Ran into Kraut; our first crack at him there--and it felt good to start paying him back for coming over here; our first taste 88s. Also plenty of snow.

Initial attack supporting the 417th with the mortars and machine-guns at Echternach.

Crossed the Prüm River, rough going. Somehow, we spearheaded there and got mixed up with 5th Division. Luckily recognized one another before too late. Boys did a bang-up job supporting Battalion.

The Heinies really poured it in with their 88s and mortars; but they paid the piper more heavily than we. Never forget that Bitburg-Trier highway.

Crossed Kyll River; under plenty of sniper fire. Here a quick snowfall saved mortar platoon plenty of grief. They were really zeroed in on us while we were getting out of that trap.

Lugged the 81s and machine-guns up bluffs. Beaucoup artillery and meemie fire. We gave security to Task-Force Onaway.

Quite a town; first big one we were in. Relieved 10th Armored. Perfect setup for our "searching parties"--for there was plenty to find. Disappointment! We stayed there only one day.

Finally hit the Moselle River. Really gave it to Kraut with the 81s there. Got our first replacements--made us feel like old timers.

The boys covering plenty of territory on motorized patrols--almost got started on training schedule.

Company units on holding mission with battalion at Koblenz. Had our first glimpse of the Rhine; also our first chance to fire across it.

Moved from there through a flock of towns, sweeping and clearing them; using motorized patrols all the way. This was something different. The Kraut are really running "backwards." (Wonder if they call this a retrograde movement, too.)

Quite a town. Went into defensive there. Also joined up with 6th Armored. Luftwaffe finally took a crack at us--something new again. Hated to leave the place. Had its good points--liquid and otherwise.

Through 13 towns taking them as fast as we could get to them; outfit really clicked. The 6th Armored is a good outfit to work with. Really moved.

Had a rough, tough time at Zeitz. Fought for every inch of that city. Saw a Junkers 88 shot down. Goodshow put on by the "ack-ack" boys. Plenty PWs.

Didn't stay here very long. Had to hold some bridgeheads; quite a job. Some of the boys earned decorations for their work here.

Contact the Russians? - looking for them every night. We would have, too; but outfit was aggressive and too far into Russian territory. Pulled back. Too bad.