Morning Reports

COMThe Adjutant General's Office
Washington

 

War Department Records Branch, A.G.O.
Historical Records Section
Room MB-858 Pentagon

 

Headquarts 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion

APO 230 US Army
31 January 1945

Subject: Battalion History.

To: The Adjutant General,
Washington 25, DC,
(Attn: Historical Section)
(Thru Channels).

1. In accordance with provisions of AR 345-105, 18 November 1929, as amended, transmitted herewith is the History for the 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion for the year
1944.

2. Campaigns used are named in accordance with Section VI Go No 80, War Department,dated 5 October 1944.

3. The following names and dates of battles, designated as per instructions contained in AR 345-105 have not been recognized by the War Department, but are used to maintain clarity in the History.

a. 15 July - 4 August The Normandy Break Through
b. 4 August - 13 August The Defense of Rennes
c. 8 August - 15 August The Dinard Offensive (Co C)
d. 13 August - 14 September The Brest Offensive
e. 14 September - 22 September The Crozon Peninsula
f. 17 November - 11 December The Battle of Hurtgen Forest
g. 13 December - 19 December The Battle of Rocherath, Krinkelt and Wirtzfeld
h. 20 December - 31 December Elsenborn Ridge Defensive

For the Commanding Officer:

 

Vincent C. Bristol
2d Lt, FA
adjutant

 

 

 

Confidential

Embarked on HMS Lancashire from Belfast, Northern Ireland: 11 May 1944

Arrived off Barry, Wales: 12 May 1944

Disembarked Newport, Wales: 13 May 1944

Station: Hungerford, Berkshire County, England

Date of arrival: 13 May 1944
Station at End of period.

e. Marches:

(1) From Port of Embarkation, Port of New York, Via HMS Aquitania, to Belleisle, Northern Ireland.

(a) Purpose: To move battalion to overseas station.

(b) Length of daily march: Unkown

(c) Points between which marched, with date:
Closed station at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on 1 January, traveled by rail and ferry to New York Port of Embarkation, embarked on HMS Aquitania, and set sail on 2 January 1944.Transferred to USS Henry Gibbons at Gouroc, near Greenoch, Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde, 11 January 1944. Disembarked 12 January 1944 at Belfast, Northern ireland and traveled by train to Lisbellaw, Northern Ireland, thence to Belleisle, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, by motor convoy.

(d) Condition of roads and weather: Not applicable

(e) Remarks: Voyage was accomplished without protection of convoy and reported threat of submarines necessitated frequent change of ship's course. At one time this course was in close proximity to the Azores and again as far north as Iceland. The firing companies on board manned the ship's guns against enemy attack and took over all sentry duty. Headquarters and Reconnaissance Companies aided in this latter duty. Weather foggy and cold during the entire trip.

(2) From Belleisle, Northern Ireland, to Kilwaughter Castle, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

(a) To move battalion to new station.
(b) Length of daily march: Approximately 65 miles
(c) Points between which marched, with date:
Closed station at Belleisle, Northern Ireland, 22 January 1944. Boarded train at Enniskillen, proceeded to Belfast, Larne by rail, thence by truck to new station at Kilwaughter Castle, County antrim, Northern Ireland.
(d) Condition of roads and weather: Route satisfactory. Weather cool, with intermitten rain.
(e) Remarks: The line companies left from Crom Castle where they had been stationed, boarded trains at Newtonbutler, thence to new station.

 

 

 

Confidential

Headquarters 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion

APO 230
US Army
23 January 1945

Subject: History of the 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion for the Period 1 January 1944 through 30 June 1944

To: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington 25, DC (Thru Channels)

Under the provisions of AR 345-105, 18 November 1929, as amended, history of this unit for the period
1 January 1944 through 30 june 1944 is submitted herewith:

a. Unit - No change
b. Change in Organization - None
c. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June
Beginning of ............................................... 36 35 36 36 35 35 Off
Period 1 1 1 1 1 1 W/O
638 638 635 635 630 629 EM

Net Increase ............................................... 0 1 0 0 0 1 Off
Per 0 0 0 0 0 0 W/O
Month 0 0 0 0 0 4 EM

Net Decrease .............................................. 0 0 0 1 0 0 Off
Per 0 0 0 0 0 0 W/O
Month 0 3 0 5 1 0 EM

End ............................................................. 36 36 36 35 35 36 Off
of 1 1 1 1 1 1 W/O
Period 638 635 635 630 629 633 EM

d. Stations of Unit or Parts Thereof:
Station: Camp Kilmer, New Jersey
At beginning of period. Date of departure: 1 January 1944
Arrived Port of Embarkation, Port of New York on January 1944
Embarked on HMS Aquitania: 1 January 1944
Disembarked HMS Aquitania: 11 January 1944
Embarked on USS Henry Gibbons at Gouroc near Greenoch, Scotland, on
11 January 1944 in the Firth of Clyde.
Disembarked USS Henry Gibbons at Belfast, Northern Ireland:
12 January 1944

Station: Belleisle, Northern Ireland

Date of arrival: 12 January 1944
Date of departure: 22 January 1944

Station: Kilwaughter Castle, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Date of arrival: 22 January 1944
Date of departure: 11 May 1944

Embarked on HMS Lancashire from Belfast, Northern Ireland: 11 May 1944

Arrived off Barry, Wales: 12 May 1944

Disembarked Newport, Wales: 13 May 1944

Station: Hungerford, Berkshire County, England

Date of arrival: 13 May 1944
Station at end of period.

e. Marches:

(1) From Port of Embarkation, Port of new York, via HMS Aquitania, to Belleisle, Northern Ireland.

