GEORGE S. PATTON DIARIES Original May 31-Oct. 2,1944 BOX 1 FOLDER 10 DIARY (VII) MAY 31, 1944 I OCT 2, 1944 560 VII to his staff. He was quite impressed by the fact that I could also be my own G-3 of course I always am. 5-31-44 Simpson and I left at 0800 for Hq XII Corps. Codman came with us. Gen Moore followed in second car. I spoke to all Corps and Army troops in the area stressing the need of getting men back to the front. At 1445 Codman and I drove to Hq 1st Army at BRISTOL Bradley and Hodges were there we had a very useful evening. Lee phoned me this morning that he would visit me at Peover and then visit XII Corps I missed him at both places. He is putting on an act of great tactical interest. He does not even know the level of supply in the U.K. It is too bad that he is both SOS and Deputy Theater Commander. 561 6-1-44 The beginning of a fateful month. Bradley went over all his final plans. He seems quite cheerful. If all goes as planned there is very little scope for me. I hope it don't.) We left by Air at 1530 and flew to PORTSMOUTH to see Montey who lives near by at SOUTHWICK. Montey Brad. and I had tea then we went in his office and with out aid of staff went over all our plans. He was especially interested in operations of 3d Army and my practice with Simpson two nights ago came in handy. He said twice to Brad Patton should take over for the Britany and possibly for the Rennes operation At supper we had in Gen Dempsey CB. D SO MC 2d Brit Army and Gen CRERAR CB. D SO Canadian Army. I was quite interested in Monteys indirect approach 562 The official meeting of the 4 Army Commanders and De Gungan Monty's C of S took place before supper. Dempsie had the Corps that failed to take Catania. He looks like a nice rabbit and is, I think, just a "yes man" the Canadian is better but not impressive. De Gungan is clever and very nervous there is no strength in his face. Monty got the exact location of all our CP's and the succession of command down to the third generation in case of casualties. The Bosch will have at least 4 Divs and 700 tanks against us on "D" up to 1800 tanks later if all goes as planned - it never does - we will have some 600 tanks ashore by dark on "D". During our talk - Brads & mine - with Monty he called some one in London on the phone, I think it was Ismay and told him to dissuade the PM and his 563 suite from visiting Montey over Sat and Sunday. Refering to it he said if Winney comes he will not only be a great roomie but also he may well attract undue attention here why in hell don't he go and smoke his cigar at Dover Castle and be seen there with the Lord Mayor it would fix the Bosch attention to Calais. At dinner Montey produced a betting book. He asked me if I would bet a hundred pounds that England would be in a new european war ten years after the close of this. I accepted. Then his Q officer bet me $40 that an American horse would not win the next Grand National. This is a fool bet but I had to stand up for America. When the port was passed Montey took some and toasted the four Army Commanders 564 I said that as the oldest Army Commander I would like to propose the Health of Gen Montgomery and express our great satisfaction at serving under him.) The lightning did not strike me. After dinner we gambled in a simple way at first I won too much but finally succeeded in finishing a slight loser. I have a better impression of Montey than I had. 6-2-44 Had breakfast; told Montey good bye. He said I had a good time and now we understand each other. Left by air for Bristol at 0830. Flew over the lines of an ancient British camp and also a Roman camp on adjacent hills. Perhaps some old battle? Hodges will be on the ACHENAR from tonight on Brad on the Augusta. Sat. night Montey will 565 C P at GRANDE CAMPE on D+2. Codman and I drove to Marlborough Hq XX Corps for lunch then to [Morden] MORETON [on the] iN Marsh to address Corps and Army Troops We then drove to Senny Bridge in Wales where we have 30 Bns of Artillery firing and spent the night with Lt Col H.H. Gardiner. Brit. 6-3-44 Starting at 0800 we inspected battery positions they were good but the guns were too close together. at 1030 spoke to all officers and senior NCO's of Corps and Army Artillery. Maj Gen Halsted British Army and Col Gardiner were present. At the close of all talks I always have the field officers in for a close up personal talk. After lunch we saw firing by XV Corps Art. Gen Ott, by the use of 566 forwd observers air planes and sound ranging it was not too good) I will send Gaffey down to pep them up. Flew back to Peover for dinner nothing had happened. Except that we have to provide 2000 men for PW escort. Apparently Lee and Co were caught wholy flat footed. 6-4-44 All of us went to church. I am awfully restless I wish I were leading the assault. When I visited the XII Corps on the 31st I saw a British 2" mortar with a range from 0 to 500 yds this should be a valuable weapon our 60mm will (not safely cover that zone if you use sufficient elevation to drop in it you may get the bomb blown back if you have a head wind.) 567 [*Type*] 6-5-44 (I listened to the radio at 0600 but no news in fact none by radio all day. Called Hughes and asked him to get off radio of congrats. to Alex, Keyes and Clark. About 0900 we got a COSITINTREP #4 A. Enemy intelligence. No change. B. Bombarding forces still at sea. Ships and craft assault force at anchor waiting. Convoys proceeding according to plan. U. S. LCT 2498 sunk off Portland Bill 01600 4 June no casualties. D.D.E. I think this means that the attack has not started. Brad did not want to attack until the 6th as the tide was good later 0645 and gave more time for Navy Bombardment.) I still believe in night attacks. 6-6-44 [*Type*] (The war is on. At 0700 BBC announced that the 568 the German radio reported allied landing boats w of Le Havre to the Cherbourg Peninsular. It is a nice bright day for a battle. I hope I get in before it is all won. I need some glory. According to all reports we have things are going very well our troops (British Para) are in CAEN and tanks (Br) are reported nearing that town. Fighting reported Cherbourg- St. LO road (103882 US Air B) I have horrible feelings that fighting will be over before I get in but I know this is not so as destiny means me to be in. [*Type*] (There is a report that all bridges (23) over SEINE West of Paris are out by our air. Of course these can be replaced rapidly with posters if the Germans want to. I feel sure that all the so called information we hear on the radio is 569 imaginary as if I were present at the landing I would not realy know a damned thing - how can the commentators. The PM and the King both made fine speeches. We did not get in on FDR's. Started to pack a little. 6-7-44 Gen Hinds spent the night he is chief of Art 3rd Army Grp AA Radio still full of platitudes. We hear that OMAHA Beach in front of VII Corps is giving trouble it is a sad branch until it is taken Cherbourg can't be attacked. That will delay the whole operation. We will not get a good picture till tomorrow. I have just found out that the trouble is at UTAH Beach and not Omaha if they stick there it will leave a gap between us and the British. Went for a drive in a M-29 snow buggy 570 it is a sort of full Track Peep and can swim. I drove it it might be useful in flooded areas. Began to pack sorting out different things. Time certainly drags, it is only 1500 and seems 2000. 6-8-44 We have a staff meeting daily at 1100 and the G-2-G .3 describe the situation as we get it but the facts are very meager and from 18 to 24 hours old. Apparently the thing is not going too well and one gets the impression that people are satisfied to be holding on rather than advancing. There will probably be some sort of a major operation in the morning. Saw Willie 6-9-44 Time drags terribly. Things clearly are going badly on the V Corps front 571 I think the British are over stressing their successes. Went over the papers in the case of Lt. Col. Whitside Miller. I fear he will have to be reduced to his permanent rank and sent home. I sent the 3d Army I.G. down to have a final look. Gen Holmes and Col Ryan came up to give us the dope on Civil Govt. It is pretty hazy but will have to work. DuGual is making a mess of things. Had Col Smith, Tank Group Commander in to give him Hell on not finding out about the Miller business sooner. 6-10-44 (D+4) There is still no information on either the 7 or 8000 radio. I think that today or possibly yesterday, was a very critical time. Have been wearing my shoulder holster 572 ever since D Day so as to get myself into the spirit of the part. I suppose I am one of the few emotional soldiers who have to build up a wall but I have always hoped to be a hero and now may be the time of attaining my ambition. Talked to the [RR] PRO's of the Corps and Divs. I told them how important their function is. I want credit to go to the soldiers and junior officers. To this end they are to see that the correspondents get news of the actual front. [*Type*] We got an order from ETO dated 6 June, AG 381.099 Sub: Organization and Command of U S Forces. Showing the stages of the operation and specifying that 21 Army group takes northern group of armies and FUSAG gets southern group (1 & 3 American) this is an important paper. [Type] 6-11-44 (D + 5) At 1030 Gay, Codman and I 573 went to Peover Chapel and presented Vicar Green and the two wardens with an American flag and a Bronze Plate stating that: "This flag is placed here to commemorate the fact that the Commanding General and his staff and members of the American 3rd Army worshipped here during the Second World War, 1944" To avoid any chance of publicity, only the Vicar and the two wardens were present The flag and plate will not be set up until the 3rd Army has been announced. 6-12-44 Went to Salisbury Plane by air to test the 76m/m tank gun. It is accurate but kicks up such blast and quantity of smoke that you cannot pick up the tracer on the A.P. at less than 1500 yds The latest model has a small five power scope. We decided to take it for use in 574 separate Tank Bn only. We got 500 old replacement mark IV's with 75's. [*Type*] 6-13-44 Told the C of S to have the staff ready to give a briefing on present state of battle, general plans for use of 3d Army and special plans on "Sword Hill" and "Chastity." Went to see an exhibition of British weapons at Manchester. All soldiers taking part have been wounded in action. 6-14-44 We had a formation at 1100 Presenting the Colors and then dressing them. Slept in my truck last night for first time. OSS sent a film of the current landing which was very good. I had the staff make a dry run on the new briefing in which we pick up the situation as it exists and carry on. It was not 575 satisfactory so I will have it repeated in the morning 6-15-44 The second dry run on the briefing was better. Lady Lees asked Mrs. Beck, Codman and I to see a play in Manchester called "Africa Star" it was very funny and excessively vulgar. At the end the leading man LESLIE HENSON made a curtain speech and said thank the Wife of the Commander of the 8th Army and the Commander of the 7th Army were in the audience every one clapped a long time. We went back stage to meet the cast and when we came out to get in the car there was quite a crowd all clapping and laughing. Such is fame. We took the ladies to a very nice dinner arranged by Codman at the Midlands Hotel. We stopped in at Tabley House and saw the Leicester-Warrens 576 who are charming and completely dried up. I told them about Mrs. Constantine-Smith and they were much amused she is a strong Peace Party person, and a cad. 6-16-44 (D+10) Nothing. 6-17-44 (D+11) Gen Silvester, commanding the 7th Div. called to report in. Gen Gaffey & Col Codman flew up to inspect 2d French Div. they think it will do well. Just heard that Maj Gen Barton 4th Div and Major Gen McKelvie 90th Div had been relieved by Collins for failure to go fast enough. Also that all spare Colonels in 1st Army had been expended and we had to send four of ours. I doubt either the expediency or justice of such wholesale beheadings. It creates fear and lack of self confidence. The book Lincoln or Lee 577 by Gen Maurice expresses the idea. Col Tattersall who runs the exhibition of weapons called. Gaffey and I called on Mr the P.M. of New Zealand who spent the night with friends at Knutsford. I will send him some cars and an escort to take him to Burtonwood Air Port in the morning. He seems unnecessarily unassuming. 6-18-44 (D+12) Just heard on radio at 0800 that 9th Div has reached west coast of Cherbourg Peninsula near LESSAY 20 K north of 547. I hope so. I dreamed about Paddy Flint last night about 0300. Very vivid we were sitting on a roof mending a flagpole with concrete and had some cooked ducks in a basket, Yesterday asked for T. Q. Donaldson, Bob Sears and again for Gordon Rogers as extra 578 Colonels Data on current operations PW 6-15-44 U.S. 8513 } 15565 " " " B. 7052 Casualties 6-12-44 1503 K 776 6-10-44 8163 W 3239 4225 M 2854 ________ _____ 13891 U.S. 6869 B Italian Operation Sept to Jan US French B K 11368 3943 5017 W 43487 16008 23068 M 8723 1268 9740 _________ ______ ______ 63578 21219 37825 PW 20978 5942 5942 32862 Left for London by Plane at 1630 arrived 1800 saw Hughes. Inspected place where one of the Piolitless planes hit it took all the leaves and many of the small branches off the trees for at least an acre. Broke windows for some two blocks each way and destroyed a 579 long hours. We heard quite a few during the night the report is not very loud the plane in flight sounds like a normal plane with a bad cold. When the noise stops there is a pause of about 10 seconds then the explosion. 6-19-44 (D+13) [*Type*] Saw a plane pass just after breakfast looked like a Small Spitfire going very fast. It hit some distance away another hit some distance near Oxford St. Went to Hq FUSAG they know nothing. Ordered a pair of trousers at Weatherills Helped decorate W.H. Simpson Lee, Scowden, Hulen, T. Hughes Stearins and my self all '09 there. Had tooth filed. Leigh-Mallory wants to see me so I called Beadle Smith to see if I should call. He said to do so unless I felt that Mallory should call on me (that thought had) 580 never entered my head) and then tell him - Beedle - what happened. Visit fell through as L.M had to go out. I think he wants to enlist [his] my sympathy for an Air borne operation. I think these planes will get peoples nerves in time. 6-20-44 (D+14) Still we are not in it. Codman got back from London where Harkins says that they propose to put 4 corps of 4 Divs each in the 1st Army that leaves little for me but I still hope for the best. "Hope Springs Eternal". 