England and the Assault Training Center. Satisfaction Guaranteed! The nights were still cold, strange, and restless; the tension was felt by everyone. Company B, attached to the 109th Infantry of the 28th Division, spent a vigorous two weeks in the vicinity of Elkins, West Virginia, participating in mountain maneuvers. Here the company was reorganized and moved inland about 100 yards. Every man that came through that training will admit, however, that he was in better physical shape for it. Few who participated will forget the regimental landings, firing from LCVPs, the company assault problems, the "hedgehog" at the Assault Training Center, or the exercises Duck 1 and 2, and exercises Fox and Fabius. The next few days the company passed through Bray, Lepron les Valees, and St. Menges, finally reaching the Belgian border at Muno on September 7. At the beginning of this period, June 16, C Company, while supporting the 2nd Infantry Division, went into a static position facing Hill 192. The trek inland was slow and exhausting. Captain Panas fought to the end, firing all his ammunition at the enemy before being killed. Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, 1966. Many times the companies "sweated out" the mess trucks, but in most instances, the "chow" came through. At 0350 hours on November 14, Company A crossed the Moselle River and proceeded to Valmestroff, enduring heavy fire and suffering several casualties. Then one day someone discovered that you could fire a TNT-filled shell from the same muzzle -- and that day you said goodbye forever to clean labs and pretty colored chemicals, and became a soldier. The attack quickly turned into a bitter slugfest, and remained so for nearly a month. The 4th Division, with A and B Companies attached, wasted no time in attacking the Siegfried Line. Captain Gaffney, company commander, was instantly killed when the craft in which he was riding struck a mine. A spouting volcano, a replica of Cathedral Mountain, which is the outstanding landmark for miles around Fort D.A. Most nights for the company were spent in houses and beds, and for the next four days there were no missions on the German side of the Rhine. Just 45 minutes from Broadway, and not a thing could be done about it! Lo, the rear CP moved on to Berigny, and then to Vieux Calnes. There was no let-up in enemy resistance and on two occasions the company narrowly missed having numerous casualties. After a little more than six months of intensive preparation following its arrival in the United Kingdom, the battalion was alerted on May 12, 1944, for what proved to be the greatest event in modern times the invasion of Europe. This ended the battalions first 60 days operation against the enemy and comprised the first formal rest period it had enjoyed since D-Day. we were defending the Azot plant [one of the largest chemical plants in Europe . B Company was unfortunate enough to have one of the vehicle personnel killed and two others and an officer wounded. Those that saw the town afterward will bear witness that the job was thoroughly done. One particular incident stands out: a Scottish officer wearing kilts walked down the dock, and the clamor of the catcalls, whistling, and yoo-hoos was deafening. Later that day, an open gun emplacement was knocked out, an anti-tank gun silenced, and a troop concentration broken up with many casualties to the enemy. Forces through Paris, although the 4th Division, with A and B Companies attached, had preceded them by two days. For its ship-to-shore operation the battalion did an excellent job. The rear echelon of the battalion embarked in two Liberty ships on June 14 from England and dropped anchor about two and a half miles off Omaha Beach the following day. Panas then moved the company to a firing position on the bluffs above the beach. The combat team was composed of the 22nd Infantry, 4th Division, elements of the 5th Armored, 801st Tank Destroyer Battalion, and B Company 81st. At approximately 0930 hours the entire wave was safely beached. D Company had an opportunity to learn the effect of its firing firsthand on June 17. The battalion rear echelon rolled through Paris on September 1, northeast towards Soissons, making stops at Longperrier, Ermemonville, and Haramont. The Parisian girls were all over the American G.I.s [Annotator's Note: government issue; also a . On October 8, the company was moved south of Hagondange to assist the 357th Infantry in taking Maizires-les-Metz. This was its first experience in operating with troops other than its own. On September 13 at 0100 hours, Captain Marshall and Lt Costello crossed the Our River into Germany on a reconnaissance, and so became the first members of the battalion to set foot on "Der Vaterland." All these problems were considered rough, but it was found later that they were child's play compared to actual combat. Marfa itself was a little cattle town with a big sense of hospitality and a bit of Old Mexico. On this date, three members of a forward observation party were killed by direct fire from enemy artillery. For his leadership and gallantry in action, Lt Panas was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In March the battalion left Penkridge for Poole, Dorset, where it was rejoined on April 1, 1944, by D Company. 