723rd Railway Operating Battalion


COVER


THE SAGA

of the

723d

Railway

Operating

Battalion

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BLANK
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Where were you on 30 Nov.1943?

  On that date General Order No. 174,  Headquarters, 8th Service Command authorized the activation of our unit. Acting under that authority, Lt. Col. Doyle Gresham, our Commanding Officer, activated the unit at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on 21 December, 1943 and we thus became a part of the Military Railway Service and the Army Transportation Corps. The initial strength was 21 commissioned officers and 71 enlisted men, the latter having been sent as a cadre from the 746th Railway Operating Battalion. The first headquarters was established in building T-1282 located near the intersection of Garden Avenue and W. W. White Road, and fronted on Garden Avenue (more picturesque in name than in reality). However, what this location lacked in scenic beauty was more than compensated for in the proximity of the life saving restaurant located diagonally across the street. All of the "old timers" recall the Chapel of the Rock just a few more steps down the road. During our stay in Fort Sam Houston personnel were billeted in barracks located north of W. W. White Road, east of Forage and south of Hardee Road. These were large, two-story, frame structures of the type well known to every GI who passed through a training center in the States.
  On 5 January 1944 the first shipment of enlisted personnel arrived and were assigned to the various Companies and between the date of activation and 21 January 1944, a total of 884 enlisted men were assigned to the unit. 98% of these reinforcements came into the Army via the "Selective Service" route, the other 2% being regular army or volunteers. Thus, we begin the trip to Berlin as "citizen soldiers".

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BASIC TRAINING

  Our eight weeks program of basic military training started on 17 January 1944.  To a majority of the men, mostly raw recruits only recently dispatched from reception centers, the first day of basic training was a strange and bewildering experience. However, during the initial stages of basic training the routine schedules, which is the army life, soon narrows the "experience" down to one of bewilderment only.
  The early history of the 723d is conspicuously lacking in anecdotes and unusual stories concerning the officers and EM.  This can be attributed primarily to the fact that the basic training program was insistently emphasized during the first few months of the unit's existence.
  Aside from the usual classes, drill and technical  films, among the more memorable  activities  were  the  several night marches that were made by the Battalion to provide preliminary experience in field movements as well as an opportunity to develop physical stamina among the men. Of course the marches were not complete until a full count of blisters was made upon return.
  The first long march occurred when the move was made to camp Bullis for the purpose of qualifying in arms. The march took from 0800 on February 13, 1944, to about 1600 the same date, a distance of approximately 20 miles. The most eventful aspect being the adverse weather conditions under which the movement took place. Intermittent rain and an overcast sky provided little  comfort and when fatigue began to be felt by the men near the end of the march, these factors served to emphasize their discomfort. Nor was there much respite when the Battalion strode into Camp Bullis dispersing by companies into the tent areas assigned to each of the unit's four companies, for the  lush  comforts  of  Fort Sam  were  conspicuously lacking.

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HOME ON THE RANGE

  Camp Bullis will be remembered for its rocky company streets; its rugged mess halls; and inconveniently  located latrines.
  The main purpose of this period was for all men to qualify as marksmen with  the 30 caliber 1903 A-3 rifle. This was  accomplished  according  to  schedule  with  the highest score of 188 for EM and 178 for officers. Also the training at Camp Bullis included firing the 30 caliber carbine for familiarization, 30 and 50 caliber machine guns by part of the unit, anti-aircraft firing, and last but not least the infiltration course where all members received their baptism of fire.   Machine gun bullets whined  overhead and tracers could be seen flashing through the air along with detonations of dynamite  throwing  showers  of  mud skyward as visible reminders  that  the  exercise  was  no pantomime.
  By the 27th of February 1944, the Battalion had completed its program at Camp Bullis and on the same day left for a  predetermined  bivouac  area  approximately six  miles northeast of the Camp.
  Along with learning more of the  ways and means of soldiers in the field the Battalion enacted offensive military action against Branntown, a reconstruction of a war torn village such as might be encountered in actual operations overseas.
  To the satisfaction of inspectors from Fort Sam Houston, our Commanding officer and company officers, our Basic Training period was  announced  "finis".   The unit then returned to Camp Bullis to prepare for  the march back to Fort Sam.   On the 9th of March, Companies A, B and Hq shouldered field packs and waved a fond adieu to Camp Bullis and to C Company which remained behind for two days awaiting favorable weather conditions which would permit the completion of anti-aircraft firing with  the 50 caliber machine gun.
  By the  11th  of March  1944, the entire Battalion was assembled at Fort Sam Houston and the unit boarded trains on the 13th bound for Lincoln Army Air Field, where mess and quarters were established during the Technical training period on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

