Download - 70th Infantry Division Association

Patrols from Companies A and C were unable to make a crossing. Their attempt was made by boat,
about 50 yards apart. They drew heavy small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire from the enemy on the
north bank of the river.
E, F, and G Company Patrols were unable to cross. E and F Patrols received heavy fire from the north
side of the Saar while on the river in boats, while Company G Patrol was silhouetted by a burning
German ammunition dump which was between them and the river. This patrol did spot ten enemy trucks
across the river. Our artillery was notified and scored direct hits.
Company B completed the relief of the 101st Cavalry effective 0830 on the morning of the 17th of March.
During the morning the Mine Platoon from our Anti-Tank Company cleared mines and booby traps from
houses in Geislautern. When this was completed, the 1st Battalion CP moved into town.
The 2d Battalion CO moved to Klarenthal.
During this period S-2 reported that the enemy had Volkstrum units manning the pill boxes along the
north bank of the Saar. The enemy positions were so arranged as to provide excellent fields of fire. Mines
and wire were used extensively along the river itself. A small enemy force in their defensive positions
could hold off a much superior force.
During the night of 17 March the Germans shelled Geisweiler with artillery, and they used artillery, mortar,
and small arms fire to harrass our forward troops. Geislautern and Klarenthal were also shelled by artillery
and rockets.
On March 16 our First Lt. was seriously wounded. Our Tech. Sgt. was promoted to a First Sgt. and we
had three enlisted men reporting for duty from the repo depot. The company continued to attack at 1300
from position on northeast edge of Klarenthal. We advanced 1,000 yards and established.outposts. One
platoon now occupied the outposts and remained there and the rest of the company withdrew to their
former positions.
William Turner, who was one of my original buddies, was promoted to a Sgt. We made him a gun leader
for a 60 mm mortar gun. He is now a professor in the Carolinas some place. His folks stopped to see us
on Seventh Street once. I sure would like to see him.
We crossed into Germany.
We continued to patrol the river for likely crossings. We maintained contact with the 65th Division which
was now on our left flank. Our left boundary was now both Corps and Army bound-ary between the 7th
Army and the 3d Army. The 65th Division was a 3d Army unit.
Our units were advised to be especially watchful for any signs of enemy withdrawal because armored
units of the 3d Army were moving down behind the enemy units immediately to our front. The 3d Army
was guiding on the Rhein River approximately 50 miles to our north after crossing the Mosel River and
thrusting east and south.
Our patrols continued to draw fire when they showed themselves. But, they continued to be active during
the day of 18 March. The Engineers reported that all roads to the forward units were passable for
vehicles.
At approximately 1816 the enemy increased his fire along our entire front. The 1st and 2d Battalions were
shelled by heavy artillery. The forward units in position received very heavy small arms, mortar, and
artillery fire. This fire continued heavy until about 0300 in the early morning.
On the morning of the 19th of March, the 3d Battalion, in Regimental Reserve, was alerted and ordered to
move to Krughutte and attempt a river crossing near Ottenhausen. Upon Division order the 2d and 1st
Battalions (less Company A) assembled during the day ready to follow the 3d Battalion across the Saar.
Company A occupied defensive positions along the entire Regimental front.