AFTER ACTION REPORT 16TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
FOR THE PERIOD 1 NOVEMBER - 30 NOVEMBER 1944

PATCH 1ST DIVISION

16TH INFANTRY CREST

1 November 1944

Regiment was in defensive position in the vicinity of Stolberg, Aachen, Germany. Positions had been occupied by our troops for sometime, and activity was limited to patrolling and exchange of artillery fire.

3rd Battalion, 16th lnfantry, had been in a rest area in Regimental reserve in the vicinity of Brand, since 27 October.

2 November 1944

1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, was relieved by the 3rd Bn, 16th Infantry. The 1st Battalion reverted to Regimental reserve in the vicinity of Brand, where a period of rest and rehabilitation was carried on.

The 2nd and 3rd Battalions conducted extensive patrolling.

3-8 November 1944

2nd and 3rd Battalions maintained contact with the enemy by active patrolling throughout the period. Frequently the patrols drew mortar and artillery fire, with light casualties. Observed enemy positions were fired on by mortars and supporting artillery, and harassing fire was constantly placed on the enemy.

The 1st Battalion remained in Regimental reserve in the vicinity of Brand.

9 November 1944

The regiment was relieved from positions in the vicinity of Stolberg, Germany by the 415th Infantry, 104th Infantry Division, and moved to temporary assembly areas, assigned per Opns. Instructions #24, 1st U. S. Infantry Division. The 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, remained in Brand, Germany.

10 November 1944

The 1st Battalion moved from its temporary assembly area to assigned forward assembly area. The 3rd Battalion moved from Its temporary assembly area to the area vacated by the 1st Battalion, with the 2nd Battalion moving from Brand to the area vacated by the 3rd Battalion.The 1st Battalion moved from its temporary assembly area to assigned forward assembly area. The 3rd Battalion moved from Its temporary assembly area to the area vacated by the 1st Battalion, with the 2nd Battalion moving from Brand to the area vacated by the 3rd Battalion.

11-15 November 1944

Regiment remained in assembly areas, preparing for attack. Rehabilitation carried on.

16 November 1944

The regiment, with Companies A and C in the assault, attacked as ordered per FO #15, Hq CT-16, dated 8 November 1944. The 1st Battalion seized its objective at 1515, and received, but repelled, heavy counterattacks. The enemy resisted the advance with heavy artillery and mortar fire. 3rd Battalion ordered to move forward at 1530 hours, and the 2nd Battalion occupied the area vacated by the 3rd Battalion. Casualties heavy.

17 November 1944

The 1st Battalion received Heavy counterattacks throughout the period. It carried on the attack, moving toward Hamich. Enemy fire of all types resisted the advance throughout the period. Casualties heavy.

18 November 1944

3rd Battalion attacked and seized Hamich at 1300 hours. Enemy counterattacks were repulsed. 2nd Battalion attacked and secured assigned objectives at 1505 hours. Enemy fire heavy, and many casualties suffered.

19 November 1944

Enemy counterattacked and overran forward positions of the 3rd Battalion in Hamich. Friendly artillery fire was directed on our positions and the positions were fully restored by 1245 hours. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions attacked and secured the high ground north and northwest of Hamich. Enemy fire heavy throughout the period.

20 November 1944

2nd Battalion attacked in conjunction with 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Division, and secured assigned objectives. 3rd Battalion remained in defensive position and received heavy artillery and mortar fire throughout the period. The 1st Battalion went into an assembly area for reorganization.

21 November 1944

2nd Battalion attacked to the North and East and took assigned limited objectives.

22 November 1944

Reconnaissance conducted for assembly areas for coordinated attack with CT-18. Supporting artillery fired on and dispersed enemy troop concentrations forming for a counterattack.

23 November 1944

3rd Battalion attacked in conjunction with attack of the 18th Infantry. Limited ground was gained. 2nd Battalion moved into forward assembly areas and prepared for an attack on 24 November. The 1st Battalion moved into an assembly area west of Heistern, in regimental reserve.

24 November 1944

2nd Battalion attacked at 0730 and seized assigned objectives. The 3rd Battalion reorganized and strengthened defensive positions.

25 November 1944

2nd Battalion attacked and seized assigned objectives, organized an all-around defense, and maintained contact with adjacent units.

26 November 1944

2nd Battalion consolidated positions and. Company B attacked limited objectives to the east to secure the right flank of the 47th lnfantry.

27 November 1944

1st Battalion attached to 18th Infantry to attack in conjunction with the 18th Infantry. On passing through the 2nd Battalion positions, the 2nd Battalion moved to an assembly area in the vicinity of Nothberg.

28 November 1944

1st Battalion reverted to regimental control at 1800 hours. Small enemy positions to front of 1st Battalion cleaned out. Enemy fire light.

29 November 1944

1st Battalion, 16th Infantry relieved by the 1st Bn, 47th Infantry. 1st Bn, 16th Infantry, remained in contact with the enemy by patrol.

30 November 1944

1st Battalion maintained contact with the enemy by patrols. 2nd Battalion moved to an assembly area in the vicinity of Nothberg, and the 3rd Battalion moved to an assembly area southeast of Weisweiler.

Frederick W. Gibb,
Colonel, 16th lnfantry,
Commanding.

HORIZONTAL FLOURISH LINE


Source: N.A.R.A.
Special thanks to Albert Trostorf for providing me the above document.

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