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IT WILL BE DONE
MAY 1944 JUNE 1944 JULY 1944 AUGUST 1944 SEPTEMBER 1944 OCTOBER 1944 NOVEMBER 1944
DECEMBER 1944 JANUARY 1945 FEBRUARY 1945 MARCH 1945 APRIL 1945 MAY 1945 JUNE 1945
The history of the 602d AAA Gun Battalion (SM) had its inception as the 1st Battalion of the 602d CA (AA) which was constituted on 19 January 1942 pursuant to a War Department letter of that date. The 602d CA (AA) activated at Fort Bliss, Texas, on 1 March 1942 with Lt. Colonel W. R. Goodrich in command, and was attached to the 49th CA (AA) Brigade and the Antiaircraft Artillery Training Center, Fort Bliss, Texas. On 3 March 1942 Colonel Harold S. Johnson assumed command and Lt. Colonel Goodrich become the Executive Officer.
The 1st Battalion of the 602d CA (AA) was redesignated as the 602d AAA Gun Battalion (SM) under T/O 44-115, 18 March 1943 on 1 September 1943 by authority of General Orders No. 29, Headquarters AAA Command, Eastern Defense Command, dated 26 August 1943. Major Blair C. Forbes was in command on the date of redesignation and is still functioning in the same capacity. Major George E. Rogers was Executive Officer.
The nucleus of the 602d CA (AA), consisting of 266 men, was derived through cadres formed in and transferred from the following regiments then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington; the 260th CA (AA), the 202d CA (AA), the 63d CA (AA) and the 210th CA (AA). Regimental Officers were obtained through reassignment from other regiments and the Coast Artillery Officer Candidate School. Selective Service furnished the bulk of the Regiment which was divided into three battalions: the 1st Battalion being 90mm guns, the 2d Battalion being 40mm automatic weapons, and the 3d Battalion being searchlights. The training period ended the first week of May, 1942 and on 23 June and 24 June 1942 the Regiment successfully under went an inspection by an Antiaircraft Inspection Team from AA Command, Richmond, Virginia. Colonel Harold S. Johnson was transferred to Headquarters, AATC, Fort Bliss, Texas on 5 July 1942, and Lt. Colonel Joseph B. Hafer assumed command of the Regiment on 14 July 1942, replacing Lt. Colonel William L. Johnson, who had served as temporary commander during the interval between the relief of Colonel H. S. Johnson and the appointment of Lt. Colonel Hafer.
On 19 July 1942 the Regiment left Fort Bliss, Texas for duty on the eastern seaboard and arrived in New York City, New York on 25 July 1942. It immediately took up its battle station in defense of this vital metropolis with its huge population, war industries and prized objectives, among which were the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the New York Port of Embarkation. It was now attached to the 38th CA (AA) Brigade for tactical control, and was one of the elements of the AAA Command, EDC. It must be remembered that at this time the enemy was still riding the crest of its victory wave, and it was indeed a compliment to the Regiment and its component units that it was selected to defend so important a target.
Regimental Headquarters, 1st Battalion Headquarters and 3d Battalion Headquarters were set up at Flushing, New York, while the 2d Battalion Headquarters was established at Brooklyn, New York. Many of the batteries were located in positions which were barren ground and had to be built from the ground up. The personnel immediately attacked the problems with vigor and, after first setting up for action, it was not long before tents were replaced by barracks, grass replaces sterile ground, and each position reflected the homogeneity of a well organized and disciplined unit.
This combat phase was not a purely passive defensive role. Individual batteries were taken out to the New York AAA Region practice firing points at Riverhead, Long Island and Mattituck, Long Island, the 90mm and 40mm firing points respectively. This practice fire was conducted throughout the different seasons of the year and the batteries learned to fire under adverse climatic conditions. While the batteries were manning their guns at their positions, rigid training schedules were instituted for both officers and enlisted men in order to maintain them as an efficient fighting unit and thus eliminate the lethargic state which watchful waiting over a long period of time could produce.
A new note was introduced in March 1943 when the first contingent of WAAC's, the 59th Operational Company, was assigned to the Regiment. The rustle of skirts began to replace the heavy tread of men's boots as the women started to take over the administrative and a few of the operational details This resulted in releasing men for reassignment and the Regiment now began sending cadres for overseas shipment. Separate cadres were sent to Camp Davis, North Carolina; Camp Stewart, Georgia and Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts. The WAAC's fulfilled their duties in extremely competent fashion and on 26 August 1943 they were relieved of attachment to the New York AAA Region.
This condition prevailed until 1 September 1943 when the Regiment was reorganized and this organization emerged as a separate battalion under the 602d AAA Group and the 38th AAA Brigade for tactical control, and the New York AAA Region for administrative control, all constituent parts of the AAA Command, EDC.
The 602d AAA Gun Battalion, under the competent leadership of Major Blair C. Forbes, immediately underwent a hardening up process with stress laid on mobile field training. Each Battery went on tactical problems under a composite task force, and trained under simulated combat conditions. The problems usually involved the defense of an airport or ammunition dumps and the effect of the practice was reflected in the improvement shown in each succeeding exercise. These problems would last approximately four days and the natural terrain of Long Island, New York, with its rolling land and heavily wooded areas, was utilized to the utmost for training. Marches were usually conducted at night with emplacement dug in before dawn and security measures prevailing at all times. The personnel again became accustomed to tents and the vagaries of the weather and seasons outdoors.
The highest standards of efficiency were maintained by this Battalion both under the Regiment and later as a separate entity. Prior to the redesignation, an inspection tour of the units of the 38th CA (AA) Brigade by the Commanding General of the Easter Defense Command and First Army, Lt. General Hugh A. Drum, resulted in a written commendation for Major Blair C. Forbes, which is annexed hereto as Exhibit "A". A monthly competition for an "E" flag award offered by the Commanding General, 38th CA (AA) Brigade for the best gun, automatic weapons and searchlight batteries in the Brigade found it a common sight to see the 1st Battalion take the flag month after month for having the best gun batteries. Battery "A", 602d AAA Gun Battalion won the last pennant awarded for being the best gun battery in the Brigade for the month of September 1943.
The enlisted men of the organization prior to and following its redesignation kept pace with this record. Master Sergeant John S. McLees, Technical Sergeant Andrew V. Getson and Technical Sergeant Kenneth E. Molberg were awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal offered by the Second Service Command for enlisted men who had by their outstanding loyalty, discipline, bearing, practice and courtesy contributed most to the spirit of their respective units.
