Source Document: After Action Report, 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company, World War Two, European Theater of Operations
(1) Designation: 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company. (2) Organization: May 15 1942. (3) Garison: Camp Gordon, Georgia. (4) General Order #15, HQ Eastern Defense Command and 1-A, dated May 15 1942.
Sources from which original personnel were obtained: (1) Officers: CO, Capt Archibald E. Sutton (0-304319) CE, by transfer from the Engineer Replacement Training Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; EO, Lt Gerald L. Bilbro, CE, by transfer from the 75th Engineer Light Ponton Company, Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. Platoon Commanders and Motor Officer by assignment from the Fourth Engineer Officer Candidate School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as follow: Francis F. Carnes, Lt, CE (0-1100038); James J. Carnes, Jr, Lt, (0-1100039); Burrel D. Carney, Jr, Lt, CE (0-1100041) and Francis M. Carson, Lt, CE (0-1100043). (2) Enlisted Cadre of twelve NCO’s by transfer from the 75-ELPC, Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, in May 1942 as follow : 1/Sgt Morton Kamm, (6878116); M/Sgt George Underwood (0000000); (Mess) S/Sgt John W. Pritchett (6966756); (Supply) S/Sgt William Blankenship (0000000); (Motor) S/Sgt Kenneth F. Whitehead (33035175); (Platoon) S/Sgt Carlton L. Allen (6994429); (Platoon) S/Sgt Thomas L. Beckman (6974589); (Platoon) Sgt Earl Northrup (32033188); (Mechanic) Cpl Ival Cooper (32035482); (Cook) Pvt Spec 3/Cl, Stanislaus J. Andersiak (R-2340718); (Cook) Pvt Spec 4/Cl J. B. Walker (7088340) and (Clerk), Cpl Robert M. Mayo (7086178). Two Mechanics by assignment from the Engineer Heavy Equipment School, Fort Belvoir, Va, on May 15, 1942, as follow: Pvt Balmer E. Sinegar (33118318) and Pvt Harold A. Geese (38047063). (3) Enlisted Fillers. The First group of Enlisted fillers consisting of eleven Selective service Privates was received on September 29, 1942, by transfer from Dog Co of the 82nd Ordnance Battalion, Camp Gordon, Georgia per SO 54, 3rd Hq & Hq Detachment Sp Troops, 2nd Army, dated September 29 1942. The second, and principal group of Enlisted Fillers, consisting of 210 Selective Service Privates, were received by transfer from the 1222nd Reception General, Camp Upton, New York, sated December 3 1942.
Changes in Organization during the period, the Company was assigned to 1105th Engineer Combat Group and assigned to the 1-A during the entire period. Strength, Commissioned. Officer Strength at beginning of Period – 6; Francis M. Carson, Capt, (0-1100043) Company Commander; Gilbert E. Moore, Lt, (0446357) Executive Officer; Howard D. May, Lt, (0-1110097) Platoon Commander; John A. McDonald, Lt, (0-1115692) Platoon Commander; Randal Holden, Lt, (0-1114169) Platoon Commander and Clifton M. Hanks, Lt, (0-116497) Platoon Commander. (Note) Lt Clinton M. Hanks was lost to Hospital on October 6, 1944, due to injuries received in a vehicle accident. Strength, Enlisted. At the beginning of the Period, Present 201 – Absent 1. Increase during Period, 2. Pvt Herman Davis (15063856) and Pvt Harry C. Parmer (33802679). Note, these two Enlisted Men were assigned to the organization by the 3rd Reinforcement Depot and reported for duty on October 8, 1944. Decrease during the Period, none. Enlisted Strength at End of the Period, Present 203 – Absent 1. Stations.
The company was located at Vierset Barse (K-274123) Belgium, during the entire period.
