GEORGE S. PATTON DIARIES Original Feb. 5-Mar. 24, 1945 BOX 1 FOLDER 12 DIARY (IX) FEB. 5, 1945 I MAR. 24, 1945 Feb 5-45 to Mar 23-45 IX 866 wants to be photographed in that town. Eddy attacks at 0100 the 7. It turned out to be just a social call and as usual Ike made no reference to the recent great maneuvers of the 3d Army. He had on his new five stars which is a very pretty insignia. I was able to avoid all mention of the impending attack of the XII Corps. I felt like Nelson at CALVI when he found it expedient not to tell his chief how strong the French were. However Ike seemed less inclined to stop them is B. He also said that if I wanted Middleton he felt I should keep him as one should have people one trusted he sited [Divers] Devers to prove the reverse. Drove to VIII Corps at the Trois Verges to see Middleton. He is full of confidence. Drove home via Wiltz which is shorter but 869 roads are terrible. 2-6-45 Awake at 0300 full of the notion to launch two or three AD's for a nother Breast Blitz if we get a break through. Whether thoughts like that are inspiration or insomnia I don't know but all my plans pop into my head like Minerva. Our right flank is pretty damned thin. But we will risk it. The Land will provide. 2-7-45 The 5 div attacked with out Artillery preparation at 0100 but due to the rapid current has not done well also enemy fire sunk ten boats so 60 men may be lost. The 76 div with one RCT crossed east of the 5 and has one battalion over but no bridge. The 80 Div on the west attacked after a preparation 868 and has elements of 2 Bns over it is receiving a limited amount of artillery fire. I visited Eddy at his advanced C P neither of us is satisfied The III & VIII are doing only fairly well the III has two battalions one of the 17 A B and one from the 6 Armd over the Our In the VIII Corps the 87 is on its objective but the 4 and 90 are going very slowly through taking some prisoners (800 yesterday). The 4 had a counter attack - repulsed - by infantry elements of the 2 P.D. I visited the front held by the 2 Cav Group under reed and was well pleased with the arrangements. I doubt if there is any danger on that front except possibly from a massed attack. Until the 4 AD moves it can handle such an incident after it moves the enemy will be too occupied to try any thing more over the Russian threat is bound to have more and more effect. 869 Score Sheet US Aug 1 44 Jan 29 45 K 15405 472 W 73475 2813 M 14199 221 T 103079 3506 NB 77611 5718 T 180690 9224 Rep 170093 11163 German official Aug 1 Jan 29 PW 165360 2973 B 18650 984 184010 3957 Est. Pw 166300 3800 K 99100 3500 W 276800 9600 542200 16900 Materiel TK L 272 2 1272 8 " M 772 1 720 10 G75+ 144 0 2537 28 Veh 3208 23 6236 34 4396 26 10765 80 2-8-45 Things are quite gloomy except in the XX we are making no progress mostly due to weather. I called B to see if I could pospone the withdrawal of the 17 AB but he was no help his success is due to his lack of back bone and servile obedience to those above him 870 I will manage with out him in fact I always have, even in Sicily he had to be carried. Middleton just called to ask if in view of the very bad road situation he should take PRAUM I said to do it. We will have to risk being hit on the sky line drive and supply Part of the VIII Corps that way and part through Wiltz. 2-9-45 After consideration Gen Middleton decided not to change the routes of his lines of supply. Left at 0845 and drove to Martelange to see III and warn Milliken that the two engr Bns he is getting are not battle wise and must be backed up by veterans. His plan for thier use was good. Drove via Wiltz to the 3 Virgins to see Middleton. Things are going very well and until the weather mends I think that the VIII is about where it should stop. Gen Keyes arrived at 871 1830 to spend a few days here. Having only been steadily in battle since July 10 43 he sought a change of scene by visiting another front. What a man! All of us are delighted to see him. 2-10-45 Yesterday I called B to protest an order taking 3 more Engr Bns from me he said he would do what he could but that we had to obey orders and put all our force to the north. He also asked how