And again the 3rd Infantry Division took up its Watch on the Rhine. Limited training was undertaken almost immediately as the Division outposted and patrolled, and made plans to deal with any German attempts to recross the river. The 7th and Phil’s 30th Infantry Regiments handled this task, while the 15th Infantry remained in reserve.[1]

Meanwhile from 7 to 19 February the 30th Infantry Regiment took up its second “Watch on the Rhine” of World War II. It was the second time, but not the last, that the Regiment was to fight its way to the historic river.

Throughout this two-week period the Regiment maintained defensive positions on the west bank of the Rhine River. Throughout this period the Regiment conducted a modified training schedule. On the 19^th the Regiment was relieved by the French 4th RTM and was ordered to move to the north of Nancy, in Lorraine. The Colmar campaign had finally ended.[2]

~~~~~

From 6 to 23 Feb 1945: During those two extra weeks, the Ninth Army built up further supplies, units were built up to full strength, 46,000 tons of ammunition were amassed, and 3 million gallons of gasoline stored so our tanks would not run short as they had [in the past].

Our troops had additional training in river crossing techniques, mine and booby traps, attack of concrete fortifications such as were in the Siegfried Line just across the Roer River.

Unit commanders also were on flights in light observation planes to observe and study the areas over which we were soon to attack.

Replacements and men returning from the hospitals brought us up to full strength and we were allowed to give passes to our men to visit nearby Brussels. We were ready!

In addition to our XVI Corps, other American Divisions in Ninth Army included the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Armored Divisions, and the 8th, 29th, 30th, 83rd, 95th, 99th, and 104th Infantry Divisions.

Intelligence reported that we outnumbered German defenders perhaps 5 to 1, that German units were way under-strength, that there were too few German soldiers to defend the entire West wall fortifications, and that we would likely experience heavy defense centered around the many villages and towns.

To each division in our sector a tank battalion armed with Sherman tanks and 75mm guns was attached. They were manned by colored troops in some instances and led by white officers.

We received the 784th Tank Battalion which soon proved itself as an effective, courageous, and dependable unit which earned the respect and admiration of the infantrymen who worked together well with the tankers.[3]

For the first time in the war, Phil and his men sensed the end of the war was much closer than the beginning.

~~~~~

[1] Taggart, 327.

[2] Prohme, 326.

[3] Maj. Norman C. Carey

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