20 November 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

20 November, 1944       1315

My dearest sweetheart –

In the first place, I did not get a chance to write you yesterday and in the second place – it was Sunday and the stores were closed. But let me start at the beginning, dear.

For no reason at all – our Corps started giving 3 day passes to a city in Belgium. I’ve been there on business – before. Two passes were available for officers in our battalion – so the Colonel sent Lt. Bowman – our adjutant – and me. That was nice of him, considering it was not solicited. So without further ado, I packed my musette bag and away we went. The Army makes all arrangements and we were given a hotel room – fair – gratis; there is also an officers’ mess in town and a bar. That was yesterday. I didn’t bring stationery because I felt certain there would be some here; but I was wrong – and so I couldn’t write; Today I bought this – but I’m sending it ‘Free’ because no stamp service is available. We’ll be here until Wednesday a.m. and then a truck will pick us up; not bad for the middle of a war. Incidentally – all this happened last Saturday p.m. and we took off early Sunday – yesterday a.m.

We had a quiet day yesterday – but interesting. We couldn’t get into the shops – of course – but we window shopped. In the p.m. we walked along the main drag and I suggested to Bill that we drop into the next hotel we came to – just to see who was in the lobby. We did – and found no one there but a Belgian clerk who spoke good English. He told us the place was taken over by the Air Corps and we chatted awhile. He was called away for a few seconds and we just waited around. As we did – the desk phone rang and an old Belgian who couldn’t speak English asked me to take the call. A voice said “I want to speak with Admiral Byrd.” I thought first I hadn’t heard correctly so I asked him to repeat the name. Again the request sounded like Admiral Byrd. I thought it was the Air Corps having its joke and I was already to say “O.K. – cut it out, who do you want?” Before I had the chance the voice said “Byrd – B-Y-R-D” and just then the regular clerk returned and took the call. He said – “wait a minute” – and went upstairs. In 2 seconds, darling, he came down – and yes – following him – was Admiral Byrd! It wouldn’t have taken much to knock me over. Admiral Byrd here in Belgium on a Sunday p.m.! Well – he spoke for a couple of minutes and then when he finished – he walked over to where we were standing – at attention – and said – “That was General ––”. (I’d better not write the name.) That was the payoff, sweetheart, for I had come very close to telling a pretty important General to stop kidding around and get down to business. Well – I‘ve had some funny experiences, but that one goes down as among the strangest.

Incidentally, the Admiral continued to talk with us for about 5 minutes. He noticed that I was in the Medical Corps and asked me about the Evacuation of patients, etc. And then he went off and we scrammed!

In the late p.m. we met an Engineer – also on a pass. He was somewhat of a screwball but good fun and the 3 of us went around from café to café drinking beer. I almost forgot to tell you, dear. After Byrd left – we stood around for awhile and as we took off – a small dog - ½ chow ½ Pekinese started following us. Well he followed us all day, down to the Officer’s mess, into the bars etc. So we kept him – or her, rather, and despite the sex – I named her Admiral. We’ve still got it and we’ll probably take it back with us.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Greg with Admiral in Belgium

Today, dear, it has been raining and we’ve just lolled around taking it easy. We’ll probably see a movie in the evening. It’s quite a change from the damned artillery and all that goes with it.

So darling, that’s all for now. I sure could do with you – right here – although I could do with you anytime – as far as that goes. I miss you loads wherever I happen to be and always shall. For now, dear, so long, love to the folks – and

My everlasting love –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Admiral Byrd

Admiral Byrd, 1947

Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr., United States Navy (25 October 1888 – 11 March 1957) was a naval officer who specialized in feats of exploration. He was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics.

Byrd was a descendant of one of the First Families of Virginia. His ancestors include planter John Rolfe and his wife Pocahontas, William Byrd II of Westover Plantation, who established Richmond, and Robert "King" Carter, a colonial governor. He was the brother of Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, a dominant figure in Virginia Democratic Party between the 1920s and 1960s; their father served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates for a time. Byrd attended the Virginia Military Institute before financial circumstances inspired his transfer to the United States Naval Academy in 1912. He learned to fly in World War I during his tour with the United States Navy. He developed a passion for flight, and pioneered many techniques for navigating airplanes over the open ocean.