One of the highlights of 1943 was the indoctrination course given by the Battalion during the month of September, when for three successive weekends it entertained the Cadets of the United States Military Academy. The Cadets were quartered at different batteries over the weekends and were oriented in antiaircraft tactic. Inasmuch as antiaircraft was not included in the curriculum at West Point prior to this, the 602d AAA Gun Battalion may rightfully take pride in the significance of this assignment.
On 21 October 1943, Major Forbes' outstanding efforts and qualities of leadership on behalf of the organization were recognized by his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Subsequently, Major Rogers was transferred out of the Battalion and Captain Karl W. Monson was assigned to the Battalion and became Executive Officer on 9 November 1943. Captain Monson was promoted to the rank of Major on 20 November 1943.
At the end of 1943 there had been only two casualties in the unit. On 14 March 1943, Tec 5 Otto A. Protratz, 36325143 was instantly killed when struck by an automobile in the County of Queens, New York City. On 31 October 1943, Sgt. Wilber G. Teague, 32378456 was killed instantly when struck by a subway train in New York City.
The combat mission of the Battalion involving the defense of New York City was terminated on 7 January 1944 when orders were received that it was destined to go overseas in the immediate future. On 10 January 1944, the organization moved to Fort Totten, New York, where it prepared for overseas movement. When all preliminaries in connection with bringing the organization up to date on the new T/O and T/E, 44-115, 16 November 1943 were completed, an extensive training program was inaugurated with emphasis on combat functions and intelligence. Aircraft recognition was particularly stressed. Many of the officers and enlisted men were sent to specialist schools on the post to give them further training in their respective fields for the overseas duty. On 22 February 1944 the organization boarded HMT Aquitania, "NY 325." It immediately assumed the military police duties and gun details on the ship, and the quality of its performance is reflected in a letter written by the Troop Commander thereof, Lt. Colonel Wilson H. Stephenson, which is annexed hereto as Exhibit "P". The voyage began on 14 March 1944 and the ship arrived at Greenock, Scotland, on 21 March 1944. The Battalion was relieved of its ship duties on 23 March 1944 and proceeded to Camp Blandford, Dorset, England, on 24 March 1944.
The organization had now entered on its final preparation for overseas combat service. It immediately began to draw its matériel and each battery proceeded with orientation and synchronization thereof. On 29 March 1944 the Battalion assumed administrative station duties at Camp Blandford and continued in this status until 24 April 1944. On 25 April 1944, the Battalion moved from Camp Blandford to Parkston Heath and Fulback, Lincolnshire. It was attached to the IX Air Force, placed under the 52d AAA Brigade administratively. The assigned mission was to collaborate in the defense of the airports in the area. The Battalion was ready for action on foreign soil at 2000 on 30 April 1944.
On 1 September 1943, the strength of the organization consisted of 34 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 607 enlisted men. Between the period of September 1943 and 30 April 1944, personnel who were either over-age, unfit for overseas duty, or discharged, were lost by the unit. On 11 February 1944, 126 Enlisted Men were transferred into the organization by authority of Special Orders No. 36, Headquarters, AARTC, Fort Eustis, Virginia, dated 10 February 1944. As of 30 April 1944, the strength of the organization was 27 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 614 enlisted men. An officers roster as of 30 April 1944 is attached as Exhibit "C". Authorization for distinctive insignia and coat of arms for this organization is attached hereto as Exhibit "D".
The month of May, 1944 unveiled the 602d AAA Gun Battalion dug in at its battle stations as an element in the air defense of Great Britain. The unit was fully prepared to play its part in the liberation of the world from the weight of tyranny oppression.
The battalion was given "take posts" many times during the month, but there was no enemy action. Each battery adhered to a training schedule which emphasized physical conditioning and preparation for events to come. Daily plotting exercises were given and simulated battle conditions were effected in which the guns, range section, and communications performed as if they were made available through Special Service. The Battalion Commander stressed the primary function of the organization in the attainment of superior skill in the use of its weapons but insured that the morale of the enlisted men was maintained in order to achieve the proper esprit de corps conducive to that end. Thus, movies, entertainment, and doughnuts and coffee became a part of the soldier's leisure hours.
International relations were furthered through the interchange of personnel between the battalion and the 161st Royal Artillery Regiment. A certain number of British soldiers were brought to live with each battery for a week at a time, while a number of our men were sent to replace them at the British unit. The British would help man our guns and range sections during plotting exercises and alerts. They shared all the pleasures and privations of the American G. I. This exchange did more for mutual understanding than all the books and tomes written to achieve the purpose.
Near tragedy marked the heroic exploits of Tec 4th Grade Albert J. Hanna, 36231808, Battery C, 602d AAA Gun Battalion. At about midnight of 26 May 1944, Tec 4th Grade Theodore L. Muszynski, Battery C, was baking in the battery's field kitchen when a gas stove exploded and enveloped him in flames He immediately tried to get out but tripped and fell to the ground. Sgt. Hanna, who was outside the tent at the time, rushed in, beat out the flames from Sgt. Muszynski's body with his bare hands and dragged him outside. Sgt. Hanna received severe burns and was hospitalized. He was recommended for the Soldier's Medal for valor beyond the call of duty.
The imminence of the invasion brought the 602d AAA Gun Battalion to a new phase of its activities with preparations being made for overseas movement. Loading plans were again formulated with the prospect of a potential landing on the continent and equipment was conditioned for the trip.
Invasion month! D-Day! H Hour! The 602d AAA Gun Battalion on 0 status preceding the battle for the liberation of the continent! The men spent the nights in maintaining equipment and trying to catch up on their sleep. The tension of the oncoming ordeal was reflected in the mounting secrecy guarding the arrival of paratroopers at both Stations 483 and 488, together with the increasingly close surveillance exercised over the ingress and egress of personnel at both stations. Uppermost in everyone's minds was the question, "Was this a feint or a preparation for the real thing?" On 5 June 1944, Brigadier General Richardson, Commanding General of the IX Air Defense Command, inspected Headquarters Battery and Battery C, and such a visit could hardly be reconciled with an impending invasion. Movies also tended to distract from the tenseness resulting from the enforced restriction placed on the men, and doughnuts were available whenever the Red Cross could be prevailed upon to sell them.
Events moved swiftly and at approximately 2230 on 5 June, all movements in and out of both fields were stopped. C--47's were warming up. Takeoff a few minutes before midnight! The invasion was now an actuality! Meanwhile the gun batteries were warily awaiting any counter blows which the enemy might launch, and it was a night filled with hope, apprehension and expectancy. On 6 June 1944, after reveille, General Eisenhower's speech concerning the drive was read over the loudspeakers at both station, but the returning airmen had already given a first hand story of events. On 9 June, the Battalion reverted back to B status and late that day its tactical mission in England was completed. The GOR line was taken up and POM was now the slogan with a "short ocean voyage" in view. Waterproofing was the password.