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TECHNICAL TRAINING

  The 723d Railway Operating Battalion arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 15, 1944, establishing Headquarters at 1200 hours on that date. Within the first three days after arrival, furloughs were granted to all enlisted personnel and officers eligible. A few men had been released for furloughs before the unit left Texas but this group was in the minority and it was not until the organization arrived in Lincoln that the majority of the Battalion personnel set off for home to enjoy the long awaited break in  the monotonous routine of army life.
  On the 3rd of April 1944, the Technical Training schedule was set in motion and each of the four companies set about to learn the specialized skills necessary in railroad operation. Some of the men were beginners and their concentration was bent on acquiring the  rudiments of hitherto unknown trades or specialties. To others who had civilian railroad experience, the training program was an interim in which previously acquired skills were entranced and perfected under intensive instruction and practice. Thus the roundhouse, the cupola, the engine, the open track where the maintenance of way crews worked, the barracks wherein telegraphy was taught and the stations that dotted the rail lines emanating from the Lincoln Terminal became class rooms where practical experience, civilian railroaders, and the officers of the Battalion were the teachers in getting the Unit coordinated into a working machine to  handle all duties pertaining to operating and maintaining anywhere from 60 to 120 miles of railroad track and equipment.
  The training period at Lincoln was not entirely technical, however, for a program was set up whereby all men were given refresher courses in basic military subjects, such as: field striping 50 caliber machine guns, close order drill, calisthenics, Chemical warfare and other training that helped make a more efficient unit for protecting as well as operating a railroad.

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   On May 4, after arrangements were made to feed the Battalion at the station compliment mess of Lincoln Army Air Field, the cooks were placed on detached service  at Fort Riley, Kansas to attend the Cooks and Bakers School.
  Under a hot, summer, Kansas sun and over hot stoves our "culinary commandos" were initiated into the mysteries of Army Cookery.
  The curriculum was replete with courses on every phase of cookery plain and fancy.
  The cooks returned to Lincoln, on June 29, with their minds full of new theories, new recipes and new resolutions that, from that day hence the food would be better than ever.
  There were two additional movements made to Fort Riley. The first, for the purpose of firing the 50 caliber machine gun on the M 45 anti-aircraft mounts by a required number of the Battalion. This program covered a period from the 16th to the 23d of May 1944. The second was undertaken to fulfill training requirements relative to the qualification in arms. All men who had not qualified with the 03 rifle, and those who had not  previously completed the infiltration course or fired the carbine for familiarization were required to go to the Fort Riley Range for this purpose. This was accomplished from the 25th to the 27th of June 1944.
  While receiving technical training in Lincoln the 723d rendered a valuable public service during a flood emergency which occurred in the early part of June 1944. The  flood waters of the Platte River were particularly rampant  and there was, for a time, a serious threat of washouts on the Burlington Line which spanned the Platte east of Ashland, Nebraska.
  In answer to a call for volunteers for aid, more than one hundred members of Company A, including company officers, took over the job of filling and loading sand bags on flat cars for shipment to threatened areas where the bags were used to buttress the track embankment in high water areas. Pausing only when the rain reached  cloudburst proportions
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the emergency detachment worked under floodlights throughout the night where in a ten hour period 14000 sand bags were filled and loaded on 23 flat cars.
  Also not to be forgotten, was the night problem that was undertaken on June 2, 1944. This being taken as a secret move under simulated battle conditions.
  Carrying full field packs and wearing steel helmets,  the Battalion marched a distance of approximately ten miles over roads and terrain lined with concealed  dynamite charges which were detonated at intervals to achieve the effect of hostile artillery fire. To lend additional realism to the exercise, groups of men were selected to act the part of enemy opposition firing blank ammunition from machine guns located at several points.
  Twice during the march, gas attacks were simulated and masks were employed as the Battalion made its way through clouds of smoke and tear gas released  by  the  "enemy". Contact with advance columns deployed by the opposition resulted in the enactment of frequent frontal as well as rear guard action.
  And so, back to, and on with technical training which was concluded with an exercise conducted on the famous Ashland Prague Division. The Battalion was bivouacked at the National Guard Camp just outside of Ashland, Nebraska for the duration of the battle simulated  conditions which lasted from the 8th to the 12th of July. The problem being, to run this stretch of track in the required and typical GI manner.
  The Battalion was divided into opposing forces, in this "test of operation", one charged with getting a supply train through from Ashland to Prague, while the other did its best to stop or delay the run.   Every effort was made to have the action as realistic as possible and guards patrolled bridges and other vital points of the line.   Long in advance of the train's progress, the right-of-way was planted  with  booby traps and obstructions of all kinds, and at frequent intervals the train was the center of exploding charges and clouds of gas.
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Learning their specialized jobs as engineers,  firemen, brake men, telegraphers and maintenance of way men on Burlington Lincoln Division each man got a chance to prove himself a qualified "railroader" on this, the final exercise of training which combined both technical and military operations.
  With the by word now as, "Aw, this outfit won't go  overseas", the advance party left on the 15th of July 1944 to procure and ready an array of supplies and  equipment required by the overseas assignment to come.
  No one knew the destination of the advance party and few, if any, would hazard a guess on the point. One thing was certain, however, the departure of this group, which included the Adjutant, Assistant Battalion Supply Officer and the Battalion Supply Sergeant, was concrete indication that very soon the unit would be on the move toward one of the global battlefronts.
  In a ceremony at Theater No. 1, LAAF, on July 26, a farewell gathering was arranged by officials of the Burlington Railroad for the 723rd where all members  of the Battalion were presented money belts by the Burlington Officials.
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THIS IS IT

