in its place. At 1400A hours, “G” and “K” Companies were again assaulted. By
1420A hours the enemy was reported to have succeeded in an infiltration which placed him behind “G” Company and athwart that
unit’s lines of communication and supply. One of our artillery observers reported that enemy troops were assembling at 821383, and
again the battalion increased its fires in an attempt to force the dissolution of this gathering. Liaison reported that the gap between
“E” and “G” Companies was to be filled with personnel from the Regimental Anti-Tank Company, yet still the enemy continued his
efforts at infiltration. In an effort to reduce both the infiltration and its already held gains, the Regiment formed a composite
company from personnel of the Regimental Headquarters Company, the Intelligence & Reconnaissance (I & R) Platoon, Anti-Tank
Company, and commandeered clerks, drivers, cooks, which was to attempt to open the supply roads to the positions of the 3rd
Battalion. This composite company made contact with the enemy at 813387. At 2000A hours, we were informed by the Regiment
that “F” Company and the 3rd Battalion were cut off from the rest of our troops and that tanks and other infantry units were already
trying to regain control of the supply roads which led into these positions for which the German was making, and had made, such
great and long continued efforts.

The Regimental Commander, in the early morning of January 18, made a formal request of the artillery battalion commander for a
rolling barrage, at the rate of one round per gun per minute of one battalion, to be lifted on the call of the infantry battalion
commander, to support an attack of the 1st Battalion to the northeast to gain control of the road net at 8539. A telephonic
correspondence between the artillery battalion commander, the divisional artillery commander, and the regimental commander
resulted in the announcement that all which could be promised the regimental commander was the whole of the Divisional Artillery
ammunition allowance of 1,080 rounds, which, in the light of his formal request, would give him the support for which he asked for
a ninety minute period only. Additional ammunition was not available save in the event of a counter attack. On this day alone the
battalion fired some 2,505 rounds. The 1st Battalion jumped off in its attack, and at 0740A hours the Germans began an attack of his
own, again the main effort being directed against “E” Company and the 3rd Battalion. At 0930A this enemy assault was still being
made. The 179th Infantry dispatched two companies to the assistance of the 157th and it was hoped that by the use of these two
companies a line might be restored between “E” and “G” Companies. Corps fired a heavy counter-battery program which helped
greatly to reduce the massive weight of enemy artillery fires falling in the 3rd Battalion area. But still the Germans pressed home his
attack. By mid-afternoon “A” and “F” Companies had also been assaulted by the enemy. Troops for this latest attack were reported to
be assembling in the vicinity of 823386. Fires were directed by us against this new threat and its source. Our liaison officer to the 1st
[85]
Battalion reported that wire lines of that battalion had repeatedly been cut. Still more infiltration was reported between “F”
Company of the 157th and “G” Company of the 179th, one of the companies sent to the aid of the hard-pressed 157th. At 1627A hours
“K” and “I” Companies shared the brunt of another heavy enemy attack. Enemy artillery literally dumped rounds on Reipertswiller
and the road junction at 817372, the rounds being numbered by hundreds.

Enemy attacks against the 3rd Battalion were resumed at 0745A hours, 19 January. At 1120A, “I” Company was hit again with the
Germans coming in from the north. At 1300A, we received our first even hopeful word, the liaison officer of the 157th Regimental
Headquarters reported that “E” Company, 157th, had tied in with “F” Company of the 179th. But this was but momentary relief. The
enemy artillery, taking a leaf from our own earlier notebooks, began now to deliver himself of sizable and repeated “Time on
Targets” (TOT’s) on the road junction at 818373 and on the towns of Lichtenberg, Reipertswiller, and Picardy. The liaison officer
with 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry, sent word to us at 1540A hours that the Battalion had been unable to get any supplies or
reinforcements to “I”, “E”, and “L” Companies of that battalion, and that those companies had informed the battalion they could not
much longer hold out against the determined and continuing assaults of the Germans.

Plans were made for a battalion of the 411th Infantry, such battalion to be attached to the 157th, to attack in a northerly direction to
relieve the pressure against the 3rd Battalion and to make contact with those beleaguered companies which had so long and so often
withstood the full force of the German attacks. This attack by the 411th began early in the morning of the 20th January. But, at
0700A hours, and again at 0800A hours, the Germans hit the 3rd Battalion. “F” Company of the 179th and “E” and “F” Companies
of the 411th were stopped by enemy mortars and heavy artillery in their drives to the north. Regiment had planned to attempt a
dropping of supplies to 3rd Battalion by airplane if ground attacks should continue to fail to clear communications and supply lines,
and this battalion undertook to register smoke-time to mark the drop site. Poor visibility and extremely bad flying weather made the
dropping of supplies impracticable on January 20th. “E” Company, 157th, attempted to break out, by assault, from the trap which
the Germans had closed on it, but the company failed to crash the enemy circle. At 1741A hours, Regiment sent word that two (2)
men had returned from “I” Company. These two men informed the Regiment that after “I” Company had, in its turn, made an
attempt to attack to the rear and re-establish contact with the main body of the regimental forces, but had failed suffering heavy
casualties, that the company had been ordered to break into small groups and make individual breaks for the security of our own
lines. These two men were the only personnel to return to regimental control from the whole of the trapped 3rd Battalion. The 158th
Field Artillery Battalion suffered its own casualties in this grievous loss of the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry. Three officer-observers,
one non-commissioned officer observer, and four observer parties were reported missing in action. One officer and party from
Cannon Company, who had been employed by the battalion, were also listed as missing in action. Late the evening of January 20th,
the battalion moved into positions in the vicinity of Wimmenau (7653).

The 157th Infantry was relieved on January 21, and relieved of our direct support mission and placed in a reinforcing role for the
fires of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion and the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, the 158th displaced again to Wingen (7435) with
two batteries moving the night of the 21st and the others on the morning of the 22nd.

Hope was given up for the return of any other personnel which had been entrapped with the 3rd Battalion. The last contact which
battalion fire direction center had directly with any of these observers was a message of 1437A hours, 20 January, but one of our
liaison officers (2nd Battalion) was in receipt of a message from our “E” Company Observer at 2010A hours, the 20th. Of no avail
were the efforts made by all other stations in the battalion net to communicate with that observer. It is presumed that his radio
receiver batteries had at last given out, and even though our sets could hear and read his calls, the observer was unable to
understand our messages, even those of our other most forward sets.

January 23rd, this battalion was relieved of its reinforcement of the fires of the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, and was placed in
direct support of the 274th Infantry Regiment, which mission lasted but twenty four hours.

The last days of the month were days of reinforcement of the fires of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion, the 216th Field Artillery
Battalion, in direct support of the 320th Infantry which had relieved the 274th and the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, when the
179th Infantry in turn relieved the 320th Infantry.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

FRANCE, 1: 100,000, WISSEMBOURG V2, FRANCE, 1: 50,000, sheets: 38-13 LEMBACH, 38-14 HAGUENAU, 37-13 HITCHE, &
37-14 BOUXWILLER.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Unassigned
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT KLEINDIENST, HAROLD L. O-1165025 S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 S-2
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Unassigned
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
2nd LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
[86]
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
2nd LT McMAHON, RALPH H. O-1180258 Forward Observer
2nd LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180030 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Executive Officer
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 Forward Observer
2nd LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Forward Observer
2nd LT COLBY, WILLIAM M. O-1998701 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
1st LT BRISTER, JAMES H. O-1168578 Forward Observer
2nd LT GILLILAND, HUBERT M. O-1998702 Forward Observer
2nd LT MOORE, BENJAMIN B. O-0541383 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT MERCHANT, ARTHUR B. O-1174958 Battalion Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

13 Jan TALLENT, TRANVIL I. T/5 20830761 “B” Battery SWA
15 Jan BUTTRUM, WILLIAM R. Pfc 35486483 “C” Battery LWA
16 Jan MOORE, BENJAMIN B. 2nd LT O-0541383 “C” Battery LWA
16 Jan IVERSON, EMMANUEL J. T/5 36738122 “B” Battery LWA
21 Jan COLBY, WILLIAM M. 2nd LT O-1998701 “B” Battery MIA
21 Jan GILLILAND, HUBERT M. 2nd LT O-1998702 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan McMAHAM, RALPH H. 2nd LT O-1180259 “A” Battery MIA
21 Jan GRATES, EDWARD J. Jr. Cpl 36126008 HQ Battery MIA
21 Jan HICKMAN, WAYNE D. T/4 35155913 “A” Battery MIA
21 Jan BROUGHTON, WILLIAM A. Pfc 35791442 “A” Battery MIA
221 Jan ZIOBRON, WALTER Pfc 31049342 “A” Battery MIA
21 Jan ALBRIGHT, ROBERT K. Pfc 33589636 “B” Battery MIA
21 Jan RENDA, JOSEPH R. Pfc 32894188 “B” Battery MIA
21 Jan SCHOMAKER, FRED W. S/Sgt 20830829 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan BECK, KENNETH O. Cpl 33424206 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan ZACHARIAS, HOWARD M. Pfc 36173923 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan STONEBACK, HENRY E. Cpl 36265048 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan CARON, GERARD J. Pfc 31141325 “C” Battery MIA
21 Jan ROUHIEDEAUX, JOE Pfc 38017425 “C” Battery MIA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders #11, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 11 January 1945.

Award of the Silver Star:
KELLEY, REYFORD J. First Sergeant 38019662 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #8, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 08 January 1945.