In 1927 non-stop flights across the Atlantic Ocean had not yet been accomplished, and Byrd joined the race to make it happen. However, during a practice takeoff with Tony Fokker at the controls and Bennett in the co-pilots seat, the Fokker Trimotor airplane, America, crashed, severely injuring Bennett and slightly injuring Byrd. As the plane was being repaired, Charles Lindbergh won the prize. But Byrd continued with his quest, and with three others flew from New York on 29 June 1927 to the coast of Normandy, crash-landing near the beach at Ver-sur-Mer, France, without fatalities on 1 July 1927.

The next year, Admiral Byrd began his first expedition to the Antarctic involving two ships, and three airplanes. A base camp named "Little America" was constructed on the Ross Ice Shelf and scientific expeditions by snowshoe, dog-sled, snowmobile, and airplane began. Photographic expeditions and geological surveys were undertaken for the duration of that summer, and constant radio communications were maintained with the outside world. After their first winter, their expeditions were resumed, and on 28 November 1929, the famous flight to the South Pole and back was launched. Byrd, along with pilot Bernt Balchen, co-pilot/radioman Harold June, and photographer Ashley McKinley, flew the Ford Trimotor to the South Pole and back in 18 hours, 41 minutes. After a further summer of exploration, the expedition returned to North America on 18 June 1930.

Byrd's Ship, 1930

On his second expedition, in 1934, Byrd spent five winter months alone operating a meteorological station, Advance Base, from which he narrowly escaped with his life after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly ventilated stove. Unusual radio transmissions from Byrd finally began to alarm the men at the base camp, who then attempted to go to Advance Base. The first two trips were failures due to darkness, snow, and mechanical troubles. Finally, Dr. Thomas Poulter, E.J. Demas, and Amory Waite arrived at Advanced Base, where they found Byrd in poor physical health. The men remained at Advanced Base until 12 October when an airplane from the base camp picked up Dr. Poulter and Byrd.

In late 1938, Byrd visited Hamburg and was invited to participate in the 1938/1939 German "Neuschwabenland" Antarctic Expedition, but declined. Instead, Byrd's third expedition was his first to have the official backing of the U.S. government. The project included extensive studies of geology, biology, meteorology and exploration. Within a few months, in March 1940, Byrd was recalled to active duty in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. The expedition continued in Antarctica without him. From 1942 to 1945 he headed important missions to the Pacific, including surveys of remote islands for airfields. On one assignment he visited the fighting front in Europe. It was on this assignment that he chatted with Greg in the lobby of a hotel in Belgium.

The fourth culminating expedition, Operation Highjump, was the largest Antarctic expedition to date. In 1946, US Navy Secretary James Forrestal assembled a huge amphibious naval force for an Antarctic Expedition expected to last six to eight months. Besides the flagship USS Mount Olympus and the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea, there were thirteen US Navy support ships, six helicopters, six flying boats, two seaplane tenders and fifteen other aircraft. The total number of personnel involved was over 4,000. The armada arrived in the Ross Sea on 31 December 1946, and made aerial explorations of an area half the size of the United States, recording ten new mountain ranges. The major area covered was the eastern coastline of Antarctica from 150 degrees east to the Greenwich meridian.

As part of the multinational collaboration for the International Geophysical Year 1957–58, Byrd commanded the U.S. Navy Operation Deep Freeze I in 1955–56, which established permanent Antarctic bases at McMurdo Sound, the Bay of Whales, and the South Pole. Byrd died in his sleep on 11 March 1957 at his Brimmer Street home in Boston. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

19 November 1944

No letter today. Just this:

* TIDBIT *

about More from General Hodges

The snapshots that follow were taken from Normandy to Victory: The War Diary of General Courtney H. Hodges & the First U.S. Army, maintained by his aides Major William C. Sylvan and Captain Francis G. Smith Jr.; edited by John T. Greenwood, copyright 2008 by the Association of the United States Army, pp.178-180.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

18 November 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

18 November, 1944       1030

My dearest Sweetheart –

I have to leave for one of the batteries this p.m. – so I’m trying to get this written now. Sick-call isn’t quite over yet, dear, but what is still around – is being taken care of by my men.

