|
|
|
|
|
481st AAA (AW) Battalion
Index
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1942 JANUARY 1943 FEBRUARY 1943 MARCH 1943 APRIL 1943 MAY1943
JUNE 1943 JULY 1943 AUGUST 1943 SEPTEMBER 1943 OCTOBER 1943 NOVEMBER 1943
DECEMBER 1943 JANUARY 1944 FEBRUARY 1944 MARCH 1944 APRIL 1944 MAY 1944 JUNE 1944
JULY 1944 AUGUST 1944 SEPTEMBER 1944 OCTOBER 1944 NOVEMBER 1944 DECEMBER 1944
November – December 1942
Pursuant to the authority contained in the letter Antiaircraft Artillery Command, Richmond, Virginia, General Order 1 of the 481st Coast Artillery Battalion was published on 20 November 1942, officially activating the organization. On this date, a cadre of 94 enlisted men and one officer from the Western Defense Command detrained at Camp Davis and were assigned and joined the unit. This nucleus, on which the battalion was to be built, was drawn from several organizations which had been on duty around Los Angeles. This same date saw the original duty assignments and, for the first time, the organization was ready to function as a unit.
These six weeks, from activation to the first of the year, were very active weeks. A day of considerable importance was the day of the cadre’s arrival. The Battalion officers met the cadre and its accompanying officer at the train, and proceeded from there to what proved to be a temporary area. Everything had been arranged for the arrival of this contingent, and it was the unanimous observation of the cadremen that their new outfit had all the earmarks of a good home. The following day lent this observation further credence when the Commanding Officer spoke to the men in a most heartwarming manner, making crystal clear his intent to establish esprit de corps in the 481st, which inspired the new arrivals.
A program of training designed to bring the cadre, both officers and enlisted men, up to the highest possible standards was instituted. This schedule consisted of lectures and practical schooling, along with a share of hikes and controlled athletics for physical conditioning. The men were also furloughed, most for the first time, and this proved to be a great morale factor.
At Christmastime, there was a Christmas Eve show given by the cadremen that proved to be a nice introduction to the Christmas Day activities, which included a gala dinner attended by the officers, their wives and the cadremen. The holidays were not neglected, nor were duties, and the first of the year found all personnel eagerly awaiting the arrival of fillers, whom were expected at any time.
January 1943
The first days of January found the Battalion in a state of busy preparation for the first fillers. The first elements arrived on the third of January, totaling 70 enlisted men, who were assigned and joined. These were followed by 150 others who were assigned and joined on the fifth of January. 76 men assigned and joined on the ninth and 456 more assigned and joined on the on the fifteenth. These fillers were predominately from Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Texas and New Mexico. The Battalion was very fortunate because its first fillers were high caliber, and in later days were to show this caliber in their quick response to training.
There was the usual necessity for disciplinary measures during the initial phase, but a policy of just and considerate action against first offenders proved to be a sound one. Many men who might have proved to be malcontents and troublemakers were brought up to the standards of good soldiers.
The month of January found the Battalion entering into its prescribed eight week preliminary training period with night classes held in communications, operations, administration and guns. By the end of January, our first inspection in ranks had been held. The rough edges were already noticeably being polished off.
February 1943
A practice of Antiaircraft Command at that time was to furnish cadres to activating organizations and commit them to furnishing a cadre for the same purpose 120 days from the date of their activation. This was a problem for advanced planning, and had been taken into consideration at an early date, but it wasn’t until February that the plan could be put into effect, because the men had to first be brought up to standard. In February, however, fillers were assigned to understudy cadremen, and in some instances there were as many as three men working and studying on the same job. Various factors had to be taken into consideration. Foremost, of course, was the necessity of training a cadre who would be able to perform their duties in a superior manner.
As many of the cadremen were beginning to shape up as key men in the Battalion team, it was obvious that a good percentage of the new cadre would be made up of fillers. Naturally, some of the highest caliber lads were known losses to OCS and to a new program that was just developing – ASTP [Army Specialized Training Program]. It was found, however, by interviewing the most qualified men and checking their qualifications that the final assignments or understudies for the cadre could be made with a high degree of accuracy, and this proved to be true in the final phase.
The Battalion participated in its first formal ceremony in February and performed in a highly satisfactory manner. The ceremony was a Post Review for General Smith, who was retiring from active duty.
