That really hurt. Thus was born the 81st, without fanfare, but with quiet purpose. Unit History of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II Paperback August 10, 2016 by Walt Cross (Author) 2 ratings See all formats and editions Paperback $24.95 2 Used from $32.51 9 New from $24.95 This is the unit history of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II. COAT OF ARMS SHIELD:Per bend or and azure, in chief a volcano peak sable errupting smoke throughout proper, in base a mullet argent. Company D moved out on August 12, attached to their old friends the 175th Infantry, 29th Division. This created a gigantic task on the part of the officers and non-coms to train and condition these men and fit them into the organization; a job accomplished in a minimum of time through the untiring efforts and wholehearted cooperation of the men. Millions of people jammed the sidewalks and crowded towards the vehicles. Web81st chemical mortar battalion. WebABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 Many times the companies "sweated out" the mess trucks, but in most instances, the "chow" came through.

There was nothing left for the Germans to do except surrender or die. The monuments are now emplaced in a Memorial Park at Leonard Wood near It was nearly three hours later when the company landed on the Easy Red sector of Omaha Beach beside the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry. The members of the unit were sorry to see so many of their friends leave, and the men concerned hated to go, but it was a necessary action. [1] Chemical mortar battalions [ The "rat race" was on, and was gaining momentum every day. This company left Caumont on July 22 and took up positions at Courmolain, attached to the 50th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division, where it fired several missions in the vicinity of La Vacqurie and burned down the town of Bieville, an enemy strong point. The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized), later designated the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was activated on April 24, 1942, as one of the small specialized groups being raised quickly to fill gaps in the burgeoning U.S. Army. Both the OP party and the communications section suffered casualties that day. About 500 men from the land of turnip greens and cornbread were assigned to the battalion without any previous basic training. In late April, the battalion took part in mop-up operations in Austria. The trip was a long one, taking in all 11 days. After the infantry had broken through the beach defenses, the platoons took up positions by a tank trap in a field about 500 yards in from the beach. On July 1, D Company was relieved from attachment to the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Division, XIX Corps, and left La Fotelaie. The battalion left Ger on the 20th of August, following this spearhead of the Third Army, and assembled at Le Ferriere Bechet, near Sees, preparatory to committing the companies to the southern part of the trap. On this occasion the battalion took up prepared positions the night before and at dawn all mortars in the battalion fired what was then considered an enormous number of rounds of WP and FS; even the now-forgotten Livens projectors were fired. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.. In the sector where C and D Companies were located, firing continued almost unabated as the 29th Division slammed itself into the cement and steel of the German defense line. PVT George M Baumgartner 1 Apr 1911 6 Jun 1944. This one was a German, but had sense enough to surrender without a fight. worldwartwoveterans@gmail.com. A little later that night an enemy tank attempted to penetrate the mortar bivouac area, but was engaged and driven off by the TDs. The nearest ships to the Capetown Castle in the convoy were the Empress of Australia and Monarch of Bermuda. B Company moved forward almost every day from the 26th of July to the 5th of August, sometimes two or three times a day. While on the road moving up, B Company's column was shelled by German artillery, but most of the rounds fell short, driving several of the enemy out of hiding and forcing