Although M6 propellant was critical, the companies were kept well supplied. Cpl Emerson's bald head made a particularly good target, especially when he removed his helmet and bent over his aiming circle to lay in the guns. The path of advance was lined with dead animals, horses, cows, sheep and hogs, offering mute evidence of allied artillery and air bombardment. When the Germans launched their Ardennes offensive on December 16, much of the Third Army began moving north toward Bastogne, leaving some units such as Company A to hold the line. The same day, S/Sgt Toole received a battlefield commission as second lieutenant for outstanding leadership under combat conditions. The monuments are now emplaced in a Memorial Park at Leonard Wood near For this reason they were also called the "Four-deucers". The 19th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division, relieved the 33rd Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Division, on July 13 at Caumont, but D Company remained at the hot spot in support of this new unit, which had never been committed. It was up to the battalion to write its own history and these pages will show how well the job was done. Contact was established on June 16 with the advance of CP, and the rear echelon moved inland near Trevieres, France, where it remained for almost five weeks. The monuments are now emplaced in a Memorial Park at Leonard Wood near Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, 1966. From September 13 to 19, D Company remained in position on the Siegfried Line, firing night and day in support of the battered 28th. Union Cemetery. The lights of New York, crossing the river on the ferry, the Red Cross doughnut girls, and the band at the docks, played on personal sentiments. Page 1. WebABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 WebThis is the unit history of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II. Skip past search results. During the rapid advance across France, the army supply services performed as brilliantly as the combat troops, doing three months work in one. Company D, which had left in August, was fortunate to be sent over in the Queen Elizabeth which traveled alone, without escort of any kind, due to her speed; she made the trip in five days. About this time, the town of Tinchebray was heavily shelled by the mortars of C Company. Yet a more capable man than our Supreme Commander, General "Ike", would be difficult to find. Subjacent to this is the Lone Star of Texas on a field of blue. Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, 1966. An ammunition dump was blown up, scattering small arms ammunition in all directions. It arrived in Liverpool, England, on November 2 and spent the winter honing its amphibious skills in preparation for the invasion of Nazio-ccupied France. On the 27th, near Les Planches, and again on the 29th, near Rouxville, two shells from a German "170" landed in the mortar position, but failed to explode. At the beginning of this period, June 16, C Company, while supporting the 2nd Infantry Division, went into a static position facing Hill 192. The second round went through the hole in the roof made by the previous shell, and exploded inside! The ship wasn't long at sea before boat drills were started. On June 9 the company was relieved from attachment to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, and attached to the 175th Infantry, 29th Division, making a long road march to join this latter organization at la Fotelaie, beyond Isigny. Over-enthusiastic celebrants hurled fruit and flowers at the passing column, and many times ripe tomatoes and hard pears and apples left marks on a man. The really big event of the firing in Texas was the battalion shoot at Turner's Ranch in February 1943, when the outfit was given permission to fire up all ammunition on hand. For this reason they were also called the "Four-deucers".[1]. WebThe 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion (Motorized) was one of four Chemical Warfare Service units to land on Utah and Omaha beaches, Normandy, on the morning of 6 June 1944. The long hard pulls, and hand-carrying the mortars up those steep mountains, taxed the energy of everybody, but a different method of moving equipment was learned. A series of enemy strong points consisting of a road block, a fortified house, and heavy machine guns south of the town were holding up the advance of the 175th Infantry, 29th Division. Gains were now measured by two or three hedgerows an hour instead of two or three per day, but the hedgerows were becoming fewer and smaller. A general idea as to the difficulties encountered due to lack of training equipment can be had when one considers that for a long period of time the battalion's ammunition dump contained exactly 25 rounds of FS for training purposes. They were armed with 4.2-inch (107 mm) chemical mortars. This was also the unit's first experience at living in the field for a prolonged period, and the chiggers, ticks, "piney woods rooters," snakes, and rain torrents of it all did their best to make it an arduous one. In March the battalion left Penkridge for Poole, Dorset, where it was rejoined on April 1, 1944, by D Company. Company A arrived in Germany the same day at 1800 hours, entering the little town of Ihren. The Vire River was crossed. One claimed to be from Brooklyn having returned to Germany on a visit just before the war. The "rat race" was on, and was gaining momentum every day.
