World War II unit histories At night, signals are given by the chief of section to the drivers and winch operator by the use of socially modified flash lights. The 264th Field Artillery Battalion, Latz's unit, landed at Utah Beach in Normandy 10 days after D-Day. 1/,2/,3/265th Artillery Regiment . Extra men were needed just to carry the shells. 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion (155mm) 99th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm) 8219 Artillery Topo Map Service . The 26th Field Artillery Battalion fired 5000 rounds at Sejnane, Tunisia in one day in 1943! Any information you have would certainly be appreciated. CJ Kelly-- We have corresponded before (see way below); my dad was the CO of the 908FAB B Btry, 83rd Inf Div. My Mother (Muriel) or we kids got to fire the howitzers (pull the cord). For a buck you could be a big shot and buy the section Lowenbraus all night. If you have a photo and bio for your dad, I would love to add him to the Red Leg of the Week feature I do. A battalion may be assigned a mission of general support of the Field Army -- reinforcing a specific Airborne Division Artillery, or air-landed Infantry Division Artillery, which is in a deep We were to fire one round from each gun to give the Russians something to think about, blow up the Breech blocks, and race like hell for the Spanish coast. Fine article. Arriving in England in February 1944, the 333rd and 969th battalions shipped over to Normandy in July and provided vital artillery support to American forces through months of hard fighting, including at the siege of Brest, France. or Vilseck at least twice a year and stayed in primitive quarters. The artillery fire disabled a number of big German guns and sank numerous re-supply boats. You should be able to find it on my profile page. The shells had lifting rings attached to their nose during shipment, and they had to be removed to install the fuse. Usually, one or two of the men had a copy years later and sent to the Association. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. The third area, which is apart from the Administrative and Control Areas, is the Launching Area. Movement out of a position after firing normally required approximately 10 minutes. Goodman was FDC section chief. The trip to Germany was an experience. Looking through the sight once again to determine that he was still lined up with the aiming stakes, his last task would be to level the bubble and shout Ready! This told the Section Chief that the gun was ready to fire; he then held up his right arm as a signal to the gun crew. Technician Fourth Grade Lou Marinez served in the 264th Field Artillery Battalion in Europe during World War II. Besides the four firing battalions, an infantry divisions artillery complement contained a Division Headquarters component. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. Sgt. So the third day, after I got settled, he showed me Giessen. All we had to go on was a name from my gran. My gran lived in the next town called Bideford where they had a relationship. This smaller version of the 105mm howitzer replaced the 75mm gun in Army airborne units and cannon companies. (He passed 10 years ago, having said little about his service!) 264th Infantry Regiment Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 66th Infantry Division Artillery 721st Field Artillery Battalion (155 mm) 870th Field Artillery Battalion (105 mm) 871st Field Artillery Battalion (105 mm) 872d Field Artillery Battalion (105 mm) 266th Engineer Combat Battalion 366th Medical Battalion Every time it was moved, it took hours to get it up and running again. Thx. A well-trained crew under average condition can occupy a firing position in 12-15 minutes. We practiced RSOPs (Reconnaissance, Selection, Occupation of Position) till we could do them in our sleep. (4) 11 Oct 56 to 27 May 57: Battalion S-1 and Adjutant The fuses were shipped in crates, about 25 per box. The group owner very kindly sent us a photo copy of the page where it describes in detail how my grandad and three others were driving two trucks from a supply depot in the rear back to their position with rubber tracks for the prime movers on April 18th 1945 (three weeks before the war ended!) Would you to feature him as a Red Leg of the Week on my page. Our first formation was 7:30 instead of 6. "Our guns weighed 16 tons, and the tractors that pulled them each weighed 14 tons," noted. 