On 28 February 1943, the Battalion moved to Fort Fisher for advanced training and various phases of practice firing at Sears Landing. It was the Battalion’s first move, and the principles laid down on that move were to profit the Battalion considerably on future moves.
March 1943
Fort Fisher was located on the Atlantic Coast, about six miles south of Wilmington, North Carolina. At the time of the Battalion’s arrival, the camp was comparatively new as a permanent post, but had long been used as a practice firing point. The training conditions at this fort were highly satisfactory. There were obstacle courses and an adjoining beach where the men could be put through a physical training program. In addition, the Battalion programmed daily hikes through the wooded terrain that surrounded the camp.
It was at Fort Fisher, in the month of March, that the various batteries got their first live firing practice on the fifty calibers and forty millimeters at sleeve targets. The Battalion as a whole made an impressive record at this post in competition with other battalions with equivalent training.
In March we were inspected by the Inspector General. The necessity for preparation was at a minimum, for it was felt that on the whole the Battalion was up to standard. This was proven to be correct when the Inspector General’s report came through grading the Battalion as excellent.
By this point, the high standard of morale that was beginning to shape up among the personnel of the Battalion became obvious. The Battalion was shaping up as a first-class outfit and functioning as a team.
April 1943
The first days of April found the Battalion entering a new phase of training. For the first time we were to begin field problems. These initial problems were of only a few days duration, but they proved to be very advantageous in future operations. At first, the problems were confined to one or two batteries, and the respective battery commanders would move out for reconnaissance. When they returned, the various gun sections would move in convoy to the chosen locations and would report when ready to fire. Later, the whole Battalion was involved. It is worthy of note that all these moves were timed, and the success of the problem had much to do with the speed in which the move was accomplished. It is a matter of record at Fort Fisher that this Battalion, in competition with other battalions in an equivalent training status, was at the top.
20 April was the date set for the cadre to be ready for transfer to a new organization. On that date, they were duly transferred to the 796th Battalion, which was to activate at Camp Stewart, Georgia.
With the advent of the cadre’s departure, it was felt by the men and officers that the Battalion could expect an assignment at any time. There was considerable restlessness as the Battalion was anxious to be sent out on an assigned job.
[Effective April 30, 1943, the 481st Coast Artillery Battalion (AA) was officially redesignated as the 481st Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (semimobile).]
May 1943
Field problems continued, and this training proved to be advantageous as each move found us gaining a greater proficiency in getting in and out of position. Training in general remained along the same lines, but increasingly more intensive. A new obstacle course had been erected and was considerably more effective for conditioning. Both gun drill and infantry drill was being performed with snap and precision.
We had lost a considerable number of our original fillers to ASTP and OCS. An additional few were discharged, but we had drawn replacements for these losses. On the whole, we had a well-knit organization ready for any assignment that might be forthcoming.
Morale was excellent, due largely to the fact that all enlisted men had furloughs and officers leaves, but there was considerable speculation in regard to what our assignment would be. It was felt by all concerned that the sooner we were off on a mission, the better it would be.
The end of the month found the Battalion in a fine state of anticipation and preparation as Antiaircraft Artillery Command had ordered us to return to Camp Davis to prepare for a move by train. Everyone threw themselves into the business of preparation with zeal.
June 1943
The move to Camp Davis was accomplished in good fashion. Again, our field training was a valuable asset because Camp Davis was so overcrowded that we were forced to bivouac in the only available space – an open area in an easterly corner of the camp.
There was considerable activity, what with rosters to be furnished along with estimates of car space needed, to say nothing of the last-minute transfers of men to OCS. However, when our train pulled in at evening time, it was necessary to load all night in order to be on our way by the prescribed time of 0800 the next morning. We were headed for Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky. Two days later, we unloaded and marched to our assigned area, which had been arranged for by the advance party. It was known at this time that we were scheduled for the Tennessee maneuvers, and our wait at Camp Breckinridge was devoted to procuring last minute supply needs and putting the final polish on equipment.
The enlisted men and officers had access to Hendersonville, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana on pass. During the month, there were some lads who were able to get to their homes in nearby Ohio. Due to a liberal pass policy, the end of the month found the Battalion in high spirits, ready for the job ahead and anxious to be off and about it. At the month’s close, it was obvious that we’d be committed to the maneuvers any day.