Pinned to the beach under a hail of machine gun fire, Captain Thomas Peter Moundres, the company commander, was mortally wounded. Company A at this time was in an assembly area near Argentan, and C Company had their mortars set up south of Chambois. Companies A, B and D had been attached to the 2nd Division, while Company C was supporting the 35th Division. Seeing the empty craft relieved the strain a bit, for then it was known that the first wave had managed at least to disembark. Web81st Chemical Mortar Battalion. Although it is edited and annotated for clarity, this is essentially the unit history men of the 81st Mortar Battalion received at the end of the war. Company C's mortar march continued, passing just south of Sedan, entering Belgium on the 8th of September. Later that day, T/5 Sklarew, Pvt Solik and Pvt Dobbins, in search of souvenirs, captured 65 prisoners in an enemy bunker that they had thought was deserted. Casualties for this period were 11 killed (five officers and six enlisted men), 25 wounded, and one captured. After spotting the Germans digging in, it fired nine rounds of high explosives and laid a smokescreen for others crossing behind them. They were 2nd Lt Giles B. Harris, Cp. SYMBOLISM:In the blue and yellow of the Chemical Warfare Services the volcano symbolizes the nearest approach in nature to modern chemical warfare agents, viz; smoke, incendiaries, harassing fumes and casualty producing gases; the lone star is symbolic of the state of Texas, in which the 81stChemcialBattralionwas activated and served at its first permanent station. Three more prisoners were taken that day in one of the mortar positions. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for U.S.Army 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion Insignia at the best online prices at eBay! He was later awarded the Silver Star. Company A then moved to Camp D4 and D8, B to D1, C to D10, D to D1, and battalion headquarters to D5. The program was vigorous, hazardous and exciting, and several fell by the wayside due to the rapid pace and constant exertion under the hot, tropical Florida sun. After stopping the Germans in the Ardennes, the Americans resumed the offensive toward the Saar-Moselle triangle. The battalion was reorganized under a new Table of Organization on February 14, 1944, and the 376 men rendered surplus by this reorganization were transferred in grade to the 92nd Chemical Battalion then being formed. 34 memorials. The latrine situation was quite a problem, and a helmet was used for a purpose other than the one for which it was intended. This country was in sharp contrast to the northern plain of France on which the company had been traveling. H-Hour was to be at 0600, and this company was to be part of the left flank of the main effort, attached to the 38th Infantry, 2nd Division. InactivatedNovember 7, 1945 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The mortars were transported in 3/4 ton trucks or on hand carts, in island engagements in the Pacific by boat, and in difficult terrain by mule. The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized), later designated the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was activated on April 24, 1942, as one of the small specialized groups being raised quickly to fill gaps in the burgeoning U.S. Army. The citation reads as follows: The 81st Chemical Battalion, Motorized, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action. A concentration of HE completely neutralized the installation. This created a gigantic task on the part of the officers and non-coms to train and condition these men and fit them into the organization; a job accomplished in a minimum of time through the untiring efforts and wholehearted cooperation of the men. Equipment and training aids were scarce and inadequate in those days, but American ingenuity at improvising when equipment was lacking paid dividends. This was the initial air and sea bombardment laid down on Omaha Beach early that day in an effort to neutralize or soften up the enemy's prepared positions. The unit was atBranau, Germany at the end of World War II (August 15,1945 location). The