Bronze Star Medal:
HUKGAN, CHARLES C. Pfc 18063384 “A” Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
MARSHALL, HENRY G. T/4 34082778 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
PAYNE, GILBERT M. T/4 20831003 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery BattalionAward,
Posthumous, of the Bronze Star Medal:
STINSON, WILLIE V. Cpl 38018445 “A” Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
RYAN, CHARLES A. Cpl 35109155 “A” Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #16, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 13 January 1945.

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
DILLON, FRANCIS F. Pvt 32358904 “A” Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #21, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 17 January 1945.

Award of the Seventh and Eight Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal:
[87]
COLLINS, NORBERT M. 1st Lt O-1166461 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
Award of the Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal:
DEPURY, JAMES C. 1st Lt O-1691875 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #26, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 22 January 1945.

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
WILHEIM, JAMES G. 1st Lt O-1683511 “C” Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

TUBE REPLACEMENTS

Tube # 16516 replaced by Tube # 22171 January 13 "A" Battery

Tube # 16991 replaced by Tube # 18298 January 6 "A" Battery

FEBRUARY 1945 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The 158th Field Artillery Battalion began the month of February in a reinforcement of the fires of the 160th and 171st Field Artillery
Battalions as the 157th Infantry Regiment continued its reorganization and training begun in late January. Positions occupied by the
Battalion were in the vicinity of Wingen Sur Moder, France.

During the night of 3 to 4 February, the 157th Infantry relieved the 180th Infantry Regiment and the 158th reverted to its normal
direct support role.

On 6th February, firing batteries of the battalion displaced to positions around Wimmenau leaving rear installations with Battalion
Headquarters which remained in Wingen Sur Moder.

In the period February 7 to 11, liaison was established by the 693rd, 189th, 17th, and 69th Field Artillery Battalions each of which
had been assigned respectively the mission of reinforcing our fires. Lateral liaison was established with us by the 928th Field
Artillery Battalion of the 103rd Infantry Division adjacent on the right flank of the 45th Division.

The 232nd Infantry Regiment of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division began, on February 17, the relief of the 157th Infantry, and the 232nd
Field Artillery Battalion prepared to take over the direct support of its own infantry. The 158th continued in direct support of the
unrelieved portions of the 157th and reinforced the fires of the 232nd Field Artillery Battalion. Two weeks and two days of the month
had passed and, manning defensive positions in the relatively inactive sector of which Reipertswiller was the hub, there had been no
outstanding or memorable incidents. This situation was relieved all but somewhat comical, on the 17th of February. For on that day,
after eight (8) officers and sixty-two (62) of its enlisted personnel had messed with us for four (4) meals, the 392nd Field Artillery
Battalion, 42nd Division, refused to serve the only two (2) of our personnel who appeared in their “chow line”. The 392nd had not
“gone native”.

On February 18th, the 158th moved into the Chatel Sur Noselle, Moriville, Fortieux (France) triangle for rest, recuperation, and
rehabilitation. The balance of the month was spent in following a rigorous training program, revising operational methods and
techniques, restoring equipment to the usual high standards of excellence require by combat units, and, in general, full preparation
for our next long siege of action. It is redundant to report that inspections far outnumbered battery or sectional parties in the “rest”
period.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

FRANCE, 1: 100,000 LUNEVILLE-EPINAL 15G, FRANCE 1: 50,000 BITOME 37-13, FRANCE 1: 50,000 BOUXWILLER 37-
141/50,000 Sheets Number: 35-16 and 35-17.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Unassigned
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Assistant S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Unassigned
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180030 Forward Observer
[88]
1st LT LINDER, DANIEL R. O-1048073 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Executive Officer
2nd LT FOSTER, WALLACE D. O-540092 Forward Observer
2nd LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
1st LT BRISTER, JAMES H. O-1168578 Forward Observer

Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 Ammunition Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders #59, HQ 45th Infantry Division, dated 23 February 1945:

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
ROLAND W. BALLINGER 1st Lt O-1177275 Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
CHARLES K. FETZER JR 1st Lt O-1165849 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders #63, HQ 45th Infantry Division, dated 26 February 1945:

Award of the Bronze Star Medal:
RUDOLPH E. MESSE S/Sgt 33170169 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 59 dated 23
February 1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. ROLAND W. BALLINGER, O-
1177275, Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 11
September 1943 to 15 February 1944 in the Italy. Entered the military service from Chicago, Illinois. CHARLES K. FETZER Jr., O-
1165849, Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 1
October 1943 to 29 October 1944 in Italy and France. Entered the military service from Morristown, New Jersey.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 63 dated 26
February 1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. RUDOLPH E. MESSE 33170169,
Field Artillery, Staff Sergeant (then Technician Fourth Grade), Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious
service in combat from 10 July 1943 to 1 December 1944 in Sicily, Italy and France. Entered the military service from Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.

MARCH 1945 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The first eleven days of the month were spent in specialist training, repair and cleaning of equipment and in training for a river
crossing on DUKW’s, all in a rear area east of Charmes, France. The Battalion Executive and the Assistant S-3 returned on March
8th from “Temporary Duty in the U.S.” (having been away approximately five months in that states).

A “quartering party”, consisting of the Battalion Executive and the battery commanders, left on the morning of the 11th March for
reconnaissance in the vicinity of Weisviller (5853), and the battalion moved out at noon on the 12th of March.

The 44th Infantry Division Artillery was attached to the battalion as it reentered action. The infantry regiment arrived in an
assembly area on March 14th. Also on that day one gun per battalion was registered on a base point.

The attack was set for the March 15th. The fire plan covered the period “H” to “H +/- 43 minutes” and used all artillery available to
the battalion. During the afternoon, a smoke screen was laid in front of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, by the medium reinforcing
battalion; also a 10 minute preparation with all artillery available was fired on Niedergailbach (6159) at 1900 to help the 2nd
Battalion take it.

On March 16th the battalion moved to the vicinity of Obergailbach (624579).

A 30 minute preparation of a battalion of artillery fired from 1230-1300 on March 18th in front of the 1st Battalion. As the infantry
started through the Siegfried Line, they received a noticeable increase of enemy artillery fire. This called for an intense counter
battery program by the 45th Division Artillery and attached units, which evidently neutralized much of the enemy artillery.
The famous Siegfried Line at the point where the battalion passed through consisted of a belt of “dragon’s teeth” (3 rows staggered,
of concrete pyramids about 3 feet high), behind which were two anti-tank ditches, each 8 feet deep and 12 feet wide at the top (the
first being about 100 yards behind the dragons teeth, the second another 100 yards). On every knoll and especially through all
patches of woods were concrete pill-boxes, so situated that each one was supported by fire from one or more of the others. For every
three to six boxes, there was a key or central box, which contained a switchboard and which, when eliminated, seemed to render the
subordinate boxes more vulnerable. Natural camouflage on the pill boxes was good and seemed to be several years old. The dragon’s
teeth were painted a dull green, but their existence being restricted to open ground, made such camouflage unnecessary. The anti-
tank ditches also showed up well on the aerial photos. The line was manned at about half or third strength, and with what seemed to
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be rather poor troops (lack of either morale or training; not ammunition). The line itself was only about 500 yards in depth, though
pillboxes in secondary positions dotted the knolls and rises for miles. All of these latter ones appeared to have been unoccupied for
months, as most of them were padlocked and the hinges and locks rusty.

The 157th Infantry Regiment was completely through the shell of “Festung Deutschland” in less than one day. A 30 minute
preparation was fired by seven artillery battalions from 0600 to 0630 on March 19th. The enemy counter attacked immediately
afterwards, however a period of continuous fire by the artillery aided materially in stopping it. Ten “Time on Targets” (TOTs) were
fired, using 5 battalions on strategic points from 0945A to 1500A. Lieutenant Grabow our forward observer with “F” Company, was
wounded in the leg by mortar fire. His evacuation late in the afternoon made it necessary to send Lieutenant Foster to “F” Company
and Lieutenant Linder to “G” Company. Eight “Time on Targets” (TOTs) were fired during the night, of which nearly 50 percent with
Pozit Fuze.

On March 20th word came from Div Arty of an imminent break through being indicated, and if such happened all reinforcing
artillery would revert to Div Arty control. The break through came in the morning and organized resistance decreased rapidly. By
1545 hrs battalions of the 44th Division Artillery were no longer needed and reverted to their division control. During the afternoon
the firing batteries moved, one at a time, to the outskirts of Zweibrucken (7272). In order to maintain communications to all units in
the extended line, the air observation post often acted as radio relay station between the forward and rear Command Posts.
Lieutenant Lindsey was burned during an explosion, and Captain Finkle (the Commanding Officer) replaced him as Liaison Officer
with the 1st Battalion.

The break through becoming more

evident, on March 21st, the battalion
again pushed out one battery (“A”) and
the mobile command post at 0700 on
March 21st to follow close behind the
infantry which was motorized. Shortly
after the force started, the air
Observation Post spotted an enemy
retreating column a mile long, and
requested fire. “A” Battery immediately
went into position just off the road.
The air observer adjusted the battery,
whose fire accounted for the
destruction of twenty vehicles and
guns, many horses and personnel.

The remainder of the battalion began a

2-stage road march on the 22nd,
picking up “A” Battery enroute and
arrived in an assembly area in
Alsenborn (1399) at 1700.

Remained there all day March 23rd

and moved early on the 24th to
Osthofen, to support the regiment
patrolling the west bank of the Rhine
River. The batteries again begin to
“police up” Prisoners of War (POWs) in
their new battery areas.

