358th Infantry Typed History

July 9-July 31, 1944

30 July 1944

HISTORY - 358th Infantry

The 3rd Bn captured some German documents which were translated by our IPW team, and then sent to the G-2 of Division. German aircraft continued its reconnaissance of the 358th Inf area during the night. Early morning and late afternoon showers were predicted by the weather men. Col. McNary was notified to report to the CG at 1000. At 1130, a new Commanding General was announced - General McLain.

At 1200, Col. McNary returned from a conference with the new CG, and gave the following information:

The General does not want any officers reclassified - he wants them to be given a specific job. The General had changed the award board and wanted recommendations immediately. Short, fast road marches were to be the thing in the future. (For physical hardening, Col. McNary suggested that it be done over hedge-rows, with short rushes.) Bn Comdrs were urged to perfect their men in regards to their individual weapons. The General directed that artillery be used more. He stated we seldom use artillery during a counter-attack by the enemy. The general added "When I was ordered to the 90th Inf Div, I was told that there was a lack of alertness in REGIMENTS AND IN DIVISION." Colonel McNary added the following:

Men should dig deeper foxholes and not under the trees. "B" Rations for an indefinite period. Men be given their blanket rolls so they could get a change of clothing. That a reconnaissance be made for a swimming hole or a bathing spot of some sort.

At 1330 Col. McNary had all the Bn and Sp Unit commanders at the CP for a conference. He passed on to them the orders he had received from the Comdg General.

During the afternoon there was instruction and practice to be given in the firing of the bazooka. All personnel who might even remotely have the opportunity of firing the bazooka were to attend at least one class of instruction.

At 1450, Gen. Weaver arrived at the CP. He was taken to the 2nd Bn by Major Nichols. Arrangements were now completed for the men to take much needed showers. Capt. Whittinghill reported the finding of an ammunition dump. The size and location was reported to G-2.

By 1830 Bn's and SP Units were informed that they would conduct their training in their own areas.

A MEETING OF ALL S-3's was scheduled for 311000 July with the G-3 of Division. A platoon of tanks was requested to help in the training program of the 3rd Bn tomorrow. A bathing schedule was sent to all units. At 2027, the Regt learned that the 2nd Armd had captured 2700 prisoners during the day. The question of Expert Infantry and Combat Infantry pay was now discussed by Capt. Caldecott, Regt'l S-1.

A PW, Horse Cav, (Mongolian) reported that he saw, as prisoners, 100 Americans on road near COUTANCES two days back. He stated Germans made him work for 50 francs a day, and he would have been shot had he refused. This information was passed on to G-2 by Major Falvey. Major Falvey now requested that his french interrogators be given some form of pass that would allow them to enter and remain, if necessary, in "off limit" towns. His men, on mission, had previously and frequently been refused admittance to such towns. G-2 and Staff suggested that he wait for the present on this matter.

31 July 1944