July 1943
The Battalion moved from Camp Breckinridge on 29 June and arrived by train at a bivouac area just outside Lebanon, Tennessee on 2 July. Our first problem was an assignment in the Lebanon area on heights just above the Cumberland River, with the gun batteries located at assigned bridges and supply points in the same area. This problem lasted three days. Upon being relieved, the Battalion moved to a rest area just outside Hartsville, Tennessee.
Our next problem was an assignment covering the Hartsville Bridge and other vital areas in the vicinity. It was during this problem that the Blue Forces using paratroopers made our position untenable, as regarded by Headquarters Battery, and a retreat was ordered to avoid capture. This withdrawal was carried out in good order. A subsequent action of the Red Forces (of which we were a part) brought up reinforcements and regained the bridge. Some elements of our gun batteries were captured due to this action.
We proceeded from Hartsville to Gallatin, Tennessee and went into a rest area. Our next problem found us assigned to vital areas around Gallatin under the Blue Forces. This was the only time that we were under the Blue Forces. From Gallatin, we proceeded to Bowling Green, Kentucky and were assigned to an airfield there, maintaining a static position.
During the month of July, we were under the 7th Group for the first problem, then to the 112th Group for the remainder. Our Brigade was the 49th.
August 1943
At Bowling Green, we dug in our positions around the airfield in preparation for a following problem. At this time, we detached A and B Batteries, who were sent to Camp Campbell, Kentucky to supplement a 90mm battery whose mission was similar to ours, in that they were also protecting an airfield. That unit, in return, detached two 90mm gun batteries to us, and this arrangement continued until the end of maneuvers.
Bowling Green, Kentucky was a particularly nice mission, because during our rest periods we had access to the town. Also, by this time, the Battalion as a whole had become accustomed to living in the field, and what had been gripes earlier in the game had become standard operating procedure.
The later part of the month saw the maneuvers coming to their conclusion, and out part in them was a notable success for General Timberlake and the 49th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade. General Timberlake commended the Battalion for manner of performance, and there were a few individual commendations. The maneuvers had been not only a great training experience, but also the men and officers had enjoyed themselves in their free time. Thus, the Battalion had some reluctance to return to garrison, but rumors of furloughs and leaves sprang up and inspired a desire in all concerned to be off as soon as possible.
September 1943
On the first of September, the Battalion proceeded by train and truck to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky and arrived the same day. Having located ourselves in an area, the Battalion proceeded to clean itself up. There was salvage, maintenance and general housecleaning, along with show down inspections and infantry drill.
The maneuver troops were permitted furloughs, thus confirming the earlier rumors, and the allowed percentages left. It was anticipated that the furloughs and leaves would be completed by the latter part of October and that we probably wouldn’t draw another assignment until after that time.
The battalion policy on passes was liberal and the men found their free time pleasurable due to the proximity of good pass towns and service club activities. Training was kept at a peak, and conditioning of the men was a continuous activity.
On the whole, things were very quiet at Camp Breckinridge. As far as maneuver troops were concerned, it seem that the camp was designated as a jumping-off place for troops heading for maneuvers, and a resting place for troops returning.
October 1943
October brought a continuance of the activities started in September. Officers and enlisted men were completing the schedule of leaves and furloughs. Supply was salvaging worn items. The motor pool was in the process of bringing our vehicles to top shape. The medical detachment was disposing of the enlisted men found to be unfit during maneuvers, while the dental officer brought the teeth of all personnel up to requirements.
Infantry and gun drill was the order of the day for the troops on duty. Calisthenics and obstacle courses were utilized for conditioning purposes. Administration was being given a thorough check in anticipation of an Inspector General’s inspection, which we felt could come at any time.
In the main though, the month of October was a clean-up and rest period in preparation for what all personnel hoped would be an overseas assignment. The last days of the month were used in preparing for movement, as we had been informed to prepare to move within 24 hours. All that remained was a knowledge of when and where the move was to take place. We finally entrained on 29 October en route to Camp Stewart, Georgia, arriving on the 31st.
November 1943
We arrived at Camp Stewart, Georgia to find ourselves in the throws of what proved to be one of our busiest eras. Every outfit on the post was being thoroughly inspected and their training checked for possible shipment overseas. Fortunately, we’d been activated almost a year, and with the added experience that maneuvers gave us, we were able to measure up. But there’s no denying that all personnel had to put their shoulder to the wheel to meet overseas requirements.
