1 Jan - Having been attached to the 45th Infantry Division, the 275th Infantry Regiment was ordered to take over the area held by elements of Task Force Huddleson, the 275th Infantry Regiment proceeded to the area, and set about replacing the 62nd Armored Infantry Regiment.

------- The 3rd Bn moved into positions held by Cos A and B of the 62nd Infantry, north of Phillipsbourg. Co C of the 62nd Armored Infantry was overrun by the enemy forces.

------- The 2nd Bn was placed in positions South of Baerenthal, while the lst Bn was placed in reserve in the vicinity of Reichshoffen.

-------- A last minute change, due to enemy action, established the Regimental CP at Neiderbronn.

-------- The Regimental strength at the time of entry into the sector was as follows:

Officers................................ 151 WOs..................................... 5 EM...................................... 2816 Total Strength...................... 2972

------- The Regimental Supply point was established at Reichshoffen, and evacuation was authorized through the 120th Clearing Company.

2 Jan - Shortly after midnight orders were received to attack. The lst and 3rd Bns were to secure the objective line and the 2nd Bn to hold it's position until the 313th Infantry passed through and reached the Equalshardt Road, after which it would revert to Regimental reserve.

------- The enemy had increased his strength to approximately 3 Infantry Bns, plus supporting troops. He exerted great pressure west of Phillipsbourg and in the vicinity of Baerenthal.

------- The enemy effected infiltrations in the vicinity of Baerenthal and the 3rd Bn CP in Phillipsbourg was shelled inter- mitently throughout the night of 1 & 2 Jan.

------- Near Baerenthal, the 2nd Bn was shelled and met heavy MG fire after moving two companies into position.

------- Both the lst and 3rd Bns met determined enemy resistance during their attack. The enemy force opposing them was estimated at 1200.

------- All front line units had considerable activity during the night and 12 PW were captured and evacuated.

3 -Jan - contact was lost with the four assault Companies north of Phillipsbourg. Our left flank was exposed. Permission was granted to withdraw them to positions covering the Phillipsbourg defile.

------- The-first attack on Phillipsbourg on the Southeast, by the enemy was repelled by CP personnel of the 3d Battalion.- The 2nd attack from West and Northwest was spearheaded by six enemy tanks, The 3d attack came from the Northeast. This was accomplished with troops that had filtered through our lines during the night.

------- The enemy shelled Phillipsbourg throughout the day, the intensity slackening off at 2100.

------- Infiltration tactics of the enemy continued through the day and occupied commanding terrain in the vicinity of Phillipsbourg and Baerenthal gaining observation into our positions.

------- B and I Companies were cut off and unaccounted for. The situation was considered critical and the lst Battalion, 274th Infantry was ordered attached for reinforcement.

------- As the day ended the enemy held the North half of Phillips- bourg.

4 Jan - It was noted that the enemy was concentrating reserves in the vicinity of Waldeck. He maintained steady pressure against the 2nd Battalion and greatest opposition care from hidden mortar positions and artillery fire.

------- Two PWs were captured and interrogation revealed that two Battalions of SS were assembled in an identified area.

------- The enemy continued his infiltration tactics, harrassing raids and counter-attacks in Bn strength, in the Baerenthal area.

------- With the continued delay of the 313th Infantry to the Southwest of Baerenthal, attacks by the enemy thru the gap on our left flank assumed greater importance. The enemy's knowledge of this could create danger of isolation of the entire 2nd Bn in the Baerenthal area.

------- Large enemy patrols infiltrated thru the right flank of "G" Companies position. The number of men was unknown. Slight activity was reported in "E"' Company's area.

5 Jan - Due to the vigorous action of the lst Bn 274th Infantry, and of the lst and 3rd Bns, 275th Infantry, in the vicinity of Phillipsbourg,, the enemy began to slacken his prressure. Approx- imately 1400 the enemy began a general withdrawal.

------- At 1600 Phillipsbourg was taken by our forces.

-------- The enemy's well emplaced mortar and artillery fire still remained capable of harrassing our entire fronts and his disposition North of Phillipsbourg remained unknown.

-------- Contact with the enemy on the North and East of the village was sporadic and enemy action up to 2400 remained slack.