“Fire Plan Rhine” was received from Division Artillery on March 25th, and the battalion was scheduled to be the first reinforcing
artillery across the Rhine, movement to be on DUKWs. The plan for the crossing was: for the organic light direct support artillery
battalion to cross the river immediately behind the Infantry, while direct support for the crossing was given by another battalion on
the near shore, using a radio set on the organic battalion’s frequency. Then the organic battalion would resume direct support as
soon as it was in position on the far shore.

The battalion (skeletonized) cross the Rhine River and set up in the vicinity of Rohrheim (5324) at 1700A on March 26th.

The remainder of the battalion including the prime movers (DUKWs, which had been used previously), wire trucks, kitchens, supply
trucks, and additional personnel, moved across the river and joined the forward unit at 0730B on March 27th. The whole battalion
displaced at the vicinity of Ober Ramstadt (720375). All guns were prepared to be able to shift from 800 mils to 2400 mils.

Two moves were made on March 28th, one to the vicinity of Gross Zimmer (7842) and the second to 2 kilometers west of
Aschaffenburg.

On the morning of March 29th a ten minute preparation was fired at the rate of 3 rounds per gun per minute, in support of the 1st
Battalion’s jump off southeast of Aschaffenburg. Here Lieutenant Green was wounded and evacuated shortly before noon. A
Prisoner of War reported during the night of the 29-30th that the burghermeister of Aschaffenburg was the resistance leader of the
town and that his house was well fortified.

By March 31st it became apparent that a determined stand was going to be made inside the town of Aschaffenburg, so together with
the tactical air support group, we began a systematic destruction of the town, with 400 rounds per battalion for the 5 battalions in
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our group to be fired on selected points in town after 1400 on that day, as a “starter”. Then beginning at 2100A, another 400 rounds
per battalion were expended by four battalions on “Time on Targets” and harassing fire; also 120 rounds were fired by the 6 each
105-mm assault guns of the 191st Tank Battalion on the same type of missions. A 155mm self propelled gun M-12, with 100 rounds of
ammunition, was assigned to work under this battalion’s direction on the 1st of April, in knocking down all buildings along the river
with direct fire.

The rapid advance from the Siegfried across the Rhine to the Main River caused a heavy drain on our ammunition and supply trucks
and personnel, who had to make long shuttle trips back to the Army supply points. They are commended in their performance of
these duties in keeping the battalion well supplied at all times.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

CENTRAL EUROPE, 1: 100,000 Sheet U-3 & T-3.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters & Headquarters Battery

LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJ HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Unassigned
MAJ SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Assistant S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Unassigned
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer #1
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer #2
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer #3
1st LT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer #4
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Battery Commander & Bn Commo
Battery "A"
1st LT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr. O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180030 Forward Observer
1st LT LINDER, DANIEL R. O-1048073 Forward Observer
Battery "B"
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL F. O-1683510 Executive Officer
2nd LT FOSTER, WALLACE D. O-540092 Forward Observer
2nd LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Forward Observer
Battery "C"
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Executive Officer
1st LT BRISTER, JAMES H. O-1168578 Forward Observer

Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 BN S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 Ammunition Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

19 March GRABOW, RALPH P. 2nd LT O-1183074 “B” Battery LWA
19 March KIDWELL, AUBREY R. Pfc 33886660 “B” Battery LWA
20 March LINDSEY, ALFRED J. 1st LT O-1165895 HQ Battery LWA
29 March GREEN, ALBERT B. 2nd LT O-1180194 “C” Battery LWA
31 March HEFFERNAN, WILLIAM R. Pvt 31471620 “B” Battery LWA
31 March CASTIGLIONE, VINCENT J. T/5 16143457 “C” Battery SWA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders No. 87, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 17 March 1945:

Bronze Star:
WILLIAM R. BUTTRUM Pfc. 35486483 Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
VINCENT J. CASTIGLIONE T/5 16143457 Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

[91]
GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 87 dated 17 March
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. WILLIAM R. BUTTRUM, 35486483, Field
Artillery, Private First Class, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 15-16 January 1945 near
Reipertswiller, France. Private Buttrum, a member of a forward observer party, learned of a strong enemy attack on an adjacent
infantry company. On his own initiative, Private Buttrum worked his way up a steep hill through heavy small arms fire to aid in
repulsing the attack. Taking a position on the enemy’s flank, Private Buttrum and another artilleryman opened fire and harassed and
confused the attacking force so effectively that the rifle company was able to halt the enemy thrust. After the fighting had stabilized,
Private Buttrum returned to his party, but twice more in the hours that followed he moved to the aid of the hard pressed rifle
company, giving support which was valuable in repelling the enemy attacks. On the third of these occasions, Private Buttrum was
wounded as he made his way across exposed terrain under enemy artillery fire. His courage and initiative reflect credit upon himself
and his organization. Entered the military service from Evansville, Indiana. VINCENT J. CASTIGLIONE, 16143457, Field Artillery,
Technician Fifth Grade (then Private First Class), Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 15-
16 January 1945 near Reipertswiller, France. Technician Castiglione, a member of a forward observer party, learned of a strong
enemy attack on an adjacent infantry company. On his own initiative, Technician Castiglione worked his way up a steep hill through
heavy small arms fire to aid in repulsing the attack. Taking a position on the enemy’s flank, Technician Castiglione and another
artilleryman opened fire and harassed and confused the attacking force so effectively that the rifle company was able to halt the
enemy thrust. After the fighting had stabilized, Technician Castiglione through the enemy fire to his observer party. In the hours that
followed, he moved twice more to the aid of the hard pressed rifle company. Though forced to undergo intense mortar and artillery
concentrations, Technician Castiglione provided support which was valuable in repelling the enemy attacks. His courage and
initiative reflect credit upon himself and his organization. Entered the military service from Chicago, Illinois.

APRIL 1945 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

The month of April was crowded with spectacular events, for it was during this month that the 158th Field Artillery Battalion took
part in the capture of the cities of Aschaffenburg and Nurnberg, crossed the historical Danube River, liberated the notorious prison
and concentration camp at Dachau and entered the shrine of Nazism, Munich. The 158th Field Artillery Battalion traveled hundreds
of miles across Germany at a terrific pace under difficult weather conditions ranging from rain to snow, over roads of all descriptions
from the super modern autobahn to mere tracks through forests, and often across country. Despite the difficulties of the operations
during the month and the terrific amount of work involved, morale in the unit was at its highest peak since coming overseas, for the
German Army was on the run and the end of the war was actually in sight for the first time, and not a mirage created by local
successes it had been in the past; during the advances to Rome and to drive across Southern France. The month started with the
battalion in position southwest Aschaffenburg, a city with a peacetime population of over forty thousand. The city was defended by
some SS Troops, replacement training battalions and Volkstrus, a total of around five thousand troops, supported by two captured
Sherman tanks, 88mm dual purpose guns, 20mm guns and mortars, and led by a fanatical Nazi Major who had sworn to defend the
city to the last man. The 157th Infantry Regiment was attacking with the 158th Field Artillery Battalion in direct support and the
182nd Field Artillery Battalion (155mm howitzer), the 999th Field Artillery Battalion (8-inch howitzer), 2 17th Field Artillery
Battalion (155mm howitzer), and the 697th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm howitzer) reinforcing the fires of the 158th Field
Artillery Battalion. The attack of the city was continued on the 1st April after a 30 minute preparation in which all the supporting
artillery took part. The enemy resisted with fanatical zeal and progress was slow. The preparation did not have the desired effect as
the enemy moved into cellars out of the maximum effect of the artillery. Continuous fire was placed in front of the advancing dough
boys, adjusted by forward observers, on barracks, buildings, and strong points in the city which kept the enemy in their cellars and
aided the advance of our troops materially. Two M12 (155mm self propelled guns) were attached to the battalion during the day,
positions and targets were selected by Major Huber, Battalion Executive and Captain Edwards, Battalion S-2, and direct fire was
placed on enemy strong points. At 1322 on this date, a German nurse was observed coming toward our lines and it was thought she
was bringing an offer to surrender the town but this was not the case, she wanted to surrender the south part of the town to end the
incessant bombardment. This offer was refused. During the afternoon, from 1217 to 1650 hours, 14 TOT’s were fired on targets
within this city by 8 batteries of 155mm howitzers, 3 batteries of 240mm howitzers and 4 batteries of 8 inch guns in addition to the
158th, 182nd and 253rd and also in addition to the observed fire missions. The enemy showed signs of weakening for during the
afternoon many POW’s were taken. The tactical air forces were busy during the day bombing and strafing in front of our infantry.
The battalion fired several target marking missions which were dive bombed and strafed immediately with good effort. At 1750
hours Lieutenant Collins, Forward Observer, from “B” Battery was wounded by a shell burst, not seriously, but was evacuated, and
Sergeant Bertrand of “A” Battery replaced him. During the night, 22 points in the city were harassed by TOT’s and intermittent
firing.

The attack was continued on the morning of the 2nd April after another 30 minute preparation. The doughboys advanced slowly,
fighting from house to house in the face of intense machine gun, mortar and small arms fire, digging the resisting enemy from their
cellar positions. 12 TOT’s in addition to observe missions were scheduled during the morning for the 158th, 217th, and 182nd Field
Artillery Battalions, firing a total of 500 rounds on strong points in the city between 0900 and 1200 hours. The house by house
destruction was continued by our forward Observers and the M-12. Prisoners, overcome by the artillery and ferocity of the infantry
attack begin coming in greater numbers, but there was still heavy resistance by fanatics as the day ended. 24 points were schedule
for harassing during the night with a total of 800 round fired by the 182nd, 697th, 217th and 999th Battalions in addition to the
158th Field Artillery Battalion.

