![]() During this period, 14th of September to October 28th 1944, 125 pillboxes were neutralized and 1352 mines and 88 fortifications and obstacles were removed, many of which were booby trapped. Carrying flame throwers and dynamite strapped to their backs, the Engineers assaulted pillbox after pillbox under heavy enemy fire. This was the first bridge across that turbulent stream. On September 16th, they bridged the Ruhr River at the town of Monschau. The 15th Engineers were of inestimable help. It took Artillery, Anti-Tank rockets, smoke, 24 pounds of dynamite, detonation of 18 Teller mines and 400 pounds of TNT to force 38 occupants of just 1 pillbox to surrender after 12 hours! It comes to no surprise that the Germans had broken eardrums and were suffering from severe shock. ![]() A new long battle was about to begin.Īfter a 3 day battle the 47th Infantry Regiment was the first Allied unit to completely break through the Siegfried Line on September 17th 1944. General Craig now had his orders: The 9th Infantry Division was to break through the German West Wall, the Siegfried Line, and push through into the Ruhr River area. The Battle of France was officially over.īy the afternoon of September 12th 1944, no less than three American units had laid claim to having set foot on German soil. Early September 1944, General Craig reminded his 9th Infantry Division troops that they had advanced almost 600 miles against enemy opposition, captured over 28000 prisoners and participated in three major campaigns in June, July and August 1944, with no more than 5 days out of action in a period of 3 months.
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