78th INFANTRY DIVISION
FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 1945 - 31 JANUARY 1945
13 January 1945
Much like the preceding several days the front lines were static. Training by all battalions continued and the improvement of present positions, as well as active patrolling, were the activities for the day. Instruction continued in the 4.2 mortar. The enemy placed 296 rounds of mortar and 81 rounds of artillery fire in the regimental sector, otherwise the enemy was inactive. From all appearances, the enemy's capabilities remained, unchanged.
14 January 1945
The 311th Infantry continued to improve its defensive positions in depth. Training with the 4.2 mortar was engaged in by the three battalions; this included firing. The 2d Battalion ranged its patrols to the South and 3d Battalion ran a Company L, patrol to the south in the vicinity of Konzen (K9822). The visibility was now good. At 1205A enemy aircraft came from the South and strafed and bombed their own troops in the East end of Kesternich. This day brought 354 rounds of mortar and 37 rounds of artillery from the enemy. 75% of this fire fell upon the 2nd Battalion. A 2nd Battalion patrol from Company G gained much valuable information regarding enemy mine fields; of particular interest was an emplacement around which there appeared to be a number of stakes 16 inched high and about 6 feet apart, with wire running along each stake to a fuse. This was suspected to be an "S" minefield.
15 January 1945
The 1st Battalion continued to improve its positions. Assault squads trained in rear areas and additional training in the 4.2 i mortar was accomplished. Local patrols continued as did the preparation of plans for forthcoming platoon raids. The 2nd and 3d Battalions carried on the same activities, with the 3d sending active patrols into the vicinity of Konzen. The 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry remained in regimental reserve, improved its defensive positions and also continued the assault squad training. Company C, 303d Engineer (C) Battalion, was active in the assistance of assault squad training, and prepared demolitions for regimental use. The visibility was good in the forenoon and very poor, due to snow, in the afternoon. The enemy line and units in contact were not in any way changed. There was light small arms activity throughout the day and the 1st Battalion received 90% of the enemy's artillery and mortar fire, which amounted to some three hundred twenty-eight rounds. The combat efficiency rating of the 311th Infantry remained excellent.
16 January 1945
The three battalions of the 311th Infantry, as well as the attached 3d Battalion of the 309th lnfantry, continued the activities of the preceding day. The 2nd Battalion made plans for being relieved by the 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry the night of 18-19 January. The 2nd Battalion (less one company) was to occupy the assembly area occupied by 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry as regimental reserve. One company to occupy the position held by Company K, 309th Infantry. In addition to assistance provided to the assault squad training, Company C, 303d Engineers, prepared demolitions and road blocks. The visibility was good. The enemy continued to defend his defensive positions and his activity was at a minimum during the period.
17 January 1945
The 1st Battalion continued the improvement of positions and training in assault squads, and the 4.2 mortar. An observation post of Company A was lost to the enemy at 0615A. Efforts to retake the post, which had been located in a blown captured troop shelter, were met with strong opposition resulting in fourteen casualties, two being killed. An adjacent observation post was reinforced by one squad in event an attack was made at that point. Company K, 309th, was attached to the 1st Battalion to reinforce Company A positions. Plans were made for a raid to start at 180200A. The 2nd Battalion continued the improvement of positions and training on the 4.2 mortar, as well as local patrolling. Final plans were arranged for relief by the 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry. The 3d Battalion, 311th, and the 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry, engaged in the normal improvement of positions and training. The enemy's action consisted of the aggressive move against Company A. He took the outpost and held it with ten to fifteen men with two machine guns and other automatic weapons. The enemy placed two hundred thirty-eight rounds of artillery and two hundred seventy-two rounds of mortar fire in the regimental sector. Propaganda leaflets denouncing President Roosevelt were dropped from an enemy plane over Simmerath. The combat efficiency rating of excellent was maintained.
18 January 1945
The 1st Battalion continued with its plans to re-establish the troop shelter observation post lost the previous day. A platoon-size raid met with heavy enemy opposition and was forced to withdraw. The relief of the 2nd Battalion by the 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry, was started at 2200A with Company L, 309th Infantry, replacing Company F, 2nd Battalion, 311th Infantry. The balance of the relief was to be completed before daylight of 19 January. The Regiment continued with the improvement of positions and emphasis was placed on the assault squad training and technique. The 4.2 mortar instruction and normal patrolling continued. Company C, 303d Engineers, prepared and maintained road blocks In the Regimental sector. The visibility was poor due to snow. The enemy's front line and units in contact remained unchanged. One hundred forty-seven rounds of artillery and mortar fell In the regimental sector this day. Other than the artillery fire, the enemy was generally inactive.
19 January 1945
The 1st Battalion continued its plans for re-establishing the observation post, and Company E was attached to the 1st Battalion and moved Into positions as of 1545A. The battalion continued the improvement of positions and normal patrolling. 2nd Battalion now became regimental reserve. The relief by the 3d Battalion, 309th Infantry, was completed by 0420A. This battalion improved its new positions and commenced active patrolling. Activity of the 3d battalion, 311th Infantry, was identical to the several preceding days. Company C, 303d Engineers (C) Battalion, further prepared and maintained the road blocks. Enemy activity was extremely light, with only 55 rounds of artillery and mortar hitting the area. Combat efficiency of the regiment remained excellent.
20 January 1945
The 1st and 3d Battalions of the 311th and the 3d Battalion of the 309th Infantry continued with the improvement of positions, training of assault squads as well as active patrolling. A new program of training in Tank Killer Teams was inaugurated, information being gained from the publication BATTLE EXPERIENCES. It was planned that all battalions would undergo this training. Company C of the 303d Engineer (C) Battalion maintained the road blocks and prepared additional plans for defensive positions in depth in accordance with 78th Division orders. Visibility for this day was good and the enemy's action continued at a minimum.
