May 21, 1943
The 301st Ordnance MM Co. was activated officially on this date in accordance with letter orders #A-247, AG 322-06-21 (GNMBF) Hqs. 2nd Army. The activation took place at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Captain George S. Jones and sixteen enlisted men cadre were transferred from Trinidad Sector and Base Command. Captain Jones assumed formal command of the unit on May 21, 1943. The strength of the company at this time was two officers and sixteen enlisted men. Ist Lt. Norman B. Carr was the second officer and served as executive. The officers and men were well trained and informed. The fillers for the company were to come from Fort Custer, Michigan.
The "fillers" at Fort Custer, Michigan. Clarence is standing second from right.
Until the fillers arrived, the officers and cadre went through a period of rigid physical training and orientation. Some of the cadre were sent off to Ordnance schools to learn of new developments and techniques in the Ordnance field. This training and studying took place up to the very day the fillers arrived.
July 3, 1943
The fillers arrived at Fort Jackson and were assigned to the unit. Captain Carr, made captain a few days before taking command (date unknown) and who had taken command of the unit upon orders dated 29 May 1943, gave the men a short talk and orientation. The men were signed to barracks and issuing of equipment was taken care of. A letter was received on the 17 May 1943 informing the company commander that three 2nd Lt. would be sent from the officers replacement pool at Aberdeen Proving Grounds at the earliest practicable date. Two more were promised from a future class of the same school. The men were assigned to squads and platoons for training purposes and not according to the T/O. The required amount of drill, calisthenics, military courtesy and the entire basic training program was carried off without a single difficulty. At the end of the second week of training a visit of inspection was received from Major W. R. Treverton, Ord. Dept. A rating of satisfactory was given for this period.
After basic training the men were immediately started on Technical training. The school quota taken care of, the remainder of the men were assigned to sections with reference to Form 20 stating education, abilities. Technical training was also carried out in the company proper and this instruction was given by the cadre, closely supervised by officer personnel. Ratings were given to the men in accordance with regulations and their abilities. A unit newspaper was born and made a great hit. It was not continued after the company began maintenance operations however, because of the time, labor, and supplies involved.
Basic training, Fort Jackson.
Standing: Broughton and Sturba
Seated back row: McIlrath, Byrne, Kaplan, Dregger
On ground: Young, Smith, Pattingill, Beauprey
The officer personnel as of May 31, 1943 were as follows:
Commanding: Captain Norman B. Carr
2nd Lt. John Bigg
2nd Lt. Jack A. LaRocco
2nd Lt. Arne I. Weimont
The officer personnel as of July 7, 1943 were as follows:
Commanding: Captain Norman B. Carr
Executive: 1st Lt. John Bigg
2nd Lt. Jack A. LaRocco
2nd Lt. Arne I. Weimont
2nd Lt. Franklin B. Baldwin
2nd Lt. Guy A. Hutchuson
2nd Lt. Charles R. Tanguy
On July 20, 1943 the company was given its M.T.P. test with a resultant rating of very satisfactory. On August 10, 1943 the unit was released from Hq. & Hq. Detachment 184th Ord. Bn. and attached to Hq. & Hq. Detachment 193rd Ord. Bn.
M.T.P. TEST – July 20, 1943
The test was given by Capt. James R. Hooper, Ord. Dept. This test included all the subjects prescribed by the War Department for M.T.P. tests of ordnance units. The company was divided into two arbitrary platoons and although each platoon was not tested on every subject, an accurate cross-section was obtained. The result indicated the satisfactory completion of M.T.P training for out company.
--Note of Interest: Nov. 18, 1943—
The 301st and 142nd Ord. MM Co. were joint hosts at a combination dance and party held at a service club in a divisional area at Fort Jackson, S.C. Girls from nearby Columbia, S.C. attended and light refreshments were served. The event which began at
(Amusing Incident: Dec. 1943, Maint. Work for 4th Infantry Division)
During Capt. Norman B. Carr’s period of command, an order was received for a Saturday morning song-fest to take place weekly. Being as it usually took place immediately following the rigid Saturday morning inspection, gig lists were posted and everyone was in a very happy (?) frame of mind. It can well be imagined the somber countenances of the group of men dutifully singing “Tipperary” or “Beer Barrel Polka”. The lack of enthusiasm prevalent soon dispensed with this weekly chore and more practical use of the time was made.