soon I could go on the defensive. I said I was the oldest leader both in age and days of combat in the Army and that if I had to go on the defensive I would ask to be relieved. He said I owed it to the men to stay. I said that there was a lot owing to me too. I was very mad. Spent a most useless morning seeing people Had a guard of Honor for Weyland on his 2 star 872 Called Brad to ask him to send Moses his G-4 to 3 Virgins to see how bad the roads actually were He said he knew already - which he don't. However he said that due to the flood the 9th Army may be stalled indefinitely and we will revert to our former plan of attacking. Koblentz and Kolon with 1 & 3 Armies. He referred to the plan for Montey to attack as the biggest mistake Chafe had yet made. It is, or at least one of the biggest The biggest was when Ike decided to take the 1st Army north to help Monty at the end of August and cut off my gas. But for that we would have beaten the Russians to Berlin. He also told me to send III Corps Hq to 1st Army which I am delighted to do. Milliken has done a good job but I dont like him and never have. 875 Also I would rather have three big Corps then four small ones. I hope we have to go back to the old plan and keep attacking. 2-11-45 Keyes visited 10 AD in search for his son in law Lt Col Desobre missing in action. Situation in VIII very critical due to roads disintegrating We may have to use Air Drop. Have arranged through Weyland to do this if necessary. Also we have to relieve 2 Bns of Combat Engrs now holding line in southern part of former III area. I told Middleton to dismount tank crews and use them as infantry if it was necessary but not to give up the Bridge head in 6 A D Area. I hate to get men hurt taking a place and then give it up. XII is having a lot of trouble with its bridges but is making good. 876 2-12-45 Keys and I drove to VII via Arlon-Bastogne-Wiltz. Trees cut down by time fire very impressive also inspected one Royal Tiger apparently abandoned by its crew and blown. Road 3 Virgs to St Vith is really terrible but can be fixed. Weather is terrible all troops not fighting were working on roads. XII found it best to continue attack and are making fine progress. Milliken left at 0830. Sent Gay on leave as he looks badly. 2-13-45 Visited XII then the 76-5-80 in succession and also crossed the SAUR into Germany our mortars are just on the enemy bank and the men seemed quite surprised to see me but the chances of getting hit are small and worth taking for the effects attained. There is [?evidently] one of the 877 one of the strongest positions I have ever seen where the 5 Crossed and terribly bad water it was a great feat and could only have been done by well lead veterans. One Pill Box had had a wooden barn built around it to make it seem innocent another was completely surrounded by an inhabited house. Many were put on the Water and well hidden also due to the rise of the river the wire along the bank was submerged and made it harder. The 5th attacked with out a preparation the 80 at an equally bad place und 30 min. In this case I think the preparation worked better due to the very swift water. Some of our SP groups and SP TD's were brought up on our side of the river to within 400 yds of the enemy. Capt Krass a noted German who lead many suicide raids and has all the decorations for 878 valor bestowed by the enemy. Walked in and surrendered he said the war is over. I feel that it is my self that is why I want to keep on attacking I will be the first at the Rhine yet. 2-14-45 Decided to visit Gen Hughes in Paris as neither VIII or XII will be able to renew their attack till the 17 the day I return. Had Walker and Middleton in and had Eddy see M. so every one will know what I want done. Walker is senior. I think that the reported truck movement N of Bitburg of yesterday is a pull out not an attack. We should know to day as it is very clear and all our planes are up. Codman and I depart at 0900 on our first leave since Oct 24 1942. We go by the RR Car and Hughes has rooms for us at 879 the George V. 2-15-45 Trip took six hours I have never seen the rivers so high. Nothing else occurred. 