Administration was given a thorough inspection by the Inspector General, and our advance planning for this contingency while at Camp Breckinridge served us in good stead.
Motor transportation was given a meticulous series of inspections, and though at the time there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, these inspections brought that most vital function up to a point of performance not reached before.
Training also received a shot in the arm at Camp Stewart. We had come from maneuvers feeling that we were beyond the training stage. However, that feeling was short-lived. There were newer and more difficult infiltration courses, obstacle courses, and a series of hikes culminating in a 25-mile hike, which upon completion had the men filthier than they had ever been as a group.
The month closed with morale in good shape. We enjoyed a gala Thanksgiving dinner, and there were several top-notch social functions at the service club.
December 1943
Training continued at top speed, as did the inspections. There were various courses fired - M1 rifle, grenade launcher, and machine gun. Gun crews were kept busy continually firing at sleeve targets with the 40mm and fifty calibers. It was in December that we received our first M51 mount, and as this was a new weapon, there was continuous training to be accomplished. The inspections found us steadily improving with each one, and there was a confident feeling among officers and men that we were a good battalion. All felt that we would be assigned to an overseas job.
With the Christmas holidays approaching, as liberal a pass policy as possible was devised. Many of the men were able to receive three-day passes. A few of the replacements were off on furlough, but the bulk of the Battalion kept at its hammer and tongs.
Christmas itself was a huge success, with the first three graders pitching in to cook the dinner. A particularly good feeling of a job well done permeated the atmosphere.
After Christmas, the job went back into high-gear until New Year’s Eve, when the men of the various batteries had individual parties. It was with great expectation that the Battalion as a group eyed the coming of the New Year.
January 1944
January started out to be a furtherance of the program of November and December, and the Battalion was again beginning to wonder if we’d ever get a permanent assignment. Then, all of a sudden, the air was filled with rumor. This change in atmosphere was based on solid ground, for we were busy marking boxes with a designated code, filling out last-minute supply items, and in general our activities were of a sort to indicate that soon we should be on our way.
We had received a number of replacements at Camp Stewart, and we were carrying a fifty percent overage in officers. The medical detachment was busily engaged in disposing of those enlisted men who were unfit. The administration activity was at a high-peak with last-minute checks of records that would accompany us and storage of records deemed excess. The excess officers were transferred and all men on furlough were called back to duty.
The latter part of the month brought an inspecting officer from Washington who, with his aide, carried out what proved to be a final inspection. Every officer and man endeavored to make the best showing possible, for all concerned were sure that this was it. We passed the inspection in good shape. Now, it was a matter of days before we would be on our way. But where? No one could guess.
February 1944
After several last-minute inspections by the Inspector General and all of the other personnel of the AATC, the unit moved out of Camp Stewart on the fourth of the month. Though we knew we were moving to a Port of Embarkation, it was a most welcome change. After all the months of weary training, at last we were on out way to a theater of operations. Leaving on two trains, we arrived at Camp Shanks, New York the following day. Then followed frantic scrambling to accomplish those few things that remained to be done before we set sail.
For those few who lived in New York City and vicinity, it was a disappointment not to be able to pay a last call, but all were happy when we left by train and ferry for the point of embarkation.
The SS Dutchess of Bedford was to be our home for the next few weeks and we lost no time in shaking down for a long voyage. The details assigned to the personnel were many and varied. Battery A was to man the guns on route. The remainder of the Battalion drew the inevitable policing responsibilities, and many of the individual officers drew jobs. Lt Col McCall was a deck commander, Capt Casey the S-2, Lt Donohue the S-1 of the commander of troops. Lt Berger operated a radio in the control net of the convoy.
As we left the Port of New York, there was a forecast for heavy snow and stormy weather. However, except for the first day when we were in heavy ground swells, most of the personnel managed to weather the voyage with little trouble. The weather was good, the food bad and, after the initial discomfort of the hammocks, the living quarters not bad – considering the fact that we were on a “troopship”.
At long last we sailed up the [Firth of] Clyde and on [22] February we debarked in Scotland and immediately entrained. After an all-day trip on the novel English trains, we arrived at the outlandish station of Pontypool, Monmouthshire, in southern Wales, and moved from there by truck to our new camp at Llandover Park. There we were rejoined by Lt Mack and Mr. Gusman, our advance party.