6-21-44 (D+15) Flew to Tidwith and spoke to the entire 7th Armored Div. Later talked intimately to all field officers. The Div gives a very favorable impression. I talked to all enlisted men who had served under me previously 581 there were about 250 of them and all were glad to see me. [*Type*] 6-22-44 (D+16) (Col Nixon Army Ord O. gave me the following data Daily average expenditure of ammunition by 5th Army 23 April - 9 June 44 Type Rounds Number of Guns [?] Estimate 3" 7.7 360 42 105 87.4 530+ 59 155 How 41.9 160 33.3 155 Gun 33.4 96 33.3 8" How 27.7 48 33.3 8" Gun 27.8 4 (13M[?]) 25.0 240 How 23.3 12 25.0 81 m/m mortar 21.3 696 25.0 It is probable that the ammunition expenditure was high. Our estimates except for 3" is very good. I called Hughes on scrambler and gave him data. Made out efficiency reports for Corps Comdrs. Gaffey & Gay Codman and Stiller. 582 6-23-44 (D+17) Nothing new. Gen Gullion spent the night he had a British femall Major McDonald with him I sent her to the Hotel. She had the largest legs I ever saw that were not fat. Gay and Murnane left for France this morning. [*Type*] 6-24-44 (D+18) (Told staff of conference that I appreciated their work.) this morning. I do this from time to time. 6-25-44 (D+19) Hear that Cherbourg has been entered but that fighting still goes on in the streets. Had intended to [drive] fly to TAVISTOCK in Cornwall the Hq. 35th Div but weather was too bad so we drove leaving at 1545 and arriving at 2400 it is about 350 miles by road. In the morning we will meet Ike at EXETER. Codman and I had dinner at 583 Bristol. It is pretty badly destroyed. 6-26-44 (D+20) Drove to Exeter and met Ike John E. Kay and Lt. Col Galt, a DC Bn. We drove all over Cornwall stopping to inspect units of 35th Div (The Kansas Div) Ike made an inspection by walking through the ranks and talking briefly to numerous men. He tries to find points of common interest with them and is clever at it. Then he gets the loud speaker and tells the soldiers to fall out and gather round. He talks very familiarly to them but uses I-mine-and me too much usually exhorting them to fight well "So that we can end this war and I can go home and go fishing." Sort of Fabius back to his plow. The men seem to like it and usually clap and cheer a little. It is the 584 style of an office seeker rather than that of a soldier. Two movie and two still photographers accompany him and take shots of his conversations and get the names of the men he is talking to. His theory is that by this method he gets on a level with the men. A commander cannot command and be on a level. At least that is my opinion. I try to arouse fighting emotion he tries to get votes -- for what? However he was very pleasant. I had dinner with him on his special train and slept on it getting off tomorrow at Saulsbury at 0550. 6-27-44 (D+21 Gen Walker, C.G. XX Corps met me at Salisbury and we drove to see a firing problem by the Corps and Div Artillery of the XX Corps. 585 I saw a 240mm How for the first time it throws a 360 pound shell 25000 yds but weighs 50 tons and is not very accurate. There are only 2 guns to a battery. The gun positions were well selected dug in and camouflaged. But the guns were too close together and generally in line. The local defense weapons were not out far enough inspite of all my directions on the subject. There was only one dummy battery very badly done. There was no way to quickly remove the camouflage nets in case they catch fire. Col. Condor's group was an exception. He was with me in the desert and in every fight to Messina. I was disgusted with the rest and told them so. Flew back to Peover. 586 6-28-44 (D+22) Inspected French 2d Armd Div near Hall we had hoped to fly but it was too thick so we drove it took nearly 4 hours. Where ever we went there were guards of Honor. The equipment was in good shape the men clean and well turned out the messes filthy and there were six men to a small pyramidal tent with no sheets or mattresses all the men were well and anxious to fight. I wore my two French pins and they gave me another. Gaffey and Codman were along. Called on the Leicester-Warrens to say good by. Gen Cook spent the night. All the trucks leave in the morning at 0600. 6-29-44 (D+23) Took my extra clothes to the Stockdales at Fern Hill, Alderley Edge 587 Cheshire, England. We gave them a barrel of Marsalla Wine we bought in Sicily also on to the Leicester-Warrens. We hear from Harkins that FUSAG wants to run a show scheduled for 3d Army as a task force run by them. Gaffey went to London to try and stop it. 6-30-44 (D+24) Took off in a B-26 for BREAMORE HOUSE, Breamore HANTS (Hampshire) arriving at [1130] 1330 at an operational air field with a group of P-47 on it. They have been up daily and have had only one casualty and that from AA. Breamore is said to be the finest example of Elizabethan architecture in England. It is huge. About 100 years ago it was gutted by fire and all the paneling burned. Some of it has 588 since been replaced. There is an old Saxon Church near here that is there are fragments of a Saxon Altar. The church is built of bits of flint and is about 1000 years old. The owner, Sir E. HULSE is a brigadier in the RAF in the far east. The family is broke. [*Type*] 7-1-44 (D+25) Dropped a black out cover on my toe and will probably lose the nail. Heard from Harkins that we won't go over till end of July. The Montagu girl daughter of the man who rents this hall was just killed in an auto accident we sent flowers and a car. [*Type*] 7-2-44 (D+26) Got news that we are to leave for France on the 5th. Hughes came down to lunch and was as 589 pleased as we are. Wrote a paper which he will get to Ike showing the striking similarity between the SCHLIEFFEN Plan and the situation we now occupy in Normandy all one has to do is to change the pivot from Alsace to Caen and you have it. By landing at MORLAIX with 2 inf and one Armd div we can make a rear attack on the Germans confronting the 1st US Army and then driving on to the line ALENCON-ARGENTAN and there after on EVREUX or CHARTRES depending on circumstances we will really pull a coup. On the other hand if we play safe and keep an articulated line driving south we will die of old age before we finish. I dressed my paper up with the names of Scharnhorst, Clausewitz and Moltke so as to catch Ike's eye 590 I hope he reads it. I have no ambition to be credited with the idea so long as I get the pleasure of executing it. It is a good paper. 7-3-44 Hughes left. Had Walker, Haislip and Cook for lunch and final instructions. Walker is terribly fat and wheasy Gen Miller, B, who used to be Alex's "Q" in Sicily also came. Called Gen Lee at 1430 on phone to ask for an increase of 6 O's and 63 EM for Corps Hq. The number of officers has been doubled and the number of men increased by 60% with no added house keeping Help. When I phoned I heard Lee tell his secretary that he did not wish to be disturbed at a conference. She then said he had stepped out. I said 591 I just heard his voice and will either speak to him now or call Gen Eisenhower and report the affair. Lee came on the phone very suave as usual - the S.O.B. His rank has gone to his head. The soldiers say S.O.S. means "shit on a shingle" they may be right. Called on Capt Montague the lesser or Breamor House whose daughter had been killed in a motor accident. 7-4-44 [*Type*] (Went to London at 1430 arriving at 1700 to see Hughes he was very dubious about my going to France as he feared I would not he wanted when I got there.) Had a very pleasant night inspite of the Flying Dutchman who came in quite regularly. We will leave for France by air on the morning of the 6th. Sent Gay on ahead to pick a place for our Hq. 592 7-5-44 [*Type*] (Went to see Ike at 1500 he was just back from France and seemed cheerful but a little fed up with Monteys lack of drive. He is swinging over to take personal command of the fighting but is still temporizing. His current plan is for 4 American Armies one small one with Montey as the British have reached thier limit of 14 Divs and three larger ones under Bradley. With me on the outer southern flank. Why an American Army with Monty except to save the face of the little monkey? Six F.D's hit near 22 Mont street between 5:45 P and 800 P all near enough to shake the place. Left for Breamor at 8:45 P) 7-6-44 Took off for France at 1025 almost a year to the minute from the time we left Alger for Sicily 593 landed back of Omaha beach at 1125. We had three C47 planes each with a Peep and four P47 as escort. Flew just to east of Cherbourg and there down east side of Peninsular. There was a tremendous pile of shipping. We drove along the Beach for some miles it is a terrible sight with hundreds of wrecked ships. There were some very strong pil boxes all of which had been captured - good American troops can capture any thing. We drove to Bradleys Hq south of ISIGNY. He and Middleton were having lunch and had waited for us for some time as they thought we had landed by water at UTAH Beach and had sent Maj Bridges, ADC to meet us. Bradley could not have been more polite and we had a long talk till supper. Gen Joe Collins of the VII 594 Corps came in and showed his plan for an attack in the morning with the 83d MACON and the 4th Barton to force a causeway The enemy position had been separated into three areas A,B & C which were in turn divided into numerous point targets. The Air was to take these under bombardment successively from the West at 15 min intervals A at 0600 B at 0615; C at 0630. The Air was to orient over CARENTAN and attack from W to E. In each area artillery was set up to mark each point target with red smoke every 2 minutes at the same time the Artillery would shell the northern edge of the sector of attack. It struck me as a well worked out plan but I feel that Collins does go too far in telling Divisions where to put their battalions I told him this but he does not agree. Bradley is required by 21 to show the position of 595 each battalion each day. He feels as I do that this is stupid. [*Type*](Hodges came in at supper and gave me some good first hand information of how the Germans are fighting They use small groups of 8 to 14 men with a M.G. two Auto Pistols and some riflemen also an observer who has a wire to the Mortars which are set up some 2000 yds further to the rear. And fire on targets designated by the observer. When things get too hot the whole group falls back to the next hedge a few hundred yards to the rear. They move one at a time well spread.) During the night there was a tremendous amount artillery firing which to me seems futile and wasteful I have never seen or heard so much shooting even in WWI. It is raining 596 7-7-44 The weather was so bad that the air attack did not come off. Gaffey and I went to see Gen Montey whose CP is W of BAYEUX. We got lost and went through Bayeux which has not been hurt much. Monty had left for 1st Army so we followed him back there he was decorating some American soldiers and officers with DSO's and MC's. It looked like a movie being filmed there were at least twenty cameras of the most expensive sort both still and movie an ex Hollywood director now a Lt Col Stevens was running the show. He wanted to film me but I told him I was still a secret as the Germans expect me to land at CALAIS. Actually they don't. [*Type*] (I had lunch with Brad Monty and de Gougon his C of S after lunch Monty Brad and I went in the map tent 597 Monty went to great lengths explaining why the British have done nothing. CAEN was their D day objective and they have not taken it yet. He tried to get Brad to say that the 3d Army would not become operative until the VIII Corps had taken AVRANCHES. Brad refused to bite. He is using me as a means of getting out from under 21. I hope he succeeds. For the moment Hq 3d Army goes in near BRICQUEBAC and will get the Corps troop of the XV Corps in and later take over other units of 3d Army. According to Brad I will clear the Breast Peninsular with one Corps and then be on the outer (S flank) in the advance to the east with most of the Armor and he says ten inf divs I doubt if I get that much. We drove via CARENTAN to BRICQUEBAC where we are now located and fairly 598 well settled. We can still hear the guns - much waste ammunition. Collins and Brad are too prone to cut off heads this will make the Div Commanders lose confidence. A man should not be damned for an initial failure with a new Div. Gay says that some General was asked what sort of officers he had he explained "I don't know yet none of them have suffered a defeat." I shall be more linient. It is cold and raining.) 7-8-44 Rained all morning at 1400 went to inspect correspondents camp which is pretty good and in a lovely spot in an old apple orchard. I talked off the record to all the correspondents and was as frank as I dared to be. I cautioned them twice that they could release 599 nothing until we became operational. Codman and I went to see a rocket launching base north of here. The Germans had several thousand people working on it for over a year it is the most stupendous work except a Pyramid that I have ever seen but I could get no idea of how it was supposed to work. By my compass it headed a little east of north. We then inspected another mysterious site with tunnels and boilers or tanks but I did not get the idea there either. Cherbourg, which we visited is not too badly wrecked. When I got back Evarelt was in camp and spent the night. He is trying to get Bradley to turn over the rear areas to the Communication Zone which should be done. 600 He went to Ike about it, and was told "I know it should be done but I won't issue an order as it would hurt Brad's feelings." He told me the same thing in December '42 relative to Gen Anderson, Brit. That is a hell of a way to run a war. 7-9-44 Went to Mass at 0900 it was quite impressive in an orchard with the rear of a peep for the Altar. All the men had their rifles with them while over head planes flew on combat missions and the roar of the guns never ceased. Stiller and I then went on a trip first we went to Hq VIII Corps and talked to Middleton. He says that the 90 and 83 Divs are really bad, and that the 79 is good. The 8th which I thought very good 601 when I inspected it in Ireland showed great timidity in action to day in moving up at night dug fox holes every time they halted. Our stress on safety during training are having costly results. The other day some tanks (3) returned before twelve Germans with [grenadds] grenades. Middleton favors a concentration on each hedge followed by a rush. A costly and slow method. Next I saw Eddy of the 9th and we went to see Paddy they are going to attack in the morning. All the men of the 9th seemed to know me and were glad to see me. The 9th puts MG and mortar fire on the corners of the hedges and then advances using marching fire. They have a slogan "A clip for each hedge." I saw Joe Collins of VII Corps also he has lots of energy. We next called at Hq 602 V Corps but Gerow was out so we went to 1st Div to see Hubener. I was surprised to find him in a dugout, it seems one or two shells hit around there but I don't like it. Hubener thinks that a direct attack by a Bn team of a Bn of inf. a Pl of 7 ks PL. T.D. S.P and and some engrs two such teams up with the normal artillery support the whole and a third team back. The leading teams can be a mile or two apart with the rear team mopping up between them. He too fires at the corners and assaults with marching fire. He thinks that by such simple direct attacks with lots of infantry weapons fire that german defensive detachments can be wiped out in three hedges. Stopped by 1st Army and had dinner. Toe hurt a lot. I think it may be infected. 