107th Military Intelligence Battalion (CEWI): 7th Military Police Company: The battalion traveled some 180 miles to reach these positions. On the Fourth of July, at exactly 1200 hours, all companies fired one round from each gun as a part of the great "Independence Day Shoot" along the whole front. This one was a German, but had sense enough to surrender without a fight. Monday-Friday (excluding Holidays) Here the unit was processed, every item of equipment checked for serviceability, and all excess personal belongings discarded. Number four mortar of the 1st platoon, Sgt Miller's squad, fired two rounds of HE, from the initial landing place, at a machine gun emplacement 500 yards away. Murphy, one of the ships in the convoy, had collided with another ship, resulting in the Murphy being cut in half. Immediately on "cease fire," four of the enemy surrendered, and upon interrogation by the infantry S-3, they stated that the shells landed directly in the emplacements, killing 27 that they saw. So we toted a 4.2" mortar from the beaches of France to the heart of fortress Germany. During one such barrage, T/5 Fix was killed and T/5 White was wounded while attempting to give him first aid. It was about this time that the field artillery method of observation and firing was adopted. Beginning on June 1 and continuing through June 2, the entire assault echelon was moved to Weymouth harbor where it embarked on various craft, including APAs, an LSI, and LSTs. Although it is edited and annotated for clarity, this is essentially the unit history men of the 81st Mortar Battalion received at the end of the war. With no alternative, they abandoned the vehicle. The wave containing C Company's LCVPs bore in towards the beach on schedule, but since the infantry was still pinned down within a few yards of water, the control boat moved them back to sea where they rendezvoused. At this time, Lt Robert Mann and his platoon accomplished a magnificent feat. Elements of the First Army, including the 81st Chemical Battalion, took part in the forming of the lower half of the great Falaise trap where the Germany Seventh Army was encircled. Several batteries of enemy 150mm artillery, firing from the vicinity of Pointe du Hoc, pounded the center of town and the road leading to the beach. Enemy resistance was collapsing all along the line. Many of the personnel found accommodations in nearby towns and brought their wives there to be near them. Lt Mohrfeld, platoon leader, 2nd platoon, was hit within a few minutes by machine gun fire and died shortly thereafter. Russell, Texas Reorganized and redesignated 14 February. All the German equipment lay scattered in the fields and roads. The ship wasn't long at sea before boat drills were started. Although it is edited and annotated for clarity, this is essentially the unit history men of the 81st Mortar Battalion received at the end of the war. Heavy seas and the fact that some craft hung up on underwater obstacles made it impossible to make a dry landing. Following Saint-L, Ollar and the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, attached to the 4th Infantry Division at the time, paraded into Paris [Annotator's Note: Paris, France] as liberators. U. S. ARMY 81ST CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION - The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) was constituted March 12, 1942 as an inactive unit and made active at Fort D. A. Russell, Texas on April 25, 1942 under the command of Lt Col Thoms James. To him and to the able officers and men aiding him is due the credit for bringing the organization to the peak of combat efficiency and morale it attained by the time it was first committed to battle. On June 19, while attached to the 175th Infantry, 29th Division, the company moved up to the vicinity of Le Mesnil-Roulexin to effect the relief of the 115th Infantry which had been cut off by the enemy. One claimed to be from Brooklyn having returned to Germany on a visit just before the war. The targets were enemy troops which were dispersed. At the invitation of the Belgian civilians most of the company spent the night in houses where entertainment was provided in honor of the first American troops to enter the town. The 81st and 87th Chemical Mortar Battalions landed in Normandy early on D-day in support of the V and VII Corps, respectively, on OMAHA and UTAH Beaches. The whole town turned out in the typical French greeting. Company B was attached to combat team "Taylor," which spearheaded the 4th Division drive to the Belgian border. On June 19, Lts Andrew Z. Baker of Company C, and Charles S. Gardner and Francis Fisher of Company A, were wounded by artillery fire while at the observation post - all by one shell burst. On the very first day the company fired on the town of Roscheid, destroying 24 enemy personnel and a small ammo dump. The firing continued unabated. The Germans had just left, leaving thousands of dollars' worth of supplies and equipment. This company left Caumont on July 22 and took up positions at Courmolain, attached to the 50th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division, where it fired several missions in the vicinity of La Vacqurie and burned down the town of Bieville, an enemy strong point. On the 28th of July, another honor came to D Company when S/Sgt Loren E. Weaver received a battlefield commission as second lieutenant. After spotting the Germans digging in, it fired nine rounds of high explosives and laid a smokescreen for others crossing behind them. Many say now that it was a good thing most were "green" troops, for many a veteran "froze" that day. Yet a