17 June 1944 was moving day for the Battalion as a whole, and late that afternoon the unit arrived at Norman Court, Wilts. The sight was not too prepossessing, as all one could see were pup tents spread over barren ground and, when all the batteries separated and bivouacked, it resembled tent city. The same evening brought a change in site to the nearby Danebury Stables, with Nissen huts, shady lanes and the nearby Wallops.
Life at Danebury was a continuous round of completing arrangements for the trip to France, plus relaxation. The old guard had a chance to become reacquainted and many was the tall tale told, bloated by the passage of time. Social and athletic activities thrived. A softball league provided daily entertainment for all the batteries and Battery C won the Battalion championship with Battery A the runner-up. An inter-battalion boxing exhibition was staged at the ballpark and our Dempseys and Tunneys slugged it out with abandon. Enthusiasm made up for lack of skill in many bouts, while some of the other participants showed the caginess gained through years at the game. No one was hurt and everyone had a good time.
A ping-pong tournament [was conducted] with the result that everyone was the winner. Movies were scheduled nightly and the men went A-Walloping with the local ATS talent.
Our borrowed time finally ran out, and on 30 June everything was packed and the unit moved to the marshaling areas at Southampton. Mud was the distinguishing feature of the place and small arms fire punctuated the reverie of the night.
The sojourn at the marshaling area was short but pleasant. The chow was wonderful, beer plentiful, movies available, and candy and cigarettes were literally thrown at the men. Various panaceas were issued as a safeguard against seasickness, but the trip across the Atlantic had made everybody a hardy seafarer and no illness was expected. Robot planes were not the secret weapon of the Germans and the continuous small arms fire of adjacent units throughout the two night's stay gave one the impression that noise was being employed as a defense against the "doodle bugs". Headquarters and Battery A were located in the same area, while the three other batteries were bivouaced separately. On 1 July, C and D Batteries embarked for France, sans motor party. Headquarters, A and B batteries, sans motor party, departed from England on 2 July aboard the Empire Lance, and again it became their lot to furnish the military police detail on the boat. Such is fame, and the reputation gained on the Aquitania pursued us even unto France. On 3 July, the entire Battalion was again together in Transit Area No. 3, Omaha Beach, France. Battery A needed plenty of sunlight to dry out after the dip the men took in the Channel when the Landing craft failed to come in properly. Field soldiering became the order of the day and pup tents mushroomed all over the place. This was the beginning of a formal introduction to all types of the lettered and numbered ration clan: "C", "K", "5 in 1" and "10 in 1".
The early hours of Independence Day ushered in a pyrotechnic display the equal of which probably had never been seen by the men. A little over 0100, a target was engaged by the defending AA units, and with each blast from the 40's and 90's, the ground trembled. Tracers split the sky and the flashes of fire illuminated the clouds with each burst of a projectile. Action took place again at 0500 and thus the 602d AAA Gun Battalion saw action for the first time in its history; although it was not a participant. That same afternoon, the outfit moved to Asnieres, our preparation area. Our guns and trucks were not long in following. Everyone's efforts were concentrated on rendering the matériel ready for action. Battery A moved to Mosles on 8 July; Headquarters and Headquarters Battery to Surrain, Battery B near Houtteville, Battery C, at Trevieres, all on 9 July; and Battery D moved to Grouchy two days later. Although assigned to the Communications Zone, the Battalion was in tactical operation in the combat zone at 1800 on 11 July 1944 with the exception of Battery D, which went into action the following day. Battery A fired the first rounds at an enemy target at 0045 on 12 July. This was the commencement of action which led to four Category I claims and one Category II claim being filed by this Battalion. The official box score at the end of the month showed that Battery B had been credited with a Category I and a Category II claim for action on 29 July and 25 July respectively, Battery C with a Category I and Category II claim for action on 29 July on 14 July respectively, and Battery D with a Category I claim for action on 29 July 1944. Thus Battery C had the honor of knocking down the first planes in both categories. All matériel was now marked proudly denoting this record.
The nightly action compelled the men to seek their sleep in the daytime, and for a time after moving into position, it was all work and no play. The batteries having been set up to satisfaction, the men then went to work on their own equipment and sleeping quarters. Pup tents were fashioned together with sand bags to resemble duplex apartments sans elevators and straw from adjoining farms was fixed up to rival the softest mattresses procurable in the States. Modified 5 rations now superseded the canned type, and soon movies began to provide entertainment for the Battalion. The 200 franc partial pay received at the time of embarkation precluded indulging in the various games of chance.
It was with great pleasure that members of this organization learned that Tec 4 Albert J. Hanna, ASN 36231808, formerly of Battery C, was awarded the Soldier's Medal "for services rendered above and beyond the call of duty" as per GO #25, Hq IX ADC, dated 10 July 1944. Sgt. Hanna had been transferred on 29 May 1944 to the 17th General Hospital as a result of injuries sustained by his heroic action in rescuing Tec 4 Theodore L. Muszynski from a burning kitchen tent on 29 May 1944.
The activities for the month of August seemed to have been concentrated on moving from place to place. The batteries were no sooner set in one position when orders would be received ordering a change in location. Keeping pace with this was the number of changes in administrative and tactical control, which at one time found the unit reduced to a headquarters and two batteries while at another time it was comprised of a headquarters and three batteries. Enemy activity diminished over Omaha Beach and whereas nightly firing was the rule during the month of July, it now became the exception. The enemy inactivity presented a problem similar to that encountered in New York City, and training programs were again instituted in order to keep the men at an efficient peak and ready for action. Intra-battery athletics were stressed in order to let off excess "steam", while movies was the nightly fare. It was not an uncommon sight for the batteries to show movies through the wee hours of the morning as passes were non-existent at this time.
On 3 August 1944, the battalion moved to La Combe, reverted to attachment to the 17th AAA Group and was placed under the 51st and 55th AAA Brigade for operations. On 7 August 1944, the battalion reverted to its predestine status - assigned to Communications Zone and attached to USTAAF for the IX ADC.
When the battalion was detached from the 49th AAA Brigade on 3 August 1944, its performance of its duties during the month of July and the first few days of August was such as to elicit a letter of commendation from the Commanding General of that Brigade, Brig. General E. W. Timberlake, which is attached hereto as Exhibit E. The defense of the Omaha Beach IAZ with it airfields and supply dumps remained the unit's prime mission when it was attached to the 51st AAA Brigade.