603 7-10-44 Had nail pulled off after breakfast. Gaffey has a rumor that we are again to be very secret take off our shoulder patches and paint out our numbers owing to some new cover plan. I think it is Monty trying to keep the 3d out as long as possible so he can retain command. Raining 7-11-44 We landed in Sicoly one year ago to day. Gen Dager of the 4th Armd Div came in to see about their area Stayed in truck all day resting toe. Rain. 7-12-44 One year ago was one of the big days of my life - the fight at Gela. I wonder when the next will be? but come it will and I hope soon. Gen Haslip 15 Corps came in to lunch he is much exercised over the confusion 604 on the beaches and rightly so it is the result of the lack of one responsible commander. Neither Ike or Brad has the stuff. Ike is bound hand and foot by the British and does not know it. Poor fool. Toe nearly well. Some pain. 7-13-44 P Wood came to lunch his division closes in the morning. Called on Gen Irwin 5th Div who is going in to replace the 1st it's a quiet sector and they will get blasted easily. He was quite upset over the fact that Bradley has relieved MacMahon of the 8th. I told him not to worry as I did not propose to cut off heads. Went to see Gen Haislip XV Corps he is going to inspect the defenses of Cherbourg which are probably like those of St. Malo and Brest which he will have to attack. 605. Gen. Teddy Roosevelt died in his sleep last night. It is too bad it was not in battle. He was a very brave man, I liked him. I am going to the funeral tomorrow night. Same rain today. Bradley called to say that Walker who has been acting in Command of the XIX Corps can be relieved Sunday the 16th. If necessary I can send Haislip to carry on. I told him that Monty sent me an order that I would not go in until we reached AVRANCHES Brad said he had never seen the order so I will send him a copy. Monty is doing all he can to stop the formation of an American Army Group as that may cost him his job. I hope it does. Saw hundreds of men of the 1st Army 606 doing nothing. I issued orders that we keep a close check on ours and see that they are gainfully employed. Visited the Chateau at BRICQUEBEC near here it is very interesting and must have been quite a place. 7-14-44 Basteel Day quite a few French flags are shown in the villages. Went to UTHA Beach to see Col Caffey who had the 20th Engrs at Casablanca and in Tunisia. I gave him the Shore Engr Brig in Tunisia and again he did well I have tried to get him promoted but he don't belong to the club or something. Went to Gen Teddy Roosevelt's funeral at 2100. Bradley, Hodges, Collins, Barton, Huebner and I were pall bearers. All the photographers tried to take me so I got 607 in the rear rank. Sometimes I get desperate over the future. Brad and Courtney are such nothings. Their one virtue is that they get along by doing nothing. I could break through in three days if I commanded. They try to push all along the front and have no power any where. My dread is that the war will end before I get recognized it will be too bad if it works out that way. The funeral which should have been impressive was a flop. Instead of the regular funeral service two fools preached sort of sermons. The guard of honor was too far away and in column rather than in line. Towards the end of the service our AA opened on some German planes near Coutence and gave an appropriate requiem to the funeral of a really gallant man. Brad says he will put 608 me in as soon as he can. He could do it now with much benefit to him self if he had any back bone. Of course Monty does not want me as he fears I will steal the show which I will. Bradley asked me if I objected to the 4th Armd going in on a defensive sector. I favor it the sooner we get troops blooded the better. 7-15-44 Absolutely nothing. Joe Ekeland used to say "These calms is awful but when the wind blows you forget all about them." I hope it starts blowing some day. I told Col. Conklin, Army Engr to make a study of the German defenses around Cherbourg. Since the Germans are a methodical race it is most probable that the defenses of St. MALO and Brest will be laid out on similar lines. 7-16-44 Half of July gone and 609 no progress but only casualties have been attained. The B's are doing nothing in a big way - not even holding the German Divs in front of them as two have left their front and come to ours. Codman and I visited the German defenses of Cherbourg. In fact these are only for the purpose of defending the rear of the gun positions implaced to cover the harbor. They are several years old and while effective are not formidable. Bradley phoned that Mr. Stimson will land at strip 1A east of Cherbourg at 0930 in the morning. 7-17-44 Codman, Stiller and I drove to the airfield in a heavy fog. While waiting we examined some of the concrete dug outs they are very fine with a ventilating system and half inch gas proof steel doors. Fine 610 for security from air attack but with little positive defensive value.) The Sec. accompanied by Lee, Surles, Bundy and Col Wright arrived just before 1100. The Sec and I had a talk for about twenty minutes while waiting for Bradley he was most friendly and I have never seen him looking better. We then drove through Cherbourg and made contact with Bradley on route 13 south of the town. We then inspected two evacuation hospitals west to St. Sauveur Le Victe and stopped at TR's grave Then through Carentan and Isigny along the coast road to Omaha beach then to 1st Army C.P. The Sec fully realizes that the B's are not pulling their weight and says that Gen Clark is very bitter against them for the same reason. He told me not to criticise 611 anyone but let my actions speak for me. I got back to Hq at 2130 and Blakeney called up to say that Col Brakley the PRO had breifed the correspondents on Cobra. He was quite upset and so was I as it is a very dangerous break in security. On Sunday after the usual staff conference we dismissed all officers and 2 men except the heads of the staff sections and then had Col Maddox explain Cobra. Gen Gay warned all present that this was top secret and not to be discussed. Col. Maddox repeated the warning. At the close I said nothing of this is to be discussed out side this tent you are not to mention it even to other members of your section. How Blakley could tell the correspondents after such a warning is beyond me. He will have to be relieved and probably tried. 612 I went to the correspondents camp and called them all together and told them how dangerous this slip was and that they had violated my trust in them. They had a prepared and signed paper exonerating Blakley which they gave me. It is useless. I think that they did not tell the plan to the correspondents at 1st Army but simply crossed over them; there is very intense feeling of rivalry between the two groups. 7-18-44 Went up in an L-5 and looked over the German defenses of Cherbourg. Noted that where ever trees or hedges have been cut it is probably a field of fire I should have remembered this but it only registered to day. While flying it occurred to me that by attacking fields at 45% we may make better going 613 I will have some maneuvers to test my theory. Gen Grow 6th Armored reported in. Gaffey returned from the U.K. all our land units are now coming in nicely. Type (I had Col Blakeney in and asked him just why he acted as he did in telling the correspondents about "C", He did it from dumness not vice.) But I will have to relieve him I will not do it until C is over as it might cause a leak if I did it now. 7-19-44 Casualties etc of 1st Army to date 7-16-44 US{ K 9774 BR{ Total los. 36566 W 47191 PW 10000 M 6497 63462 Germans buried by 1st Army 7175: PW 50277 3W for each dead 21525 28690 28690 78967 This is I think a conservative figure. But the losses are high for the results recorded 613A July 20 44 German Divs in Normandy inf 17 1/2=189 inf Bns Pz 9 = 28 Tk. Bn. Total 26 1/2 = 217 US 12 inf = 120 Bns 3 Armd = 29 Bn Br 10 inf = 116 3 Armd = 30 Total for allies 28 inf= [236 bns] 236 Inf Bns 52 Armd Bns. Note: Tank Bns include separate Tk. Bn as well as those in Divs. KWM 66932 P.W. 57632 }July 20 Us Tr advance 723746 Br 423525 Tons of supplies 600000 297906 Vehicles 137176 96261 614 6-20-44 Visited VIII Corps. Found Haislip there also all three Div CG's getting ready for an attack in the morning. Went to see the 4th Armd. They were attacked last night and lost fifty odd killed and wounded. Went to Hq 1st Army to see Gen . Bradley about Col. Blakeney. B was in England. A German plane fell near Hq just before I got there. [*Type*] Found out the Civil Affairs Section had published two secret papers with out my knowledge on cussing out 1st Army and the other against nigrons both are very dangerous. We are having them recalled. There was no shadow of authority to let them out. Campanole slipped badly in not checking up on his own section. I am writing a letter reprimanding the officer who wrote the papers and cussing out compy. 615 7-21-44 [*Type*] Rained and blew all day. (Mr. Gibson, Marian Hall came to supper we had a very nice time. Mr. Gibson is quite a fine man and M.F.H. of Meadowbrook at 62.) 7-22-44 Called on Hq. VIII Corps and was amazed at shortage of ammunition. I told Lee and Beadle Smith that their estimates were too low and I certainly was right. 2 rounds per day for 81 mm 10 " " " " 60 " 10 " " " " 105 H. 20 " " " " 155 H as near as I can remember I have used 500 rounds per day with both 60 & 81mm and 250 with 105 H. Also visited Hq 4th Armd Div. During the two hour trip I saluted 163 times. And people say that soldiers have a hard time saluting officers? Put Jimmy Polk in command 616 of 6th Cav. He is 32. and seems awfully young but I was a colonel at 31. The point of view makes the difference. Gen Haislip came to lunch he talks a good war and may pan out all right. I told him that his chief mission was to see that our infantry fights. They are getting killed now because the Germans scare them into halting by MG fire - a little goes a long way - and then turn the mortars on them. If our men would press right on firing their rifles and using their mortars and cannon companies they would win at half the price. When I start I am going to expand tanks to get the show rolling. I know it can be done if we only show guts and select one point of attack instead of being weak all along the front. Fear of a flank attack 617 is an obsession. As long as you are in depth there is no danger and in this congested country you have to stay in depth. [*Type*] 7-23-44 Went to see Bradley and Hodges about operations after "Cobra" Simpson was there too. Cobra is a timid affair but Bradley thinks he is a devil to risk it. He also has a nebulous idea of sending the 19th Corps further S.W. If he does it should be under 3d Army as it is two of our Divs, 5 & 35 but he wants to hold on. I also tried to show him that the 3d Army area should be defined and made operational before we go in by at least a week so it will work smoothly. Also that we should get rather more frequent and quicker results from Air Rec. no results. Some times 618 I am appalled at his mediocrity. He and Hodges [lose?] all human ability or a knowledge of infantry tactics. Division and higher commands need only know how to inspire and fight not how to handle companies. A Bn. of the 90th Div ran today. I talked to Middleton and we are going to retrieve Gen and put in McClane and Weaver and I hope it do some good it is a very bad div. [*Type*] 7-24-44 [*Type*] (Gen Henry came in about 1500 and we went to look at a flying bomb site and the big rocket launching site. Had a very plesnt talk. The "C" attack was called off because the bombers could not get the 8000 foot ceiling they said they needed. Some US bombers killed about 25 & wounded fifty of our men. All in a spirit of good clean fun I suppose.) 619 Had a very nice letter from Mr. Stimson. July 25 1944 [*Type*] Gen Henry and I drove to see the 6th Armd div. and I gave a pep talk to one company.) Also pushed the construction of the hedge spades. Adm Wilkes and Livin Allen came to lunch. Gen Henry left. At 1500 had a meeting of Allen, Haislip, Middleton and Moses G-4 [?]. To discuss plans for use of 3d Army. I proposed to go in VIII Corps 79-8-6th Armd Div right and XV Corps 5-35-4th Amrd left. VIII to take St. Malo and Brest the XV Quiberon bay area. XX Corps 83-90-80-5 and 2 French Armd divs to follow initially on Rennes. I [propose?] to land with the Armd divs and [break?] a hole. Plan is simple and I believe all present approved of it. At about 1600 Col Odom called to say that Paddy Flint had just been killed 620 shot through the head. His body is to be sent to St. MERE EGLISE and he will probably be buried this afternoon. I sent Stiller to wait at the Cemetery and inform me when the funeral will take place. Paddy was a gallant soldier and great friend. He died as he would have wished to in battle. He was getting pretty worn out and would probably have been sent home. I hope I go as gallantly and easily. I will write Lady (his wife) after the funeral. Cobra is on this morning. 1800 bombers attacked in about an 8 square mile area many flew over us. But some Germans must have survived else Paddy would not have been killed. God rest his soul. Have since learned that Paddy was hit at 1730 on the 28th by a machine Pistol bullet which penetrated 621 the left side of his helmet. The bullet hit the skull and drove a splinter of bone into the brain. For a while he was conscious but unable to speak then lost consciountness and died at 1430 to day no suffering.) The bombing was not a success some 300 of our men were killed by our own bombs.) 