Operation Neptune

Normandy Landing

As the initial assault began at 5:40 AM on June 6, 1944, tanks from the 741st Tank Battalion were launched from carrier ships into the choppy waters off the Normandy coast. Their mission was to land on a 7,000 yard stretch of beach, code named Omaha, and clear the way for the 16th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division to take and hold the beach. Some of the tanks sank to the bottom of the channel before they could reach shore, drowning many of the men inside. Many other tanks were blown up. Most of Company A made it to the beach, but only one platoon made it from Company B. No one from Company C reached the sand that day.

The unit played such a critical role in taking and holding the beach that the battalion was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. It was the first time in history that tanks were used in an amphibious landing before the infantry.

Dennis, along with several hundred other members of the 741st, was in England at the beginning of that fateful day, anxious, along with the rest of the world, for news about the invasion and worried about the anxieties of the folks back home.

June 6, D-Day — Throughout the day I've thought of you and our dads and moms, knowing your anxiety and worry are needless. Want a glimpse of the future? "Daddy, what did you do on D-Day?" "Well, son," I'll say, "I climbed out of my wool and straw combination at 6:00 AM, went over to breakfast, came back and cleaned my room, and while writing mom I listened to the King speak and then a German propaganda program. Then someone told me the invasion had started. I could hardly believe it but confirmed it by a special service radio, listening to them send instructions to the occupied coastal countries. Came back and sent for a battery and got the radio men to hook up this government set we aren't supposed to have and started picking up various broadcasts and calls, mostly German. Worked about an hour and listened the rest of the day and greater portion of the night." I know it was quite early for you to get the news. Only six hours ahead of you and we got it at 8:00 AM. I suppose you have taken your radio to the office with you and thinking all the while I was in that. I suppose in one sense I was fortunate by being left here for awhile, and again, perhaps not. I would rather have been there with the boys. Probably won't be any cinch for us. Any letter could be your last for awhile.

June 7— Second day of the Invasion and I can't get any news, only rumors. Some say 45 miles inland but I consider that sort of ridiculous because the only news I can find gives approximately 14 miles. Pierce was convinced that two months was the longest possible. Sgt. Ates said November 1st the fighting would be over except for scattered, independent resistance. I am inclined to believe he is wrong.

Later that day Service Company crossed the sea and joined the fight.

Full Battalion Regroups At Cerisy LaForet

On the 15th of June the battalion was attached to the 2nd Division. Companies A, B, and C moved to the town of Cerisy LaForet, ten miles inland. There they were joined by the rest of the battalion, including Company D (the light tanks), the maintenance crew, the kitchen crew, Service Company, and Headquarters, as well as replacement personnel and tanks.

The push inland continued. At Berigny the unit met with stiff resistance from the Germans who were well entrenched and camouflaged behind thick hedgerows. Compounding the problem for the Allies, rain had made the ground muddy and difficult for the tanks to maneuver. A full scale attack was ordered on June 19th in the area of Touze. As tanks and infantry charged through the hedgerows, a couple of tanks got stuck in the mud, and a number of men were killed.

June 26 — Everything very much the same. Louisiana taught wrong. There we did not dig holes to enable us to sleep and be here on the morrow. They didn't teach us that snipers would be so thick, either. But we were taught something of sleeping in the rain and practically all days have been doing just that. Just made us dig our holes deeper to avoid the mud and facilitated digging. Practically dark and I was in the rain most all afternoon. Still wet and want to get some sleep. Could be possible this will keep the shells from coming in and keep that sniper in tonight.

June 29 — My turn for guard duty tonight. Means little sleep. Every other night at present and I consider myself fortunate.

Hill 192

In early July the 741st was ordered to attack Hill 192, which was considered important because of its proximity to the town of St. Lo. The hill was surrounded on all sides by flatland and hedgerows, giving the hundreds of Germans occupying it an obvious advantage.

