This is the 70th anniversary of my great-grandfather’s service in Europe, so we’re revisiting the map I made of his time as a combat medic. Tonice was attached to some element of the 137th Infantry Regiment, in the famed 35th Division. We don’t know which company, or even which battalion, so this is only a regimental overview with some movements down to the company level.** <\/p>\n
So, then, for Dec. 14:<\/p>\n
The 3rd Battalion of the 137th Infantry pushed ahead to the high ground north and northeast of the river. The 1st Battalion continued its defense of the Division’s left flank, protecting Sarreguemines and the Regimental sector all along the Blies River. The 2nd Battalion remained this side of the river and prepared to follow the 3rd Battalion. Company E also was in position protecting the left flank.<\/p>\n
The 3rd Battalion jumped off at 0630 under heavy small arms fire. In the woods, to the Battalion’s front, the enemy was delivering intense tank and mortar fire on the forward elements.<\/p>\n
The enemy continued to shell the entire Regimental area throughout the day, the 3rd Battalion receiving a particularly heavy barrage. The enemy had perfect observation on the road and the town.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n