7-26-44 [*Type*] We had a coffin made for Paddy and sent a half track with non com Paul bearers from 6th Cav. Col (Chaplain) Wolf XX Corps officiated. Gens Self, W.H. Walker, Haislip, Gaffey, Earnest, Gay; Cols. McDonald Koch, Menoher, Bratton, Lockett Honorary Paul bearers, 8 NCO's from 6th Cav Group paul bearers.) About 1400 Bradley called and asked me to be at dinner at 1800 and to wear good clothes (- I always do, he don't) On getting there I found that Gen L. J. McNair had been 621 killed by our bombs. We buried him near LA CAMBE Bradley, Hodges, Patton, Royce Casada and his ADC were paul bearers no band. A sad ending and a useless sacrifice. Bradley and I are opposed to the bombing of towns. I asked Casada to get the two dams on the [Sloane River] SELUNE River S. of AVRANCHES. If we let the water out now it will be dry in a week. If we wait till we get there and the Bosch do it will delay us. 7-27-44 [*Type*] (Pink Bull who was with us last night also wants the 3d Army to operate as does Lev Allen and I think Kean. Only Bradley is reluctant and of course Monty Col. Hunter PRO told me that one of our correspondents told him that before he left Washington Marshall told him "Bradley will lead the invasion but he is just a limited objective general. When we get moving Patton is the man with 622 drive and imagination to do the dangerous things fast." Fine if true?) July 28, 1944 Inspected 101 Evac Hospital Bath unit, Salvage Plant, Base Bakery and Gas Dump 1500000 gal At 1530 got word to get back to Hq. arrived at 1645 to find that we are to take over VIII Corps and put in XV Corps to its left. Official change will be effective Aug 1. Visited VIII Corps with Haislip, Gaffey, Maddox and Hammond to arrange transfer did it very casually so as to avoid tension. Called Brad to suggest we use Para Troop on Dams over SELUNE R. He was not congenial he is too damned courteous.} Feel much happier over war. May get in yet. 7-29-44 All Correspondents were in at 1000 to be briefed 623 I told them not to take notes and not to quote and that I would tell them what had happened but not what was to happen. They all know that our bombing was short - on the 24th. I think it should be admitted and publicized. After lunch Stiller and I drove south on NAT 800 to COUTANCES. We stopped at VIII Corps Hq and then went to Hq 79 Div. Gen Wyche was lame from a stone bruise or ricochet in the calf of his right leg. Grier who used to command the 18th Inf in Tunisia is No. 2. He and I drove SW of Coutances to find the 6th Armd. It was held up by fire at the crossing of the SIENNE River near the mouth. Grow was not showing any life so I built a fire under him. Then drove to Coutances and on towards PERIERS looking for the Hq 8th Div but could not find it. Found a Bn of the 90th 624 miles behind the front digging slit trenches as deep as graves I told them that it was stupid to be afraid of a beaten enemy. I saw the deadest German yet he was black and shiny with his helmet still on. We had four French Liaison officers for dinner. One of them is a son in law of Houdemont who I knew at Saumur. 7-30-44 Went to church at a colored QM Truck Bn. The preacher was very good. Dr. Cook came to lunch. Bradley came up by air at 1400 and told me his plans. They are getting more ambitious but are just what I wanted to do as I set down the other day. I am trying to get 4 Armd Cav regiments by giving back some S.P.T.D's and a Bn of truck down infantry 625 I think we can clear the Brest Pen. very fast. The thing to do is to rush them off their feet before they get set. Brad and I flew back over the scene of the bombing it was much less torn up than I had thought it would be. [*Type*] (We will move the CP forward tomorrow, initially just S. of the Coutances-St. LO. road. I have tried to get nine infantry Divs for each army but as Montey is sure to try to get one American Army Ike wants to give him a small one so will use Simpson's 9th Army on the left of the 1st US this is is O.K as the 1st and 3d have better staffs) To hell with compromises. Went over Paddy's things he left me a pistol. I will see that his wife gets the things. It always amazes me how little is left to send home 626 after a man is killed and what does go is of such small importance. 7-31-44 [*Type*] C.P. 3d Army left first camp in France situated 5 K. N.W. of St. SAUVEUR LE VICOMET 99.5-17.6 at 1130 and moved south to a point north of the GEFFOSSE- St.-SAUVEUR LE LENDELIN 66.5-21.8 Gaffey - Gay and my self stayed on till wire lines opened about 1545 Gen LORD C of S ETOUSA and Gen Plank of the Communications Zone and a numerous staff arrived. In about thirty minutes I talked them into releasing the 2d & 15th Armies which had been on line of communication guard. We went to new CP leaving Gay at all after supper we drove to CP VIII Corps at BREHAL south of COUTANCES. Middleton said he was glad to see us as he did not know what to do next and could not 627 get hold of Bradley. His orders were to secure the line of the SELUNE River. I told him that I did not take over until noon tomorrow but to get over the river any how. While we were talking a message came that the bridge at PONTAUBAULT was out but passable. and the dam at 03.9-36.5 was in tact and held by the 4th Armord, who also reported 4000 PW. I told him to head for Brest and Rennes with the 79th & 6th Armd and the 8th & 4th Armd. I think that the little kick I gave him was worth while.) This morning I thanked the staff for their long endurance during non employment and said I knew they would be just as good when the fighting started and to always be audacious. Got to bed about 0100 Aug 1. 8-1-44 Had fits all morning because I could get no definite news many things seemed 628 no show. At noon we took a small drink. Bradley came about 1500 Walker and Haislip had reported for information at 1430. Bradley showed us the new Army Boundaries they are pretty cramped. He is worried about an attack west from MORTAIN so I will move the 90th Div by truck to cover such a chance and also to get the Div Forward. Gaffey Harkins Haislip and I went up to VIII Corps to coordinate operation. While there I found that there was no infantry with the 4th Div moving on Rennes so I told Middleton to put a div - the 8th - with it and send the 79 & 6 down the middle on Brest with Gen Earnest the 15th Cav and a Bn of SP & D on the north road. I can not see why Middleton was so apathetic. I keep repeating to my 629 self: "Do not take counsil of your fears." Bradley wants a bridge head over the Selune I want Brest and Angers. Compared to war all other human activities are futile - if you like war as I do. Just had word that 4th Armd is 15 K NE of Rennes and an enemy Armd column is 25 K SW of Rennes. P is at 07-70 We got Weyland to put three groups of fighter [bombers?] on enemy tank column. No results reported. 6th Armd is at PONTORSON good work for first day. This truck move can be a mess if the Germans spot it or if there is a traffic jam. I have a lot of officers out at critical points and told Haislip to be at AVRANCHES. 630 I will go there my self in morning as there may well be a mess. 8-2-44 Left at 0830 with Codman and Stiller to watch operation of 90th Div we stopped at GRANVILLE for a few moments. Codman had passed a summer there and his son had been to school. Stopped at Hq VIII Corps which is on left of road 2/3 of way to Couranches. 4th lost 10 tanks [?ile] 4 K N of Rennes on CT 8th Div is going up to it by Truck 6th is passed PONTORSON where it lost some guns (6 S.P.) in an ambush it is pushing on These two losses are cheap for the ground taken. We drove to the Bridge over the SELUNE passing many dead Germans horses and guns. In one place our air had hit an ambulance unit and destroyed it - doubtless an accident. We caught up with the 631 90 which is advancing between the SEE & the SELUNE. The discipline is bad the men filthy and the officers apathetic many have removed the insignia from their helmets and collars. I saw one Lt of Artillery jump out of a peep and head for a ditch when a plane flew over [?ing] a little. I corrected these acts. I walked for a couple of miles in the column the men seemed normal but not in hard conditions. Some were getting rides on guns and the others made no comment. I called them babies and they dismounted. We came on Haislip and McClane the new div commander just north of ST. HILAIRE- du HARCOUET. There were some Germans in the town which was being attacked. Haislip and I drove back to [VIII Corps to see about getting the 5th Armored and the 83d down Middleton knows the road situation.] 3d Army to arrange details of move but when we 632 got there - new CP East of Granville there was nothing but Gen Gay and one peep. On the way the dust and traffic congestion was terrible near LA HAYE-PESNEL we saw a man with a terribly mangled leg I waited till an Ambulance came and give him some morphine, he will die. I told Haislip to get the 5th Armd down starting at once and to cross the See east of Avranches by fords also to alert the 83 to follow as soon as the situation permitted. Shortly after he left Bradley came at about 1600 and with some embarrassment told me that he wanted to "Establish a secure bridge head on the arc DINANT- RENNES-FOUGERES ST. HILAIRE du H." and had ordered the 79th to move at once and occupy FOUGERES. He said he knew I would concur I said I would not that I did not agree and found he was getting the British complex of over caution. Just about a year ago to the day I had to 633 force him to take a risk in Sicily. Gay and I drove at once to VIII Corps passing an Engr train of useless junk cluttering - We already over crowded roads. (87th Engr's). Wyche of the 79th was at VIII and we decided to shift him to the XV Corps and use the 83 in his place to follow 6th Armd. I dictated two brief notes. When I got back to camp still [?non existent] at 1900 I dictated a chronological account of what has happened. We will build PW cages as we go and fill them by the use of returning [?Ceral] empties this will help. The Bosch were active in the air by now mid night I have heard over 100 bombs hit some quite near. The signal system as usual don't work. 8-3-44 The bombs hit a couple of roads and the bridge at Avranches - I told the engrs to build an extra 634 one - the hit did little damage. We are not allowed to use our 90 m/m's at night for fear of hitting the imaginary British night fighters supposed to be protecting us. I am trying to have the area Avranches - St Hilaire and the dams made a "gen area" so we can protect our selves. Collins is having a lot of trouble NW of MORTAiN and also changing up our area and denying us the ViLLEDiEU lesP- BRECEY road. He's doing a hell of a lot of shouting. As of 1800 things are fine. The 79th is in Fougeres the 5th is between the 79th and the 90th 4th has circled Rennes and 6th is past DiNANT. with one CT of the 83d on its heels. Earnest is loading at St. MALO. I did nothing. 8-4-44 Left at 1000 with Codman and Stiller we had an L29 (Armored Car) and a Peep I rode in the Peep with 635 with Codman and Stiller preceded us in the A.C. via - AVRANCHES- PONTAUBAULT-PONTORSON-COMBOURG- MERDRiGNAC. We passed one CC of the 6th Armd and found Grow just leaving. The 6th is too careful and so gets shot up. On way back I stopped at Pontorson to see the 83d Div which attacks St. MALO in the morning then drove to a point 6 K W of ST JAMES to see VIII Corps. Gens Bradley and Spaatz had been to see me but left before I got back. Bradley wants the XV Corps 90th & 79th Divs to attack the MAYENNE River between MAYENNE & LAVAL direction LE MANS. We will put the 5th Armd in on the right and start to assemble the XX Corps at ViTRE. Sent for Haislip gave him the order and started him. P. Wood (4th Armd) got bull headed and turned east after Rennes and had to be turned back 636 objective VANNES & LORiENT he wasted a day. Gaffey woke me at 0130 to show me an order Middleton to Wood which gave Wood a defensive role. We changed it. 8-5-44 [*Type*] (Went to Hq 1st Army east of St. Low to talk over Army Boundaries with Bradley and Hodges. BRECEY-ST. HiLAiRE-MAYENNE- LE MANS all to 3d Army. it is just what I wanted) as I am the running end. St. Low is pretty well bashed in. B and I spent a night there in 1912 and bought a chair and a chest. [*Type*] (Bosch bombed hell out of Mayenne and got a Bridge.) 8-6-44 [*Type*] (5th Div is assembling at ViTRE - 35th at BRECY. 90th slow crossing at Mayenne. 79th not yet in LAVAL. 6th Armd closing in The 6th Armd closing on 637 on Brest, 4th has Vannes. Went to the VIII Corps Hq to see why St. MALO is not taken) Am disgusted with human frailty every one too slow. However the lambent flame of my own self confidence burns ever brighter. [*Type*] 8-7-44 (We had a really good bombing last night for about 45 min I think they were small around 200 lbs and possibly some very small personnell ones there was a funny noise I have never heard before one bomb got our ammunition dump n of Avranches to the tune of about 3000 tons it is still going off. The 83d is on the outskirts of St Malo but has not taken it. They have had considerable casualties. The 6th Armd. is close to but not in Brest. Dinant has fallen to a CT 8th Div 4th Armd is in VANNES and 638 is approaching LORiENT. 79th is crossing on pontoons at LAVAL and the 90th is across at Mayenne and being relieved by 1st Div of 1st Army. The 5th Armd is near Chat. GONTiER. Rec. Troop 8th Div at CHATEAUBRiANT. About 0830 an aviation Lt. Col Coffee who was shot down at ANGERS came in with an FFI he had hidden near Angers for three weeks. He and the FFI and a U.S. Lt. drove from Angers to Chateaubriant by back roads and met no formed bodies of enemy they saw German signal dets taking up wire while moving east The French say the Germans are drifting east n & s of the LOiRE The bridge at Angers is intact. As all our lines were blown out I sent Gaffey the French FFI and Lt Col Carter etc to ViTRE to pick up a combat team of the 5th Div its Tank Battalion and Rec. Troop and guided by the [?Frog] to attack and take Angers also to send a Bn to NANTES. 639 I did not call Bradley as I fear he may think it risky - it is but so is war. Last night Gaffey woke me with a secret report that several Panzer Divs will attack west from the line Mortain-BARENTON. I think it is the usual German bluff just before a pull out but I stopped the 80 35 and 2d French near St. Hilaire in case. Gens Lee, Plank & Hughes called. 