(a) Purpose: To move battalion to overseas station.
(b) Length of daily march: Unknown
(c) Points between which marched, with date:
Closed station at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on 1 January, traveled by rail and ferry to New York Port of Embarkation, embarked on HMS Aquitania, and set sail on 2 January 1944.
Transferred to USS Henry Gibbons at Gouroc, near Greenoch, Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde,
11 January 1944. Disembarked 12 January 1944 at Belfast, Northern Ireland and traveled by
train to Lisbellaw, Northern Ireland, by motor convoy.
(d) Condition of roads and weather: Not applicable
(e) Remarks: Voyage was accomplished without protection of convoy and reported threat of
submarines necessitated frequent change of ship's course. At one time this course was in close proximity to the Azores and again as far north as Iceland. The firing companies on board manned the ship's guns against enemy attack and took over all sentry duty. Headquarters and reconnaissance companies aided in this latter duty. Weather foggy and cold during the entire trip.

(2) From Belleisle, Northern Ireland, to Kilwaughter castle, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

(a) To move battlion to new station.
(b) Length of daily march: Approximately 65 miles
(c) Points between which marched, with date:
Closed station at Belleisle, Northern ireland, 22 January 1944. Boarded train at Enniskillen,proceeded to Belfast, Larne by rail, thence by truck to new station at Kilwaughter Castle,County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
(d) Condition of roads and weather: Route satisfactory. Weather cool, with intermittent rain.
(e) Remarks: The line companies left from Crom Castle where they had been stationed, boarded trains at Newtonbutler, thence to new station.

(3) From Kilwaughter Castle, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, to Hungerford Common, near Hungerford, Berkshire County, England.

Purpose:
(a) To move battalion to new station in United Kingdom in preparation for combat service.
(b) Length of daily march: Unknown.
(c) Points between which marched, with dates:
Left Kilwaughter Castle, near Larne, County Antrim, and proceeded by rail to Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 11 May 1944. Embarked at Belfast, Northern Ireland, on HMS Lancashire, arrived off Barry, Wales, 12 May 1944 and docked at Newport, Wales, on 13 May 1944. Traveled by train to Hungerford, Berkshire Country, England, arriving 13 May 1944 at 2400 hours. Opened new station 140030 May 1944.
(d) Condition of roads and weather: Not Applicable.

f. Campaigns: None

(1) Resume of unit's activity for the period from 1 January 1944 to 1 July 1944.