As I wrote you yesterday, I went back to Liège and saw Frank. He’s a Major now – got it in England; he was long overdue because he was chief of his department – Urology – and that calls for a majority. Anyway – it was over a year since I had seen him and we really had a lot to talk about. One of the first things he asked me about was you, darling. Yes – I was surprised too – and then he showed me a picture of you. He cleared it all up by explaining that his wife – Suzie – or Frances (the latter is her real name), had cut it out of the papers and mailed it to him. He still had it – and as you know, dear, – that was some time ago. Well – I told him all about you and the circumstance leading to our engagement and he wished us luck.

He landed in Normandy in August and his hospital has just started going operational. There have been delays and changes and I guess they’re all fed up with their C.O. Having just come from a combat area – they all wanted to know how I was making out – so I poured it on ‘heavy’; not really, though, dear – but it is strange how the boys in the rear will ask questions and want to know of your experiences etc.

In all – I was there about 2½ hours or so and then I had to head back. That was the best day I’ve had in a long while – it made both of us feel at home again. We really used to have a lot of fun together – especially when we were first getting our practices started. Frank preceded me in Mrs. Tucker’s house by about a month, and when I arrived – he sure was glad to see me – because he had been sitting around with no one at all to talk with. Many a game of cribbage did we play to kill those early hours – a nickel a game, by the way.

I hoped to find mail yesterday when I got back, but there was none at all for anyone. That makes 3 days of no mail for the battalion and it begins to look as if the Christmas pressure were really on. In the evening – we played Bridge at the Colonel’s and I held some good hands. I bid one small Slam and made it. We were vulnerable at the time.

Your account of my mother looking at the moon and imagining me looking at it too – is typical of my mother. She has never stopped being sentimental and romantic and that’s why I love her. She needn’t have worried though, darling – because I can’t remember when I’ve seen the moon at all – let alone a full moon,. That may be difficult to imagine, dear, but it’s the truth – and may give you an inkling as to what kind of weather we’ve had the past couple of months. When it hasn’t rained, it has been cloudy day and night. We know when the moon is bigger than usual – only by noticing that it is a bit brighter out some nights. But I don’t really have to see a moon to feel romantic and sentimental, sweetheart. I’m that way, anyhow.

That sure was a dirty trick they played on you on Halloween. I used to raise plenty of hell when I was a kid – but I don’t think I was ever really destructive. We read from time to time about the juvenile situation in the States – and every comment indicates that it is going from bad to worse. Maybe at war’s end things will straighten out.

By the way – I wrote and asked you the other day if it were Nin who had gone South and if so – what her new address was. I wrote her night before last anyway – just a short letter, but she had been nice to write. I felt I ought to answer her rather than to keep postponing it. And as for Granny Bernstein – by now sweetheart I know her address (although you were thoughtful in sending it) and I jotted her a V-mail just a couple of days before you mentioned writing her. You might tell her, dear, that I don’t mind if she doesn’t write me; I understand and I’ll keep dropping her a line from time to time – anyway.

Well – I’ve got to get going Sweetheart and get something done. I sure do hope I hear from you today, dear, because I’ve been missing you a terrible lot recently and a couple of letters from you – sure would help! All for the time being, then – and love to the folks. So long, dear – and

All my deepest and sincerest love,

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Operation Queen
The Ninth Army Also Began

This review was taken from Wikipedia's coverage of Operation Queen.

Parallel to 1st Army's advance through the Huertgen Forest, 9th Army had to advance through the Rur plains. This terrain was fundamentally different from the dense forest, consisting of flat farmland with small villages. Planning for this area for both sides was different, as the Germans expected the Allied main thrust through this area, while it was actually through the Huertgen Forest. One of the reasons for this decision was the dangerous Geilenkirchen-Salient at Ninth Army's northern flank, which would have threatened the American advance. This salient was reduced and rendered harmless in Operation Clipper, by a combined US-British attack that lasted until 22 November. The 84th Division of XIII Corps of the Ninth Army played a major role in this operation.

9th Army's drive was conducted mainly by XIX Corps under General Gillem and was opposed by Köchling's LXXXI Corps as well as the reserve forces of the XLVII Panzer Corps. The plan called for a swift advance to Jülich with its 3 Division. The 2nd Armored Division had to advance in a narrow line towards and from there towards the Rur. In the center 29th Infantry Division had to take the direct path towards Jülich and in the south the 30th Infantry Division had to take Würselen and then continue to the Rur.