2-16-45 Visited Hughes office then Gen Lord of COMZ. Lee as usual was out. Spent some time with Littlejohn whom I like and arranged for him to buy me a set of flat silver for the 3d Army. Went to Versailles to see Beadle after lunch. Strong the British G-2 who missed the boat on the december break through was there and said he wished I had the "Ball" as the rest meaning Montey were slow starters. Beadle was very eloquent and said "I suppose you don't know the higher strategy but I am assured that my northern effort 880 cannot be logistically possible with more than 35 divs as we have 83 that leaves quite a few I can use else where I want you to be prepared to resume your old offensive through Saarlatern and Saarguemines." I did not know that he was so great. Went to the Follies and were not given a box and taken back stage. The managers wife who is quite a lady said that She hoped I would make the follies my home when ever I was in Paris it would be hard to find a more restless place 2-17-45 Called a Madam d'Lhorme and drank champagne at 0930. Beadle asked me to go shooting went to Versailles at 1100 saw Beadle also Pink Bull and Jack Whilty where I did a little 881 prossaliting a future operations especially on getting one Inf and one Armored Div added to 3 Army. The shoot was very fine on the old royal preserve now used by the President I shot a 16 Automatic Ike lent me. Had a violent attack of Ptomaine and had to go home but had Gen Hull to dinner any how. 2-18-45 Came home on train felt very ill. 2-19-45 Am all right. Wrote Brad a letter saying that all U S troops except 3d Army were doing nothing and that while I was attacking I could do so better with more divisions and asked for from one to three. I did this to get on record as we will be criticized and rightly so for 882 lack of energy. Also I don't want any more of my ideas appropriated as happens when they are given orally. Gen Walker called at 1130 to say that he feels he has a Break through in the triangle. And wanted an Armored Div at area. I phoned B who luckily was out so I got Bull on the move and as a result of my recent conversations with him got the divisions but "only for this operation" I will be damned if I see why we have divisions if not to use them. One has to beg for a chance to win battles. Yesterday evening a Mr. LUBIN called he is said to be a great friend of the Presidents and the last survivor of the original Brain trust. He is a smart Jew of the sensitive type like Hopkins. He apparently knows Col Allen of Pearson and Allen fame well and had a long talk with him 883 if Allen said what he says he said in conversation with Pfan Mr Lubin learned a lot. 2-20-45 Visited XII Corps and again drove along line where we crossed the Saur & Our. Stopped to inspect two Bridges one had a sign, "Gen Patton Bridge built by the mighty midgets." They were all so little the first time I saw them that I remarked on it, also saw some very good pill boxes all walls were at least 2 meters thick and of very hard concrete our 90m/m had just dented them but we got hits in the imbrasure which put them out. One was built inside an old house and was invisible until the wall was nocked down another was in a wooden barn. I decorated four of the engrs with B.S. Met Gen Middleton in Sky line drive and we 884 went all over his area. He has done well but is still in a bad way. When the RR gets to St Vith he can abandon the roads in his rear and work on those forward of St. Vith and things will be better. Saw guns of 6 A D also 90 and 4 got home at 2000. XX seems to be doing well 2-21-45 Gen B. came at 1500 and explained the general plan. 21 AG and 9 Army are to attack on the 23 unless something else stops them when they get to the Rhine they will try to get a bridge head while this is going on 1st Army protects right of 9th and 3 stays put (in theory). When 21 & 9 are over river 1st Army starts on Kolon with its left Corps and by successive corps to the right. 