The two Bridge Platoons were engaged during the entire period in the transportation of Engineer Supplies and Equipment from various sources into the 1-A Engineer Depot’s at Modave, Belgium, and later during the month, on up the new location of the Depot at Montzen. The vehicles of these two platoons were kept going continuously, stopping in the bivouac area only to sleep, or have repairs made. Most of the time the demand for this equipment was normal; the trucks being run only during the day. Occasionally, when certain materials would be needed more urgently, hauling was continued at night. On October 28 1944, the company took over the guard and maintenance job on a Class-40 Armored Steel Tread-way Bridge in Liège. This detail utilized half the personnel of one section. While the job itself was not difficult, life in Liège was most unpleasant due to the heavy V-1 buzz bombing attacks. Refresher training on Infantry Support Raft and Infantry Footbridge construction and operation was conducted by the Light Equipage Platoon at a training site on the Meuse River in Huy.
Also, the Light Equipage Platoon provided Infantry Support Rafts, outboard motors and outboard motor operators to Able Co of the 61st Engineer Combat Battalion to assist them in experimental work on the construction of Floating Boom Cables. This experimental work was also conducted on the Meuse River in Huy and was in preparation for the Rhine River crossing.
Original Unit Designation, 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company; Date of Organization: May 15, 1942; Place of Organization: Camp Gordon, Georgia; Authority of Organization: General Order #15, Hq Eastern Defense Command and First Army, dated May 15, 1942; Sources from which original personnel was obtained; Change in the organization during the period: Unit attached to 1105th Engineer Combat Group for the entire period.
Strength: Commissioned. Francis M. Carson, Capt, (0-1100043) Company Commander; Gilbert F. Moore, Lt, (0-446357) Executive Officer; Howard D. May, Lt, (0-1110097) Platoon Commander; John A. McDonald, Lt, (0-1115692) Platoon Commander and Randal Holden, Lt, (0-1114169) Platoon Commander.
Strength: Enlisted. At the beginning of the period 204; Increase during the period, none; Decrease during the period, 3. Pvt J. B. Walker, (7008340) transferred in grade to the 1278th Engineer Combat Bn per par 6, SO 304, Hq. 1-A, dated November 5, 1944; Pvt Bilik Mike Jr, (33033881) transferred in grade to 62nd Engineer Topographic Co and Pfc Patsy J. Colontonio, (32643658) lost to hospital as Non-Battle Casualty. Strength at End of Period – 201.
Stations (Perm. or Temp.) of the unit or part thereof. Vicinity of Vierset-Barse (K-274123), Belgium, from the beginning of the period until November 10, 1944. This station at Vierset-Barse was the Company’s last outdoor encampment for the winter. Vicinity, Huy, Belgium, from November 10, 1944, until the end of the period.
The station in Huy consisted of two large three-story private homes on Avenue Godon, along the Meuse River, and a smaller house in the rear, which was used as a CP, Supply Room and PX. Fist Bridge Platoon: At company vicinity Huy from the beginning of the period to November 14, 1944. Vicinity of Verviers with Baker Co, 49th Engineer Combat Battalion, from November 14, 1944, until end of the period.
Operations during Period
For the most part during the first phase of this period, the two Bridge Platoons were engaged in transporting Engineer Equipment and Supplies to and from Engineer Depots E-6 vicinity Modave, and E-7 vicinity Montzen, and various other locations. On November 13, 1944, the entire 1st Bridge Platoon was placed on operational DS with Baker Co 49th Engineer Combat Battalion located in Verviers to assist in road construction work by hauling rock and other construction materials. Also, the Company was engaged in the following activities: Guarding and maintaining a Class-70 Bailey Bridge across the Meuse River in Liège; Guarding and maintaining a Class-40 Armored Steel Tread-way Bridge on the Meuse River in Liège. This detail also called for opening and closing the bridge twice a week to allow river barges, usually loaded with coal to pass through; Supplied infantry support rafts, outboard motors, and outboard motor operators to the 164th Engineer Combat Battalion, and the 61st Engineer Combat Battalion, to assist in experimentation on floating boom cables.