the company to dismount for a time and act as infantry. S. ARMY 81ST CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION - The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) was constituted March 12, 1942 as an inactive unit and made active at Fort D. A. Russell, Texas on April 25, 1942 under the command of Lt Col Thoms James. Lt Costello later received the Silver Star for his gallantry. The history was edited, annotated, and illustrated by Master Sergeant Walt Cross, U.S. Army Retired. Following a brief rest, the entire battalion took part in the Allies race to Paris. The rumors flew wide and free from every latrine in the area, especially after a showdown inspection in which all equipment was brought up to combat strength and serviceability, but "we cooled off" for a while. C Company moved through Colleville-sur-Mer and St. Honorine des Pertes, still supporting the 1st Division. WebThis booklet is dedicated to the forty-one officers and men of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar Battalion who made the supreme sacrifice. It was at Camp Pickett that the battalion fired its first rounds of HE and everyone was more than pleased with the wallop it packed. This booklet is dedicated to the forty-one officers and men of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar Battalion who made the supreme sacrifice. C Company alone pumped out 3,195 rounds in 14 hours and Company A fired more than 500 rounds. Back to the Chemical Corps. Of necessity the boat teams were landed in water up to their waists, and the precaution that had been taken to attach inflated life belts to the carts proved a wise one. Part of the battalion had an opportunity to see the havoc of the blitz in Liverpool. The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized), later designated the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was activated on April 24, 1942, as one of the small specialized groups being raised quickly to fill gaps in the burgeoning U.S. Army. HistoryNet.com is brought to you by HistoryNet LLC, the worlds largest publisher of history magazines. Closed Sunday and Monday, The museum is located at across the street from Carrabelle Beach. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. During this engagement, the popular Lt Mann was killed, Roach and Jones captured, and Harris luckily managed to escape. By the 1930s, after modifying the bore, improving the two-legged support and the recoil mechanism, and producing barrels made of seamless nickel steel, the M1A1 model was capable of sending shells 2,400 yards (2,195 m) By 1942, after authorization had been sought and granted to use high-explosive shells, the new M2 model was produced with a stronger barrel. Hundreds upon hundreds of enemy tanks, half-tracks, and wagons were burned out or abandoned. Soon after, the battalion was alerted for departure from Texas for participation in Louisiana maneuvers. Trips to Tallahassee, beach parties, and other extra-curricular activities took the curse off this particular period, but no one was sorry when orders came to leave the place that Winchell had dubbed The Alcatraz of the Army. Every man that came through that training will admit, however, that he was in better physical shape for it. Several days after this mission, the squad leaders and non-coms visited the target areas where they found several hundred rounds of German mortar ammunition burned by WP shells, and two houses burned down. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the regimental OP group and on a field artillery battalion coming from the beach. PVT George M Baumgartner 1 Apr 1911 6 Jun 1944. The 4th Division, to which A Company was attached, was facing a comparatively weak section of the Siegfried Line only two kilometers in depth. WebThe 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) was activated by GO #22, 25 April 1942, Hq Fort D.A. Amphibious Maneuvers at Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida. The targets were enemy troops which were dispersed. The enemy had direct observation on these positions and subjected the company to a severe shelling. Lt Marshall, platoon leader, 1st platoon, took over command.

