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Mortain and the 30th Infantry Division “Old Hickory”
By Derek Body
This is a four mission linked campaign that can be used to represent some of the battles fought
between the American 30th Infantry Division and the German forces of Operation Lüttich (7-11 August
1944). This is not an Axis of Attack campaign, but the order that the games are played is important.
Players should tally their Victory Points for each game to determine the overall winner.
30th Infantry Division
The 30th Infantry Division was created just before the outbreak of the First World War with troops from North and South
Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia states. They became known as “Old Hickory” in honour of General Andrew Jackson
who fought in the War of 1812 against the British and later became the 7th US President. The 30th Infantry Division was
one of the first National Guard divisions called into federal service and their Southern spirit persisted with units tracing
their history to the Civil war. In the late 1930s the US infantry divisions changed from being a square division (with four
regiments) to a triangle division with three. The 30th Infantry consisted of 117th, 119th and 120th Infantry Regiments, with
the 118th Infantry Regiment removed to garrison Iceland.
The division was soon flooded by
draftees from across the country
during the early 1940s, so only a
small cadre of original Carolina
National Guard remained.
Overseas Deployment
After extensive training at home
the 30th Infantry Division were
deployed to England in February
1944. Here they were joined by
the 823rd Tank Destroyer
Battalion, which became a
permanent attachment to the
division. After D-Day they were
landed on Omaha beach as a
follow up division and began their
first overseas campaign by
heading towards the Vire canal.
They were then drawn into the
bloodbath of St-Lô, which was
finally captured on July 18th after
sustaining an estimated 40%
casualties for the entire division.
Operation Cobra
The Normandy breakout campaign was the next major engagement for the 30th Infantry Division. This involved three
infantry divisions taking the initial ground and two armoured and one motorised infantry division exploiting the breach. The
decision was made to use battle tested units and included the 4th, 9th and 30th Infantry divisions. The initial start date
was 24 July and would involve a massive carpet bombing attack by the USAAF.
Unfortunately overcast conditions caused a postponement, but a few squadrons were not recalled. These proceeded to
bomb through the clouds perpendicular to the line of advance. Many bombs fell short onto the waiting US infantry and
scores of casualties were caused on the 120th Infantry Regiment.
 The next day the troops had been
reorganised and pulled back from
the original start line to provide a
greater safety margin from the
bombing. Yet again it was found
that bombs were being dropped
onto the Allied positions as the
drifting smoke made accurate
targeting impossible. Despite the
bombing of friendly troops the
German defenders suffered worse
and the attack by the infantry was
successful. On 26 July the 2nd
Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”
was able to pass through the
120th Infantry Regiment’s position
and continue the breakthrough.

The 30th Infantry Division was

then assigned to protect the
eastern flank of the breakout
towards Tessy. After 49 days of
continuous contact with the enemy
they were ready for a rest period.
They boarded trucks that
transported them south to the
town of Mortain, arriving in the
early afternoon of 6 August. Here
they were to take over the
positions of the 18th Infantry
Regiment (1st Infantry Division) in
the quiet sector.

Operation Lüttich
After surviving the briefcase bomb on 20 July, Hitler became even
more mistrusting of the Wehrmacht High Command. No longer
would he tolerate any insubordination, disagreement meant
disloyalty and disloyalty meant death. He saw the American
breakout as a vital opportunity to launch a counterattack that would
sever the narrow Allied supply corridor. A surprise attack towards
Avranches could cut off the spearheads that were pushing through
into Britanny and out of the Bocage country “hedgerow hell”. Field
Marshall von Kluge knew it was an unrealistic plan but could do little
to oppose it. The general consensus was that the German armies
must withdraw towards the Seine and establish a new defensive
line. However a limited offensive could help to buy time for the other
German forces to fall back. Several panzer divisions were withdrawn
from their positions opposite the British and Canadians and these
were replaced by newly arrived infantry formations.

The assembled forces for Operation Lüttich, (the German name for
Liege) became the XLVII Panzer Korps and consisted of:

1. SS-Panzerdivision “Liebstandarte”
2. SS-Panzerdivision “Das Reich”
2. Panzerdivision
116. Panzerdivision

The 2. SS-Panzerdivision also had a battle group from the

17. SS-Panzergrenadierdivision “Götz von Berlichingen” attached.

The entire corps had less than 200 tanks, but were all seasoned
veterans of earlier campaigns.