These experiments were both conducted on the Meuse River, the 61-ECB in the vicinity of Huy and the 164-ECB in the north of Liège; Supplied a Crane and two operators to assist the 49-ECB in engaging operations west of Aachen, Germany; Broke in and serviced 57 – 22 HP outboard motors for the Army Engineer Depot. This work was done at the training site on the Meuse River, in Huy; Engaged in some Infantry Assault Training on the Meuse River in Huy. Special emphasis was placed on bringing outboard motorboat operators to a higher degree of proficiency, and in training additional operators; Some Footbridge Construction Company encountered a stream with a relatively swift current. All previous training had been conducted on still water Lakes or slow-moving streams such as the Thames and Severn Rivers in England.
During the 1st half of this period, the company was in an outdoor bivouac at Vierset-Barse, Belgium, a small village about 9 miles from Huy. While it was cold at night and damp almost all the time, the men made themselves fairly comfortable by living under their truck tarps on the bows placed on the ground, spreading straw over the floor, and buying or improvising beaters. Toward the middle of the month, however, it became so cold, and in fact, on one occasion snowed, and the bivouac became such a quagmire, that billet was secured in Huy. Entertainment in the form of movies and USO shows were occasionally available at Vierset-Barce, and more frequently available at Huy. Many men of the company made acquaintances with the village folk in Vierset-Barse, and in later months some, while on a pass, came back to visit.
Original Unit Designation, 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company; Date of Organization: May 15, 1942; Place of Organization: Camp Gordon, Georgia; Authority of Organization: General Order #15, Hq Eastern Defense Command and 1-A, dated May 15, 1942; Sources from which original personnel were obtained: Third Reinforcement Depot, First United States Army. Change in the organization during the period, on December 24, 1944, the unit was relieved from attachment to the 1105-ECG and attached to the 1111-ECG, which was in turn, attached to the VII Corps, per par 15, Troop Assignment #3, (Administrative) Hq. VII Corps file 370.5, dated December 28, 1944.
Strength, Commissioned. Francis M. Carson, Capt, (0-1100043) Company Commander; Gilbert F. Moore, Lt, (0-446357) Executive Officer; Howard D. May, Lt, (0-1110097) Platoon Commander; John A. McDonald, Lt, (0-1115692) Platoon Commander and Randal Holden, Lt, (0-1114169) Platoon Commander. Note, on December 19, 1944, Lt William H. Meier (0-1592436), joined the organization from 3rd Reinforcement Depot having been assigned per par 15 SO 211, Hq 3rd Reinforcement Depot, dated December 15, 1944.
Strength, Enlisted. At the beginning of the period, 201; Increase during Period – X. December 4, 1944, Pvt Fred P. Benton, (39410049); Pvt Cecil Perry, (36346974); Pvt Peter P. Popkowski, (42080880) and Pvt Stephan W. Czarnecki, (32644928).
(Note 1) Pvt Czarnecki, a former member of this unit having been originally assigned December 5, 1942, had been hospitalized July 24, 1944, for non-battle injuries received while the Company was engaged in cleaning out the town of Pont l’Abbé Department of Manche, France.
(Note 2) Four Enlisted Men transferred in Grade to this organization per par 6, SO 196, Hq 3rd Reinforcement Depot, dated November 30, 1944, and arrived for duty at 1500-H. December 30, 1944, Pvt Cohen Milton (32644724) Assigned to this organization per par 40, SO 194, Hq 3rd Reinforcement Depot, dated December 29, 1944, and reported for duty at 1830.
Decrease during the period – 4. Pfc Joseph Newman (32640505) Transferred in Grade to 1105th Engineer Combat group, per par 1, SO 98 Hq. 1105th Engineer Combat Group, dated December 2, 1944. T/4 James Lemmo (32644748) Lost to Hospital December 7, 1944, as a result of Arico’s accidentally discharging a pistol, shooting himself through the hand, Franklin through the stomach. Strength at End of Period – 202. Pvt Cohen, originally assigned to the unit on December 5, 1942, was lost to Hospital September 9, 1944, because of a non-battle injury received while the two bridge platoons were delivering a Floating Bailey Bridge to the vicinity of Meulan on the Seine River.