Throughout the night of July 10th, tanks from A, B and C Companies moved into position, preparing for the attack that was scheduled for dawn. At 5:40 AM, July 11th, the morning silence was shattered by a barrage of artillery from eight other battalions stationed behind the 741st. Massive numbers of shells flew over the tanks and exploded on the hill. At 6:00 AM the shelling suddenly stopped. Then the tanks began rumbling toward the hill, blasting away with their guns.

The Germans were well prepared for the assault and fought back from heavily fortified positions with machine guns, bazookas and sticky grenades. Once again the soggy ground impeded the forward thrust of the tanks, making them easy targets. By the end of the day, hundreds of lifeless bodies covered the hill and surrounding areas, and hundreds of Germans had been taken prisoner. The tanks were withdrawn the next morning, leaving the infantry to continue the fight. In the afternoon, the doughboys took control of Hill 192 as well as the Germans who had survived.

July 16— Kind of late with my still-alive-and-kicking note, aren't I? Last night just as I started to write, Herman the German gave us his early-to-bed cards, so I finished writing in my bed. I never knew I was so hard-working and so much in love with the ground below grass level until we pulled in here the other night. Didn't get parked before it started and I tried to set a quick-dig record. I don't think that dirt felt good because of the curses directed at it for being so hard.

July 21— I am reminded only at intervals now that Jerry exists. Sounds indicate he's getting reckless and extravagant with his cards. I surely gave him a race the night we came in here. The more I heard his cards, the more I acted like a coal miner. The more often we move, the more I have to dig, and I certainly am willing to dig every four hours.

Northern France

Conquering The Hedgerows

The French countryside was lined with hedgerows of varying shapes and sizes, but far too many of these massive growths were tall, thickly matted, and reinforced with soil, rock, and even trees. They provided perfect camouflage for the Germans and their amour as they burrowed in behind them, looking out across open fields.

During the initial days in France, the bulldozers and DD tanks in the 741st were unable to penetrate many of these natural fortresses. Then inspiration struck. Using some of the steel obstacles left on the beach, a few resourceful men in the battalion welded blunt solid points and serrated edged forks to the front of their tanks. When the full force of a tank rammed this into a hedgerow, it tore out a gapping hole, allowing the tanks to roll through the hedgerow and over the enemy.

On July 26, 1944, the tanks lined up south of the St. Lo-Berigny road. The 2nd Infantry opened fire on the enemy's position behind a hedgerow. Under cover of this shelling, the tanks, in formation, shook the earth as they sped toward the hedgerow with their guns blazing. They tore down the hedgerow, burying the enemy alive in the process, then returned to the line of departure. Hundreds of Germans were dead. The surviving ones were in shock. Their defenses had been breached. Then they saw the tanks approaching again. This time the tanks had the infantry with them.

The fighting continued the next day, stretching the resources of every man in the battalion. Service Company ammunition trucks raced up and down the road, continually restocking ammo for the tanks. The enemy fought back fiercely, inflicting heavy damage of its own. It pinned down troops, separating them from the tanks, and heavily bombed one of the battalion's assembly areas. The first two days were give and take, with each side gaining and losing ground, and both sides suffering heavy casualties.

On the 28th, the battalion turned their attack on St. Jean-des Baisants. They continued to plow through the area, hedgerow after hedgerow, battling bitter enemy resistance. Men collapsed from exhaustion. Allied commanders, sensing that the enemy was beginning to weaken, ordered the U.S. soldiers to continue the attack. The further southwest the Germans retreated, the fewer the hedgerows, and the weaker their defenses would grow.

Chasing The Enemy

There was no time to rest. The 2nd Infantry and 741st Tank Battalion pursued the Germans through town after town. July 31st they took the town of Cabotinigne, moving into open country. The following day they took St. Amand and Laviniere. More skirmishes. More loss of life.

The desperate enemy tried to fool the American soldiers by wearing British uniforms and manning British tanks. They would wave a white flag to cover fleeing troops, then run away themselves. This inflamed the Americans as they continued in pursuit.