------ Enemy strength was estimated at depleted elements of four Infantry Regiments.

6 Jan - Request was made of Division to send a plane to aid in the location of Company "B", which was still unaccounted for. The request was denied.

------- Shortly after daylight the enemy launched a counter-attack on Phillipsbourg from the North-east. The town was being shelled. The counter-attack was repulsed and the enemy withdrew from Phillips- bourg, leaving a security detachment North of the city to maintain contact.

------- Our left flank was exposed due to the lack of contact with the unit to our South-west.

------- There was constant sniping along our entire line, patrols continued within our lines, and the greatest threat remained in the Phillipsbourg area and Baerenthal area.

------- Per VOCG the Regimental Commander was relieved and a new Commanding Officer assumed command.

7 Jan - The lst Battalion, located North of Dambech, reported all quiet, with only occasional sniping and patrolling by the enemy.

------- Many civilians were observed in Phillipsbourg coming from the North. Orders were issued to stop all civilians and examine them thoroughly.

------- Company "C" was located by a patrol and was ordered to move into their designated position.

------- Commanding Officer of the 274th Infantry arrived at the Command Post at 1630 and was briefed on the situation. Plans were laid for the relief of the lst Battalion of the 275th Infantry by the 3d Battalion of the 274th Infantry. At 2035 these plans were cancelled.

------- There was little activity during the night, and all units of the Regiment were notified to be 100% alert at 0700 the next morning.

8 Jan - On Division order, patrols were ordered to secure information as to the strength, location, and disposition of the enemy. All patrol action was increased.

------- A patrol sent out to locate Company "B" returned with in- formation that the former location of the Company was now in enemy hands and that they had received fire from the area.

------- Enemy movements were observed northeast of Phillipsbourg. Division was notified.

------- The 1st Battalion reported that three patrols could observe nothing to indicate withdrawal of the enemy.

------- All units were notified of an expected enemy attack the following morning. The situation was considered critical by Division. The CP was ordered moved to a new location.

------- The Commanding General arrived at the CP for a discussion with the Commanding Officer on the tactical situation,

------- A contemplated reorganization of the lst Battalion was not accomplished because of enemy action. The lst Battalion C.P. was shelled intermittently by the enemy in the evening.

------- A patrol of Company "I" observed a platoon of the enemy diceing in; and heard some Vehicular movements, but could rot doter- nine the direction.

9 Jan - Up to 0800 all patrols reported no activitiy of the enemy.

------- The 3rd Batta1ion undertook, the salvage of vehicles left in Phillipsbourg.

------- The 1st Battalion of the 274th Inf'antry was released from attachment and returned to the control of their regiment.

------- The 2nd Battalion reported no serious action in the Baerenthal area.

------- The Regimental CP at Niederbronn wass closed at 1300. The new CP was opened at 1400 in Zinswiller.

------- Shortly after 1400 a PW captured by the Commanding Officer of Service Company gave information as to the disposition of two Companies of enemy forces.

------- The Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, wass notified of plans for his organization to take over Obermuhilthal, captured by the 276th Infantry. Purpose was to relieve them in order that they may continue their attack.

------- Interroration of PW's captured in the Obeimuhilthal area disclosed that the purpose of the enemy's attack on New Years Day was to attempt to cut off our troods between Bitche end Strasbourg.

------- In the evening the enemy continued a vigorous patrol action along the entire sector.

10 Jan - The Regimental strength as reported 10 Jan, was as follows: Officers - 114 WO - 5 EM - 1780

-------- A computation of the casualties for the 10 day period indicated: KIA - 7 Officers, 45 EM MIA - 13 Officers, 318 EM WIA - 11 Officers, 152 EM Evacuated - 11 Officers, 147 EM

-------- The 2nd Battalion reported that the movement into Ober- muhilthal had been completed at 0300.

-------- Four enemy prisoners wearing the AA insignia were captured. They were dressed in white and were equipped with skis. They claimed to be Norwegian.

-------- The 2nd Battalion reported that a contact patrol found all trails booby-trapped.

-------- All Companies of the 3d Battalion were reported in position, and they were cautioned about radio security.

-------- The enemy was still in possession of excellent observa- tion points in the Baerenthal area.

