In The 'Stars and Stripes' the following article appeared. It was of particular interest to us because not only were we the "Recon outfit" referred to but also during the winter while we were at Liocourt. France, on a particularly cold day, a Cub plane made a forced landing in our area and we were able to feed, shelter and assist the pilot in getting his damaged plane repaired and into the air again. The Pilot was the same Lt. Watson mentioned in this article.

CUBS WORK OVERTIME IN RHINELAND DRIVE

'WITH EIGHTH ARMORED DIVISION -
Missions were coming in so fast for the Cub pilots that they found themselves without observers. Thus it was when Pfc. Raymond F. Deiter of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. the detachment cook and T/3 Grady L. Dalton, crew chief, played observer rolls during the whirlwind drive on the Rhine.

Serving as the eyes of the Division the air section has proven invaluable in controlling unit movements, when ground communications cannot be used. On one mission Lt. Horace E. Watson, of Laredo, Texas, spotted a Recon outfit held up by a blown bridge. Circling the area he soon found another crossing leading to the outfit's objective. Flying low and idling his motor, the pilot yelled down to the troops, 'Follow me!' They did -- and shortly thereafter another town was captured. In 14 days, 2nd Lt. Carl Colozzi, of Cranston, R. I. flew 30 missions helping to direct traffic movements, spotting artillery fire and search -- for small units in wooded areas.'

On this day Lt. Mark O'Heron arrived and joined the Troop to become leader of the First Platoon.

Saturday, March 17

Another day in this quiet town. In the morning at eight o'clock about half the Troop left for assault boat practice on a lake some distance from here. The crossings were made without accident and the men returned to Grefrath early in the afternoon. In the evening the men turned into Supply their repacked duffle bags for storing them along with other temporarily unneeded clothing and equipment, to be left behind when we should move.

Sunday. March 18

The Troop rose at an early hour as most of the men were to go out on a screening mission in an area near Wankum. The Troop, under Lt. Smith, took off after a five-thirty breakfast and proceeded on this mission. Upon arriving at the area assigned each Platoon began investigating the houses for hidden weapons, military personnel or equipment, and anything else unusual or unrelated to prescribed civilian life. During the afternoon the Troop returned reporting nothing of great importance discovered.

There were Catholic and Protestant services in the evening. Also a movie was shown.

T/5 Rockel and Pfc. Griswold left on pass to visit Brussels.

Monday, March 19

This was a welcome day, there being no training schedule or classes. Supply again had an opportunity to get most of the men in to receive some additional clothing and get some of the articles replacing those worn out or lost in combat.

Six enlisted men and one of our Officers left to visit Paris. They were: Lt. Collins, T/4 Hyman, T/5 Rine, Pfc's Nietz, Van Amber, Pershing and Ferris.

It was interesting to note that during the past few days many of the men were receiving letters from home indicating that in the United States the newspapers and radio were reporting our recent whereabouts and activities. My wife on March 6th wrote saying. 'I gather that today you are in Rhineburg.' This seemed fairly close as we were only about one and one-half miles south of the town on that day.

Tuesday, March 20

The day began with a Troop formation at which Capt. Stone reiterated the stringent rules and regulations governing the conduct of American soldiers in Germany, and the severe punishment given for breaking them. His words carried added weight because of his having served on a court martial board for several days during which time he had actual experience in hearing cases of current violations.

During the morning the same men who had assault boat practice the day before had continued classes, in artillery observation.

After lunch we all received typhus shots. Apparently a number of cases of the disease had appeared. So far there had been none in our Troop.

Wednesday, March 21

Rumors and indications began filtering in that we might, move in the near future. Supply, upon the advice of S-4, picked up 125 cans more of gasoline and additional ammunition of all types. Plans were made to build up our ration supply and routes were being studied for approaching the Rhine. It became clear that once we crossed the river, it would be some time before supply bases could be established on the other side.

Thursday. March 22

This was an important day in the history of our Troop. Three of our men were decorated for bravery in action. Sgt. Healy received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. Cpl. Denend and T/5 Perillo were each awarded the Bronze Star. General Devine presented the Medals. The ceremony was simple but impressive. There were several guests in addition to the General among whom were Col. Harrington and Lt. Murray. The Bronze Star awards were for the men's gal1antry in returning with Lt. Ryan to find the missing men during the patrol activity at Posterholt, described earlier in the Diary. The Silver Star received by Sgt. Healy, was for his bravery in assisting and rescuing Lt. Ryan's armored car, while under fire, in the Lintfort-Rhineburg area.

