By Major Frederick T. Kent

REGIMENTAL SITUATION, 15 NOVEMBER

The day by day postponement of the attack from 11 November through 15 Hovember provided the regiment with valuable time for preparation for the attack. 8

All company grade officers received additional instruction in the conduct of woods fighting and adjustment of artillery fire. 9

In anticipation of serious communications problems during the attack, plans were made to augment the normal communications system. A surplus of wire and radio equipment was obtained, communications personnel within the rifle battalions was increased, and plans were made to provide double wire lines to all battalions during the attack. 9

Evacuation difficulties were also expected. To take care of this problem, extra litter squads were organized. Plans were made to use "Weasels" (Carrier, cargo, M-29) to evacuate wounded from areas impassable to the 1/4 ton truck, which proved unable to operate in deep mud. The weasels were not effective since logs, stumps, and ruts caused them to throw their tracks very frequently. 10

M29 Weasel

All 81-mm mortars of the regiment were massed and placed so as to be capable of supporting any unit of the regiment. Wire communication was maintained between each battalion and the mortar position. 11

The regiment was supported by the 44th FA Battalion (105-mm Howitzers), which was reinforced by the fires of the 20th FA Battalion (155-mm Howitzers). Attached to the regiment were the medium tanks of Co. C, 70th Tank Battalion; one platoon of light tanks from Co. D, 70th Tank Battalion; Co. C, 87th Cml Battalion (less one platoon); one platoon Co. C, 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP); one platoon Co. C, 4th Engineer (c) Battalion; and Co. C, 4th Medical Battalion. Tanks and tank destroyers were Initially held in reserve, as the rough terrain and dense woods were not suitable for their effective employment. 12

The regiment planned to attack initially in a column of battalions, in the order 2nd, 1st, and 3rd. 12

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