As in the 1st Army's sector, Operation Queen began with a massive aerial bombardment against German towns and positions on 16 November. After the air strike was over, the American offensive was launched. 30th Division started a frontal attack against its first objective – Würselen. After four days of slow advance, the town was taken. The German resistance from the 3rd Panzergrenadier Division was hampered due the large area it had to cover. In the center, 29th Division also commenced with its attack. The plan called to advance in between the towns to deal with the fortified strongpoints after they were encircled. This plan however was flawed and 29th Division soon was pinned down making no further progress. With assistance from the 2nd Armored Division, on 18 November its drive was renewed against the opposing German 246th VGD, taking Steerich, Bettendorf and the surroundings of Siersdorf. The understrength 246th VGD was heavily reduced, and by 21 November the Americans were just 1.2 miles (2 km) ahead of the Rur.

Meanwhile in the north 2nd Armored Division also had commenced its attack on Gereonsweiler and Linnich. The advance was very steady, and already on the next day the towns Puffendorf and Immendorf were taken. This alarmed the German command and Rundstedt authorized the release of the 9th Panzer Division for a heavy armored counterattack against the two towns. Attached to this unit was the schwere Panzerabteilung 506 (506th Heavy Tank Battalion) with about 36 King Tiger tanks. At Immersdorf, the Germans were able to break into the town, but were soon repelled at close quarter fighting at dawn. The main fighting however was at Puffendorf. Since 2nd Armored Division also wanted to continue its advance towards Gereonsweiler, the division was caught in the open when about 30 German tanks approached it. In the ensuing battle, the Americans were pushed back into Puffendorf with heavy losses. Fighting continued then around the towns. German losses for this day were 11 tanks, while the 2nd Armored Division lost about 57 tanks in the fighting. However, the stalemate did not last long, as the Americans were able to push slowly forward through combined heavy artillery and aerial support. On 20/21 November, heavy fighting occurred at and in Gereonsweiler, until the Germans retreated and the town was finally in American hands.

17 November 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

17 November, 1944

Dearest Sweetheart –

A year ago today I was sailing away. I’d like to be sailing right back – and the sooner the better. It’s 1600 hours right now and I’ve just come into the Dispensary having been away all day today. The reason: I took a trip back to Liège, Belgium in an attempt to locate Frank Morse. I found him, too – and gee – it was swell seeing someone from home. I hadn’t seen him for about 13 months or so – the last week in September – over a year ago. There were about half a dozen other officers I know from Boston, also – and we had a good time reminiscing. I got there before lunch, ate with them and spent another hour or so there. Then I had to head back – because it was raining, the roads were slippery – and it gets dark so darned early.

Now I’ve got several things to take care of and that’s why I’m writing you a V-mail. Tomorrow, too I should be busy – I’m supposed to visit another battery for 3 days – but I think I’ll make some changes. I’ll write more tomorrow, darling, but for now, so long and

All my everlasting love

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about One of the Many


1st Lieutenant Bernard J. Ray
Company F, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division

Bernard J. Ray, from Brooklyn, New York, was born on June 9, 1921. He gave his life in the Battle of the Huertgen Forest on 17 November 1944. For his heroism and his sacrifice, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Here is what happened, as written on the citation:

He was platoon leader with Company F, 8th Infantry, on 17 November 1944, during the drive through the Huertgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. The American forces attacked in wet, bitterly cold weather over rough, wooded terrain, meeting brutal resistance from positions spaced throughout the forest behind minefields and wire obstacles. Small arms, machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire caused heavy casualties in the ranks when Company F was halted by a concertina-type wire barrier.

Under heavy fire, 1st Lt. Ray reorganized his men and prepared to blow a path through the entanglement, a task which appeared impossible of accomplishment and from which others tried to dissuade him. With implacable determination to clear the way, he placed explosive caps in his pockets, obtained several bangalore torpedoes, and then wrapped a length of highly explosive primer cord about his body. He dashed forward under direct fire, reached the barbed wire and prepared his demolition charge as mortar shells, which were being aimed at him alone, came steadily nearer his completely exposed position. He had placed a torpedo under the wire and was connecting it to a charge he carried when he was severely wounded by a bursting mortar shell.

