One Last Blow WTO (id:#61501)

(WASLC's Rally Point! # 4.3 ID: RP15)   [next]   [previous]

Sarre-Union, France 1944-12-03 (2 others)

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Overview:

The 3rd Battalion of the US 101st Infantry Brigade made its approach to Sarre-Union under cover of a ridgeline, close to the east bank of the Sarre, which screened the column from enemy on the hills to the northeast. Two leading companies, I and K, entered Sarre-Union, finding only a handful of Germans. The Americans continued through the north side of the town towards Hill 254, which had been set as the battalion objective, but the enemy on the hill countered with machine gun and mortar fire, inflicting some losses on the attacker. The two rifle companies have only about 50 men each withdrew from Sarre-Union and placed combat outposts in the railroad station and the barracks on the south edge of town. As a result, the 101st Infantry Regiment was forced to begin a systemic reduction of the enemy positions on 2 December. East of Sarre-Union, the 4th Armored Division cut the Sarre-Union-Domfessel road and seized Hill 332 on the highway to Voellerdingen, leaving only the Oermingen road open for the Germans to withdraw north. The Germans fought stubbornly to recover the lost ground, althouth the net was closing around Sarre-Union, the Germans dealt one last blow at the troops inside the town, this time employing a small Kampfgruppe from the 11th Panzer Division. At noon on 3 December, eight German tanks, supported by Panzer Grenadiers charged down the Oermingen road and into Sarre-Union.

Defender: American (3rd Bn 101st Infantry Regiment)  

Errata (source)