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(ASL Journal #14 ID: J243)   [next]   [previous]

Offendorf, France 1945-01-16 (5 others)

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Overview:

During Operation NORDWIND, the Germans conducted a number of attacks along American lines in the Alsace province of France. The most vicious action occurred in the twin villages of Hatten-Rittershoffen. By mid-January, German efforts began to weaken at Hatten-Rittershoffen, and the Americans looked to retake the initiative across the province. To this end, the recently deployed American 12th Armored Division was ordered to clear the German bridgehead on the west bank of the Rhine situated in the vicinity of Herrlisheim and Offendorf. The initial assault required the 66th Armored Infantry Battalion to clear out the Steinwald woods located just west of Offendorf. This attack failed, but an erroneous report reached the higher command indicating that the woods had been cleared and the approach to the town was open. Based on this, the 17th Armored Infantry Battalion was ordered to take Offendorf, a task mistakenly thought would be straightforward.

Defender: German (SS) (Bataillon I, SS-Police-Regiment 2 and 'Jagdschutzen')  

Errata (source)