Waldmünchen and Further were captured as the 90th skirted southward along the Czech border. Far to the north contact between the American and Soviet armies seemed imminent. In the south the 11th Armored was nearing the Austrian border, and contact with the Russian troops in Austria could not be long delayed. The 90th was now given the mission of defending along the Czech border, preventing the German troops in Czechoslovakia from entering the southern Redoubt area.

Scattered resistance continued. The 345th Field Artillery Battalion became involved in a fire fight with 200 enemy troops. They leveled their howitzers at the enemy and at short range fired. Those who survived surrendered.

Patrols and limited objective attacks were the principal business of the Division as April came to a close. The Sudeten hills as formidable a defensive line as the Eifels, ranged darkly and forbiddingly against the Tough 'Ombres. Patrols, venturing into the vast wooded areas before them, met sharp opposition as elements of the battle-wise 11th Panzer Division barred their way. It was determined, therefore, that the high ground on the Division's left flank must be cleared.

The attack was launched on April 30th northeast and southeast of Waldmunchen, and met stubborn resistance consisting of enemy small arms, artillery and armor. The dense woods made progress double difficult. On the following day the attack was continued, but still the almost impenetrable forests and the constant sniper fire made movement hazardous and difficult at best. On May 3rd the mayor of Vseruby surrendered the town after Germans had fled. The Division now held its objectives.

Corps now ordered the 90th Division into reserve, but it was not destined for the Division which had been in the thick of things throughout the conflict, to be out of the lines at the close of the war. Plans were abruptly altered on the morning of 4 May when a representative of the 11th Panzer Division entered the 90th's lines under a white flag of truce, bearing the following letter :

 

Division CP 3 May 45

11th Panzer Division

Commander

The development of the military and political situation makes it desirable to me to avoid further losses on both sides.

I have therefore ordered the Major, the bearer of this note, to negotiate with you the cessation of hostilities.

Von Wietersheim
Lt. General and Division Commander

 
 

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