more capable man than our Supreme Commander, General "Ike", would be difficult to find. On the afternoon of June 5, one by one the craft slipped out from Weymouth harbor to assemble with similar groups somewhere in the Channel. It was in Louisiana on Easter Sunday that the battalion held its first anniversary and Col. James presented to the unit, in a colorful ceremony, its battalion colors on which was portrayed its insignia and motto. In A Company's sector, the platoons moved forward in separate, parallel thrusts through a fluid front. This is the unit history of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II. The assault group of this battalion was composed of 437 officers and men and 35 vehicles. It was later learned, after the voyage was over, that the U.S.S. The cities of Normandy during the 1944 battles Liberation: July 11, 1944 Deployed units: 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion 741st Tank Battalion Fallschirmjger Regiment 9, 3. The colonel, there on an inspection tour, commended Col James on the accuracy and efficiency of the firing. In early August, the 81st reassembled for its first formal rest period. B Company's mission was to land on Dog Green Beach and provide direct support for the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry. The 19th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division, relieved the 33rd Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Division, on July 13 at Caumont, but D Company remained at the hot spot in support of this new unit, which had never been committed. At 0430 hours on June 6, all companies of the battalion were off-loaded onto LCVPs 15 miles from their designated landing beaches. The battalion arrived at Camp Shanks on Friday, October 15, 1943. V Corps attached two companies to the 80th Infantry Division and two companies to the 90th Infantry Division for this mission. There were two weaknesses. Despite the defilade, Jerry constantly sought to shell the position with fire from high-angle artillery, mortars, and "screaming meemies." The Vire River was the next objective, and beyond that the southern border of Normandy. Three enemy OPs were destroyed as well as most of the personnel. Up to this time, the battalion had expended 31,352 rounds of ammunition. All leaves and furloughs were cancelled, and censorship and security regulations were explained to the men. AbeBooks.com: Unit History of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II: A+ Customer service! One of the most outstanding missions was completed on September 16 when the company burned down the town of Roscheid, for many days a strong point and supply base for the enemy. That same morning, A Company, attached to the 8th Infantry, 4th Division, passed through the Vincennes section of Paris. The great attack on Hill 192, the gateway to St. 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion 84th Chemical Mortar Battalion 85th Chemical Mortar Battalions . Three more prisoners were taken that day in one of the mortar positions. Thanks to deep foxholes and overhead cover the casualties were few. Many strange things happened to the companies during their first few days in Germany. This was the initial air and sea bombardment laid down on Omaha Beach early that day in an effort to neutralize or soften up the enemy's prepared positions. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain limited notes and highlighting. Pages and cover are clean and intact. On October 14, 1943, after Col. James' memorable "This Is It" speech, the battalion departed from Camp Pickett, Virginia, for the P.O.E. Company A's FDC was almost put out of existence several days later when a direct hit was made on the dugout it was occupying, closing up the entrance and scattering equipment and personnel. The cultural points of interest were Penkridge Church, Litchfield Cathedral, and Hatherton Hall. Lo, was begun by the 2nd Division on the 11th of July. First Sgt Radakovitz was truly loved by the men; his leadership and advice will never be forgotten by those who served with him. By the time he finished, the guns were close to firing on a back azimuth. Over the public address system the new arrivals were told how to behave in England and a little bit of what to expect there. Departed the New York Port October 21, 1943 and arrived in England November 2, 1943. In clearing the enemy from the beachhead, the companies expended a total of 6,807 rounds of ammunition. A military band from the airfield nearby serenaded the train as it left the station. The battalion can be justly proud of the fact that the 81st Chemical Battalion was among those cited. The story of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion does not start back in the trusty annals of early American history. Although the target was at too close a range to hit, it is believed that these were the first rounds the battalion fired on the continent of Europe. Much credit is due to the service troops of this organization who traveled miles over stretched supply lines to bring up vital rations, ammunition, and mortar parts during this period. The enemy, having either spotted the position, or, while firing at a nearby road, shelled the company continuously. Although someone once said a rest period was merely a preparation for the next operation, the chance to clean up and see a USO show featuring lovely Dinah Shore, certainly skyrocketed morale above its usual "excellent.". A German