Stations (Perm. or Temp.) of the unit or part thereof, vicinity of Huy (K-230164), Belgium, from the beginning of the period until December 5, 1944; Vicinity of La Brouke (K-533222), Belgium, from December 5, 1944, to December 20, 1944; Vicinity of Xhenenmont (K-643283), Belgium, from December 20, 1944, until December 24, 1944; Vicinity of Terwagne (K-308087), Belgium, from December 24, 1944, until December 26 1944; Vicinity of Nandrin, Belgium, from December 26 1944 until end of period. (1st Bridge Platoon) Vicinity Verviers (K-732262), Belgium, from the beginning of period until December 18, 1944; (2nd Bridge Platoon) Vicinity Dolhain-Limbourg, Belgium, (K-732262) from the beginning of period until December 18, 1944.
Motor Marches, Purpose: To re-locate Company with the 1111-ECG and the VII Corps, to which the Company had been attached. Instructions to move were contained in Field Message #590, Hq. 1105-ECG, dated December 24, 1944. The length of March is approximately 36 miles. Points between which marched: Vicinity Xhenenmont (K-643283) to vicinity Terwagne (K-308087), December 24, 1944. Conditions of Roads and Weather, dry, while the weather, shies were perfectly clear, and blue, the sun was bright and the temperature was well below freezing.
Remarks: The above march was made at a time when the German Offensive power, following the Ardennes Breakthrough the previous week, was still high. The German Air Force was up in comparative strength. During the course of this march numerous ‘dog fights’ were observed off the South and East of the route of march. On two occasions, two German fighter planes came close to the column. Since it appeared that they were coming to strafe, several Cal .50 machine gunners opened upon them, but with no results. However, the planes never did open upon our column, and one was definitely seen going down as a result, presumably, of other Anti Aircraft fire. The above was the only motor march the company made as a complete unit during the period.
All other changes of the location were accomplished by the infiltration of small groups, usually a section at a time.
Operations during the Period
At the beginning of the period, the company was mainly engaged in hauling various types of Engineer Supplies for the Combat Engineer Battalions of the 1105-ECG. The 1st Bridge Platoon was on operational DS with Baker Co, 49-ECB, remaining at this job until the morning of December 18, 1944. The work engaged in there consisted almost solely of hauling rock, slag, and cinders to construct roads in an Ammunition Dump in the area between Herve, Battice, Soumagne, and Verviers, Belgium. The 2nd Bridge Platoon was operational with the 61-ECB, likewise remaining there until the morning of December 18, 1944. The work consisted of hauling road material and cinders from various construction, road maintenance and repair job being performed by the 61-ECB. Fourteen GMC trucks of Light Equipage Platoon did hauling work for the 300-ECB, from the beginning of the period until. These vehicles and drivers were scattered out through the battalion, four or five being on operational DS with each company.
The works consisted of hauling metal for road construction and hauling timbers to sawmills operated by the battalion to be cut up for lumber. Four outboard motor operators and some Infantry Support Raft Equipment worked with the 61-ECB and the 164-ECB on Floating Boom Projects at training sites on the Meuse River until December 18, 1944. Assault boats and other Infantry Support Equipment was loaned to the 1111-ECG and the 552nd Engineer Heavy Pontoon Battalion, for training purposes during the same period.
A detail of one-half section was placed as a maintenance guard on a Class-40 Steel Tread-way Bridge over the Meuse River in Liège from the beginning of the period up until December 12, 1944, when the bridge was no longer as needed, was dismantled and returned by the company to the Engineer Dump E-7, vicinity Montzen. During the period prior to dismantling the bridge, the maintenance detail opened the bridge twice the weekly to allow river traffic to pass through.
