|
115th Infantry - After Action Report
|
|
C O N F I D E N T I A L
AFTER ACTION REPORT FOR MONTH OF JUNE 1944
I Summary of Operations
A. Phase #1
1. Landing Operations 6 June 1944
The 115th Infantry landed at 1025 hours, with the 1st and
2nd Battalions abreast on FOX GREEN beach, about 1000 yards east of that
part of the beach on which it was intended to land. The 2nd Battalion on
the right crossed the beach and started up the cliff, making slow progress
due to mines. The progress of the 1st Battalion on the left was faster. It
pushed inland to the south of ST. LAURENT, reaching there about dark. This
battalion was subjected to heavy fire from snipers and mortar fire through-
out the night. Lt. Col. Richard C. Blatt became fatally wounded by mortar
fire. The 2nd Battalion attempted to capture ST. LAURENT, but was unsuccess-
ful. It then moved to the south of the town, into the woods, about one-half
mile to the west. Regimental Headquarters landed with the leading battalions,
and remained on the beach under artillery fire until 1600 hours. At 1630
hours, the headquarters moved the CP inland to a trail east of ST. LAURENT.
2. Advance inland from Beach to Inundated Area.
During the night 6-7 June the 3rd Battalion moved to the
outskirts of ST. LAURENT. At daybreak they attacked the town and by mid-
morning had secured it. They then pushed toward LOUVIERES. The 2nd Battalion
was held in the woods all through the day. The 1st Battalion moved to the
woods about 1200 yards to the west of ST. LAURENT. During the morning the CP
moved into ST. LAURENT amidst severe sniper fire. In the afternoon it was
moved further forward, to the rear of the 2nd Battalion. The 3rd Battalion
was held up in front of LOUVIERES. In the later afternoon, although the
battalions were widely separated, the attack was continued in the direction
of LONGUEVILLE. The 2nd Battalion was the only battalion that succeeded in
moving forward. The attack continued until 0300 hours. The 2nd Battalion was
in the stream valley northwest of MONTIGNY and the attack was halted there
daylight. The attack was then resumed, with the 1st and 2nd Battalions
generally abreast. LONGUEVILLE was captured at 0900 hours by the 2nd Battalion,
which assumed a defensive position west of the town. The 1st Battalion moved
forward and assumed the defensive to the east of the town because TREVIERES
had not been captured. Early in the morning, the 3rd Battalion had begun
moving to a defensive position west of FORMIGNY to protect the left flank of
the Division. Later, they were moved to a defensive position west of DEAUX-
JUMEAUX, arriving there at 1800 hours. The Regimental CP, which had followed
The 2nd Battalion, was established in LONGUEVILLE.
B. Phase #2
1. Crossing Inundated Area.
During the night 8-9 June, the 3rd Battalion, followed by
the 2nd Battalion, moved to the vicinity of CANCHY, and started across the
inundated area. The crossing was completed with the assistance of the
Engineers. The 2nd Battalion moved to the vicinity of BOISS de CALETTE, the
3rd Battalion to the vicinity of COLOMBIERES, and the 1st Battalion to the
vicinity of BRICQUEVILLE
C O N F I D E N T I A L
- 1 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
Paragraph I, B, 1. (continued)
At noon, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were ordered to continue their
movement to the south. The 3rd Battalion moved against little enemy resistance,
accept for snipers. In the early afternoon, the 2nd Battalion encountered
stubborn resistance at VEUILLY. Late in the afternoon, this resistance was over
come and the battalion continued to move southward. The movement continued until
dark, when the battalion assumed a defensive position about a mile southwest of
La FOLIE. During the night 9-10 June, the 2nd Battalion was attacked by the Germans
and suffered considerable losses, and was disorganized. Throughout the period 8-9
June, the 1st Battalion remained in a defensive position at BRIGQUEVILLE, where
it suffered almost continuous attack from the Germans from the vicinity of
TREVIERES. As the other two battalions had moved miles south of the Germans at
TREVIERES, the 1st battalion had the mission of protecting the left rear of the
regiment.
