Bob McCarty Writes

On the occasion of Memorial Day and in honor of all those who paid the ultimate price in service to their country, I decided to publish a series of war stories that hold a special value in my heart, because they were written by my father, Ted, who served as a low-ranking enlisted man in the U.S. Army during World War II. The stories appear in his 1992 autobiography, Some Events in One Life: Mine! Please know he captured these stories as a means to provide his children and theirs context for his participation in one of history’s most harrowing events, World War II, not for any commercial gain. This is part nine of twelve.

By 2:30 p.m., the attack was over. Allied defenses around the town were set up and mine fields were laid. Our casualties had been light although four supporting tanks had been temporarily disabled by mines. Defense plans were set in place and all was secured by 7 p.m.

Since we were still considered a green outfit by the Germans, they counter-attacked at 7 a.m. the next morning. They had approximately three companies of the 10th Regiment of a Panzer Division supported by ten Mark V tanks. The enemy was soon met by a barrage of artillery and mortar fire. After losing three Panther tanks, they withdrew. But at 11 a.m., a company of grenadiers tried to deceive our troops in that, as they approached, they brought out a white flag of truce. The company advanced and when they got much closer, the flags were quickly lowered and they started firing upon our men. Our side fired without mercy at them and those not killed were forced to withdraw.

In yet another counter-attack, the Krauts launched a heavy-artillery barrage at 5 p.m., a little after dark. This was followed by a battalion of infantry with eight tanks. Our newly-laid mine fields crippled two of the Mark V tanks which were then finished off by our accompanying tank destroyers. One lone tank was able to actually enter Immendorf along with foot soldiers. That tank also was blown up by a destroyer. One 2nd Battalion company being held in reserve was called forward to help throw back the enemy foot soldiers. The 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion received a Unit Citation for knocking out 16 enemy tanks during the battle for Immendorf and for helping to protect it from counter-attacks later.

A write up in Life magazine about the action at the front, part of which occurred that day, stated:

“Lt. General William H. Simpson’s’ U.S. Ninth Army (of which the 102nd Infantry was a part) beat off the first full-scale counterattack in its two-day drive northeast of Aachen, knocking out at least 11 of 45 Tiger and Panther tanks which paced the assault. It took more than 1,000 prisoners in the first 24 hours of battle”.

Our company captain, Captain John E. Czajkowski, earned a silver star as a result of the Immendorf battle for reasons as stated below:

“Capt. John E. Czajkowski, Co. E, 406th Infantry….inspiring leadership under intense artillery fire….directed the establishment of defense after a successful attack…”

I think our entire unit received a bronze star for the valor they showed that day. This was the action for which I received my bronze star.

In the field, we didn’t know all of this had happened. In combat, the average foot soldier only knew what was happening within his field of vision. You often heard scuttlebutt about what was happening, but never knew if it was true.

I believe the next village taken was Apweiler. An attack by the Allies Nov. 17 resulted in its capture. The next day, the Germans retook and fortified the town again as best they could. An Allied frontal attack was launched against the village. It was preceded by an air attack consisting of 407 sorties of strafing and the dropping of 117 tons of bombs and 5, 850 gallons of Napalm on the Nazi troops and installations. This, along with a rolling barrage of artillery followed closely by foot soldiers, shocked and overwhelmed the enemy infantry. They gave up without further fighting.

In the taking of nearby high ground, where the Germans had concentrated their forces, they lost nearly 750 of 1,000 men. Of these, 500 were captured and the other 250 were either killed or wounded.

I do not remember the name of the next town, but it might have been Apweiler. The area where I was, now used as the company command post, remained mostly intact. Several houses were badly damaged, but most came through in fair shape. My battalion, the 2nd Battalion, was left behind to hold our position there. That next town, Gereonweiler, was taken and secured after fierce fighting. The 2nd Battalion came forward and established themselves in the western portion of the town. Now, they were called upon to assist in defending against the counter-attacking Germans. The enemy was again repulsed.

* * *

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part One

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Two

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Three

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Four

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Five

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Six

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Seven

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Eight

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Ten

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Eleven

My Father’s War Stories From World War II — Part Twelve

Be Sociable, Share!

•