From December 6 to December 15, an outboard motor school was conducted by the Light Equipage Platoon Commander and six outboard motor operators at a training site in the vicinity of Cheratte (K-524327), Belgium. The school was conducted for the purpose of training twenty men of the 61-ECB in operation and maintenance of the 22-1/2 HP Outboard Motor. On December 18, then 1st Bridge Platoon trucks were dispatched to Spa to assist in moving the 654th Engineer Topographic Battalion. Twenty additional trucks were dispatched to Stavelot to move the 1-A Map Depot but were unable to get in Stavelot due to a tactical situation. These twenty trucks were then diverted to Spa and assisted moving the 654th Engineer Topographic Battalion to its new location, vicinity Hannut (K-123337). All trucks returned to the company on December 21. On December 18, the Light Equipage Platoon vehicles were dispatched to Engineer Dump E-41, vicinity Elsenborn, to move equipment there to a new location five miles south of Verviers. While loading equipment at Engineer Dump E-41 Camp Elsenborn, the Light Equipage Platoon was subjected to strafing and bombing by enemy aircraft, but no casualties were sustained.
The removal of equipment from this forward dump was completed on December 20. Upon completion of moving the 654th Engineer Topographic Battalion from Spa to Hannut, the 1st and 2nd Bridges Platoon were loaded with Fixed Bailey Bridge at E-41, vicinity Jalhay (K-760184) and returned to the company area on December 21. The Light Equipage Platoon was reloaded with basic equipment and vehicles remained in the state to the end of the period.
Original Unit: Designation: 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company; Date of Organization: May 15, 1942; Place of Organization: Camp Gordon, Georgia; Authority of Organization: General Order #15, Hq Eastern Defense Command and First Army, dated May 15, 1942. Sources from which original personnel were obtained. Changes in Organization: Company attache to 1111-ECG at the beginning of the period. Company relieved from attachment to 1111th ECG and attached to 1106th ECG, January 4, 1945, per par e, & 2 e, Engineer Operations Memo. N° 88 Hq VII Corps, dated January 4, 1945.
Strength – Commissioned. Officer strength at beginning of the period: Francis M. Carson, Capt, (0-1100043) Company Commander; Gilbert F. Moore, Lt, (0-446357) Executive Officer; Howard D. May, Lt (0-1110097) Platoon Commander; John A. McDonald, Lt (0-1115692) Platoon Commander; Randal Holden, Lt (0-1114169) Platoon Commander, and William H. Meier, Lt (0-1592436) Supply Officer. No Change during Period.
Strength – Enlisted. Beginning of the period – 202; Increase during the period -X. T/4 Lemmo James (32644748) Assigned to this organization per par 10, SO 20 Hq. 3rd Replacement Depot January 20, 1945; Pvt John A. Shannon (33416724) Assigned to this organization per par 33 SO 18 Hq. 3rd Replacement Depot Jan 19, 1945, and Pvt Bernard I. Stumborg (37613879) Assigned to this organization per par 37 SO 18 Hq. 3rd Replacement Depot Jan 17, 1945.
Decrease During the Period. S/Sgt James H. Krothe (6947066) Placed on TD with Reception Station N° 2, Fort Dix, New Jersey for 30 days rest and recuperation per par 1, SO 4 Hq XVIII Corps (Airborne) AOP 109, US Army January 7, 1945; Pvt George L. Mc Nealy (36517988) Lost to Hospital as non-battle Casualty January 21, 1945; Pcf William E. Bettis (13019408) Placed on TD with Reception Station, Fort Meade, Maryland, for 10 days rest and recuperation per SO 12, Hq VII Corps, APO 307, US Army January 27, 1945; Pvt Sigmund Czelusniak (20517515) Paced on TD with Reception Station, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, for 10 days rest and recuperation, per SO 12, Hq VII Corps, APO 307, US Army January 27, 1945; Pfc James R. Mitroff (13010519); Pfc Warren S. Sekkford (13006055) and Pvt Alfred Veneziale (13026508). Note: Above 3 Enlisted Men on TD Reception Station, Fort Dix, New Jersey, for 10 days rest and recuperation, per SO 12, Hq VII Corps, APO 307, US Army January 27, 1945. Pvt John F. Neve (39680392) Lost to Hospital as non-battle Casualty January 29, 1945. Net Loss – 5: Enlisted Strength present for duty at end of Period – 197.