D Company remained in position near Cormolain until July 29, in support of the 50th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Division. Thanks to deep foxholes and overhead cover the casualties were few. D Company set up its mortars in Le Bourget, where snipers were still active. Equipment and training aids were scarce and inadequate in those days, but American ingenuity at improvising when equipment was lacking paid dividends. After Metz fell, Company A moved into the Saar Basin. The sight of new units passing on the road gave everyone a sense of exhilaration. In late April, the battalion took part in mop-up operations in Austria. During the Allied invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943 - the first time the mortar was used in wartime - 35,000 rounds were fired in 38 days, of which more than 90% were high explosive. B Company moved into an assembly area on July 31, in which it came under one of the heaviest enemy shellings since D-Day, for while moving out of the area a very heavy concentration was laid in. The forward CP group, consisting of the battalion commander, S-2 and S-3 sections, had been moving with the V Corps CP. On the 16th of September, Major Jack W. Lipphardt, who had assumed command of the battalion on D-Day when Lt Col Thomas H. James had been seriously wounded and evacuated, received his promotion to Lt Col by orders from First Army. B Company, attached to the 29th Division, fired a highly successful smoke mission on June 20, west of Couvains, to cover the withdrawal of friendly tanks. The town was literally pulverized and still burning.

One man could see his home from Camp Shanks. On the afternoon of June 5, one by one the craft slipped out from Weymouth harbor to assemble with similar groups somewhere in the Channel. He had taken a stand behind a building and the Germans had apparently used tanks in destroying the building. WWII Commands: 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, DESIGNATION: Company A, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion. From this hill, the enemy had excellent observation and pounded the troops facing them incessantly with artillery and mortars. On D plus 3 the company was detached from the 16th Infantry, 1st Division, and attached to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Division. Print.. Motto: Equal To The Task Lt Watts then assumed command of the company.

In clearing the enemy from the beachhead, the companies expended a total of 6,807 rounds of ammunition. Although the target was at too close a range to hit, it is believed that these were the first rounds the battalion fired on the continent of Europe. While attached to the 10th Infantry, 5th Division, on July 30, the company silenced a machine gun near Coutu and helped to break up an enemy counterattack, which was severely punishing and driving back our infantry. 81st chemical mortar battalion. Print.. Motto: Equal To The Task After a hard struggle, the equipment was rescued and the company remained on the beach the entire morning, subjected to devastating machine gun fire which made it impossible to move. Many strange things happened to the companies during their first few days in Germany. We finally had our guns! The WP had a terrific effect on the morale of the troops, causing them to evacuate the town. D Company had an opportunity to learn the effect of its firing firsthand on June 17. No support was obtainable from the artillery on this operation because of the nature of the terrain. On April 2, 1943, the first contingent of the battalion left Fort D.A. Company A received some artillery fire when it came on to a hill overlooking the forest, but pulled back quickly a few hundred yards to a defensive position from which it fired harassing fire on a crossroad. The mortars, due to their relatively small size, were able to fire high explosive shells from concealed positions, such as natural escarpments on hillsides, or from woods. While standing in line for breakfast, the men were strafed by enemy aircraft. Steady streams of POWs could be seen coming in, but resistance was still fierce. Page of 2. Although M6 propellant was critical, the companies were kept well supplied. Whether they produced battlefield images of the dead or daguerreotype portraits of common soldiers, []. The party managed to get out of town, firing as they did so, definitely killing one German and wounding several others, but encountered two enemy tanks blocking the road at a sharp curve. During the rapid advance across France, the army supply services performed as brilliantly as the combat troops, doing three months work in one. Company A also was attached to the 175th on August 12. I, Bull. The following day, it fired onto the shore of the Danube in support of an infantry crossing. Forces through Paris, although the 4th Division, with A and B Companies attached, had preceded them by two days. Its advantages over the old mortar methods were soon proven in combat. The Paisano Hotel, the Marfa Joy, the Crewes and Jimmy's Place will strike a familiar, pleasant note to all who experience their hospitality. Panas then moved the company to a firing position on the bluffs above the beach. Nightly schedules of harassing fire were almost a certainty for A Company during this period. In order to find a position from which to adequately support the infantry, the reconnaissance party, consisting of an officer and two men, had to travel along four miles of secondary roads over which no American troops had passed and no mines had been cleared.

By September 11, Luxembourg had been liberated and the German frontier crossed. So near and yet so far! It is believed the history is concise, yet shows the battalion to have lived up to its motto, "Equal To The Task.". The rifled barrel gave the mortar remarkable accuracy; fire was often called on targets within fifty yards of friendly positions. Near Rossingnel, on September 9, the company fired on an enemy troop column, inflicting many casualties and causing it to take off for the woods. There was no let-up in enemy resistance and on two occasions the company narrowly missed having numerous casualties. Originally published in the October 2006 issue of World War II. A military band from the airfield nearby serenaded the train as it left the station. The beach was a tableau of chaos.

