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Chapter X February 23rd at1630 hours in the town of Weiten, Germany. An electrifying atmosphere pervaded the entire assembly area. The men were as restive as yearlings and indeed they should be. But a few hours previous, the sixth Ranger Companies had been spread over an area of 11,000 yards when, bingo, the Battalion less “B” Company, received orders to assemble in Weiten as rapidly as possible. Immediately after orienting the relieving units, Companies “A”, “E” and “F” struck out on foot while “C” and “D” had to be motored. The rumors of the impending job were numerous and varied, yet, despite their difference, all possessed one common theme, “The job was to be a real Ranger one”. The men’s doubts and wonderment were short-lived, for soon the mission was unraveled to all. In true Ranger conformity, the lowest private possessed as equal a knowledge as Colonel Sullivan, The Battalion Commander. It was to be a 48 hour job, to cross the Saar, infiltrate the enemy lines and cut the Irsch-Zerf road. It’s importance was determined by the fact that it represented the nucleus for any German reinforcements and must be accomplished at any and all costs. The companies were to set off individually to “B” Company’s position in the town of Rodt and were to be there by 1815 hours. Immediately, extra machine gun ammunition, AT mines, and one “K” and one “D” ration per man were issued. The men were advised to grab some hot chow and to travel as light as possible. The ensuing hustle and bustle of preparation was orderly and rapid and, shortly thereafter, the 5th Ranger Battalion shoved off – on the go again --. Confidence and cockiness clothed and beamed on the face of each man, yet the grimness of their eyes acutely testified to their savy that the job would be no picnic; and, subsequent events proved that to the hilt. The later soon bore evidence at Rodt which was under heavy artillery fire. All companies came through OK but Company “A” which suffered many casualties of which two were officers. Captain Parker of Big Stone City, South Dakota, “A” Company placed Tech Sgts Rooney of Fairfax, Vermont, and Thomas of Kansas City, Kansas, in charge of the two platoons, and throughout, he never had occasion to regret his selection. At Rodt, the Battalion was held up for an initiating two hours due to the artillery, and the fact that the other friendly units were utilizing the sole foot bridge. Finally at 2000 hours, the Battalion departed for the Saar, and, using the jitter-bugging footbridge, all Companies crossed under harassing artillery fire. To this day, the men often thank their lucky stars that the footbridge held up, for with that current, plus the load of each man, anyone falling in would have as much chance of safety as the proverbial “snow-ball in hell”. Once across the river, the damnable, spirit breaking, and seemingly endless hill had to be climbed. Halts were occasionally in order to check our course, but mostly to give the men a chance to regain their breath. Despite the coolness of the evening, every man was drenched with his own sweat, and at length, after what seemed an endless climb and grind, all companies were assembled at the top of the hill. It was then exactly 2245 hours. Here it became necessary to abandon our original plan due to the fact that the adjacent infantry had not advanced as rapidly as anticipated. No time could be wasted, however, and after a brief period of deliberation and of consualties amongst the company commanders, the Battalion moved off. A formation of two columns abreast was taken up, “C”, “F” and “A” from front to rear on the left column and “D”, “E” and “B” constituting a column on the right. Passing through elements of 302nd Infantry Regiment and advancing on a 10 ° azimuth for nine consecutive hours thereafter, the battalion infiltrated through and behind enemy lines. Nine consecutive hours of incessant assent and descent of those bastardly, heavily wooded hills. Not knowing if your next step was to be greeted by a murderous welcoming Kraut fire. Nine consecutive hours of necessitous silence; each man hanging doggedly on the very breath of his pal in front, and each man desperately endeavoring to maintain that required silence and control. Everyone wondered if perhaps it was his carelessness and mishaps which precipitated the occasional moderate artillery and mortar fire. Here, in truth, was brought into play the stealth and acme of infiltration so painstakingly practiced, developed, and perfected in the States, England, the rugged hills of Scotland and on the Continent itself, from the early morn of June 6th, 1944. Labor, however, has its just awards; for the multi-colored hues of the dawn of February 24th found us definitely behind the Jerry Lines. Then it was exactly 0735 hours. After a reconnaissance