11 Jan - During the early morning hours little activity was reported on the line.

-------- Considerable activity was reported in the area held by the 276th Infantry, and the Commanding General of the 45th Division directed that some help be sent to them to speed the accomplish- ment of their missions.

-------- Unit on our left flank reported receiving heavy counter- attacks.

-------- Company "G" advanced to, and occupied, defensive positions at 1445 to protect right flank of 276th Infantry. The lst Battalion took up positions in an assembly area in the vicinity of the 2nd Battalion CP, and proceeded to reconnoiter routes from Phillips- bourg.

-------- "A" Company was moved up to assist "G" Company in a further advance. They reported casualties as a result of fire from North- West of Obermuhilthal.

-------- "G" Company met heavy enemy fire at about 1730. Though the Company was scattered, the Battalion Commander indicated that all elements were located.

-------- From 2100 till midnight enemy shells fell in the train bivouac area.

12 Jan - At 0605 "A" Company reported contact with "G" Company; "G" Company had not reached objective. Later contact was estab- lished by messenger. 1000 yards from their objective they planned dawn attack to take it. At 1010 "A" Company was 500 yards short of their objective where they met the enemy and came under small arms fire. At noon a report stated that the Commanding Officer of "A" Company was missing.

-------- "C" Company went into the attack at 1620 to support "A" and "G" Companies. At dusk they were just short of their objective.

-------- Relief of troops in each sector was discussed and plans laid for the operation. Division concurred in the plans as sub- mitted.

-------- Near midnight the enemy began shelling Zinswiller. No contact had been made with "G" Company. Other sectors remained relatively quiet.

13 Jan - "K" Company reported a 45 minute mortar barrage at 0125. At 0740 the 3d Battalion was attacked along its line, and they called for Artillery fire to be placed on the enemy. By 0900 the enemy's attack had dissipated.

-------- Advance party of the 36th Engineers arrived at the CP to discuss relief of the lst Battalion.

-------- Relief of the lst Battalion was completed at 1410 by the 3d Battalion of the 36th Engineers, and the lst Battalion proceeded to relieve the 2nd Battalion, 36th Engineers.

-------- A patrol from "E" Company proceeded as per overlay and observed an enemy bicycle unit of 300 men setting up defensive pos- itions. On return they killed three enemy from a wire crew.

-------- At 1640, 9 enemy Focke-Wolfe 190's dive bombed in the vic- inity of Phillipsbourg, but 3d Battalion reported no apparent damage.

-------- The lst Battalion completed their relief of the 2nd Battal- ion, 36th Engineers, at 1842.

-------- Shells landed in the vicinity of the Regimental CP in Zinswiller at 2310.

-------- The 2nd and 3d Battalions were notified to complete their relief and stand by until they received instructions to move.

14 Jan - First units of the relieving force for the 2nd Battalion moved in at 0202.

-------- At 0415 the 3d Battalion reported that relief was completed, and that they had moved to assembly area 4000 yards South of their old positions.

-------- Two shells landed in the vicinity of the Regimental CP, knocking plaster from the walls.

-------- The 2nd Battalion was moved into assembly area in the vic- inity of Phillipsbourg, in Division reserves.

-------- A new Regimental CP was opened at Lampertsbach at 0945.

-------- 75 trucks were alloted for the movement of the unit.

-------- The relief of the 103d Division was under way and plans were made to entruck from Prueschdurf.

-------- Reconnaissance parties were dispatched to the new area, and the Commanding Officer of the 409th Infantry arrived at the old CP to take over.

-------- Advance party was dispatched to Guebenhouse and relief of the 410th Infantry was ordered.

-------- All units were alerted and instructed on the move contem- plated the next morning.

15 Jan - Old CP at Lampertsbach was closed at 0930; the new CP at Guebenhouse was opened at 1630.

-------- All units had closed into new positions by 2300, and res- ponsibility for the new sector was assumed by the 275th Infantry at 2345.

-------- Regimental Supply Point was established at Puttelange.

-------- Regiment now attached to 21st Corps.

16 Jan - The 2nd Battalion was instructed to prepare plans for raid on Grosbleidersdorf, and the lst Battalion was instructed to prepare plans for a raid on Lixingen.