(a) On the first day of January 1944, the 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion embarked from Port of New York on HMS Aquitania, making the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to NorthernIreland in eleven days. Line Companies of the unit acted as auxiliary gun crews on board the ship. The Battalion also furnished detail for MP duty. The unit disembarked from the HMS Aquitania onto the American Transport ship USS Henry Gibbons, 11 January 1944 at Gouroc, near Greenoch, Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde. The entire journey was made without accident or serious sickness. Unit morale was good. From that port the battalion (less Companies "B" and "C" which remained at Greenoch to act as MP detail detail aboard the Aquitania) sailed to Belfast, to Lisbellaw. From that point Headquarters and Reconnassance Companies went by truck to the cantonment area at Belleisle, county Fermanagh. "A", "B" and "C" companies (the latter two compaies joining on 18 January 1944) billeted at Crom Castle, County Fermanagh. On 22 January 1944 Hq, "A", "B" and "C" companies moved by rail to Kilwaughter Castle, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. ReconnaissanceCompany arrived at Ballysnod, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on 26 January 1944.Ballysnod is approximately two miles East of Kilwaughter Castle. The remainder of January was spent in receiving and cleaning material.
(b)he month of February was devoted to further training of the personnel of the unit. Both direct and indirct 3 in. gun service practice was accomplished by firing companies, together with Cal .50 and Ca .30 MG firing of all companies. Direct firing was done at the Benbane Head anti-tank range near Bushmills, Northern Ireland, while indirect firing was accomplished at Sperrin Mountain artillery range near Draperstown, Northern Ireland. On 4 February 1944 one hundred and sixty men of the unit wre awarded the Good Conduct Medal for Exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity. The awards were presented by the Battalion Commander at a formation before the entire battalion. On 6 February 1944, during movement of Co "A" M-10s to Bushmills, an M-10 overturned. One member of the crew, Corporal Albano Lemmi, 33418382, was killed. One other member of the crew was injured slightly. One officer attended an advanced course on the Order of Battle in London, England on 17 February 1944 and one officer and five (5) EM were sent to attend a waterproofing course at the Motor Maintenance School at Thiepdal Barracks, Lisburn, Northern Ireland. One officer and five (5) EM comprised an exchange group sent to 261st AT regt, Green Mount Camp, Muchamore,Northern Ireland, for fourteen (14) days, beginning 28 february 1944. This was by authorization of "Interchange of American and British Personnel for the Purpose of instruction." One EM was sent to XV Corps Photograph Interpretation school (First Class) 21 February 1944 and later near the end of the Month one EM was sent to American School Center, Shrivenham, England, for purpose of attending a course of instruction in chemical warfare, beginning 27 February 1944. Two EM were transferred to Detachment of Patients, 79th General Hospital, APO 813, US Army.
(c)The month of March 1944 began with the S-2 being sent to a special Documents and Indoctrination course in London, England. During this period recreational facilities were adequate with passes and fifteen day furloughs were in effect. The firing companies trained in direct and indirect fire atSperrin Mountain Range, improving their techniques. Marches, to and from the range, a distance of 45 miles gave the drivers adequate training for this period. Some firing was also done on the Collin Top Range approximately sixteen miles north of Kilwaughter Castle. Company Commanders made further promotion of personnel in their selection of destroyer crews.
(d) The month of April was devoted to further training of personnel of the unit. Both direct and indirect 3 inch gun service practice was accomplished by firing companies, together with 37mm, cal .50 and cal .30 MG firing of all companies. In addition, Reconnaissance Company was trained in firing of the 81 mm mortar. Further training in FDC firing was accomplished.Company "A" participated in a POM exercise, "Jalopy, held from 25 to 27 April. 644th TD Bn was detached from 5th Tank Destroyer Gp on 25 April 1944 and was attached to the 8th Infantry Division. On 30 April 1944 the wheeled and tracked vehicles of the unit moved to Port of Embarkation at Belfast (Ormeau Embankment) and loaded on LSTs. Personnel accompanying vehicles were the driver and assistant driver of each vehicle. Five (5) EM attached to Hq and Hq company, 5th TD Group, attending Corps Communications school,Radio Telegraph Operator's course #1, commencing 19 April 1944. Captain Charles A.Kozlowski, 01695225, DC, and one EM were transferred to 5th Tank Destroyer Group on 24 April 1944. Captain James M Slaugher, 0-402240, DC, Hq 1101st engineer Group was placed on temporary duty with the unit for approximately ten (10) days. 2d Lt Edward J.Douthitt, 0-1822779, FA, released from assignment and duty with this unit, and assigned to Detachment of Patients, 79th General Hospital, 25 April 1944. 2d Lt. William M. Keesling, 0-1179478, FA, reported to this unit in compliance with par 8, SO #73, Hq 5th Infantry Division, dtd 25 April 1944 and was assigned to Company "A". Two (2) EM Transferred to Detachment of Patients, 68th Station Hospital during the month.
(e) The month of May 1944 began with an advanced detail of three (3) officers, eighteen (18) EM and ten (10) vehicles, leaving Larne Harbor on 1 May 1944 and landing the same day at Stranraer, Scottland to prepare a place for the billeting of the unit in compliance with an order for movement to England. They proceeded by motor to Hungerford, arriving there on the 3rd of May. The vehicles of the battalion, together with drivers and assistant drivers, were loaded on a IST, left Belfast on 1 May 1944 and landed at Swansea, South Wales, on 1 May 1944 On the 5th of May 1944 the convoy proceeded to Hungerford, England, arriving there on 7 May 1944. This advance detail and members of the vehicle convoy began the preparation of an ideal camp for the remainder of the personnel. The remainder of Battalion left Kilwaughter Castle on 11 May 1944 and proceeded by rail to Belfast, where they were put aboard HMS Lancashire. They arrived off Barry, Wales, on the 12 May 1944, and docked at Newport, Wales, on 13 May 1944; from Newport they traveled by rail to Hungerford, England, arriving there at about 132400 May 1944. Training was immediately resumed by entire battalion, and consisted of classes in FDC, survey procedure, mines and other subjects relative to combat.Qualification firing of cal .30 rifles, M-1, was accomplished. Company "A" fired 3" gun on Imber FA range on 30 and 31 May 1944.
(f) At the beginning of June 1944 the battalion was still located on the Commons just north of the town of Hungerford, in Berkshire county, England, where it continued its primary mission of preparation for overseas combat. Training, both theoretical and practical, as far as the limited maneuver areas permitted, was carried on at all times. In conjunction with the above, the camp, already a model, was continuously improved. Recrehational facilities, including organized athletics, movies, passes, and an occasional USO show, kept the rating of the general morale excellent. The battalion S-4, Captain James C. Williams, promoted t that rank on the 1st of the month, kept the unit well supplied and operating with practically all its T/E equipment. The unit was attached to the 8th Infantry division on 25th May 1944 and the Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Ephraim F. Graham, Jr., in order to secure a better understanding of the division's operational procedure, reported to their command post, near Omagh, Northern Ireland on temporary duty. Full utilization of the British Inkpen small arms firing range near Hungerford aided the unit in its perfection of samall arms fire. The Kimmeridge direct fire range, approximately 75 miles south of Hungerford, along the southern English coast, was used to further improve the accuracy of the 3" gunners. Practice in indirect fire was accomplished on the Imber range, about 55 miles west of Hungerford. During the latter portion of the month, many modifications of vehicles which later turned out to be very advantageous, were accomplished; the welders of the unit working 24 hours a day, completed all vehicles prior to movement. Special motor maintenance personnel and drivers of the unit were sent to waterproofing school about the middle of June in preparation for a ossible LST beach landing from the English channel. This group, upon return, instructed the unit on waterproofing methods, and during the latter part of the month, because of the limited time allowed for preparation, all personnel worked day and night, until all vehicles were completely waterproofed. In addition to the above, camouflage nets were garnished to specification and rolled for loading. Reconnaissance company engaged in a final practice reconnaissance on the road nets of Southern England. On June the 30th, final standard vehicle loads had been established and the unit was prepared for movement.
(g) Battles: None
(h) Commanding Officers in important engagements: Not applicable.
(i) Losses in action; officers and men: Not applicable.
(j) Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action: Not applicable.
(k) Photographs of personnel, important scenes or events: See inclosures.

For the commanding officer: Vincent C Bristol 2d Lt, FA Adjutant

Headquarters 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion
APO 230 - US Army
24 January 1945

Subject: Battalion history for the period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944.

To: The Adjutant General
Washington 25, D.C.
(Attention: Distorical Section)

The following history of this organization is hereby submitted pursuant to provisions of par 10 (c) (3), AR 345-105.

a. Unit - No change.
b. Changes in organization - No change.
c. Strength, commissioned and enlisted:

(1) At beginning of period, 1 July 1944:

Officers 36
Warrant Officer 1
Enlisted men 633

(2) Net increase for month:

Officers 0
Warrant officers 0
Enlisted men 0

(3) Net decrease for month:

Officers 1
Warrant Officers 0
Enlisted men 18

(4) At end of period:

Officers 35
Warrant Officer 1
Enlisted men 615

d. Stations of Unit or parts thereof:

Station: Hungerford, England

At beginning of period.
Date of departure: 5 July 1944.

Utah Beach - Rauville La Place, France

Date of arrival: 11 July 1944.
Date of departure: 15 July 1944

La Haye Lu Puits (vicinity) France

Date of arrival: 15 July 1944
Date of departure: 28 July 1944

Vesley, France

Date of arrival: 28 July 1944.
Date of departure: To 31 July 1944.

 

Bourey, France

Date of arrival: 31 July 1944.
Date of departure: To end of period.

e. Marches.

