The Battle of the Moselle Bridgehead - 6 September 1944 to 22 September 1944.

(2) The Battle of the Moselle Bridgehead:

(a) The period of 6 Sep - 22 Sep was a very busy one for the 31st Tank Battalion, being on the move most of the time.

(b) The battalion had to cross the Moselle River which was heavily defended. The battalion, assisted by the 5th Inf., Div., and 33rd Engrs., finally accomplished their difficult mission amidst heavy firing and shelling on 12 Sep one mile north of ARRY. Our positions were rather difficult and trying on the men for they had to remain under cover continuously; everytime anyone moved it would draw fire from the Germans who held excellent observation points. The "fighting Thirty-First", as it has become known, finally had the deed accomplished however and was on its way in search of new conquests.

(c) Many of the men will long recall their stay at the little French town of BOUXIERES for we were under artillery fire constantly, costing us many men and some equipment.

(d) During this period our outfit was on the move continually except when we were tied up due to a gas shortage which continued for several days.

(e) Probably one of the most outstanding events in the memory of us for the month was our first bombing from the Luftwaffe. It was indeed a terrifying experience that many of us did not recognize as an attack until the shells were falling nearby. Several casualties were inflicted upon our personnel. The night skies were brilliant as the ack ack opened up and the sky was a mass of tracers.

NAME RANK SERIAL NO. STATUS ENGAGEMENT LOCATION

Barley, Frank E. Pvt 33148867 DOW Moselle 1/2 mi. S Arry, France

Frank E Barley