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Puffendorf, Germany 1944-11-17 (2 others)

Overview:

Since the fall of Aachen on 21 October, the U.S 1st Army had attempted to reinforce its bridgehead in German territory. Before them was the Roer River with several dams which the Germans could use to flood the plain and stymie the advance toward the Rhine. At the beginning of November, the 28th Infantry Division captured several cities and arrived in view of the dams. But the division was counterattacked briskly by the 116th Panzer Division. At the same time, to the north of Aachen, the 2nd Armored Division progressed without too many difficulties in spite of the muddy terrain, until it reached Puffendorf. The following morning, the 1st and 2nd Armored Battalions of the 67th Armored Regiment continued their advance in the direction of Gereonsweiler. Shortly after dawn, the U.S column in hilly land was attacked by a kampfgruppe which held the heights. Enemy artillery fire pinned down the infantry and an armored struggle ensued. The Shermans were no match against the Panthers and Tigers. The U.S. commander called for reinforcement of tank destroyers from the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.

Defender: German (9th Panzer Division, Pz Abteilungs 506)  

Errata (source)