  Still clinging to a saying, which by this time had changed to, "One thing sure, half of these guys can't pass the overseas physical at the Port", the Battalion left Lincoln on August 2, 1944.
  On August 4, the 723d arrived at Camp Shanks, there to receive overseas indoctrination lectures, issues of new clothing and last minute scrutiny of personnel and military records; besides, checking TAT, preparing rosters and, - What do you know? Everyone passed the overseas physical.
  Then came the familiar, "This is it", and on August 10, the Battalion, by companies, marched to the station and each individual with full field pack end duffle bag boarded a train for NYPE. On arriving at 3 New York Central station the men loft the train with all equipment and marched aboard the ferry, crossed to Manhattan, onto the pier and boarded the E. B. Alexander.  With very little delay the ship pulled out of New York at approximately 1030 hours on August 11, 1944.
Aside from abandon shin drills, inspections sweating out two long chow lines daily, - usually eating with perspiration dripping into the mess gear, and an occasional detail in the galley or latrine, the trip was uneventful and the passenger was on his own. Reading, several boxing matches, movies and an orchestra organized from among  those no board,
provided entertainment during the voyage.
  The convoy grew the first few days and dispersed again for several different ports upon approaching  the  coast  of England. The E. B. Alexander docked at Liverpool on August 22, and the 723d disembarked on the morning of the 24th boarded trains immediately and arrived at Southampton the some day.
  With approximately 30 hours spent in England the Battalion boarded the British ship Chelsea on August 25, at Southampton.
  The troop compartments ware more congested and uncomfortable aboard the Chelsea than they were on the E. B. Alexander and the food served was no attraction.

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   The channel crossing was as uneventful as it was slow for it was not until approximately 1600 hours the 26th that the unloading was started by L.C.I.'s onto Utah Beach. A baggage detail being left aboard to unload duffle bags.
  After landing on the beach, the Battalion moved inland to bivouac area eight, some five miles north and east of the landing point.
  Encampment here lasted but two days and on August 28, at 2000 hours, the Unit moved via motor convoy to the outskirts of Chef Du Pont. This time bivouacking in an apple orchard near the railroad that passed through the village.
  The following day at 0600, shelters were struck and the Battalion entrained at Chef Du Pont headed for Le Mans, France, its first station.
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FULFILLMENT OF A MISSION

  Thus across France Via St. Lo, Argentan, Surdon, Alencon and finally Le Mans, the 723d detrained and moved to quarters in a former French army barracks just recently evacuated by the German forces.
  The Battalion with its mission underway at last, established Headquarters at 1330 hours 29 August 1944, on the third floor of a building just north of the depot at Le Mans and operated between Le Mans and Surdon. This first operation was more in the nature of a temporary assignment under the 708th Railway Grand Division then located at Pontaubault.
  On September 9, the 723d moved to Surdon, France where Battalion Headquarters was established. The Unit was assigned, on this date, under the 706th Railway Grand Division at Le Mans, to operate the territory from Surdon to Dreux including both terminals. Temporary quarters were established in three French Manors located on the highway connecting Nonant Le Pin and Marmouille.
  When the Battalion arrived in Surdon, there was much to be done. Most of the buildings had been damaged by air attack. The railroad yards were in poor condition and there were no facilities for handling other than a mere trickle of traffic.
  The personnel of the Unit was dispersed between Surdon and Dreux but the bulk of the Battalion was quartered at Surdon.
  And now, what had been an enigma of silence was unfolded as the advance party arrived on September 14, 1944. They had left Lincoln, Nebraska, we learned, and proceeded to New York where they embarked on the Mauritania. In five days, sailing without convoy protection they crossed the Atlantic.
  From the day the advance party landed in England their work began. Equipment ranging from giant prime movers to shovels was gathered from every corner of England. Ample testimony that the party had performed its mission thoroughly was evident when the Unit's impedimenta was set down in