46 Vaihingen, Germany 7th Army Band Airmail to Cherry Valley, Ill. Light stains. The Employment of Negro Troops. The following records were acquired from the American Battle Monuments Commission on June 17, 2016. It's a mix of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, but their webmasters and historians are good. 254th Engineer Combat Battalion 187th FA Group (751st and 997th FA Battalions) 190th FA Group (62nd, 190th, 272nd, and 268th FA Battalions) 406th FA Group (76th, 941st, 953rd, and 987th FA Battalions) 1111th Engineer Combat Group (51st, 202nd, 291st, and 296th Engineer Combat Battalions) After arriving at Cherbourg the 66th Division regrouped and headed for the LOrient and St. Nazaire sectors in Brittany to relive the 94th Division which had been guarding the German submarine base pockets that were left after the D-Day invasion. Several places could have reports and other info, like NARA. I would be glad to furnish you with that. The technical development between the world wars, particularly in the United States, created a system that was second to none. Thx. 1st Battalion, 333rd Field Artillery was activated 2 July 1973 in Germany (Wiesbaden). jsoc fort bragg, nc address I rotated home and was discharged October 11, 1956. Did the 274th Field Artillery Battalion have a towed 155 MM Battery attached to it anytime during the war?? First, with regard to artillery replacement, for the part, once a soldier was assigned to a artillery battalion, he stayed with them. necessary to prepare and fire the round. We were paid in "Script." I remember a black guy (Pvt/Cpl/Sgt? I saw one from Peter Lagasse, where he mentions a yearbook in connection with a FAB ("I already have the 1946 yearbook of the 15th FAB and also the 2nd Infantry Division book that was published."). He may charge a fee to do a search. Thx. How can one find a unit history? The Force Artillery Commander normally selects primary areas for CORPORAL Battalions under his control. It seems there was a DP camp over the hill from our position. Maybe it was just there to scare Russian satellites into thinking we had "one" (a nuke) on the pad ready to go - lol. By the Korean War, they had added six guns to the standard battery. Frank's Facebook Page. Keep me posted on what you find and if you need any clarification. I emailed you about information on his unit. Had to love the guy. The battery control officer, stationed in the battery control trailer, is provided with all of the information and controls necessary to engage targets effectively. Great to hear from you. She was worried about the German toilet paper (too rough), so just before he left we bought a big freezer and bought a side of beef and tons of American toilet paper. Radar transmits these commands back to the missile. 256th Field Artillery Battalion (8", Trac-D) 265th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm How, Trac-D) 26 9th Field Artillery Battalion (240mm How, Trac-D) 281st Field Artillery Battalion (105mm How, Trk-D) 411th Field Artillery Group, HQ/HQ Battery 548th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm gun, Trk-D) 686th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm how, Trac-D) I have his IKE Jacket and photos when he married my mother in Lyon France on 9 Oct 1945 before his re-deployment back to the US 0n 19 Nov 45 from Le Havre France aboard the Monticello AP-61 arriving NY 27 Nov 45. FA Btry (762-mm Rocket), 3rd In Europe, having one FO for each infantry battalion was unacceptable since it was the infantry company that was basic to infantry operations and each needed to call directly for artillery support. When a battalion is attached to a Corps, it is normally assigned a mission of general support of the Corps. The 66th Division consisted of the following units: 262nd , 263rd, and 264th Infantry Regiments, Headquarters Battery, 721st, 870th, 871st, and 872nd, Field Artillery Battalions, 266th Engineer Combat Battalion, the 366th Medical Battalion, 66th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, 66th Quartermaster Company, 66th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, the 566th Signal Company, and Headquarters Special Troops, including a Headquarters Company and a Military Police Platoon. You can email me. He only spoke of the war on a few occasions. The surviving descendant of the 20th FA is 2nd BN 20th FA which is now MLRS. Guns are moved frequently to make their location by the enemy more difficult. and initiative, [ 39th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 47th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 49th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 51st Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 52nd Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 53rd Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 54th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 56th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 57th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 58th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 60th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 61st Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 62nd Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 64th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 67th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 68th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 72nd Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 73rd Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], [ 74th Infantry Division - Did not exist during WWII ], Leo van Bussel (from Holland) & Ron Villegas. There is an active Div Association. I realized why when we hit a storm