It took the battalion three days to cross the Soulevire River, then it was on to Etouvy and the town of Vire, which had been completely destroyed by artillery and the airborne. Three miles on the far side of Vire, the battalion at last was given a chance to rest. It was August 6th. The battalion had been on the move, chasing and engaging the enemy for twelve long days.

August 10 — Feel awfully good just now. Got part of a load off my mind today in the form of a laundry. Didn't take too long. Been nice and sunny the last few days here and been a relief to be able to go without a heavy jacket. But it gets cool at dark and I check in then. An extra blanket comes in handy. Have discovered cognac. Found some and couldn't resist. Laughed myself silly at a New Yorker taking his first real drink. Sputtered for an hour. Reminds me of the white lightening at home.

Late in the evening of August 10th, Company A was called back to the front lines to defend against an anticipated enemy attack. The German's shelled their position all through the night and into the next day. Companies B and C were called up as well. Following this action the unit was sent back to Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan, where they set up camp.

The battalion was detached from the 2nd Infantry on August 16th and was put under the control of the 3rd Armored Group. As the enemy continued to withdraw, the battalion continued the chase.

August 23 — From the land of rain and disappointment. Sitting here this morning waiting on the go signal that they fed us this morning at 5:30 and then said no. Seems to me this is the wrong place for indecision. When they say 7:00 AM they probably mean next week. Plenty of rain the past few days. Blankets a little wet. I got soaked last night working and then slept in my clothes and forgot being wet. I am thankful the rain settled this dust, but it pops back up as soon as the sky clears. Saw my first prisoner pen. As many as 60 per truck. I was taught only 18.

On August 27th the battalion was attached to the 28th Infantry Division.

Paris Liberation Parade

The French citizenry was drunk with joy at being liberated from four years of German tyranny. As thousands of soldiers paraded down the Champs Elysee on August 29th, the French greeted them with wild cheers of appreciation. In the reviewing stand were Generals Bradley, Hodges, DeGaulle and LeClerc. It was one of the few memories of the war that Dennis liked to talk about. He had developed a fondness for the French people he had met in the countryside and was especially proud to have participated in this day.

September 2 — Seems as though the war here isn't to last too much longer. Paraded in Paris a few days ago. Big parade, but we didn't go through the Arc. Went around it. Waiting until the final shot has died before going through, I suppose. France isn't shot up much any more. Only a little here and there in this section. I'm very happy about that. Crowds gather when we go through. We slipped into Paris and they gathered around so deep that we couldn't move. They give us anything they have, mostly drinks. Things are moving so fast there's hardly time for much. I got into my bedroll last night for a change. Felt good.

With a brief rest behind them and the Germans in retreat, the battalion continued their march toward Belgium, liberating the towns of Compeigne, Marchmont, Guiscard, Villers, stopping temporarily at Arnicourt.

Belgium to Luxembourg

In late September 1944, the 741st Tank Battalion was attached to the 28th Infantry Division and supported the 110th Infantry regiment in the initial penetration of the Siegfried line, which stretched 360 miles and had more than 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and tank traps. More than 24,000 troops were lost.

September 16 — Our tanks at the moment are hitting just to the left, just off picture. Took this just as quickly as I could get up after shrapnel had stopped pattering on the anti-tank gun I was taking cover behind.

September — Luxemburg. The "up-country" race. Jerry beat us out of this town in '40. We almost caught him in it. He pulled out at 1:00 PM. We pulled in and bivouaced later in the afternoon. From this town we went into Germany. First tanks there. Liberation crowd was singing and happy. So were we. Tight as usual on those towns.

November — I was relieved from the prison or refugee detail. Nice setup there and I did enjoy the week's vacation. I don't like this setup. We sleep in an attic. It's drafty, cold, and always dark and dusty. At least a hole in the ground has no draft and if there's dirt on the floor one doesn't mind. Sgt. Ates' office is in the next room and rather peaceful in comparison to the general gathering in S-4. Needless to say, I spend most of my spare time with him. Passes are going out to some now. Paris and other cities, I suppose. For the first time last night I saw two buzz bombs at once. Had a couple of shells coming back today. First I've heard for some time here in this village.