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France. The Battalion was as well equipped to perform its mission as was any similar unit then operating  on  the continent.
  With the Unit complete once more, several projects were initiated to improve Surdon. German Prisoners were obtained from Alencon and the "face lifting" began.
  Work was started immediately to clean out and repair the station and the few buildings that were not completely rendered useless by the sledge of war. The remainder were leveled and the surrounding areas cleared.
  The station was used as dispatcher's office, Battalion Headquarters and sleeping quarters for transient crews as well as for Battalion Headquarters personnel.
  Several smaller buildings were used for a Post Exchange, Chaplain's office and for the power unit which furnished electricity.
  Five German, Pre-fabricated barracks were dismantled and moved from Nonaut Le Pin to Surdon where they were reconstructed on the site where a short time before had stood bomb gutted buildings.  One was used for officers quarters, another for a dispensary, as a medical detachment of two officers and nine enlisted men  finally arrived and was assigned to the unit on October 13, 1944. A third was used for enlisted men's quarters.
  Still under construction when the unit left Surdon were two other barracks, one scheduled to be used as a mess hall and the other as enlisted personnel barracks.
  Facilities for coaling engines were provided and water lines were reconstructed to bring water into stand pipes for servicing locomotives.
  A stockade and barracks were built to house 250 German prisoners who were assigned as a permanent labor corps for the Battalion. The prisoners were utilized to the utmost in all of the rehabilitation work and even on the railroad, where security permitted.
 Tracks and yard facilities were repaired and pressed into service to handle the rush of traffic that began to pour out
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of Cherbourg and through Surdon on the way to Paris and the combat areas beyond.
  Concurrent with the rebuilding of Surdon the train movement and operating sections of the Unit kept supply trains moving. Company C personnel worked day and night many of its crews going twenty four and thirty six hours without respite. The dispatchers and operators too, were occupied around the clock moving an endless stream of cars eastward to Dreux.
  So great, as a matter of fact, was the volume of traffic between these points that the operating crews were worked to a point almost beyond human endurance. The 710th Railway Grand Division, to whom we were now assigned under date of September 18, was aware of this situation, however, and on October 6, 1944 a radiogram was issued from their Headquarters attaching two officers and 127 enlisted men of the operating company  of the 732d Railway Operating Battalion, to Company C of this unit. This platoon arriving on the 14th of October, provided enough manpower to give relief to the train and engine crews and they remained until October 21, at which time they returned to their parent organization.
  On October 25, 1944 Headquarters of the 723d was closed at Surdon and re-established on the same day at Dreux, France. The Unit being assigned the additional trackage west of Surdon to Argentan. This increase of divisional territory made the overall distance now covered, 112 kilometers or 70.4 miles.
  The situation by now permitted the hire of French civilians as parts of crews and laborers in many jobs around the roundhouse and yards. The German Prisoner Company had been moved to Dreux and was still used to very good advantage.
  The outside interests during November included a memorial service and parade on Armistice Day when the Battalion was invited by the City of Dreux to  participate in the activities of the day. There was a gathering of the towns people in the main square where the parade was formed. This Unit being represented by officers, color bearers and
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guards, the Drum and Bugle Corps and a detachment of enlisted men armed with rifles. The parade proceeded from the center of town to the cemetery where our men held services by the graves of American aviators killed near Dreux prior to American occupation. A very fine speech was made by the Major of Dreux in honor of all war dead.
  Thanksgiving was duly observed by the Battalion on November 23, at a gathering where all members that could possibly be spared without hampering operations,  attended. Also attending the ceremony were several officers from higher headquarters and the City Council of Dreux. With music and singing, the President's Thanksgiving Proclamation read by the Commanding Officer, a word from the Mayor and a brief message by the Unit Chaplain, the program was completed with the award of Good Conduct Ribbons to 168 enlisted men by their respective Company Commanders.
  The stage was appropriately  decorated for the occasion with fruits, vegetables and other merchandise. This, in addition to the free will offering, taken at the close of the ceremony amounting to approximately 3500 francs, was distributed to the poor and needy of Dreux and vicinity.
  In the evening a dance was held, which incidentally, was the first public dance to be held in Dreux for approximately four years. The Dance was enjoyed by all military personnel of the area and by the civilians who cared to attend.
  On 9 November 1944 when changes were made in Grand Division Territories the 723d was now under the 707th Railway Grand Division located at Cherbourg. The usual headaches were encountered that always occur when such changes are made. However, the Battalion's territory was not changed again until December 23rd when the line was again extended and the Battalion was bounced back to the 710th Railway Grand Division. This time the addition was made east of Dreux to St. Cyr and including Matelots Yard at Versailles, making a total of 110.7 miles of the main rail supply line to the "Front", operated by the Unit.
  With what turned out ho be the final major offensive action by the German War Machine the Battalion was put on the
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alert and Christmas and New Years passed with very little celebration.
  The spirit of Christmas was upheld, however, when at a suggestion from Battalion Headquarters and with the aid of the chaplain, the following program was carried out:
  22 December - The Chaplain, with a group of officers and enlisted men, visited the schools extending greetings from the American Army. More than 2500 candy bars, donated by the men from their Christmas boxes and Post Exchange rations, were distributed to the children. Songs and Christmas exercises were presented by the children at each school.
  23 December - The Chaplain visited the children's hospital and distributed several hundred candy bars, apples, and toys.
  25 December - About 230 French orphans, and children from very poor families, were fed a Christmas dinner in several mess hells. Candy and toys were distributed after the meal. In the afternoon a movie of the American armed forces in action was shown to 1500 French children. With the explanation and hope that their Christmas was brighter and happier because of the Allied Liberation of France.
  When advised of the bombing of St. Lazare Station in Paris on the night of December 26, a small detail from the Unit was sent to help repair the damage. Two of this group received commendations for their efficient work from the Superintendent of Equipment of the 710th Railway Grand Division and from their own Commanding Officer.
  Several other commendations were received from higher headquarters while the Unit was at Dreux. One of the more notable being made for the efficient handling and safety record that was established during the Battalion's operations on the continent.
