Enemy Paratroopers in American Uniforms

Searching for  German Paratroopers

in American uniform

behind our lines

during the


Extract from the Monthly Report After Action Against the Enemy dated 4 January 1945

Headquarters

146th Engineer Combat Battalion


          (h)   Enemy Activity.

                  During the period  11  December  1944 to  22  December  1944, due to enemy airborne operation "Einheit Von Der Heydte"  with its mission of cutting the Eupen--Malmedy road and subsequent activity, patrols from Company "C" and H&S Company operated in the vicinity of the Battalion bivouac area. Thirty--three  (33)  paratroopers were captured and two were killed, with the prisoners being turned over to  V  Corps PW cage. The Paratroopers had evidently been infiltrating through the front lines in small groups with the intention of reassembling at some German held point.

                   From 261630  to  261830  December 1944, the Battalion bivouac area and vicinity was subjected to an enemy artillery barrage. Approximately 50 shells, estimated to be 105 MM hit the area, causing injuries to the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Carl J. Isley, end seven (7) enlisted men.


2.       ATTACHMENTS.


          (1)   From 1 December 1944 to 31 December 1944, the Battalion, except for Company "A" as

                 shown below in (2), was attached to the 1121st Engineer Combat Group and performed

                 general engineering work in the Corps area.

          (2)   From  16  December 1944  to  20  December 1944, Company "A" was attached per VOCO

                 Commanding General, V Corps, to 38th Cavalry Squadron for use as infantry. Reverted to

                 Battalion control on  20  December  1944.


3.       OPERATIONS.

            

             (a)    Combat Missions.


                    (1)       On the 16 December  1944  an enemy attack threatened a vital point  on the line of   

                                  communications to U. S. Forces in the Elsenborn, Kalterherberg area. In the late

                                  afternoon, Company "A" was committed as infantry, occupying defensive positions

                                  with 38th Cavalry Squadron, east of Monschau. This situation was critical with the

                                  enemy throwing continual counterattacks at this point and only the 38th Cavalry 

                                  Squadron and Company "A" in front of them. No immediate relief or support was

                                  expected by our units, and the enemy was able to push one platoon back about two

                                  hundred yards. However, the platoon reorganized, counterattacked and regained

                                  the lost ground plus an additional 400 yards. Company "A" withdrew after relief by

                                  the 9th Division at  201600  December  1944.  With 22 enemy captured, the company

                                  had suffered no casualties from enemy action.

                      (2)       Company "B" was alerted as infantry per VOCO, Commanding General,  V  Corps at

                                  171200  December  1944  with the mission of patrolling from..............to.............  Patrols

                                  were operating two hours after the alert, and the company was finally relieved from

                                  this task at 230800  December  1944.

             (b)    Roads and Culverts.

                      (1)       During the month of  December  1944,  the primary mission of the Battalion was the

                                  maintenance of the rods in the Corps and Division areas. The first half of the month

                                  heavy rains made the problem of drainage especially acute and effort was

                                  concentrated on opening existing culverts, removing vegetation and other

                                  obstructions from drainage ditches. Towards the end of the month, snowfalls

                                  necessitated concentration of efforts in removal of snow from roads and the sanding

                                  of icy stretches of roads.

                      (2)       Company "C" constructed culvert.............in Kalterherberg, using 12" concrete culvert

                                  and completed the job  19  December  1944.

                      (3)        Twenty--four hours officer reconnaissance was maintained on roads in assigned

                                  sector from  22  December to 31 December  1944, with a report being made every six

                                  hours to the  V  Corps  Engineer.

             (c)     Bridges

                      (1)        Company "A" installed a 3" x  10"  Treadway on 2  December 1944 on bridge at.......

                      (2)        Company "B" reinforced bridge at...........  to a class 40 by adding new stringers, floor

                                   and treads. Completed  16  December  1944.

             (d)    Mines

                      (1)        Company "A" removed minefield No. 316, consisting of 87 AT mines, eighty six (86)

                                   mines were removed (one mine having been previously detonated) on 15  December

                                  1944.

                      (2)        Company "B" began installing AP minefield in general area.............. on  23

                                   December  1944. On   25  December  1944, following work was completed:

                                               Base line of 160 sections staked in, 11,000 yards barbed wire strung, 224 AP

                                               mines installed, but pins not pulled.