patrol from “E” Company had checked our route of advance, the Battalion once again moved off – three companies abreast, “D”, “E” and “C” from left to right, followed in column by “F”, “B” and “A”. In our continued advance every few hundred yards was heralded by sharp, brisk skirmishes which inevitably concluded in the same pattern, -- more prisoners and a proportionate amount of killed and wounded. The best example occurred in an area later affectionately nicknamed “Bloody Gulch”. In the advance, “D” Company on the left flank, encountered stiff opposition by a company size force. Captain Miller of Kenefic, Oklahoma, immediately sprang into action, issued the necessary orders, and the fight was really on. It was a fight such as soldiers dream of, rifles and machine guns only. No mortars and no artillery. After twenty minutes of steady fire, the remainder of what was then a German Company pulled out. It left in its wake, approximately 40 dead, 12 seriously injured, and 8 slightly wounded. In addition, 18 prisoners were taken and we ourselves, suffered but two dead. Another striking incident in our advance was when “A” Company captured a staff car containing a medical officer, and artillery officer, and three enlisted men. It was amusingly difficult to convince them that they were our prisoners, -- particularly since the front lines were three and one half miles away. The Gods, however, can’t be tempted too often, for these skirmishes couldn’t perpetually continue in the same fashion. This was concretely evidenced by the increasing artillery. Never-the-less, by constantly deviating from our true course to elude and puzzle all pursuers, we at length attained a strategic hill, but 3⁄4 of a mile from our objective. Here, a perimeter defense was set up and the men immediately dug in. Later that night, a patrol from “A” Company was sent out to investigate some nearby houses. It returned within a half-hour with the information that the houses were entirely unoccupied. Colonel Sullivan, Battalion Commander from Boston, Mass., decided to use those houses, and at 2200 the Battalion moved off. As the last company arrived, rifle and machine gun fire was received from a nearby pillbox and house. Immediately, a patrol from “F” Company under Lt. Jeffers, approached both points and engaged the enemy. Several Germans were killed and the houses were secured and outposted for the night. The men certainly enjoyed this opportunity to rest and eat, and most, thereafter, were soon locked in the arms of Morpheus. The following morning at 0800 hours, the Battalion started off and arrived at its final destination a half hour later. We now had the Irsch-Zerf road definitely under our observation and fire. A Battalion defense was immediately prescribed; “E” Company to take up a position on the north, “D” and “F” on the right, facing east, and “C” on the left, facing West. “A” Company maintained its position in the rear, where previously it had secured two bunkers after a small fight. “B” Company had the job of guarding the prisoners, now totalling a respective 95. And were also eligible for reserve. The companies immediately planted their AT mines, and fortunately so, for, before noon, “E” Company’s mines accounted for a German half-track. The same company shortly after, knocked out a TD by bazookas and captured a moderate amount of German walking wounded who were using the road as a route of evacuation. Between the hours of 1545 to 1630 hours the enemy launched two strong counter-attacks. “A” Company on the South, after receiving a severe shelling, was immediately attacked by a force of 200 Germans and two tanks. Simultaneously, “E” Company received a strong thrust from tho Northeast by a force of 400 Germans, plus four tanks. Company “A” on the south, repulsed the attack after killing approximately 70 and captured 35 PWs. It had meanwhile been cut off from the remainder of the Battalion by small infiltrating groups, but managed to extract itself and regain contact with the rest of the battalion. “E” Company likewise repulsed its attack after inflicting severe losses on the enemy and capturing 40 PWs. In this attack, out artillery supplied by the 28th FA Battalion arose to heroic proportions. Never throughout did it fail us, and to the man, the 5th Ranger Battalion takes off its hat to those boys. So, there we were, little matter now that our ammunition was at ebb low. Why should it matter? Were we not immovably entrenched at out final objective? Had we not thwarted any and all re-inforcement attempts? Moreover, had we not received the welcoming news that forward elements of the 10th Armored would shortly reach us? All this, with a minimum of casualties and approximately 200 PWs to boot. All the misery and pains were now but memories submerged in the joy and realization of a job well done. It was then in