  Only one major accident occurred in this period  An ammunition train collided with a wrecking derrick overturning the engine and tender, killing a French fireman and setting fire to the ammunition cars. However, twenty of the twenty nine cars in the train were saved.   As a result two officers of the Battalion were later awarded Bronze Star Medals for performing exceptionally hazardous duties in connection with
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saving additional cars and pulling the fire on the engine to prevent it from exploding. Several other members of the Unit were awarded Meritorious Service Certificates, by the Director General, Military Railway Service for their aid in clearing up the wreck.
A voluntary contribution was made by the men of the Battalion to the widow of the deceased SNCF fireman in the amount of 10,500 francs ($ 210.00).
   On the 21st of January the European Theater of Operations Blood Bank sent out an urgent appeal for type "0" blood. All of the Companies were checked and of the 355 EM with that type of blood, scattered over 120 miles of railroad, 159 were able to make donations without any loss of time from work. Five officers of the Battalion also donated blood.
  Another project, shortly afterward, was instituted in which 12,244 francs was collected and contributed in the "March of Dimes" drive conducted in the States in connection with the celebration of the President's birthday. Altering the customary slogan, the 723d campaign was publicized as a "March of Dimes Across the Sea" and a money order ($ 246.00) was sent to the Warm Springs Foundation, in care of the President of the United States.
  The balance of the present assignment was uneventful except for the gradual change to Phase III Operation, whereby the French took over the operation of this territory and under Movement Orders from Headquarters Second Military Railway Service dated l2 March 1945, the Battalion Supplies, Equipment and personnel left on four trains on March
13th, "Destination Germany"!
  Following close on the heels of the advancing American Forces, the Unit arrived in Munchen-Gladbach at night. Amid the distant rumbling of Artillery the first train passed through the ghostly terminal unknowingly, but stopped short a few miles beyond with the nose of the engine in a bomb crater and the personnel untangling themselves from other arms, legs and equipment at the front of each car. Only a few suffered bruises and scratches, however, arid the train was pulled back to the station just at dawn.
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   Headquarters was established at Munchen-Gladbach. Germany on 15 March 1945 at 1200 hours; one year to the day and hour after Headquarters was established at Lincoln, Nebraska to start training for it's primary mission. At that time no one dared to predict that the 723d Railway Operating Battalion would be operating in Germany one year from that date.
  With this change in operating territory came the change of technical supervision from the 710th to the 708th Railway Grand Division. The main line of operation was from Herzogenrath to Geldern with railheads changing from time to time to fit the needs of the Ninth U.S. Army, whom we were now serving on a priority movement basis.
  Operations were under shell fire quite often at  several points along the line but no serious damage was caused and no lives lost from this action. Of course this threat was removed almost overnight when the Ninth Army broke through the German Rhine defenses and changed the battle line from within a few miles to a point approximately half way across Germany.
  The untimely death of our President and Commander in Chief was mourned by all and a memorial service was held on April 14th at the Battalion Chapel in his honor.
  During April an increasing flow of supplies were pushed through to keep up with the lightening advance of the armies and westward trains hauled an estimated 125,000 prisoners of war and 29,000 French and Belgium repatriates in the month period.
  The 723d's most important and exacting task was  the operation of the Gouldin Bridge at Wesel - first railroad span constructed across the Rhine River.  Operation of the bridge became the Unit's responsibility on 26 April, and from then to VE-Day, a daily average of 16 Eastbound trains crossed the river - or about one train eastward every hour.
  The significance of operating the bridge becomes evident on considering that over a single track span it has been
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necessary to funnel all Eastbound traffic to the American 1st, 9th and 15th Armies as well as the British 2nd Army. Thus the bridge was, in effect, a self-imposed bottleneck which, unless expertly tended and controlled, would have choked off rail traffic destined for supply depots and railheads supporting the Allied sweep to victory.
  It is of prime importance that we not forget the splendid work done continually by the track, bridge and signal platoons of Company "A". Their never-ending job of construction, maintenance and rehabilitation was accomplished under hazardous conditions and in all  kinds of weather, making it possible to speed up operations with good  communications and with an increasingly safer right-of-way.
  The accomplishments of the car, shop and roundhouse platoons of Company "B" are evident as shown in statistics listed at the end of this narrative.
  The 9th of May saw the official end of the war in Europe, thus our operations were reversed. The flow  of certain items, such as ammunition and ordnance material to the forward areas was halted and a great movement to the rear was started.
  Once again a change in Grand Division jurisdiction was made and on 17 April the Unit was again under the 707th. Several adjustments in the Battalion's territory were made from  time to time. The major change  involved the assignment of the line from Munchen-Gladbach, over the Victory Bridge at Duisberg to Hamm, Germany, on 23 May 1945. Also the the spur lines from Viersen, to Dulken, Germany, and Krefield to Willich, Germany, were still the responsibility of the 723d.
  Several former German railroad employees were hired before the end of hostilities to help get electrically  operated switches and control towers in the various yards into service and with the end of the war utilization of all former railroad personnel was started. The ultimate goal being  to  turn back all operations to the Germans, having only supervisional control by the occupying forces.
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  With this goal now attained and the supervision  of  the railroads turned over to the British in this, their occupational territory, the 723d has completed it's mission in the ETO.
  The Battalion is authorized Battle Stars for campaigns, "Northern France", "Rhineland" and "Central Europe". The Unit had no casualties from direct enemy action but there were four deaths from accidents. One officer lost a hand and one EM lost a foot from mines planted near the right-of-way at Duisberg. Each accident was as unfortunate as are all accidents but to be serving under the conditions of modern war, injuries and casualties have been extremely low in this Unit.
  On 3 July 1945 the announcement was made that the Battalion was classified a Category IV Unit and at some future date, yet to be determined, would return to the USA for deactivation thus ending the life of a battalion.
  Now, with calisthenics, close order drill and special service programs to pass the time, one question is in the mind of each individual, "When and where do I go from here?", as no one knows who will remain with the Unit to go "overseas" (USA) or who will be redeployed in this zone - only time and Special Orders will tell.
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IN MEMORIUM