The Battalion moved to the area immediately south of Granville on the 24th and 25th of August and went in action at 2200 27 August under the supervision of the 50th AAA Brigade in defense of that vital area which now harbored the personnel of SHAEF. No enemy activity was recorded in the locality for the balance of the month.
Meanwhile the men were given the opportunity to visit the places of historical and religious interest in the vicinity, and for the first time since their arrival in France, they had the opportunity to mingle with the French people socially.
The first anniversary of the 602d AAA Gun Battalion revealed the transition of the organization from a passive tactical unit engaged in the defense of New York City, New York, thousands of miles away from the nearest battle, to one which landed on Omaha Beach within sound range of the front line artillery fire. Its activities to date on the Continent are reflected by swastika markings on matériel denoting enemy kills, plus the issuance of service ribbons studded with one bronze star to the personnel.
The tactical activities of the month can best be described as waiting for enemy attacks which never materialized. Care and preservation of matériel, infantry drill and other studies kept the men up to snuff. Social activities flourished. The men had further opportunity to visit the historic sites in the vicinity and mingle with the French people. Invitations for dinner were numerous and were always accepted. The usual movie schedule was maintained. On 19 September 1944, the 6909th Provisional Trucking Company was activated and 2 officers and 34 enlisted men, together with many vehicles from the organization, were placed on detached service with the unit. Its job was to carry matériel and supplies from the ports and beaches to the railheads.
The first casualty of the war sustained by the 602d AAA Gun Battalion was the death of Captain Alfred D. Huston, CAC, Commanding Battery D, who was killed on 24 September 1944 by an enemy mine on the Falaise Hills, near the beach of Carolles. The US Army lost a superior officer. Captain Huston's loss was irreplaceable to this unit. He was a man who was loved, honored and respected by both the officer and enlisted personnel of his battery, and admired by his fellow men-in-arms of this organization.
The balance of the month was uneventful except for the usual changes of operational and administrative control units.
The rapid advance of the Allied armies through France into the Low Countries and Germany soon minimized the importance of this Battalion's tactical defense of the vital area south of Granville.
Orders were received on 7 October 1944 which directed that the unit move to Le Havre and on 9 October we again motor-marched, by transportation mostly borrowed, to a bivouac area at Gainneville, a few miles from the great seaport. By 12 October, all batteries had established themselves in their new sites in and around the port and were once again in operation. The new tactical set-up included the 114th AAA Group and on 13 October 1944, attachment to the 54th AAA Brigade followed. Our tactical mission was the AA and harbor defense of the Port of Le Havre.
The City of Le Havre was slowly emerging from its harrowing experiences as a target for both allied and enemy bombardments and had little to offer personnel for divertissement. Establishments which might have entertained the boys were "Off Limits." Thus, activities were concentrated in the batteries with movies three times a week and bingo also adding to an evening's entertainment. Group discussions and community sings were tried, but met with indifferent success.
The Battalion was engaged in the defense of the City of Le Havre during the month of November, but again there was no enemy activity. In order to maintain combat efficiency, a daily training schedule was prescribed and adhered to, and in addition the men were indoctrinated with the course of conduct they would be expected to conform to if and when they went into enemy territory.
Inasmuch as we were in a rear area, the Information and Education Program of the Army was stressed and its advantages were brought to everyone's attention. Three weekend dances were held at three different batteries and a great time was had by all. Movies were allocated their place on the special service program, and a Red Cross in Le Havre provided the men with a place to go when in the city. Many of the men visited Paris while on detail, with the results that those who were unable to get to the capital were regaled by the tall tales of their more fortunate buddies.
On 24 November, Headquarters Battery received a terrific shock when Tec 5 Anthony Felus, ASN 36323551, was seized with a heart attack and died early in the afternoon. He had worked in the Battalion Supply and as his work brought him in contact with the Battalion as a whole, his loss was felt throughout the organization. Corporal Felus was a quiet, industrious man who performed his duties in a soldierly fashion, and his passing is keenly felt.
On 30 November the unit was ordered out of action and instructed to prepare to move to Liege, Belgium.
This organization, less Battery A, departed on 1 December from Le Havre, France where its mission had been the defense of the vital port and its installations, and bivouaced that night at Boursier, France, en route to Liege, Belgium. Battery A was left behind to continue its mission and was attached to the 114th AAA Group. All units arrived in Liege on 2 December and occupied the positions as shown on the overlay marked Exhibit "F". The Battalion was attached to the 52d AAA Brigade by GO #94, and also to the 31st Group. Its assigned mission was the defense of the city and its communication routes. There was considerable PAC activity over the defended area but due to the restrictions imposed, which prohibited the engagement of these targets, the battalion did not shoot during its operational period at this position. On 3 December, a verbal order was received from the CO, 31st AAA Group that all battalion radars were to proceed to Kalterherberg, Germany the following day for radar reconnaissance with a view to selecting the best site available for individual battery positions.
The following morning all the radars proceeded to Kalterherberg and all the batteries went out of action at Comet. On 6 December, the entire unit moved to Kalterherberg. The same day Battery A left Le Havre and bivouaced for the night at Boursier, arriving to take up its position at Kalterherberg the following day. The Battalion was now attached to United States First Army for operations by Troop Assignment No. 120, Hq, 12th Army Group, dated 13 December 1944, but remained assigned to Hq, Communications Zone and attached to Headquarters IX Air Defense Command for administration. The organization was further attached to V Corps and the 11th AAA Group by VOCO. On 8 December the organization was relieved from attachment to the 11th AAA Group and attached to the 18th AAA Group. The mission assigned to the battalion at this location was to establish a forward PAC belt. However, during the period from 7 December to 11 December there was a lull in PAC activity. The first PAC came over on 11 December and thereafter there was a renewal of robot activity until 17 December when the Battalion moved from the area. The following is a tabulated summary of the number of PAC's passing over the area, the number engaged by 90mm and .50 caliber guns respectively, and the number destroyed.
A study of the above tabulation reveals a small percentage of engagements by 90mm guns. The SCR-584 had difficulty in picking up and tracking the targets for many reasons including the following:
a. The radar crews were totally lacking in experience in tracking this type of target.
b. The targets would come in at a very low altitude which rarely exceeded 1000 feet; as a result the target was frequently lost in ground echoes caused by the neighboring foothills.
c. The fact that the radar mounts were not equipped with sector seen devices of N2 gates placed an additional burden upon the radar crews and further handicapped their efforts.
d. An additional difficulty was experienced by reason of the fact that all the batteries were restricted to comparatively limited sectors of fire for the purpose of safeguarding our own front line troops.
