THE ATTACK OF THE 3RD BATTALION, 517TH PARACHUTE
INFANTRY REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM (SEPARATE)
IN THE VICINITY OF BERGSTEIN, GERMANY
4-8 FEBRUARY 1945. (RHINELAND CAMPAIGN)

PATCH 517th PIR

By Capt. Roland L. Gohmert

LESSONS

  1. Units whose tactical unity has been lost due to the decreased strength of men and leaders should be committed only in a dire emergency.

  2. Units should be committed only in the zone of the superior to which they are attached.

  3. Attacks on fortified positions should be conducted only after extensive planning and reconnaissance by the attacking unit.

  4. Daylight reconnaissance by leaders, down to and including the squad, must be conducted before a night attack.

  5. Specialized units, such as airborne, should be adequately reinforced when committed as regular ground infantry.

  6. A surprise attack, once launched, should be exploited to the utmost regardless of initial losses, as subsequent losses will be much greater once the enemy is on the alert.

  7. It is suicidal for a small unit to attack a strongly fortified position with both flanks exposed.

  8. Gains will inevitably be lost if the attacking force is not strong enough to cope with the enemy's reserve.

  9. The slightest violation of signal security can, produce disastrous results.

HORIZONTAL FLOURISH LINE



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