JOHN R. VALENTINE, JR.
Technician Fifth Grade
Killed in line of duty:
France - 10 December 1944

*

JAMES V. GROSS
Private First Class
Killed in line of duty:
Germany - 31 March 1945

*

WILLIAM G. MILES
Technician Fifth Grade
Killed in line of duty:

*

ARTHUR R. HOVELAND
Private First Class
Died - Germany - 2 June 1945

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BATTALION AWARDS



Campaign Star "NORHTERN FRANCE"
    Letter, Hq, ETOUSA, file AG 200.6 OpGA; Subject
    "Battle Particaption Awards", dated 21 April 1945.

Campaign Star "RHINELAND"
    Letter, Hq, ETOUSA, file AG 200.6 OpGA; Subject
    "Battle Particaption Awards", dated 6 July 1945.

Campaign Star "CENTRAL EUROPE"
    Letter, Hq, ETOUSA, file AG 200.6 OpGA; Subject
    "Battle Particaption Awards", dated 27 June 1945.

Campaign Ribbon EAME
    WD Circular No. 62, 11 February 1944

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Captain ThomasW. McCabe
    Purple Heart -
    Awarded by GO 52, Hq32d General Hospital, APO 228,
    U.S. Army dated 19 June 1945 for wounds recieved as a
    result of enemy action in Germany 10 June 1945.

Bronze Star -
    Awarded by GO 100, Hq, Com Z, ETOUSA, 11 June 1945,
    for meritorious service in connection with miltary
    operations 25 January 1945, in France.