However, it is to be noted that toward the latter part of this period the radar crew had already begun to surmount many of the aforementioned difficulties as evidenced by the results of the period ending 170600 December in which 17 out of 59 PACs were engaged by 90mm guns. Pozit ammunition was issued to the batteries on 16 December but little opportunity to fire with it was afforded, as it was returned on 16 December for security reasons.
Sporadic harassing enemy artillery fire fell on or near the battery positions during the stay at Kalterherberg, but there was no casualties or damage to matériel. On the night of 15 December, warnings were received that increased enemy activity, both on ground and in the air, could be expected together with possible landings of airborne troops. On the morning of 17 December, Battalion Headquarters, Batteries A and B were repeatedly strafed by ME 109s; the enemy planes were engaged with .50 caliber machine guns of both Battery A and Battery B, and the results of the encounters were a Cat I and a Cat II for Battery A and a Cat I claim for Battery B. Shortly after the strafing, orders were received from the 18th AAA Group to evacuate all the fire control equipment to Spa, and this was accomplished. Later during the afternoon, orders were received from the 18th AAA Group attaching this organization to the 99th Division, V Corps, and directing that the batteries assume anti-tank positions in the area of Camp Elsenborn, Belgium. This move was carried out and the batteries occupied these positions that evening.
Battery B fired 200 rounds of harassing field artillery fire on the morning of 19 December on the town of Honsfeld, Germany, (K 982 992). During the afternoon, Headquarters Battery, Battery A and Battery B were strafed by two flights comprising 8 Focke Wolfe 190s. Battery B engaged one flight of three planes and scored a Cat I claim. During the engagement one EM was slightly wounded. One EM was wounded on 20 December and another 21 December as a result of enemy artillery fire. On 20 December, Batteries A and C were relieved of their anti-tank mission at Camp Elsenborn and were ordered to Eupen to reinforce the antiaircraft defenses of the city. Headquarters Battery departed the next day for the same place and the rest of the battalion was relieved of attachment to the 99th Division and was attached to the 2d Division. On 22 December, Batteries B and D together with the Battalion Operations Section, which had been left behind, moved to Eupen and the organization was provisionally attached to the 115th AAA Group pending the arrival of the 18th AAA Group. The disposition of the Battalion is set in the overlay attached as Exhibit "O".
The early hours of 22 December found Eupen under attack by hostile planes and the Battalion filed a Cat I claim after the night's activities ceased. The average altitude of the enemy planes were 6000 feet and all firing was done by fire control instruments. One EM was wounded as a result of a bomb dropped near Battery D. The 18th AAA Group assumed tactical control on the same day and Battery A and Battery D had ANTPS long range radars attached to them, complete with crews for operation. Due to the organization's proximity to the enemy front lines, they were of little value as the battalion radars would pick up targets at 25,000 to 30,000 yards range while these picked up by the long range radars were in most cases crossing targets which would never come into the defended area. The enemy persisted in sending over ME 109s and FW 190s at low levels during the afternoons and on 24-25-26 and 27 December planes were engaged and the results were 2 Cat I claims for the matinée air shows. At no time did these planes attempt to bomb or strafe the battery positions and their altitudes varied between 100 feet and 1000 feet. ME 262s spurted through the skies at high altitudes during these periods, but were not engaged because of the unrestricted area and the presence of friendly fighters in the area. 27 December was an active day in which the enemy sent planes over the area both day and night on bombing missions and Cat I claims were filed for the night's work. No casualties were sustained from enemy activity from 24 December to 27 December. A lull in enemy activity ensued.
On 30 December, the Battalion went out of action at Eupen and moved to Verviers were its mission was the antiaircraft defense of the city. There were few engagements between this date and the end of the month and no claims were filed.
New Year's Day was celebrated with a bang; at 0850 enemy aircraft formations commenced to attack Verviers and its environs and were engaged by this battalion's 90s and .50s. The tally for the performance was 1 Cat I claim for Battery B and 3 Cat I claims for Battery C. During the strafing attacks, Pfc Blair C. Erdman, ASN 33501563, Battery A, was wounded by machine gun fire.
A repeat performance of the previous day's air activity was anticipated on 2 January but it did not materialize. During the day, orders were received to prepare to move and the battalion went out of action at 1047 on 3 January, and the batteries were again on the road. The movement orders directed that the battalion assume the defense of the communication lines in the city of Liege with its United States First Army supply dumps and its important railhead.
While Battery D was moving into its positions, a V-1 PAC crashed into the Battery area at 1845 leaving a toll of 8 EM killed, 1 officer and 34 EM wounded, together with damage to matériel.
We became operational at 040001 January under the 31st AAA Group and the 52d AAA Brigade, but the chain of command still included attachment to the United States First Army operationally, and attachment to the IX Air Defense Command administratively. Inasmuch as firing at PACs was prohibited and aircraft did not come into range under firing conditions, the battalion did not shoot for the rest of the month.
The batteries were once again set up in the field and the cold weather and snow made life a bit more difficult. Wherever possible the men were billeted in private dwellings and Battery B was practically living underground. The battery had moved into position which had been originally prepared for German antiaircraft defense and it featured eight foot holes dug into the ground which the Nazis had evidently used as protection against Allied bombings; it now served as a shelter against the wind. Due to V-1 activity and the battalion's operational status, there was a paucity of passes; but movies were exhibited to the batteries on an average of twice a week, the Red Cross distributed coffee and doughnuts to the batteries periodically, and weekly battalion dances were held to which each battery sent its playboys.
Adding to the Battalions prior approved claims, during the month the following claims for enemy aircraft shot down and PACs destroyed in the month of December were officially approved:
Liege came to life during February as PAC activity steadily declined and finally ceased, and no enemy aircraft were reported over the area. We did not fire during the month. It was good to see the streets again filled with people who had been previously living in caves and debris and who came out only when necessity dictated an appearance. The halt in the buzz-bombing lifted the strain on the personnel of the battalion who unconsciously would sweat them out.
The usual special service activities continued. A Battalion Information and Education Section was organized in order to develop Phase I of the Army Education Program within the unit and meanwhile prepare for Phase II. Its activities included weekly guest speakers from other branches of service or civilians who could lecture on an interesting topic; educational tours were arranged to nearby places of interest; discussion leaders prepared weekly topics for discussion and toured the batteries to promote interest in current events, and the advantages of the USAFI courses were brought to the attention of all personnel.