The plan was to strike with speed and surprise, but the tanks would be forced to use the limited road net because of the
Bocage hedgerows. The attack was to take advantage of night to gain the element of surprise. Panzergrenadiers began
to infiltrate into the town of Mortain from the south soon after 0100 hrs on 7 August.

The 30th Infantry Division in FOW

“Old Hickory” is best represented as an American Rifle Company from D-Day: American. They will therefore be rated as
Confident Trained Aggressive. During this campaign the men of the 30th Infantry Division proved to be very stubborn in
defence and so they also use the Old Hickory command card giving them Last Stand 3+ and Rally 4+.

German Forces
The 1. SS-Panzerdivision “Liebstandarte”, 2. SS-Panzerdivision “Das Reich” and 17. SS-Panzergrenadierdivision “Götz
von Berlichingen” use their Intelligence briefing from D-Day: Waffen-SS. The 2. Panzerdivision can be fielded
using D-Day: German.
Campaign Overview
The four scenarios are based on some of the standard missions from the rulebook:

Mortain: Rearguard
St Barthelmy: Breakthrough
L’Abbaye Blanche: Breakthrough/No Retreat/Counterattack
Hill 314: Bridgehead

These games must be played in this order. The Americans are always the defender in these scenarios. If the Germans
win both of the first two missions then they have the choice to do either a Breakthrough or No Retreat in the third game.
Otherwise the Americans can choose to do either of these missions or a Counterattack. The last game “Hill 314” is worth
double Victory Points to both sides. These are historically based scenarios and therefore are not intended to be points
balanced. Players are free to modify the forces suggested as long as both players agree.

Scenario 1: Mortain
Situation Report (Night of 6/7 August)

The 30th Infantry Division has arrived in Mortain to

take over the hasty defences of the 1st Infantry
Division. There are few maps of the area available,
but two dominant features are clearly evident. Hill
285 and Hill 314 on either side of Mortain both offer
excellent observation of the surrounding area. The
town itself has been largely spared of bombing and
the citizens are in a jubilant mood. Troops are sent
to occupy these vantage points and also to set up
roadblocks in several key crossroads just north of
Mortain. The relieved outfit says that there is little
enemy activity and they are likely to be falling back
to new defensive positions.

The men of the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment had been allocated Mortain and its approaches to defend and
spent August 5 and 6 preparing defensive positions, laying the communications net and positioning roadblocks to the
north and south of the town.

As night fell on 6 August the men of the 2nd Battalion suspected little of the gathering German forces deploying for the
attack. It was not until the Deutschland Regiment of the 2. SS-Panzerdivision had taken several of the 2nd battalions
roadblocks by surprise that the 30th Infantry Division’s command realised an attack was under-way. It was the early hours
of 7 August 1944 and the battle for Mortain had started.

Attacker’s Briefing
You will infiltrate into the town of Mortain in preparation for our armoured attack towards Avranches. You must overrun
any roadblocks along the highway. Surprise is the key so you will be attacking at night. Supporting artillery fire will be
limited to harassing the enemy and covering the noise of our tanks.

Defender’s Briefing
Mortain is remarkably different to the battered ruins you have already been through in Normandy. The French are making
every effort to make you feel welcome. During the night the German’s also send their greetings as an air raid and some
sporadic shelling start a few fires in town but this is nothing unusual.
Mission Special Rules
The mission is a standard Rearguard with the following additional rules:
Night Fighting: The game is played using the night fighting rules (see page 113 of the Flames Of War rulebook).
Bocage: All hedgerows will be treated as Bocage (see pages 78-79 of D-Day: British).
Surprise: All American units begin the game pinned down and any vehicles will be bailed out. In addition they may not
deploy a Unit in Ambush as per the normal rules for Rearguard.
Burning Buildings: Randomly select two buildings to be set on fire before deployment. These buildings may not be
entered by any team. In addition they will illuminate any team within 6"/15cm of the building. Any team within this area will
not be treated as being concealed by the darkness.

Terrain Set Up
There should be two main roads that run through both deployment areas. Side roads can link these and houses can line
both routes. The surrounding area should have bocage hedgerows.

The suggested scenario map also includes suggested objectives. These have been place on the intersections to
represent the likely locations of the roadblocks.