At 0730 hours on the 3rd April, the German Major Lambert, in command of the German Garrison, send a note out that he wanted to
surrender the city. He was given until 0900 hours to complete the surrender and by 0845 numerous persons more observed moving
about the city carrying white flags or wearing white armbands. At 1230 orders were given by Lieutenant Colonel Funk to release all
reinforcing heavy artillery and the battle for Aschaffenburg was over. At 1500 the battalion displaced to Schweinnein, a suburb of
Aschaffenburg, where the night was spent.

The next period during the month, from the 4th to the 13th of April was one of continuous movement in support of the 157th
[92]
Infantry which had the mission of blocking roads and protecting the left flank of the division which was moving rapidly against
scattered pockets of resistance and road blocks.

Lieutenant Bernstein, Battalion Ammunition Officer, was killed by a sniper on the 10th April near “C” Battery position. KIA: First
Lieutenant HAROLD BERNSTEIN, O-1179295.

Enemy, by passed by the fast moving infantry were taken prisoner by the battalion. The division was moving on Nurnberg from the
northeast to flank the city. The advanced continued rapidly with resistance very light. A greater part of the time the battalion was in
march order, little or no firing was done. Trucks were furnished for shuttling the infantry.

At 0815 on the morning of 13th April the battalion closed in on an area in the vicinity of Lauf, a small suburb of Nurnberg. Orders
were received and plans made for the attack on the city. The enemy artillery was active for the first time but the infantry advanced
steadily. A counter attack in estimated company strength was received by the 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry which was repulsed. “C”
Battery fired in support of the defense. Orders were received on this date to displace to positions to fire on the city of Nurnberg,
which could not be complied with until the 14th April. At that time the battalion moved into Starkenschwind where it was within
range of part of the city but from where the center of the city could not be reached. The attack against Nurnberg proceeded rather
swiftly to the center part of the city. Numerous 88mm guns were fired on and destroyed in the outskirts of the city. The OP’s were
especially helpful during this phase of the fight. The 3rd Division attacking from the north, the 42nd Division from the west and the
45th Division from the east gradually forced the enemy to withdraw to the center of the city called “The Old Town”. Due to close
proximity of different units, unobserved fire was not practical; nearly all fires were observed and were fired by the Forward
Observers. The enemy followed the pattern set previously and fought from building and cellars, making it an infantry job for the
most part.

At 1730 hours on the 19th April, a portion of the city was surrendered by the enemy and was occupied by the 2nd battalion, 157th
Infantry, leaving only the center of the city, known as “The Old Town”, in the hands of the enemy. At 1845 hours word was received
from Captain Wright, Liaison Officer with Regimental Headquarters, 157th Infantry, that the area was cleaned up and the regiment
would patrol only.

The divisions advance to the south was continued on 22nd April in four columns, with the 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry as advance
guard in the 157th sector. “B” and “C” Batteries were to follow these advanced guards closely and be prepared to fight to give artillery
support if needed. The columns will completely mobilized, with infantry riding on tanks, tank destroyers, trucks and DUKW s. The
remainder of the battalion followed behind the reserve battalion of infantry but closed up at night to give support if needed. The
advance was rapid with little resistance was offered by the enemy. Road blocks and blown bridges were the greatest obstacle to the
advance. The fast moving infantry and tanks over ran several columns of retreating enemy and numerous prisoners were taken as
well as much equipment destroyed.

On 25th April the Danube River was reached by the division and plans made for crossing on the 26th April. All bridges were blown of
course, so plans were made to force a crossing in assault boats and DUKWs.

The 157th Infantry jumped off at 1500 on the 26th April and secured a bridge head against moderate opposition. Some difficulty was
experienced by the swiftness of the current causing the assault boats to miss their landing points. It had been planned for the
artillery to lead in DUKWs and cross closely behind the infantry but this plan had to be abandoned because of the swiftness of the
current prevented the DUKWs from operating. Lieutenant Johnson, a Forward Observer with the 2nd Battalion, was wounded by
shell fire at 1530 hours. The 2nd Battalions first attempt at crossing the river was broken up by small arms and mortar fire but after
reorganizing a crossing was made.

A pontoon bridge was constructed during the night of 26th and 27th of April and it 1530 hours on the 27th April the battalion moved
across the Danube River.

The 29th of April, the west column advance guard of tanks entered the city of Dachau. The mission of this force was to secure a
bridge across the canal at Dachau and release the concentration camp on its outskirts. Advancing rapidly into the city from the
north, the head of the column was a scant 200 yards away when the bridge was blown. The infantry crossed by foot on a small
bridge and attacked and liberated the camp.

The next objective was Munich and on the 30th of April the attack was launched. Heavy fire was received from 88mm guns placed
around the city. These guns were all quickly silenced buy counter battery fire adjusted both by air OP’s and ground observers. Private
Leonard Nelson, a member of a Forward Observer party from “B” Battery was killed by a sniper. The resistance in the city of Munich
was surprisingly weak. The advance was steady and at 1600 hours on the 30th of April the infantry was well into the city and the
Command Post of the 158th field artillery Battalion was in Feldmoching, a suburb on the outskirts. KIA: Private LEONARD P.
NELSON, 34208331.

Special mention should be made of the work of the men of the ammunition sections of the firing batteries and the ammunition train
of Service Battery. Due to shuttling infantry it was necessary to use all trucks in the battalion for this purpose, except prime movers
and kitchen trucks. Ammunition was left at a “battery dump” until the infantry released the trucks for a long enough time to shuttle
the ammunition. This required 24 hour operations of the ammunition train over poor roads, blacked out and during all sorts of
weather. This job, under the direction Lieutenant Bernstein and after his death by Lieutenant Schomaker, was handled very
efficiently.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

GERMANY : 1:100,000, Sheet U-6 AMBERH, X-5 WEILHEIM, T-3 FRANKFURT, WURZBURG, X-6 MUNCHEN, W-6
LANDSHOT, V-5 NORDLINGEN, U-5 NURNBERG, T-5 BAMBERG, CENTRAL EUROPE : 1:100,000, Sheet S-4 FULDA and Sheet
[93]
S-5 COBURG.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters
LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJOR HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Executive and Adjutant
MAJOR SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant S-2
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Liaison Officer
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer
CAPT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Liaison Officer
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Bn Commo & Btry Cmdr
1st LT BRISTER, JAMES H. O-1168578 Assistant Commo Officer
1st LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Motor Officer
Battery “A”
CAPT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180039 Forward Observer
1st LT BOBER, JOSEPH C. O-1177290 Forward Observer
1st LT LINDER, DANIEL R. O-1048073 Forward Observer
2nd LT BELZER, MANUEL H. O-1171892 Forward Observer
2nd LT BRUNDRETT, JESSE L. O-1167757 Forward Observer
Battery “B”
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL E. O-1683510 Executive Officer
1st LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Forward Observer
2nd LT FOSTER, WALLACE D. O-540092 Forward Observer
2nd LT GRABOW, RALPH P. O-1183074 Forward Observer
1st LT COLLENS, JONATHAN L. O-1045378 Forward Observer
Battery “C”
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Executive Officer
2nd LT KUBANY, WALTER M. O-1179927 Forward Observer
2nd LT GREEN, ALBERT B. O-1180194 Forward Observer
2nd LT JOHNSON, FRANKLIN B. O-1185280 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Bn S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT BERNSTEIN, HAROLD O-1179295 Bn Motor Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4
Medical Detachment
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Bn Surgeon & Det Cmdr

CASUALTY LIST

Date Name Rank ASN Organization Type

10 Apr BERNSTEIN, HAROLD 1st Lt O-1179295 Service Battery KIA
17 Apr BEALS, JAMES A. Tec5 37417555 Battery "A" LWA
24 Apr HALL, MAURICE F. Pfc 38017429 Battery "C" LWA
26 Apr JOHNSON, FRANKLIN B. 2nd Lt O-1185280 Battery "C" LWA
26 Apr BIERCUK, EDWARD Pfc 31279998 Battery "B" LWA
30 Apr NELSON, LEONARD P. Pvt 34208331 Battery "B" KIA
KIA: Killed in Action. MIA: Missing in Action. LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action. (LW) SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action. (SW)
Died of Wounds. (DOW)

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders No. 70, Headquarters European Theater of Operations, 20 April 1945:
Legion of Merit
ROBERTSON, BENJAMIN F. 1st LT O-1170537 Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

General Orders No. 103, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 3 April 1945:

Bronze Star:
BREEDING, DAVID N. CAPT O-358862 Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion
[94]
GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Headquarters European Theater of Operations General Orders Number 70
dated 20 April 1945 by Command of General Eisenhower: Award of the Legion of Merit. By direction of the President, under
the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Legion of Merit is awarded, for exceptionally meritorious conduct
in the performance of outstanding services during the respective periods indicated, to: First Lieutenant BENJAMIN F. ROBERTSON
(Army Serial No. O-1170537), Field Artillery, United States Army, 6 November 1943 to 1 December 1944.