3d Army drives on Koblentz from Pruem. This ends with Allies bellied up against Rhine from Moselle from Koblentz to west of Treves 885 the SAAR. When this happens 1st Army sits and 3 army attacks up old Frankfurd Corridore The part I raised and which B. failed to settle is the boundary between 7 & 3 Armies. I think we should have the whole thing from the Moselle to the Voges to split it is foolish we tried it in November. B could not or would not make a decision. He looks tired I think he is never sure of him self. I asked definitely if there was any objection to my making a run for Koblentz ahead of time or of taking Treves he said no objection. 2-22-45 Decorated about 20 nurses with B.S. then went to 4 A D and decorated Lt Fields with MH. Told Gaffey of General Plan and also urged him to get loose while he is in temporary command of the Corps 886 Met Gens Walker and Morris at Remish. Morris let his bridge train get lost and just sat at Saarburg not even crossing infantry. I told him to try the officer who got lost and to cross at once fire or no fire. I fear we missed the boat on this one just lack of drive Walker should have been on the job too perhaps I am also to blame. Visited 94 and CCB 10 AD Col Roberts. Sent Walker up to put some heat on Morris. VIII seems to be doing well and should be on Pruem line tomorrow got 780 PW to day. 2-23-45 The situation in the triangle is annoying not due to the Germans but due to the Americans. Shafe has a new toy called a Shafe Reserve and every time the let an army have a division they want one in return Now they say that if I keep on using the 10 AD 887 I will have to put the 11-6-or 4 AD in Reserve this despite the fact that all these divs are properly placed to attack I just hope something will turn up. I stalled for 48 hours more and by that time the situation may be clear. Brad called to say we would get two new divs but would have to pull out two old ones in so called Reserve I intended to do this any how in the case of the 90 & 80. I will put the new ones in where the going is easy and they can get a little quiet training. At the present rate we should have the line of the Pruem by tomorrow night. 2-24-45 9th Army seems to be doing all right but the 2d British has not done a thing nor probably will it. I sent Gay to see what is the matter with the XX Corps either we 888 must get going or quit as I will get in a jam in the 10 AD and Shafe. Score sheet 2400-23 Feb. US Aug 1 Jan 29 K 16751 1818 W 80146 9484 M 14952 794 T 111849 12296 NB 85809 13976* [186567 27] 197718 26272 Rep 186567 27637 German. Aug 1 Jan 29 PW 179489 16802 B. 21422 3756 T 200911 20558 Est K 105300 9700 W 297300 30100 PW 181500 19100 584200 58900 Materiel [*1061*] TKL 275 5 " M 792 21 Gun75+ 150 76 Veh. 3261 76 4478 108 1313 49 742 32 2580 71 6364 102 10999 314 note *N B greater than B for first time 2-25-45 Had Middleton, Walker and Gaffey for lunch. Bradley called and asked if he and Allen could also come we were 889 delighted. After lunch I had each Corps Commander show his situation on the map also Gen Weyland I pointed out that we had a chance to take Trier and that it would be criminal not to do so just in order to comply with the Combined C of S instructors that a certain number of Divisions be held in Shafe reserve we argued hard and atlast B said we could keep on till dark of 27 provided Ike let us call the 90 Div a reserve unit. I wonder when ever before in the history of war a winning general had to plead to be allowed to keep on winning. I also asked if I still had authority to try for a break through if the opportunity afforded. B said I had. B called after dinner and said the swap - on paper - for the 90 was all right Allen called to say how pleased he was to see people who wanted 890 to fight. 2-26-45 Things in XX Corps are going slower than I want both regts of German 2 Mt. div are now fighting us there. In [XIII] XII Corps the 4 A D did well and is nearly at the Kyll River N. of Bitburg. The 87 attacked north of 1500 and the 4 and 5 Armd moved forward. The 76 is going too slowly. Visited XII Corps and the 76 and 5 inf divs. Gen Schmidt 76 was at front but I told his chief of staff to say to him that he must move faster. Got a lot of clippings from home Brooks of La wants to make me a 4 star gen and others mention me as a political probability this is very bad publicity and might be hurtful. The current operation