The remainder of the month was spent policing the camp and getting over the initial discoveries of the English and Welsh people. At the end of the month, the strength of the Battalion was 36 officers, 2 warrant officers and ____ enlisted men.
The rainy season was upon us and the damp climate, warm beer, and the tongue twisting Welsh names occupied most of our playtime. The training program was strenuous and designed to once again reacquaint the men with their primary weapons.
Our ordinance equipment began to arrive and the necessary cleaning and preparation for combat was undertaken. It was good to have the 40mm back again for the first time since they had been turned in at Camp Stewart back in early January.
Leaves and passes were in order, and while some managed to visit London, all had the opportunity to see the local Welsh countryside.
Late in the month of March, the Battalion moved by truck convoy to its first operational positions. Batteries C and D were assigned to Alconbury, Battalion Headquarters with Battery A to Martlesham, Heath, and Battery B to Saxmundham. This marked the first real split-up of the Battalion, but not the last.
The month end found the Battalion in high spirits and ready for any combat activity that might develop, and as our nights were a succession of alerts, it seemed likely that we might get into action at any time.
April 1944
Due to the assignments of the gun batteries of the Battalion, there was a considerable distance involved. To meet this situation, the Commanding Officer sent the Executive Officer and a Medical Officer to administer those units stationed at Alconbury, thereby insuring the best possible performance.
There was an average of three alerts per week at this time, with hostile aircraft operating at such close proximity that often their bombing activities were clearly visible. This action inspired the gun crews to an effort that noticeably exceeded their prior performance of duty.
The days were relatively quiet in regards to enemy activity, but our aircraft were constantly busy overhead. As our field was a P-47 base, it was not unusual to see as many as three sorties per day.
There were pass privileges for the men in the adjacent town of Ipswich and occasional passes to London. Thus, the Battalion as a whole was able to see something of both the rural and metropolitan habits of the English people.
During the month of April, we were under the 19th Antiaircraft Artillery Group and the 54th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade.
May 1944
May was a continuation of April’s activities, with the added feeling prevalent that the invasion of Europe might come at any time. Raids by the enemy were much the same, and the only marked exception in our activity was that two of our batteries stationed at Alconbury, namely Batteries C and D, actually engaged the enemy.
There was considerable training carried on, but its chief function was ordering officers and enlisted men to various technical schools provided at that time in the United Kingdom by our Army.
Aside from the prescribed functions by higher command, it was a month of activity for Special Service, as there was considerable time due to daylight saving time and England’s unusual twilight. Special Service provided motion pictures, stage shows, and formed ball teams within the Battalion, setting up a league schedule. In addition, there were facilities on the post for card games and reading rooms. There was also a monthly dance.
The month ended with all personnel tuned high and morale in a noticeably excellent condition.
June 1944
The month of June started out as a repeat of May, then the invasion took place and struck us all with cataclysmic force. We, of course, were eager to be in it as a Battalion, but such was not to be. Two of our batteries, Batteries A and B, were detached from us to the 397th AAA AW Bn, and they were completely operational by 16 June, assigned to the Phoenix units. However, elements of both batteries arrived on 7 June, and continued to arrive up until the 16th of June, when the unit was there as a whole.
[The detachment of A and B Batteries to the 397th AAA Bn was necessary due to the formation of a provisional machine gun battalion out of elements of that organization. The provisional unit's mission was to provide antiaircraft machine gun protection on Omaha Beach, landing shortly after the first wave of troops on 6 June. The men of the 481st filled in for those personnel and assisted the remainder of the 397th in manning the antiaircraft guns on the Phoenix breakwaters and blockships that made up the Mulberry artificial harbor at Omaha Breach and the Gooseberry landing area at Utah Beach.]
The latter part of the month found the remaining elements of the Battalion on the move again. This time we were headed to Bournemouth, England, en route to France. Our stay in Bournemouth was an enjoyable one, as we awaited orders to proceed to Southampton. The town itself was exceptionally nice, and provided facilities for dining and dancing. The town’s people extended invitations to tea to many of our men.
The month ended in preparation for our move to a Port of Embarkation, and we all felt our day was not too far off.