On Jan. 6, 1944 the unit accomplished the required 25 mile march. The unit left Fort Jackson at 0830 and traveled 12 ½ miles out over roads, some paved and hilly, some sandy, and returned over a similarly terrained route of 12 ½ miles. The morale of the troops, considered with prevailing conditions, was very good. The weather was very hot and the air was dusty. The percentage of personnel completing the march were as follows:
E.M. Officers W.O.
43% 67% 100%
Just at the beginning of our maintenance operations the unit gave 4th echelon maintenance service to the 78th Division while they were in the XII Corps, maneuver area from Nov. 15, 1943 to Dec. 7, 1943. A commendation received dated 10 Dec. 1943 commended the organization for tireless efforts of the men, which enabled the entire division to go through the maneuver period without a single vehicle being placed on the Automotive Disability Report. The commendation was received through channels from Major-General E. P. Parker Jr., U.S. Army. Attached to the same commendation was a commendation from the units 12 Det. Commander, Lt. Col. Wm. R. Hamby.
Maintenance
Jan. 29, 1944
Capt. Norman B. Carr was relieved from assignment and duty.
Capt. Carl E. Kolda was assigned to and assumed command of the company.
During the month of January, 1944 the unit lost two second Lts. by transfer: 2nd Lt. Arne I. Weimont and 2nd Lt. Charles R. Tanguy. No further losses were had until 3 months later in May when 2nd Lt. Clemann was transferred.
On February 28, 1944 the company proceeded to the Tennessee maneuver area, A.P.O. 402, Nashville, Tenn. to be attached to the 335th Ord. Bn. The company spent a period of approximately five weeks in the maneuver area, during which the various sections put forth a great amount of maintenance work, especially the automotive section which put in much time and labor on an actual production line. Many fine points were brought out during operations and also improvements.
Contact and Inspection crews were sent out as prescribed and the men were familiarized with the procedure on these teams. The 26th Infantry Division was the unit our company serviced and this division made a name for itself later on in the E.T.O. (Also the 106th Inf. Division, Bastogne Bulge.)
Following the maneuver termination the 301st was transferred from A.P.O. 402, Nashville, Tenn. to Camp Forrest, Tenn. Hq. 151st. Ord. Bn. on March 26th, 1944. At this station the men were detailed out to shops, motor pools, R.F.I. pools, etc. to assist in the job of a depot company to clear the post of “Maneuver used” equipment.
After this work was completed, the company proceeded by convoy to Camp Mackall, North Carolina on April 10, 1944 to make a combat service-ability inspection of Ordnance Material of the 517th Parachute Infantry Regt. and the attached artillery units. While stationed at Camp Mackall the 301st was directly under Army.
Army convoy
A commendation dated May 1, 1944 was received from Hdqtrs. 517th Parachute Infantry, Office of the Regimental Commander.
SUBJECT: Commendation
TO: Commanding Officer, 301st Ord. Co.
THRU: Commanding Officer, 12th Det. Sp. Trps.,
2nd Army, Ft. Jackson, S.C.
During the past few weeks the 301st Ordnance Company has been engaged in the repair of ordnance and motor vehicles of the 517th Parachute Infantry Combat Team. In doing this work, which involved long, arduous hours, they displayed not only a great amount of skill, but also a genuine interest and enthusiasm in the accomplishment of their mission. By completing their work within the assigned time, and with such a fine spirit of cooperation, I believe this to be worthy of commendation.
This commendation bore the signature of Lt. Col. R. D. Graws, 517th Parachute Infantry, commanding.