(1) Purpose: To move the battalion overseas station.
(2) Length of daily march: Not applicable.
(3) Points between which marched, with date:
Battalion left Hungerford, England on 5 July 1944 for Embarkation at South Hampton, England, left South Hampton and arrived at Utah Beach, France 11 July 1944 and proceeded St. Sauveur Le Vicomte, Farnce, a distance of 24 miles. Left St. Sauver Le Vicomte 12 July 1944 and proceeded to St. Sauver De Pierre Pont, A distance of 4 miles, on 13 July 1944. Left St. Sauver De Pierre Pont 13 July 1944 arrived at St. Nicholas De Pierre Pont, France. Left St Nicholas De Pierre Pont, arrived in bivouac approximately 3 miles south of La Haye Du Puits, a total distance of approximately 12 1/2 miles. On 28 July 1944, left La haye Du Puits, France proceeded via motor convoy south, by passing Lessay, to Periers St. Sauvbur-Lendelin. Thence to Goutances then to Vesley, France. On July 31 the unit proceeded to Bourey, France, a distance of approximately 53 miles. This marked the end of the period.

f. Campaigns: Northern France

g. Battles: The Normandy Breakthrough

(1) Narrative account of action

(a) The enemy

1.The G-2 estimated the opposing force between the Vier river and the ocean to consist of approximately 30,000 enemy troops. These forces were prepared to defend the area south of the Ay river. Enemy defenses consisted of well entrenched positions manned by automatic weapons and sufficient artillery of both anti-tank and long ranged weapons. No special weapons were used and enemy morale was reported poor.
2.Enemy defenses were well manned with maximum use being made of natural obstacles, terrain, mines, demolitions, and automatic weapons. 3.Disposition of enemy units between the Vier river and the ocean were as follows: 91st, 243rd, 77th, 353rd, 265th infantry divisions and 275th infantry regiment, the 2nd, 17th, and 30th Panzer divisions and the 5th parachute division and 6th parachute regiment. Enemy defended stubbornly and used only local counter-attacks against friendly troops who succeeded in penetrating beyond the Ay river. Armor in the self-propelled guns and light artillery was used in some strength. Enemy air was negliligible. . (b) 4 No prisoners of war Elements affecting action reconnaissance consisted of strong patrole that crossed the river to obtain information and some aerial reconnaissance, the majority of which was used at night.
2.Attitude of civilian population was excellent and a large portion of intelligence and help was secured from civilian sources including the F.F.I.
3.Nature of terrain consisted of rolling hills and areas subdivided into fields boarded by thick hedge rows. Terrain in the vicinity of the Ay river was low, flat, and marshy gradually broadening into a plain beyond.

(c)

1. Mission
Unit assigned first U S army for assignment as needed.
Furthr attached by companies as follows:
Co A - 121st Infantry regiment
Co B - 13th Infantry regiment
Co C - 8th Div Arty
Supporting units - none.

Battalion forward CP with company elements not directly attached to division units moved to the following successive positionsin the Normandy peninsula:

Place Coordinates Dates

St Sauveur De Pierre Pont 137 - 894 12 - 13 July 1944
St Nicolas De Pierre Pont 155 - 875 13 - 15 July 1944
Les Puits Rualts 221 - 780 15 - 28 July 1944
239 - 738 28 - 29 July 1944
La Rondehaye 248 - 656 29 - 31 July 1944
Contrieres 246 - 502 31 July 01 August

For Battalion rear CP see par d (stations)

2. Mission: To operate in close support of infantry, using direct fire to destroy enemy strong points, pillboxes etc. in the path o the advance.
Battalion participated in all phases of action up to and including 26 July 1944 in which time all elements participated in operation "Cobra". All units pushed onrward in the advance of the division in pursuit of enemy forces which continued south of Lessay, Periers line beyond Coutances to end of report period. On 31 July 1944 battalion was assigned mission of meeting any enemy thrust in the division sector. Company "B" returned to battalion control.
3. Narrative of action:
The unit arrived in Normandy, France, in four groups, on 11, 12 and 13 July 1944 a portion of reconnaissance company, headquarters company, and company "C" in one group, company "A" in another, company "B" and battalion headquartrs in a third, and the balance of reconnaissance company in the fourth, each on a separate LST. Landing was made on "Utah" Beach, near Varneville Surmer. The unit (less elements of reconnaissance company) assembled and moved on 12 July 1944 to a point in vicinity of St Sauveur Le Vicomte where theywere joined by the balance of reconnaissance company. The battalion was placed in VIII corps reserve under first army. On 13 July 1944 battalion travelled to a bivouac near St . Sauveur De Pierre Pont. All officers except Lt Baerobserved operations of 803 TD bn (attached to 8th Inf Div.) on 14 July 1944 and morning of 15 July. The unit was ordered into action upon attachment to 8th Inf Div., replacing 803 TD Bn, on 15 July and moved into positions on a line about three miles south of La Haye Du Puits. Company "A" was attached to 121st regiment, Company "B" to the 13th and Company "C" was held under battalion control to deliver indirect fire through division artillery. Later Company "C" was attached to 28th regiment and these attachments continued intermittently throughout the period with one company under battalion control on artillery missions and two in infantry close support and anti-tank roles under regimental control. Elements of Reconnaissance company operated both as a company unit and with a platoon attached to each close support company. No contact except by patole and through delivery of artillery fire was made by battalion until 26 July, and all elements were subjected, until that date, tosporadic fire from 88,, guns and motars. Personnel losses are shown on attached report. All elements participated in operation "COBRA" on and following 260530 July 1944, with Company "B" firing prearranged missions for division artillery and Companies "A" and "C" in close support. All units pushed forward in the advance of the division in pursuit of enemy forces which continued south of Lessay, Periers line beyond Coutances to end of the report period. Casualty report indicated personnel losses in the engagement. Major material losses are listed on S-4 report. Running account of battalion activity appears in copy of journal (from which inconsequential entries have been deleted).
3. Special weapons used: None
Communications: Normal FM radio communication plus special telephone lines to the individual companies were used.
4. Assistance from supporting artillery and engineers: Artillery supplied supporting preparation fire prior to attack and engineers cleared roads to objectives.
5. Use of bayonets, grenades, flame throwers, etc.: No comment.
6. Supply and evacuation: Excellent.