July 1944
On the 8th of July the Battalion, less A and B which were still on detached service with the 397th, moved to Southampton on the second leg of our trip to the fighting front. Last minute preparations were made and, with the issuance of emergency rations, the realization that we were on our way struck home. The drawing of lifesavers and vomit bags brought the war far closer than anything had to date.
On 12 July the Motor Pool personnel again proved their ability to avoid the hard knocks of Army life by sailing on a Liberty Ship, of all things! They were followed the next day by the remainder of the Battalion. Headquarters sailed on an LSI and the rest of the unit on an LCI. The trip proved uneventful. The seas were calm, the submarine menace did not materialize, and we arrived in France almost before we knew it.
The parts arrived at Omaha Beach on 12 July – that is all the Battalion with the exception of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, which for some reason arrived at Utah. Fortunately, the waterproofing of the equipment proved unnecessary. The only things that got wet were the feet of the marching troops.
Moving into a bivouac area, the work of unpacking and de-waterproofing commenced. In a very few days we were rewarded for all of our long training with a tactical assignment. C and D Batteries moved into an area defense of the beachhead on 17 July.
For the first time in over a month, the Battalion was together again. A and B Batteries rejoined the unit on 17 July. They maintained their positions in the Gooseberry and Mulberry, however.
August 1944
The beginning of August found the Battalion in its first operational position in France. When the month opened, the HQ was located near St.-Laurent, with A and B Batteries still located at sea in defense of the beaches. C and D were ashore, and continued their area defense of the beach that had been set up the preceding month. C was located at Vierville-sur-Mer while D was at St.-Laurent, near Omaha Beach.
On the second of the month, the unit was forced to move from its positions to the vicinity of Carentan. The greatest regret on the part of Headquarters Battery was the necessity of abandoning the softball league that proved such a successful venture.
Battalion took up headquarters in several orchards to the northwest of Carentan, while C and D took up defense of the defiles on either side of the town. The first unit to move again was D Battery, which left on 18 August to set up an airport defense 3½ miles southwest of Carentan. They were followed on the 20th and 21st by C Battery, which in turn was given an airport to defend.
On 23 August, A Battery finally ceased its amphibious mode of living and came off its Mulberry ships to live once again in the field, moving to an airstrip 1-2/3 miles southwest of St. Jean-de-Daye. This caused great weeping at the necessity of giving up their quarters on the ships and their Navy way of life.
Battalion was fortunate in not having to move again, though there were many minutes of consternation at the thoughts of leaving the palatial living quarters that the men had managed to build during the month.
Special Service activities were at a peak during August with movies and USO shows made available through the Special Service branch of the 26th Group. In addition, A Battery had the use of the facilities of the neighboring Seabees. USO shows visited the boys off shore, and we even managed to have a visit paid to all installations by the ARC Clubmobiles. This last was arranged through the good graces of several Gay Lotharies in the ranks of our field officers, who managed the whole thing through their influence with the Clubmobile gals.
Barneville was discovered and the men took advantage of its fine facilities for swimming. A softball league was formed. After losing both games of the opening doubleheader, the Battalion came under control of the 22d Group and continued play in their league.
This month also saw the first overseas fatality of the unit when Pfc James L Shive of A Battery met with accidental death on the 23rd of the month.
On 15 August the Battalion received 60 fillers from the 14th Replacement Depot. Seven days later, five more enlisted men arrived from the 19th Depot. At the close of the month, Battalion strength stood at 36 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 741 enlisted men.
At the beginning of August, the Battalion, less B Battery, was under the 114th Group and 47th Brigade, assigned to ASCZ. B Battery was under control of the 26th Group. On 2 August, A Battery went under the operational control of the 796th Battalion, 2d Group, 51st Brigade. The remainder of the Battalion was under the 114th Group for administration, the 26th Group for operations and, for awhile, the 50th Brigade. This Brigade moved out in a short time, leaving the unit under the AA and Costal Defense Command, the Headquarters of which was the 55th Brigade. On 23 August, A Battery returned to Battalion control, while B Battery went under operational control of the 385th Battalion. The 114th Group was replaced by the 26th Group on 2 August. On 24 August, the 22d Group took over operational control of the Battalion.