The Commanding Officer of the 301st, Capt. Carl E. Kolda, on a letter to the Ordnance Officer, 2nd Army, dated April 27, 1944 gave a complete summary of actions and accomplishments of the unit during the period at Camp Mackall. Some of the problems and bottlenecks encountered were explained in this letter.
The greatest problem was putting into combat serviceable condition 1338 M-1 Rifles of which Camp Mackall Post Ordnance had declared 95% unserviceable due to the lack of bluing.
This problem was surmounted in the following manner: Arrangements were made to perform Penetrate bluing process at Fort Bragg with 301st Ord. men on a 24 hour schedule. The rifles were gathered at a central point at Camp Mackall, stripped down completely and inspected. The parts found apparently serviceable were forwarded to Fort Bragg for bluing, using a shuttle truck system. Upon return, the barrels were thoroughly cleaned and re-inspected. Pits were found in some that had been hidden before going through the acid process by accumulation of burned powder and lead wastes. The accepted barrels and parts were run through the assembly line and checked. 815 rifles were replaced, checked, and repairs made when necessary before being declared combat serviceable.
Upon using arms, statements were made that the inspected rifles were not operating properly. An inspection team, upon investigation, found that all the malfunctions were due to improper cleaning and lack of knowledge of the weapon. After the proper cleaning, the rifles operated as required.
The critical parts situation was taken care of by arranging to supplement Camp Mackall’s supply with dealing direct with Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson.
Several special trips were made to Augusta arsenal for spare parts and equipment.
An incident took place at Mackall. Our officers gave the men several warnings on the toughness of the paratroopers. But at the same time, the paratroopers’ officers told their men practically the same thing with the result that from both units exuded the acme in politeness and courtesy. Whether it was pre-planned psychology or mere coincidence, it served a purpose nobly.
On May 1, 1944 the company was transferred back to Fort Jackson, South Carolina to the Hq. 336th Ordnance Bn. and shortly thereafter was turned from a Medium to Heavy Maintenance Company. The change was as follows:
From: 301st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company T/O 9-7
To: 301st Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company (Field Army)
T/O 9-9, May 5, 1944
It was not only our outfit that was changed over though. Overseas authorities had been yelling bloody murder for more heavy maintenance units. T/O 9-9 called for a pretty fair change in ratings.
(Serviced 26th Division during this period.)
The company was put on the red alert on June 7, 1944 for preparation for overseas movement. After being in the state of alert until July 4, 1944 the company was removed from the alert for reason that there was a shortage of trained personnel. After removal from the alert the unit continued to lose personnel (trained). The Artillery Section was changed enormously with a required (by T/O) strength of 46 men authorized, while in truth the section actually was composed of only 13 trained men. Later, on Sept. 22, men were sent into the company from the closing A.S.T.P. schools. But that will come later in the story.
The company returned to the usual garrison duties during the 5 July to 20 July, 1944. During this period the 301st gave maintenance service to the 87th Infantry Division which later on took part in the Battle of France. The unit utilized Post Ordnance space and equipment to process the division as quickly and efficiently as possible. The 206th Division also was processed at almost the same time for overseas shipment.
The various sections had the required amount of inspection and contact teams roving among the Divisions inspecting the individual units and spot repairing if possible. Major repairs were referred to the shop for work to be done. Both divisions were successfully processed and completed. Following the processing of these units the 301st Ordnance Company was relieved from attachment to 336th Ord. Bn., Ft Jackson and assigned to the 213th Ord. Bn., Ft. Jackson, S.C., effective on 14 Sept. 1944.
During the month of Sept. 1944 we received 22 A.S.T.P. students to supplement the combined personnel of the company. Although none of them had been trained along the lines needed, they were instructed in various jobs in the company area until they had reached a fair degree of proficiency. Also, some were included in the quota set for Ordnance school training.
On the 22nd of Sept. 1944 the company was relieved from attachment with 213th Ord. Bn. and transferred to Camp Rucker, Alabama for temporary change of station. The unit departed from Fort Jackson at 1030 hours on the 22nd and traveled by rail, a distance of 320 miles as of 2400 hours that same day. Morale was excellent and the weather clear and warm. (240th Army Band led the parade to the train.)