in the North Atlantic and spent three days at sea anchor during which time we were feeding 85 troops that could still eat. Postal History Search Results CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on October 15, 2016: Hi Ms. Southall, I would like a picture of your dad in uniform. Stay well. My plan is to base a novel on his exploits and service. His discharge papers list 274th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B Let me explain - His name was Willis L. Henry and was drafted in 9/44 and discharged in 1946, He trained in Fort Sill, OK and arrived as a replacement in a camp in Charleyville, France sometime in late February or early March 1945 and joined his unit shortly after. during WWII ], [ 16th Infantry Division - Did not exist Dr. Foy, Darryle LSSGB - Lead Ops/Logistics Exercise Planner - ITility He was a World War II veteran who participated in the Battle of the Buldge, where he was a Staff Sergeant in the 264th Field Artillery Battalion. As you might expect, a number of these personnel turned out to be considerably less than desirable, and caused no end of problems. Forward observation team near Cherbourg, France, June 1944. The unit ended the war near Hitler's Eagles Nest. During the Bulge, many of these Corps units were on the move every 12 to 24 hours. Upon receiving the orders from the firing officer, such as Command Left 10 or Right 20, the key task for the gunner was to get the aiming stakes and the gun sight lined up on the vertical crosshair in the scope. My grandmother had a newsletter from the 666th field artillery, which was a non divisional battalion, telling about their travels in Europe so I was thinking he was with this battalion. For example, if the setting sleeve was turned parallel to the shell, it was set for superquick. World War II era item - Christmas 1943 Service Battery 264th Field Artillery Battalion Camp Hood Texas - 4 page program with an ornate cover - good to very good condition with some handling wear and a couple of light stains - Buyer pays $6.00 shipping, US only, no international orders - Email with questions. Prior to firing, the predicted point of intercept and the present position of the target are continuously displayed on the two plotting boards in the battery control trailer. The rocket launcher is a highly mobile carrier, thus the emphasis is centered upon speed both in firing and in tactical movement to capitalize on targets of opportunity. He would like to remain in contact with any members of the service he served with during this time. I remember the U-shaped layout of staff/office buildings with the Officers Club, NCO club, and chapel in the NE corner (as you came in the gate, not sure of the absoulte orientation). Coffee at the snack bar followed by more section training and bug out time. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on September 30, 2017: Just great info. Discover unknown details about your veteran's family: civilian occupations . I will contact the office to see what they have or maybe they can point me in the right direction. Oh by the way, when we left, quite a number of C ration cases just happened to fall of the back of the truck. It is fully mobile and consists of a battalion headquarters, a headquarters and service battery, a firing battery and a medical detachment. "A" Btry, 261st Field Artillery Regiment - Homepage That GI was from a divisional artillery unit. I was drafted and entered the US Army November 1, 1954. Any predictable range error will result in a computation of a final range correction maneuver which is sent to the missile immediately. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on October 26, 2017: Mr. Lagasse, the 15th FAB has a great website with rosters and stories (not sure if you've found it already). FA Bn (280mm Gun), 867th We had gone to Grafenveer to fire the guns; we couldnt go to Baumhilder because the range was not long enough, and so we drove to the FO cement bunker on the range to observe the firing. who had been a college math instructor but drank too much and ended up in the Army. H&HQ as well as A Btry were there in April 1958 and B & C Btry were at Rivers Barracks. Field Artillery Brigade I was very happy not to be with the gun as we crossed. Even the famous infantry replacements rarely moved. 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery - Minnesota National Guard The second radar is the Target Tracking Radar. Toggle navigation. Send me an email (link from HP) and I will send the list. We generally woke up to Hill Billy Reveille" on AFN radio. If so, info is scarce because it was a non-divisional unit. McAllister (jeep driver). However, it was to inform me I was now in the survey section. 