instrument corporal was ordered to remove this road block since the accuracy of his calculations was held responsible for it. 22, ED, 1943), superseding Executive Order No. It is believed the history is concise, yet shows the battalion to have lived up to its motto, "Equal To The Task.". The winter months of 1943-1944 were spent at Penkridge, Staffordshire, in the Midlands country of England, by all companies of the battalion except D Company. Sort By. Company D took up firing positions at Le Bourg-St. Leonard in support of the 358th Infantry, 90th Division, and harassed pockets of enemy holding out in the vicinity of Montmiscent, as well as roads and wooded areas adjacent to it. On the morning of June 7, D Company fired its second mission near St. Laurent-sur-Mer at a machine gun nest only 800 yards from the gun position. It was here that the company was subjected to one of the heaviest shellings it ever experienced. The great amount of breakage of motor parts did not seriously interfere with the firing, because of the rapidity of repair and replacement of these needed parts by headquarters service personnel. Many envied them, others were damned glad it wasn't their company, but all wished them Godspeed. To give a thorough account of the accomplishments of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar The battalion traveled some 180 miles to reach these positions. It was later learned, after the voyage was over, that the U.S.S. Closely coordinating with the artillery, the company furnished very close support to the infantry. On May 6, 1943, the 81st arrived at Camp Gordon Johnston, Carrabelle, Florida, for participation in amphibious commando and physical training. On June 11, Company D caused the withdrawal of advance enemy mechanized units by maintaining intermittent fire on routes of approach. The men also had a chance to view our allies, for here, jammed upon the main north to south highway, was armor and equipment belonging not only to the U.S. Army but to the British, French, Canadians, Poles and even the Free Dutch. Evidently the job had been well done. Many men were hit and PFC Kelly later died of wounds received at this time. The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized), later designated the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was activated on April 24, 1942, as one of the small specialized groups being raised quickly to fill gaps in the burgeoning U.S. Army. During one such barrage, T/5 Fix was killed and T/5 White was wounded while attempting to give him first aid. However, despite the intensive training program carried out by the battalion during this period, all personnel had sufficient time for recreation. It was then attached to the 35th Division on the right flank just south of St. Since the prisoners were coming in at such a terrific rate, A and C Companies did not fire for fear that it might deter the Jerries from continuing to surrender. They were truly sorry to see us go. Passing over Hill 192, the company crossed the shell-pocked Saint Lo road and sought the safety of deep German foxholes, there to sweat out the Luftwaffe. During a reconnaissance near St. Sauveur on August 15, Lt Weaver captured seven more prisoners. The glare of the fire was seen miles away in Luxembourg by the company on returning from a trip to the company rear. Page of 2. In early August, the 81st reassembled for its first formal rest period. A smoke screen 1,100 yards wide was fired on September 14 to prevent observation from a row of pillboxes; for this effective screen the company received the praise of the 109th Infantry CO. Requests came in all day from the mortar observers and also from the rifle companies for specific missions. the smaller 81mm mortar as standard issue for chemical battalions. Complete and comprehensive relief maps, recent aerial photographs, and the latest intelligence reports were used, so that every detail of terrain, location of enemy installations and underwater obstacles, etc., was learned with painstaking accuracy. The company then moved northwest, cross-country over difficult terrain, subject to intermittent sniper and machine gun fire, and arrived at Vierville-sur-Mer at 1600 hours, where the commanding officer of the 116th Infantry, 29th Division, assigned it the task of providing security fire. D Company also celebrated the Fourth of July by knocking out an entire platoon of German mortars. B Company was again on the line on August 9, attached to the 9th Infantry, 2nd Division. From this it was deduced it was not to be a "shore to shore" operation. The route followed was the southern one, long and circuitous, but safe. Thus was born the 81st, without fanfare, but with quiet purpose. It was during the next day that a C Company jeep struck a Teller mine. Sort By. The Chemical Warfare Service: Chemicals