Stations: At the beginning of Period, unit stationed in a Chateau at K-344142 vicinity Nandrin, Belgium. On January 11, 1945, the company moved to K-4404 Hamoir, Belgium. On January 15, 1945, the company moved to K-487023 Ferrières, Belgium.
On January 5, 1945, a 60 Ft. Double Single Bridge was delivered to the 300-ECB by 1st Bridge Platoon and constructed by Baker Co 300-ECB at Xhout-si-Plout P-570914, Belgium. Later on January 5, 1945, a 100 Ft Triple Single Bridge was delivered to the 300-ECB by the 2nd Bridge Platoon to be constructed at P-612910. On January 9, 1945, a 60 Ft Double Single Bridge was dispatched to Baker Co 237-ECB. Construction of this Bridge was delayed until January 19, 1945, when the bridge was put in at P-623747. On January 21, 1945, one load of Infantry Footbridge (216′) was dispatched to the 309-ECB. However, this equipment was not used and was returned on January 23 1945.
On January 24, 1945, following the successful attainment of its objective in the current drive, VII Corps and attached units were withdrawn from the line for a rest period. During this rest period, this unit participated in scheduled review training in the morning, with all personnel free during the afternoon. A review class Bailey Bridge construction was held, including the actual construction of the Bridge. A required training film ‘Germany’ was shown to the company, and daily reveille formations and physical training periods were held. Review classes in use and operation of the Fragmentation MK-2 & MK-2-A1 Hand Grenade and 2’36 Inches Rocket Launcher were held, and extensive work was done on the maintenance of equipment and perfecting more practical methods of loading the Bailey Equipment.
The recreational facilities during this rest period consisted of several movies shown in the local Ferrières. Theater, a visit by the Red Cross Doughnuts Wagon, showers, and passes into Verviers and Huy. During this rest period, on January 27, 1945, a 70′ Triple Single Bridge was loaned to the 237th Engineer Combat Battalion for training purposes.
On January 30, 1945, Second Bridge Platoon picked up a 70′ DS Bridge at Salmchateau (P-698869), and delivered it to Engineer Depot E-47, vicinity Malmedy, on January 31 1945.
Original Unit. Designation: 505th Engineer Light Ponton Company; Date of Organization: May 15, 1942; Place of Organization: Camp Gordon, Georgia; Authority of Organization: General Order #15, Hq. Eastern Defense Command and First Army, dated May 15, 1942; Sources from which original personnel were obtained: Third Reinforcement Depot. Change in Organization – none. Strength, Commissioned.
Officer Strength at Beginning of Period: Capt Francis M. Carson, (0-1100043) Company Commander; Lt Gilbert F. Moore, (0-446357) Executive Officer; Lt Howard D. May (0-1110097) Platoon Commander; Lt John A. McDonald (0-1115692) Platoon Commander; Lt Randal Holden (0-1114169) Platoon Commander and Lt William H. Meier (0-1592436) Supply Officer.
No Change During Period. Strength, Enlisted. Beginning of the period: 196, Absent 8. Increase During the period: 3. Pvt Carlo J. Lacovetti (32644959) Transferred in Grade to this organization from 3rd Reinforcement Depot per par 7, SO 39 Hq. 3rd Reinforcement Depot February 8, 1945. Arrived at 1500: Pvt Leroy M. Franklin (37725787) Soldier transferred in Grade to this organization from 3rd Reinforcement Depot per par 11, SO 53, Hq. 3rd Reinforcement Depot Feb 22, 1945, and Pvt George L. Mc Nealy (36517988) Assigned to this organization from 3rd Reinforcement Depot Jan 24, 1945, arrived Feb 2, 1945, at 1630.