The Battalion basketball team hit the big time and the Stars and Stripes by going through a tough schedule and finally taking second place in the IX Air Defense Championship Tournament. On 10 February, we became champs of the 52d AAA Brigade by defeating the 863d AAA AW Battalion team at the ASCZ gymnasium at Namur, Belgium, by a core of 22 to 20. On 17 February, the team left for Paris to participate in the playoffs for the IX ADC championship. On 19 February, they defeated the 794th AAA AW Bn team by a score of 43 to 39. On the afternoon of the 20th, we fought our way to the finale by vanquishing a quintet from the 491st AAA Gun Bn to the tune of 30 to 23. The same evening, we met and were defeated by the team representing the 114th AAA Gun Bn by a score of 38 to 32. Big Gen. Richardson, Commanding IX ADC, presented the team captain, 1st Sgt Tony J. Ananich, with a plaque for capturing second place in the tournament. The following men comprised the squad, 1st Sgt Tony J. Ananich, Capt., Sgt John J. Czarnecki, Cpl James A. Mathis, S/Sgt William H. Rhoads, Tec 4 Otto J Nasticky, Sgt Harry G. Horney, Sgt Andrew J. Cranston, Tec 5 Harry A. Stack, Tec 3 Robert E. Freeman, Cpl William Semonovich, Sgt Leslie N. Phillips, and 1st Lt. John P. Troy, Coach.
Official credit was awarded the battalion during the month for shooting down enemy aircraft at the dates and times set forth:
The battalion score for enemy aircraft shot down to date is: 11 Cat I claims, 2 half credits for Cat I claims, 4 Cat II claims. The following is the record for PAC V-1s shot down: 2 Cat A claims and 6 Cat B claims.
The 602d AAA Gun Battalion was relieved from attachment to the 12th Army Group, remained assigned to Com Zone, attached to 9th Air Force and IX ADC effective 4 February per letter, 9th Air Force file 370.5 subject; "Assignment and Attachment Orders" (No. 197) dated 8 February 1945.
Enemy inactivity featured the first two weeks of the month of March and the men were again back to the training schedule to maintain efficiency. However, verbal orders were received on 14 March 1945 to discontinue the battalion's role in defense of the City of Liege and to proceed to the northern part of Belgium, where it was to become a part of the antiaircraft defense against PACs directed toward Antwerp. The verbal orders were subsequently confirmed by a letter, file 370.5, subject: "Movement of Troops (66) (602d AAA Gun Bn) Hq IX Air Defense Command, dated 19 March 1945. Batteries A and C went out of action at Liege on 18 March, left on the 19th of March, and both were in action on the 21st at their new positions. Batteries B and D went out of action on 20 March, left Liege on the 21st and went into action on the 23d of March at the "buzz bomb belt." The Battalion was assigned to the second defense belt on the "Antwerp Express" run, and the batteries were in practically a straight line at the following locations: Hq and Hq Btry at St, Lennarts (D878 097), Battery A at St. Lennarts (D856 092), Battery B at Frecht (D838 106,) Battery C at Frecht (D853 096) and Battery D at Frecht (D834 113).
The shooting was good and the inactivity at Liege did not seem to affect the accuracy of the gun batteries. The robots would come over at any hour, wither as a single target or in pairs. If the burst from the guns did not explode them in the air, but merely damaged the mechanism, their gyrations caused the personnel to sweat out many a buzzer until it crashed to the ground near them. However, there were no fatalities and no purple hearts were awarded. The following is the box score for the month:
Technical Sergeant Nathan Verger, ASN 32994415, Hq Btry, was presented with the Legion of Merit at Paris, France, on 31 March 1945. The basis for the award is General Orders 25, Hq ETOUSA, dated February 1945, and the following is the pertinent extract relating thereto:
"By the direction of the President, under provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943 as amended, the Legion of Merit is awarded, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the respective periods indicated: Technical Sergeant Nathan Verger, ASN 32994415 10 AFB to 10 May 45
He designed and installed on the five radars, SCR-584, of the battalion a wiring system enabling the antenna of the RC-184 IFF equipment automatically to position itself exactly in azimuth with the parabola of the SCR-584.”
The "buzzbomb" menace was thwarted by the new advances of the Allies through Holland and Germany and the robots ceased making their appearance. As a result, the first week in April found the alert status being lowered. Although the men had to be in the battery area, they had more time to take care of their personal effects. Our mission as part of the Antiaircraft Defense of Antwerp ceased on 6 April 1945 when a teletype was received from the IX Air Defense Command ordering the battalion to discontinue its present mission, march-order all equipment, and report to the Commanding Officer, 451 PW Stockade, Epinal, France, This marked our departure from active participation in the tactical part of the war effort in the ETO. As a result of the performance of all the AA units in and around Antwerp rendering 98% ineffective the German effort to pulverize the city and its port facilities (To quote a German official, "We will either make Antwerp a city without a port, or a port without a city"), a citation was given to all the units by the Commanding General, which is attached hereto as Exhibit "P".
The batteries left their respective positions on 7 April 1945 and the Battalion bivouaced at a French fort at Verdun, France, that same night. The men had a chance to see part of the historic battlefield at Verdun where the Allies slugged it out with the Germans during the last war. The convoy rolled again the following morning and the advance party met it at Epinal, where it was directed to the Allied Military Personnel Camp #2, Epinal. The camp was originally a French garrison called "Caserne Dorsuer et Lonnard de la Vierge," and there was ample building space for all.
The batteries took possession of their new homes and the new assignment was explained to all. The organization was made Station Complement of this Camp where repatriated Allied Military Prisoners would be welcomed, processed, deloused, clothed, fed, bedded down, and prepared for shipment to a port area for embarkation to America. Medical attention, finance, special service, and hundreds of odds and ends were entailed in the undertaking, and the Battalion pitched into the job with vigor. By utilizing the German prisoners of war, and French civilian labor, the camp presented an entirely new appearance within the first week of our arrival.
The RAMPs were not very numerous and very few Americans were processed during the month. Special Service had movies every night together with an occasional stage show, a camp paper was published, and a Post Red Cross was opened featuring coffee and cookies throughout the day. One of Colonel Forbes' pet projects, a Battalion Band, materialized under the capable direction of Lt. Frank V. Kedenburg, and it "gave out." Immediately after their first appearance, offers to play came from as far as Nancy. Weekly, officers and enlisted men's dances were featured at which they played, and these soires constituted the highlight of the week's social activities. The following personnel constituted the band:
An important administrative change took place during the month. A letter file No. 322 OPGA, Subject: Troop Assignment (#69), Hq ETOUSA, dated 10 April 1945 relieved the 602d AAA Gun Battalion from attachment to USTAAF, 9th Air Force, IX Air Defense Command and attached it to the OISE Intermediate Section.