self-propelled gun firing only a few rounds into the position, near Pont St. Maxence, was the only resistance encountered until after St. Quentin was liberated on September 2. Captain Moundres died as a result of his wounds, so Lt Panas, being now the senior officer, took command of the company, reorganized the platoons, and got them safely off the beach into firing positions along the slope of the bluff. Approximately 600 rounds were fired that day. Enemy artillery fire was heavy during the day and the infantry suffered heavy casualties. of Commerce State Incentives, Sales Tax Incentive for Downtown Retailers, Starbirds National Rod Custom Car Hall of Fame, Pictures of Headstones located in Grove Cemeteries. A smoke screen was laid for the initial advance, supporting screens furnished throughout the day, and harassing missions fired at enemy OPs and mortar positions. On June 12, 1943, the 81st Chemical Battalion arrived at Camp Pickett, Virginia, where it was stationed until October 14 of that year. Soon after, the battalion was alerted for departure from Texas for participation in Louisiana maneuvers. Russell for duty. The mortar position, of necessity on a forward slope to the left of town, was continuously subjected to grazing rifle and machine gun fire coming from the adjacent hill. It was nearly three hours later when the company landed on the Easy Red sector of Omaha Beach beside the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry. All the companies were in either the fourth or fifth wave of the assault echelon. For this reason they were also called the "Four-deucers". The company was then attached to the 377th Infantry. When the company joined this outfit at Les Hautes Vaux it was shocked to find very few of the old officers of this regiment left. On the 30th of July, the company moved with the infantry into the town of Conde-sur-Vire, where several startling incidents occurred in the space of a few hours. The observation post, always a hot spot, received several direct hits from "big stuff." In January 1943 the anticipated day came. "Bed Check Charlie" came over every night. Passing over Hill 192, the company crossed the shell-pocked Saint Lo road and sought the safety of deep German foxholes, there to sweat out the Luftwaffe. In the course of training at the amphibious base the battalion received instruction and training in the use and adjustment of life belts, and in the purposes and characteristics of various types of landing crafts. After D-Day, the battalion pushed inland and took part in the assault on St. L. 81st chemical mortar battalion. Company A also was attached to the 175th on August 12. From then on the bulk of the time was spent in mortar drill, care and cleaning of the mortar, and the tactics and technique of firing. Company D took up firing positions at Le Bourg-St. Leonard in support of the 358th Infantry, 90th Division, and harassed pockets of enemy holding out in the vicinity of Montmiscent, as well as roads and wooded areas adjacent to it. Dry run followed dry run and now everyone wondered if we were ever going to fire a live round. It was through this section that the German blitz gained momentum to roll through France in 1940, and here also, where later, the famous Ardennes offensive broke through in December 1944. Since the unit was alerted shortly after arrival at Shanks, it was restricted to the immediate area for the duration of its stay there. Lt Fisher had only joined the company about five hours earlier. It also furnished several successful smoke screens; one in particular prevented observation of German artillery which was inflicting heavy casualties. Such heroism and gallantry, in the face of tremendous odds and unusual and hazardous conditions, are in keeping with the traditions of the service and deserving of the highest praise.. No support was obtainable from the artillery on this operation because of the nature of the terrain. All during this time the promised air support passed overhead, wave after wave, and faces lifted to see it were filled with gratitude. Long trips were made to the rear by our battalion service groups to bring up badly needed mortar and ordnance equipment. Many will remember digging the emplacements for those Livens in the hard, oh so hard, Texas soil that night. The Individual Deceased Personnel Files (I.D.P.F's) are essential for researching the military service of individual veterans who were killed or died in the service. These two divisions and their attachments were two of the several fingers that were thrust across France and Belgium to the Siegfried Line. Originally, our mortar was designed for firing chemical shells. 715th Field Artillery Battalion: 24 M198 5-15th Field Artillery Regiment: 24 M198 7th ID Discom: 13th Combat Engineer Battalion: 18 M728 CEV, 6 ACE 2 -62nd Air Defense Battalion: 18 Towed Vulcan, 40 AN/TWQ Avengers. The residual elements were moved to Bournemouth, Hants at this time, to join other residual elements of the 1st Division. Within 10 minutes, 40 had been wounded and three killed. How did this actually affect armies? H-Hour was to be at 0630 hours, June 6, 1944. One man could see his home from Camp Shanks. The mortar business was picking up! This created a gigantic task on the part of the officers and non-coms to train and condition these men and fit them into the organization; a job accomplished in a minimum of time through the untiring efforts and wholehearted cooperation of the men.