November 13 — Beautiful snow last night and again this morning. Rain the other part. The snow stays and is rough on the guys that aren't billeted in houses. It's going to be tough digging holes the rest of the winter. Now I see why an Army stops in weather such as this. If you move, you are in mud up to your knees. I am very thankful they issued overshoes when they did. My feet are cold!

November 16 — Went to Luxemburg on business a couple days ago. No buzzers thus far tonight. Big shells came in early tonight. While I was on guard duty, heard the scream of another and saw it burst short and slightly above us. Another came closer but did not explode. Our supply officer is going to leave us, I'm afraid. His mind is getting the best of him. Hate to see it happen. He is a good guy. He admits the shelling disturbs him, and I admire him for doing that. Battle fatigue, they call it.

November 17 — Feeling better. Just got up to take three pills. Our water comes in five gallon cans. We carry them on each vehicle and refill. Water is secured from a hose at the creek, which is usually plenty muddy. The mud taste is removed by the purification pills or powder they use.

November 18 — Just after I went on guard last night, four came in. I only heard and saw one -- possibly two following very closely. Only one exploded. I was leaning against the building and heard it coming. I listened for a moment to determine its direction and landing field, stepped twenty feet into the center of the road and saw it slap a rooftop. A yellow-orange flame jumped and a green ball of fire flew high. The hit shorted some electrical wires. None of us were hurt, but it scared a few. An old man and woman took a direct hit on their bedroom. War is rough and takes more than soldiers. Plane is out again tonight dropping signal flares on something.

November 20 — Terrific rain last night. Wiped out snow from our land. Creeks have overflowed and it is still muddy. I hear the 3rd Army is making some good progress and that the 9th is fighting next to the British. I don't relish their job. We had a contact like that once and there is an inevitable weak and doubtful spot. Perhaps this is the drive.

November 22 — I got a couple hours sleep last night. Got in bed after midnight. Up at 3:00 AM for guard. Back to bed for an hour. Up at 5:30 to dress and take to the high timber before daylight. All the valley lowlands seem to be flooded. Snow came down this morning so hard I couldn't see anything. Part of it was hard rain. After lunch I took a truck to get some ammo. Came back wet and muddy. It rains continuously here.

November 23 — Thanksgiving today. The only difference I see from any other day is a change in meal hours — 9 and 3. Only twice today, but we have a couple of chickens the old lady here is fixing up and we'll have our supper anyway. There is to be a party tonight. Mr. Blatz said he is furnishing the whiskey. He got his ration but he doesn't drink very much. Only a few minutes until I go on guard. Daytime. Sgt. Ates' bunch traded for one day.

December 4 — Sgt. Ates went to the hospital. Seems this wet weather affects him. Still look to lose him. If it hurts him now while he is in a house, he will get into it when we hit the field again. The holes fill up in some cases. I am not looking forward to digging them again and let the water seep in or get up in the night and bail the water out of my home so I can sleep. Ground here is soft and it rains a heck of a lot. Had to get up at 5:30 this morning and I am sleepy. Early to bed tonight. Not sitting up for a game of pinochle nor letters and reading.

Battle of the Bulge

The worst battle the war began at 5:30 AM on the morning of December 16th, 1944. In a surprise attack, half a million German troops ambushed 600,000 American and 55,000 English troops along a 71 mile strip of the Ardennes Forest. The 741st Tank Battalion was in the Krinkelt/Rocherath area of Belgium. During the first three days and nights, in bitter cold and dense fog, every man who could carry a rifle was thrown into action. The battle was so intense during this time and the actions by the men in the 741st Tank Battalion so heroic, that the battalion was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge and Oak Leaf Cluster.

December 16, 1944 — Company "A" moved two platoons to the critical point at RJ 983087 at 1730.