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 103 dated 3 April
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. DAVID N. BREEDING, O-358862, Field
Artillery, Captain, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 15 July 1943 to 9 January
1944, in Sicily and Italy. Entered the military service from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

MAY 1945 - MONTHLY COMMAND REPORT

May 1st found the battalion in position at Feldmoching, a suburb of Munich. The 158th Field artillery Battalion reinforced by 182nd
and 283rd Field Artillery Battalions, was in direct support of the 157th Infantry who was moving into the city. Resistance, which was
expected to be heavy was very light with scattered pockets of troops and a few snipers opposing the advance of our supported
infantry. And 1430 hours on 1st May, Lieutenant Johnson and Captain Evans, liaison officers from the 182nd and 283rd Field
Artillery Battalions, respectively, were ordered to return to their units. Munich had been cleared. Orders were received also at this
time for garrisoning and patrolling the city; with the 158th Field Artillery Battalion area extending roughly from the southern edge of
the Ober-Wiesenfeld Airport to the town of Feldmoching. The garrisoning and patrolling was for the purposes of guarding
warehouses, electric plants, water works and other important and valuable buildings, pick up straggling enemy soldiers, round up
displaced persons and disarm the people. A training schedule of two hours per day was instituted on subjects such as Military Police,
handling civilians, etc. A program of athletics was instituted and movies shown in the recreation hall each night.

Orders were received from Div Arty on 2nd May not to fire at any enemy planes with their landing gear down. The Battalion
Headquarters, “A” and “B” Batteries moved into a factory area near the Ober-Wiesenfeld Airport continuing garrison duties. VE Day
was expected to be announced at any time. There was about five thousand displaced persons in various camps in the area and it was
felt that it would make the job of policing and garrisoning easier if these people were fed and taken care of. There was no AMG set up
yet and so Captain Mayne was put in charge of these camps. They were each organized under a leader, food was procured and
messes set up under his direction. These camps were taking over later by the AKG.

VE Day was announced on the 8th May to be on the 9 May but there was no noticeable celebration nor an official one. The war was
over in Europe and everybody felt a tremendous relief but it was the relief of a tired man who had completed a difficult job after
arduous labor, and who is too tired to celebrate.

The battalion does closed another chapter in his history it had landed on D-Day in Sicily and Salerno; fought across the Volturno
River; spent a winter in the mountains at Venafro, landed at Anzio where it's been four months in the ground, pinned down by
German artillery and planes, landed on D-Day in Southern France; advanced rapidly up the Rhone River Valley; on into Alsace;
through the Siegfried Line; across the Rhine; Swibrucken, Homberg, Nurnberg, Aschaffenburg, into the very heart of Nazism,
Munich. It had made a reputation with its supported infantry the 157th for close, fast support when needed, not only in fire power
but had also made its vehicles available for use, had transmitted countless messages by its radios and had flown infantry officers on
reconnaissance in its planes. In support of its infantry it had fired 307, 115 rounds of ammunition since D-Day in Sicily. The
battalion was tired but it was happy. It was a long road and a rough one and no one was sorry the journey was complete. The next
chapter in the history of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion remains to be written.

LIST OF ACCOMPANYING MAPS TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT

GERMANY : 1:100,000, Sheet X-6 MUNCHEN.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters
LT COL FUNK, RUSSEL D. O-267164 Battalion Commander
MAJOR HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Executive and Adjutant
MAJOR SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Battalion S-3
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Assistant S-3
CAPT EDWARDS, CORWIN V. O-420935 Battalion S-2
CAPT WRIGHT, JOSEPH H. O-450132 Unassigned
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer
CAPT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Liaison Officer
1st LT COLLINS, NORBERT M. O-1166461 Air Observer
1st LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
2nd LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Headquarters Battery
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CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Bn Commo & Btry Cmdr
1st LT BRISTER, JAMES H. O-1168578 Assistant Commo Officer
Battery “A”
CAPT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Battery Commander
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Executive Officer
1st LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180039 Forward Observer
1st LT BOBER, JOSEPH C. O-1177290 Forward Observer
1st LT LINDER, DANIEL R. O-1048073 Forward Observer
2nd LT BELZER, MANUEL H. O-1171892 Forward Observer
2nd LT BRUNDRETT, JESSE L. O-1167757 Forward Observer
Battery “B”
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL E. O-1683510 Executive Officer
1st LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Forward Observer
2nd LT FOSTER, WALLACE D. O-540092 Forward Observer
Battery “C”
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Executive Officer
2nd LT KUBANY, WALTER M. O-1179927 Forward Observer
2nd LT GREEN, ALBERT B. O-1180194 Forward Observer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Bn S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Ammunition Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

CITED PERSONNEL

General Orders No. 133, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 6 May 1945:

Air Medal:
McCORKLE, HERBERT J. 1st LT O-1185289 Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 133 dated 6 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Air Medal. HERBERT J. McCORKLE, O-1185289, Field
Artillery, Second Lieutenant, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious achievements while participating
in aerial flight against the enemy from 2 December 1944 to 14 February 1945 in France. Entered the military service from Pipestone,
Minnesota.

POST “VICTORY OVER EUROPE” DAY

The routine of military police and garrison duties in the greater Munich Zone occupied the time of battalion personnel from 11 May
1945 to the end of May 1945.

Save for changes in patrol areas, the numbers of men and officers necessarily assigned to patrol and guard duties, a continuing
calculation of each man’s standing under the announced “Point System”, and the cussing and discussing of the usual host of rumors
concerning the hoped for return of the unit to the United States, there was little of note worthiness to mark this our twenty fourth
month overseas.

Shortly before the end of hostilities, the Battalion Command Post, Headquarters “A” and “B” Batteries had been installed in a factory
area immediately north of the Ober-Wiesenfeld Airport. Transient officers from the Air Forces availed themselves of our facilities
and finally completed arrangements necessary to “rank” this battalion out of the quarters which our own personnel had made
habitable, for troops. After a long period of fruitless resistance to the efforts of the Air Corps to oust us from our long occupied
lodgings, direct orders were received from Army Headquarters and on 28th May 1945 the Command Post. Headquarters, “A” and
“B” Batteries were moved to a block of apartment buildings in Western Munich.

On 14 May 1945, after commanding this battalion for slightly more than thirty eight months, Lieutenant Colonel Russell D. Funk
relinquished his post in order to avail himself of a preferred opportunity to return to the states under the redeployment system.
During the thirty eight months in which Lieutenant Colonel Funk had this battalion we had completed our stateside training, tested
that training with amphibious assaults and river crossings and all the obstacles which mountainous and wooded terrain can place in
the path of the artilleryman throughout a period of combat action lasting more than five hundred days, Scoglitti, Comiso, Vittoria,
Licidio Eubea, Vizzini, Caltanisetta, Cerda, Cefalu, “Bloody Ridge”, Capo Milazzo and the Sicilian “end around”, Salerno, Benevento,
Venafro and the Italian “winter line”, Anzio, Rome, Southern France, the Vosges, the Saverne Gap, Niederbronn-les-Baines, the
January withdrawal, the assault on the Siegfried Line, the crossing of the Rhine and Main Rivers, Aschaffenburg, Nurnberg, the
Danube River line, Dachau, Munich; the story of these actions is the story of which Lieutenant Colonel Funk is our premier tale
teller, and they bear silent witness to the efficiency of that training for which, in this battalion, he was chiefly responsible. Command
of the battalion passed on to Major Albert E. Huber who, for more than three years, had served as Executive Officer under
Lieutenant Colonel Funk.

Property books and council books were audited and inspected, stress and emphasis was placed on military dressed and courtesy and
discipline, points were tabulated and rechecked, and the battalion lost its first personnel under the “Redeployment System”. By
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month’s end some seventy five of our enlisted men had departed for friendlier and American speaking shores. All of these men had
served forty eight months in service, at least twelve of which were spent overseas, and had participated in a minimum of five major
combat campaigns.

On 26th May 1945, the battalion held his first formal parade and review under the new commander, Major Huber. Awards and
decorations were presented to one officer and 1eleven enlisted men. To permit of a greater centralization of control over that sector
which had been assigned the battalion for patrols, “C” Battery moved, on 31 May, from Feldmoching to Olching. Thus closed the
month of May 1945.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS

Headquarters
MAJOR HUBER, ALBERT E. O-273895 Battalion Commander
MAJOR SCHEEFERS, PAUL E. O-293864 Executive and Adjutant
CAPT MILLER, LEROY O-337582 Battalion S-3
CAPT VAN NESS, HARRY W. O-1165977 Assistant S-3
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Acting S-2
CAPT HUBBERT, GEORGE O. O-450052 Liaison Officer
CAPT MAYNE, RICHARD A. Jr. O-1165909 Liaison Officer
1st LT ARCHER, JAMES F. O-1172737 Liaison Officer
1st LT LINDSEY, ALFRED J. O-1165895 Liaison Officer
CAPT KAHN, ROBERT W. O-378919 Battalion Surgeon
Headquarters Battery
CAPT FINKLE, BEVERLY A. O-1165014 Bn Commo & Btry Cmdr
1st LT SACHS, BURTON O-1180039 Assistant Commo Officer
1st LT DEPURY, JAMES C. O-1691875 Liaison Pilot
1st LT McCORKLE, HERBERT J. O-1185289 Liaison Pilot
1st LT LINDER, DANIEL R. O-1048073 Battery Motor Officer
W/O jg RICHARDSON, RICHARD N. W-2117849 Personnel Adjutant
Battery “A”
1st LT DAVIS, GEORGE C. Jr O-1165840 Battery Commander
2nd LT KUBANY, WALTER M. O-1179927 Executive Officer
2nd LT BELZER, MANUEL H. O-1171892 Assistant Executive Officer
2nd LT BRUNDRETT, JESSE L. O-1167757 Reconnaissance Officer
Battery “B”
CAPT KINLEY, GORDON L. O-1165024 Battery Commander
1st LT TAYLOR, CECIL E. O-1683510 Executive Officer
1st LT PEARL, JOSEPH M. O-1182220 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT FOSTER, WALLACE D. O-540092 Assistant Executive Officer
Battery “C”
CAPT TOMPKINS, GEORGE C. O-367076 Battery Commander
1st LT BOBER, JOSEPH C. O-1177290 Executive Officer
1st LT OLSON, GEORGE E. Jr. O-1175266 Reconnaissance Officer
2nd LT GREEN, ALBERT B. O-1180194 Assistant Executive Officer
Service Battery
CAPT HAYES, IRA S. O-391893 Bn S-4 & Btry Cmdr
1st LT SCHOMAKER, WALTER A. O-1691715 Ammunition Officer
W/O jg HAYES, EVERETT L. W-2117851 Assistant S-4

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CITED PERSONNEL

Medals were awarded as indicated.