                                               Changes in plans necessitated the removal of this partially completed field

                                               and such work began  26  December  1944. The field was completely removed

                                               26 December  1944.

                      (3)        Company "A" began installing AP minefield in general area..................... on 23

                                   December 1944. On  25  December, the following work was completed:

                                               Base line of 113 sections staked in.

                                               8,000 yards barbed wire strung.

                                               144 AP mines installed, but pins not pulled.

                                               Changes in plans necessitated removal of this partially completed field and

                                               such work began  26  December  1944. the field was completely removed  26

                                               December  1944.

                      (4)        Company "B" began installing AP mine field running southwest from................ on 28

                                   December  1944. Installation of barrier (No 6A in Corps Barrier Plan) was completed

                                   31  December  1944. Mine field consisted of 108 sections, 8000 yards of barbed wire

                                   strung around field with mine field markers, and 409 AP mines. 

             (e)    (1)        Landing Fields.

                                  (a)  Company "B" cut hedgerows and cleared trees at  V  Corps air strip (vicinity of

                                         Eupen) for artillery observation planes, on 10  December  1944.

                      (3)        Preparation of Road Blocks.

                                   (a)  Company "B" established  a road block (No 5x in Corps Barrier Plan) on Eupen--

                                          Monschau road  ...................... consisting of three sets of necklaced mines and

                                          abatis. This block was completed  17  December  1944, and the 9th Division

                                          controlled the blowing of it, with liaison being maintained with the division. 

                                   (b)  Company "C" prepared bridges for demolition, according to Corps Barricade

                                          Plan, ..................... Road was prepared for cratering................ and this was

                                          completed  20  December  1944. one squad was left as guard on each of the

                                          prepared sites, with the 9th Division controlling the blowing and liaison

                                          maintained with that Division.

                                   (c)  Upon Corps orders, Company "C" removed the prepared charges from

                                          bridges..................... on  22  December  1944. 

                                         



                                                                                                                                       CECIL F. CLARK

                                                                                                                                             Major,  C. E.

                                                                                                                                           Commanding

                  

Background Photo credit:

National Archives of the United States


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COMMENDATION

HQ  38TH  CAV  RCN  SQ

9  January  1945

SUBJECT:    Commendation


THRU        :    Commanding General,  V  Corps, ........... U. S. Army


TO              :     Commanding Officer,  146th Engineer Battalion, ............. U. S. Army


                 1.  During the period  16  December  to  21 December, Company A, 146th Engineer Battalion under command of Captain Ball, was attached to the 38th Cavalry Squadron. At this time the 38th Cavalry Squadron was defending the MONSCHAU area against attack of a strong German force with the mission of cutting the MONSCHAU--EUPEN Road and against an additional strong enemy Paratroop force operating in the Squadron rear. Platoons of Company A were attached to Troops B and C and bolstered the thinly-held Cavalry line under repeated German attacks. This was done willingly and efficiently and contributed greatly to the successful repelling of the determined German attack.


                 2.  I desire to commend the officers and enlisted men of Company A, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, for their invaluable assistance in preventing the German attacking force from cutting the MONSCHU--EUPEN  Road.


                                                                                                                                                    /s/ Robert E. O'Brien, Jr.

                                                                                                                                                    /t/  ROBERT E. O'BRIEN, JR.

                                                                                                                                                          Lt. Col, Cavalry

                                                                                                                                                          Commanding

Change of Command

The following are extracts from the daily Unit Reports and  the daily Combined  Hourly Journals,  from 1  December  1944 to  31  December  1944,  issued by Headquarters  146th Engineer Combat Battalion.

The text in black is verbatim extract of the Official Reports.

The text in blue is an unofficial running commentary intending to sequentially depict the incidents as they occured.

UNIT REPORT NO. 173

         

          From:   301200  November  44

          To     :   011200  December  44

Maps :      GSGS  4416,  sheets  T1  &  S1 *

* These maps are not available.


2.   OWN SITUATION


      a.   Location of Command Posts.

