Carroll H. Dunn
A ..
We had none in our unit. That was a period of total segregation. There were none in
the division. There were black units from time to time (primarily quartermaster or
transportation units) that did support the division, but that was our only contact.
Q ..
Was your association with the Ninth Army simply because of the area in which you
moved?
A ..
Simply by the realignment of the Army boundaries the north flank of the U.S. forces
became the Ninth Army.
Q ..
Now, for the Rhine crossing, which occurred on 24 March
did have an
opportunity for the advance training and practicing of river crossing?
A ..
With the Ninth Army directive that we would be pulled out of the line where we were
and reassigned to XVI Corps, we did arrange for special training. This was a reflection
of my being able as division engineer to work very closely with the division G-3 and
the assistant division commander. The units that were to make the assault crossing,
together with supporting engineers, went back to the
River near Maastricht,
Holland. There, for several days, we made practice crossings using assault boats and
what we call storm boats with faster and heavier motors. We practiced moving up to
and crossing the river on a wide front, which was our plan for later crossing of the
Rhine.
Q ..
Now you related this to your working with the divisionG-3?
A ..
I mean, the fact that the line companies worked almost continuously with the individual
regiments gave me more time to be not only the battalion commander but the division
staff engineer. In a river crossing, the engineer, the engineer plan, and the engineer
troops play a very major part. This close relationship with G-3 meant that when the
time was available there was no problem in making the arrangements to carry on a
practice operation. After all, the Rhine is a major river.
Q ..
That's the point I wanted to
Do you remember any unique problems associated
with crossing; the Rhine River?
A
Yes, the first problem was crossing on a fairly wide front in three columns. Also, the
river was about 1,500 feet wide and had a fairly fast current. The assault crossing, using
power boats, led us to make a very detailed plan.
We were provided heavy engineer support from the corps' engineer units. We planned
for the initial waves to go over in storm boats as opposed to assault boats. These were
faster and heavier craft propelled by 55 horsepower outboard motors.
45
Previous Page