8-8-44 We are moving the CP to a point SE of St. JAMES. At 0900 Bradley released the 80 & 2 French and the 35th as soon as it is disengaged and I am closing them on Le Mans with a view to attacking North on the axis LE MANS-ALCENON-SEES I would rather head for CHARTRES or DREUX but Bradley won't let me. Drove to Dol with Hughes to see VIII Corps then on to near St. Malo with leading regiment of 83d Div 640 Gen Macon is doing well but our infantry is dependably poor our Engrs, Signal, Ord, Tanks and aviators are good. The 83d has already lost 800 men and taken 1300 prisoners but in the street fighting our men lack drive. When Macon saw Hughes he turned white expecting to be released but I called out "fine work" and he felt better. At the moment praise is better than blame. When I got back I wrote an order for the attack of the XV Corps. Hughes and Kenner said it was historic I hope so. 8-9-44 [*Type*] Visited the XV Corps to see that they get going. They are attacking with 2d French on left 5th Armd Div right followed by the 79 & 90. 80th Div is near VAiGES on Le Mans, - Laval [?road] to cover the gap east of Mayenne 641 [*Type*] 106 Cav to the north. St. Malo & Angers have fallen not a bad day. (I got home to find Spaatz, Tedder and Bradley. The last time all of us were together at Gafsa the Germans bombed us in broad day light and we kept expecting them today. Spaatz brought me more beer and a bottle of whiskey) 8-10-44 [*Type*] Flew up to see Bradley at 12th Army Group. I was worried about the hole in our line from St. HiLAiRE to MAYENNE and also another gap SW of ALENCON.) He feels that there is no danger but any how I started to assemble the 7th Armd at FOUGERES. 8-11-44 [*Type*] Visited XV Corps NE of Le Mans. The the 79-5 and 90 divs I could not locate Gen LeClerc but saw his C of S. The Fifth and 2d F 642 had quite a fight yesterday and lost between them close to 40 tanks. They caused equal casualties on the Germans and got several thousand prisoners.) Haislip is always complaining and asking for help. Got home to find that Gaffey had not yet got the VIII Corps going so we can release the 4th Armd. I was quite angry. [*Type*] The other night the Germans strafed, three times, our prison pen on the Granville- Avranches road getting 17 we opened the gate and told them to scatter about 50 failed to return. Those who did come back were very grateful to us and loud in their condemnation of the Germans. They all opened up and talked freely. The officers said that in Germany prisoners would not have received such humane treatment. We will assemble the 7th Armd at Fougeres to cross 643 Mayenne moving on Alencon while the 80th moves north to join them from the Laval Le Mans Road the 35th when and if relieved by 1st Army will follow the 7 and thus gather the XX Corps on the left of the XV. The 5th Inf Div less one CT at Angers will assemble at Le Mans and be joined by the 4th Armd as soon as relieved by the VIII Corps. This will be the XII Corps to move N.E. Dinard still holds out. 8-12-44 Decided to put the XII Corps Gen Cook east of XV and to utilize 4 AD and 5th divs 1 C.T. to do this we will have to singly hold int the Brest Peninsular having two CC's of 6th AD take over from the 4th AD. Bradley says O.K. Middleton came and I explained it to him he was disappointed but nice as usual. Bradley will try to get the British Navy to do 644 something about the enemy boats off St. Malo and the air to work on the little fortified islands also to get some air on the Dinard Pen. and town we have had too many casualties trying to save bombing towns. Gen Cook came in and we talked over his mission. He understands. Drove to our new CP at a point about 6 miles NW of Le Mans P 18-4.3 it is in a woods and quite hot. On the way Codman and I visited the Chateau FOUGERES it is one of the best from a military point of view that I have seen. XX Corps jumps off in morning headed N. 8-13-44 This morning we decided that since the XX Corps was hitting nothing we had best send it NE, East of Le Mans. We will use 645 the 7th Armd & 5th Inf. Sending the CT of the 80th now at Le Mans to Angers the XII Corps will then consist of the 4th Armd and the 35th which is assembling SE of Le Mans tonight the 4th AD should close there in two days. XV has taken Alencon and the Seis-[?Caviagnes] line and is in battle to the north. [*Type*] (When I get the 80 less one CT pinched out I will put it in the VIII Corps and get the 6th Div Armd. That will give me 5 Armd and 4 inf on the marching flank. XX Corps on DREUX, XII Corps on CHARTRES XV Corps where it is) in this formation I can turn from north to SE with out crossing columns, and shift divs between corps at will as I have no corps administration, all from Div to Army. It should be a very great success, God helping and Montey keeping hands off. 2-94-210. 13B 646 8-14-44 In exactly two weeks the 3d Army has advanced farther and faster than any army in the history of war so far that is not known. [*Type*] (One of our own P-47's strafed the cross roads near Hq getting a tank carrier. It was shot down.) I took off in two cubs with Codman and flew via Le Mans to Alencon. I admit that I never cared to do anything less and the fact that every one seemed assured we were going to be shot down by friends & foes did not tend to confidence. I found Haislip quite pepped up and full of confidence. I told him of my plan to move the XX on DREUX and the XII on CHARTRES.) I then flew back to ST. JAMES to see Bradley and sell the plan. He took it and even consented to let the XV move on DREUX the XX on Chartres and the XII on Orleans. He will let 647 me keep the 80 Div and give Middleton an Inf Div from the 1st Army to replace the 6th AD in Brittany.) It is a great plan. Wholly my own and I made Bradley think he thought of it. "Oh what a tangled web we weave "when first we practice to deceive." I am very happy and elated. I got all the Corps moving by 2030 so that if Montey tries to be careful it will be too late. No bombing for the first time in two weeks. 8-15-44 Patch and the 7th Army landed at TOULON this morning. I inspected two Evac Hospitals at Le Mans with Col Odom Many Free French and German wounded few Americans. The French are real fighters and keen to get back. For the first time the Americans show a desire to rijoin. The SIW's have dropped markedly since we got to 646 moving. [*Type*] (Le Clerc 2d French came in very excited. In order to save time I sent the two Eastern Divs of the XV Corps the 5 Armd and 79 on Dreux leaving the French and 90 to hold the Argentan backed by the 80th. Le Clerc wrote me a fool letter in which he said if he was not allowed to be in the advance on Paris he would resign. I told him that he was a baby that I did not [?propose] to have division commanders tell me where they would fight and that any way I had left him in the most dangerous place.) We parted friends. (Bradley came down suffering from an attack of nerves. The Black Market reports five Panzer Divs at ARGENTAN. I dont believe it so Brad wants me to halt on the line XV at DREUX, XX at Chartres XII at CHATEAUDUN. His 2-94-210.13A 649 motto is, In case of doubt Halt.) I will let him stew and tomorrow might get him to let me move.) I wish I was Supreme Commander. Just heard on radio that I command the 3d Army in France. 8-16-44 [*Type*] (As to the question of why the XV Corps halted at an E & W line through ARGENTAN At 1215 13 Aug. I called Gen Allen 12 Army Group and asked if he had any orders for me. I told him we were on the line and had reconnaissance beyond it. Gen Allen told me to halt on the line and consolidate. I believe that this order emanated from 21 Army Group It is regrettable as with out it the XV Corps could have gone on to FALAiSE and made contact with the Canadians N.W. of that point - never halt. A partial stenographic report of this conversation is in the "Telephone Conversations" 650 Third Army. Codman Stiller and I in two peeps visited CHARTRES where we met Gen Walker XX Corps. Some sniping was going on. We then drove via CHATEAUNEUF EN THiM to the Hq XV Corps between there and DREUX. Gen Haislip had a bad eye from a collision yesterday. We then drove to Alencon and north on the Sees road to the rear Hq XV Corps the 2d French & 90 Divs one between Argentan and Sens holding the bottle neck partially shut still waiting the arrival of the Canadians.) When on the 15th I told Haislip to move on Dreux I used the two right divs of his Corps the 5th Armd and the 79. To save time. (I get to 3d Army Hq at 1830, about 1900 Bradley called me and directed that I use the 2d French 90 and 80 Divs to capture 651 Trun. He said Gerou of the V Corps would arrive in a couple of days to take over the three divs. I told him I would make a temporary Corps under Gaffey. Gaffey left at 2000 prepared to attack tomorrow. About 2330 Bradley told me to have Gaffey withhold his attack until he Bradley, ordered it. I delivered the order.) Life is never dull. 8-17-44 At 0730 Gerow called from Gaffeys Hq N of Argentan saying he was there with a small staff ready to take command. I told him that since Gaffey had arranged the attack which might come off at any moment Gaffey should run it and he, Gerou, could take over as opportunity afforded.) [*Type*] [*(*] I could only talk to Bradley on the radio which is too dangerous, so decided to fly up. I could not get off till 1200 due to 652 [?] Arrived at Hq 12 AG at 1250. [*Type*] (Hodges arrived and Bradley told his plans. To turn over the 90-80-2 F. to Gerow who would attack in conjunction with 1st Army. This is sound) Before leaving I told Gay that if I called him on the Radio and said "Change Horses" it would mean for Gerow to take over. I phoned at about 1445 and added attack at once same objective. VIII Corps will get two pinched out Divs from 1st Army also 2 Ranger Bns and clean up Brittany under 3d Army. 3d Army is to take MANTES - cut the road west of the SEINE and prevent river traffic. I will close the XX & XII to the n to support this move. We got the directive dictated by [?wire out] this minute 2210. IV will move tomorrow I phoned over radio to get ready to move but could not say where or when 653 I happened to meet Walker XX Corps on the road and told him the general idea. His G-3 was killed to day. Gen Cook is I fear out for the war with bad arteries he is a fine man I am very sorry. Lt Col Odom got wounded by a sniper said to be not serious. The French cut up again today and Gaffey had to ask if they would refuse to obey a written order. One year ago today I finished the Sicilian Campaign.) 8-18-44 Inspite of the fact that the XV Corps did not get its order - except the warning order last night until 0600 it jumped off at once and reached MANTES on time they had no opposition only killing about 50 and taking 125. I visited Gen Cook at the hospital. His circulation is so bad that he cant walk 100 yards and has no 654 feeling in his legs or hands his toes are turning black. I told him he had to go it was a blow to both of us. I telephoned Ike and asked him as a favor to me to give Gen Cook a DSM I wrote him a letter of commendation also wrote Gen Lear asking him to use Cook at home. 8-19-44 Flew to Chatueauneuf then drove via DREUX to MANTES and saw the Seine. Then flew to St. JAMES Hq 12 Army Group. I saw there trains on track between Mayenne and Le Mans. Bradley had just returned from a visit to Montey and Ike. He has a new plan. He thinks there are still Germans west of Argentan so to close the pocket the XV Corps is to extend along the west bank of the Siene to LOuViERS while the VII Corps 1st Army comes up on its left 655 as far as AUDEMER. The British were asked to do this but said they could not. We get the RiSLE River as a bomb line beyond which the RAF out work to the east.) I asked if the 79 could make a bridge head at Mantes and was given reluctant permission. I then asked if I could take MELUN- FONTAiNEBLEAU and SENS. By getting these in addition to the crossing at Mantes the line of the Seine becomes useless. Bradley said it was too risky but eventually I talked him into letting me try Monday 21 unless he orders no. I also asked for a plan of future operations and an inter army boundary extending well to the front so I can plan supply - to the present the boundary has always stopped with the front line 656 (To placate Montey they are going to put the 9th Army between him and the 1st and let them turn NE while we go east. He also talks about sending the VIII Corps across at Nantes to clear up the area. He also refuses to let me withdraw the 6 Armd from Brittany for fear of ? he is too damned cautious.) Codman flew to Vannes and brought my old friend Gen Koeklin-Swartz of Langres days up to spend the night. He said had I taught 25 years ago what you are doing I should have been put in a mad house but when I heard that an Armored Div was headed for Brest I knew it was you. He said that the trouble with the French army of 1940 was that for ten years they had taught thought and practiced 657 I reminded him that at Langres he said "The poorer the infantry is the more artillery it needs, the American infantry needs all it can get." He was right then and still is. I phoned XV Corps to attack and will have the XX & XII Gens in tomorrow to explain what to do. Civil life will be mighty dull ovations, no cheering crowds no flowers. No private airplanes etc. [*(Type)*] Quelle vie. 8-20-44 One CT of the 79 XV Corps crossed the river at MANTES no opposition. The 5AD was starting on LOUVIERS for a point n of EVREUX when some Germans hit it in the tail the 7 AD at Evreux joined in and the Germans lost ten tanks and withdrew but it delayed the move for the 5th I had in Walker XX & 658 Eddy XII Corps to tell them to get ready to move out at daylight Monday. XX on MELUN & MONTEREAU and XII on SENS. I gave them one code word "PROSET" which means halt in place and report to be used in case Bradley loses his nerve at the last moment. I always have a funny reaction before a show like this. I think of the plan and am all for it then just as I give the order I get nervous and must say to my self "Do not take council of your fears" and then go ahead. It is like a steeple chase you want to ride in it then when the saddling bugle goes you feel scared and when the flag drops all is well. Eddy asked me how much he should worry about his right flank and I told him that depended on how 659 nervous he was. If you worry about flanks you could never fight this sort of war. Our air can spot any group of enemy large enough to hurt us and I can always pull something out of the hat. We moved to a new CP at BROU 15k NW of Chateaudun. Willie got bitten by hornets and is quite ill. Gen Davis (colored) wants to see me, I went to see him we are having too much raping and murder by the colored troops at least 15 rape cases two murders and a riot. 8-21-44 Col Nixon just came in 1600 with three complete fuses out of buz bombs we also captured three complete engines and a lot of crated bombs. Also 500 5000 pound Bombs. Had a long letter from Jake Devers. When I am in the money he is devotion 660 its self. But he forgot my address for a year. Score sheet for 1st 20 Days Our Troops K 1713 W 7928 M 1702 TOTAL 11343 NB 4286 GT 15629 Replacements 10622 ENEMY K 10055 PW 45270 W - 55325 Estimate 11,025 49650 48900 109575 MATERiEL U.S. Tks. Lt 70 " M 64 Guns (75+) 64 VEHiCLES 780 TOTAL 1071 GERMAN 269 III & IV 174 V&VI 680 2492 3615 [*Type*] [*(*] The estimates are larger than the actual for enemy losses due to slowness in getting in reports in Sicily our final some of actual and estimates agreed within 2%) Mr Patterson and Gen Somerville called this PM and were both very nice and full of bull.) Our attack on the crossings 661 over the Siene and YONNE have been successful Eddy got SENS with the bridges intact. Walker got Montereau and is closing on MELUN. Apparently there is quite a fight going on at RAMBOUiLLET between a couple of thousand Germans and the 2d Inf of the 5th Div. We have at this time the greatest chance to win the war ever presented. If they will let me move on with three corps two up and one back on the line METZ-NANCY-EPiNAL we can be in Germany in ten days. There are plenty of roads and RR's to support the operation it can be done with three Armd and six infantry divs I would like an extra armored div. It is such a sure thing that I fear these blind moles cant see it. "If I were king etc" 5th Div presented me with a Cadillac and a huge 662 Moroccan rug. I will now read the Bible to get some support for my argument in the morning. 