2. 2nd Battalion Incident
At approximately 2045 hours, 10 June 1944, a closing force of
German Armor and Infantry which had been by-passed and cut off to our rear and
colums to the surprise of both units. Opening fire with their MG's, mortars
and 88's a heavy and cofused action occurred in the dark with severe losses on
both sides. Two enemy tanks were knocked out, plus a 150mm field piece. The
2nd Battalion was left in a dispersed and disorganized state and control was not
regained until after daylight. Battalion C.O., Lt. Col. William E. Warfield
was found dead, believed to have been killed at approximately 0300 hours. Re-
placements were received and the remainder of battalion were reorganized under
command of Lt. Col. Arthur T. Sheppe
C. Phase #3
1. Elle River Crossing
The regiment remained in defensive positions, and patrolled
across the Elle River. During the day, 12 June 44, the patrols could not
cross the river because of heavy fire from the banks. In the afternoon, the
regiment was warned that it would be required to attack across the river the
next morning.
At 0245 hours, orders were received for an attack at 0500
hours 12 June 44. The 1st and 3rd Battalions attacked the river line abreast
and the 1st Battalion onthe right. During the preparatory fires German artillery
fired into the troops forming the line of departure causing several casualties.
This delayed the attack. At 0800 hours,the attack jumped off. The 1st Battalion
was unsuccessful in crossing and moved south to the vicinity of LES FRESNES,
where it was surrounded by the Germans. They fought in position until they were
almost out of ammunition, at which time element fought their way out and returned
to a position north of the river. During the afternoon the relief of the 3rd
Battalion was attempted by sending a detachment of tanks across the river at
le MOULIN l'EVEQUE. While a platoon from Company G and a detachment of Engineers
from Company A, 121st Engineers successfully removed the minefields from the
bridge, the attack was repulsed by German SP guns on the south of the river.
late in the afternoon, after heavy artillery preparation, the 1st Battalion
renewed its attack, which was again repulsed. The 116th Infantry, at dark,
forced a crossing.
2. Advance from Elle River to defensive position.
At 0600 hours, 13 June 1944, 3rd Battalion recrossed the Elle
River against light opposition consisting mostly of artillery and mortar fire.
They advanced to position northwest of COUVAINS and were attached to the 116th
Infantry. The 1st Battalion remained in a defensive position and the 2nd
Battalion moved to the defensive line north of river previously held by 3rd
Battalion. The Regiment less the 3rd Battalion went into Division reserve.
This position was maintained until the afternoon of 16 June 44 when the 2nd
Battalion moved against a strong point of enemy resistance 300 yards north of
- 2 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
C O N F I D E N T I A L
Paragraph I, C, 2. (continued)
HINET and west of ST. CLAIR. It Cleared out this resistance and remained
there in a position(defensive) overnight. The 3rd Battalion reverted to
Regimental control and remained in position. During night the 1st Battalion
moved north through ST. CLAIR toward LES FOULONS against slight resistance
and occupied a position 200 yards east of LES FOULONS. It remained here in
position until next morning. The Regimental CP followed behind the 1st
Battalion to a position 700 yards northeast of LES FOULONS where it closed
in at 180400B. The next morning the 2nd Battalion was moved southeast to
COUVAINS and attached to the 116th Infantry. The next afternoon the 1st
and 2nd Battalions moved southeast towards COUVAINS and then west to
BOIS de BRETEL. The Regimental CP followed to BOIS de BRETEL. The 1st
Battalion was committed south of woods during the afternoon, and encountered
heavy resistance. The 3rd Battalion was also committed to left of 1st
Battalion and it did not advance against heavy resistance. The 1st and 3rd
Battalions remained there overnight in defensive positions. The 2nd Battalion
115th Infantry was detached from the 116th Infantry, and under Regimental
control, relieved the 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry on the morning of 19 June
44, taking over positions north of La FOSSARDIERE. Early that morning the
3rd Battalion moved to defensive position in vicinity of SEGUEVILLE. The
1st Battalion set up defensive positions at BOIS de BRETEL. The Regimental
CP, originally at BOIS de BRETEL, moved to rear of 2nd Battalion, and then
to 657682.
D. Phase #4
1. Active defense north of ST. LO.
From the 20th to 30th of June the 115th Infantry was in
active defense. There was effected a consolidation of our forces during
which time replacements came to the 115th Infantry. There was active
night patrolling, and considerable information of value was obtained con-
cerning strength and disposition of enemy forces north of ST. LO.
2. 3rd Armored attack through our positions.