h. Commanding officers in important engagements:

Commanding Officer, 644th TD Bn, Lt Colonel Ephraim F. Graham, Jr.
Commanding Officer, Company Headquarters, Capt. James M. Carpenter
Commanding Officer, Company "A", Capt. Henry A. Garton, Jr.
Commanding Officer, Company "B", Capt. Carl H. Wiggenhorn
Commanding Officer, Company "C", Capt. Elmer B. Geforos
Commanding Officer, Company Ron, Capt. Nelson C. Works, Jr.

i. Losses in action: See Attached casualty list.

j. Members distinguishing themselves in action: See attached list.

k. Photographs of personnel, important scenes or events: See inclosures.

For the Commanding Officer:

Vincent C. Bristol
2d Lt., FA
Adjutant

2 incls:
incl 1 - Losses in action, officers and enlisted men
incl 2 - Photographs coving period.

Month of July 1944

i. Losses in action - Officers and enlisted men

1. Engagement.
The Normandy breakthrough
2. Names.

Sgt. Alfred W. Sienkiewicz, 32183536 (WIA)
Sgt. William V. Brady, 32183322 (WIA)
Sgt. Kenneth W. Gehrke, 35095037 (WIA)
Tec. 4 Robert L. Hanley, 32663513 (WIA)
Tec 4 Frank B. Gage, 39685173 (WIA)
Cpl. Alexander Opalinski, 39117575 (WIA)
Cpl. Allan J. Croshaw, 32066827 (WIA)
Pfc. Marvin M. Cockrell, 34153463 (WIA)
Pfc. Raymond P. Cotter, 32003838 (WIA)
Pfc. George A. Daniels, 32693909 (WIA)
Pvt. James R. Summers, 34049991 (WIA)
Pvt. Jack W. Holt, 39859336 (KIA)
Pvt. Charles T. Staszewski, 20233733 (WIA)
3. Killed in Action.
Two (2) enlisted men.
4. Wounded in Action.
Eleven (11) enlisted men.
5. Missing in Action.
None.
6. Taken prisoner.
None.

j. Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action.

1. Engegement: The normandy breakthrough
2. Names:
None.
3. Act:
None.
4. Award:
None.

Headquarters 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion
APO 230 US Army

Subject: Battalion History for the period 1 August 1944 through 31 August 1944.

To: The Ajutant General
War Department
Washington 25, D.C.
(thru channels)

The following is a history of this organization for the month of August 1944 submitted in accordance with AR 345-105, dtd 9 March 1943:

a. Unit - No change.
b. Changes in organization - No change.
c. Strength, commissioned and enlisted:

(1) At beginning of period:

Officers 35
Warrant Officer 1
Enlisted men 613

(2) Net Increase for Month:

Officers 0
Warrant Officer 0
Enlisted men 0

(3) Net Decrease for Month:

Officers 1
Warrant Officer 1
Enlisted men 12

(4) At End of Period:

Officiers 34
Warrant Officer 1
Enlisted men 601

d. Stations of units or parts thereof:
Station: Burey, France
At beginning of period.
Date of departure: 2 August 1944.

Le Luot, France

Date of arrival: 2 August 1944
Date of departure: 4 August 1944

Erc Pres Liffre, France

Date of arrival: 4 August 1944
Date of departure: 7 August 1944

Rennes, France (2 miles northeast)

Date of arrival: 7 August 1944
Date of departure: 14 August 1944

Plumaudan, France

Date of arrival: 14 August 1944
Date of departure: 14 August 1944

St Divy, France

Date of arrival: 18 August 1944
Date of departure: 19 August 1944

Kernilis, France

Date of arrival: 19 August 1944
Date of departure: 27 August 1944

Bourg Blanc, France

Date of arrival: 27 August 1944
Date of departure: To end of period

e. Marches.

(1) Purpose: Marches made to include 7 August 1944 were made to keep in contact with the enemy, made necessary because of their rapid retreat. On the 8th of August, Company "C" moved to the north for the attack on Dinard. March on 13th August was made to assemble for the march to Brest, France. On the 14th of August. The battalion moved to the Cotentin peninsula to participate in the reduction of the city of Brest.
(2) Length of Daily March: Approximately sixty (60) miles.
(3) Points between which marched, with date:The 644 TD NBN moved via Folligny, La Haye Pesnel, to a a position in the vicinity of Bourey (Le Luot), France on 2 August 1944.
On 4 August BN CP traveled by road via Avranches, Pontaudault, and closed in a position south of St James at (041400).
On 4 August the BN, traveling via Fougeres, romagne, St Aubin, du Cormier arrived at its destination at 1900 hours and closed one (1) mile west of Erc Pres Liffre.The BN remained at Esc Pres liffre, until the 7 August when it traveled via Liffre to a location two (2) miles orthwest of rennes.
On 13 August the BN moved via Rennes, St. Gilles, Reede, Montaubin de Bretagne, Quedillac, and Caulnes to a new destination 3/4 of a mile northwest of Plaumaudin.On 14 August the BN began its march to Brest traveling via Yvignac, Mirbal, Broons, Lamballe, Yffiniac, by passing St. Brieuc to Chateaulaudren, Guincamp, Belle Isle en Terre, Plonigneau, Morlaix, Louvorn, Bandivisiau and Landerneau, closing one (1) miel southeast of St Divy.On 19 August 44 the BN moved via Keramezec, and Ploudaniel to a bivouac in the vicinity of Kernillis.On 27 August the BN traveled the road Lannilis Bourg Blanc and closed a new station, bivouacking just outside the town. Remained here until the end of period.(4) Majority of moves were made on main roads and improved highways under good conditions. Weather was warm with occasional showers.
(5) Remarks: Marches were made without incident, with one exception. During the march to Brest one (1) Company "B" M-10 had to halt because of overheated meter and two (2) bogey-wheels were blown. Company was ordered to reduce speed.

f. Campaigns: Northern France

g. Battles
I. The Normandy breakthrough: 15 July to 4 August 1944.

a. The Enemy.