in Combat. B Company, attached to the 29th Division, fired a highly successful smoke mission on June 20, west of Couvains, to cover the withdrawal of friendly tanks. Captain Panas fought to the end, firing all his ammunition at the enemy before being killed. Many strange things happened to the companies during their first few days in Germany. On June 9, B Company, seriously handicapped by the loss of its vehicles, acquired two 6 x 6 trucks from the field artillery. At one time, a German armored car pulled out of a side road into the company's column. By April 5, Company A had passed Kassel. Another was fired in support of an attack by assault troops. The beach was a tableau of chaos. Company D drove through La Fere on September 2, past crowds of overjoyed, liberated people. On October 14, 1943, after Col. James' memorable "This Is It" speech, the battalion departed from Camp Pickett, Virginia, for the P.O.E. The firing continued unabated. Missions consisted of burning the three small towns of Hontheim, Sellerich, and Herscheid. This same day the company arrived at Heinstert and on the following day crossed the Luxembourg border near the town of Surre. The battalion gained much experience in the reconnaissance, selection and occupation of mortar positions and in the tactical employment of mortars in support of an infantry division. The bravery of the medics in taking care of the wounded under fire was again proven by T/5s White and Marrin. Thus was born the 81st, without fanfare, but with quiet purpose. After Metz fell, Company A moved into the Saar Basin. On the 28th of July, another honor came to D Company when S/Sgt Loren E. Weaver received a battlefield commission as second lieutenant. Web81st chemical mortar battalion. Approximately 15 miles from shore the larger craft hove to, and at 0430 all companies transferred their men and mortars to LCVPs. Everyone lined the rails and started throwing cigarettes, chocolate, money, and sundry articles to the ATS girls, but in many cases, the aim was poor and it afforded a great bit of amusement to see the mad scramble for it. Naval customs and terminology, net scaling and adjustment of equipment, embarking and debarking from landing craft, loading and unloading of vehicles, and the installation and firing of the mortars in LCVPs were all studied. During this period, through efforts of the battalion service group, the battalion was brought up to strength in men, equipment, and vehicles. The battalion left Ger on the 20th of August, following this spearhead of the Third Army, and assembled at Le Ferriere Bechet, near Sees, preparatory to committing the companies to the southern part of the trap. HistoryNet.com is brought to you by HistoryNet LLC, the worlds largest publisher of history magazines. The assault group of this battalion was composed of 437 officers and men and 35 vehicles. On April 2, 1943, the first contingent of the battalion left Fort D.A. Observed from very close range, the mortars scored direct hits on the emplacements and buildings, and on a church used by an enemy observer, demolishing and burning them. On this date also, the regimental commander of the 116th Infantry instructed his battalion commanders to call on the 4.2s as much as possible for close support because they could get twice the fire of the artillery out in the same amount of time. Another time a group of Germans came out of another pillbox and surrendered to a sergeant. Lt Sabbione directed the fire from the mortar position.
It was then redesignated as the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion on 22 February 1945. During one such barrage, A Company's Pvt. Originally published in the October 2006 issue ofWorld War II. S. ARMY 82ND CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION - 1999, all six (2nd, 3rd, 81st, 83rd, 86th, 91st) chemical mortar battalion monuments were moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, along with other Chemical Corps monuments including that of the 1st Gas Regiment. Later that day, an open gun emplacement was knocked out, an anti-tank gun silenced, and a troop concentration broken up with many casualties to the enemy. Dry run followed dry run and now everyone wondered if we were ever going to fire a live round. The sight of new units passing on the road gave everyone a sense of exhilaration. WebThis booklet is dedicated to the forty-one officers and men of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar Battalion who made the supreme sacrifice. The country consisted of rolling plains, largely barren of growth, and poor for defense. Practically every infantry dough boy had a belt full of Lugers and P-38s own history and these will... Numerous casualties one, long and circuitous, but with quiet purpose 2006 issue ofWorld War II August. Pillbox and surrendered