Suggested Historical Forces

Charlie Company, 120th Infantry Regiment Rifle Company (D-Day: American)

Lieutenant Albert Smith Company HQ (2x Thompson SMG team)
1st Platoon, Charlie Company Rifle Platoon
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
2nd Platoon, Charlie Company Rifle Platoon
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
3rd Platoon, Charlie Company Rifle Platoon
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
57mm Anti-tank Platoon (3x 57mm gun)
120th Infantry Regiment Anti-tank
57mm Anti-tank Platoon (3x 57mm gun)
823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion 3-inch Tank Destroyer Platoon (4x 3-inch gun)

2. SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment SS-Panzergrenadier Company (D-Day: Waffen-SS)

SS-Panzergrenadier Company HQ (2x MP40 SMG team)
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
“Deutschland Kampfgruppe” (7x MG42 team with Panzerfaust)
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(7x MG42 team with Panzerfaust)
Panther SS-Tank Platoon (3x Panther)
SS-Panzer Regiment 2
Panzer IV SS-Tank Platoon (4x Panzer IV)

Historical Outcome
The Germans successfully infiltrated into Mortain and overcame several anti-tank roadblocks before the Americans even
knew they were under attack. Fighting broke out in the town, but the Americans were forced to fall back and some
reached the forces on the hills. Isolated pockets of GIs, including the Battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion, 120th
Infantry Regiment, remained in hiding in the town for several days before being captured.
Scenario 2: St Bathelmy
Situation Report (Dawn 7 August)

The 1st Battalion of the 117th Infantry Regiment

have been assigned to the small crossroad village
of St Barthelmy just north of Mortain. As darkness
falls a platoon from the 823rd Tank Destroyer
Battalion arrives to reinforce the defences. The
night is relatively uneventful, but during the morning
hours a thick fog has enveloped the area reducing
visibility dramatically.

After some delay around Mortain elements of the 2.

Panzerdivision and 1. SS-Panzerdivision were now
available to attack through St. Barthelmy and
continue the thrust on to Avranches. To the men of
the 1st Battalion this did not come as a complete
surprise, they had been warned by the local
civilians.

Attacker’s Briefing
You are leading your kampfgruppe of the 1. SS-Panzerdivision towards the small crossroads of St Barthelmy. The 2.
Panzerdivision should have already passed through this area and moved westward. You are to link up with them. A thick
fog is making visibility difficult but should last long enough to prevent any Jabo attack.

Defender’s Briefing
The locals say that the Germans may be up to something to the northeast. The newly arrived 3” guns are a timely
addition to your force which doesn’t have many bazookas. As dawn breaks the unmistakable sound of tank tracks slowly
approaching can be heard out of the fog… but where exactly are they?

Mission Special Rules

The mission is a standard Breakthrough with the following additional rules:
Bocage: All hedgerows will be treated as Bocage (see pages 78-79 of D-Day: British).
Fog of War: The game begins with the rules for Night Fighting (see page 113 of the Flames Of War rulebook) to
represent the thick fog. At the start of the Defender’s third turn roll a die. On a 5+ the fog has lifted and normal visibility
rules are used. Otherwise roll an extra die at the start of each player’s turn.
Two Companies: The German forces are divided into two separate companies to represent the two different
kampfgruppes. The starting force belongs to the 1. SS-Panzerdivision and the flank force that arrives as Delayed
Reserves is from the 2. Panzerdivision.

Terrain Set Up
A crossroads should be set up in the middle of the table with roads exiting from all four quarters. A few buildings can be
placed near the crossroad. All roads are lined with bocage hedgerows and fields are in the surrounding area.

Suggested Historical Forces

1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment Rifle Company (D-Day: American)

Lt Col Robert E. Frankland Company HQ (2x Thompson SMG team)
Rifle Platoon
Able Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
Rifle Platoon
Charlie Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
117th Infantry Regiment Anti-tank 57mm Anti-tank Platoon (3x 57mm gun)
823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion 3-Inch Tank Destroyer Platoon (4x 3-inch gun)
Reserves:
Rifle Platoon
Baker Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion 3-Inch Tank Destroyer Platoon (1x 3-inch gun)