Captain George O. Larmer
    Bronze Star -
    Awarded by GO 100, Hq, Com Z, ETOUSA, 11 June 1945,
    for meritorious service in connection with miltary
    operations 25 January 1945, in France.

Pfc Ivan G. Stewart
    Purple Heart -
    Awarded by GO 52, Hq32d General Hospital, APO 228,
    U.S. Army dated 19 June 1945 for wounds recieved as a
    result of enemy action in Germany 10 June 1945.

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CERTIFICATES OF MERIT


1st Lt. Harold D. Lurie Tec 4 William H. Thompson
T/Sgt Joseph E. Kaschuluk Tec 5 Ottis R. Brown
T/Sgt Raymond H. Smith Tec 5 Thomas W. Canty
Sgt Franklin J. Carto Tec 5 Earl O. Full
Sgt Claude E. Palmer Pfc John H. Becker
Sgt Fred J. Sachs Pfc Donald V. Cornia
Tec 4 Harry N. Alexander Pfc Webb S. Swann
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"GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN"


RANK NAME & POSITION ASN DATE
ASSIGNED
DATE
TRANSFERRED
1st Lt Blessman, Charles W.
Rd Foreman of Engines
21 Dec 43 4 Mar 44
2d Lt Bryan, Gilbert B.
Battalion Supply Officer
21 Dec 43 11 Mar 44
1st Lt Crabb, Vernon R.
Chief Dispatcher
21 Dec 43 4 Mar 44
1st Lt Curley, Leo C.
Asst Trainmaster
27 mAY 44 16 JUL 45
2d Lt Davis, Sidney T.
Asst Trainmaster
16 Feb 44 8 Jul 44
1st Lt Gregory, Carlos F.
Yardmaster
21 Dec 43 5 Jun 45
Capt Johnson, Robert E.
Headquarters Company
Commander
13 Jul 44 15 Jul 45
WOJC Kramer, Paul J.
Asst Divison Storekeeper
15 Feb 44 7 May 44
Capt Lumpkin, Ennis J.
Adjutant
21 Dec 43 26 Feb 44
Capt McDermett, Gage C.
Headquarters Company
Commander
21 Dec 43 8 Jul 44
Capt McCabe, Thomas W.
Trainmaster
21 Dec 43 19 Jun 45
1st Lt Mylott, Raymond F.
Rd Foreman of Engines
21 Dec 43 5 Jun 45
2d Lt Olive, William M., Jr.
Administrative Officer
Company A
5 Jul 44 9 Mar 45
1st Lt Raymond, Lloyd C.
Mess Officer
19 Jan 44 21 Jul 44
2d Lt Rushing, Roy W., Jr.
Rd Foreman of Engines
21 Dec 43 27 Dec 43
Capt Rusthoi, Howard W.
Chaplain
21 Dec 43 16 Feb 45
1st Lt Talley, Russell L.
Yardmaster
21 Dec 43 30 Apr 44
PAGE 28


PAGE 29


PAGE 30


OFFICERS
State City Name Rank
CA Pasadena Larmer, George O.
Adjutant
Capt
CA Sacramento Columbia, Charles M.
Mechanical Engineer
1st Lt
DC Washington Van Vliet, Elvin W.
Administrative Officer
1st Lt
ID Pocatello Joest, Earl O.
Master Mechanic
Capt
IL Harvard Peters, Glenn W.
Asst Master Mechanic
1st Lt
IL Sparta Tefertillar, George C.
Track Supervisor
1st Lt
MD Relay McClooney, James E.
Chief Dispatcher
1st Lt
MI Grand Rapids Alvord, James L.
Maintenance of Way 
Supervisor
Capt
MI Jackson Fedore, Herman J.
Rd Foreman of Engines
1st Lt
MI Detroit Laur, William E.
Battalion Surgeon
1st Lt
MO Kansas City Gresham, Doyle
Superintendent
Lt Col
MO Pine Lawn Dyer, Vernon G.
Asst Maintenace of
Way Supervisor
1st Lt
NE Boelus Jacobsen, John
B & B Supervisor
1st Lt
NE Omaha Spain, Arthur J.
Railway Car Foreman
1st Lt
NJ Maplewood Hildebrand, John C., Jr.
Administrative Officer
Company C
2d Lt
NY New York Administrative Officer
Company B
2d Lt
ND Minot Campbell, Albert E.
Enginehouse Foreman
1st Lt
ND Steele Madsen, Harold S.
Asst Trainmaster
1st Lt
OH Toledo Conner, Ralph W.
Asst Division Storekeeper
WOJC
PA Philadelphia Lurie, Harold D.
Mess Officer
1st Lt
PA Pittsburgh Kuntz, Edward V.
Battalion Dental Officer
1st Lt
TX Brownwood Tillman, Thomas B.
Division Storekeeper
Capt
UT Garfield Goff, Aubrey E.
Signal Supervisor
1st Lt
VA Woodstock Edwards, Johathan
Chaplain
Capt
WY Cheyenne West, Oscar E.
Asst Superintendent
Major
PAGES 31 and 32


HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
ENLISTED PERSONNEL

HHC ROSTER

PAGES 33 to 37


CHARLIE COMPANY
ENLISTED PERSONNEL

C Co ROSTER

PAGES 37 to 38

PAGE 39


PAGE 40


CHARLIE COMPANY
ENLISTED PERSONNEL

C Co ROSTER

PAGES 41 to 48
ALPHA COMPANY
ENLISTED PERSONNEL

A Co ROSTER

PAGES 48 to 55


BRAVO COMPANY
ENLISTED PERSONNEL

B Co ROSTER

PAGES 55 to 59

STATISTICS

TRAIN MOVEMENTS - FRANCE, 11 SEPT 1944 TO 12 MARCH 1945


EAST WEST
No. Trains
Loads
Mtys
Net Tons  
No.
Train
Loads
Mtys
Net Tons
September   308
10,804
40
151,256
343
96
11,660
1,344
October       651
24,725
2,168
311,062
650
1,026
23,990
12,314
November   692
30,101
1,920
343,107
622
1,251
19,961
15,007
December    491
22,508
2,010
277,216
504
761
17,698
9,126
January        620
19,899
1,083
248,880
790
10,047
14,626
116,698
February      696
21,511
2,391
264,108
912
13,878
14,147
162,390
March-12th 393
15,521
1,821
201,773
500
6,955
11,778
97,370
TOTAL   3,851 144,978 11,433
1,797,402
4,321
34,014 113,860
414,249
OPERATIONS
IN FRANCE

TRAIN MOVEMENTS - GERMANY, 20 MARCH 1945 TO 15 JULY 1945


EAST WEST
No. Trains Loads Mtys Net Tons
No.
Trains
Loads Mtys Net Tons
March-20th  486
12,586
888
176,204
413
2,229
8,857
31,206
April             754 23,832
8,142
333,648
537
6,886
6,562
96,404
May             633 18,883
2,357
264,362
632
17,423
12,326
243,922
June             717 19,754
9,224
276,556
1,034
37,385
7,773
523,390
July-15th      449 13,826
4,155
193,564
613
19,505
6,712
273,050
TOTAL    3,039 88,881 24,766 1,244,334
3,229
83,428 42,230
1,167,992
OPERATIONS
IN GERMANY
TOTAL OPERATIONS No. Trains Loads Mtys Net Tons
ETO
14,440 351,301 192,289 4,623,977

CAR, SHOP and ROUNDHOUSE

CAPTURED ENEMY FREIGHT & No. CARS No. Engines Serviced
PASSENGER CARS STENCILED
REPAIRED
and
Repaired
France
Germany
5,862
1,552
15,540
5,355
PAGE 60

SONG OF THE ARMY
TRANSPORTATION CORPS

KEEP IT MOVIN', KEEP IT MOVIN', THAT'S A JOB -

THE STUFF HAS GOTTA GET TO 'BUCKS',TO THE 'BOOTS',
    THAT WE KNOW - 

GOTTA FEED 'EM, HOWWE NEED'EM, BILL AND JOE,

THEY'LL BE MOPPIN' UP THE FOE.
 

WE LOAD THE SHIPS -

WE LOAD THE TRAINS -

SO THAT THE OTHER LADS CAN LOAD THE GUNS
    AND PLANES.

WHEN YOU HEAR A MIGHTY ROAR,

IT'S THE TRANSPORTATION CORPS,

WE'VE GOTTA DELIVERTHE GOODS AND NOT A SINGLE
    MAN COMPLAINS.

ALONG THE ROAD -

ALONG THE TRACK -

THE BRINY DEEP, WE GET 'EM THERE, WE BRING 'EM BACK.

DAY AND NIGHT WE'RE ON DUTY ON THE SEA AND SHORE;

ALWAYS READY TO JOIN THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE NATION -

THE ARMY TRANSPORTATION CORPS!

PAGE 61


 
 

Now  on 26 August comes  General  Order No.44
From   General  Headquarters  Military  Railway
Service assigning us to the First Military Railway
Service.  And so  -  on  to  Marseilles and  Home?

PAGE 62

PAGE 63


 
 

RHEINISCHE DRUCKEREI G.M. B.H.
Munchen-Galdbach (Germany)

PAGE 64


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