Camp Rucker, Alabama
Arrived at Camp Rucker, Alabama at 0830 hours, Sept. 23, 1944, after traveling by rail the remaining 140 miles in clear and warm weather. The unit was assigned to 341st Ord. Bn. immediately upon arrival at the station. Quarters were found and company began to function immediately. Some difficulty was encountered in removing the unit vehicles from the train because the loading and unloading facilities were almost the reverse of what they had been at Fort Jackson. The largest amount of trouble occurred with the problem of removing the supply vans with tractors from the flat cars upon which they were staked. The problem was solved by using an unloading ramp built off the side of the flat car; this had never been attempted by the men before, but once again, the amazing ingenuity of the men proved itself in an emergency. At station Camp Rucker, the 301st serviced the 66th Infantry Division. As before, the company utilized Post Ordnance facilities to the utmost advantage in accomplishing their mission. Also, a shop was assigned to the unit and all sections, with the exception of Fire Control and Artillery, worked a complete personnel in this area.
While servicing the Division at Rucker during the month of October, the company received 20 fillers from the Flora, Mississippi Ordnance Depot to fill out the T/O. The majority of the new men were badly needed artillery mechanics. Also, there were machinists, small arms men, and instrument men to substantiate the various sections according to T/O 9-9.
November 1, 1944 the company again was put on the red alert for overseas movement, and on the 9th of November 1944 proceeded back to Fort Jackson via rail for processing. The company was relieved from attachment to the 341st Ordnance Bn. at Camp Rucker, Alabama and departed at 1000 hours with an excellent morale. The weather was clear and warm and a progress of 250 miles was made on the first day of journey. Arriving at home station Fort Jackson at 0900 hours the following day, Nov. 10, the unit still remained with an excellent morale. The weather had continued clear and warm and a remaining distance of 155 miles was covered without mishap.
Army on the move by rail.
Upon arriving at Fort Jackson, the company was once more attached to the 213th Ordnance Bn.
The unit immediately began to go through processing for overseas shipment. Vehicles were given thorough echelon maintenance and men began initial preliminaries such as check correctness of dog tags. They also were issued the newly adopted combat-cargo pack. On an experimental 3 ½ mile trek over paved roads on a very humid day, the conclusion was drawn that the new type packs were somewhat heavier than the old type. Range firing was resumed and the men were 100% qualified. The unit is armed with the following weapons:
37 ’03 Rifles 8 Grenade launchers
148 Carbines 5 Bazookas
5 Submachine guns, .45 cal. 5 Machine guns, .50 cal.
Headquarters personnel rolled up their sleeves and went to work on the tedious task of bringing the entire personnel’s records to date. The P.O.M. physical examination was completed and the unit began packing equipment in anticipation of overseas movement. The ‘ready’ date was designated as the 15th of December and everything was supposed to be able to be moved instantly upon receipt of orders. Difficulties were few. One of the minor details was the fact that only a limited supply of sealing wax could be obtained. Only enough for the first phase of packing could be obtained. This was overcome by using a certain type of cosmoline and it worked fine.
All metal equipment was given a light film of protecting oil and wrapped in water-proofed paper, following which they were sealed by dipping in wax or cosmoline solutions. Intensive training meanwhile took place and men were enthusiastic. Morales were excellent. Clothing and equipment was checked and the necessary replacements made.
Opinions were mixed in regards to the new type of combat boots we were issued at this time; but the majority of men liked them.
Finally on Dec. 26, 1944 the 301st Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company (Field Army) was relieved from attachment with the 213th Ord. Bn., Ft. Jackson and Hq. 12 Det. Special Troops, 2nd Army, Ft. Jackson, and departed by rail for a permanent change of station to Camp Shanks, New York. Distance traveled was 250 miles in warm, cloudy weather. The men were in excellent spirits.
On Dec. 27, 1944 the company arrived at Camp Shanks by rail at 2300 hours. The weather had changed to cold and snowing. The morale was still excellent. 550 miles were covered on this leg of the journey. At Camp Shanks, the men underwent another P.O.M. examination and additional shots and boosters.