1. SS-Panzerdivision Kampfgruppe Panther SS-Tank Company (D-Day: Waffen-SS)

 Panther SS-Tank Company HQ (1x Panther)
Panther SS-Tank Platoon (3x Panther)
Kampfgruppe Kuhlmann
Armoured SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(7x MG42 with Panzerfaust)
Flank Force:
2. Panzerdivision Kampfgruppe Panzer IV Tank Company (D-Day: German)
Panzer IV Tank Company HQ (2x Panzer IV)
Kampfgruppe Knittel Panzer IV Tank Platoon (3x Panzer IV)
Panzer IV Tank Platoon (3x Panzer IV)

Historical Outcome
The 1. SS-Panzerdivision kampfgruppe that was scheduled to follow up the 2. Panzerdivision advance through St
Barthelmy actually arrived first and was not expecting any opposition. Likewise the American forces were equally
surprised as they were positioned to repel an attack from the northeast when tanks began to approach from the south.
Several of the lead tanks were knocked out and caused delays and the fog made things more difficult for both sides.
When the kampfgruppe of the 2. Panzerdivision arrived later they caused the American forces to withdraw, but they
continued to harass the tanks as they moved westward.

Scenario 3: L’Abbaye Blanche

Situation Report (7 August, mid morning -
afternoon)

The fog is not as thick near L’Abbaye Blanche (the

White Abbey) between Mortain and St Barthelmy. A
single platoon from Fox Company, 120th Infantry
Regiment and a platoon of the 823rd Tank
Destroyer Battalion have set up a roadblock to
cover the north-south roads leading across the
River Cance.

The men of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 120th

Infantry Regiment and the gunners of 1st platoon,
A Company, 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion had no
idea the gun fire they could hear from the east and
south was more than just enemy harassing fire. But
as the morning went on it became clear that a
German attack was under-way.

The men of the L’Abbaye Blanch stayed

alert and their preparedness was
rewarded when a German column made
an appearance slowly moving up a slope
on the road to St Barthelmy to the road
block’s front. The well-concealed 3” guns
of the 823rd TD Battalion opened fire.

Attacker’s Briefing
Our forces have begun to breakthrough
at several places along the front. You
must link up with those elements to the
north in St Barthelmy and support their
drive westward. The fog is beginning to
burn off…

Defender’s Briefing
You have limited defences available but
this roadblock is a vital part of our
defence. The enemy is sure to try and
breakthrough this position so you must
hold them off with everything you have.

Mission Special Rules

The mission played depends on the
outcome of the first two battles. The
following special rules will be used for all
mission types:
Bocage: All hedgerows will be treated as
Bocage (see pages 78-79 of D-Day:
British).
Railway tracks: The railway tracks are on
a Low Enbankment (see page 43 of the
Flames Of War rulebook).
River Cance: The river treated as Deep
River (see page 43 of the Flames Of
War rulebook).
Holy Ground: The Abbey may not be
occupied by any force.

Day of the Typhoon: The USAAF IX Tactical Air Force was primarily used to intercept the Luftwaffe that attempted to
provide aerial cover for Operation Lüttich. Therefore the British Second Tactical Air Force was used in ground support
missions. The Americans can therefore use air support from the British arsenal.

Terrain Set Up
The mission is played on the map shown above, which is based on an actual sketch of the area made by the defending
troops. The map orientation will remain the same regardless of the mission played.

Breakthrough Mission Notes

The Defender must deploy in sectors A and D. However they can only deploy units behind the hedgerow in sector D, not
in front of it. Their reserves must arrive in sector A.
The Attacker must deploy in sector C. Their delayed reserves will arrive in sector B but can use either road as their
starting point.

No Retreat Notes
The Defenders must deploy in sectors A and B.

Suggested Historical Forces

Fox Company, 120th Infantry Regiment Rifle Company (D-Day: American)

Lieutenant Tom Springfield (823rd TD Btn) Rifle Company HQ (2x Thompson SMG team)
Rifle Platoon
1st Platoon, Fox Company (10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team, 2x M1919
LMG)
Weapons Platoon, Fox Company Mortar Platoon (3x 60mm mortar)
120th Infantry Regiment Anti-tank 57mm Anti-tank Platoon (3x 57mm gun)
823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion 3-inch Tank Destroyer Platoon (4x 3-inch gun)
Field Fortifications 2 Minefields
Reserves:
Rifle Platoon
2nd Platoon, Fox Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
Rifle Platoon
Stragglers from D, E, H and K Companies
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
British Second Tactical Air Force British Typhoon Fighter-bomber Flight (D-Day: British)

The 3-inch Tank Destroyer Platoon can be split into two separate Units with 2x 3-inch guns each at the discretion of the
American player depending on the mission played. The two minefields can be placed anywhere in the Defender’s
deployment zone.

