This is the last of four
Unit Reports that details the 274th's role at Wingen. The original
report is on file in the National Archives. Overlays were not sent.
Any errors in spelling have been retained.
UNIT REPORT
No. 10
From: 1800, 6 January 1945
To: 7 January 1945
Unit: TF Fox
Date: 7 January 1945
Place: Ingwiller, France
Maps: Eastern France, 1/50,000
1. ENEMY.
a. Units in Contact: White Bn: 1st
and 3d Bn, 12th SS Mtn Troops, Blue Bn: 477 VG Regt,
952d and 953 VG Regt, 257 VG Div, 361 VG Div
b. Tactical employment of reserves
unknown.
c. Enemy withdrew from town of Wingen
after making counterattack at 1900, 6 January. Snipers and small
groups of machine gunners were left behind to cover withdrawal.
Last of enemy was cleared from Wingen at 1330. Prisoners captured
by White Bn were processed by 276th Inf. In Blue Area,
L Co, reinforced, was taken under fire by dug-in machine guns in
vicinity of 833-368. Eleven prisoners were taken at this location
and evacuated normally. These prisoners were from 361 Inf VG Div,
257 VG Div, and 477 VG regt.
d. Strength of most units is less
than half strength, and in some cases less than a third strength.
Supplies and ammunition are lacking generally. Some of the PWís
had not eaten for several days. Their moral is low due to cold
weather, lack of supplies and the beating they are taking. The
enemyís knowledge of our situation is limited to what may have
been revealed by PWís.
e. The enemy may defend in hastily
prepared positions and fall back slowly to the Seigfried Line.
The enemy may launch a coordinated
attack against a limited objective.
The enemy may use mines, both AT and
AP, booby traps and harassing patrols to hamper our advance.
The latter seems to be most likely
for immediate use and be employed at will.
2. OWN SITUATION.
a. See overlay.
b. See overlay.
c. See overlay.
d. 2d Battalion drove enemy from
Wingen; operation completed 1330. Approximately 150 US troops
released from captivity. Consolidated position, reorganized, and
assembled in mobile reserve. 3d Battalion maintained defenses of
Rothback; maintained defensive position East of Lichtenberg; these
defenses heavily attacked by enemy all during afternoon, 7 January
1945; defenses maintained; attack terminated with darkness.
e. Excellent
f. Successful termination of
operations at Wingen. Defense of Rothback and active defense of
positions east of Lichtenberg.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE
a. Strength: 1st and 2d
Bnís not available. 3d Bn: 776 EM 31 Off Spec Units: T/O less
basics.
b. Casualties: 3d Bn: 23
c. Prisoners captured: Eleven (see
Par 1a)
d. Evacuation: Normal.
e. Location of Supply: No change.
f. Status of Supply:
(1) Rations: on Hand;
Two (2) days B Rations
2/3 days K Rations
1/3 days C Rations
1 days 10 in 1
(2) Ammunition on Hand: 1 1/4 units
of fire.
(3) Gasoline and Oil: 1 1/2 days of
supply.
g. Roads clear of mines: No change.
4. GENERAL: No comment.
S.G. Conley
Col, Inf
Comdg
Incl.
Incl 1. S-2 Overlay
Incl 2. S-3 Overlay