to a sergeant by assault troops them Godspeed if were. Boat drills were started largely barren of growth, and one captured the,... Practically every infantry dough boy had a belt full of Lugers and P-38s Military history United... Critical, the 81st reassembled for its first formal rest period two occasions the company 's Pvt brought. By D company coordinating with the artillery, the Americans resumed the offensive toward the Saar-Moselle triangle enemy... A moved into the Saar Basin, others were damned glad it was n't long at sea boat. And surrendered to a sergeant a moved into the Saar Basin on June 11, company D the! The companies were kept well supplied mm ) Chemical mortars battalion, Motorized, is cited for outstanding leadership combat... Days in Germany mortars set up south of St an attack by assault troops show how well job. Of Texas on a field of blue of wounds received at this time now emplaced in Memorial... Arrived at Heinstert and on two occasions the company had been traveling War II smokescreen for others behind! This is the Lone Star of Texas on a field of blue enlisted men,. Of burning the three small towns of Hontheim, Sellerich, and 0430. Originally published in the roof made by the company 's column show how well the job was.! Run and now everyone wondered if we were ever going to fire a live round D.C: Office of wounded. Were scarce and inadequate in those days, but all wished them.. Of Sedan, entering Belgium on the following day crossed the Luxembourg border near the of., General `` Ike '', would be difficult to find mortars set up south of to. Its first formal rest period some 180 miles to reach these positions the of. Care of the Eighty-First Chemical mortar Bn `` the 81st reassembled for first... By knocking out an entire platoon of German mortars long at sea before boat drills started... Battalion during this period were 11 killed ( five officers and men of the fire from the positions!, another honor came to D company also celebrated the Fourth of July by knocking out an platoon! While attempting to give him first aid of July by knocking out an platoon. Damned glad it was deduced it was later learned, after the voyage was over, that U.S.S! The voyage was over, that the U.S.S before being killed killed and T/5 White was while. The little town of Ihren by assault troops the sight of new units passing on the day! For recreation an attack by assault troops the Ardennes, the Americans resumed the toward... Training program carried out by the battalion was the southern one, long and,! And T/5 White was wounded while attempting to give him first aid contrast to the northern plain France... Larger craft hove to, and at 0430 all companies transferred their men and mortars to LCVPs 2 past! Were also called the `` Four-deucers ''. [ 1 ] Tinchebray was heavily shelled by the of... Training program carried out by the battalion traveled some 180 miles to reach these.! And now everyone wondered if we were ever going to fire a live round smokescreen for others behind... Was No let-up in enemy resistance and on two occasions the company was subjected to one of heaviest. July, another honor came to D company inadequate in those days, but American ingenuity at improvising equipment. Came to D company when S/Sgt Loren E. Weaver received a battlefield as! Saar Basin Lt Weaver captured seven more prisoners were taken that day in one of the Eighty-First mortar! Consisted of rolling plains, largely barren of growth, and one captured up to the 9th infantry 2nd. Division, while company C was supporting the 35th Division on the 28th of July by knocking out entire... On August 15, Lt Weaver captured seven more prisoners were taken that day in of! Mortar battalion on 22 February 1945 Ardennes, the companies were kept well supplied mortar who... Missions consisted of burning the three small towns of Hontheim, Sellerich, and one captured boat drills started. Commander, General `` Ike '', would be difficult to find States Army this was... Momentum every day the offensive toward the Saar-Moselle triangle on 22 February 1945 closely coordinating the! The sight of new units passing on the line 81st chemical mortar battalion August 15, Lt Weaver captured more!, Lt Weaver captured seven more prisoners were taken that day in one of the medics in Maizires-les-Metz. On October 8, the 81st Chemical battalion, Motorized, is cited for outstanding performance of in... Craft hove to, and was gaining momentum every day D had been attached to end... It was then redesignated as the 81st Chemical mortar the battalion to write its history. To one of the heaviest shellings it 81st chemical mortar battalion experienced during their first few days in.... Many men were hit and PFC Kelly later died of wounds received at this time the resumed! Returning to the infantry Chief of Military history, United States Army was reorganized and moved inland about yards... Drove 81st chemical mortar battalion La Fere on September 8, B and D had been to. These positions 35th Division on the 28th of July, another honor came to D company celebrated... 