Under Construction
Searching for German Paratroopers
in American uniform
behind our lines
during the
Extract from the Monthly Report After Action Against the Enemy dated 4 January 1945
Headquarters
146th Engineer Combat Battalion
(h) Enemy Activity.
During the period 11 December 1944 to 22 December 1944, due to enemy airborne operation "Einheit Von Der Heydte" with its mission of cutting the Eupen--Malmedy road and subsequent activity, patrols from Company "C" and H&S Company operated in the vicinity of the Battalion bivouac area. Thirty--three (33) paratroopers were captured and two were killed, with the prisoners being turned over to V Corps PW cage. The Paratroopers had evidently been infiltrating through the front lines in small groups with the intention of reassembling at some German held point.
From 261630 to 261830 December 1944, the Battalion bivouac area and vicinity was subjected to an enemy artillery barrage. Approximately 50 shells, estimated to be 105 MM hit the area, causing injuries to the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Carl J. Isley, end seven (7) enlisted men.
2. ATTACHMENTS.
(1) From 1 December 1944 to 31 December 1944, the Battalion, except for Company "A" as
shown below in (2), was attached to the 1121st Engineer Combat Group and performed
general engineering work in the Corps area.
(2) From 16 December 1944 to 20 December 1944, Company "A" was attached per VOCO
Commanding General, V Corps, to 38th Cavalry Squadron for use as infantry. Reverted to
Battalion control on 20 December 1944.
3. OPERATIONS.
(a) Combat Missions.
(1) On the 16 December 1944 an enemy attack threatened a vital point on the line of
communications to U. S. Forces in the Elsenborn, Kalterherberg area. In the late
afternoon, Company "A" was committed as infantry, occupying defensive positions
with 38th Cavalry Squadron, east of Monschau. This situation was critical with the
enemy throwing continual counterattacks at this point and only the 38th Cavalry
Squadron and Company "A" in front of them. No immediate relief or support was
expected by our units, and the enemy was able to push one platoon back about two
hundred yards. However, the platoon reorganized, counterattacked and regained
the lost ground plus an additional 400 yards. Company "A" withdrew after relief by
the 9th Division at 201600 December 1944. With 22 enemy captured, the company
had suffered no casualties from enemy action.
(2) Company "B" was alerted as infantry per VOCO, Commanding General, V Corps at
171200 December 1944 with the mission of patrolling from..............to............. Patrols
were operating two hours after the alert, and the company was finally relieved from
this task at 230800 December 1944.
(b) Roads and Culverts.
(1) During the month of December 1944, the primary mission of the Battalion was the
maintenance of the rods in the Corps and Division areas. The first half of the month
heavy rains made the problem of drainage especially acute and effort was
concentrated on opening existing culverts, removing vegetation and other
obstructions from drainage ditches. Towards the end of the month, snowfalls
necessitated concentration of efforts in removal of snow from roads and the sanding
of icy stretches of roads.
(2) Company "C" constructed culvert.............in Kalterherberg, using 12" concrete culvert
and completed the job 19 December 1944.
(3) Twenty--four hours officer reconnaissance was maintained on roads in assigned
sector from 22 December to 31 December 1944, with a report being made every six
hours to the V Corps Engineer.
(c) Bridges
(1) Company "A" installed a 3" x 10" Treadway on 2 December 1944 on bridge at.......
(2) Company "B" reinforced bridge at........... to a class 40 by adding new stringers, floor
and treads. Completed 16 December 1944.
(d) Mines
(1) Company "A" removed minefield No. 316, consisting of 87 AT mines, eighty six (86)
mines were removed (one mine having been previously detonated) on 15 December
1944.
(2) Company "B" began installing AP minefield in general area.............. on 23
December 1944. On 25 December 1944, following work was completed:
Base line of 160 sections staked in, 11,000 yards barbed wire strung, 224 AP
mines installed, but pins not pulled.
Changes in plans necessitated the removal of this partially completed field
and such work began 26 December 1944. The field was completely removed
26 December 1944.
(3) Company "A" began installing AP minefield in general area..................... on 23
December 1944. On 25 December, the following work was completed:
Base line of 113 sections staked in.
8,000 yards barbed wire strung.
144 AP mines installed, but pins not pulled.
Changes in plans necessitated removal of this partially completed field and
such work began 26 December 1944. the field was completely removed 26
December 1944.
