358th Infantry Typed History

July 9-July 31, 1944

16 July 1944

HISTORY - 358th Infantry

During the early morning hours of 16 July, 1944 there was no activity in the 358th Inf. area. During these hours Division was contacted hourly.

At 0927 Gen. Landrum arrived at the CP and by 1000 hours the Bn and Regt Staff had been assembled and Gen. Landrum spoke to them.

Two platoons of tanks were assigned to the Regt and thence to the Bns. This was for practice procedure to enable the Infantry and Tank outfits to work more closely together.

At 1300 Col. Conag called a meeting of the Arty, Engr and Tank representatives. He stated that during the coming operations closer coordination was necessary between their units, the Infantry and Tanks. He further explained that a program was to be set up, effective 17 July.

Bns were instructed to select an area where the tank demonstrations could be held.

At 1530 Capt. Burns, 3d Bn, and two war correspondents left for a tour of the Foret de Mont Castre, the scene of the 3d Bn heroic battle.

Word of the coming tank demonstration reached the 357 and they requested that they be allowed to send representatives.

The rest of the day was spent in planning the tank demonstration. Capt. Barndt arrived and stated he would try to have the men paid.

At 2145 the new CP (28758000) also in Gorges was established.

Lt. Col. Clarke announced at 2300 that Gen. Williams had received an assignment to 1st Army. Lt. Col Clarke now discussed the awarding of medals and awards to men of the reg't with Capt Caldecott, Rgt S-1.

The Reg't Cmdr, Col Conag stated that we would be up to full strength in two days.

17 July 1944