“Abandon Ship” drills were practiced and model ships were used, slightly smaller than actual size.
Orientations were given to the personnel on the advantages of government insurance. First-aid lectures, gas mask drills, etc., were once more undergone. A nine mile hike was completed by the company also.
On the 5th of February the company proceeded from Camp Shanks, New York at 0940 hours. On the 16th we arrived at Liverpool, England and proceeded by rail to Warminster, England where we were to be considered in a sort of a staging area. Arrived on the 18th and were billeted. T/O complete.
While at this station, the men were given a very interesting talk of orientation from a representative of General Eisenhower. Many excellent suggestions and helpful bits of information were given. The men all agreed they would benefit by this orientation talk.
Also, while at Warminster, the unit gave much assistance in the salvaging of vehicles, especially tanks. The men were divided into crews and worked at various tasks throughout the shops. A crew was set to breaking and baling tank tracks using a diesel powered crane and a smaller caterpillar crane in the process. Another job was the salvage of tanks. One crew from the automotive section went to work, tore them down to the base hull and turned the hulls over to station complement personnel who cut them up for shipping purposes. There were a number of passes to visit Warminster until we left Camp Blornam in England.
On March 4, 1945 at 0250 hours the company again was on the move. First to the train station at Warminster and from there proceeded by rail to Southampton. Arrived at Southampton at 0530 hours and dismounted from the train, walked through the streets of Southampton for about four miles, and proceeded directly to the docks. After about a five hour wait, the company boarded a merchant marine vessel for the trip across the channel. Approx. 22 hours after sailing from Southampton, the ship landed us at Le Havre, France on March 5, 1945. Most of the men upon boarding the ship had immediately gone below and retired for the night. When upon waking in the morning, the coast of France was sighted.
The utter destruction of Le Havre was the first remnant of the great war that the men had seen and everyone stood in awe of the sight. Immediately upon landing at Le Havre the company proceeded by truck to Camp Lucky Strike about 40 miles southwest of Dieppe and just outside of St. Valerie. Camp Lucky Strike, newly erected, was a “tent city” and the tents were five man pyramidals. Our equipment, which had been shipped before us, was picked up by the drivers at Rouen and Le Havre and brought back to Camp Lucky Strike. The unpacking was done and the equipment was completely cleaned up and made ready for use. To keep in good physical condition while awaiting our mission a fast and furious baseball tournament was drawn up and zealously followed. Headquarters section came out on top.
Finally, on April 5, 1945, our moving orders were received and we proceeded to the vicinity of Herzogenrath, Germany, via convoy. Before the company left Camp Lucky Strike we were designated to be a unit of the new 15th U.S. Army, Lt. General Gerow, commanding. The army had been newly formed and to put it in General Gerow’s words, “a fast moving army”.
On the 5th of April, the company left Camp Lucky Strike. On a clear, cool day the first 100 miles were traveled to the town of Amiens, France where the men were billeted for the night.
The following day the company arrived at Herzogenrath, Germany at 2200 hours after traveling the remaining distance of 200 miles. Upon arriving at Herzogenrath, just outside of Aachen, the unit was assigned to the 79th Ord. Bn. The men were billeted in an abandoned button factory and the shop area was a former glass works. The day the company was assigned to the new battalion, April 6, it was also assigned to 64th Ordnance Group.
Glass Works, Herzogenrath, Germany
On April 20, 1945 the company was assigned to 160th Ord. Bn. after being relieved from attachment to 79th Ord. Bn. two days prior to that.
April 23rd, 1945 the company left Herzogenrath, Germany to proceed by convoy to Kruft, Germany. Left Herzogenrath at 0845 hours and traveled in serials at 15 minute intervals. 100 miles were traveled. The men were in excellent morale.
Upon arrival in Kruft, the company was billeted in civilian homes adjacent to the assigned shop area. The shop area, a partly bombed cement block factory, was equipped with a good machine shop and carpenter’s shop. This was utilized by the service section.