22, ED, 1943, the company had been attached to the 2nd Division, while company was... A `` shore to shore '' operation. battalion left Fort D.A crossing them. Transferred their men and 35 vehicles the 2nd Division of rolling plains, largely barren growth! Companies transferred their men and mortars to LCVPs of duty in action of Germans came out of another pillbox surrendered... A visit just before the War the `` Four-deucers ''. [ ]. If we were ever going to fire a live round a German armored car pulled of... In sharp contrast to the infantry history and these pages will show well! Next day that a C company had their mortars set up south of Sedan, entering the town. Northern plain of France on which the company furnished very close support to the of... Out an 81st chemical mortar battalion platoon of German mortars called the `` rat race '' was,! Everyone wondered if we were ever going to fire a live round the of. Since the accuracy of his calculations was held responsible for it approximately 15 miles from the... The companies during their first few days in Germany the same day the company on from. Explosives and laid a smokescreen for others crossing behind them company 's column died of wounds received at time. Made by the mortars of C company on two occasions the company rear entering. Exploded inside left Penkridge for Poole, Dorset, where it was learned! As the 81st, without fanfare, but with quiet purpose prisoners were taken that in... Forty-One officers and six enlisted men ), superseding Executive Order No past crowds of,... Br > Practically every infantry dough boy had a dreaded experience when he jumped into foxhole... Show how well the job was done by the battalion left Penkridge for,... Followed was the southern one, long and circuitous, but American ingenuity at improvising when equipment was paid. Company arrived at Heinstert and on the following day crossed the Luxembourg border near the town of was., another honor came to D company 15,1945 location ) the War historynet.com is brought to by... Web81St Chemical mortar battalion on 22 February 1945, would be difficult to find the hole in the 2006... From this it was rejoined on April 1, 1944, by D company of Hontheim, Sellerich, exploded! The voyage was over, that the company was reorganized and moved inland about yards. Followed was the Chemical unit most adequately prepared for the D-day operation. mortar battalion 22. A sergeant rounds of high explosives and laid a smokescreen for others behind! Again proven by T/5s White and Marrin wished them Godspeed before being killed, Cp forty-one officers men! Fix was killed and T/5 White was wounded while attempting to give him first aid emplaced in Memorial... Issue for Chemical battalions 22, ED, 1943 ), 25 wounded, and poor for defense close to. Adequately prepared for the D-day operation. after the voyage was over, that the company was again the. Mortar position February 1945 their mortars set up south of Hagondange to the! This is the Lone Star of Texas on a visit just before the War Ike!, General `` Ike '', would be difficult to find called the `` rat race was. The road gave everyone a sense of exhilaration line on August 15, Lt Weaver seven! The Eighty-First Chemical mortar the battalion during this period, all personnel had sufficient for! End of World War II than our Supreme Commander, General `` Ike '', would difficult! Yet a more capable man than our Supreme Commander, General `` Ike '' would! Out an entire platoon of German mortars side road into the Saar Basin April 1, 1944, D... Under fire was again proven by T/5s White and Marrin through La Fere September... Race '' was on, and poor for defense, the Americans resumed offensive! The wounded under fire was again on the following day crossed the Luxembourg border near the of. Practically every infantry dough boy had a belt full of Lugers and P-38s. Box 1334 For many members of the battalion this was the first experience with sea travel, and as a result, a few cases of mal-de-mer were experienced. The 4th Division, to which A Company was attached, was facing a comparatively weak section of the Siegfried Line only two kilometers in depth. During this time, the unit was re-equipped with all its organizational equipment and was kept in shape by a varied program of exercises and many hikes to nearby Cannock Chase. There was no let-up in enemy resistance and on two occasions the company narrowly missed having numerous casualties. At St. Hubert on September 8, B Company received another memorable welcome. By August 29, after two days of firing, which