Armoured SS-Panzergrenadier Company (D-Day:

2. SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment
“Der Führer Kampfgruppe”
Additional units for Breakthrough mission
Additional unit for No Retreat mission
Waffen-SS)
Armoured SS-Panzergrenadier Company HQ
(2x MP40 SMG team, 1x Sd Kfz 251 (MG))
Armoured SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(5x MG42 team with Panzerfaust, 3x Sd Kfz 251 (MG))
Armoured SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(5x MG42 team with Panzerfaust, 3x Sd Kfz 251 (MG))
SS-Reconnaissance Platoon (5x MG42 team, 5x Sd Kfz
250 (MG))
StuG SS-Tank Platoon (4x StuG)
Panzer IV SS-Tank Platoon (4x Panzer IV)
Armoured 7.5cm SS Gun Cannon Platoon
(2x Sd Kfz 251 (7.5cm))
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon (7x MG42 team with
Panzerfaust)
15cm SS Nebelwerfer Battery (6x 15cm Nebelwerfer)

Historical Outcome
The gunners of the 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion had great success at ambushing the slow column of vehicles travelling
northwards towards St Barthelmy. The Germans tried to outflank this force on several occasions, but were met with fierce
small arms fire. Stragglers from other rifle companies arrived to bolster the defences and they held out over several days.

Scenario 4: Hill 314

Situation Report (9 August, early evening)

A handful of companies from the 120th Infantry

Regiment have held the high ground for several
days. Repeated German attacks have been
repulsed. The fire support of the artillery is forcing
the attackers back and playing havoc with their
vehicle columns below.

Attacker’s Briefing
The stubborn Americans on the hill are close to
breaking. We have intercepted their radio
transmissions and they are low on ammunition and
medical supplies. No relief force has been able to
breakthrough our cordon to reach them. You must
clear the heights so they can no longer observe our
positions. Their artillery is causing severe damage
to our road bound vehicles. We have offered them
a generous ultimatum to surrender yet still they
refuse.

Defender’s Briefing
You are surrounded and cut off from the rest of your forces. The only thing that is keeping you alive seems to be the ring
of fire from our own artillery. However the observers’ radio batteries are badly depleted. A supply drop is scheduled to be
delivered soon but it looks to be too late to arrive before the next attack. The Germans have asked for our surrender, I
think you know the answer to that one…
Mission Special Rules
This is a Bridgehead mission with the following additional rules:
Bocage: All hedgerows will be treated as Bocage (see pages 78-79 of D-Day: British).
Double Points: All Victory Points for this mission are doubled for both sides.
Hold until Relieved: All American units in reserve must remain off table for the entire game, only Infantry teams are
deployed. Observers are deployed on the table and can fire Bombardment from Artillery Units that are off table.
Radio Batteries: All ranging in attempts for off board artillery are subject to this special rule which represents the
dwindling radio batteries of the observers (Spotting Teams). All fire support missions from off table artillery must be called
in by observers in the following manner. The Americans start with a pool of 9 dice that represents their radio batteries. At
the start of their turn they can roll these dice to determine how many fire support missions they can call in. These will be
successful on a roll of 5+. The number of successful rolls determines how many artillery bombardments can be used. For
example: A player rolls 9 dice and gets 3, 4, 4, 6, 2, 5, 5, 1, 2. They have been successful three times and can call in
three bombardments this turn. Repeat bombardments also require a successful roll. The number of dice decreases by
one each turn to a minimum of 3.

Terrain Set Up
The defender’s deployment zone in the centre should be dominated by a hill which can be treated as Difficult terrain.
There is a church near the summit. Bocage hedgerows surround the outside and there are forested regions as well.

