01-09-1945

“Since the 311th CP and the 242nd CP were close to each other, and the church outpost nearby, I could cover any one of the places in five minutes.

During the early morning hours the enemy made a probing attack on the 1st Battalion 242nd. This was broken up by our artillery fire. Again shortly thereafter the enemy attacked toward Hatten with a heavy force. They were repulsed with heavy casualties. The main line of resistance (MLR) was restored at 1145 hrs.

At about 1230 hrs I left the 242nd CP and proceeded to the OP at the church. At the moment that we drove up in front of the church, a heavy concentration of Artillery Fire was rained down into Rittershoffen. The distance from the command car to the entrance of the church was about 30 feet. My driver and radio operator greeted me at the door. Two fast boys.

On ascending the ladder to the belfry, I was almost knocked off the ladder by the men manning the outpost descending quickly. With a bit of persuasion and a few harsh words I got them to return to the belfry. I first observer tanks accompanied by foot soldiers emerging out of the woods east of Hatten, and moving as fast as the men could go.

I instructed Captain Stangler to fire his Battery (Battery C) along a line leading from Hatten to Niederroedern. I told a Sargeant member of his party to do the same along a line 200 yards left of Niederroedern and to use Battery B. I would fire to the left of the Sargeant and use A Battery. I instructed the FDC to contact Division Artillery and fire on every concentration number to our front. We needed all the help we could get.

I then concentrated on firing on the advancing Germans. They were advancing steadily. I instructed the BC and the Sargeant to pick off the closest advancing troops. I had stopped two tanks and killed or wounded many of the accompanying infantry, but there were many more pouring out of the woods. By this time a number of the enemy had reached Hatten and was encircling the town on both sides.

Realizing that this OP party was performing well and that I may be needed at the Regimental Command Post, I left the church. I found my command car and personnel and told the driver to check the bazooka for fitness. The radio operator asked if we were going to stay and fight.

I reported to the 242nd CP and proceeded to brief the CO on what was taking place. He didn’t seem to comprehend. I could do no more but wait and pray and keep the bazooka at the ready.

The artillery fire of he 311th brunted the attack of the German armor attack and was a major factor in stopping the Germans from a breakout that could have been disasterous. We lost one forward observer party captured and several men were killed. One liaison party was captured, but subsequently escaped. The Ln. O in charge was in shock for several days after.

Although people saw fit to commend me for gallantry in this action, to me it was the culmination of a lot of hard training and the years spent becoming an artilleryman. In short ‘An Artilleryman’s Dream’ – to be able to see and destroy an enemy.”

Below in a transcript of the orders filed for award of The SILVER STAR.

Lieutenant Colonel WALTON S. VAN ARSDALE, 0303931, Field Artillery, 311th Field Artillery Battalion, US Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 9 January 1945 in France. When the enemy attacked a town Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale personally directed artillery fire from an observation post in a church. Despite the fact that the enemy scored three direct hits on the observation post he continued to direct accurate fire which immobilized two enemy tanks and dispersed the enemy attack. Later in the day Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale directed fire on a second enemy attack while enemy fire scored two more direct hits on the church. The steadfastness shown and the leadership exhibited by Lieutenant van Arsdale reflects highest credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.