for the incirclement of Trier is the result of the ability to change plans to meet opportunities developed by combat. "I attack and then 891 I look". The XX Corps started to take the triangle when that fell It occurred to me that we might as well have a try at Trier from the south so that was started On the 24 I decided that instead of putting my main effort on securing a bridge over the KYLL River for an armored attack at Koblentz I would first turn the 4 AD south of the Bitburg-Trier road to attack the latter town from the north as well as the south. Gen Gaffey the acting Corps Commander told me that to cross the 4 AD through the 5 & 76 would take time and cause confusion and recommended that we attack Trier with the 76 to which he added a tank Bn from the 80. Now I am planning to get 2 bridge heads over the Kyll so that I may resume the attack on Koblentz using the 4 & 6 AD's and possibly the 11 AD. 892 It may be of interest to future generals to realize that one makes plans to fit circumstances and does not try to create circumstances to fit plans. That way danger lies. 2-27-45 In the XX Corps the 10 AD made about 8 K and is now only some 8 K from Trier the enemy has brought in the 2d Mt Div and probably the 1st Inf and the 49 to stop us so far to no purpose. In the XII Corps the 76 is doing well and is coming down on Trier but will have to fight hard at one point where a switch position of the Sig. line crosses the road. Gen Walker came in and feels optimistic. I called B and he says we can keep on with the 10 AD until higher authority stops him. 2-28-45 The 10 AD is not going as well as it should but has 893 some excuse on account of very difficult terraine it is about 4 miles south of Trier and can now attack in multiple columns. Visited 94 and looked up Jim Wendall's boy Capt W. Told Maloney he had done a fine job. Also visited 10 AD and told them that their losses did not justify their slow progress and to get Trier tomorrow. For the last few days I have had a feeling that the Huns are pulling out at least to the Rhine. Saarburg is the home of John the blind king of Bohemia and Duke of Luxemborg who was killed at Crecy in 1346. His crest of three feathers is that now used by the Prince of Wailes Part of the castle still stands I took a picture. I think some times that our wires are tapped. Yesterday arrangements were made by phone to 894 visit a town where Gen Morris was supposed to be. I found out he was not there so did not go but at the time I said I would be there it was heavily shelled. While looking at a Winery which Maloney thought was a Castle a shell went just over our heads. Capt Butcher and Mr Steven Early called on me in morning. 3-1-45 Flew to VIII via Arlon and Bastogne and got some pictures Talked over situation with M he attacks with 11 AD on 3d to punch a hole to the Kyll through the German 5 Para the crossing will then be effected by the 4 div. The attack of the 87 is going fairly well and is not unduly costly. The XII Corps is on the Kyll almost on its entire front the 76 div picked up nearly 1000 PW today 895 Gen Walker called at 1415 to announce that the 10 AD was in Trier and had captured one bridge over the Moselle intact. It has been a very fine operation. When he crossed at Saarburg the Germans thought he was going south and moved all they could scrape together to stop him so that his quick turn to the north took them completely by surprise. He has taken over 7000 PW. Called Beadle Smith and Brad to report success both were pleased and were complimentary Ike was in the room with B - I heard his voice - but did not take the trouble to speak to me! I certainly again proved my military ideas are correct and I put them over inspite of opposition. 3-2-45 Gen Walker came up with a plan for the future removal of the METTLACH 896 salient when the 26 has relieved the 94. As we talked it suddenly occurred to me that a more telling operation would be to cross the Moselle at SCHWEICH with the 10 AD reinforce it with an RCT of the 76 and move on WITTLICH or beyond if things break well. He is working on the plan. He told me that in his opinion my corps were bold because they knew I would stand behind them win or loose. B. called to ask when I can pull out the 10 AD - he is hipped on the subject - also Ike seems to again have altered his plan. He should do better by emulating Grant. Eddy and I crossed the river SAUER at ECHTERNACHE and drove to Bitburg visiting 76-5-4AD-80 it was a most instructive trip and showed that the 76 did a good job against serious opposition. 