During this period, two members received recognition for their extraordinary efforts. Colonel McCall received a commendation from General Timberlake of the 49th Brigade for the work the Battalion had done under his leadership in defense of the beachheads. Sergeant Raymond Tormena of Battery A also received a commendation from General Timberlake for his superb work in saving the men and equipment of his battery during the storm of 18 June, in spite of the great personal danger.
September 1944
The start of September found the Battalion on the move once more. On the 1st, the forward echelon of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery moved to St. Brieuc, Cote-du-Nord, to be followed there three days later by the remainder of the Battery. A and B Batteries took up defensive positions of railroads and bridges in the same town. There, the Batteries were under the 114th Group and 50th Brigade, while C and D Batteries were directly under the 50th Brigade. C Battery took up similar defensive positions in Laval, Mayenne. D Battery moved into Rennes on 2 September, but picked up stakes a few days later for a move to Mayenne, Mayenne.
The greater part of the Battalion was undercover, having found buildings that could be used. Brittany proved a land of plenty after the ruin and devastation the men had found in Normandy.
On 16 September, the Battalion started a move that would last until the end of the month, due to transportation difficulties. A and B Batteries moved into airfield defenses - A Battery at Perthes, La Marne and B Battery near Orconte, La Marne. C Battery followed a few days later and was subsequently joined by D Battery at St. Dizier, La Marne. The forward echelon of Headquarters was stationed with A Battery, while the rear echelon arrived at the end of the month due to a delay at Laval, Mayenne.
This month also saw the formation of a provisional truck company that used many of our vehicles. Our drivers spent more time away from the Battalion than present with it.
Lt Louis H Acker, MAC, was assigned and joined 16 September. C Battery, 776th AAA was attached for all purposes and located near Vitry-le-Francois, Le Marne.
October 1944
The Battalion moved from a bivouac area a few kilometers outside of St. Dizier and proceeded to the Chateau de Bussemont in the village of Blesme. After settling down, there were various supply requirements to attend to, such as procuring the Chaplain’s jeep and organ, finding a supply point for rations, and requisitioning overshoes, overcoats and mackinaws.
The operations section was continuously inspecting the gun batteries, which were located at adjacent airstrips. The Battalion had several inspections from the Group Commander and members of his staff. Also, General Curtis, Commander of the 51st Brigade, inspected the Battalion. The standards of the Group and Brigade were high, and so we found ourselves once again giving our very best to fulfill their requirements.
Our motor transportation section had its hands full. Much of its transportation was being utilized by trucking platoons, yet they still had to meet the requirements of the Battalion. Their performance under such extraordinary conditions was exceptional. Their efforts successfully met the demands of a trying situation.
The self-sufficiency of the organization was shown at Blesme. There was little opportunity for pass, so the morale and entertainment of the men fell upon the shoulders of the men themselves, with what additional activities the Special Service Officer could provide.
November 1944
The start of November found the Battalion still bogged down in the mud of A-64 at Vitry-le-Francois and at the Chateau de Bussemont. Surprisingly enough, payday had come and gone without a move on the part of the Battalion. Even stranger was the fact that there was no change in the identity of our higher headquarters.
The prime concern of all men was the mud. We were really bogged down due to conditions created by the incessant rains. The rivers were in flood stage and the rising water forced the movement of some gun positions. The men of A Battery hadn’t been surrounded by this much water since leaving their positions on the Phoenix units.
As is customary, inspections took up much of our time. General Curtis, the Brigade Commander, made several visits to various installations of the Battalion. Colonel Bethea, the Group CO, was frequently seen. The Inspector General of the IX Air Defense Command spent some time checking Headquarters.
Special Service activities were plentiful. Movies were shown at Headquarters on the average of twice per week. A large-scale drive was conducted to interest men in the USAFI courses of instruction. Musical instruments were received through Special Service and plans were laid to start a battalion orchestra. This drive was most successful and a large percentage of the Battalion signed up for a wide variety of scholastic work.
Five members of the Battalion were chosen to go to Paris for the IX ADC football team. They were Lt Robinson and Sgt Tormena of A Battery, T/5 Alberts of B Battery, T/3 Lusk of the Medics, and T/4 “Flash” Carter of Headquarters. Unconfirmed rumors had it that all but Lusk made the first team and that he was coaching.
Thanksgiving Day found the Battalion eating too much turkey and sundry assorted delicacies – no C rations that day! Chaplain Henry arranged for a mass at the private chapel of the Chateau and also had services for the non-Catholic men. The holiday was celebrated with much vigor as was consistent with the tactical situation.