1. See battalion history period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944.
2. Enemy defenses; consisting mostly of trenches and some fortifications (pillboxes) in cities, were abandoned when position became untenable after the breakthrough. Many mines were used during withdrawal to slow our advances.Bridges were prepared for demolition but in most cases found intact or already repaired by engineers.
3. Disposition of enemy units were unknown at this time. No counter-attacks were made.Use of air, armor and artillery was slight and none was destroyed during the period by this battalion.4.Number of prisoners of war: two (2) officers and eleven (11) enlisted men. b.Elements affecting action:

1.Enemy information was at a minimum. Ron Held to rear guard patrols.
2. Civilians had been evacuated prior to operations in this sector.
3. Nature of Terrain: See battalion history (July 44)

c. Action:

1. Battalion assigned to third army, attached to 8th Inf Div Arty after 1 August 1944. Battalion CP located vicinity Les Fosses ( 317216).
Supporting Units: None
Companies further assigned to regiments and battalions of the division.

2. Mission: Battalion advanced to the south with the leading forces of the division with missions of repelling any enemy armored attack on the city of Rennes.
Company "A" attached to CT 13 performing security missions to the forward area of division sector.
Balance of battalion was under battalion control.Company "B" furnished battalion rear-guard.
Company "C" advance-guard.Recon co left-flank guard during movement to Rennes.

The Normandy Breakthrough (Cont'd)

From August 1 through August 4, the battalion moved south from Bourey, France through Avaranches, and Fougeres to Rennes. Enemy equipment was scattered along the road in many places consisting mostly of unarmored vehicles, prime movers and towed guns. Company "A" performed security missions for CT 13 which made few contacts except for scattered pockets of resistance. The battalion made the entire move with the 8th Infantry division.
3.Special weapons used: None. Communications were excellent.
4.Assistance from supporting artillery: None. Engineers cleared roads and Marked mine fields.
5.No flame throwers, grenades, or other close in weapons were employed.
6.Supplies were adequate and no evacuation necessary.
7.Casualties: See attached casualty list.

h. Commanding officers in important engagements:

(1) The Normandy breakthrough: 15 July to 4 August 1944

CO 644 TD BN - Lt Col Ephraim F. Graham, Jr.
CO HQ Co 644 TD BN - Capt. James M. Carpenter
CO Co "A" 644 TD BN - Capt. Henry A. Garton, Jr.
CO Co "B" 644 TD BN - Capt. Carl H. Wiggenhorn
CO Co "C" 644 TD BN - Capt. Elmer B. Geforas
CO Co Ron 644 TD BN - Capt. Nelson C. Works, Jr
Medical detachment - Capt. Nathaniel Berg

i. Losses in Action:
See attached casualty list.

II The Defense of Rennes: 4 August to 13 August 44

(a) The Enemy:

1.At the beginning fo the period, pockets of enemy resistance continued in Division forward section and to southwest of our position.Enemy amalgamated for organized resistance. One (1) Panzer division reported in the vicinity of Rennes.
On the 7 August 44 the 4th Armored division plus the I & R platoon of the 2nd BN, 13th Inf Regt were located at Messac, engaged enemy forces estimated at twelve hundred (1200).
Enemy withdrew from vicinity of Bourg Des Comptes and Messac at 1900 hours 5 August 44. Battalion reconnaissance also disclosed Forat De Tilley to be unoccupied by enemy. On 8 August the enemy continued to resist at St Malo and had recaptured Mortain, but later lost the town, after aircraft destroyed 135 enemy tanks of the 4th Panzer division.
No special weapons were used.
2. Enemy defenses were considered strong and in depth. The city of Rennes was fortified by a perimeter defense against possible tank attacks by our forces and insluded mines, anti-tank ditches and heavy AT weapons in large quantities.
3. Reconnaissance and FFI reports indicated a possible concentration of the 1st Panzer division and 2nd Inf Division in Nantes, with possible employment against Laval, Rennes and the 4th Armored divisions lines of communication. The 644 TD BN, in conjunction with the 8th Inf div., anticipated enemy attacks on Rennes from the south.
4. Four (4) enlisted men were captured by BN in this phase of operations

(b) Elements affecting action:

1. Enemy information was at a minimum due to withdrawal of troops. Ron was confined to air and rear-guard patrols.
2. FFI was helpful in pin-pointing targets, disclosing whereabouts of enemy troops and in acting as guides.
Civilian population in general was helpful to the extreme; many reports being based on rumor and conjecture, leading to unnecessary investigation in some instances.
3. The terrain was heavily wooded and broadened out into a plain in the vicinity of Rennes. Hedgerows were less p[rominent and not as thick.
4. Enemy's perimeter defense limited maneuver and confined operations to frontal assault.
(c) Action:

1. 644 TD BN assigned 3rd Army and attached to 8th Inf. Div. Arty., (CP BN 056561)
Supporting Units: None
2. Mission: Battalion minus Co "C" had mission to repel and enemy armored attack in the Div sector in the city of Rennes.
Co "A" in direct support of 13th Inf. Regt., moved to Cape Frehol.
Co "B" in direct support of 28th Inf. Regt. Co "B" held on 9 August. Performed indirect fire mission under Divarty.

Defense of Rennes

During the period August 4 through the 13th, Reconnaissance company was actively engaged on missions covering a ten mile radius of the city of Rennes. They also performed three division reconniassance missions to the south and east. The firing companies (2nd Platoon, Company "A") were held in readiness to repel anticipated tank attacks from the south and west. The 2nd Platoon of Company "A" was attached to task force Spartan which performed missions of mopping up small pockets of resistance south of Rennes. Company "C" was diverted from its defensive position on August 8 and attached to 121 Infantry for the attack on Dinard.