this indulgent frame of mind that the Rangers comfortably settled themselves in their foxholes. Relief would soon arrive and they would move off – each man filled with a well-earned sense of pride. Truly, a job well, well done. No one however, can predict the ways and methods of War. The rumor of the 10th Armored proved to be premature and the impending relief would arrive possible tomorrow. Our depleted stock of water, ammunition, food and radio now had to be very definitely considered. It was impossible to be attained by ground and only one other way was open – air. Not too long, thereafter, artillery liaison planes dropped our needs. Because of the intense small arms fire, these items were dropped from a height of 1500 feet. Consequently, a very small amount fell into the Battalion area and, to make matters worse, most of that which did, proved to be unusable. The remainder of the day was spent in improving our positions, while interdictory artillery fire was placed on thee Irsch-Zerf road, so as to deny its use to the enemy. At 0300 hours that night, a strong enemy force estimated at 400 strong, supported by intense artillery and mortar fire again attacked “E” Company. A fierce fight raged and, although suffering heavy losses, the enemy managed to over-run several positions of “E” Company. Captain Greene, (then Lt.) C.O. of Company “E”, decided to withdraw about 50 yards where they could regroup the available men and hold there. Hold there they did, although it meant asking for friendly artillery to fire continuously on the area formerly occupied by their company. Certainly we couldn’t afford to lose what we had now – not after all we had endured. For this reason also, Company “D” called for friendly artillery to be placed all around its position, and though it meant a harrowing night for all, none regretted it. Several hours later at 0700, “F” Company attacked and regained the little ground we had lost during the night. Ground literally paved with dead Krauts piled in front of the dead Ranger fox-holes were ample proof that they had held to the bitter end and had made the enemy pay an exceptionally high price for their small and now lost gain. The remaining morning was quiet and at 1200 hours, every Ranger heart was brightened by the appearance of a tank force from the 10th Armored. This, however, was not as bright as it appeared. Their orders were to drive on to Zerf and we still had the job to hold off all forces from the East, South and West. We were still out on the limb and had no one but ourselves to depend on. The 48 hour job would now be 72, if no infantry reinforcements appeared, that 72 would even stretch out. The remainder of the day passed quietly, but yet the men, realizing their danger, constantly improved their positions and slept whenever possible. Mist and fog were now appearing and ever growing denser. It made the approaching night ever eerie and threatening. Every man felt that Jerry would try to take advantage of such weather and hit us again. Despite their lack of success so far, they knew full well that no infantry reinforcements had reached us. They knew that we were slowly but surely losing men and that, even at our first appearance, we were comparatively a handful. Certainly, all the odds favored them and opposed us. Their chances of success were improving; ours waning. If they could defeat us, who would prevent them from neutralizing that small task force of the 10th Armored and regain the Zerf road. They could then erase all our efforts and the situation would revert to that which existed before we appeared. They knew that and, better, we knew that they knew it. That’s why the men improved their positions and that’s why every man was wide awake in his fox hole that night. We wouldn’t be caught napping at any cost. Yet, the night passed on quickly with no action. The fog was more dense than ever. Why weren’t they coming? Didn’t the Germans always favor such weather for an attack? Yet it wasn’t coming, but then IT DID COME. At 0700 hours it came – came when you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. But yet it shouldn’t have come – at least not for them. For they were caught in the small arms fire and cross machine gun fire of “E” and “C” Companies and part of “A” Company. In no time at all, the morning air was filled with the unmerciful cries and screams of the Germans. The attack was almost over before it began. They suffered tremendous casualties and we gained 145 prisoners. Daylight arrived and looked down upon the dead bodies of well over a hundred Germans. For the fourth straight time, we had lowered the limb on them and had already accounted for approximately 350 prisoners of war, plus several hundred killed and wounded. Interrogation of prisoners revealed that we had practically accounted for one complete battalion and part of