(4) Company "B" began installing AP mine field running southwest from................ on 28
December 1944. Installation of barrier (No 6A in Corps Barrier Plan) was completed
31 December 1944. Mine field consisted of 108 sections, 8000 yards of barbed wire
strung around field with mine field markers, and 409 AP mines.
(e) (1) Landing Fields.
(a) Company "B" cut hedgerows and cleared trees at V Corps air strip (vicinity of
Eupen) for artillery observation planes, on 10 December 1944.
(3) Preparation of Road Blocks.
(a) Company "B" established a road block (No 5x in Corps Barrier Plan) on Eupen--
Monschau road ...................... consisting of three sets of necklaced mines and
abatis. This block was completed 17 December 1944, and the 9th Division
controlled the blowing of it, with liaison being maintained with the division.
(b) Company "C" prepared bridges for demolition, according to Corps Barricade
Plan, ..................... Road was prepared for cratering................ and this was
completed 20 December 1944. one squad was left as guard on each of the
prepared sites, with the 9th Division controlling the blowing and liaison
maintained with that Division.
(c) Upon Corps orders, Company "C" removed the prepared charges from
bridges..................... on 22 December 1944.
CECIL F. CLARK
Major, C. E.
Commanding
Background Photo credit:
National Archives of the United States
COMMENDATION
HQ 38TH CAV RCN SQ
9 January 1945
SUBJECT: Commendation
THRU : Commanding General, V Corps, ........... U. S. Army
TO : Commanding Officer, 146th Engineer Battalion, ............. U. S. Army
1. During the period 16 December to 21 December, Company A, 146th Engineer Battalion under command of Captain Ball, was attached to the 38th Cavalry Squadron. At this time the 38th Cavalry Squadron was defending the MONSCHAU area against attack of a strong German force with the mission of cutting the MONSCHAU--EUPEN Road and against an additional strong enemy Paratroop force operating in the Squadron rear. Platoons of Company A were attached to Troops B and C and bolstered the thinly-held Cavalry line under repeated German attacks. This was done willingly and efficiently and contributed greatly to the successful repelling of the determined German attack.
2. I desire to commend the officers and enlisted men of Company A, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, for their invaluable assistance in preventing the German attacking force from cutting the MONSCHU--EUPEN Road.
/s/ Robert E. O'Brien, Jr.
/t/ ROBERT E. O'BRIEN, JR.
Lt. Col, Cavalry
Commanding
Change of Command
The following are extracts from the daily Unit Reports and the daily Combined Hourly Journals, from 1 December 1944 to 31 December 1944, issued by Headquarters 146th Engineer Combat Battalion.
The text in black is verbatim extract of the Official Reports.
The text in blue is an unofficial running commentary intending to sequentially depict the incidents as they occured.
UNIT REPORT NO. 173
From: 301200 November 44
To : 011200 December 44
Maps : GSGS 4416, sheets T1 & S1 *
* These maps are not available.
2. OWN SITUATION
a. Location of Command Posts.
(1) 146th Engr C Bn - K-860214. *
* The Battalion CP remained at the same coordinates until 27 December 1944. From statements made in the Combined Journals, it is deduced that
this location was in the vicinity of Monschau at Robertville, Belgium.
Operations.
(3) "C" Company
(a) One platoon furnishing Battalion security.
(b) One platoon to assume Group security in PM 01 December 1944.
(c) Maintaining road ...........................
The remainder of the Bn was engaged in general engineering work in the Bn's area of responsibility between Elsenborn and Kalterherburg, Germany
UNIT REPORT NO. 179
From : 061200 December 44
To : 071200 December 44
Operations.
(1) "A" Company
(a) Relieved Company "C" of 1121st Engr (C) Group and 146th Engr (C) Battalion security details at 070800
Dec 44.
The remainder of the Bn was engaged in general engineering work in their respective areas of responsibility.
UNIT REPORT NO. 182
From : 091200 December 44
To : 101200 December 44
Operations.
(1) "C" Company
(f) One platoon conducting training in American and German mines and booby traps.
No change in status of operations of all other complements of the Bn to this date.
UNIT REPORT NO. 186
From : 131200 December 44
To : 141200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity.
(1) Two trucks damaged by enemy mortar fire in vicinity of Monschau railroad yard.
b. Operations.
(1) "A" Company
(a) Relieved of Group security as of 140800 Dec..
(b) Relieved of Battalion security as of 140800 Dec..
(2) "B" Company
(a) One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st Engr C Gp as of 140800.
