358th Infantry Typed History

July 9-July 31, 1944

14 July 1944

HISTORY - 358th Infantry

The Regimental Commander, Lt. Col. Clarke, based his coming operations on the above order and issued the Regimental FO #11:

358th Infantry

FO #11

1. Division resumes attack at 141000B July to secure ground in its zone to the north of the Seves River. (Phase Line B). 359th Inf, with 2d Bn 358th Inf. and one (1) company light tanks attacks on the right. The 358th Inf. with 80th Cml Bn Co A, and 712th Tank Bn Co A attached attack in the center and 357th Inf with one (1) Co light tanks attached attacks on the left. LD-present front lines.

2. 1st Bn continues its attack at 1000 making its main effort on the left of the Reg't. zone of advance, maintains contact with the 357th Inf on its left, seizes high ground NW of Nay.

3. 3d Bn, initially supported by Co A, 712th Tank Bn will destroy the enemy in front of its present position and will then advance and seize the town of Dureville, on order.

By 0830 the plans were formulated and the order was in the hands of all concerned.

The "broadcast" to the German troops, under the direction of Capt. Falvey, went off very well. At 1014 the 2nd Bn 358, was released to Regimental control. Major Chandler, Bn Cmdr, reported his Bn had had 220 casualties.

By 1030, the CP was informed that the Regiment jumped off on time and had contacted no enemy as yet. General Landrum phoned CP for the situation. At 1054, 1st Bn, with "A" on right and "B" on left, had moved 800 yards and were receiving mortar fire on their right flank. 1st Bn reported they were using artillery fire. At 1135 the 3d Bn advance was uneventful. 1140 and 1st Bn 500 yds further. The 359th was notified that their fire was falling near the 3d Bn, 358.

At 1220 3d Bn was on Phase line A and holding fast. The tanks were in Gorges. And now confusion! The Cml Mortar Co. informed the CP it was ready to fire on Dureville. Our 3d Bn was IN Dureville! Fast phoning and talking on the part of Major Wallace saved the situation. Prisoners were now reported as a result of the broadcast. No definite total as yet. The Regimental Comm Officer now reported on the selected position for the new CP - on the other side of Gorges.

At 1300 358 troops in Dureville reported "friendly" mortar fire falling on them. 358 notified 359 and asked them to stop it. 1st Bn reached Phase Line A and met no resistance. 1st Bn was directed to hold bridge E of Gonfreyville.

At 1316 Lt. Col. Bealke, 3d Bn CO, was informed that the 2d Bn will be up behind him in an hour or so and that the 1st Bn was moving up behind him now. He was directed to continue to Gonfreyville and tie-in with the 1st Bn there.

Once during the broadcast, it was learned, an enemy 88 shell blew out the wires. However, the damage was quickly repaired and the program continued. The Germans were told that as good soldiers, they had put up a good fight, but now their situation was hopeless. They were urged to hide during the night, discard their arms, and in the early morning, give themselves up. They were assured that they would be treated as honorable prisoners of war. At about 0200 the "Show" was completed. Capt. Falvey, who directed it, was very much pleased. Adjacent units were informed of the broadcast and warned that prisoners may give themselves up to them.

Prisoners of War stated that the Crack troops had withdrawn, leaving only "poor stuff". They also stated that the Germans were planning a large scale withdrawal at 0300. Patrols were dispatched to check on this bit of information. The patrols returned stating that they had seen no enemy - even where they had been observed digging in during the afternoon. However, they stated that a withdrawal of "sorts" had taken place.

At 0710 - "h-hour to be run up". All units were informed. It was now to be 1000. 26 men formerly evacuated, now returned to the 3d Bn muster!

At 1320 General Williams arrived at the CP. As he was briefed on the situation, Major Chandler also arrived at the CP. The 1st Bn was ordered to check the bridge at Gonfreyville because General Landrum wanted to send the Ren Troop through there. 3d Bn reported its CP in St. Jores. Germans were reported to be on the Island, to their front, and the Ren troop was dispatched to clean them out. The artillery cub plane was keeping the Island under close observation.

At 1430 the 1st and 3d Bns were tieing-in. The PW's, who gave up because of the broadcast were surrendering to the 358 and the 359!

At 1435 the CP moved and reestablished at Gorges, at 1538.

At 1544 Lt. Col. Clarke directed 1st Bn to go forward to phase line "B". The head of 2d Bn was not at Dureville. The 1st and 3d Bns will have their CP's in Gonfreyville. At 1555 the 2d Bn was going into assembly area as Regimental Reserve. The 1st Bn now covered 3/4 of the Regimental area! 3d Bn 1/4! At 1630 Lt. Col. Clarke left for Gonfreyville to get the complete picture.

At 1711 "I" Co contacted the enemy. "A" Co and "B" Co were moving up to the black-top. 3d Bn "opposition" was small group of stragglers and were quickly taken care of.

1938 - "357th will effect relief at 150300 July!" At 2000 Lt. Coghill, 3d Bn, was wounded. At 2125 enemy aircraft (six) flew over the area. The Regt'l Cmdr ordered all vehicles under cover and all camouflage checked.

At 2126, Lt. Clark, Ln O reported to CP with Div FO #14.

1t was now LT. COL. SEEGAR!

Plans were now made for the relief of companies and assembly areas were chosen and designated.

And thus did still another successful phase of Battle victoriously end for the 358th Infantry.

15 July 1944