During the month, we lost one officer when Lt Johnson left to become aide to General Curtis at Brigade. Several enlisted men also left the Battalion, most notably George White Magpie – our Indian Chief.
As payday drew near, the old routines of preparing for a movement began. On 25 November, half of B Battery went non-operational and started the slow job of extricating their guns from the gumbo like mud. On the 27th, the entire Battery took up positions in Bar-le-Duc. On 29 November, A Battery moved to Commercy to be followed there by D Battery on the last day of the month. Headquarters became busy with a great show of energy as they started to pack to leave the Chateau.
Battalion strength at the end of November was 37 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 742 enlisted men.
December 1944
December turned out to be a month of many moves. Once more we were reminded that we were semimobile and not immobile, as we had almost come to believe during the preceding two months of standstill. However, history repeated itself and payday saw Headquarters and Headquarters Battery on the road. The Chateau de Bussemont with its moat faded into the past. However, wonder of wonders, we moved into an even more elaborate command post! On the first of the month, we took up a short residence in the Chateau de Marbaumont at Bar-le-Duc. The ornateness of this mansion proved to be merely architectural. While it may have been the envy of the turn of this present century, those of us quartered there found it to merely be the largest and most decorated icebox we had ever encountered. However, our stay there was very brief, as we left for Commercy on 7 December. There we rested for the remainder of the month, quartered in the Hospital de St. Charles and living in the lap of luxury – steam heat, electric lights, hot showers and all the comforts of home (except home itself).
A Battery was in Commercy when the month started, but moved to Toul the day after Christmas, and then swung back to join C Battery at A-64 near St. Dizier. B Battery began the month at Bar-le-Duc, went from there to Commercy on the fifth, then took up residence at the POL near Pierrefitte-sur-Aire. C Battery remained at A-64 and participated in none of the moves. D Battery moved on the first of the month to Lerouville and celebrated New Year’s Eve en route to Vitre-le-Francois.
There was a good deal action in addition to all the moves. All batteries except C engaged enemy aircraft on several occasions. Low level attacks by Ju-88s became commonplace and the enemy came over with such regularity each night that he was nicknamed “Bedcheck Charlie”. Several Category II were claimed, but none have been confirmed at the time of this writing.
As is customary, even in the ETO, Christmas came during the month. Contrary to all expectations, no one even attempted to change the age-old date. It was hard to feel any of the true spirit of the season, no matter how hard we tried. “Peace on earth to men of good will” fell just a bit flat as we walked about armed to the teeth, waiting for strafing planes to make their appearance. However, all pitched in with much vigor and did their utmost to capture some of the festive spirit. The cooks prepared a memorable dinner and all the mess halls were decorated with an assortment of evergreens. Even the weatherman came to our aid with a Christmas snowfall.
So 1944 came to an end. Not the best year we have experienced, but not the worst. This was the first year most of us had spent away from home, and all of us earnestly hope it will be the last. It was a year full of excitement and interesting things. From the early days of January, which seems ages ago, to the stay in England and Wales, and then finally the trip to the Continent. The many memories of good times, of people met and strange places visited, and above all the hope that the coming year holds forth the promise of peace and a return to our homes – a good job well done and all this unholy mess a thing of the deep past.
[The 481st spent the concluding months of the war spread over a wide area, providing protection to various dumps, maintenance shops, airfields, marshalling yards and bridges. The battalion entered Germany in early April 1945 and sprinted along with the rapid advance of American troops. Following cessation of hostilities, the battalion eventually gathered around the vicinity of Ansbach, Germany to protect airfield R-45 against sabotage and ground attack. The unit remained at this position until relieved of the mission in early autumn.
During the summer of 1945, the men of the 481st enjoyed the facilities of the IX Air Defense Command Rest Center and the 92d AAA Group Rest Center. There was ample opportunity for passes and furloughs to Paris and other areas of interest throughout liberated Europe.
In October, Lt Col P.F. McCall left the organization, having served as Commanding Officer since its activation. Maj Donald Thornton assumed command until the arrival of Lt Col William Gearhiser in November. A scheduled move to La Havre for the return trip home was cancelled in late October, forcing the battalion to wait a few weeks longer for their return to the States.]
|