(b) One platoon furnishing security detail for 146th Engr C Bn as of 140800.
(3) "C" Company
(a) One platoon attached to Vernon* for engineer operations.
* Code name for 254th Engr (C) Bn.
No change in status of operations of all other elements of the Bn to this date.
UNIT REPORT NO. 187
From : 141200 December 44
To : 151200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity.
(1) A projectile falling almost vertically and approximately coming from a southwest direction fell at............. Two
trees about 4" in diameter were broken off at heights of 10' and 15' above the ground. Crater about 4' in diameter
and 1' deep. No traces of shrapnel or fragments could be found in the area. Crater located about 500 ft. west of
"C" Company C. P.
b. Operations.
(1) "A" Company
(c) Completed removal of minefield No. 316, consisting of 87 AT mines, at 151100 Dec $$. One mine had
been blown.
(2) "B" Company
(a) One platoon furnishing security detail for 146th Engr C Bn.
(b) Relieved of Group Security as of 141600 Dec 44.
(3) "C" Company
(a) One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st Engr C Gp. as of 14600 Dec 44.*
(b) Company C (less two platoons) moving.................
* 3rd Platoon of Company "C"
Combined Journal 15 December 1944, No. 168
1135 S-2: Rcn Sect checked details of explosion by unidentified projectile near Co C area 141630 Dec 44
1900 S-3: Capt Howard to S-3 -- completed Bridge near Hofen at 1800. Bridge passable but will need some finishing
touches in AM 16 Dec.
1930 S-3: Capt Ball to S-3 -- 150 mines removed from field No 313 marked with wire & triangles on friendly side, but
112th was stringing more wire.
No change in status of operations of all other elements of the Bn to this date.
UNIT REPORT NO. 188
From : 151200 December 44
To : 161200 December 44
2. OWN SITUATION
a. Location of Command Posts
(1) 146th Engr C Bn --(less Company "C" ) K-860214. *
(2) Company "C" (less one platoon) ..............
(3) One Platoon, Company "C" ..............
* Same location as reported in Unit Report No. 173
b. Operations
(2) "B" Company
(a) One platoon furnishing security detail for 145th Engr C Bn.
(3) "C" Company
(b) One platoon furnishing security detail for 1121st Engr C Gp.*
* 3rd Platoon - - Plat. Ldr. Lt. L. Fox - -
Combined Journal 16 December 1944, No. 169:
IN OUT MESSAGES ACTION TAKEN
1520 S-3: Rec'd call from Col Patillo Called and notified Co "A"
to report to Col O'Brien at...... to be at...................as
.........and to alert one company soon as possible.
immediately to serve as infantry.
1525 S-3: Maj Baker called to check
with Col McDonough on call from Alerted "B" Co. Also on
Col Pattillo. advice of Col McDonough.
1700 S-3: Maj Baker & Capt Ball con-
tacted Col O'Brien at Visual* CP
in Monschau. Co A attached to
Visual at 1700 to reinforce the
Cavalry on the line east of Mon-
schau.
* Visual - code name for 38th Cavalry Squadron
1710 S-3: Rec'd call from Lt Fox re-
questing two trucks & 1/4 Ton for
possible Gp. move. Dispatched.
2000 S-3: Lt Reeves to S-3 - Monschau Permission given to use
receiving some artillery and mor- prisoners. S-4 will re-
tar fire. Visual will feed Co. A. lease WP guards & will
Capt. Ball needs another squad, relieve bridge guards.
which I'll have to make up from
WP guards, bridge guards, etc.
UNIT REPORT NO. 189
From : 161200 December 44
To : 171200 December 44
b. Operations
(1) "A" Company
(a) Alerted as infantry at 161520 Dec $$, by direct order of Col Patillo.
(b) Assembled and attached to 38th Cavalry Squadron in Monschau at 161700 Dec 44. Occupying defensive
positions with 38th Cavalry east of Monschau.
(2) "B" Company
(b) Alerted as infantry at 17200 December 1944 with mission of patrolling line from...............to ..........(tentative)
and establishing road blocks on Eupen Monschau road east of above line.
(3) "C" Company
(a) Moved from...........to ............. at 170700 Dec 44.
(b) Moved from...........to ............. at 170900 Dec 44
(c) Capt Wall reported in to CP at 17200 Dec 44 to establish contact as communication lines were out. Had no
knowledge of 254th Engr C n. Had contacted one Sergeant of the organization, but he knew nothing of the
situation.