Apparently realizing that he would fail in his self-imposed mission unless he completed it in a few moments he made a supremely gallant decision. With the primer cord still wound about his body and the explosive caps in his pocket, he completed a hasty wiring system and unhesitatingly thrust down on the handle of the charger, destroying himself with the wire barricade in the resulting blast. By the deliberate sacrifice of his life, 1st Lt. Ray enabled his company to continue its attack, resumption of which was of positive significance in gaining the approaches to the Cologne Plain.

Ray was buried in
Long Island National Cemetery
Farmington, New York


Ray's dog tag was found
close to this cross
in February of 2008

16 November 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

16 November, 1944     1245

Hello, Sweetheart –

I’m trying to get an early start today and maybe I’ll succeed in writing a more coherent letter than I did yesterday. For the time being, dear, it’s quiet; I’ve just returned from lunch.

This morning – in fact – while I’m writing this, big things are going on all around us, but they’re big things on the part of the Americans – so everybody is happy. You’ll probably know what I mean by the time this reaches you.

Yesterday was just another day – and I guess that’s about all I can say of the past several weeks. The weather has been amazingly and uniformly rotten – and until this morning we hadn’t seen the sun for longer than 10 minutes at a time – for I don’t know how long. If Hitler ever had a potent secret weapon – it must have been the abominable weather that we’ve had ever since we approached the borders of Germany. Maybe we’ll get a break now. When we do, Herman the German will know he’s in a war again – and the People’s Army with him.

Last night I went to bed at 9 o’clock again, heard a Bob Hope program and fell asleep around 2200, I guess. I managed to sleep most of the night – although I was awake at 0600. I’m so darned rested and do so little work – that I can’t sleep well nights. Speaking of sleeping – and the night-time reminds me of your mentioning wearing my old bath-robe. If it’s a light-weight blue one, it is really an old one. Gee – it’s been a long long time since I’ve had a robe on. Even when I was in practice I never got a chance to lounge around very much. I hated staying in of an evening alone and managed always to find something to do. When I got in – it was always quite late – and I went to bed immediately. So chalk that down, sweetheart, as another thing I have to enjoy after the war. Boy! that list is really growing!

Not knowing more about Bud Gordon, her husband and her career – it’s difficult for me to express a very intelligent opinion, but off hand – if you quoted his ideas correctly, I’m on his side. I can understand his reactions and consequent worry on receiving perhaps more than one enthusiastic letter concerning his wife’s work and her future plans. He’s perhaps a little concerned over the fact that she might want to keep working at it and he doesn’t want that. So he writes her and tells her that. If he’s a sensible fellow and can use her income immediately during the post-war days -– he very likely will be glad to have her work for awhile. By the way – what did he do – prior to joining the Army?

I’m glad to read that you feel I know how to relax, darling. I think I do. Don’t you worry one bit about my being all keyed up because I’m not getting enough to do. I’ve been over here long enough to have seen a good many rotten things and my prime desire is to get home and get home well; that’s what matters most these days, dear. When I get back – we’ll decide what to do – but most important – we’ll have each other and each other’s love. I’m glad you already feel that you can depend on me; you’ll be surprised to find how much I’ll depend on you, too, darling. Together we’re going to have a swell time, dear; we’ll be happy, I know, and we’re going to enjoy life.

That’s all for now, sweetheart; there’s a few things going on that I want to see – and hear. My love to the folks and regards to Mary – whom I always seem to neglect. So long for now, dear, and

All my deepest love

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Operation Queen
First Army Begins

Greg said in his letter today "This morning – in fact – while I’m writing this, big things are going on all around us" and that there were a few things he wanted to "see - and hear". No doubt he was referring to "Operation Queen," as he was within 15 miles of the U.S. 8th Air Force's targets. This review was taken from Wikipedia's coverage of Operation Queen.

(A) Hahn, where Greg is staying, and bomb hits:
(B) Eschweiler, (C) Weisweiler (D) Langerwehe

The Allied High Command planned a large offensive by the 1st U.S. Army together with the 9th U.S. Army and parts of the British 2nd Army in the area of the Rur River, intending to establish bridgeheads at Linnich, Jülich and Düren. The long term target after the Rur was crossed was to reach the Rhine and establish bridgeheads at Krefeld and Düsseldorf in order to secure further advances inside Germany after the winter. This offensive was named Operation Queen. The 1st Army – already stationed near the Hürtgen Forest – was to carry out the main effort through the Hürtgen Forest toward the Rur River. The 9th Army was to advance north of the forest through the Rur plains.