During the evening the Troop had an opportunity to celebrate the day's ceremony. We fel1 heir to innumerable gal1ons of approved Brandy whose base was undoubtedly the humble prune. It was a little sweet and heavy, but of considerable power. For a few short hours most everyone's cares and worries were tossed to the winds. There were no serious casualties.

Pfc. Fipphen left the Troop for the hospital because of illness thought to be appendicitis.

Friday, March 23

There was considerable restowing of vehicles and taking inventory of rations and ammunition so each vehicle could carry as much as possible of these, plus gasoline, for the anticipated march across the Rhine and into Germany. The radio, newspapers and inevitable rumors al1 pointed to rapidly moving events along the Rhine, which made our moving seem imminent.

Saturday, March 24

The great offensive across the Rhine had begun. All day long the radio broadcasted news of it. Friday night and during this day fol1owing, hundreds of planes flew overhead into Germany and back again. An air of tenseness and expectancy ran through the Troop. The men were told to complete the restowing of their vehicles. At 1630 there was a Troop formation during which Lt. Smith read a message from Field Marshal Montgomery stressing the urgency for al1 out effort in this last round of the great battle. By evening we were on a two hour alert.

A beer party had been planned for this evening and went off successful1y as scheduled. There was a considerable lack of feminine pulchritude as the male element was represented by almost the entire Troop while only four attractive Red Cross girls were able to attend.

The men who had been on pass to Paris returned, and reported the famous French Capital al1 that it had been reputed to be.

One of the replacements that joined us in Hol1and, Pvt. Shatusky left on furlough for the United States. He had been overseas 23 months.

Sunday, March 25

With the radio repeatedly telling of the successes of the Al1ies in the great Rhine offensive, the newspapers giving the same news in more detail, and our being on the alert, the Troop nevertheless was able to spend a quiet and restful Sunday. There were Catholic services in the afternoon and Protestant services during the evening. At night there was some excitement as German planes were heard, and strafing in neighborhood areas was reported. We received none of it.

Monday. March 26

Stil1 on the alert the Troop arose as usual, had breakfast and went about the day's routine. There were more changes in the Troop's personnel. Cpl. Shaffner was sent to the hospital because of an illness which had bothered him for some time. Pfc. Vittengle was transferred elsewhere and Pfc. Oliviero was transferred to the Troop to be the platoon sergeant of the Third Platoon. He was warmly welcomed by many old friends.

Shortly after lunch word came down that we were to move out at any time. All preparations were completed and the Troop waited. At 2130 we received word that we were to move out at 2300. Shortly before all was in readiness and at 2315 we left our narrow street in Grefrath. We proceeded under blackout and drove all night under ideal conditions for driving without lights. During a halt we learned that Sgt. McGonigal and T/5 Melching had had an accident while driving between us and CCB Headquarters. Their peep had overturned and they were both seriously injured and evacuated to a hospital. Cpl. Tipton and T/5 Mooney had to take their place in maintaining liaison.

During the early morning before daylight there was considerable confusion in our part of the convoy because of a single unidentified plane which kept diving low over our part of the column. It looked like a B26 but was more likely a Ju 88 as some shots were fired at us. Only a few of our vehicles knew this, so but little fire was returned, many believing it might possibly be an American plane, and not firing because of this uncertainty.

Tuesday, March 27 - En-route

Considerable fog and mist appeared during the early morning and as daylight approached visibility was poor. We knew we were near the Rhine as there were signs indicating bridges, and engineers' vehicles were everywhere. Gradually we approached the river on a newly made dirt road which seemed to follow little used farm roads and lanes.

Each man had his idea of what crossing the Rhine might be but I doubt if anyone knew it would be as quickly, easily and efficiently accomplished. We crossed near Wallach on a pontoon treadway bridge much like the bridge we had practiced on a week before. There was no opposition of any kind and even the river's swift current was as nothing with the bridge being cleverly and securely anchored; another illustration of the engineers excellent and efficient work. At 0710 we were climbing up the east bank which was devastated beyond description. All along the bank the ground, trees, buildings and whatever else was about, were blown and burned to bits. In the midst of all this one small, neat house with a lovely spring garden could be seen standing alone and untouched.

We proceeded a short distance to an area near Frederichs Feld where we pulled off the road and dispersed our vehicles. Here we had a hot breakfast and rested until later in the day when we went over to a nearby group of houses out of which the Germans were moved and into which we moved for a doubtful night of sleep.