Infantry and tank elements of 3rd Armored Division
attacked through our positions at 0900, 29 June 44 to seize high ground
running east and west about 400 yards south of LA FORGE. Battalions re-
mained in position and were subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire.
The following day the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 115th Infantry moved
into positions of the 36th Infantry of the 3rd Armored Division, who with-
drew through our lines.
- 3 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
C O N F I D E N T I A L
II Forces Engaged
A. Phase #1
The Regiment started to engage the enemy immediately behind
the beach line defenses and identified units of the 726th Infantry Regiment
of the 716th Infantry Division and members of the #17 Pioneer Battalion
fighting as infantry. Also, members of the #7 Company 915th Infantry Regi-
men of the 352nd Infantry Division and the labor battalion (Russian and Italian)
attached to the 352nd Infantry were indentified.
From beach defenses to the Inundated Area the enemy action con-
sisted mainly of small delaying groups and snipers from the 1714th Artillery
Battalion, #17 Pioneer Battalion, 12th Battery #IV Battalion, 352nd Infantry
Division Artillery
Phase #2
Crossing of inundated area was strongly opposed by German de-
fense at eastern end, at COLOMBIERES and at BOIS de CALET at south of cause-
way by units of 914th, 915th and 916th Grenadier Regiments. Snipers and small
delaying units were indentified as Schnelle Brigade #30.
2nd Battalion was attacked at Le CARRETOUR by units of the 352nd
Diviiosn Artillerty.
Phase #3
The approach to, and the crossing of the Elle River was opposed
by units of three (3) battalions of the Schnelle Brigade #30, units of the
352nd Grenadier Division and an unknown SP gun unit. Documents indicated
that parts of the 5th Paratroop Regiment were in these defensive positions.
Phase #4
The following units were identified from the Elle River to
July 1st 1944.
914 Gr. Regts, 915 Gr. Regts and 916 Gr. Regts of the 352nd
Infantry Division.
II Bn 943 Gr Regt 353 Inf Div
Eng Bn 353 of 353 Inf Div
9th Regt of 3rd Parachute Div
513, 517, 518 Bns of Schnelle Brigade #30
353 Fu Bn
B. Number of Casualties
Number of Prisoners of War evacuated to July 1st
Enlisted Men - 191
Officers - 2
Total - 193
Total number of enemy dead buried to July 1st
Approximately- 10
It is assumed that at least an equal number were evacuated
by the enemy due to relatively slowness of advance until the middle of July
the evacuation of enemy wounded and dead by the enemy was excellent.
Important Captures - None
The highest ranking captive taken by this unit was the rank
of Captain.
- 4 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
C O N F I D E N T I A L
III Battle Casualties for June 1944_
Infantry
KIA DOW DOI SWA SIA LWA LIA MIA TOTAL DTY TOTAL
Officers 22 3 0 24 0 26 0 3 78 3 81
Men 212 24 0 235 3 426 32 100 1032 35 1067
Totals 234 27 0 259 3 452 32 103 1110 38 1148
Medical Detachment
KIA DOW DOI SWA SIA LWA LIA MIA TOTAL DTY TOTAL
Officers 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Men 1 1 0 8 2 11 0 4 27 1 28
Totals 2 1 0 8 2 11 0 4 28 1 29
115th Casualties - All Branches
KIA DOW DOI SWA SIA LWA LIA MIA TOTAL DTY TOTAL
Officers 23 3 0 24 0 26 0 3 79 3 82
Men 213 25 0 243 5 437 32 104 1059 36 1095
Totals 236 28 0 267 5 463 32 107 1138 39 1177
Field Grade Officers
Blatt, Richard C., Lt. Col., Commanding 1st Bn, 019277, SWA, 6 June 1944
Warfield, William E., Lt. Col., Commanding 2nd Bn, 0258123, KIA 10 June 1944
- 5 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
C O N F I D E N T I A L
IV _Awards and Decorations
1. Number of awards by type of for action during June:
Silver Star Medals - 3
Bronze Star Medals - 12
Purple Heart Medals - 61
2. Special mention of outstanding incidents in each type.
Silver Star Medal
First Lieutenant Roger E. Watson, 0466065, Medical
Corps, United States Army, for gallantry in action in Normandy, France.