General Orders No. 148, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 13 May 1945:

Cpl RAYMOND F. BOYDSTUN 20830327 Bronze Star Medal
T/4 WILLIAM U. MILLER 20830871 Bronze Star Medal
Pfc OLIVER PICCIONI 33121683 Bronze Star Medal
Pfc ROSCOE H. SMITH 20830401 Bronze Star Medal
GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 148 dated 13 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. RAYMOND F. BOYDSTUN, 20830327,
Field Artillery, Corporal, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 10 July 1943
to 25 January 1945 in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Entered the military service from Sulphur, Oklahoma. WILLIAM U.
MILLER, 20830871, Field Artillery, Technician Fourth Grade (then Corporal), Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for
meritorious service in combat from 1 October 1944 to 15 February 1945 in France. Entered the military service from Jay, Oklahoma.
OLIVER PICCIONI, 33121683, Field Artillery, Private First Class (then Private), Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for
meritorious service in combat from 2 November 1944 to 15 February 1945 in France. Entered the military service from Washington,
D.C. ROSCOE H. SMITH, 20830401, Field Artillery, Private First Class, Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for
meritorious service in combat from 10 July 1943 to 1 May 1945 in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Entered the military service
from Geary, Oklahoma.

General Orders No. 156, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 17 May 1945:

Pfc PAUL H. ALLEN 38017356 Bronze Star Medal
Pfc ELMER H. BALL 33092641 Bronze Star Medal
T/Sgt WILLIAM E. HAWKINS Jr. 34114459 Bronze Star Medal
S/Sgt OLIVER D. POWER 35453518 Bronze Star Medal
S/Sgt JAMES L. SAMUELSON 20830828 Bronze Star Medal
Sgt VAUGHN C. STUCHELL 33083034 Bronze Star Medal
Cpl HAROLD L. WEDLICK Sr. 16151767 Bronze Star Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 156 dated 17 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal. PAUL H. ALLEN, 38017356, Field Artillery,
Private First Class, Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in direct support of combat operations
from 10 July 1943 to 20 January 1945 in Sicily, Italy and France. Entered the military service from Maud, Oklahoma. ELMER H.
BALL, 33092641, Field Artillery, Private First Class (then Private), Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious
service in direct support of combat operations from 10 July 1943 to 15 January 1945 in Sicily, Italy and France. Entered the military
service from Volney, Virginia. WILLIAM E. HAWKINS Jr., 34114459, Field Artillery, Technical Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant),
Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 1 May 1944 to 25 January 1945 in Italy
and France. Entered the military service from Raleigh, North Carolina. OLIVER D. POWER, 35453518, Field Artillery, Staff
Sergeant, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in direct support of combat operations from 1
January 1944 to 1 May 1945 in Italy and France. Entered the military service from Brooksville, Kentucky. JAMES L. SAMUELSON,
20830828, Field Artillery, Staff Sergeant, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in direct
support of combat operations from 10 September 1943 to 25 January 1945 in Italy and France. Entered the military service from
Perry, Oklahoma. VAUGHN C. STUCHELL, 33083034, Field Artillery, Sergeant, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, for meritorious service in direct support of combat operations from 10 July 1943 to 8 May 1945 in Sicily, Italy and France
and Germany. Entered the military service from Punxutawney, Pennsylavania. HAROLD L. WEDLICK Sr., 16151767, Field Artillery,
Corporal (then Technician Fifth Grade), Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat
from 10 July 1943 to 25 January 1945 in Sicily, Italy and France and Germany. Entered the military service from Detroit, Michigan.

General Orders No. 169, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 22 May 1945:

T-5 ARTHUR A. ROSENTHAL 32899011 Bronze Star Medal
S/Sgt FRED W. SCHOMAKER 20830829 Bronze Star Medal
Sgt WILLIAM C. LeFURGEY 20830907 Bronze Star Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 169 dated 22 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award, Posthumous, of Bronze Star Medal. ARTHUR A. ROSENTHAL,
32899011, Field Artillery, Technician Fifth Grade, Battery “B”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 4
October 1944 near Oberbronn, France. While serving as a radio operator with a forward observation party which was giving artillery
support to an attacking infantry company, Technician Rosenthal and his companions were subjected to an intense barrage by enemy
tank and 20mm flak guns. Finding himself the only uninjured member of his party he endeavored to recover the radio and
equipment, and in doing so was killed in the attempt. His courage and devotion to duty reflect credit upon himself and his
organization. Entered the military service from Bronx, New York. Next of kin: Mrs. Minnie Rosenthal (Mother), 833 Freeman Street,
Bronx, New York. Award of Bronze Star Medal, Missing in Action. FRED W. SCHOMAKER, 20830829, Field Artillery, Staff
Sergeant, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 3 November 1944 near Houssoras, France.
When the officer in charge of his forward observer party was seriously wounded, Sergeant Schomaker took over his duties and
successfully directed the artillery fire of his battalion on enemy tanks and foot troops. Although the target of enemy small arms and
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tank fire, he directed accurate fire that enabled the infantry he was supporting to take an objective of great importance. Entered the
military service from Perry, Oklahoma. Next of kin: Mr. Carl Schomaker (Father), South 12th, Perry, Oklahoma. Award of Bronze
Star Medal. WILLIAM C. LeFURGEY, 20830907, Field Artillery, Sergeant (then Corporal), Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 3-4 December 1944, near Niederbronn, France. Sergeant LeFurgey displayed courage
and leadership when, despite heavy enemy counter battery fire falling in the immediate battery position, he left a position of
comparative safety, led his men to their gun and directed defensive fires throughout the night which gave vital support to our
infantry. Entered the military service from Perry, Oklahoma.

General Orders No. 171, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 23 May 1945:

1st LT FRANCIS E. LIGGETT O-465104 Bronze Star Medal
T-3 LOUIS A. BARTAY Jr. 20816467 Bronze Star Medal
T-4 EMIL J. HLADIK 38017316 Bronze Star Medal
Pfc ROY M. SAPIENZA 32898746 Bronze Star Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 171 dated 23 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the Bronze Star Medal, Missing in Action. FRANCIS E. LIGGETT,
O-465104, Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 25
February to 11 September 1944 in Italy and France. Entered the military service from Shelton, Nebraska. Next of kin: Mr. James R.
Liggett (Father), Shelton, Nebraska. Award of the Bronze Star. LOUIS A. BARTAY Jr., 20836467, Field Artillery, Technician Third
Grade, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in direct support of combat operations from 10
July 1943 to 25 January 1945 in Sicily, Italy and France. Entered the military service from Fort Worth, Texas. EMIL J. HLADIK,
38017316, Field Artillery, Technician Fourth Grade, Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in direct
support of combat operations from 10 July 1943 to 8 May 1945 in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Entered the military service
from Hennessey, Oklahoma. ROY M. SAPIENZA, 32898746, Field Artillery, Private First Class, Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, for meritorious service in combat from 15 August 1944 to 8 May 1945 in France and Germany. Entered the military service
from Bronx, New York.

General Orders No. 173, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 25 May 1945:

1st LT NORBERT M. COLLINS O-1166461 9th Cluster to Air Medal
1st LT HERBERT J. McCORKLE O-1852289 1st Cluster to Air Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 173 dated 25 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the 9th Cluster to Air Medal. NOBERT M. COLLINS, O-1166461,
Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious achievement while participating in
aerial flight against the enemy from 2 January to 21 March 1945 in France and Germany. Entered the military service from Chicago,
Illinois. Award of the 1st Cluster to Air Medal. HERBERT J. MC CORKLE, O-1185289, Field Artillery, First Lieutenant,
Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy from
15 March to 22 April 1945 in Germany. Entered the military service from Pipestone, Minnesota.