(d) Capt Wall ordered to move Company to K-860214* by way of Eupen.
* At Robertville, in the Bn CP area.
No change of status of operations of other elements of the Bn.
Combined Journal 17 December 1944, No. 170
IN OUT MESSAGES ACTION TAKEN
0330 S-3: Maj Clark to S-3 - Col Mc-
Donough called to have Co B send
out patrols to check road for
emergency repairs. Also be es-
specially alert for parachutists,
and for enemy agents tampering
with communications lines. Also
advised that Co C. had moved to
the vicinity of Vernon.
\
0930 S-3: T/4 Cakam returned to CP.
Reports artillery & mortar fire
in Monschau. No counter Attack.
1030 S-3: Lt. Col. from Armored Unit
stopped in CP to check possible
routes for movement of tanks.
Reported that paratroops had
landed during the night.
1130 S-3: Lt Anderson, V Corps - Alert
one company to set up a patrol
line from............to ...................
and to establish road blocks east
of line on the Eupen-Monschau road Assigned to Co B.
1145 S-3: Capt Wall reported in to es-
tablish contact as communication
lines were out. Had no knowledge
of 254th Engr C Bn. had contacted
one Sergeant of the organization Capt Wall ordered to shove
but knew nothing of the sit- his Co to K-860214 by
uation. way of Eupen.
1200 S-3: Lt Anderson, V Corps - Re-
ported that a penetration had Bn. mission remains the
been made to Mutzenich. same.
1330 S-3: Capt Howard reports two (2)
platoons moving out to assume de-
fensive position. Assigned above.
One platoon will move out as soon
as relieved of Bn guard.
1400 S-3: Capt Pipka reported in from Reported that penetration
78th Div Hqs. had been sealed off.
1510 Lt. Meier reported in that Ordered to bring Company
Co. C was now at Roberville* to area.
* (Typo) Should be -- Robertville
From 1515 hours to 1715 hours, S-2 received reports of German ammo found in Co. "A" aerea as were 7 parachutes and a blue booklet believd to be
troop passport. Appropriate action taken, reported to higher Hq. , patrol sent out but made no contact with the enemy.
2000 S-3: Lt. Reeves to S-3 -- Returned
from Monschau situation about same
Cavalry has line established.
UNIT REPORT NO. 190
From: 171200 December 44
To : 181200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity.
(1) German paratrooper captured in vicinity od Battalion bivouac area (K-860214) at 181100 Dec 44. Turned
over to V Corps, Cage.
2. OWN SITUATION
b. Operations
(1) "A" Company
(a) Attached to 38th Cavalry Squadron and maintaining defensive line with Cavalry east of Monschau.
(2) "B" Company
(a) Maintaining line of outposts and patrols from...............where contact line with 112th Engr C Bn is being
maintained to...............
(b) Prepared trees for demolition on Eupen -- Monschau road ................
Photo Credit: Anne Stephens
(c) Prepared double row of AT mines on ropes, seven on one and eight on the second in front of three prepared
abatis. Liaison being maintained with 47th Infantry relative to road blocks.
(3) "C" Company
(a) Company C (less one platoon) moved into Bn. bivouac area at K- 860214 at 171900 Dec 44.
(b) Three patrols searching area in vicinity of Battalion bivouac area ...........for paratroopers.
Combined Journal 19 December 1944 No. 172
0830 S-3 Capt Howard to S-3 -- All Capt. Howard ordered to
quiet on patrol line. Two buzz search for duds on possi-
bombs landed in vicinity of Bn bility they might be
area. Apparently duds. supplying paratroops.
1300 S-3: Capt Wall reported in that
patrols had found no paratroopers
in the area.
1700 S-3: Lt. Anderson, V corps to S-3 --
Co. B will maintain patrol line
until relieved by V Corps. Para-
troopers are roaming and there is
no contact with them.
1915 S-3: Lt Anderson, V Corps to S-3 --
Prepare three bridges on Eupen
Rotgen road for demolition. Also
prepare road crater at good spot
near reservoir. Assigned to Co C.
UNIT REPORT NO. 192
From : 191200 December 44
To : 201200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity.
(1) Fifteen (15) German paratroopers captured southwest of Battalion bivouac area (K-869214). Up to 201200, 7 of
these prisoners had been turned over to Victor PW Cage; 4 others, wounded, were evacuated thru medical
channels. Remaining four (4) prisoners to be taken to Victor PW Cage...............