During the entire period 6 June 1944 to 15 June 1944, First Lieutenant
Watson's untiring efforts with his unit in immediate contact with the
enemy exhibited outstanding judgment as a soldier and a surgeon. It was
largely because of his excellent supervision and instructions to others
in tactical situations while under enemy fire that he could leave our own
forces three times to render medical aid to wounded French civilians. On
one occasion eight Germans surrounded the house in which First Lieutenant
Watson was attending a wounded French child. Because of his coolness and
dignity of bearing, the enemy withdrew and permitted him to complete his
work and return to our lines. His courage, skill, and ability reflect
great credit upon himself and the Military Service. Entered Military Service
from Pennsylvania.
Second Lieutenant Arthur C. Chadwick, Jr., 01300274,
Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in Normandy, France.
On 12 June 1944, Second Lieutenant Chadwick's platoon was attacking a
strongly fortified enemy position. The resistance was such that it became
necessary to withdraw. During this action, Second Lieutenant Chadwick was
wounded, and refusing to be evacuated he participated in another attack on
the same strongpoint. Although his group was held up by machine gun fire.
After receiving orders to withdraw, he remained until all the wounded were
carried to safety. However, upon reorganization he learned that one casualty
was not accounted for, and without hesitation, he returned to the exposed
area and evacuated the remaining men. Second Lieutenant Chadwick's unselfish
actions show a deep regard for his men, and reflect great credit upon himself
and the military service. Entered Military Service from New Hampshire.
Private First Class Robert M Moore, 20340558, Infantry,
United States, for gallantry in action in Normandy, France. On 10 June 1944,
Private First Class Moore saw a German tank escorting several American prisoners
to the enemy lines. Boldly confronting the tank, with complete disregard
for his own safety, he directed the prisoners to disperse, and fired an antitank
grenade at the tank. The tank returned the fire, but was compelled to with-
draw when friendly support arrived. The courage displayed by Private First
Class Moore, in the face of overwhelming odds, reflects great credit upon
himself and the Military Service. Entered Military Service from Maryland.
- 6 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L
C O N F I D E N T I A L
V Changes in Regimental Staff and Battalion C.O.s
Colonel Eugene N. Slappey, 05136 relieved as Regimental C.O.,
1540 hours, 13 June 1944 and replaced by Colonel Godwin
Ordway Jr., 016208
Captain George M. Nevius, 0406384, relieved as Regimental S-3,
1600 hours, 14 June 1944 and replaced by Captain Albert G.
Warfield, 0409305
Lt. Col. Richard C. Blatt, 019277 - SWA on 6 June 1944. Major
James S. Morris, 0309173 took over command until 0800 hours,
14 June 1944 at which time he was relieved and replaced by
Major Glover S. Johns Jr., 0307139, as C.O. 1st Battalion
115th Infantry
Lt. Col. William E. Warfield, 0258123, C.O. 2nd Battalion, 115th
Infantry, KIA, 0300 hours, 10 June 1944 and was replaced by
Lt. Col. Arthur T. Sheppe, 0256110 who was relieved by Major
Maurice G. Clift, 0354335 at 1400 hours, 23 June 1944.
Major Victor P. Gillespie, 02456110, C.O. 3rd Battalion, 115th
Infantry relieved 1830 hours, 9 June 1944 by Captain Grat B.
Mankins, 0407499 who was relieved (upon his own request) at
0930 hours, 17 June 1944 by Major Charles A. Custer, 0277290
who was relieved at 1500 hours, 23 June 1944 by Lt. Col. Arthur
T. Steppe, 0256110.
ALFRED V. EDNIE
Colonel, Infantry
Commanding
319.1 1st Ind
HEADQUARTERS, 29TH INFANTRY DIVISION, A.P.O. 29, U. S. ARMY, 23 JULY 1944
TO: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, 25, D.C.
THRO: Commanding General, XIX Corps, A.P.O. 270, U. S. Army
Forwarding in compliance with letter, Headquarters, First United
States Army, file 319.1, subject: "Action Against Enemy, Reports after/
After Action Reports, dated 13 July 1944, and letter, Headquarters, XIX
Corps, same subject and file, dated 19 July 1944
For the Commanding General:
ROBERT H. ARCHER, JR.,
Lt. Col., A.G.D.,
Adjutant General
- 7 -
C O N F I D E N T I A L