Skip past search results. Search for: Follow Us. WebIn 1935, the War Department stopped all production of the weapon and later designated. Skip past search results. Bill Kaminsky jumped into what he believed to be a foxhole, but which turned out to be a straddle trench, much to his discomfort. (2) The Frankel, Braswell, Christiansen, and Gibbs groupings (1941 to 1945) of the 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) collection, found in the U.S. Army Chemical School historical archives, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, are the sources of this article. 73 WAR DEPARTMENT Washington 25, D.C. September 1944. These were retaken after a short battle. To give a thorough account of the accomplishments of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized), later designated the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was activated on April 24, 1942, as one of the small specialized groups being raised quickly to fill gaps in the burgeoning U.S. Army. Carrabelle, FL 32322, P.O. The attack was a great success and a series of short, hard-won advances followed. In the accomplishment of this mission, the 81st Chemical Battalion landed at H 60 minutes on D-Day, at which time the beach and harbors were under incessant machine gun, artillery, rocket, and mortar fire from the enemy. the smaller 81mm mortar as standard issue for chemical battalions. WebIn 1935, the War Department stopped all production of the weapon and later designated. C Company changed positions three times after the initial landing on Easy Green. The people stood in sullen little groups, staring, while an occasional unguarded child waved. A general idea as to the difficulties encountered due to lack of training equipment can be had when one considers that for a long period of time the battalion's ammunition dump contained exactly 25 rounds of FS for training purposes. It was attacked and breached on September 14 with the 4.2s of A Company giving close support from the town of Buchet. HistoryNet.com contains daily features, photo galleries and over 25,000 articles originally published in our nine magazines. Both jeeps had to be abandoned, but several Germans were killed and wounded in the fight. The mortars were transported in 3/4 ton trucks or on hand carts, in island engagements in the Pacific by boat, and in difficult terrain by mule. 34 memorials. Another attempt was made at 1000 hours, and still another at 1200 hours, the latter being met by machine gun fire as it reached the beach. Later on, the battalion, attached to the 28th Division, engaged in the practice assault on the "Solomon Islands" in Chesapeake Bay. Here the company dug in for the night and concealed its equipment. Sgt Raymond Nicoli, T/R Felice Savino, Pvt McLaren, and Pvt Benton L. Porter were wounded while rescuing this equipment and refused medical aid until this was accomplished. John D. Clancy was appointed Warrant Officer Junior Grade, filling a vacancy which had existed since CWO Bundy had been appointed second lieutenant. These variations were caused by the stresses and strains on the barrels and the rest of firing mechanisms that were being imposed by different firing conditions.

Much credit is due to the service troops of this organization who traveled miles over stretched supply lines to bring up vital rations, ammunition, and mortar parts during this period. Served in the Army of Occupation of Germany fromMay 2 August 14, 1945. WebABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 In early September, Companies A and B were attached to the 4th Division. As the boats were running along parallel to the beach, about 1,000 yards offshore, two of the LCVPs were hit and disabled by artillery. On October 20, 1943, the battalion embarked on the Capetown Castle, a British ship formerly used on the South African run. For this reason they were also called the "Four-deucers". The 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) was activated by GO #22, 25 April 1942, Hq Fort D.A. Lt Weaver and Cpl Aaronson brought wounded dough boys in under cover during this barrage. For many members of the battalion this was the first experience with sea travel, and as a result, a few cases of mal-de-mer were experienced. The Vire River was crossed. The long hard pulls, and hand-carrying the mortars up those steep mountains, taxed the energy of everybody, but a different method of moving equipment was learned. U. S. ARMY81STCHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALIONThe 81st Chemical Battalion (Motorized) was constitutedMarch 12, 1942 as an inactive unit and made active at Fort D. A. Russell, Texas onApril 25,1942 under the command of Lt ColThomsJames. Originally published in the October 2006 issue ofWorld War II. Email. The battalion departed from this station on June 9-10, 1943. The history was edited, annotated, and illustrated by Master Sergeant Walt Cross, U.S. Army Retired. All during this period, the Germans shelled in an effort to find the mortars that were raising so much havoc with them. Company A supported the Tough Hombres of the 90th Division as they attacked the city from the north. By the 20th of August, General Patton's Third Army had broken through the German defense line of southern Normandy, near Avranches. The mortar was called the "grass-cutter" by German troops because its high explosive shell exploded and fragmented just a few inches above ground level. Company C's mortar march continued, passing just south of Sedan, entering Belgium on the 8th of September. What a decision to rest on the shoulders of one man! How prophetic those words were will be proven in the pages to follow. After leaving the marshaling areas, the battalion commander had no further contact with any of his companies until the landing on bloody Omaha Beach on D-Day. These same mortars, using high-explosive shells, came to be acknowledged by U.S. Army commanders and personnel as being one of the most effective means of quickly striking at stationary targets, such as machine gun nests, prepared strongpoints, pillboxes and even German artillery positions. The 81mm was an excellent light weapon for the infantry, but for the chemical branch it The battalion was further attached to the 1st Infantry Division on April 20, 1944. Page of 2. It arrived at Gomelange near the Neisse River on November 24. WebABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 To Lt. Bundy (then M/Sgt) goes the credit for devising that phrase. The battalion also had its first taste of the infiltration course at this time. One of the most outstanding missions was completed on September 16 when the company burned down the town of Roscheid, for many days a strong point and supply base for the enemy. Sort By. Those were the last rounds fired from Company As 4.2- inch mortars during the war. After a period of nervous waiting, the HE exploded with one terrific roar, completely demolishing the truck. This company fired its first rounds on D plus 2 at enemy positions near Fosser Sancy. Russell for Leesville, Louisiana, and on the following day the rest of the battalion followed. This country was in sharp contrast to the northern plain of France on which the company had been traveling. In one harassing mission, Company A was given credit with wiping out half a company of enemy infantry located in a road cut. The Stokes mortar could fire twenty shells per minute and had a range of 1,100 yards (1,006 m) and in this way was capable of overwhelming enemy trenches. Between June and October small groups were assigned until October 17 when Mississippi descended on us. It was difficult to get used to wearing life belts at all times. It was later learned, after the voyage was over, that the U.S.S.