General Orders No. 192, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 31 May 1945:

T-4 EARL W. HIGHLEY 20830615 1st Cluster to Bronze Star Medal
Pfc FRANK C. HOOVER Jr. 33062727 1st Cluster to Bronze Star Medal
Pfc LOUIS G. BERTUCCINI 31194518 Bronze Star Medal
Sgt EDWARD M. JUNK 38017312 Bronze Star Medal
T-5 EVERT R. HELWICK 38017407 Bronze Star Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 192 dated 31 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the 1st Cluster to Bronze Star Medal. EARL W. HIGHLEY,
20830815, Field Artillery, Technician Fourth Grade, Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery Battalion. Entered the military service from
Woodward, Oklahoma. FRANK C. HOOVER Jr., 33062727, Field Artillery, Private First Class (then Private), Battery “A”, 158th Field
Artillery Battalion. Entered the military service from Baltimore, Maryland. For heroic achievement in action on 18 March 1945 in the
Siegfried Line, Germany. Attacking heavily defended concrete fortifications of the Siegfried Line, a rifle company was pinned down
in a heavy cross fire from automatic weapons supported by enemy artillery and mortar fire. Under this continuous fire Technician
Highley, Private Hoover and another member of a forward observer party moved to within one hundred yards of the enemy block
house and, even though observed by the enemy, made repairs to their radio that had been damaged by the enemy fire. Then, with the
set repaired, the party relayed fire orders to the artillery that succeeded in neutralizing the enemy position. When the attacking
infantry flanked the strongpoint, the forward observer party assaulted the blockhouse and captured three enemy officers and seven
enlisted men. Their courage and devotion to duty reflect credit upon themselves and their organization. Award of the Bronze Star
Medal. LOUIS G. BERTUCCINI, 31194518, Field Artillery, Private First Class (then Private), Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery
Battalion, for heroic achievement in action on 18 March 1945 in the Siegfried Line, Germany. Attacking heavily defended concrete
fortifications of the Siegfried Line, a rifle company was pinned down in a heavy cross fire from automatic weapons supported by
enemy artillery and mortar fire. Under this continuous fire Private Bertuccini and two other members of a forward observer party
moved to within one hundred yards of the enemy block house and, even though observed by the enemy, made repairs to their radio
that had been damaged by the enemy fire. Then, with the set repaired, the party relayed fire orders to the artillery that succeeded in
neutralizing the enemy position. When the attacking infantry flanked the strongpoint, the forward observer party assaulted the block
house and captured three enemy officers and seven enlisted men. His courage and devotion to duty reflect credit upon himself and
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his organization. Entered the military service from New Haven, Connecticut. EDWARD M. JUNK, 38017312, Field Artillery,
Sergeant, Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion. Entered the military service from Shawnee, Oklahoma. EVERT R.
HELWICK, 38017407, Field Artillery, Technician Fifth Grade, Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion. Entered the military
service from Lola, Oklahoma. For heroic achievement in action on 1 February 1945 near Wingen, France. When a loaded
ammunition truck was set ablaze by enemy artillery, Sergeant Junk and Technician Helwick climbed aboard the truck and removed
the burning tarpaulin to the ground where it could be extinguished. The timely action of Sergeant Junk and Technician Helwick
resulted in the saving of much badly needed equipment and prevented loss of life.

General Orders No. 193, HQ 45th Infantry Division, 31 May 1945:

1st LT JAMES C. DePURY O-1691875 4th and 5th Cluster to Air Medal
Sgt WILLIAM L. APPLEGATE 13077393 Air Medal
LT COL Russell D. Funk O-267164 Air Medal

GENERAL ORDERS

The following is an official excerpt from Forty Fifth Infantry Division General Orders Number 193 dated 31 May
1945 by Command of Major General Frederick: Award of the 4th and 5th Cluster to Air Medal. JAMES C. DePURY, O-1691876,
Field Artillery, First Lieutenant, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, from 13 January to 1 May 1945 in France and Germany. Entered
the military service from Tampa, Florida. Award of the Air Medal. WILLIAM L. APPLEGATE, 13077393, Field Artillery, Sergeant, Headquarters
Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, from 3 April to 1 May 1945 in Germany. Entered the military service from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
RUSSELL D. FUNK, O-267164, Field Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel, Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, from 11 September 1943 to
29 April 1945 in Italy, France and Germany. Entered the military service from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

REDEPLOYMENT

After VE Day the 45th Infantry Division was transferred from the Seventh Army to the Third Army. “Going Home” was foremost in every
soldiers mind. In early July 1945, the “U.S. Army Demobilization Plan and Redeployment System” was initiated and the battalion lost
its first personnel under this new system. At the core of this was the so called “Point System.” Points were awarded for years of
service overseas, medals and other commendations received, campaign battle stars earned, as well as other factors. The magic point
total for being sent home first was 85 and those with 80 to 84 points were reassigned to other units in the European Theater of
Operations (ETO). The following is a typical model that was the system’s computation table:
Number of months in the armed forces.......................................................................................................1 point per month.
Number of months overseas ........................................................................................................................1 point per month.
Number of children ......................................................................................................................................12 points per child.
Number of battle stars earned by unit .........................................................................................................5 points per battle star.
Purple Heart Award .....................................................................................................................................5 points per award.
Soldiers Medal Award .....................................................................................................................................5 points per award.
Bronze Star Award ..........................................................................................................................................5 points per award.
Presidential Unit Citation Award ......................................................................................................................5 points per award.

The first step in the redeployment process back to the United States was to be transported from Munich, Germany to the Rheims
Assembly Areas and then to their Port of Embarkation (POE) which was Le Havre, France, this started on 27 June 1945.