'Atomic cannon' crew, 1956 | Stars and Stripes World War II 1943 264th Field Artillery Battalion Camp Hood Christmas The majority of the shells expended during fire missions were usually high explosive (HE). We went all the way to the championship game which we lost 2 to 0. Figure it would be easier via email. He also said that his unit was emplaced for a couple weeks around Kassel, Germany during the Rhineland Campaign as he got strafed by German fighters. On October 1st, 1940, the three battalions of the 26th Field Artillery were re-designated as three separate battalions under the Commanding . Rank was hard to come by because the 280s were being phased out and the battalion seemed to be a place for Officers who were being phased out. The firing battery, the largest element of the battery, is commanded by the executive officer. They were also charged with conducting topographical surveys, which during combat operations were carried out rather infrequently. Im grateful to have found a book entitled Under Cover that in their own words provides a G-rated history of the 406th Field Artillery Group from January 29, 1944 through Ju;y 7, 1945. 2-15 Field Artillery history - Defense Visual Information Distribution World War II By the end of World War II, the U.S. Army had established several hundred temporary burial grounds around the world. The computer compares this information to a standard trajectory and generates commands to keep the missile directed toward the target. They knew that as soon as an American spotter plane appeared over their positions, it would only take minutes before a massive barrage rained down death and destruction. Many of the specialists were also grouped into sections and personnel from both the communications section and survey teams often were part of forward observation teams. 406th Land Field Support Brigade Sponsorship; 192nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) 192nd Ordnance Battalion Sponsorship; 50th Signal Battalion . just wondering if you were able to find anything on my grandfather thanks. Hopefully the pictures I have attached are self explanatory. 406th Army Field Support Brigade Sponsorship; 192nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) 192nd Duty Battalion Sponsorship; 50th Signal Battalion; Army Golden Cavaliers; 4th ROTC Brigade Battalions were also formed into field artillery groups of various calibers. The ammo men would disassemble the shell, pack the bags based on the firing orders, and reattach the fuse. 270th Field Artillery Battalion | WWII Forums The Nike system is designed to operate with three sections per battery and four launches per section, but may use a smaller number. If the battery is on the march when the fire mission is received, the howitzers are immediately moved off the road and emplaced. talion. There were also units called cannon companies that used the M3 105mm, a lightweight, short-barreled version of the gun. Finding rosters is incredibly hard but they might have them or be able to piece together the info. Mr. Burr, I do a "Red Leg of the Week" on my Facebook and I would be honored could send a photo. Upon arrival at a position, using such equipment as aiming circles, range finders, and other survey equipment like steel tapes and chains, the enlisted men of the section would lay in the guns to prepare them for aiming direction and elevation. Out-Processing Section :: Fort Bragg | Fort Bragg | Moving and PCS Also, there is a Facebook page for the Division. Any information you have would be great - I'm just trying to put together some detailed information for my sons about their grandfather who served in World War 2. At that time which will result in the highest kill probability, the computer issues a burst order to the missile. The unit crest on his IKE Jacket is the 2nd FA Obv Bn and he attained the rank of Tech 5. PDF US 9th Army, 12 December 1944 - 8th Armored The wide dispersal of an exploding shell, which could be more than 50 yards, gave the gunners room to be off a little bit. Hi Mr. Kelly- I did not have much luck on the 4th Infantry Division Association Page in finding anything on the 20th Field Artillery Batallion- do you have any other page suggestions- any advice is much appreciated! CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on July 15, 2020: CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on July 14, 2020: Just realized my email is not up there. The 66th Division consisted of the following units: 262nd , 263rd, and 264th Infantry Regiments, Headquarters Battery, 721st, 870th, 871st, and 872nd, Field Artillery Battalions, 266th Engineer Combat Battalion, the 366th Medical Battalion, 66th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, 66th Quartermaster Company, 66th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Lock - United States Army This website is only in its very early stages, aiming to give a full spectrum of data on World War II fighting units, including details on organization, commanders, and literature. After his military service, he attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the ATO fraternity and where he became a lifelong Gator fan. