(4TH INF. DIV.) IN THE ATTACK OF THE HURTGEN FOREST,
GERMANY, 19-21 NOVEMBER 1944
(RHINELAND CAMPAIGN)
By Captain Robert D. Moore, Infantry
THE COMPANY SITUATION -- 21 NOVEMBER
All anxiously awaited dawn and the little warmth It would bring. In the first false light of dawn the Germans launched a counterattack of approximately one platoon strength. Eight Germans were killed and four were captured. The attack was repulsed. Five members of Company C, including the Platoon Guide acting as Platoon Leader, were wounded.
The total fighting strength of Company C was now one officer and thirty five men. Other than the 1st Sergeant there was one sergeant, the Weapons Platoon Sergeant, remaining in the forward area.
Information concerning this action was reported to the Battalion Commander and the Battalion Commander then ordered Company C to withdraw to the clearing and be prepared for the 3d Battalion to pass through at 0800 hours.
This order was executed, and when the 3d Battalion passed through at approximately 0800 hours the fighting for the period 19-21 November was over for Company C.
Briefly the results of the operation were: Company C did not gain its objective, but it did make an advance of approximately 1300 yards, and in making this advance it created a breach in one very large minefield and captured an extremely well prepared, fanatically defended major position. This strongpoint was the key to the enemy defenses in that particular area of the forest. The total known enemy losses, dead and captured, was 57. The total losses of Company C and attachments was approximately 148. Three medium tanks were lost. These losses were high, but when attacking such well prepared, stubbornly defended positions in such terrain high losses must be expected.
For its actions Company C was commended by Order of the Day, Number 68, 5 January 1945, Headquarters 4th United States Infantry Division.