On this day the 5th Machine Records Unit (MRU) recorded the following official roster of Officers and Enlisted men of the 158th
Field Artillery Battalion before redeployment from Munich, Germany to Continent United States: Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion: Majors Albert E. Huber and Paul E. Scheefers, Captains Beverly A. Finkle, Robert W. Kahn,
Leroy Miller, George C. Tompkins and Harry W. Van Ness; First Lieutenants James F. Archer, James H. Brister, James C. DePury,
Daniel R. Linder, Herbert J. McCorkle, Joseph M. Pearl, Burton Sachs and Cecil E. Taylor; Warrant Officer Richard N. Richardson;
First Sergeant William E. Hawkins Jr.; Master Sergeant Laurence E. Close; Staff Sergeants Alvin C. Breza, Carl P. Casullo, William A.
Davis, Douglas W. Jones, Henry G. Marshall, Rudolph E. Messe, William C. Polsley, Oliver D. Power and Walter St Clair; Sergeants
William L. Applegate, Albert P. Curtis, Lester C. Stepno and Vaughn C. Stuchell; Technical Sergeants Richard T. Breidenbach, Fay D.
Farmer and Arthur J. Hagan; Technicians Fifth Class John O. Brack, John M. Bragg, Peter M. Burbach, Darrell J. Clark, Clarence E.
Coats, James W. Collins, Eugene C. Dalby, Louis A. Delorme, Salvador Gizar, Saul N. Golberg, Allen F. W. Grelle, James R. Hanks,
Clifford E. Harvell Jr., Roy A. Henry, Mitchell W. Jones, Sherman E. King, Arthur LaCosse, Seth Leacock, Alton Likins, Robert E.
Meaney, Allen W. Palmer, Dixon Palmer, Richard D. Rasmussen, Henry T. Ruhs, Paul D. Sands, Charles E. Shodlouski, Edward L.
Spence, Herbert J. Stewart and Francis H. Thompson; Corporals Lewis R. Brockett, Joseph P. Costelloe, Manford T. Craig, Albert W.
Evangelist, William R. Fashouer, Gideon T. Hagel, Norbert C. Jensen, Wilbur W. Long, Robert Miller, James R. Muthart, Harry
Neuhaus, James L. Reece and Harold L. Wedlick Sr.; Technicians Fourth Class William J. Doucherty, John C. French, Sidney G.
Gibson, Raymond J. Gill, Samuel F. Howard, Robert S. Kirby, Elwood R. Kitchen, Virgil O. Koller, Albert J. Levstek, Daniel L.
Martinovich, Arthur L. Moyer, Norman W. Paton, Oscar B. Ramsey, Robert L. Sales, Garrett B. Smith, Frank A. Szczerbiak, Ruben
H. Thom, Robert K. Utzler and Robert A. Young; Privates First Class Wirt R. Adams, Robert A. Alloway, Willis J. Baenic, William
Bloom, Robert C. Bogle, George J. Bounchar, James J. Breslin, Edward M. Canaan, John H. Craig, Max J. Curbeaux, Stanley
Dachowski, Hubert B. Day, Jasper R. Demerchant, Kenneth W. Erdman, Robert L. Galbert, Frank B. Garratt, Donald L. Goddard,
John J. Goglick, Morris Goldfon, Dick C. Haddow, William J. Hennessy, Reuben A. Jaffe, Charles D. Knapp, Philip Leone, William
E. Marose, Joseph V. McQuillan, Henry C. Mierop, Frank L. Mills, Grant L. Nielson, Stanley E. Peliksza Jr., George P. Reilly, George
E. Sievers, Theodore H. Spence, Edward R. Suchanek, Joseph C. Trnachita and Frederick J. Walters; Technicians Third Class Louis
A. Bartay Jr., Harold V. Forsen and Frank C. Swift; Privates Frank B. Anderson, Glenn S. Cassell, Ernest R. Dahlman, David Hawk,
George J. Heiskala, Gerard M. Lindley, Coleman R. Menyhert, Edgar L. Nixon, Robert C. Schwagerl and Percy E. Tallbird. Battery
"A", 158th Field Artillery Battalion: First Lieutenants George C. Davis Jr. and Walter M. Kubany; Second Lieutenants Manuel H.
Belzer and Jesse L. Brundrett; First Sergeant Charles L. Stoddard; Staff Sergeants Everette T. Bodine, Donald D. McAllister, Hubert
O. Williams and Arthur E. Witham; Sergeants Raymond F. Barnard, Verl H. Beasley, Roland H. Farris, Harlo Hansen, John M.
Ruzycki, William W. Weimerskirch and Calvin H. Wright; Technicians Fifth Class Roy A. Brown, Alex Hohweiler, John U.
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Hollingsworth, Golden R. Ishmael, Claude E. Massingill, Albert L. Quickel, Clarence R. Shaul, Arthur C. Shepard, Gaines C. Smith,
Rollin J. Walling and Elmer L. Williams; Corporals Richard P. Barnes, William R. Bowman, Frank S. Brychta, John F. Butler,
Delmer J. Ford, Willard H. Henson, Thomas D. Jackson, Smith D. Littlefield, William D. Montgomery, Edmond O. Pitcher, James
O. Tisdale and Virdie D. Watson; Technicians Fourth Class Leroy F. Bertrand, Allen B. Clarke, John F. Demaree, Floyd G. Groves,
Harry C. Mathes and Edmund G. Ononohue; Privates First Class Horace O. Allen, Lester M. Anderson, Jess L. Arnold, Robert H.
Aument, Ora B. Ausbern, Raymond R. Averill, Charles A. Baker, Wallace C. Barker, Edmund O. Baxter, Eugene W. Beach, Felix
Berard, Louis C. Bertuccini, Wyley M. Brown, Albert Carter, Lester C. Cash, Russell G. Craig Jr., Melford P. Craven, Fred E. Dart,
Erwin H. Eider, Sam Evanoff, Frank C. Hoover Jr., Ubaldo H. Luna, Floyd O. Miller, Juan Moreno, Robert C. Neely, Nickolas
Novotni, Louis I. Nutinsky, Morris J. Ott, Wilmer E. Peiffer, Peter L. Peralta Jr., John O. Planchon, Joe D. Podany, Francis A.
Salvadore, Raymond L. Silva Jr., Raymond H. Spencer, Azds U. Turley and John B. Worthington; Privates Frank M. Bishop, Robert
F. Bowman, Herman Craft, John J. Durnin, Orville E. Geyer, Lynn E. Jackson, Lawrence J. Mudd, Jesse A. Salazer and James A.
Walters. Battery "B", 158th Field Artillery Battalion: First Lieutenants Johnathan L. Collens and Wallace D. Foster; First Sergeant
Joseph A. Dupont; Staff Sergeants Sherwin E. Allen, John B. Denvir, Calvin D. Sheets and Omer L. Wauhob; Sergeants Marcus E.
Graves, Orla E. Hostetler, Alfred H. Mitchell, Charles R. Ordille, Steven Rasheff; Joseph J. Scheiner and John R. Sundvall;
Technicians Fifth Class Forest D. Blakesley, Charles L. Clem, Harry B. Coker, Richard C. Desmond, Frank Garcia, Barry Golomb,
Lester B. Gose, Edward L. Johnson Jr., Michael LaRossa, Frederick T. Matthews, Joseph E. Perry and George A. Wilson; Corporals
Warren O. Carroll, James M. Clark, Edmund W. Crummey, Donald G. Fish, Leonard W. Gielniak, Oscar G. Green, Gerard H. Landry,
Isaac N. Louderback Jr., Murray Michaels, Lewis E. Oplinger, Donald W. Rock and Euphra L. Stover; Technicians Fourth Class
Herbert H. Comdohr, Richard G. Fuka, Alex G. McBryde, John K. Myers and Charley E. Pinegar; Privates First Class Vincent C.
Barron, Edward Biercuk, George Cervantez, John J. Curran, Eugene M. Denson, George F. Doner, Edgar J. Doran, Bernard C.
Ewing, Lewis B. Fennin, William R. Fisher, Michael R. Garofalo, Robert L. Gilreath, Edwin F. Gorak, William R. Heffernan, Robert
H. Honeycutt, Bob Hughes, William C. Huntemer, William Hyland, Thomas D. Iannotti, Rocco D. Impreveduto, Anton J.
Kandistorfer, Aubrey R. Kidwell, Norman E. Lemoine, Robert A. Leach, Delmer J. LeClair, Charles A. McDowell, William L.
McKillip, Harry F. Nance Jr., Lee W. Nearhoof, William E. Nicely, Hermon Nichols, Aniceto Pacheco, Wilford B. Painter, Walter
Petruck, Russell M. Pierson, Stanley Pluth, Charles Puleo, Harry Ralin, Arthur G. Shedd Jr., Otto H. Small, Mart M. Smith, Alva J.
Smith, William T. Walker, Rex W. Warren and James C. Yeargan and Privates Herman J. Beyer and John L. Hathaway. Battery "C",
158th Field Artillery Battalion: First Lieutenants Joseph C. Bober, Albert B. Green and George E. Olson Jr., Second Lieutenant
Franklin B. Johnson; First Sergeant Leo P. Gibson; Staff Sergeants Porter T. Burce, Augustus J. Dorsey Jr., Joseph J. Loden and
Clayton R. Logsdon; Sergeants Albert J. Gardner Jr., William C. Lefurgey, Richard E. Long, Alfred S. Mattingly, John W. Monts and
Floyd N. Pircio; Technicians Fifth Class Harry E. Aldinger, Ernest B. Avent, Roland H. Bear, Lee E. Boston, Henry S. Brula, Virgil E.
R. Burke, Eugene H. Didion, John A. Dovyak, Raymond L. Duguay, Lawrence R. Dull, Roy M. Edwards, James T. Harris, Joseph T.
Lamb, Darrel O. Mondville, Carmello J. Rustici; Corporals Charles E. Brinn, Clarence E. Brower, Calvin L. Burton, Donald E.
Clayton, Felix R. Clower, Francis A. Dannaker, Marvin D. Felix, Jim Goucher, William P. Haynes, Vernon L. Losey, John H. Rucker,
Roy M. Sapienza, Clyde L. Shelton and Ralph F. Thorn; Technicians Fourth Class Charles N. Greene, James R. Johnson, Stanley J.
Trzcinski, William R. Wheeler and Dale L. Wirick; Privates First Class Orban M. Alverson, Frank J. Andriola, Herman F. Babbit,
Alfred R. Bacon, Oliver R. Barbour, Michael J. Berezwick, Woodrow E. Blythe, Robert C. Bonnot, Charles E. Butcher, Vernon H.
Butler, William R. Buttrum, Peter P. Denardi, Jerome M. Files, Loring F. Hall, Reggie Hardin, William L. Jordan, Randell Kerfoot,
Cletus G. Kolhoff, Wilbert L. Kruse, Alvie D. Langford, Bong W. Lim, Virgil G. Luellen, James J. Mahoney Jr., Leonard D. Mattocks,
Robert L. McCubbins, Eugene C. McMurray, Woodrow Meeks, James A. Ogrady, William H. Oleson, John C. Omohundro, Donald B.
Persing, James T. Pryor, Dean S. Roberts, Owen G. Rogers, Julius Rothenstein, Walter M. Schultz, Merton Shuyler, Alexander J.
Socha, Herschel S. Stroud, Norman E. Williams and Private James P. Dempsey. Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion:
Captain Ira S. Hayes; First Lieutenant Walter A. Schomaker; Warrant Officer Everett L. Hayes; Master Sergeants Morris A. Bishop
and James M. Payne; Staff Sergeants Wayne J. Haen, William H. Powelson Paul A. Relles and Joseph W. Whaley; Sergeants Price
Colley, William T. Huff, Edward D. Ingram and James Wright; Technical Sergeant Charles E. Ruppert; Technicians Fifth Class
Joseph R. Alvarado, Urshal V. Beets, Austin R. Brittain, Evert R. Helwick, James J. Massimillo, Darr Milholland, Earnest R. Myers,
James F. Redfearn, Jefferson S. Sanders, Albert Wakeman and Frank L. Wells Sr.; Corporals Elmer H. Ball, Arnold Barba, Odell H.
Cooper, Raymond L. Klinglesmith, Leon T. Medley and Charles J. Venezia; Technicians Fourth Class Johnie J. Filippo, George L.
French, Emil J. Hladik, Arvin L. Jaggers, Anthony J. Merola and Joseph S. Tauber; Privates First Class Leonard C. Badders, Ralph I.
Blackburn, James G. Campbell, Willie J. Cansler, John C. Cobb, Clarence Crow, John H. Daniels, Robert C. Dorwart, Ralph D.
Dowda, William W. Earls, Vester Eldridge, Luther C. Eoff, James W. Epperly, Charles D. Grasselena, Rudolph E. Guthrie, Harold L.
Gutknecht, Hoy T. Jones, Edward A. Keller, Herbert A. Kirch, Albert E. Madril, Patrick D. McDonnell, James E. Ryan, William C.
Ryan, George H. Skidmore, John L. Swafford, Christian Vandergaag and John M. Walker.

Once they arrived at Le Havre, France they were moved to the infamous “cigarette camps” and most of the unit was billeted at the
tent city of Camp Philip Morris, where time passed slowly as everyone awaited a “ship home.” On 4 September 1945 the 158th Field
Artillery Battalion loaded onto the U. S.S. Marine Panther and the U. S. S. Excelsior, where they set sail for New York Harbor
arriving on 12 September 1945. Here the men were sent to disposition centers at Camps Kilmer and Shanks and Fort Hamilton, New
York where they were fed and processed through reception stations and issued transportation and food vouchers for their trips
home.

The men were granted 45 day furloughs’ and most had orders to report back to Camp Bowie, Texas where the 45th Infantry Division
was inactivated on 7 December 1945, under Headquarters Fourth Army General Orders Number 20 dated 5 December 1945 by
Command of Major General Lucas.

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3955 Cannoneer Field Road

Fort Sill, Oklahoma 73503

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Library of Congress PCN # 2018957292