3. No special weapons ere used. Communications were excellent.
4. Supporting artillary harrassed enemy withdrawal.
Engineers cleared roads, marked mine fields and filled craters in roads and repaired bridges destroyed by the enemy.
5. No grenades, flame throwers or use of bayonet and other close in weapons were employed by the battalion.
6. Supply was adequate and evacuation sufficient but not used due to lack of casualties to end of this phase.
7. Casualties: See attached casualty list.

III Dinard Offensive (Company "C" only) 8 August to 15 August 1944

(a) The enemy

1. G-2 estimated 1500 to 5000 enemy troops occupying Dinard and positions to the south. Front lines generally: Coor: (700080) (755071) (795065).
Special weapons consisted only of heavy artillery and naval guns.
Morale was considered to be poor.
2. Enemy defenses consisted of trench systems, mine fields, cleared areas offering fields of fire which had been staked against airborne landings by gliders. These fensives also included pill boxes and concrete forts. Mines and demolitions were used to a great extent.
3. Enemy operated as front line infantry using all types of personnell from all branches of the service. Self propelled guns were used in direct support of these troops. No enemy air support was available to the enemy. Five (5) to seven (7) medium or light tanks reported in Pleurtuit possibly SP guns.Artillery moderate, coast guns and SP guns used. Infantry counter attack broken on two occasions by TDs. During this phase of action the followingnemy armor was destroyed:
1 SP 88
1 SP 75
1 PZKW IV
In addition the following was destroyed:
2 Mortar positions
12 Pillboxes
3 Vehicles (1 probable)
1 MG emplacement
2 20mm guns (AA)
1 Radio control station
1 Ammo dump
1 OP (Church steeple at Leminihic)
4. No prisoners were taken during period by battalion.

(b) Elements affecting action
1. Enemy information was slight. Open area between towns and front lines limited patrolling. Little reconaissance made.
2. Civilians had cleared and had been evacuated prior to hostillities and therefore had no effect on action.
3. Nature of terrain. Hilly and heavily wooded. Ground in front of objective had been cleared for at least 1000 yards to afford clear field of fire and had been staked with(Rommels asparagus) against glider attacks.

(c) Action
1. BN HQ attached to the 8th Inf. Div. Divarty - (DP location 686839) Co "C" attached to 121 Inf. Regt. from 8 August to 16 August. CP located (767-932)
Co "A" attached to 1st BN 28 Inf. Regt. moved to Cape Frehol for attack in that objective and took the point on 15 August when its cmdr capitulated.
2. Mission: To act in direct support of infantry in the reduction of Dinard.

The Dinard Offensive

Co "C" of the 644th TD BN, acting in direct support of the 121st Inf. Regt., from 8 August 1944 to 15 August 1944, helped smash two (2) counter-attacks by enemy infantry, during its mission in the reduction of Dinard.
The 2nd platoon was with the right flank of the infantry BN on the right and the 3rd platoon was with the left flank BN. The 1st platoon was held in reserve. On 9 August the TD platoons remained in cover positions until the infantry designated targets, usually emplacements or tanks. Mortar and 88mm artillery fire was received, and some samll arms fire. There was no counter-battery, and we fired at least 20 rounds to the enemies one.
On Friday, 11 August 1944, the 3rd platoon was called on to support an ifantry company pinned down by enemy MG and mortar fire 100 yards north of Tremereuc, France. One section with the platoon leader in command, moved into a position and fired eighty-two rounds of 3" H.E. at targets of opportunity. This firing took place at 1700. At 2130, same place, same day, the enemy launched a counter-attack. The infantry company again called for the 3rd Platoon. With fifty-five rounds of H.E. fired into the enemy line, the counter-attack was beaten off.
On Saturday, 12 August 1944, 1800 southeast of Pleurtuit, the 3rd platoon flanked the same infantry company on their left. The infantry was still pinned down by heavy mortar and 88mm fire. It was necessary that the M-10's move across open terrain to face the front of the enemy lines. One M-10 over running a line of pillboxes, causing 168 German prisoners to be taken.
the following day the same platoon destroyed a 20 man anti-aircrft emplacement and a radio control station with 17 rounds of H.E. Prisoners were taken from one of the demolished pillboxes. The platoon advanced from the north of Pleurtuit to south of Dinard in the face of little opposition. Assisted by the infantry company, 200 more prisoners were taken that day.
On the 13th of August 1944, the 2nd Platoon of Co "C" relieved another platoon attached to 2nd BN, 121st Infantry at 2016. At 1500 a destroyer was hit by 88mm causing slight damage to vehicle. There were no casualties. The platoon moved forward with the infantry and destroyed a 20mm gun with 3" shell located at 765085. The hedges were sprayed with .50 calibre fire because of snipers harassing troops.
The 3rd platoon was the first tank destroyer unit to enter Dinard. That was on the 14th of August 1944. Co "A" of the 121st Infantry, pinned down by MG fire at the Dinard railroad station, requested the support of the 3rd TD platoon. One destroyer swung it's gun facing an officer while the destroyer occupants took 55 prisoners. The final action of the 3rd platoon was to fire 10 rounds of H.E. and 10 rounds of A.P. at German fortifications northeast of Dinard on an island. There was no observation so that damage might have been estimated. Credit for the breakthrough of the 121st infantry was given the 3rd platoon by the Co of the that unit.
On 14 August 1944, the 2nd Platoon moved forward with the infantry at 0930 at 761094 in support of tanks as the tanks advanced through the streets. TDs covered the side streets at point 764128. The 2nd platoon covered the town on 15 August 1944 until the peninsula surrendered at 1100 and all enemy resistance ceased.