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on June 09, 2018: I'm going to assume you know these sites? He dropped it with one round from his M16. hey just reminding you it is past the first week in dec thanks. After the rocket leaves the launcher the crewmen rapidly march order the section. I was sent to Camp (now Fort) Chaffee for my eight weeks of basic training. Will do my best and get back to you as soon as I can. Other sections cleaned the toilets, others swept the halls and cleaned the common rooms. Guns continued to be improved while others were phased out. This usually creates fear and I was no exception. during WWII ], [ 21st Infantry Division We are planning a trip to Europe to retrace the units movements. Sgt Pappy Bryant was another gun chief. The missile's velocity is measured by the doppler radio and assisted by the computer, shuts off the rocket engine when the missile reaches the appropriate speed consistent with the desired range. I cannot find either a towed 155mm Howitzer or Long Tom 155mm battalion (non-divisional) designated as the 274th. The B Battery commander was 1st Lieutenant Flash Gardner, a man who received a battlefield commission in Korea and still had the enlisted man at heart. This way, the additional fire support went where it was needed quickly. 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander With this information, knowing the rules of engagement and the restricted areas, the battery control officer determines the most advantageous time to fire the round. I just read that recently, don't remember where, but couldn't find it at google. FA Msl Bn (Cpl), 557th I am researching the 259th Artillery Battalion. He enlisted Feb 42 and was sent to Ft Sill, then to CP Bowie TX until deployment 21 Aug 1943 from NY to ETO arriving Oran Algeria 2 Sep 1943. COL Mundinger (deceased) was the commander of the Honest John missile battalion (3rd MSL Bn, 79th Arty). I remember the fallout shelter symbols at our school (Giessen American Elementary, I believe) but we had no "duck and cover" drills. I forgot to ask but if you are able to find out any more information on my granddad or the unit it would be very much appreciated. I understand infantry replacement soldiers were moved frequently from divisions but I cannot find information regarding field artillery replacement soldiers. He is living in Temple, TX and can be reached by phone or mail. The sergeant in the middle is instructing the soldier on attaching the shell (top part) to the casing below after it has been packed with ammo bags. Home Counties Division 44th (Home Counties) Division 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division Hoping get something out of that. Start with the 4th Infantry Division Association page. 20th Luftwaffe Field Division (forming) 1/,2/,3/39th Luftwaffe Jger Regiment . FA Bn (280mm Gun), 265th Crew of 105mm (M2). Working on another unit right now but I can put together a list for you this weekend. Try it out. ss mariposa wwiiwhy did fish leave barney miller?. Each firing platoon contains sufficient personnel to check out, assemble, fuel and fire missiles. In a tactical situation the guns are placed in positions of concealment with batteries separated by about 8,000 to 12,000 meters. We were evaluated by Brass from the 42nd as well as from V Corps. Upon arriving at a new hide position the crewmen transfer another rocket onto the launcher, and await the next fire mission. 946. I know his headstone states he was a Sergeant but he must received that at Camp Swift in Texas in the three months before being discharged on October 14, 1945. We are still trying to get hold of the full copy so if anyone out there who can help then please get in touch. external powder bags), the duties of the 155mm crews were essentially the same. Is prin 65th Rifle Division - Wikipedia We have since been sent some letters from his family that he wrote home but is does not talk about any action or locations due to security and censorship. There is a 10-page postwar The 270th Field Artillery Battalion in the E.T.O.. pamphlet you may be able to get as a copy from the Army Historical and Education Center library at Carlisle, PA. My father's executive officer was Major Lightner (?). pany. As the vehicle stops with its sight mount over the surveyed hub, three crewmen lower the side and rear jacks while other crewmen elevate and extend the launching beam to the firing position. (part of the Green Series). Will send over the excerpt. The latter part of my stay there, I met a German family whom lived in Allendorf, through Sabine & Greg, the Stockhauses. Although the shells were shipped semi-fixed with the fuse already installed, it was the powder that provided the punch, so that had to be added to the shell. Since going to school and working to pay for it was a drag I figured that if I went in to the Army, Uncle Sam would pay for my college. My other assignment in the section was to drive the Lts jeep. Other times we would go out from Giessen for 10 day periods as part of NATO exercises or just to practice maneuvers. (5) 27 May 57 to 9 Oct 57: Recon & Survey Officer, B Battery My question, were field artillery replacement soldiers moved around from battalion to battalion wherever they were needed?
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