another. Further interrogation revealed that they were good troops from the 136th Regiment of the Second Montain Division; that they knew who we were, and their orders were to “account for in full, our Ranger Battalion”. Well, as yet, they were far from successful, but we knew they wouldn’t, stop trying. Our situation now dwindled down to more or less of a personal fight; -- the Rangers against the Mountain boys. Well, we were on top so far and we meant to stay there. If they wanted us that badly, they would have to come and get us, but, they had better come fighting. We had arriver there the 25th and it was now the 27th, and we were still there. The remainder of that day passed off in relative quiet. They hit us with moderate artillery and SP fire, and, caused a few casualties, but in the main, things weren’t as active as the early part of the day. Moreover, Colonel Sullivan, now decided to abandon our defensive policy and assume the offensive. South of us, was the very advantageous high ground which once attained, would be a feather in our caps. Preparations were made and the next day we would try to pull the trick. February 28th 1945. Our 48 hour job was well over a hundred hours, now. We would like, we were even praying to be relieved, yet we knew that the higher-ups were doing their best. They would relieve us as soon as it was possible. Besides, we couldn't think of that right now, the attack was due soon. At 0900 hours, Lt. Harbin of Denison, Texas, “C” Company, took a very strong combat patrol out to feel out the enemy force occupying some houses in our zone of attack. Opposition was stiff for about fifteen minutes, but after being partially outflanked and influenced by our bazookas, all firing ceased and a total of 105 prisoners, including three officers, were taken. At 1130 hours, Companies “C” and “D” jumped off to secure the nose of the hill. The terrain was heavily wooded with a steep climb all the way, initially, the attack was unopposed – sniper and occasional machine gun fire. When about half way to their objective, they were suddenly welcomed with exceptionally intense artillery fire and rocket fire. These were different rockets than the men had ever met before and these men had become acquainted with rockets on “D” Day itself. Yet, these were seemingly something unknown. The concussion was tremendous and, combined with the artillery, inflicted heavy casualties. It halted the advance momentarily, but, soon both companies pushed steadily on, drove off or killed all the defenders and shortly, thereafter, gained the nose of the hill itself. After a few hours of respite, Company “A” drew up abreast of “D” Company and both companies advanced rapidly with opposition again being majorally artillery and rockets. Those damn rockets seemed to never stop, nor however, did our men. 200 yards from the top of the hill, the attack was temporarily halted by intense, small arms and machine gun fire supported by SP guns. The enemy chose this moment to attack, but, once again they were repulsed with ten PWs being taken. Yet, our attacking force was not strong enough, so it was decided to dig in there. At dusk, “F” Company moved into position on the right of “A” and “B” Company, in between “C” and “D”. Throughout the night, moderate artillery and those ever present rockets rained on the positions of all companies. From 1130 hours that day, the rockets had beaten down on the men, and both were now mutual acquaintances. Only, this was a kindship that carried with it nothing but blood and death, plus ever present anxiety and fear. Yet, not a man moved from his respective post; in the army parlance, they sweated it out and then sweated it out some more. Cold facts can give you a better realization of just how much fire we received that night. There were 400 rounds of rockets, 600 rounds of 105 artillery and 65 rounds of artillery larger than 200 mm. This in addition to the nuisance patrols endeavoring to infiltrate through our positions and find our C.P. They were the least of our worries, and were bustled off to the tune of our M1s and BARs. That night, Colonel Sullivan delegated “F” and “A” Company to shove off at dawn the following morning, and to seize the five pillboxes and all positions atop it. The other companies were informed of this impending attack, and throughout the night, every last man in the Battalion deliberated within himself, its chances of success. God alone knows how many prayers were said for it. It must succeed or else we would be sitting like a bump on a log in our present position. Its chances were good – we were to receive tremendous artillery support and the men knew that they could approach under this rolling barrage almost to the very pillboxes themselves. Well, enough of such reasoning, better snatch a little sleep. Tomorrow will tell the story. And tomorrow did tell the story. At 0500 hours, March 1st, the artillery began and kept pounding away at the enemy positions for one sustained hour. The boys from “A” and “F” moved out fast, thanking their lucky stars for this artillery and moved under its protective cover as if it were an umbrella. The Germans never knew what came about – they were as puzzled as a KO victim of Joe Louis’ punches. 