Counterattacks were heavy, fierce, and numerous in the sectors of all companies between the date of June 14 and July 26. The battalion departed from this station on June 9-10, 1943. Elements of the 29th Division attached St. Marguerite d'Elle on June 12, with preparation fires from B Company in conjunction with the artillery. From September 2 until September 5, Company A remained in the vicinity of Mesnil St. Laurent and Neuvil St. Armand. Following a brief rest, the entire battalion took part in the Allies race to Paris. After the long road marches with little firing, targets were now plentiful. Join Our Newsletter. Heavy seas had caused much of the companys equipment to sink to the bottom of the English Channel, though a handful of intrepid soldiers had done what they could to recover some of it. The companies pulled out of the line, feeling a bit guilty about leaving those battered dough boys still in there, and proceeded to the battalion assembly area near Bastogne. Cemetery Visibility: Public. The battalion was attached to the 28th Division for administrative purposes during its stay there. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Carrabelle FL. The next morning reconnaissance units reported only dead Germans remaining. On June 18 and June 19, after many days of shuttling and hand-hauling, the companies received the remainder of their vehicles with great cheer. Another time a group of Germans came out of another pillbox and surrendered to a sergeant. Musical instruments soon appeared and close harmony on the deck at night was customary. The enemy resistance, while still light, had managed to slow the speed of the advance to 10 or 15 miles a day. machine gun, and in intensive mortar shoots at Exmoor range in North Devon and at Canford Heath near Poole. Cpl Morrison received shrapnel wounds during this period, which later led to his death. A series of enemy strong points consisting of a road block, a fortified house, and heavy machine guns south of the town were holding up the advance of the 175th Infantry, 29th Division. The Chemical Warfare Service: Chemicals in Combat. The foggy weather gave birth to the famous story that England was kept afloat by barrage balloons, but the blackouts seemed to enhance sociability rather than kill it. During this time, the unit was re-equipped with all its organizational equipment and was kept in shape by a varied program of exercises and many hikes to nearby Cannock Chase. Crap games started everywhere. On September 16, the enemy was still being engaged by our infantry in the woods a few hundred yards from B Company's position. Russell for duty. Russell, Texas, pursuant to GO #39, 14 April 1942, Hq Third Army, San Antonio, Texas, and War Department letter, 25 March 1942. The death of these men, all well liked in the company, was a great loss. Many men were hit and PFC Kelly later died of wounds received at this time. The companies were again relieved from the front line on August 16 and 17 and the battalion assembled in the vicinity of Ger. The men also had a chance to view our allies, for here, jammed upon the main north to south highway, was armor and equipment belonging not only to the U.S. Army but to the British, French, Canadians, Poles and even the Free Dutch. The date the unit entered Germany is unknown. C Company bivouacked in an abandoned race track and many of the men were allowed to spend the evening in the city. It was good to see the old battlewagon, the Texas, and off on the horizon various cruisers, destroyers, and destroyer escorts. To D Company, the name "88 alley" has a particular significance.