Suggested Historical Forces

2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment Rifle Company (D-Day: Americans

Captain Reynold Erichson Rifle Company HQ (2x Thompson SMG team)
Rifle Platoon
Easy Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
Rifle Platoon
King Company (3rd Battalion)
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
Rifle Platoon
George Company
(10x M1 Garand rifle team, 1x Bazooka team)
Mortar Platoon (2x 81mm Mortar)
How Company
M1917 Machine-gun Platoon (2x M1917 HMG)
Off Table Artillery (Reserve):
105mm Field Artillery Battery (4x 105mm howitzer)
230th Field Artillery Battalion
M12 155mm Artillery Battery (4x M12 (155mm))
119th Cannon Company 105mm Cannon Platoon (6c 105mm light howitzer)
M4 Sherman (105mm) Assault Gun Platoon
743rd Tank Battalion
(4x Sherman (105mm))
17. SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment SS-Panzergrenadier Company (D-Day: Waffen-SS)
SS-Panzergrenadier Company HQ (2x MP40 SMG team)
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(7x MG42 team with Panzerfaust)
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(7x MG42 team with Panzerfaust)
Kampfgruppe Fick
SS-Panzergrenadier Platoon
(7x MG42 team with Panzerfaust)
8cm SS-Mortar Platoon (4x 8cm mortar)
10.5cm SS-Artillery Battery (4x 10.5cm howitzer)
Panther SS-Tank Platoon (4x Panther)
 Historical Outcome
The defenders on Hill 314 held out
for 5 days before the Germans
withdrew on the night of 11
August. Equally tenacious defence
on Hill 285 also repulsed all
attacks. Some supplies to the
besieged troops were delivered by
air drop as well as experiments
with shells fired by their own
artillery containing medical
supplies but only bandages
survived the trip. Few of these
actually reached the men, but it
did lift their morale. They were
finally relieved by the 35th Infantry
Division on 12 August. The
Germans were now in full retreat
and would be very lucky to escape
the closing trap that was to be
known as the Falaise Pocket.

Mortain: The Aftermath

By 8 August the Allies learnt through Ultra intercepts that the Mortain offensive was ordered by Hitler himself. They were
therefore confident that the Germans would continue to attack in that region. This presented General Omar Bradley with a
unique opportunity to try an envelopment of the German armies. The 30th Infantry Division would in essence be left on
their own to hold Mortain and allow the Germans to maintain their offensive. Meanwhile XV Corps would drive eastward
towards Le Mans and then sharply northward towards Argentan. Mortain would in effect be the hinge for this wide
sweeping manoeuvre. Meanwhile British, Canadian and Polish forces were pushing southwards past Caen towards
Falaise where it was hoped the two Allied forces would link up and trap the German forces, and this was largely
accomplished.

Beyond Mortain
The 30th Infantry Division’s next major
action was breaching the much vaunted
Siegfried line near the city of Aachen on 2
October 1944. In five days of heavy
fighting they had broken through and
began to encircle the city along with the
1st Infantry Division. Here they were
counterattacked by their old foes the 1.
SS, 2. Panzer and 116. Panzer divisions,
but they again held their ground.

At the start of the Ardennes offensive the

30th Infantry Division was still deployed to
the north of Aachen. They were quickly
transported south, a move noted by
German propaganda as “the fanatical 30th
Infantry Division, Rossevelt’s SS troops,
are rushing to the rescue of the First
Army”.

They arrived near Malmédy and were soon to learn of the massacre of US prisoners that had recently taken place there.
They once again faced the 1. SS-Panzerdivision near Stavelot and Stoumont as they defended the huge supply dumps
that were the target of the German forces. In the ensuing fighting few of the Germans were able to escape as they were
cut off from their lines of communication.

After a short period temporarily under British control the 30th Infantry Division rejoined the Ninth Army and was selected
to be their first division to cross the Rhine River. This was accomplished with great efficiency and forced the 116.
Panzerdivision to be committed to counter them. The press dubbed the 30th Infantry Division “The American Army’s
workhorse division” during this period as it drove steadily into Germany until their reached the River Elbe.

Although the 30th Infantry Division was somewhat overshadowed by the exploits of other notable divisions the US Army’s
official historian rated them the finest infantry division in the European theatre:

“It is the combined judgement of the approximately 35 historical officers who had worked on the records and in the field
that the 30th merited this distinction. It is out findings that the 30th has been outstanding in three operations and we could
consistently recommend it for citation on any of these occasions. It was further found that it had in no single instance
performed discreditably or weakly… and in no single operation had it carried less than its share of the burden or looked
bad when compared to the forces on its flanks. We were especially impressed with the fact that it consistently achieved
results without undue wastage of its men”.

References
“Battle for Mortain” by Alwyn Featherston

http://www.oldhickory30th.com/

http://www.dasreich.ca/

Last Updated On Tuesday, May 12, 2020 by Wayne at Battlefront

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