30 minutes after they moved out, the report came back that they had gained their objective, capturing 105 Enlisted Men and 10 officers without suffering a casualty themselves. It seemed unbelievable to the Germans, that we could follow up the artillery so closely. Yet, these boys did and completely took them before they were actually aware of their presence. The remainder of the Battalion was as happy as pigs in mud -–yet there was no time for waiting. The other companies were quickly sent up and a Battalion defense was inauguarated in no time at all. Once again the spirits reigned high. We had the heights at our complete disposal and our chances of relief were ever brighter. The 10th Armored was successfully exploiting its breach and elements of 301st Infantry were definitely approaching us. Relief would no doubt be soon on hand and brother, we needed it; as yet Superman and Flash Gordon had not joined the Rangers. We were tired – we were darn tired. Nothing on Gods good earth held a more beautiful future for us than a place to sleep and rest. Everyone felt sure that we would soon be relieved – but not just yet. The remainder of the day was spent ducking the artillery and the seemingly endless stream of rockets. We were all wondering just where they got all the rocket ammunition; they were expending it as freely as the do-re-mi of the drunken sailor. The ever small patrols were spotted during the day, but no large scale action. Suddenly, however, at about 1900 hours, the Jerries tried to take us again. This time they tried it without the help of artillery. The darkness of the night was exceptionally partial to infiltration and they apparently decided to try it. Within no time at all, the air was filled with beaucoup firing. The enemy particularly hit “B” and “C” Companies hard, and with large numbers. Some of the fox holes were over-run and often the men in their holes didn’t know whether or not the man in the adjacent fox holes were Krauts or not. Captain Snyder of Alexander, Virginia, and Captain Pepper of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Commanding Officers of “C” and “B”, had to pull back their lines somewhat and hold off there. Meanwhile, “A” and “D” Companies moved up from their former positions to strengthen the flanks. The firing continued solidly for about 25 minutes and then ceased as suddenly as it began. Every trigger finger was tense with readiness for the sign of movement or ruse. Throughout the night, they remained that way until dawn itself showed that the Krauts had withdrawn. Once again, for the sixth consecutive time, they were knocked back on their heels. This time seemed to be the clincher, for never again did they try a large scale attack. Their losses now were really staggering and they had not in all their attempts, gained one substantial yard. It would have been swell for our relief to arrive then, on that fine morning of March 2nd, but unfortunately it didn’t. Nor on the third nor the fourth, but in the very first hour of the 5th. One o’clock that morning we pulled out. What had been a 48 hour job, multiplied itself into 220 hours – over nine days. Indeed the amount of rest the men had during those nine days was practically negligible. Every day was but a repetition of the previous ones; up to the very minute we were relieved. Incessant artillery and rockets, and always the threat of attacks and the attacks themselves. Nine days of it but yet the men could certainly derive the greatest pride and satisfaction from their achievements. With a total of over what eventually totaled approximately 700 PWs, hundreds killed or wounded, they had accounted for the greater part of the 136th Regiment of the Second Mountain Division. Better yet, they played a stellar role in the break through which eventually asserted itself on the very east banks of the Rhine. We had paid for that remarkable feat with the many dead and wounded of our closest buddies – men who had become attached to us like our own kin-folk. Their loss is still poignat but each and every Ranger feels that they too, somewhere, are bathing in the well deserved praise and credit which has engulfed the Battalion from all sides. Better yet in the praise of the Battalion Commander, Colonel Sullivan and all the other officers, that, “They performed in a manner far surpassing their already high expectations and hopes”. In all truth, a job well done – well done. |
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