            (1)   146th Engr  C  Bn  -  K-860214. *

* The Battalion  CP remained at the same coordinates until  27  December  1944.  From statements made in the Combined Journals, it is deduced that

     this location  was in the vicinity of   Monschau  at  Robertville, Belgium.


        Operations.

          (3)       "C" Company

                      (a)   One platoon furnishing Battalion security.

                      (b)   One platoon to assume Group security in PM  01  December  1944.

                      (c)   Maintaining road ...........................

     The remainder of the Bn was engaged in general engineering work in the Bn's area of responsibility between Elsenborn and Kalterherburg, Germany

    


UNIT REPORT NO. 179


          From    :   061200  December  44

          To        :   071200  December  44

          Operations.

          (1)   "A" Company

                      (a)   Relieved Company "C"  of 1121st Engr (C) Group and 146th Engr (C) Battalion security details at 070800

                             Dec  44.

     The remainder of the Bn was engaged in general engineering work in their respective areas of responsibility.


UNIT REPORT NO. 182

          From    :   091200  December   44

          To        :   101200  December  44

          Operations.

          (1)   "C" Company

                      (f)   One platoon conducting training in American and German mines and booby traps.

No change in status of operations of all other complements of  the Bn to this date.


UNIT REPORT NO. 186

          From    :   131200  December  44

          To        :   141200  December  44


1.   ENEMY

     a.   Summary of Enemy Activity.

           (1)   Two trucks damaged by enemy mortar fire in vicinity of Monschau railroad yard.

     b.  Operations.

          (1)   "A"  Company

                   (a)   Relieved of Group security as of 140800 Dec..

                   (b)   Relieved of Battalion security as of 140800  Dec..

          (2)   "B"  Company

                   (a)   One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st Engr C Gp as of 140800.

                   (b)   One platoon furnishing security detail for 146th Engr C Bn as of 140800.

          (3)   "C"  Company

                   (a)   One platoon attached to Vernon* for engineer operations.

* Code name for 254th Engr (C) Bn.

No change in status of operations of all other elements of the Bn to this date.


UNIT REPORT NO. 187

          From    :   141200  December  44

          To        :   151200  December  44


1.   ENEMY

      a.   Summary of Enemy Activity.

            (1)   A projectile falling almost vertically and approximately coming from a southwest direction fell at............. Two

                   trees about 4" in diameter were broken off at heights of 10' and 15' above the ground. Crater about 4' in diameter

                   and 1' deep. No traces of shrapnel or fragments could be found in the area. Crater located about 500 ft. west of

                   "C" Company C. P.

      b.   Operations.

            (1)   "A"  Company

                     (c)    Completed removal of minefield No. 316, consisting of 87 AT mines, at  151100  Dec  $$. One mine had

                              been blown.

            (2)   "B"   Company

                     (a)    One platoon furnishing security detail for 146th Engr C Bn.

                     (b)    Relieved of Group Security as of 141600  Dec  44.

            (3)   "C"   Company

                     (a)    One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st Engr C Gp. as of 14600 Dec  44.*

                     (b)    Company C (less two platoons) moving.................

* 3rd Platoon of Company "C"


Combined Journal  15  December  1944, No. 168 


1135               S-2:  Rcn Sect checked details of explosion by unidentified projectile near Co C area 141630 Dec  44


1900               S-3: Capt Howard to S-3 -- completed Bridge near Hofen at 1800. Bridge passable but will need some finishing

                      touches in AM  16 Dec.


1930               S-3: Capt Ball to S-3 -- 150 mines removed from field No 313 marked with wire & triangles on friendly side, but

                      112th was stringing more wire.


No change in status of operations of all other elements of the Bn to this date.


UNIT REPORT NO. 188


          From   :   151200  December  44

          To        :   161200  December  44


2.   OWN SITUATION


     a.  Location of Command Posts

          (1) 146th Engr C Bn  --(less Company "C" ) K-860214. *

          (2) Company "C" (less one platoon) ..............

          (3) One Platoon, Company "C" ..............

* Same location as reported in Unit Report No. 173


      b.  Operations

          (2)   "B"   Company

                   (a)    One platoon furnishing security detail for 145th Engr C Bn.