Toward the latter part of the month, the camp having been set up, Batteries A and B were ordered to move to Bayon and Langres respectively where they were to become provisional trucking companies whose main function was to haul ammunition between the railhead and the dumps. Battery A moved to its new position on the 26th of April and Battery B on the 27th of April. The authority for the move was, Movement Order #115, letter AG 370.5 OpGD, Hq, Lorraine District, 01S, Com Z, ETO, dated 24 April 1945. The last days of April were marked by the presentation of an award to Pfc Edward Caseretti of Battery B. He was given the Bronze Star Medal for an act committed on the 20th day of December 1944. On this day at 1420, while on outpost duty he observed the injured Sgt Archie B. Ellefson fall helplessly to the ground. Under heavy German shelling, Pfc Caseretti exposed himself, ran to the Command Post obtained help, and carried the severely wounded Sgt Ellefson to the Post and medical aid.
RAMPs increased in numbers as the Allied Armies liberated "stalag" after "stalag." Working hours were lengthened but the men greeted added duties with smiles and shoulder shrugs. There was nothing more gratifying to the men of the battalion than the compliments, and the appreciation extended by the newly liberated soldiers who marched in the gates. They were a dirty, bedraggled, sickly looking lot, these RAMPS. Their two and three day stays in RAMP Camp made a marked difference. When they left the gates for their voyage home their cheeks had color, they were the most cheerful and happy lot we had ever known. May was easily the greatest, the most remembered month in 602d history. The work, the association with men who came through for processing, and the close contacts made with civilians in Epinal through our dances and social functions was mirrored in the spirits of the men of the battalion. Morale in the outfit was never higher. The victorious armies spread added cheer and hope.
On May 1st, Battery C moved out of RAMP Camp in Epinal to Rambervillier, some thirty miles away to operate a RAMP Camp for liberated Allies other than British and American personnel. This left Headquarters and D batteries to expedite the work at RAMP Camp Epinal.
As many as 5,000 British and American RAMPs came through in one day. There were men in the Battalion who met among these prisoners of war, old friends from home. Friends they hadn't seen in two or three years. Shows were planned and staged for the amusement of RAMPs as well as the men of the batteries, who arrived from the nearby camps via battalion transportation. On dance night, the newly formed trucking companies of batteries A and B sent a representative group of men in. Lodging and chow were furnished to these men at RAMP Camp. V-E Day, 8 May 1945, found our men participating in parades with French civilians and military functions. In Langres, Battery B -in Epinal, Headquarters and D batteries - in Rambervillier, Battery C - in Bayon, Battery A. A group participated in the effigy burning of Hitler and Mussolini in the nearby town of Remiemont, another town in the Vosges that had come under the influence of the 602d men. Some men celebrated the happy occasion in their respective barracks. Small parties in the camp area whetted with Vosges aperitifs, added to the merriment and the memory of the occasion.
V-E came and went - so did the RAMPS. The figures dropped. Daily arrival of RAMPS decreased in numbers. The Red Cross in town closed, and RAMP Camp became the center of social activities for all surrounding units. The nightly shows were attended by various other outfits. The 602d band added to their popularity by playing for the different units in Epinal. The Camp newspaper "Come Back Diary" served a two-fold purpose. It was the contact sheet for the batteries and carried the news of the day in RAMP Camp.
On May 23d, Battery C moved to Nancy to open a transient mess, capable of catering to 5,000 men daily. A small detachment from D and Headquarters batteries under WOJG Smafield took over the functions of Battery C at Rambervillier.
This eventful month was marred by the accidental death of an outstanding enlisted man, Pfc James W. Stroupe, Headquarters Battery, by drowning in the Moselle River. He was beloved by all his fellow soldiers and was a man who had always given his best in the army and was always a pal to any other soldier. His many friends accorded him a military funeral at the 7th Army cemetery near Epinal. Chaplain Smith the Battalion Chaplain officiated at a ceremony no one of us can ever forget.
The month came to a close with our participation in the Memorial Day Services at the 7th Army Cemetery in Epinal. Our band played the National Anthems of France, Great Britain and America. We took part in the program with French civic and military leaders, and the British representatives at RAMP Camp. The same evening we held a grand affair at the Red Cross Club in town. It was attended by an over-flow crowd of civilians and soldiers, the Prefect and the Mayor of Epinal. It was the finishing touch of a memorable month in the history of the 602d AAA Gun Battalion.
The work and the many hours put in by everyone in May, decreased greatly in June. The inflow of RAMPs was reduced to a trickle. The 602d baseball team took to the field under the name of the Ramp Campers and created quite a stir in Vosges baseball circles by beating some of the best teams in that part of France, inkling the Champs of Africa Theater. Our pet pride and joy - the 602d band entered a band contest in Nancy and, although not in the plaque winning column, ran off with more applause and audience enthusiasm than anyone had expected. Weekly dances continued as the leading social function, and frankly the 602d had won the heart of Epinal. This was noteworthy considering the frigid attitude we had at first received from the citizenry. A number of civilians from the municipality had been working for us in the Mess Halls, Post Exchange, Red Cross and offices and relationships were excellent. Our friends on the British Staff started to leave when the incoming number of British RAMPs was reduced to practically nil. It was interesting to watch the goodbyes of the Britishers and the Americans. It seemed as though the Tommies had left a terrific impression on the GIs and vice versa. The sadness of the Britishers departure was reflected in issues of the Battalion newspaper.
Trips were made to Germany, to the famous cities and to towns and places of interest. The trips were both educational and profitable. Material was brought back by the "travelers" of the Battalion to help decorate the camp, fix the stage in the camp theater, and additions were made to the band with musical material. The Red Cross received some items of picturesque value and books were added to our library by these trips.
On June 15th we had completed our mission in RAMP Camp. No more RAMPs were coming through. The 82nd Airborne Division moved into RAMP Camp and turned it into their redeployment center. That same day, Headquarters Battery moved by convoy to Dijon and set up house keeping on the site of D Battery's transient camp. Some of the personnel were assigned to assist D Battery personnel in their work around the Dijon transient mess. The battalion inaugurated trips to Paris on the 17th of this month. Two men left at one time from each battery.
At the end of the month the personnel of the battalion were spread north to south, from Nancy to Beaune and were doing numerous duties as follows:
Headquarters moved from the bivouac area to a large apartment house near the center of town. A few days later, 602d set up headquarters in the large Caserne Junot, a garrison area used by the recently departed 36th General Hospital. First Hq Btry moved in and then D Btry. Colonel Forbes became the Dijon Garrison Area Commander and the battalion assumed new responsibilities in addition to its assigned battalion duties.
Men continued to make trips to Paris and then furloughs to the Riviera were inaugurated.
