Monday, 11 December [1944] Metz
Reveille at 0430. Pulled out at 0630. Battery protected first serial of combat team composed of 13 march units. Traveled 67 miles. Established C.P. in Oermingen.1The city of Oermingen is in the region of Alsace, France. First platoon has two fire units protecting a bridge at Gros Réderching which was taken from the Germans this morning.2Gros Rederching is a small town in the Lorraine region of France. Undergoing artillery fire. So far no air action. This is France but the inhabitants speak German and are hostile. Second platoon defending bridge at Oermingen and 87th div. C.P. Few German patrols in woods around Gros‐Réderching. Saw first dead German lying in a manure pile today. He looked beautiful all frosted over like a big ginger bread cookie.
Tuesday, 12 December [1944] Oermingen
Little worry from artillery fire. Let up C.P. studied maps of Germany. We are really moving now. Not much to write about. Biggest worries are artillery, mines and booby traps. It is 2100. Just heard some shooting right outside C.P. Investigated but could find nothing. Our most forward gun is 1.3 miles from the front.
Wednesday, 13 December [1944] Oermingen
Got a couple of letters today. Same old story. Expecting to move second platoon today to give AA protection to 912 F.A. – which means we’ll probably move C.P. Pushed enemy back a little today. Our artillery is raising hell. Haven’t had a bath for some time. May be a long time before I get one [continued on next page]