          (3)  "C"    Company

                   (b)    One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st  Engr C Gp.*

* 3rd Platoon - - Plat.  Ldr.  Lt.  L.  Fox - -


Combined Journal  16  December  1944, No. 169:


IN        OUT                MESSAGES                                                         ACTION TAKEN


1520               S-3: Rec'd call from Col Patillo                                     Called and notified Co "A"

                      to report to Col O'Brien at......                                      to be at...................as

                       .........and to alert one company                                    soon as possible.

                      immediately to serve as infantry.


           1525   S-3: Maj Baker called to check

                      with Col McDonough on call from                                Alerted "B" Co. Also on

                      Col Pattillo.                                                                    advice of Col McDonough.

      

           1700   S-3: Maj Baker & Capt Ball con-

                      tacted Col O'Brien at Visual* CP

                      in Monschau. Co A attached to

                      Visual at 1700 to reinforce the

                      Cavalry on the line east of Mon-

                      schau.

* Visual - code name for 38th Cavalry Squadron


1710               S-3: Rec'd call from Lt Fox re-

                      questing two trucks & 1/4 Ton for

                      possible Gp. move.                                                        Dispatched.


2000               S-3: Lt Reeves to S-3 - Monschau                               Permission given to use

                      receiving some artillery and mor-                                 prisoners. S-4 will re-

                      tar fire. Visual will feed Co. A.                                      lease WP guards & will

                      Capt. Ball needs another squad,                                   relieve bridge guards.

                      which I'll have to make up from

                      WP guards, bridge guards, etc.


UNIT REPORT NO. 189


          From    :   161200   December  44

          To        :   171200   December  44


    b.   Operations

          (1)   "A"   Company

                   (a)    Alerted as infantry at 161520 Dec $$, by direct order of Col Patillo.

                   (b)    Assembled and attached to 38th Cavalry Squadron in Monschau at 161700 Dec  44. Occupying defensive

                            positions with 38th Cavalry east of Monschau.

          (2)   "B"   Company

                   (b)    Alerted as infantry at 17200 December 1944 with mission of patrolling line from...............to ..........(tentative)

                            and establishing road blocks on Eupen Monschau road east of above line.

          (3)   "C"   Company

                   (a)    Moved from...........to ............. at 170700 Dec  44.

                   (b)    Moved from...........to ............. at 170900 Dec  44

                   (c)    Capt Wall reported in to CP at 17200 Dec  44 to establish contact as communication lines were out. Had no

                            knowledge of 254th Engr C n. Had contacted one Sergeant of the organization, but he knew nothing of the

                            situation.

                   (d)    Capt Wall ordered to move Company to K-860214* by way of Eupen.

* At Robertville, in the Bn CP area.

No change of status of operations of other elements of the Bn.



Combined Journal  17  December  1944, No. 170


IN          OUT              MESSAGES                                                       ACTION TAKEN


0330                   S-3: Maj Clark to S-3  -  Col Mc-

                          Donough called to have Co B send

                          out patrols to check road for

                          emergency repairs. Also be es-

                          specially alert for parachutists,

                          and for enemy agents tampering

                          with communications lines. Also

                          advised that Co C. had moved to

                          the vicinity of Vernon.

\

0930                   S-3:  T/4 Cakam returned to CP.

                          Reports artillery & mortar fire

                          in Monschau. No counter Attack.


1030                   S-3: Lt. Col. from Armored Unit

                          stopped in CP to check possible

                          routes for movement of tanks.

                          Reported that paratroops had

                          landed during the night.


1130                   S-3: Lt Anderson, V Corps - Alert

                          one company to set up a patrol

                          line from............to ...................

                          and to establish road blocks east

                          of line on the Eupen-Monschau road                         Assigned to Co B.


1145                   S-3: Capt Wall reported in to es-

                          tablish contact as communication

                          lines were out. Had no knowledge

                          of 254th Engr C Bn. had contacted

                          one Sergeant of the organization                               Capt Wall ordered to shove

                          but knew nothing of the sit-                                        his Co to K-860214 by

                          uation.                                                                          way of Eupen.


1200                   S-3: Lt Anderson, V Corps - Re-

                          ported that a penetration had                                     Bn. mission remains the

                          been made to Mutzenich.                                           same.


1330                   S-3: Capt Howard reports two (2)

                          platoons moving out to assume de-

                          fensive position. Assigned above.