To begin, American and British strategic bombers were to conduct a series of tactical assaults in the area to cut supply lines, destroy enemy infrastructure, and attack the enemy defenders inside their positions. The 8th U.S. Air Force was to bomb the fortifications around Eschweiler and Aldenhoven, while the medium bombers of the 9th Air Force were assigned to the second line of defense around Jülich and Langerwehe. At the same time the RAF Bomber Command was to hit the traffic centres of Jülich and Düren hard; the smaller towns of Heinsberg, Erkelenz and Hückelhoven were designated as secondary targets. Initially, the starting date of the offensive was set for 5 November, but because of bad weather it was delayed until 10 November and then finally called for 16 November. The ground offensive was to begin immediately after the air raids, allowing the defenders no time to reestablish fortifications, supply routes and communications.

Meanwhile, the German Wehrmacht, running out of strategic options, had already planned for an all-out counteroffensive in the West, codenamed Wacht am Rhein. The first draft of the plan was completed in secret in October 1944 and was aimed against the Ardennes, mirroring the successful campaign in 1940 against France. The plan required the best divisions of the Wehrmacht to be held back from the Autumn fighting, to gain time to build them up for the planned offensive. For the successful execution of the plan, the holding of the Rur River line was deemed as essential to prevent the Allies from a flanking attack. The German plan for the November–December Campaign was therefore to hold the Rur River line with a minimum of available forces until the Ardennes Offensive could be launched.

Opposed to the units of VII Corps were the shattered German forces of LXXXI Corps, commanded by Friedrich Köchling. The LXXXI Corps consisted of three divisions: the 3rd Panzergrenadier Division, the 246th Infantry Division and the 12th Volksgrenadier Division (VGD). Another unit, the 47th VGD was in the process of being transferred to the front. It was mostly made up from 18–19 years old Luftwaffe personnel. All the German divisions were seriously understrength, but mobile artillery and tank reserve was available.

On 16 November 1944 between 11:13 and 12:48, the Allied bombers conducted the preliminary bombings of Operation Queen. 1,204 heavy bombers of the U.S. 8th Air Force hit Eschweiler, Weisweiler and Langerwehe with 4,120 bombs, while 339 fighter bombers of the U.S. 9th Air Force attacked Hamich, Hürtgen and Gey with 200 short tons (180 t) of bombs. At the same time, 467 Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster heavy bombers attacked Düren and Jülich; 180 British bombers hit Heinsberg.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE>

Mission Support bomber downed by flak around Eschweiler
(To read the story of this 384th Bomber Group aircraft, click here)

The result of the bombing was mixed. The German towns being hit suffered from severe destruction. German communications after the bombing were heavily impaired, and there was a considerable effect on the morale, especially on units consisting of more younger and inexperienced troops. However, the direct damage dealt to the German frontline troops was low, and casualties were few. Allied air commanders admitted that the bombing did not measure up to expectations. About 12 aircraft were shot down during the initial bombing by meager anti-aircraft fire. Together with the bombing raids, heavy artillery raids preceded the main thrust of J. Lawton Collins's VII Corps.

Jülich, Germany destruction

The attack of VII Corps commenced with a two-pronged attack with 1st Infantry Division on the right and the 104th Infantry Division on the left. In its initial attack 1st Division was only able to make ground slowly against the 47th VGD around Hamich. Casualties were heavy, especially after reinforced counterattacks by the mobile reserves from the 116th Panzer Division. After four days of fighting, Hamich was taken, but 1st Division had only advanced about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) with casualties of more than 1,000 men.

Meanwhile Collins ordered the American 3rd Armored Division to be split into Combat Command A (CCA) and Combat Command B (CCB). CCA was assigned to assist the 104th Division, while CCB would act independently to take four villages (Werth, Koettenich, Scherpenseel, and Hastenrath) in the northwestern fringes of the Hürtgen Forest, defended by the 12th VGD. This small corridor between the 1st and the 104th Division was one of the few places suitable for an armored thrust. Although CCB was able to accomplish its task in three days, the heavy mud had hindered its movement and tank casualties were heavy; CCB lost 49 out of 69 tanks.