8-22-44 (Flew to 12 AG at 1130 to see Bradley about plan but found he had gone to see Ike and Montey. So left my plan with Allen. It seems that Bradley has an almost identical plan only he uses two armies. I told him that I feared Middleton was through quarrels too much. Heard that the Citadel at St. Malo fell because a German American PW (US) was put on K P and found that the two German cooks were also from Brooklyn so they cut the water supply - a good story. Will send Gay to Brest tomorrow to see situation Codman goes to Cherbourg and Stiller and I will go to SENS to have a look and be seen by the troops 663 [*Type*] 8-23-44 [*(*] At about 0815 Gaffey repeated that the brother of the Swedish consul in Paris was here with a proposition We thought it was for an armistice so had Sgt Rosevich to take down conversation and photographers it turned out that they simply wanted to work sure plan to save Paris from an attack. The Swedish name was Mr. Ralph NORDLiNG I had them flown up to Bradley at LEVAL. Just as they were leaving Gen. JUAN French Army whom I knew in Corsica came he is Du Guals C of S he was quite complimentary and said my daring was Napoleonic. He also said that the soft place in the SEIGFRED line was the NANCY Gap. When he left a lot of Union Chiefs came and I had to talk to them. While this was going 664 on Haislip called up to protest against leaving 3d Army and to say he was being straffed with rockets. As he was on Radio link I could not tell him that our fields were so far in the rear that we had practically outrun air cover. To go east as I planned I need two more Divs. It will take till late on the 25th to get up the 80th and at least 24 to 36 hours more to get the 90th. So I decided to see Bradley and try to steal or borrow all or part of the VII Corps supposed to be closing at Chartres. I rather hate to go east with only 4 Divs especially if I have to leave one N of Orleans. Took Colonel Muller with me to clarify the supply. When I got to Laval Bradley was waiting for me on his way to see Ike and Montey 665 He was quite worried as he feels that Ike won't go against Monty and that the American armies will have to turn N. in whole or in part. Lee-Mallory (SOB) was with him all afternoon talking the idea. Bradley was madder than I have ever seen him and wondered aloud what a "Supreme Commander amounted to?" - nothing. I then went to Hq 12 AG and talked to Allen. Suddenly it occurred to me that if we must go north, The XX Corp from MELUN & MONTEREAU and the [XV] XII Corp at SENS could do it faster than any one else. By heading on BEAUVAIS we could pick up the 4th Div which will be S of Paris tomorrow PM then get the 79th and possibly the 5 AD at MANTES and paralleling the SEINE open that river to the British and Canadians and have our supplies come across at Mantes thereby reducing the present 666 haul by 50%. This is the best strategical idea I have ever had. I sold it to Allen and Gen. . If Brad approves he has only to wire me "Plan 'A'" by 1000 if I don't hear by then I will move East, "Plan B" I am having the staff put both plans in concrete form. This may well be a momentous day. The French 2 AD and the 4th Inf enter Paris this PM. We wiped up several thousand Germans at MONTARGiS this PM probably elmts of 16 Div lately S of Orleans. [*Type*] [*(*] I cannot understand Montey he keeps wanting all four armies in the Calais area then through Belgium where the tanks are useless. And he has some power to talk Ike to his way of thinking. As Supreme Commander Ike is useless.) I told Bradley that if he Hodges and myself offered to resign unless we 667 went east Ike would have to yield but Bradley would not agree and said we owed it to the troops to hold on. I feel that in such a show down we would win as Ike would not dare to relieve us.) (No guts!) 8-24-44 The radio BBC said this morning that Patton's 3d Army had taken Paris. Poetic justice. It will be refuted but no one will pay any attention. Just as I was starting out to visit XX Corps Gen KOENiG came in to see me he said he was enroute for Paris. 8-25-44 We moved today to a new C.P. the 8 move 15 kil S of PiTHIVIERS. While I was waiting to get perched Brad called and asked me to come to CHARTRES at 1100 The Cathedral is not hurt and is very lovely but 668 all the glass has been removed so it is quite light. I said a prayer for continued success. Hodges was at Brads and we got our new directive. The 1st Army of 9 Divs will cross the Seine between Melun and Mantes (both of which places were captured and bridged by 3d Army he will then move in the general direction of LILLE. The 3d Army with 7 Divs XII Corps 4A, 35, 80, XX 7A 5 and the XV with 2F and 90 will advance in the direction of line METZ-STRASBOURG Drove to new CP and decided to fly to XX Corps. The Sgt Pilot said he knew where it was but was in error and got lost finally we flew over a group of German ambulances so it was clear we were behind their lines I turned back at once nothing happened 669 8-26-44 Codman Stiller some Camera man and I drove to Hq XX Coprs at FONTAiNEBLEAU.) Then on via NEMOURS to beyond MONTEREAU to Hq 5th Div Gen Irwin they have done a great job and are full of pep I complimented them. Then back via XX Corps to MELUN where we crossed the Seine on a pontoon bridge along with elements of the 3d Armd Div who cheered me then to Hq 7 Armd Div. I told Gen Silvester very clearly that I was not satisfied with his div either as to looks or progress and that he had to do better at once. I then flew to Hq XII Corps to see Eddy on the SENS- TROYES Road. While I was there Gen Wood 4th Armd called to say that he was in Troyes. The 80 is to report to the XII Corps to day so it will be able to carry out 670 new movement. Eddy asked when he should move out I told him at 0600 on the 28. He is not used to our speed yet so was a little surprised. When I got to camp I found that a flock of Red Cross had descended on us. 8-27-44 XX Corps took Nogent last evening and will continue on REiMS - XII is moving on CHALONS via ViTRY leaving 35 Div to cover right flank. I studied the Black market dope intently and could see no hazard south of the LOiRE. Flew to Orleans where a little shelling is going on. The air field N W of town broke a world's record by receiving and dispatching 600 planes yesterday with 1500 tons of supplies to day they will only unload about 1250 tons 671 8-28-44 As of August 26 our score for the 3d Army since Aug 1 is as follows LOSSES U.S. K 1930 W 9041 M 1854 TOTAL 12825 NB 5414 G TOTAL 18239 R. 13649 GERMAN ACTUAL ESTIMATED [52] 15792 16000 - 55500 52863 65000 PW 68655 136500 MATERIEL US TKS L. 82 " M 187 ART75+ 74 VEHICLES 956 1299 G TKS III&IV 327 " V&VI 231 ART 75+ 892 VEHICLES 2903 4353 [*Type*] (It is now 0100 8-29-44 for the last 2 1/2 hours I have been reading Fan mail about my self. Very pleasant occupation.) We took Chat. Thierry at noon and will - I hope - have Vitry - Chalons - Reims by now. Bradley came at 1030 and I had to beg like 672 a beggar for permission to keep on to the line of the MEUSE (- What a life?) 8-29-44 Went carefully over situation there is no real threat against us from anywhere. Drove to Hq XII Corps just short of TROYES P Wood and Eddy were both there. I told Eddy to move on COMMERCY in morning Gay will visit Walker and have him move on VERDUN While at XII Corps found that for unknown reasons we had not been given our share of gas 140000 gal short. It may be an attempt to stop me in a back handed manner but I doubt it. I will go and talk to Bradley in the morning 8-30-44 (Tried to fly to Chartres but had to turn back due to weather. Drove up with Codman in the Cadillac 677 the 5 Div captured and gave me.) Bradley, Bull (G-3 to Ike) and Lev Allen were talking. I asked to present my case for an immediate advance and rupture of the Siegfried Line before it can be manned. Bradley concuers and so does Ike but Monty and Ikes own staff have persuaded him to go north. It is a terrible mistake and when it comes out will cause a sensation. The British have put it over again. We got no gas because to soothe Montey the 1st Army must get most of it also we are feeding the Parisians. When I got back to our new CP (the 9th) near (10.K N.E. SENS) La CHAUNE I found that Eddy of the XII Corps had told Gaffey that if he pushed on to COMMERCY he would arrive with no gas, so Gaffey told him to halt near St. DiZiER. I told Gaffey to have him run 674 till his engines stopped and then go on on foot. We must and will get a crossing on the MEUSE. In the last war I drained 3/4 of my tanks to keep the other 1/4 going he can do the same. It is terrible to halt even on the Meuse we should cross the Rhine the faster we do it the less lives and munitions it will take. No one realizes the terrible value of the "unforgiving minute" except me, some way I will get on yet. De Gualle is now trying to hold the 2d F in Paris I need them to relieve the 35th on the south flank. 8-31-44 Flew to Chartres in a cub then with Bradley in a C 47 to Morlaix then we drove one hour to Hq VIII Corps then an another half hour to the PLOUGASTEL-DAOLAS Pen 675 which we have just been taken and where we now have artillery implaced. Middleton is not too sanguine about the capture of Brest. He is full of alibis and complaints. Armored Infantry are not really good. Flew back to Chartres on way saw bombing of island off St. Malo. It was too late to return to go on so spent the night with Bradley Simpson (9th Army) was there we arranged that he will take over Brest Penn. using 94 Div to relieve 6th Armd which will move east to the line of Orleans-Troyes. Bradley definitely wants us to go on east. This is the last day Montey commands the us - thank God! 9-1-44 At 0800 we heard on radio that Ike said Montey was the greatest living soldier and was now a Field Marshal???! 676 Flew to CP around 1130 worked on papers all rest of day. 9-2-44 Got set to visit the XIV when Bradley asked me to come to Chartres at 1100 too bad to fly so left by car. Arrived at 1245. Ike, Brad, Hodges and Vandenberg of the 9 Air Force were there. Ike was very pontifical and quoted Clausewitz to us who have commanded larger forces than C. ever heard of. He is all for cleaning up the Calais area I told him 3d Army already had patrols on Moselle near Metz and Nancy. We finally talked him into letting V Corps 1st Army and 3d Army attack Siegfried line as soon as Calais area stabilizes. He kept talking about the great battle of Germany we told him there were no German [?troop] to fight it. As soon as I get more gas I am to secure crossings 677 over the Moselle prepared to attack Siegfried Line. Ike is all for caution since he has never been at the front and had the feel. Bradley, Hodges and I were all for a prompt advance. Ike did not thank or congratulate any of us for what we have done- (what a leader?) Gen Wild Bill Donovan was in camp when I got back he was most complimentary. I will now get set for the next move. Ike said that Lee and the COMZ were marvelous we think they have failed utterly. 9-3-44 Campi, Stiller and I left by plane for Hq. XII Corps 14 K W of VITRY LE FRANCOIS at 0950 then drove to new CP XII at LIGNY EN BARROIS which we reached at 1200. I explained new plan to Eddy and found to my delight 678 that he had captured 100000 gal of gas so could still move. P Wood came to lunch. We then all drove to front via COMMERCY to the Hq 80 Div at GiRONViLLE. Vitry and St. DiZiER were pretty well bashed. Col Clark 4 Armd Div took Commercy by a headlong charge with his light company putting out four 88's right beyond the bridge. At Troyes some days ago he charged 5000 M over the flat with one M. TKC and two Armd Inf Cars in line and entered the town with out casualties killing some 600 Germans. He is a great soldier. Gen McBride of the 80th seemed in good form. There were red cross girls right up in front. Mt. Sec was right to our left front. Apremeont Panne and Essey were there too as they had been in 1918. That time we attacked on the 12 Sept 679 to day 26 years less nine days we are home again. On top of Mt Sec is a huge war memorial to our dead at St. MiHiEL. Ike supervised its building after the war his only experience with that incident. His present delay will probably justify more memorials to American dead. Every war costs lives. Had a rumor that there was an attack on Troyes so flew by on way here to see - all was quiet. We will get crossings at Nancy and Metz by the "Rock Soup" method. I gave the orders to day. Score Sheet 2400 2 Sept. US K 2678 W 12756 PW - M 2474 Total 17908 NB 6912 G.T. 24820 Replacements 19605 German Actual { 10383 - 61937 72320 }Est. 18900 62350 73350 154600 680 Losses U.S. German TKS. Lt 94 MK III&IV 402 " M 223 " V&VI 247 ART 75+ 83 1236 VEHICLES 1147 3524 TOTAL 1547 5409 not bad. Many of our vehicles will be repaired. None of the German. 9-4-44 Moved camp to a point S.E. of Chalons. Col Solbert and Mrs Rosenbaum came in She is just sight seeing and is a very Jewy Jewess. I flew to rear echelon N of Orleans then drove to Orleans to see how 6th Armd CC was getting on every thing was satisfactory. Flew to new camp site no 10. 