Talk of redeployment became an actuality when on July 15, the first group of enlisted men left the battalion. July 16 and 17th saw the departure of two more groups. The oldest and some of the finest fellows that ever wore brown took off on the 'Road Back'. They joined other Ack Ack units with high point men. These same units sent to 602d almost an equal number of enlisted men, with scores well under the 85 mark. On July 30th, the high-point officers left for these same units, and 602d received a group of officers with lower scores in exchange.
The new blood and the departure of some of the old added an interesting touch to the unit that had made its way from Fort Bliss, Texas. Men who had started with the outfit were among those who came in as new blood.
New friendships, new details and the news that we were Category II - The Pacific via the US, were the highlights of this month of transition.
The old-timers exchanged stories with the newcomers, and before long the men who had worn other insignias, accepted the 602d as 'their' outfit and settled down to the routine of an outfit doing a 'job' in the after V-E Day period.
Men continued to work while rumors as wide and as varied as the colors of the rainbow, were passed around from man to man. Redeployment of the unit was the most important topic, and the men in the 'know' said that August would see us on a boat for Home. Some were worried lest it might be a boat direct to the Pacific Theater without seeing home and the folks first.
Others felt that the war was going to end in the Pacific before 602d would climb aboard any vessel. The Battalion newspaper venture a prediction on the war ending in given number of days, and the men began to count the days, one by one. The war ended sooner than even the optimistic battalion paper had predicted, 2 Sep 45, and the battalion was just one big bevy of voices, singing, whispering, shouting and yelling - "We'll be home for Christmas."
In the meantime, men in the various batteries continued with their chores. In Nancy, Bayon, Langres, Beaune and Dijon, stories of the fine jobs done by 602d men filled the ears and the happy hearts of all. Came the end of the month and the beginning of September, and the entire battalion was assembled in Dijon. Btry A, B and C moved to Dijon and everyone was once again in one place for the first time since the opening days at Epinal.
602d men opened Enlisted Men's Clubs in the garrison area, and many happy hours were spent in it by the personnel. This club eliminated the clip-joints and bad liquor spots frequented by the average GI. 602d men open the first GI Nite Club in Dijon. The success of this place caused the opening of another, and then a third club. 602d seemed to have given Dijon a shot in the arm. Shows and musical attractions descended upon the city in frequent instances, and the men's spare time was well taken up by evenings spent in the theater, in town, at the garrison area and in the bivouac. Morale was it its highest peak toward the end of the month - the war had ended and the possibilities of going home before Xmas seemed better than good for most of us.
Dances and socials at the EM Clubs brought added new French friends and invitations to civilian homes reached a new high. The popularity of 602d was at its greatest height during this period. The outfit's name was twice mentioned on the American Forces Network. The last days of the month found 602d at the top of the list in activities at the Garrison Area, the Red Cross and social functions in town. V-J Day had come and gone, but the work done by 602d continued in high gear.
You've just read the story of 602d. It doesn't tell the intimate stories of the men of 602d - that's for you to fill in. Each page is a reminder of the days, months and years you spent in the Army during the hectic period of World War II...It makes an interesting evening's reading - The memories of little foreign towns and villages...It gives you for all time a chance to glance back and see yourself - as you were - and the things you did - when you were fighting for the Great Cause - Some people feel, the only Cause we fought for was to Go Home - well, isn't that cause enough?
You read a diary much more quickly than you live one...You breeze through training in Texas as quickly as you can turn a page - You take a train across country as quickly as you can light a butt...But stop for just a moment!...Remember how that train was going to bring you right up to the Port of Embarkation?...It didn't. Remember how you spent the next 18 months as part of the Air Defense of New York City? Greenpoint-Flushing-Governors Island-Gerritsen Beach - and last but not least Prospect Park...602d was not just another Gun Battalion!...It was and still is a very unique unit of the US Army... The people you met and the things you did always were just a little more meaningful than the things other outfits did...The outfit was conspicuous from the first day it hit New York...Governors and Mayors - Mrs. Roosevelt and foreign emissaries - Generals and more Generals...Strange that an outfit should play host to all these people...And then an influx of Limited Service men, and the endless stream of stories - We'll never go overseas, we're just a bunch of Subway Commando's...But we did go - didn't we? Fort Totten - Camp Kilmer - The Aquitainia - Gurock, Scotland - The Scottish countryside - the Moors of England - way down to the Southern end of Invasion Isle...Blandford and Bournemouth - and our first glimpse of a foreign people...Our first scare - the night bombing of the Lancaster and Glider field three miles across the hills of Blandford...Our first position Grantham... Nottingham - The Pubs - The WAAF - The WRENS - and the ATS...and off again to Southampton...The English Channel - choppy and dangerous - and the old Dutch Ferryboat...The Invasion Coast and a million ships and duck boats...Up the winding hill...and enemy planes on early July 4th morning...
Normandy Beach - Fireworks every night...Your first taste of action - and the never-ending alerts - Grandcamp Les Bains – Grandville - St Pair - The Carroles – SHAEF - and a beautiful summer on a fairyland like part of France – Bonjours - and Mamozelles - Come and Tie-My-Shoe - and Bonsoirs - Tres Beans - and Sil Vous Play - Beef-tek and French fried potatoes - eggs for cigarettes - and cider for gum - children who make you feel like heroes and French folk who called you their 'Liberators'...Le Havre - a short stop at Liege - and into Germany - The snow and cold - and then the breakthrough...The teamwork and the heroism stunned us all, and we made it almost unscratched...Eupen – VERVIERS - and the 'Bog' of Nazis we got on New Years Day...Liege – Herstal – Ans - Lovun and the friendliest people in the world - The terrifying first night and the tragedy and D...The Buzz-bombs and our nerves – Liege - Ice cream and once again beef-tek and Franc fries - the swimming pool and the Sunday Dances...Antwerp and beaucoup Buzz-bombs - we were doing a big job and then relieved by Field Marshal Montgomery's advancing Armies...Finis Buzzbombs...EPINAL...cruelty - and the end of the War in Europe...
Remiremont – Rambersvillers - take Gerardmer - Nancy - and the 602d Band...The days were full and 602d was having fun...Dijon – Redeployment – trucking - transient camps and GI Joes - Hotels and GI Nite Clubs. Men going home and then the first big new group coming in...70 points - 85 points and 84 points – points, points and more points...and your World was spinning all around you - Home - Home - Home - and here you are - pipe and slippers - and maybe Junior at the fireside.
For this is as it should be - The men of 602d earned their place by the fireplace.
602d accomplished its anti-aircraft mission comme ca:
The best record in the IX Air Defense Command
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