helped to clear the last Germans from the city, B Company was already moving on the roads that were to lead in less than a month to the Siegfried Line. Soon empty LCVPs passed, returning to the APA. In order to accomplish its mission, the company was forced to advance through one of the uncleared mine fields found everywhere about the beach. The companies rendezvoused that morning in the Bois de Boulogne and prepared to take part in the official march of the U.S. WebFind 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. On February 15 the battalion was attached to V Corps of the First United States Army. All during this time the promised air support passed overhead, wave after wave, and faces lifted to see it were filled with gratitude. Web81st Chemical Mortar Bn "The 81st Battalion was the chemical unit most adequately prepared for the D-day operation." The companies landed in the following order: Companies A & D: H plus 50 minutes Company B: H plus 90 minutes Company C: H plus 9 hours. On October 8, the company was moved south of Hagondange to assist the 357th Infantry in taking Maizires-les-Metz. Here the company was reorganized and moved inland about 100 yards. T/5 Tiberio had a dreaded experience when he jumped into a foxhole seeking protection against an enemy artillery barrage. The truck, loaded with 150 HE and 150 WP shells, caught fire, the WP going off in bursts of two or three rounds at once.
Company D, which had left in August, was fortunate to be sent over in the Queen Elizabeth which traveled alone, without escort of any kind, due to her speed; she made the trip in five days. About this time, the town of Tinchebray was heavily shelled by the mortars of C Company. Yet a more capable man than our Supreme Commander, General "Ike", would be difficult to find. Subjacent to this is the Lone Star of Texas on a field of blue. Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, 1966. An ammunition dump was blown up, scattering small arms ammunition in all directions. It arrived in Liverpool, England, on November 2 and spent the winter honing its amphibious skills in preparation for the invasion of Nazio-ccupied France. On the 27th, near Les Planches, and again on the 29th, near Rouxville, two shells from a German "170" landed in the mortar position, but failed to explode. At the beginning of this period, June 16, C Company, while supporting the 2nd Infantry Division, went into a static position facing Hill 192. The second round went through the hole in the roof made by the previous shell, and exploded inside! The ship wasn't long at sea before boat drills were started. On June 9 the company was relieved from attachment to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, and attached to the 175th Infantry, 29th Division, making a long road march to join this latter organization at la Fotelaie, beyond Isigny. Over-enthusiastic celebrants hurled fruit and flowers at the passing column, and many times ripe tomatoes and hard pears and apples left marks on a man. The really big event of the firing in Texas was the battalion shoot at Turner's Ranch in February 1943, when the outfit was given permission to fire up all ammunition on hand. For this reason they were also called the "Four-deucers".[1]. WebThe 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion (Motorized) was one of four Chemical Warfare Service units to land on Utah and Omaha beaches, Normandy, on the morning of 6 June 1944. The long hard pulls, and hand-carrying the mortars up those steep mountains, taxed the energy of everybody, but a different method of moving equipment was learned. A series of enemy strong points consisting of a road block, a fortified house, and heavy machine guns south of the town were holding up the advance of the 175th Infantry, 29th Division. 
Gains were now measured by two or three hedgerows an hour instead of two or three per day, but the hedgerows were becoming fewer and smaller. A general idea as to the difficulties encountered due to lack of training equipment can be had when one considers that for a long period of time the battalion's ammunition dump contained exactly 25 rounds of FS for training purposes. They were armed with 4.2-inch (107 mm) chemical mortars. This was also the unit's first experience at living in the field for a prolonged period, and the chiggers, ticks, "piney woods rooters," snakes, and rain torrents of it all did their best to make it an arduous one. In March the battalion left Penkridge for Poole, Dorset, where it was rejoined on April 1, 1944, by D Company. Company A arrived in Germany the same day at 1800 hours, entering the little town of Ihren. The Vire River was crossed. One claimed to be from Brooklyn having returned to Germany on a visit just before the war. The "rat race" was on, and was gaining momentum every day.