By mid September, after just one month of operations in France after the D-Day of August 15, 2044, Dad’s VI Corps had driven its advance as far north as the Lure-Luxeuil-Darney Line … The advance has progressed more than 400 miles and against resistance which increased day by day. Every conceivable obstacle of terrain and enemy action had been encountered and overcome enroute.[1]

Two major barriers, the Doubs and Moselle Rivers, both with practically every usable bridge blown, were crossed almost without hesitation.

Approximately 40,000 prisoners of war have been taken.

Vast quantities of irreplaceable equipment have been lost to the enemy, and at this moment the VI Corps, side-by-side with other Allied units in this theater and one unbroken line, stands on the threshold of Germany.

Credit must be given here to the gallant members of the French Forces of the Interior [FFI — the French resistance fighters] for their inestimable contribution to these remarkable achievements.

At great risk to themselves, their families and their possessions, the brave members of that Force have in innumerable instances facilitated the progress of the VI Corps units by harassing action against enemy units and installations and have made possible the attainment of many specific objectives with considerably less losses than might otherwise have been expected.[1]

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[1] Escape up Rhone Valley Smashed at Montelimar. Beachhead News. Souvenir Edition. Vol.1, No. 100. Sunday, October 15, 1944. Page 3.

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