appendix awards and decorations - The George C. Marshall ...

AWARDS AND DECORAnONS 175
17. REGIMENTAL COMMANDER'S RECOMMENDATION
FOR CITATION OF 3D BATTALION
HEADQUARTERS 398TH INFANTRY
APO 447, U. S. ARMY
8 August 1945
SUBJECT: Citation of Unit
TO : Commanding General, Seventh Army, APO 758, US Army
Thru: Channels
1. Under the provision of Circular Number 333, War Department,
1943, it is recommended that 3d Battalion, 398th Infantry be cited in
War Department General Orders for outstanding accomplishment in
combat during period 3 to 12 April 1945, near Heilbronn, Germany.
2. a. At 2230 on 3 April 1945 the 3d Battalion, 398th Infantry
was attached to the 10th Armored Division and given the mission of
crossing the Neckar River between Neckarsulm and Heilbronn at 0300
to secure a bridgehead. The bridgehead area consisted of about 1200
yards of flat open ground, dominated by several high hills rising abruptly
out of the valley that afforded excellent observation of the area
on both sides of the river in and about Neckarsulm and Heilbronn.
A ponton bridge was to be constructed at this point to cross an
armored task force.
b. For several days the enemy had been retreating before an armored
task force, leaving only undefended roadblocks, mines, and a few snipers
to slow up the advance of our troops. This armored force had established
a line on the west bank of the river and reported no enemy
activity across the river. Aerial observation reports were all negative
and from all indication the enemy had withdrawn farther to the south
and east.
c. Without benefit of prior reconnaissance and with only a few hours
to formulate plans, the following orders were issued. Company K, with
one heavy machine-gun platoon from Company M attached, was to
cross in the first wave. They were to swing to the right after crossing
and secure the factory buildings on the outskirts of Heilbronn and continue
to phase line 4. Company L with one heavy machine-gun platoon
from Company M attached, was to cross in the second wave, swing to
the left, secure the lumberyard and buildings near Neckarsulm, and
continue to phase line 4. Company I was to cross in the third wave, be
in reserve initially, and, as soon as Companies K and L were on phase