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Company c 's mortar march continued, passing just South of Sedan, entering Belgium on the at... First taste of the battalion traveled some 180 miles to reach these positions and subjected the.! Laurent and Neuvil St. Armand forming for counterattacks: 81st Chemical battalion ( Motorized ) was by..., D.C. September 1944 the casualties were few and later designated entering Belgium on the road gave everyone sense! The Task lt Watts then assumed command of the infiltration course at this time taken. Command of the battalion had an opportunity to see the havoc of the weapon and later designated surrender a... Wounded in the Allies race to Paris and Monday, the he exploded with one roar! The Company had an opportunity to see the havoc of the Chief of history. Rounds of ammunition is dedicated to the forty-one officers and men of 29th... Old friends the 175th infantry, 29th Division attached St. Marguerite d'Elle on June 9-10, 1943 the! This period dug in for the Germans shelled in an abandoned race track and of!

The development and capabilities of the chemical mortar, http://www.olive-drab.com/od_infweapons_mortars_heavy.php, http://www.100thww2.org/support/cm/cmorg.html, http://www.history.army.mil/reference/normandy/TS/CWS/CWS12.htm, U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System, Unethical human experimentation in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chemical_mortar_battalion&oldid=1145042767, Chemical battalions of the United States Army, Short description with empty Wikidata description, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. HE, used to blast strong points and enemy personnel, did a magnificent job in keeping the enemy from forming for counterattacks. The great attack on Hill 192, the gateway to St. Few will forget the obstacle course; but then also memorable were the swimming parties at Balmorhea and the company beer parties. Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, 1966. This ended the battalions first 60 days operation against the enemy and comprised the first formal rest period it had enjoyed since D-Day. On this date, the assault echelon was broken up and attached to two combat teams the 16th and 116th. The danger of submarine attack was ever present, but it did not hinder one bit the harmony sessions, crap games, pseudo-rumors, and high morale. A German AT gun opened up, hit a jeep, then turned on the 2 1/2 ton ammo truck and slammed an AP shell through the motor. Battleships and cruisers fired salvos into the Nazi defenses, destroyers steamed offshore battling 88s emplaced solidly in the bluff, while smaller vessels sprayed the beach defenses with rockets. Major Johnson (then Captain), being the senior officer ashore, took command of the assault echelon until the rear echelon arrived. To give a thorough account of the accomplishments of the Eighty-First Chemical Mortar By June 10 the town of Trevieres was finally cleared, after being subjected to a heavy shelling by this company. Thus was born the 81st, without fanfare, but with quiet purpose. The companies landed in the following order: Companies A & D: H plus 50 minutes Company B: H plus 90 minutes Company C: H plus 9 hours. These men were justly awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for their bravery. The preceding wave of infantry was lying only a few yards from the water, pinned down by the fire raking the beach. During the first few days of August, D Company moved on to Le Breui, and thence on to Le Perron, near Torigny-sur-Vire, where it was attached to the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division. The battalion traveled some 180 miles to reach these positions. The battalion (less Company D) was alerted for overseas shipment on September 30, 1943, and at once plunged into the feverish activity of its P.O.M. D Company also celebrated the Fourth of July by knocking out an entire platoon of German mortars.

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