9-5-44 Bradley called to say he would be here at 1100 so we got the three corps commanders in. Bradley said that as the situation in northern france 681 was now stabilized the 3d Army would get half of all available supplies and could move out cross the Moselle force the Siegfred line and halt on the Rhin. We will get the 2d F 79, 83, 26th Armd the latter two as soon as they can be relieved by units of the 9th Army. Until the XV Corps (79-83-2F) get in near Troyes the XII Corps will have to simply hold the shoulder from NEUFCHATEAU to NANCY but secure a crossing at or near TOUL and at or near PONT-A-MOUSSON. When the XV is operational the XII will advance [on] along the line NANCY-CHAT. SALiNS The XV Corps will attack echeloned to the right rear crossing the Moselle S of Nancy. Eddy is still hipped on the idea that his right flank is in danger which it is but not as much as he thinks. 682 9-6-44 Codman, Stiller & I drove to XX Corps passing through Verdun, ETAiN into CONFLANS. which better place is the front line and held by elements of the 2d Inf of the 5th Div. We also saw the 90 Div which is north of Etain. On the way back I stopped at Hq 7 Armd Div and gave Sylvester the divil for not moving faster and told him that within two days I wanted him to make a real charging attack with tanks leading. I also told him that he had been quoted by the press as saying that the only thing which had stopped his division had been orders from higher authority. He denied having said it. Stopped to see Gen Walker who promises to get things going. Found that 1st Army was planing to use all tanks of 2d French to 683 supply other troops thus preventing our getting divisions Gaffey had kicked to Gen Allen and we got a compromise saying that the French will get basic load and 50% of what is left.) Will send Gay to Paris to see that we are not short changed. XII Corps got a bloody nose near Pont a Mousson all this trouble comes from Ikes decision to halt the 3d Army till the Pas de Calais was recovered. A fateful blunder. 9-7-44 Staied in camp. Sent Gaffey to XX Corps and Gay to Paris. Drove to Reimes in P.M. just for a look. 9-8-44 Drove to Ligny to see XII Corps then on to the front line east of Toul. It is clear to me that the battle of the war may well be in and south of Toul 684 Called Bradley to ask that the 83 & 6 Armd be moved east and let the Loire take care of its self. No supply line runs near it and any enemy who is fool enough to cross would have to walk. As it is we have two divs guarding nothing and our whole future south of Toul is in danger due to the absence of these two divs. But Bradley says "I can't take the risk". And by so saying takes a much worse risk. If the weather is flyable I will go up and try to talk him over in the morning. 9-9-44 Arrived at Hq 12 Army Group at 0845. Bradley- due to my talk last night is now partially in favor of letting the 83 and 6 Armd. come he is flying to Brest to 685 to have a look. He said to me "I would not say this to any one but you and have given different excuses to my staff - but we must take Brest for the honor of the U S Army" More emotion than I thought he had. He took me to Paris in his plane. Codman and I called on Madame De Veau and her son where I had lunch. Then all of us called on Gen. Serigny Petain's old C of S he said that while he admired Gen Pershing my tactics were a thousand times better - French! XX Corps has 5 bns over south of Metz. The counter attack on the 80 Div at Toul was not too bad. Germans got into CP of 90 Div but were knocked out with heavy losses 700 men 11 tanks. 9-10-44 There were two phases to the attack on the 90 Div. During the night 8-9 Sept a depleted German tank Co stumbled into the CP 686 and after doing some damage was knocked out with loss The survivors returned to their units and a reduced Panzer Div attacked the 90th at dawn. The 90th was ready and in the fight destroyed 40 tanks and captured 900 Germans. Sent Gaffey to Paris in morning to see what we can do about getting more supplies and the 6th Armd and 83d Divs. XV Corps will attack along the lines CHAMOUNT-NEUFCHATEAU- LUNEViLLE at 0800 tomorrow. 9-11-44 XII Corps is having a hard fight south of NANCY but is making progress. It is reported that one RCT got across in face of heavy resistance while a second one crossed farther south unopposed. The XX Corps lost one bridge head but captured a second both in 5th Div sector 90 Div is now on bank of River north of METZ. XII Corps is having 687 trouble erecting a Bridge due to enemy artillery fire they are using a smoke screne. Elements of 2d French made contact with the 1st French 7th Army 25 K west of DiJON. There seems to be a new plan in which more emphasis will be placed on efforts of 1st Army. I wish people would stop changing their minds and always at our expense. We may now lose the 83d. The arrival of the 6th Armd is delayed so that they can escort the 20000 Germans who have surrendered south of Orleans Some way I will manage to keep going we fly to 12 AG in morning for a conference on the whole subject. 9-12-44 Arch Bishop Spillman was with Bradley when I got there he is a clever little Irishman. I had with me Gaffey Muller and Nixon. with me. Hodges had his G-4 688 Wilson an able crook. Lees G 4 and CZ. Gen Plank were also present. Joe Collins told Montey who told Ike that Joe's VII Corps was held up due to lack of gas. Actually he was held up by enemy resistance. Ike jumped Bradley for not taking gas from 3d Army to help VII Corps. Monty is still trying to make all Armies attack in the low countries and the Ruhr. To do this I would have to hold the west bank of the Moselle defensively and put the XX Corps in Luxembourg. We compromised on going [?] till the night of the 14 to effect a bridge head. If I do I can continue as now planned if not we will again consider a strip to the north. It was decided that we had enough supplies to get to the Rhine and force a crossing. Wilson read his list of supplies received from the 10 back to the 1st of Sept. they were smaller than mine but we found that COMZ had actually given him more 689 Got back at 1430 to find Hughes [?] he gave me a pearl handed 380 Colt also letters and a new issue coat. We tried to visit XV Corps but it had moved so we only found the rear echelon this was Stiller's fault as he had nothing to do all day but get the exact location. He is too casual. I forgot to say that B Gen [9-13-44] While C of S 7 Army was at conference we made arrangements to make physical contact. I am to send Harkins with a man from Chafe and from 12 AG to visit 7 Army on the 16. I will try to get Gen Patch's son who is in the 79 Div sent down too to visit his father. 9-13-44 Hughes and I flew to CP XII Corps and found that Eddy had gone to 80 Div which had got five Bns across at Pont a Mousson. They were surprised by a German counter attack 690 only this morning and did not behave too well. Fortunately Col Clark of the 4th Armd arrived in the nick of time and drove the enemy back and took a lot of prisoners. The 2d Inft and a CC of the 7 Armd D. were also driven off the hill NW of Metz by a German counter attack. However the 35 Div less a regiment but with Dagers CC of the 4 Armd D are well over south of Nancy and will I think take Lunoville also the 5 Div less 2d Inf are across south of Metz. Hughes and I crossed over the Moselle and visited an O P from which we saw a nice tank fight. There were two dead German tanks in a field and four of ours were fighting at the edge of a woods. We then drove to the Hq XV Corps They did well taking Neufchateau - By passing Chaumont whose garrison wants to surrender and secured a crossing over 691 Moselle at Charmes. When we got back at 1930 Bishopr Spillman was in camp. I had sent a plane to Paris for him and he brought me a letter from F.D.R. 9-14-44 Stayed in today to work on papers. Archbishop Spillman came back from a visit to the XX C we had a long talk he is a Anti Roosevelt - CiO - Negrow- Jew and English quite a man. The 2d French got three attacks from Epinal last night and repulsed them all then took Epinal. We move camp in the morning. 9-15-44 Moved to a new camp five miles S. of ETiAN (east of Verdun) it is an old battlefield full of shell holes and trenches presumably German. I stopped for lunch at Verdun with Bradley. Pink Bull G-3 to Ike 692 was there. He and Bradley were having quite an argument. Monty does what he pleases and Ike says yes sir. Monty wants all supplies sent to him and the 1st US Army and for me to hold. Brad thinks I can and should push on. Brad told Ike that if Monty took control of the XIX & VII Corps of the 1st Army as he wants to do he Bradley will ask for a leave. Bull says that Ike feels that we think he is selling us out but that he has to as Monty will not take orders so we have to. Bradley said it was time for a showdown. I offered to resign with him but he backed out. One corps of two Divs will go to Patch, then Simpson will get 7 Divs and then the 1st & 3d will be raided to nine Inf and three Armd Divs. By which time the war will by only a memory. I think that surely I will get the 83 I have 693 6th A.D. that will give me ten divs. I need them. While all the argument was on news came that we had Captured Nancy. Also XV Corps destroyed 16 German Div and 60 tanks this was great timing and why I put the XV Corps where I did (at Charmes) these tanks were about to attack XII Corps but now they wont. 80th Divs was attacked all day but held its ground though one Bn is cut off, it got 27 tanks total for day 87 not bad. I looked up Gen Walker and asked him why he was so slow. He got the idea but is having trouble with forts W of Metz. I hope to bomb hell out of them tomorrow. If XII Corps breaks through I may give them the 7th Armd and let the XX contain Metz. 9-16-44 Ten assorted Russians 694 are to visit us to day so I wont be here. Visited XII Corps at noon. Eddy is quite tense but doing a good job. I told him to go to bed early and take a couple of drinks. I hope he can make a rush for the Siegfried Line on the 18 by which time he should have cleaned up the Moselle in his sector. I give him the new boundaries and advised - but did not order that he attack in columns of Divs. First unit armor and one RCT to break line and [?reach] Rhine near Worms second to hold open gap in line third to mop up. I told him he that he had more Corps artillery than ammunition and to demobilize half and use vehicles to move infantry and men to garrison towns. Drove to XX Corps via Toul Essey and Panne I could recognize all the 695 places I was at 26 years and 4 days ago. I must have walked a long way that day. Gen Walker was pessimistic I told him that if he did not take Metz in a day or two I would take the 7th Armd away from him and give it to the XII and leave him to contain Metz. That may get him going. Haislip called up to say that the 2d French wanted to stay with XV Corps. I would like to keep them as that would give me 4 Armd divs. Moved CCB of 6th Armd to Neufchateau to use where going is [?easy]. We had a plan to use eleven groups of medium bombers on Metz to day but weather prevented . Hope to get them on Thursday. 2-95-201.2O 2-92-210.2A 696 9-17-44 Scoresheet as of 17. U.S. K 3841 W 18231 M 4120 Total 26202 NB 10185 Grand Total 36387 Replacements. 34595 German. Official PW 74097 Buried 10605 Total 84702 Estimated PW 87800 K. 26200 W 73600 Total 187600 U.S. Materiel German Lt. Tks 121 M III&IV 542 M. " 264 M V&VI 307 Art 75+ 99 ART75+ 1596 Vehicles 1354 Vehicles 4206 1838 Total 6651 Air Planes shot down by AA 234 certain 106 Probable. It has rained all day and the ground is so slippery that it adversely effects our tanks. Sent Gaffey to XII Corps to try to get the attack on the Siegfried Line started best they can do is morning of Sept 19. That is pretty 697 late but apparently the best we can do. Have ordered CC B of 6 AD to move to Toul so all of 4th Armd and 35 div can move on line will send XV Corps across the Moselle to cover right flank. I think I will go along with 4th Armd on the 19th a little personal influence may be helpful. Bradley called up to say that Monty wants all of us to stop so he can make "a dagger thrust with 21 Army Group" To Hell with him. I must get so involved that they can't stop me. I told Bradley not to call me till dark on the 19th. 9-18-44 Drove to XV Corps to tell Haislip to attack his axis tomorrow morning as far as the line LUNEVILLE-BACCARAT I decorated Le Clerce (de Hautcloque) with the SS & BS and gave 698 5 SS & 25 BS to give out in the division. Just then at 1330 we got a message that two columns of inf and tanks were attacking Luneville from the direction Baccarat. So I told the XV to move at once on objective 79 on left 2d F on right having one CC 2d F West of Moselle. I left at once for Nancy to see Eddy he was a little worried but not badly so he is sending CCB 6 AD to stop the counter attack. It is just as well that I got it up last night. The attack of the XII Corps will go on as planned in the morning counter attack or not. Eddy still thinks it is premature - I hope that the Germans agree with him. The 5 Div XX Corps and the 80 Div XII Corps are in contact near Pont a Mouson. We will surround Metz from the S with the 5 inf and 7 Armd and contain west of the river with the 90. If the weather ever permits we will 2-92-210.2B 2 95 201. 20 699 have 11 groups of medium Bombers to work on Metz. Meantime there is no use in making poor infantry worse by batting their heads against forts they wont take. If I had one more infantry division I could realy do something but Bradley is afraid to release the 83 on account of German ghosts S of the Loire. The 90th is doing a hell of a lot of shooting I can hear the guns plainly. I went over a G-2 & Engr study of the Siegfried Line and find that the two places I picked from a study of the road net are the best from all viewpoints. Roads govern war. 9-19-44 Codman Stiller and I drove to Nancy to Hq XII Corps Eddy was quite down and in a defeated state of mind. The 35 had been counter attacked and pushed 700 off a hill NE of Nancy. PW and (4 AD) was being attacked and the XV Corps had not yet reached Luneville so I told him what Grant said: "In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider them selves beaten then he who continues the attack wins." I also quoted Lee when he said "I am too weak to defend." Eddy revived and told Bradley of the 35 Div to retake the hill by dark. I drove over to see Wood he was in the front line and there was a little shooting Clarke of CCA had just destroyed 20 tanks. Since Clarke crossed the Moselle five days ago his bag is PW 1462, K 676 Tanks or Armored Cars destroyed 50+20 to day. 455 other vehicles 27 guns. I know that Wood is pretty thin but feel that the risk is justified by the 701 effect it will have if we break through to the Siegfried Line any how it is best to attack as if you defend the enemy can make plans and get out while if you attack he cant. XV Corps is having a hard fight to get to Luneville. The 80 Div XII Corps is fighting SE but very slowly. The Germans are really putting up a show. 15 Panza has been identified. 