HEADQUARTERS

COMPANY "A", 146 ENGINEER (C) BATALLION

12 Nov 1944

REPORT OF ACTION AT VOSSENACK, GERMANY

          At 06 1030 November 1944, Captain Ball, C.O., Company "A" was called to Battalion Headquarters. There he was informed that his company was on a two (2) hour alert to be used as infantry and to assemble his company in the vicinity............ ...........The company was assembled there at 1215 hours. There they were informed to assemble again in woods one-half (1/2) mile west of Vossenack, Germany and wait there until Lt Col Isley went into Vossenack to learn the situation. After reaching last assembly area, Captain Ball was informed to deploy his company and to move into Vossenack and push the enemy out. Time was not given to learn the situation nor to give any instruction to his platoon leaders, but just move in and fight the Germans. The company moved out and into city limits where they were met with fierce artillery fire. The 1st platoon was informed that they would take the south side of town and the 2nd platoon would take the north side and drive the enemy out of town or drive them as far east as possible, the 3rd platoon bringing up the rear.

The enemy was first contacted one hundred (100) yards west of the church, where fighting continued until 1700 hours when we had taken everything down to and including the church. There we were informed to set up positions from and including the church south and west of the town with company "C" on the north side of town, with the first platoon on the left, the second in the center, and the third on the right, using the buildings and dug in positions, and making full use of heavy weapons. 30 and 50 cal. machine guns with 50cal. along possible vehicle routs. Capt Ball was ordered to move company into positions formerly occupied by the infantry, company would be guided to the positions by two infantrymen, who were familiar with their location and be prepared to assist company "C"  in their attack at 0700 hours by bringing fire on the enemy rear. Location of any houses occupied by company "A" be furnished Battalion Headquarters prior to start of morning attack.

At approximately 06 1115 November 1944, Company "A" moved out in column of files with the first platoon in the lead, followed by the second and third platoons who covered the rear of the march. As scouts, we used two men, one infantryman who was our guide and was familiar with the former infantry position. As we approached the town from the south, the infantry guide stated that he was lost and didn't know where the former positions were. Capt. Ball halted the company and sent Lt. Kehaly with one of the guides to see if they could locate positions at which time the company became engaged in a fierce fight with the enemy. At that time the company was ordered by Capt. Ball to withdraw to the rear 150 yards. At that time the company had been surrounded and the enemy was tossing flares from all sides, and were being pinned down by artillery, mortar and machinegun fire. After making estimate of the situation, company was formed in same position for withdrawal back into position at church. In moving back the enemy was again contacted and the company was brought to a halt until they were wiped out and the company continued its march. After reaching the town for the second time, Capt. Ball reported to Battalion Headquarters at 070330 November 1944. Company was ordered to take up original defensive positions.

Captain Ball returned to Battalion Headquarters at 0530, he learned that the attack was to start at 0700 hours preceded by an artillery and mortar barrage. Due to changing the tank platoon, the time involved was not sufficient to enable a coordinate attack with the Engineers, consequently postponed until 0800. Plans of attack were given that Company "A" would retake the church and give supporting fire to Company "C" who would attack and drive the enemy from the town, with Company "A" protecting the left flank as the attack progressed. As the attack progressed, Company "A" took position as planned and as the enemy ran for the woods they were knocked out by supporting fire from the flank by Company "A". In this attack on the church by the 1st platoon, two (2) squads attacked with one (1) squad giving supporting fire from the second floor of the Company CP, directly across the street from the church. Machine guns were not used in their attack due to the maneuverability of them. The 50 cal. machinegun was used the previous days in cleaning snipers out of houses. But due to maneuverability, they were not of great use to us.

At 1700 hours, the town had been cleared and Company "A" and "C" were informed to take up a tight perimeter of the town. And that infantry were to relieve us sometine* during the night and take up same positions. At approximately 2100 hours, the infantry began moving in and by 2200 hours they had taken over our positions, and companies had assembled in basement of company CP to await further orders. At 080130 November 1944, company was advised to move out of town and to assemble at RJ at bottom of hill west of town and entruck for company area.

s/  Sam H. Ball, Jr.

/t/  Sam H. Ball, Jr.

     Captain, C.E.

     Commanding.