897 3-3-45 Nothing of importance occurred All these Corps are fighting to secure bridge heads through which we can launch a combined Armor and infantry attack. Middleton called me last night to say that the 11 AD would not be in position to attack this morning as planned but would attack tomorrow I told him that it must attack by noon to day. 3-4-45 Bradley called in morning to get situation I persuaded him with considerable difficulty to let me attack with all three Corps and to exchange the 10 AD for the 6 AD. The VIII will sieze a crossing over the Kyll near GEROLSTN and attack with the 11 AD and 90 on Axis Gerolstn - Kelburg - Mayer - Koblenz. The 87 & 4 crossing and moving east as and if they can. The XII Corps siezing a crossing east of Bitburg 898 will attack on the axis Bitburg- DAUN-ULMEN-MONREAL-MAYEN- KOBLENZ. Using 4 AD and 5 inf. Whether I will use one or two Corps east of Mayen is at the moment uncertain 80 and second cav will cover 76 less one RCT will move due east on Wittlich The XX will attack NE from Trier on WITTLICH 8 farther using 10 AD and one RCT 76 The 94 will rest and be replaced in Trier Area by 26 the 26 to be replaced by newly arrived 65. Fred Ayer, Eddy and I inspected a Sig fort NE of Echternach it is it is large three stories deep and has 12" cupolas automatic mortars etc. Later Fred and I drove in rain to see Chateau BURSCHEID NE of ETTLEBRUCK its last owner was Prince METTERNICH I located it from the air. The contrast and similarity and futility of an old and a new fort the same day most interesting 899 3-5-45 The VIII Corps is not doing too well and as yet have no Bridge head over the KYLL R. The 90 Div relieved the 6 AD as of 0800 this morning and are progressing better than the 6 AD In the XII Corps the 4 AD broke through and has CC B between SALM and DAUN for an advance of 14 K. CC A is held up by mud but is moving. This thrust looks like the one that will go through. XX Corps is relieving 94 with 26 one RCT 65 moves into line this night. 10 AD with one RCT 76 is moving but slowly due to enemy resistance. Drove to 65 south of Thionville and addressed officers and men of [95] 65 Div. Fred Ayer left for Brussels. 3-6-45 Bradley called at 1000 and was pleased at what we were doing. I told him that now was the time to use every thing and the 89 and 65 should 900 be used on our lines of C. He said that would keep them from getting trained. He just fails to see War as a struggle not as an educational course 4 AD captured the whole Hq. 53 German Corps including the C.G. LT GEN ERNST GEORG EDWIN GRAF VON ROTHKIRCH He is a former regular Army Cavalry Officer and dislikes the Natzi. I will see him in the morning. CCB 4 AD is on the edge of MAYEN. VIII has not done enough but finally has Bridges over the KYLL. XX has been counter attacked several times near ZERF Walker came in at 2200 to report situation he is still optimistic. 3-7-45 B. called at 0930 to congratulate us - he is learning. I asked if I could use 94 in a pinch he agreed. We are making contact with 901 1st Army at Mayen. 4 AD and one RCT 5 reached the Rhine N of Coblentz. Making 65 miles in about 36 hours - a very remarkable performance. XX had more counter attacks at ZERF, 6SS is there now, all repulsed. The 65 relieved 26 at Saarlautern latter goes to Trier area. VIII, 11 AD finally crossed the Kyll. I fear that Kilburne is no good, he simply lacks drive I should have relieved him after Bastogne I am realy not mean enough. 9 AD of III Corps 1st Army got a bridge in tact over the Rhine at REMAGEN this may have a fine influence on our future movements. I hope we get one also. 3-8-45 The 10 AD XX Corps crossed the Kyll and is moving on WITTLICH. 65 has completed relief of 26 902 In XII Corps 4 AD finds no bridges in tact over Rhine. The 11 AD has broken through and advanced 15 miles making contact with 4 AD NW of Mayen. We [loose?] 