                          One platoon will move out as soon

                          as relieved of Bn guard. 


1400                   S-3: Capt Pipka reported in from                               Reported that penetration

                          78th Div Hqs.                                                              had been sealed off.


1510                   Lt. Meier reported in that                                          Ordered to bring Company

                          Co. C was now at Roberville*                                    to area.

* (Typo)  Should be -- Robertville


From 1515 hours to 1715 hours, S-2 received reports of German ammo found in Co. "A" aerea  as  were 7 parachutes and a blue booklet believd to be

troop passport.  Appropriate action taken, reported to higher Hq. , patrol sent out but made no contact with the enemy.


2000                  S-3:  Lt. Reeves to S-3 -- Returned

                         from Monschau situation about same

                         Cavalry has line established. 


UNIT REPORT NO. 190

           From: 171200  December  44

           To    :  181200  December  44

1.   ENEMY

      a.   Summary of Enemy Activity.

            (1)  German paratrooper captured in vicinity od Battalion bivouac area  (K-860214) at 181100  Dec  44.  Turned

                   over to  V  Corps, Cage.

2.   OWN SITUATION


       b.   Operations

             (1)   "A" Company

                      (a)  Attached to 38th Cavalry Squadron and maintaining defensive line with Cavalry east of Monschau.

             (2)   "B" Company

                      (a)   Maintaining line of outposts and patrols from...............where contact line with 112th Engr C Bn is being

                             maintained to...............

                      (b)   Prepared trees for demolition on Eupen -- Monschau road ................

                     


                                                                                  

                                                                              Photo Credit:  Anne Stephens


                      (c)   Prepared double row of AT mines on ropes, seven on one and eight on the second in front of three prepared

                             abatis. Liaison being maintained with 47th Infantry relative to road blocks.

            (3)   "C"  Company

                     (a)   Company C (less one platoon) moved into Bn. bivouac area at K- 860214 at 171900  Dec  44.

                     (b)   Three patrols searching area in vicinity of Battalion bivouac area ...........for paratroopers.


Combined Journal  19  December  1944  No. 172


0830                 S-3 Capt Howard to S-3 -- All                                     Capt. Howard ordered to

                        quiet on patrol line. Two buzz                                      search for duds on possi-                        

                        bombs landed in vicinity of Bn                                    bility they might be

                        area. Apparently duds.                                                supplying paratroops.   


1300               S-3: Capt Wall reported in that

                        patrols had found no paratroopers

                        in the area.


1700                 S-3: Lt. Anderson, V corps to S-3 --

                        Co. B will maintain patrol line

                        until relieved by  V  Corps. Para-

                        troopers are roaming and there is

                        no contact with them.


1915                 S-3: Lt Anderson,  V  Corps to S-3 --

                        Prepare three bridges on Eupen

                        Rotgen road for demolition. Also

                        prepare road crater at good spot

                        near reservoir.                                                             Assigned to Co C.


UNIT REPORT NO. 192


          From :   191200  December  44

          To     :   201200  December  44


1.  ENEMY


     a.  Summary of Enemy Activity.

          (1)   Fifteen (15) German paratroopers captured southwest of Battalion bivouac area (K-869214). Up to 201200,  7 of

                 these prisoners had been turned over to Victor PW Cage; 4 others, wounded, were evacuated thru medical            

                 channels. Remaining four (4) prisoners to be taken to Victor PW Cage...............



          (1)  Brief interrogation of prisoners indicated they were returning to their own lines. Size of enemy force undetermined,

                as answers of prisoners varied, indicating 80 to a regiment of men.


UNIT REPORT NO. 193

          From:   201200  December  44

          To    :   211200  December  44


2.  OWN SITUATION

    

     a.   Location of Command Posts.

           (1)  146th Engr C Bn; Company A; Company B; Company C (less One platoon) - K860214

           (2)  One platoon , Company C  -  K-747243.*

* Believed to be coordinates for vicinity of  Houffalize, Belgium


The entire complement of the 146th ECB  (less one platoon Co. C which was providing security for the 1121st Engr C Gp)  was bivouacked around Bn Hq, 

in Vicinity of  Robertville, Belgium.


