(1st Infantry Division) in the Attack on the Hürtgen Forest
16 November - 5 December 1944
(Rhineland Campaign)
By Major Maurice A. Belisle
THE MOVE TO THE ASSEMBLY AREA AND PREPARATION
As soon as division had notified the regiment of the impending move and assigned the general assembly area the regimental commander sent a staff officer to the SCHEVENHÜTTE area to select regimental, battalion, and separate company areas. In addition the 47th RCT was to be contacted for specific information relative to the enemy, terrain, and present operations in that immediate area.
As the battalions were relieved by elements of the 104th Division, they entrucked for their forest bivouacs. By 9 November, the regiment had closed in the area and the troops were made as comfortable as was possible. All organic and individual tentage was used to advantage because of the excellent cover and concealment afforded by the forest. Kitchens were brought up and released to units for the duration of the bivouac. Everyone enjoyed three hot meals a day.
The troops were kept as busy as possible under the circumstances with calisthenics and light exercise in the close areas provided. Daily rains prevented any great amount of athletics. (16)
THE REGIMENTAL PLAK OP ATTACK
The 26th Combat Team had been assigned successive objectives in a northeasterly direction through the forest and beyond toward DÜREN. The regimental commander decided to attack in a column of battle groups. Each of the battle groups to be made up of a rifle battalion reinforced by a platoon of tanks from the 745th Tank Battalion, a platoon of self-propelled tank destroyers (mounting 3 inch guns) from the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and a platoon from the organic anti-tank company.
The order of march was to be 2d Battalion Battle Regimental Forward Command Group, Cannon Company, 1st Battalion Battle Group, 3d Battalion Battle Group, Regimental Rear Command Group, and Service Company with trains.
The 2d Battalion was scheduled to attack at H-Hour on D-Day to clear the road along the axis of advance and to seize the first objective. Thereupon the battalion was to reorganize and be prepared to advance on regimental order.
The 1st Battalion was to remain in its present assembly area prepared to move on 45 minute notice, effective H-Hour, to pass through the 2d Battalion to seize the next objective, to reorganize, and be prepared to proceed to further objectives. The 3d Battalion was also to remain in its present assembly area prepared to move on 45 minute notice, effective H-Hour, and to be prepared to assist the 2d Battalion in the attack on the initial objective, or to seize and secure other objectives assigned by regiment. The line presently held by the 47th RCT was to be the Line of Departure for the 26th Infantry. D-Day and H-Hour were to be announced. (17)
It was anticipated that resistance would be stiff at first as the 2d Battalion hit the line of fortifications and emplacements reinforced with mines and wire. (The bombing mission had not been called in to break up the close-in enemy defenses because of the proximity of friendly troops.) However, it was felt that once the enemy line was pierced we might be in a position to effect a minor breakthrough. The 1st and 3d Battalions could then be thrown in to exploit the break for what it was worth.
As previously stated the drive to the ROER had been planned to start on 11 November, weather permitting. In the event that inclement weather prevailed to prevent the preliminary close support bombing, successive postponements of 24 hours would be called until 16 November which was to be the deadline regardless of weather. If the bombing could not be accomplished by that date the ground forces would jump off without air preparation.
Rain and fog persisted through 15 November and the majority seemed to enjoy the rest and hot food, not many realizing that another 24 hours of dampness might eliminate air support.
The early morning of 16 November was cloudy and foggy but as the day progressed the clouds began to break and as planned the air bombardment took place. Artillery opened up with its close-in preparation and troops began the muddy march to the line of departure. (18)