-------- The enemy's 80th and 107th Replacement Battalions were contacted in the area. It was known that the weak units on the front were a cover for strong reserves. The 11th Panzer Division with a strength of 550 men was believed the strongest reserve unit.

-------- Contact was made with the 253d Infantry on our right.

-------- A good network of roads was available to the enemy, and observation showed they were used constantly.

17 Jan - The Regimental sector remained relatively quiet, and im- provement of the defensive positions was continued.

-------- A few flares were observed and one enemy patrol was reported by observers.

-------- 3 rounds of enemy artillery f ell in the area of the lst Battalion Observation Point.

18 Jan - The I & R platoon located a cave on the South side of the Saar river. The paths around the cave were worn, but no enemy was seen.

-------- At 0200 five rounds of artillery were dropped in the vic- inity of "C" Company. Direction and size were not determined.

-------- A patrol from Company "L" lost two men. They were later observed under guard of a German patrol on the road between Busch- bach and Lixingen.

-------- 3 civilians were captured by a patrol of Company "F". They gave valuable information as to the position of enemy forces in the vicinity of Grosbleidersdorf and Zinzingen. They entered our lines shouting "American Comrades".

19 Jan - Continued enemy activity was reported in the vicinity of Saarbrucken. All civilians were excluded from entering or leaving the city.

-------- Enemy tanks were reported in the area and a concentration of troops was reported in the woods northwest of Forbach.

-------- The strength of the enemy at our immediate front remains depleted, but large numbers of reserves, including a Panzer Division, one Battalion of Artillery, one Anti-tank Company, end an under- strength Division of about 2000 men, with artillery and tanks, are in reserve.

-------- Observation indicates that the road between Saarbrucken and Forbach is in constant use. The enemy has a good network of roads in this area creating a constant threat to our positions.

20 Jan - Shortly after midnight 2 civilians, prisoners, were brought in. Interrogation by the IPWs revealed that the enemy had mortar and MG emplacements at the entrance of Grosbleidersdorf, and 2 mor- tars and one MG located on the road between Grosbleidersdorf and Lixingen.

-------- Company "C" was ordered reconstituted by the Commanding General. Immediate steps were taken to transfer men from other companies in order that a balance of trained men would form the nucleus of the organization.

-------- On request the artillery advised that they would fire on the church steeple in Kerbach, which was being used by the enemy as an observation point.

-------- Company "C" of' the 2755th Engineers was placed in support of this unit, and one Platoon will be placed in support of each Battalion.

-------- A strong patrol entered Grosbleidersaorf and liquidated two snipers, and, after setting fire to a lumber yard, threw gren- ades into another position. Approximately five of the enemy killed. our casualties: one wounded.

-------- At 0900, 3 enemy trucks, thought to be personnel carriers, entered Kerbach moving South. The trucks stopped for about five minutes, returned North. At 1115 approximately 7 rounds of artill- ery fire fell in Buschbach from the direction of Ferbach.

21 Jan - A 2nd Battalion patrol which left at 2245, 20 January, returned with report of finding 19 men and 62 women in a cave out- side the village of Grosbleidersdorf. They claimed to have been ordered out of the village 10 days previously. The cave was large, (1000 meters long), having three outside openings. The cave, apparently, is used as an evacuation point in getting to our lines. Water, ammunition, and gasoline were found in the cave. Civilians speak of a larger cave across the river which is occupied by enemy troops. It is believed that these people can give us information as to the billeting of enemy troops in the village.

-------- Patrol sent out by 2nd Battalion captured 2 prisoners. They reported that a great deal of shooting took place, and they stated that they would return in order to accomplish mission. One member of the patrol was wounded. A prisoner stated that the man was evacuated through a first aid station in Lixington.

-------- Regimental sector reported quiet. We continued to improve our positions.

22 Jan - Shortly after midnight "F" Company reported receiving mortar fire on their left flank and hearing a MG on the right

-------- The 2nd Battalion reported on the patrol to the Saar river. They estimated the river to be fifty yards wide and 15 feet deep. They observed an enemy patrol of eight men on the other side of the river. No paths or foot prints were seen on this side.

