Germany
On the 23rd and the 24th of March, the Rhine was crossed at Nierstein, (Oppenheim) while our
Ack-Ack shot down many of the desperate Luftwaffe planes making futile attempts to destroy the
pontoon bridge. “A” Company rolled into a ‘Hornet’s Nest’ at Erfelden, and while trying to contact the
Infantry Capt. Lynn F. Williams found his CP surrounded. Leading his 1st platoon, he fought his way in,
capturing those Germans that were not killed, and relieving the otherwise ticklish situation.
The next day TF Spiess was given the mission of capturing Darmstadt, a city, normally with a
population of 100,000. Rcn Company took the city and excepting for a roadblock fight and some enemy
bazooka and machine gun nests, the city was taken without difficulty. The TF then reconnoitered in
front of the Division as it advanced Northeast towards the Main River. Frankfurt and Hanau, on the
Main river, were captured and after crossing the Division had the job of mopping up resistance,
bypassed by the rapidly moving 4th Armored. Northwards to Hersfeld with the Confused German Army
giving ground more rapidly and with less organized defense … the end was in sight.
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