December 17, 1944 — [Excerpt from After Action reports] Two platoons of tanks from Company "B" and one platoon from Company "A" were moved South of Rocherath at 0819A to a ridge overlooking Bullingen. At the same time, one platoon from Company "A" under Lieutenant Thomas A. Brooks, was moved Southeast of Krinkelt, to a position overlooking the Krinkelt-Murringen road. In moving to the ridge overlooking Bullingen, enemy vehicles were encountered on the road, and Lieutenant McDonough, platoon leader of Company "A" destroyed an armored car and a half-track. Arriving at their designated location, the tanks assumed defensive positions in defilade and kept a continuous watch for any enemy that might approach from the South.

December 18, 1944 — [Excerpt from After Action reports] Company "A" sent two tanks to the Northern edge of Rocherath to support Company "E" of 38th Infantry Regiment. At 0920A, Panther tanks began to move into the town of Rocherath on a street approximately 150 yards from the Battalion CP. Two dead lined tanks that had been placed in a lane just east of the CP for anti-tank defense opened fire. These two "disabled tanks" destroyed five of the Panthers in short order. A delayed report was received that a tank of Company "A" had knocked out an enemy tank the previous night and it in turn had been destroyed, in Krinkelt.

December 19, 1944 — [Excerpt from After Action reports] The battalion withdrew to positions Northwest of Wirtzfeld. Lieutenant McDonough, and Lieutenant Helm, remained in that vicinity until all tanks and infantry had passed through from Rocherath, and until the Infantry had withdrawn from the Wirtzfeld area. At 2300A tanks of Companies "A", "B" and "C", less four platoons, closed in bivouac at Berg, Belgium.

December 20, 1944 — [Excerpt from After Action reports] At 0300A the two platoons of Company "A" under Lieutenant McDonough and Lieutenant Brooks arrived in the new assembly area of Berg.

As the fighting continued, snow and ice piled up. Soldiers had to contend with temperatures that were sometimes 20 degrees below zero.

December 29, 1944 — Yule season almost gone. My fifth to miss. Had a little excitement yesterday. Big and small ones packing around our door. Had plenty of aerial activity over the season. One shot down that passed just a few feet over me and crashed just to the rear of our house. American boy and I hated to see our lads make that mistake. Saw some of our bombers go down and Jerry boats crash. Heck of a Christmas. Rather quiet just now. Even our guns aren't too busy. Didn't like those yesterday. Couldn't hear them coming until they had hit. Got to pull my guard now. Still a snow on and this frosting hasn't warmed us up a bit. Gets plenty cold.

January 6, 1945 — About all I have done today is rest, to my surprise. Worked awhile last night to insure all were out on the road today and I would have it rather peaceful for my reports and filing. All my work was a waste as far as that went. Only got two of them out. Our guns have not warmed up today until a moment ago. Just had my worst headache come back. Thirteen officers and men share two small rooms day and night. Doesn't work too good. I would prefer a hole outside.

January 8 — Twenty inches of snow and it is still coming down. Trying to go back to a letter (combat) company. Have the approval of one more officer to get and will type that in the morning. Took a reduction. I asked for one once before to come to the outfit. Swore I would never ask for another one. Now I have. Probably not for the best but I couldn't stand being in this house with these occupants any longer. Long time since I was in a tank crew, but shouldn't take long to pick it up under the right conditions. Don't expect too many letters from here on out.

Dennis's request to be assigned to a tank was granted in mid-January. He was reassigned to Company A.

The Battle of the Bulge lasted until January 25, 1945. General Ike Eisenhower called the Battle of the Bulge "the greatest feat in military history."

Rhineland

Front Lines, Germany

February 1945 — No fires for four days of rain and snow. Pretty rough.

February 1945 — Driving back the bulge. We took the town of Shuren overlooking Schlieden straight down below. Took this in a pretty stiff night fight. Last outpost is just under the tree. Shell fire took the visible corner of the building off. No one hurt bad. Tank was whitewashed for snow fighting.

When Dennis reached the Rhine around March 16th or 17th, his tank hit a mine. He was seriously injured. It was just five days before the end of the Rhineland campaign and the start of the Central Germany campaign, which was to be the last great campaign of the war.