3. No special weapons other than naval guns were used by enemy. Allied air sprayedCitadel at Dinard with fuel by dropping auxiliary gas tanks and fired tracers into them to create fire and explosion.
Communications: Worked with infantry using special radio setup. Constant liaison maintained with infantry.
4. Supporting artillery fired neutralization, harrassing and preparation fires.
On one occasion smoke was called for to cover movement of TDs but was not obtained.
5. APC BDF and APC ammo was used with good effort against pillboxes followed by HE after penetration.
6. Supply was good. Evacuation difficult due to enemy fire.
7. Casualties: (see attached casualty list)

(h) Commanding Officers in important engagements
1. Co "C", Capt. Elmer B Geforos

IV Brest Offensive - 13 August to 31 August 1944

(a) The Enemy
1. G-2 estimates placed number of enemy troops defending the Fortress City of Brest, at approximately 40,000 troops. Fortress commanded by General Ramcke.
2. The enemy was firmly entrenched on the best suitable ground, backed up by all types of artillery to include rockets and coast defense guns with a 360 degree traverse.Enemy defenses were well prepared and included mines, both AT and personal, booby traps, concrete emplacements, anti-tank ditches and pits, underground storage vaults, barracks and submarine pens. The old city wall of Brest had been modernized, strengthened, spotted with pillboxes and MGs and surrounded by an anti-tank ditch and minefield. The city was considered impregnable.
3. The garrison of Brest was composed of troops of all branches of the service who had retreated to the Fortress city ater the St. Lo breakthrough. This force was composed of GAF, submarine crews, Naval, SS, and paratroopers who had boasted they could hold out for six (6) months. Counter-attacks on a reduced scale were made and enemy fought tennaciously for every foot of ground.
Enemy air was inactive. Enemy use of armor: none.
Artilery was confined to front line troops with little or no harassing fire.
4. Prisoners: 2 officers and 87 enlisted men.

(b) Elements affecting action:
1. Enemy information was slight, gathered mainly from PWs. Ron was held to patrol action on a limited scale. Perimeter defense of city and short defense line was to enemies advantage and limited our attack to frontal assault and house to house fighting.
2. Majority of the civilian population had been evacuated prior to action. Civilian population had been evacuated prior to action. Civilian information was vital and in detail in some instances. Many had first hand knowledge of defenses, pillboxes, etc.
3. Terrain was open with good field of fire and observation, hilly in spots and gradually rolling. Enemy fortified and defended high ground.

(c) Action:
1. HQ 644 TD BN assigned to 3rd Army attached 8 Inf. Div. Arty. CP location coord (118046) Companies further attached to Regt. Co "A" with task force attached 1st BN 28 Inf. Regt. 12 August 1944 for reduction of Cape Frehol.
2. Mission: To give all available support to its attack on Brest.

The Brest Offensive

The unit after leaving Rennes and arriving at Lesneven, France on 18 August 1944 began its preparation for the attack on Brest which started August 25. During this period, Reconnaissance company had the mission of reconnoitring the 8th Inf. Div's right flank. While in performance of this mission on August 19, this reconnaissance element encountered a German patrol which attacked our patrol. A fire fight immediately developed in which the attack was successfully repulsed. When the attack began, the BN was separated; Co "A" was with the 29th Inf. Div., Co "B" was attached to the 13th Inf. and Co "C" to the 121st Inf. Co "A" was employed in close support of the infantry and engaged targets of opportunity in direct fire.
On the 28th of August, one platoon of Co "A", giving close support to the 29th Div's ranger task force, near Trezien, France gave valuable assistance to the task force in its destruction of enemy personnel and equipment. Another platoon in close support of two Ranger companies and the 224th Field Artillery aided materially in neutralizing stubborn enemy resistance and destroying several enemy guns at Plounuquer, France.
Co "B" was in direct support of the 13th Inf. in its attack on "Hill 88" on August 25th. From dug-in positions, a total of 1200 rounds of HE ammunition was fired on targets of opportunity or this hill. Following this action the Co moved to direct firing position along the main line of resistance. Here, counter-attack after counter attack was repulsed with the 3" guns of the unit and cal .50 MGs atop the destroyers. Many pillboxes, machine gun positions and enemy personnel were destroyed.
Co "C" actively supported the 28th Inf. in its drive on Brest - giving direct fire on targets of opportunity pointed out by the infantry. One section was used at times on indirect fire missions.
While engaged in a foot reconnaissance on August 26, the second platoon leader was captured. The company continued in its mission until the end of the period.

3. Special weapons used: 4.2 white phrosphorus used by Div. Arty.
Communications: The BN had radio, and whenever practical, wire communication with all the companies and the Div. Arty.
The destroyer companies maintained wire and radio communication with the Infantry Regts to which they were attached.
The destroyer platoons had radio communication with their companies and on occasions wire communication with infantry companies or battalions with which they were operating.
Liaison was maintained with the Div. Arty. at all times by the BN. The destroyer companies maintained liaison with regiments to which attached and on occasions the platoons maintained liaison with the Infantry BN supported.
4. Assistance from supporting artillery and engineers:
Supporting artillery on occasion brought fire or smoke to neutralize enemy positions or screen movements. Supporting artillery fired preparation, harassing, and interdiction fire on the city of Brest and front line troops.
Corps Arty active on counter-battery missions and destruction of heavy defenses.Also during this time, M-12s, self-propelled artillery, were utilized with their large Calibre 155 and at one time in direct fire role in attempt to breach old city wall of Brest.
Engineers assisted in clearing roads, filling craters and bridging obstacles.
5.Use of bayonet, granades, flame throwers: On one occassion British flame-throwing tanks attempted to breach the old city wall of Brest. Unsusccessful, due to lack of defilade.
6. Supply and evacuation: Excellent. Enemy artillery was confined to Front line areas, Leaving roads unharassed.7.Casualties: See attached casualty list.

(h) Commanding officers in important engagements:
1. Co, 644 TD BN - Ep