(1) Brief interrogation of prisoners indicated they were returning to their own lines. Size of enemy force undetermined,
as answers of prisoners varied, indicating 80 to a regiment of men.
UNIT REPORT NO. 193
From: 201200 December 44
To : 211200 December 44
2. OWN SITUATION
a. Location of Command Posts.
(1) 146th Engr C Bn; Company A; Company B; Company C (less One platoon) - K860214
(2) One platoon , Company C - K-747243.*
* Believed to be coordinates for vicinity of Houffalize, Belgium
The entire complement of the 146th ECB (less one platoon Co. C which was providing security for the 1121st Engr C Gp) was bivouacked around Bn Hq,
in Vicinity of Robertville, Belgium.
UNIT REPORT NO. 194
From: 211200 December 44
To : 221200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity
(1) Two (2) German Soldiers were found dead in "C" Company area, 211600 Dec 44. Believed to have been killed by
our patrols that have been searching vicinity for Paratroopers.
Combined Journal 22 December 1944 No. 175
0620 S-3: Lt Brown to S-3 -- Gp
radio message "enemy tank
operating between Vernon and Viceroy.
0645 S-3: S-3 to Capt Ball -- Send
two bazookamen and two grena-
diers to Capt Wall, who will
move outpost forward some
and place AT mines.
0745 S-3: Lt Croon reports that one
enemy tank operating in area
...................., might possibly
be American captured by para-
troopers.
Combined Journal 23 December 1944 No. 176
1120 S-3: Msg. V Corps -- All troops
forward of route N27 and N28
will carry gas masks. All Co's notified.
UNIT REPORT NO. 196
From: 231200 December 44
To : 241200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity
(1) At about 1100 hrs 23, Dec., 1st platoon of Company "A" was working on minefield in vicinity.............
An enemy entrenching shovel was discovered in the grass just off a small trail. The men decided to investigate.
The trail led to a small wooden lookout tower in the woods. Upon investigation of its contents, five sleeping enemy
paratroopers were discovered. The enemy was armed but surrendered without a struggle, The prisoners were
turned over to the Bn stockade and were evacuated to Victor PW Cage at 1300 hrs 23 Dec 44.
UNIT REPORT NO. 199
From: 261200 December 44
To : 271200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity
(1) Approximately 50 shells, estimated to be 105 mm, landed in Battalion area and vicinity (K-860214) from 261630
to 261830 Dec 44. One officer and seven EM injured; with one officer and four EM being evacuated.
All other elements of the Bn pursuing assigned tasks of removing AP mines, maintaining guard on barriers, patrolling Mutzenich -- Kalterherberg road,
maintaining Eupen -- Mutzenich road and furnishing security for 1121st Engr C Gp.
Combined Journal 26 December 1944 No. 179
1430 S-3: Bn area received enemy artil
lery fire, approximately 50 rounds
from 261630 to 261830. Lt Col
Isley and 7 EM injured. Col Isley
and 4 EM evacuated.
1930 S-3: S-3 to Col McDonough -- Ad
vised Col McDonough of situation
and action taken. Maj Clark to
command of Battalion.
UNIT REPORT NO. 200
From: 271200 December 44
To : 281200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary oc Enemy Activity
(1) Working parties along Mutzenich -- Kalterherberg road hampered in their activity by sporadic shell fire. Shells
have hit alongside road but none have damaged the road itself.
(2) Air bursts reported in vicinity ................... at 281040 Dec 44.
2. OWN SITUATION
b. Operations
(3) "C" Company
(a) Security platoon* at 1121st Engr C Gp relieved by Company A in AM 28 Dec 44.
(5) 146th Engr C Bn Fwd CP opened at K-820259 at 281000 Dec 44.
* The 3rd Platoon Company "C" was finally relieved from 1121st Engr C Gp security detail and rejoined the Company at its location. Resummed general engineer activities.
UNIT REPORT NO. 201
From: 281200 December 44
To : 291200 December 44
1. ENEMY
a. Summary of Enemy Activity
(1) Unexploded robot bomb discovered ............. Reported to Victor at 281715 Dec 44.
From 29200 December 44 to 312100 December 44 all elements of the Battalion performed general engineer work, and furnished security for Bn & Gp Command Posts.
Two wounded German Paratroopers given 1st aid.
Photo credit: Capt. Stanley Goldman, Bn Surgeon