6 AD and 4 inf to 6 AG also 3 Bns of Art etc. 1st Army continues to expand its bridge head said to have 14 Bn over. 3-9-45 From now on I will be forced due to lack of time to make this long hand diary short notes from which I can dictate as contemporaneously as possible the typed diary. Flew to Hq 12 AG to get decorated "Grand Officer Legion of honor. Arranged with Brad to attack SE out of Trier with XX Corps. I shall not wait for 7 Army. It is essential to get the 1st & 3d armies so deeply involved in their present plans that they cannot be moved north to play 903 second fiddle to Montey. Yesterday Middleton asked me to let him relieve Kilburn of the II Armd. I told him to do it and I would send Dager from the 4 AD II Armd to day reached Rhine at Andernach. 8000 PW in that thrust by VIII & XII Corps and I had to beg to do it. 3-10-45 Very quiet except for mopping up. 1st Army continues to send men over at its bridge. 3-11-45 Gen KOELTZ French army assisted by Gen Dody who commanded at Maknassy in 42-43 decorated some 70 officers and men of 3 Army. Three Corps Commanders came to lunch also Gen Patch We agreed on our plan XX Corps attack SE back of Siegfried line. XII south over Moselle west of Koblentz VIII mop up and take over from XII as 904 advances along west bank of Rhine. XX 3 Army and XXI Corps 7 Army will mutually arrange necessary shifts in boundary. Got my table silver $300.00 3-12-45 We are still getting ready XX Corps hopes to attack at 0300 tomorrow the 13th XII Corps will attack night 14th Discussed uniforms for next winter and this summer with Gen Littlejohn Gen Kilburn came at 1100 to state his case. Every one is wrong but him. I should have relieved him in January. 3-13-45 XX got off fairly well but the terraine especially in front of the 26 Div is very bad, order from right to left 26-80-94 XII Corps assaults over the Moselle near TREIS at 0200 14th. 905 I hope for a break through in which case VIII Corps will cross behind them and take Koblentz. If XII goes well I will give it the 11 AD also. Mr Harry Taylor of Scripps-Howard came to dinner he has a most charming mind. He was with Tedder the day the 4 AD broke through to the Rhine and when Tedder saw it on the maps he said "There goes Patton with another of his Phalic symbols." Taylor did not know what the word meant and asked me. 3-14-45 XII Corps got over with 5 on left 90 on right and had 14 battalions over by noon Hope to get Gaffey loose Went to Trier via WASSERBILLIG in 40 min. so did Caesar whose Gallic war I am now reading. 10 AD is in Trier ready 906 to move on 4 hour notice. Went to Saarburg and saw 94. Then 26 and 80. 7 Army attacks in morning and should meet little resistance till they hit the Sig line. With luck we will be back of it soon. I hope we beat them to Maintz. Called Walker and told him to turn on the heat as I feel we are not going fast enough - we are always slow starters. 3-15-45 Flew to Mayen and saw Eddy and Middleton. I told M I would probably have to take the 11 AD as usual he made no [kick?] but proposed to take Coblentz with his one remaining Div the 87 I told him to try it. 26 small gains 80 & 94 up to six. 10 AD prepared to break through in trail of 80 or 16th. Took pictures of Chateau on way back. 907 3-16-45 Ike and Beadle arrived unexpectedly at 1100 Took them to War Room both were very enthusiastic and complimentary. Beadle said I could borrow divisions any time after taking Trier with a borrowed one - 10th AD Had Guard of honor for Smith his first Ike and I visited Trier then CCA 10 AD. Not well pleased with them In XX CT 80 and CC 10 crossed PRIMS River. To the left CT 90 and CC 10 got to the river. 3d Cav continues to advance on left of corps. In XII CC B 4 AD and the 10th Inf reached Bad KREUZNACH and Bad MUNSTER getting bridges over NAHER. 90 on left reached vicinity of GENSINGEN. Bridge at BINGEN Blown. 11 AD from VIII To XII assemble at BULLAY to follow 89 over Moselle In VIII 87 is in the outskirts 908 of Koblentz 28 turned over to 3 Army closing in on same town from N. Ike told Smith to send 12 AD from 7 Army to 3d Army for one with XX Corps. 