-------- The 1st Battalion reported artillery fire at 1128.

-------- At 1230 several round of mortar fire fell in the same area. The mortar position was spotted, and at 1410, 50 rounds of mortar fire were dropped on it. At the end of fire 2 of the eneriy were seen to leave and go towards town; one appeared to be wounded.

-------- The sector remained quiet with continued patrol activity probing the enemy's position.

23 Jan - At 0155 "F" Company reported receiving artillery fire. Patrols of "E" and "F" Companies completed their missions.

-------- A patrol from the 3rd Battalion reported running into fire fight and were unable to complete their mission. One casualty.

-------- G-1 and G-4 of 21st Corps arrived at CP for conference with the Commanding Officer.

24 Jan - 2nd Battalion reported capture of four prisoners by a pa- trol of "E" Company. They encountered mines, booby traps, and wire.

-------- All Battalions and Companies were notified that a large number of friendly P-47s would be operating in the area.

-------- At 1550 a report previously received was verified. It dis- closed that approximately 500 enemy vehicles were moving from North- east to South-west. Necessary precautuons were taken in view of the threat of attack.

-------- Anti-tank Company fired at an enemy plane over their pos- ition. 3 shells landed near them, but it was not determined whether they were from plane or artillery.

-------- All units were alerted in view of the threat of enemy attack in the morning.

25 Jan - "F" Company's patrol found 81 civilians in the cave near Grosbleidersdorf. They stated that on 16 January the enemy took ammunition from the cave on 8 sleds.

-------- MG and rifle fire was reported at several points in the area.

-------- Enemy attack did not materialize, and units were notified to resume their normal activities.

-------- Late at night 2 Prisoners surrendered to personnel of Hqs Company. Interrogation was to be made by the IPW officer.

26 Jan - "C" Comp)any reported receiving rifle fire from their right front. "A" Company reported a Burp gun firing from the vicinity of Lixingen.

-------- A 2nd Battalion patrol on a 3 hour mission reported no enemy opposition.

-------- Some enemy artillery and mortar fire was reported by the lst and 2nd Battalions. Patrols reported some sniper fire. One 2nd Battalion patrol was pinned down by MG fire.

-------- Active patrolling was encountered throughout the night

27 Jan - A 2nd Battalion patrol reported receiving MG fire from a house which prevented their advance.

-------- "F" Company guards reported intercepting an enemy patrol of 8 men. They put mortar fire on the enemy, seriously wounding one, the others escaping.

-------- Seven reconnaissance patrols were sent out during the night.

28 Jan - A 1st Battalion report at 0150 revealed that one of threee patrols observed 15 of the enemy moving along a road. There was an exchange of rifle fire and 6 mortar rounds were dropped into the enemy's position.

-------- The 2nd Battalion reported that 4 rounds of artillery fire landed in their vicinity coming from the north.

-------- "F" Company received some MG f ire; was unable to determine its source.

-------- Patrols encountered some enemy sniper fire and automatic rifle fire. Several flares were observed.

29 Jan - Patrols were continued into the enemy's positions revealing no great amount of activity. Some patrols were fired on by snipers.

-------- Several Burp guns weere reported in action. The enemy was sighted in the town of Lixingen from Observation Points.

-------- All Companies were alert and in battle positions during the day.

30 Jan. - Sporadic firing on our patrols, by the enemy continued. One man was killed and another wounded by snipers.

-------- All patrols completed their missions and the Regiment con- tinued to occupy and improve defensive positions.

31 Jan - The 1st Battalion reported some burp gun fire shortly after midnight and a patrol from the 2nd Battalion completed their mission into Auersmacher, encountering no enemy. They heard firing from the North which was not directed at them. They crossed the ice of the Saar river by placing planks on the ice. No casualties.

-------- The 2nd Battalion reported one man killed and one wounded by sniper fire.

-------- Some artillery fire was report by the 1st Battalion at 1740. Mortars silenced M G fire which was harassing Company "F" positions.

-------- As of 31 January 1945 the strength figures for the 275th Infantry were:

Officers: 121 Wos: 5 EM 2165 TOTAL 2291

-------- A compilation of the casualties for the month of January indicate:

General Orders - 275th Honor Roll