They’d been at it for weeks, and it was the coldest winter anyone in that part of Europe had known. And yet the first thing the regimental scribes committed to the record was about how temperatures continued to fall. We only know that my great-grandfather served in the 137th Infantry Regiment. We don’t know which company, or even which battalion he was in, but the success we have had in digging up some details tells us that Tonice, a combat medic, was in Belgium on this day 70 years ago. And everyone was cold. Here is a glimpse into that unit’s history, and where he was, in the thick of it.

So, then, for Jan. 06:

The weather grew colder and the 137th Infantry continued its pressure for the second day on Villers, after capturing the all-important road junction. Heavy fire was received all along the Regiment’s front.

The 6th Cavalry Group relieved Company G in the Surre Woods and the unit assembled in the town of Surre … The 6th Cavalry Group moved into positions between the 3rd Battalion, 137th, and the positions vacated by Company G, 137th.

The organic and attached field artillery battalions continued to support the Division attack, firing TOT’s on all towns and roads in the Division sector. A heavy schedule of harassing fire continued throughout the day.

This information is derived from the unit history, found here and here and from this unit overview. These markers are rough estimates and are meant to be illustrative. Any errors are mine alone.

Join us as we slog through Belgium, revisiting my great-grandfather’s time in Europe through this map of his unit’s movements. Seventy years ago today the 137th Infantry Regiment was in close contact with Germans. We don’t know which company, or even which battalion he was in, so this is only a regimental overview with some movements down to the company level. This is just the roughest of overviews of what Tonice, a combat medic, might have experienced.

So, then, for Jan. 05:

The 137th Infantry struggled against the stubborn resistance, as the 1st Battalion moved from its position south of the Villers road junction to a position behind the 2nd Battalion, and prepared to follow the 2nd in an attack. The 2nd Battalion supported the 1st by fire and awaited its arrival in their rear before moving out. The 2nd Battalion cleared out infiltration parties and also mopped up the draw to its front. The 3rd Battalion secured positions vacated in the woods by the 1st Battalion after its move.

Heavy fire was received by the Regiment throughout the day. Three terrific barrages landed at 0720, just to the right of Company F positions. During the night, vigorous patrolling was conducted. Companies A and E turned back two enemy patrols. The Regimental listening post picked up several enemy armored vehicles moving in Villers during the night.

This information is derived from the unit history, found here and here and from this unit overview. These markers are rough estimates and are meant only to be illustrative. Any errors are mine alone.