UNIT REPORT NO. 194


          From:   211200  December  44

          To    :   221200  December  44


1.  ENEMY

    

     a.  Summary of Enemy Activity

          (1)   Two (2) German Soldiers were found dead in "C" Company area, 211600  Dec  44. Believed to have been killed by

                  our patrols  that have been searching vicinity for Paratroopers.


Combined Journal  22  December  1944 No. 175


0620                S-3: Lt Brown to S-3 -- Gp

                       radio message "enemy tank

                       operating between Vernon and Viceroy.


          0645     S-3:  S-3 to Capt Ball -- Send

                       two bazookamen and two grena-

                       diers to Capt Wall, who will

                       move outpost forward some

                       and place AT mines.


0745                S-3: Lt Croon reports that one

                       enemy tank operating in area

                       ...................., might possibly

                       be American captured by para-

                       troopers.


Combined Journal  23  December  1944 No. 176


1120                S-3: Msg.  V  Corps -- All troops

                       forward of route N27 and N28

                       will carry gas masks.                                                    All Co's notified.


UNIT REPORT NO. 196

         

          From:   231200  December  44

          To    :   241200  December  44


1.       ENEMY


          a.   Summary of Enemy Activity

                (1)  At about 1100 hrs  23, Dec., 1st platoon of Company "A" was working on minefield in vicinity.............

                An enemy entrenching shovel was discovered in the grass just off a small trail. The men decided to investigate.

                The trail led to a small wooden lookout tower in the woods. Upon investigation of its contents, five sleeping enemy

                paratroopers were discovered. The enemy was armed but surrendered without a struggle, The prisoners were

                turned over to the Bn stockade  and were evacuated to Victor PW Cage at 1300 hrs  23  Dec  44.


UNIT REPORT NO. 199


          From:  261200  December  44

          To    :   271200  December  44


1.        ENEMY


          a.   Summary of Enemy Activity

                (1)  Approximately 50 shells, estimated to be 105 mm, landed in Battalion area and vicinity (K-860214) from 261630

                       to 261830  Dec  44. One officer and seven EM injured; with one officer and four EM being evacuated.


All other elements of the Bn pursuing assigned tasks of removing AP mines, maintaining guard on barriers, patrolling Mutzenich -- Kalterherberg road,

maintaining Eupen --  Mutzenich road and furnishing security for 1121st Engr C Gp.


Combined Journal  26  December 1944 No. 179


1430                S-3: Bn area received enemy artil

                       lery fire, approximately 50 rounds

                       from 261630  to  261830. Lt Col

                       Isley and 7 EM injured. Col Isley

                       and 4 EM evacuated.


          1930     S-3: S-3 to Col McDonough -- Ad

                       vised Col McDonough of situation

                       and action taken. Maj Clark to

                       command of Battalion.


UNIT REPORT NO. 200

          From:   271200  December  44

          To    :   281200  December  44


1.        ENEMY


          a.   Summary oc Enemy Activity

                (1)   Working parties along Mutzenich --  Kalterherberg road hampered in their activity by sporadic shell fire. Shells

                        have hit alongside road but none have damaged the road itself.

                (2)   Air bursts reported in vicinity ................... at 281040  Dec  44.


2.        OWN SITUATION


           b.   Operations

                 (3)   "C" Company

                          (a)   Security platoon* at 1121st Engr C Gp relieved by Company A in AM  28  Dec  44.

                 (5)   146th Engr C Bn Fwd CP opened at K-820259 at 281000  Dec  44.


* The 3rd Platoon Company "C" was finally relieved from 1121st Engr C Gp security detail and rejoined the Company at its  location. Resummed general       engineer activities.


UNIT REPORT NO. 201

      

          From:   281200  December  44

          To    :   291200  December  44


1.       ENEMY

      

          a.   Summary of Enemy Activity

                (1)  Unexploded robot bomb discovered  ............. Reported to Victor at 281715  Dec  44.


From  29200  December  44  to 312100  December  44  all elements of the Battalion performed general engineer work, and furnished security for Bn & Gp Command Posts.


                                                             











  



      

                 

                  


                      






 









































































































Two wounded German Paratroopers given 1st aid.


















































Photo credit: Capt. Stanley Goldman, Bn Surgeon

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