[continued from previous page] riding approached Oberhof. Right in keeping with our expectations, we were greeted by mortar fire. We dispersed our vehicles in a little valley which denied the enemy observation and having posted security immediately sent out a patrol to scout the area. They returned in about two hours with the approximate location of the enemy and reported that they seemed to be withdrawing. Evidently they are only a holding force and treated us to a barrage in order to halt us long enough for them to withdraw to more favorable ground. We have taken several men from each fire unit and formed a third platoon. The purpose of this platoon is to follow on the heels of the infantry and as a town is taken to occupy it immediately, round up all Jerries and firearms, quell any disturbances that arise, then move on to the next town. Bob is in this plt. He should have some interesting experiences. This platoon is with us at the present time. Tomorrow they will move on ahead to contact the infantry. There is a beautiful mountain stream running through our valley. Its bed is composed of many, differently colored rocks and the water is so clear that it does not even obstruct our view of the bed. Tomorrow, if the sun is shining, I will try to take a bath. It is now 2300 and Bob and I are about to start out on a short midnight reconnaissance. We started out at 2330 and made a large circle. It was tough going, especially in the woods but we made it okay. We observed nothing that was suspicious and assumed that our patrol was right concerning the enemy withdrawal. We returned at 0230 and hit the sack at 0400.
Wednesday, 11 April [1945] Oberhof, Germany
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