9-20-44 Went to Verdun for a conference with Bradley and Hodges. the latter failed to show up. We saw a map study which completely confirms the line of attack I have been advocating namely to drive through with two Corps abreast and the third echeloned to the right rear on the general axis: NANCY- CHAT.-SALINS-SARREGUEMINES- 702 MAINZ or WORMS then NE To do this I need at least two more divs of inf and must keep the four Armored ones. I may be able to use the Moselle-Rhine Canal to cover my left flank to the border. I think the Germans fighting me now are all there is that is they have no depth. Before I start I must either take or contain Metz. If I can get the 400 bombers for three days I can take Metz. The situation tonight is tense but we will win out We must. 9-21-44 Things look better today. 4th Armd lost 30 tanks but the enemy lost more and withdrew. 35th & 80th Divs have about pushed out the Huns NE of Nancy CCB of the 6th Armd wil join with them in the final attack. XV Corp is progressing 703 XX Corps is awfully sticky. Harkins returned last night from a liaison visit to the 6th Army Group (Devers) and told me that Devers was making much talk about all the troops he was going to take from me. So I flew to Paris - one hour - to see Ike and spike his guns as Ike hates him. Ike was very nice and I think my visit was a success. Devers and Patch got there shortly after I did but Ike took me to lunch and had them wait a couple of hours - a good omen. One has to fight ones friends more than the enemy. Just called up all three Corps things seem much brighter. Ike still insists that the main effort must for a while longer go to Monty however he called him "a clever son of a bitch" which is 704 encouraging. 9-22-44 Codman Stiller and I drove to 90th Div. Where I talked to the staff got their plans for future attack on Metz. We then drove to the Hq 358th Inf of the 90th Div which holds the line of the Moselle from Thionville (inc) to Metz (exclusive) Lt Col Clark who used to be Gen Drum's aid at Somerfield command the regiment they all seemed pleased to see me and gave me lunch and a German Dagger. Then drove to the Hq of the 3d Cav group and picked up Col Polk from there we drove north into Luxembourg as far as the Army Boundary and visited Hq 3d Cav Sqn. On the way we passed some alleged French troops who Gen Walker used to help cover the river they are an utter rabble I hope to get rid of them. 705 It is a good thing to get down to the small units and a great pleasure as they are always so glad to see you. 9-23-44 I had intended to visit units of 5th Inf Div and 7th Armd Div but at 1100 Bradley called me saying that I would have to give up the 6th A.D. so I drove to Verdun to see him. He was feeling very low Monty has again put it over on Ike and demands the assistance of the 1st Army in a push into the Ruhr to do this I will have to send an Armd Div and also assume a defensive attitude. Also Devers told Ike that since he could easily supply the XV Corps via Dijon it should go to him. He said he could give it 1000 tons a day after Oct 1st. I said that supplies were impersonal 706 things and that if Dijon could supply the XV Corps in his group he could supply it equally as well in Bradleys and that the truck haul from Dijon to Luneville was less than 100 miles. Bradley liked the idea and pressed Ike to support it Ike too seemed favorable. Going on the defensive and having our limited supplies cut still more is most discouraging. Bradley and I are depressed. We would like to go to China and serve under Nimitz. I found when I got back that I could disengage the 7 AD and move it north faster than I could the 6th. Am arranging to do so. I also told Brad that there are 200 special tanks at Granville which mabey we can get. We did succeed in getting the 707 83 Div which will move in north of the 90 to cover the so called Luxembourg gap. I partially interrupted the gap to get the division. Hap Gay said just now when I told him the sad story "What price glory" Morocco Tunisia, Sicily, France at the end of such success we get whittled down." Mr. Bailey head of the U.P. called this morning. I told him I could not be quoted and he said that he would not. He seemed very intelligent possibly because he told me that at the movi theaters at home I get more applause than FDR. A [?discirning] people mental age 12 years. Bradley just called 1800 and says that Ike feels that he is committed to let Devers have the XV Corps temporarily if he can support it. I am not inclined to grumble or think the cards are against me but some times wish some one would get 708 "committed" to do something for me. However I should have more faith. I wanted to command in Italy it turned out badly. I wanted to command the assault on the beach, sure. I felt and with reason that when the XIX & VII Corps of the 1st Army turned north I should have gotten the V which parallelled my left. It went sour. If Jake gets the XV I hope his plan goes sour. The Lord is on my side but he has a lot of getting even to do for me. 9-24-44 As a result of my talk with Bradley Gaffey and Maddox and I drove to Nancy where we met the three Corps Commanders and arranged first the present Army front and read the plans we wished to secure so as to have a good take off line when we (as we will) secure the offensive, 4th Armd was attacked this morning 709 and badly needed Air. Gen Weyland ordered two sqs out in unflyable weather they got to the [?tryst] and did a fine job lost one plane and got back safly. 9-25-44 Had an overlay of my defense plan based on letter Sept 25 from Bradley (copy in typed diary) which says on second sheet: "In order to insure supplies sufficient for an offensive operation by the First Army, the Third Army and any elements of the Ninth Army placed in the line are directed to assume the defensive." This plan is based on having enough "rectifying" of the line meaning no one [can] continue to attack. Gen B. approved this plan. Visited Fort Veaux. Had a wire from Gen Marshall asking me to contact at my convenience Mme JOUATTE at GONDRECOURT. 710 She was his land lady in the last war. 9-26-44 Col Campanole, Codman and I drove to Gondrecourt only to find that the JOUATTE family no longer lived there. We met the Mayor who is a friend of theirs and got new address etc. We then drove via Neufchateau to Chamount and had lunch at the Hotel de France where 27 years ago Gens Pershing Harbord, Col De Chaumbraun and I lunched the day we selected Chaumont for Hq A.E.F. We visited old Hq in the Barracks and Gen Ps two residences and took some pictures. Then drove on to Langres and Bourg. In the latter place we saw a Frenchman standing in a pile of manure I asked him if he had been in Bourg in the 711 last war. He replied yes Gen Patton then we had an old home week I visited my old office, Billet and the Chateau of Mme de Veux. On the way back we visited the field from which Codman flew in the last war. A day full of memories. 9-27-44 A big day for visiting firemen. Gens. Hughes and Peterson, Happy Green (AA) and five Brigs. Gen Lee and Plank and Gen Tooey Spaatz. I have the Air Force in my Pocket. Lee is a liar as usual. Hughes was depressed Called Brad and find that Jake Devers (SOB) will take and keep the XV Corps (May God rot his guts.) Talked Brad out of the three Inf Regts of 26 Div to give the regts of the 80th time to right. 4th Armd attacked 3 times today. All repulsed 712 Sears regt of 35th Div kicked off a mile told to retake it. Felt very low. Must trust in God and my destiny. 9-28-44 Stiller and I left at 0900 by peep to visit the leading elements of the 80 & 5 Divs. I have had some discouraging reports about their morale due largely to the horrid conditions under which they were had to live. We went via St. BENOIT en W. THIAUCOURT with its huge US Military Cemetery to Pont a Mouson and thence to CP 80 Div where we picked up Gen McBride crossed the river and stopped at a Regimental Hq then on to the forward O.P. There was some shelling out in the valley with occasional M.G. fire. McBride showed me the three hills in his front which must be secured before he has a realy tenable bridge head He said that the two regiments facing the hills were dead on their feet but that if he 713 could in some way relieve his north regiment he could take them I told him that I had secured the infantry elements of the 26th Div (probably I will get all of it) and that when it arrived I would let him have a C.T. I noted two M.G. so implaced that they could hit nothing this is due to the fact that the officers who place them do so standing where they can see a lot but at the level of a gun nothing can be seen. Our officers are fools. Decorated several men and made three battlefield promotions. Then drove to Hq 5 Div and picked up Gen Irwin we crossed the river and picked up Col W. Roffe 2d Inf and went to his leading Bn. The German position in their front is very strong. The Germans were shelling the road and a battery position. On the way back one shell burst close enough to throw dirt on us and a second one struck 714 just beside the jeep but was a dud or else these lines would not be written. Just after we passed another 150 mm hit right in the road. Col Harvey G-4 7th Army called and says that the 7th Army will not be able to support the XV Corps till the 1st and then only with gas and c rations, no ammunition till the 10 yet the XV Corps passes to 7th Army at 2400 Devers as usual is a damned liar. He got the XV Corps on the statement that he could easily supply it with 1000 tons a day. I told him that 3d Army would continue supply till 2400 29 Sept and that was all. Got a report that a British mission had arrived in Luxembourg City and taken over. Informed Bradley. 9-29-44 Eddy asked me to come to Nancy so I flew there 715 arriving at 1000. The 35 Div is being attacked by at least a Div possibly two and have lost some ground The 4 AD is also being attacked I told Eddy to put the rest of the 6th AD in to help the 35th. He was reluctant as he said if they failed they would be destroyed as there would be a river at their back I told him that there fore they had best win and to put them in. I also called Gaffey and told him that unless the XX Corps was worse off than I thought they would send the CC of the 6 AD now attached to the XX back to the XII Corps it started to move in 15 minutes. Also told him to direct all ammunition available to XII Corps. Gens Ike & Bradley came to lunch and we had a guard and band. After lunch Ike talked to the assembled officers representing all Divs and the two Corps 716 he explained the situation in a lucid manner and assured us that eventually we would get supplies make a main effort that the 6 Army Group would be limited to16 Divs and that the 21 AG had reached its limit 17 Divs. All other divs will come to 12 A.G. the 9 Army will take over Metz and we can drive east. Reassuring if true. I told him that I felt some one should arbitrate the conflicting demands for supply as between 12 AG COM Z and the Air. Also that COM Z was too inflexible in its methods that if a thing could not be done one way it should be done another. He said he would release all names of officers to include regimental commanders this will be a great help. So far so good. After Ike left I had the others in the war room and again out lined my 717 policy as outlined in Letter of Instructions no 4. We will defend by attacking - attacking locally as we can accommodate the supplies As I see it the Germans want both Metz and Nancy. They have Metz so are content and will stay quiet they must have Nancy or the door for subsequent invasion is open. Therefore they will keep on attacking and getting killed. 9-30-44 Decided to stay in today so sent Gen Gaffey to XII Corps. At about 1500 phone rang and Gaffey talking over the radio said I had best come to Nancy I arrived by car at 1545 to find that Gen Eddy had ordered the regiments of the 35 Div holding the wooded hill west of Chat Salines to withdraw, and that Gaffey had heard him give the order and had not protested. However Gaffey did send for me. I was very mad. The 15 & 539 German Divs had been attacking the hill but 2/3 of the 6th Armd was available 718 all day and had not been put in. Yesterday I told Eddy to use this Div if the attack now in progress came off. Eddy was at the CP of 6 Armd so Gaffey and I drove there . I told Eddy and Gaffey that I was disgusted with them and ordered the 6th to counter attack in morning or to night if possible. I will not have American troops give up ground to Germans. Not only is it a disgrace but it would incourage the Germans.) I ordered all the extra ammunition we have - not much sent to Eddy and told XX Corps to be ready to move one infantry regiment by truck on call. Gen Badde 35 Div came in and I told him to go to the front personally. I told Gerow that he was to retake the woods or not come back and sent him to the front. Eddy assumed full responsibility for the withdrawal order he is manly but worries too much I may have to 719 get rid of him. I will do all the worrying necessary. The Corps commanders must fight. Eddy, Gaffey and Grow were all nearly killed by shell fire this PM Capt Tailor and Grows aid were both hit. This may have shaken their nerves. After I had cussed them all I said "now I will go home as I know you will win." I feel they will. Germans are not super men. We had to land in the dark but made it. Gen Simpson came to dinner and is spending the night. It is now 0010 Oct 1 and I have heard nothing and the C of S at XII Corps was asleep so things are probably going all right. 10-1-44 The attack by the 6 AD to restore the salient of the 35 Div W of Chat. Salins jumped off at 0600 and the situation was well restored by 1200. So much for histeria.) Had I let Eddy retire five kil. as he was about 720 to do it would have been heralded in Germany as a great victory and would have been worth 100000 men to them. I have again earned my pay. Released the RCT of XX Corps no attacks to day. Gen Simpson could not leave due to weather is spending the night - delighted to have him. 10-2-44 Stiller and I drove to Nancy and [?thence] to the woods where the fight was yesterday I looked up the CO's of the two regts of the 35 div Sears and Byrnes and gave each of them a BS then I saw Gen Wood of the 4th AD and we looked over his position which is good. I then called on the 6th AD but Gen Grow was out. I went to Hq 35 Div to see Badde who had been wounded in the chin. I gave him a B.S. visited the 35 Evac and 12 Station hospitals in Nancy and talked to the wounded about 200 from 6 AD and Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.