Aside from the double thrust conducted by the 1st and 104th Division, the American command had determined that another attack route should be taken towards Düren. The task was passed to the 4th Infantry Division, positioned at the southern wing of VII Corps, to take a route between Hürtgen and Schevenhütte, also capturing the villages of Kleinhau and Grosshau. Here the 104th division would take over positions of the depleted 28th Infantry Division, badly mauled during the fighting at Schmidt. This position was still held by the weakened but experienced German 275th Infantry Division. The thinned out German lines could not offer as much resistance as in early November, but the difficult terrain as well as the mines caused heavy casualties to the Americans. After five days of fighting, the division had only advanced about 1.6 miles (2.5 km), suffering 1,500 casualties.

15 November 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

15 November, 1944      1300

My darling,

I got a letter from a friend of mine in Italy yesterday. When I was through reading it, I felt better. They’ve had everything we’ve had – but for two years – instead of one. So how can I complain? I hereby resolve not to complain i.e. not until the next time, darling.

There was no letter from you, dear, but one from my father in Ohio and one from Ruth. I was surprised at the latter, for I hadn’t heard from her in some time. She thanked me for the bracelet – or whatever you call that coin arrangement. I think she should have waited until she saw how much they would tarnish. It was good hearing from her though. I later in the evening wrote a joint letter to Ruth and Irv.

In the meantime – things are still rather quiet here and I think we’ll have to take out citizenship papers if we stay in this town much longer. Fortunately for us – it has been a comfortable spot and we’ve taken things right in stride. Naturally – there are plenty of poor fellows still outside – and it is for them that I feel most sorry. For instance dear, we awoke two days ago – to find about two inches of snow on the ground. Boy – it sure did seem like winter –

1500

Well, darling. I didn’t get very far. I’ve been interrupted all afternoon and perhaps I can go a little farther this time. My last interruption was by a little German boy who brought over a ‘gift’ for me from his mother – with an enclosed card. The ‘gift’ was a little book of Handel’s music – for flute and I presume for clarinet. The card thanked me for taking care of her son and apologized for not having been able to repay me in better fashion. In the course of visiting her house for 3 days, I found the woman to be very intelligent, having a good knowledge of French, English and Latin as well as of the fine arts. Her grandfather is Professor of German at the U. of North Carolina. She was telling me about her children and the instruments they played and I told her I once played the clarinet, thus the music. I don’t know if I told you or not – but another patient of mine gave me a book as a gift – also with an inscription of thanks. The book is a famous recent German novel “Die Barrings” – by Wm. von Simpson. It’s about 800 pages and I don’t know whether I’ll attempt it or not.

Cover and inside cover of the Handel music book

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1600

Sweetheart – I’m getting nowhere at all today – as you can see. People have been going in and out and I don’t know what I’ve already written or what I’m writing now even. Usually our afternoons are comparatively quiet – but today everything is all mixed up. One of my drivers has just come in. He had taken a patient into a hospital. I had him inquire as to the whereabouts of the hospital where Frank Morse is and I think I may be able to locate him in Liege. I may take a run over there in a couple of days; it’s not too far off. I’d like to see him and some of the others I know at his place.

76th General Hospital in Liege, Belgium
Entrance and Surgical Tents
  

I’m going to stop writing now, dear, because I can’t concentrate one bit. I’ve just heard that there was no mail for the battalion this p.m. – so I don’t have that to look forward to this evening. I haven’t played any bridge for several nights now – but I might this evening.

So – so long for now, dearest, regards to the folks – and

All my everlasting love,

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about More from General Hodges

The snapshots that follow were taken from Normandy to Victory: The War Diary of General Courtney H. Hodges & the First U.S. Army, maintained by his aides Major William C. Sylvan and Captain Francis G. Smith Jr.; edited by John T. Greenwood, copyright 2008 by the Association of the United States Army, pp. 174-175.

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14 November 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 230 % Postmaster, N.Y.