3-17-45 At briefing this morning Ike paid me the first compliment he has ever vouchedsafe. We flew to LUNEVILLE and saw Patch and Devers. At Press conference I brought out the fact that our tanks were OK as was all the rest of our equipment. I will also write Handy to more effect. Walker thinks that 10 AD lacks drive. I called XII Corps and cussed them for slowness in getting 11 AD moving. Congratulated Middleton on taking KOBLENZ. 3-18-45 The 4 AD and 10 Regt 5 Div are having a fight with two Inf regts of 2 Panza which ran into them 909 near BAD MUNSTER while trying to escape. 11 AD's doing well and has reached NAHE R., near KIRN. XX 10 AD is said to be east of ST. WENDEL. 65 Div attacks east through Saarlautern this morning. Present plan is for 10 AD to move on KAISERLAUTERN; 12 AD along NAHE, R. 4 AD on MAINZ and 11 AD on Worms. In this way we should well bag most of the 1st & 7th German Armies it will be a great operation 3-19-45 VIII holding Koblenz and vicinity with 28 & 87 XII is nearing Worms XX Corps is nearing BADDURKHEIM This is a great show Bradley and Hodges came at 1430. Unless we get a crossing over the Rhine and start north on Kassel before the British jump off we (1 & 3 Armies) may loose 10 Divs to British. 1st can now put upto 910 9 Divs over river [at]. We will try and make contact at GEISSEN - my idea. 3-20-45 The operation is going very well XII will get Mainz and probably Worms to day XX Corps is going well Bradley and I saw Patch and Devers at lunch to arrange for my making a junction with his VI Corps. It is queer the difficulties I had in getting this operation started. They did not want me to take Trier or go to the Rhine then to cross the Moselle SW of Koblentz and saw if we dont cross the Rhine we may be halted again. We have gotten by due to persistence and an ability to make Plans fit circumstances The other Armies try to make circumstances fit Plans. 3-21-45 The operation west of the Rhine is about over and has been most 911 successful. Realy an historic accomplishment. We had a little trouble with crossing of columns due to enemies information on part of 7th Army. The Germans seem to think we will cross at Mainz It is the best place but there are hills on the East bank from which guns could shoot out our bridges so we will cross at OPPENHEIM. I told Eddy to put up a smoke screen at Mainz and bluff at a crossing there. I impressed on him that he must get infantry over the Rhine at once. I then visited VIII and told Middleton to find a crossing at BOPPARD or at LORCH or both and attack on MASTATTEN from there he can either go NE or come to Mainz if necessary. I should prefer to cross n of the mouth of the Mainz R with XII but cant do it. We have put on a great show but will do 912 still better after we cross the Rhine. 3-22-45 XII will cross the Rhine tonight with 5 Div. XIX Tac will supply air cover during any light hours. I feel sure of success as the Germans will not expect an attempt with out a build up. VIII will cross Saturday We got 11000 PW yesterday which is a record so far. We are closing on LUDWIGSHAFEN and LANDAU now. 3-23-45 5 Div is over the Rhine. God be praised. It was a great operation a fitting climax to the preceding ten days Since 13 we lost 7000 and took to date 55000 probably twice that number when we can get them counted. The 1st Army will not break out for another two days. 913 3-24-45 Codman Stiller and I crossed the Rhine. This was the 23 river crossing for the 5th Div. The feat was daring. Maj Stiller at his own request went in first boat. Went to VIII. The 87 Div crosses at Boppard tonight the 76 at St. Goar fabled home of the LORELEI tomorrow night XII is doing well all of 5 2/3 of 90 and most of 4 AD are over 6 AD crosses in [mass?] replacing 11 AD in XII. XX assembles at Mainz where I must build a RR bridge One RCT 76 will come down on morning from the north to clear hills of enemy guns The 5 div will attack over Mainz at some place the rest of XII Corps attacks N East of Frankfort. Took 18818 PW yesterday a record and 76759 since Mar 13 eleven great days. Score sheet for this date in typed diary. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.