Decreasing During the period. Pvt Leonard J. Klinghoffer (33601370) Transferred in Grade to 83-ID per SO 15, Hq. 1106-ECG; Pvt Herman Davis (15063856) and Pvt Sexton W. Lotchie (15012476). Note: these 2 Enlisted Men placed on TD with Reception Station, Camp Atterbury, Indiana for 30 days rest and recuperation per par. 2, SO #16, Hq. VII Corps, dated Feb 3, 1945. Left Company at 2200 Feb 6, 1945. Pvt Edward F. Grundowski (13007967) Placed on TD Reception Station Fort Dix, NJ, for 30 days rest and recuperation per par. 2, SO #16, Hq. VII Corps, dated Feb 3, 1945. Left Company at 2200 Feb 6, 1945. Pvt Kastan Leon (31076081) Placed on TD Reception Station Fort Devon, Ma, for 30 days rest and recuperation per par. 2, SO #16, Hq. VII Corps, dated Feb 3, 1945. Left Company at 2200 Feb 6, 1945. Pvt Cecil Perry (36346974) Placed on TD Reception Station Jefferson Barracks, Mi, for 30 days rest and recuperation per par. 2, SO #16, Hq. VII Corps, dated Feb 3, 1945. Left Company at 2200 Feb 6, 1945. Pvt Robert C. Johnson (39413320) Lost to Hospital Feb 27, 1945. Seriously Injured, Battle Casualty, Left foot blown off by Schu Mine. Net Loss – 4. Enlisted Strength at End of Period: 192, Absent 13.
Stations. At the beginning of the period unit stationed at Ferrières K-487023, Belgium. On Feb 4, 1945, the company moved by a motor march to Eschweiler K-964475, Germany. On Feb 28, 1945, the company moved by a motor march to Düren K-964475, Germany
At the beginning of the period, the unit was resting, following the successful conclusion of VII Corps participation in the campaign to wipe out the gains made by the enemy in their counter-attack of Dec 16, 1944, in Belgium. During this period the company underwent training in Bailey Bridge Construction, Mines and Booby Traps, and several other minor subjects. Recreation facilities such as movies, USO Shows and passes were provided.
On Feb 4, 1945, the rest period was terminated, and the organization moved in a company motor march to Eschweiler, Germany, arriving at about 2000. On Feb 6, 1945, 216′ of Infantry Footbridge was dispatched to the 329-ECB (104-ID) to be used for training in preparation for the forthcoming Roer River Operation. The following day, Feb 7, 6 Infantry Support Rafts were delivered to the 329-ECB for the same purpose, and on Feb 8, 6 more rafts went to the 329-ECB for training likewise. On Feb 7, 1945, 130′ of DB Bridge was delivered to Baker Co 238-ECB and constructed just off the main road from Weisweiler to Düren, over the railroad on a side road to Mariaweiller.
On Feb 8, 1945, 432′ of Infantry Footbridge were delivered to the 329-ECB and one Power Utility Boat and operator (Pvt Winter) went to the 238-ECB. Also on Feb 8, 1945, 49 Enlisted Men and one Officer from the 988th Treadway Bridge Company were attached to the unit for rations and billets. On Feb 9, 1945, one 150′ DS Bridge was delivered to Able Co 49-ECB and constructed on the Autobahn Highway (Actual A-4) just outside Weisweiler. On Feb 11, 1945, 20 M-2 Assault Boats were delivered to the 329-ECB.
On Feb 11, 1945, 14 men of the 23-ECB were attached to the company for rations and billeting. 26 more M-2 Assault Boats were delivered to the 237-ECB.
On Feb 13, 1945, an additional 168′ of Infantry Footbridge were delivered to the 329-ECB. This additional bridge has been drawn from the Army Engineer Dump to supplement the equipment prepared for the Roer River crossing. On Feb 14, 1945, a 160′ DS Bridge was delivered to the 238-ECB and a 110′ TS Bridge was delivered to the 49-ECB. Both bridges were constructed on the Autobahn Highway (Actual A-4) between Weisweiler and the Roer River. Late in the afternoon of that day, a third bridge, also 110′ TS was delivered to the 49-ECB and likewise constructed on the Autobahn Highway near the two bridges mentioned above.
On Feb 16, 1945, equipment was specially pre-loaded for a 140′ DS Dual Carriage Bridge to be built by Able Co 238-ECB over the Roer River at Hoven. The equipment was all loaded on the trucks since it was expected that difficulty would be encountered in backing trailers down the approach to the site.