Germany

14 November, 1944       1435

Dearest darling Wilma –

As I wrote you yesterday, I got mail from you in the late p.m. and it made me very happy, so happy in fact that I later opened a bottle of cognac and played poker with the boys. Now I suppose you’re thinking I might have done that anyway; I confess, I might have – but you can’t prove, darling, that I would have been as happy – now, can you? Seriously, though – dear – it was so pleasant hearing from you again. I had only missed three days, but it seemed like a long, long time.

Lawrence’s letter told me more about the Halloran; he’s enjoying the place and I’m tickled – because he did find Tufts – so damned unbearable. He seems to have some pretty good boys with him and that helps a lot. That’s one of the reasons I find this outfit so boring at times. I mean the fact that I haven’t any really good companions here now – at headquarters. The boys I spent most time with at headquarters are not with the outfit now and I don’t have much chance to spend a great deal of time with the line officers, like Pete and a few others. The fellows here are O.K. -–but you probably know what I mean. Incidentally a few officers moved in near us a few days ago. They are with a pretty famous infantry division; I took care of a couple of them for minor things and one of the Captains invited me over to lunch with them this noon. I had a nice time and it was a pleasure to exchange ideas with another group of fellows for a change. After 2 years or more with the same gang, you get a little stagnant. I’m going to drop up and visit them at their quarters one of these evenings.

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Greg's brother, Lawrence, in uniform
with their parents, Pauline and Lewis

I liked your reactions on sleeping in what was once my bedroom, darling. Someday we’ll share the same one. I don’t know how much of my background you could perceive from those surroundings, dear – but I hope your perceptions were good ones. I didn’t spend very much time in that room, though, but I do remember way back quite a few years ago how I would look out of the back window and across an open field and all the way to the horizon. That was before the school was built. I guess I was quite a dreamer in those days, dear; I never knew then what I wanted exactly, but had I been able to crystallize my ideas then – I know I would have wanted some position in life and a wife to enjoy that life together with me; the wife would have been someone like you, sweetheart – and since I have you, I’m a very fortunate fellow.

House in Mattapan, a neighborhood of
Boston, Massachusetts, as it is today

I guess a great part of those years in Mattapan were spent in that little old den – Latin School, college and medical school – night after night of sitting at a desk, the smoke so thick you could hardly see. But I always quit studying at 2200 come hell or high water, and then I’d go downstairs, have some milk and talk with the folks. Those were good days but I’m glad they’re behind me; I’m glad a good deal is behind me for that matter, dear, because the one thing that interests me now is the future – our future together – and that is wonderful food for thought, sweetheart.

Guess I’ll close now and dream awhile. I hope all is well at home, darling, and that you are managing to keep busy. My love to the folks and

My everlasting love to you, dear

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Halloran Hospital


Old Postcard of Halloran Hospital, Staten Island, New York

Greg mentioned that his brother Lawrence, a dentist, was stationed at Halloran General Hospital. It was established in 1941 in structures that had been built during the 1930s to house the Willowbrook State School. World War II interrupted the state’s intentions to open the facility for the developmentally disabled when the Army annexed the buildings and set up a hospital for returning wounded soldiers. With more than 3,000 beds, Halloran was the largest Army hospital in the nation. Most of the first cosmetic surgery was done there to improve the faces of the disfigured soldiers.

The Army surrendered control of the hospital in 1947 to the Veterans Administration, which renamed the facility Halloran Veterans Administration Hospital. The presence of the VA Hospital had pleased Staten Island residents and politicians, many of whom opposed the state’s plan to establish a facility for the developmentally disabled. But despite the community’s wishes, the military left in 1951 to make way for Willowbrook State School. During the decade Halloran existed, the Army and VA had developed a hospital that won national acclaim and treated upward of 163,000 veterans during and after the war.

Halloran Hospital officially closed in April 1951, handing over control of all the buildings to the state. By August, Willowbrook State School’s census had already reached 2,840. The school was designed for 4,000, but by 1965 it had a population of 6,000. At the time it was the biggest state-run institution for the mentally handicapped in the United States. Conditions and questionable medical practices and experiments prompted then Senator Robert Kennedy to call it a "snake pit." Public outcry led to its closure in 1987 and to civil rights legislation protecting the handicapped.

A portion of the grounds and some of the buildings were incorporated into the campus of the College of Staten Island, which moved to Willowbrook in the early 1990s. The rest of the buildings sit abandoned and dilapidated in the Staten Island Greenbelt.