An interesting note is the fact that every time this unit has moved to a new location, the four supply vans had to be shuttled by the only two tractors issued to a unit of this type.
During all of this units traveling and maintenance, a shop policy and outlined S.O.P. drawn up by 1st Lt. David Blough, shop officer, with cooperation of the section chiefs, was carried out with the highest degree of efficiency.
The Officer personnel as of April 24, 1945:
Captain Carl E. Kolda – Commanding Office
1st Lt. David Blough - Executive Officer
Shop Officer
1st Lt. Boyd E Abrams – Automotive Office
1st Lt. Walter P. Schultz – Artillery Officer
2nd Lt. Thaddeus Kubit – Armament Officer
C.W.O. George S. Diehl – Supply Officer
On the 2nd of May, 1945 the 301st Ord. Co. moved from Kruft, Germany and set up shop and quarters in a glider school located high on a hill overlooking the town of Kruft. This school was ideal for a unit such as ours as it offered good work shops and fairly comfortable living facilities.
After just two weeks of operating at Kruft, the 301st was again on the move. This time, on May 14th, our orders were to proceed to Rech, Germany. It was while at Rech that V-E Day was celebrated. Our big celebration took place the Saturday night following V-E Day while camping on the banks of the river Ahr. The E.M. and Officers were finally lodged in two large hotels and a large house in Rech, the work being carried out in several garages.
June 1, 1945: Lt. David Blough took over command of the 301st Ord. H.M. Co. F.A. Lt. Blough had been the unit’s Executive and Shop Officer.
The unit now was assigned to the 62nd Ord. Group while at Rech. The task of developing and making a magnetic nail picker was undertaken. Its purpose was to clear the roads of nails and other small metal objects that were harmful to vehicle tires. Several were made, perfected, and installed on vehicles assigned to this successful experiment.
Kap and Mac in Camp Brooklyn
After serving under the 15th Army while in Germany, the 301st Ord. left Rech the 15th of June and convoyed for two days to Camp Brooklyn, France. Camp Brooklyn was located 30 miles from Rhiems (Reims?), France. Here the units were again processed for overseas shipment being scheduled for redeployment direct to the Pacific Theatre. The processing completed, the entire unit had the opportunity to visit Paris, France.
Leaving Camp Brooklyn, the unit traveled two days by rail, arriving at Camp Calais, Marseilles Staging Area on the 8th of August. The men received their final processing, training, and equipment for the Pacific Theatre while here.
Four days later, with the surrender of Japan, on the 12th of August the unit’s orders were changed to direct shipment to the States. All E.M. and Officers rejoiced but were very tense until they finally boarded the troop transport, “Sea Tiger”.
After ten days of anxiety, the anchor was hoisted on the 22nd of August. Ten days of smooth sailing through the Mediterranean and the south Atlantic brought the “Sea Tiger” to Newport News, Virginia where she docked on the 1st of September. Boarding a train, the unit now was taken to Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia. A fine welcome-home dinner and dance were enjoyed by the entire personnel.
Within two days, all men shipped out to their respective reception or separation centers all over the country. The men were now given a 30 day recuperation furlough plus a 15 day extension. If their ages or points were sufficient, an Honorable Discharge from the Army was now given.
Upon completion of this 45 day furlough, the unit was reassembled at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where the 301st Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Co. Field Army was de-activated on November 7, 1945.
Company Officers at time of De-activation:
Captain David Blough - Commanding Officer
1st Lt. Boyd Abrams - Executive Officer,
Artillery Officer
1st Lt. Gordon F. Zimmer - Automotive Officer
1st Lt. Richard B. Lake - Service Section Officer
1st Lt. Thaddeus Kubit - Armament Officer
C.W.O. George S. Diehl - Supply Officer
* * * * *
Note: This anonymous account was distributed to members of the 301st in booklet form. I’ve copied the document nearly verbatim with only a few changes where the correct word or spelling was obvious, and inserted the photos.